CAD/CAM Software Directory

Alphacam is a CAD/CAM software system widely used for programming CNC machine tools. Developed with an emphasis on ease of use and flexibility, Alphacam enables manufacturers to design and generate toolpaths for cutting and shaping wood, stone, metals, composites, and other materials. It supports operations ranging from simple 2D profiling and drilling to complex 5-axis machining, making it a versatile solution for a broad range of industries. The software is part of Hexagon AB’s Manufacturing Intelligence division and has a long history in the CAD/CAM market.

Edgecam is a leading computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software system used for programming CNC machines to produce precise components. Developed originally in the United Kingdom, Edgecam specializes in generating toolpaths for milling, turning, and multi-axis mill-turn machining centers. It enables manufacturers to create, optimize, and verify NC (numerical control) code for a wide range of machining applications – from simple 2-axis operations to complex simultaneous 5-axis cutting. Today Edgecam is part of Hexagon AB’s Manufacturing Intelligence division, following a series of acquisitions over its long history.

ESPRIT is a high-performance CAM software system used for programming CNC machine tools. Developed as the flagship product of DP Technology Corp., ESPRIT has grown into one of the world’s leading CAM solutions for manufacturers. The software enables users to create, optimize, and simulate CNC machining programs for a wide range of equipment – from simple milling machines and lathes to complex multi-axis, multitasking machining centers. In late 2020, DP Technology was acquired by Hexagon AB, a Swedish technology conglomerate, and became part of Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence (MI) division.

NCSimul is a specialized software system designed for simulating, verifying, and optimizing CNC machining processes. It creates a virtual environment in which manufacturers can test and refine their machine tool programs before actual production. By reading the same G-code that would run on a CNC machine, NCSimul replicates the material removal and motion of cutting operations in software, detecting any programming errors, collisions, or deviations from the intended design​. This "digital twin" approach to machining allows companies to catch costly mistakes early, improve process efficiency, and maximize the utilization of their CNC equipment on the shop floor.

PEPS is a comprehensive CAM system catering to a broad spectrum of manufacturing processes. It is particularly renowned for its capabilities in Wire EDM (wire electrical discharge machining), where it holds a market-leading position for precision programming of EDM machines. Beyond EDM, PEPS modules cover 3- to 5-axis laser cutting, 2- to 5-axis milling, multi-axis turning (including mill-turn operations), and specialized sheet metal fabrication processes like punching and waterjet cutting. The software even extends to tube cutting, robot machining, and other niche processes, making it a one-stop CAM solution for diverse industries.

RADAN is specialized CAD/CAM software developed exclusively for sheet metal fabrication. Its primary role is to help engineers and programmers design sheet metal parts and generate the NC (numerical control) code to drive cutting machines (such as laser cutters, plasma cutters, and turret punch presses) and bending equipment (press brakes). In practical terms, RADAN allows a user to draw or import a part, lay it out optimally on metal sheets (a process called nesting), and then produce the machine instructions for cutting out the shape and bending it to final form. The software supports a variety of sheet metal processes under one umbrella – a user can program precise punch patterns for a CNC turret press, toolpaths for laser or waterjet cutting, and even the bending sequences for a press brake, all using RADAN’s modules.

Surfcam is a computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software platform used for programming CNC machine tools. It enables manufacturers to create efficient toolpaths for a variety of processes, from basic two-dimensional milling to complex five-axis machining. Renowned for balancing a rich feature set with user-friendly operation, Surfcam has long been favored by machinists and engineers seeking productivity without steep learning curves. The software today is part of the product portfolio of Hexagon AB’s Manufacturing Intelligence division, following a series of acquisitions that brought Surfcam under the umbrella of the Swedish technology giant.

VISI is a comprehensive CAD/CAM software solution specialized for the mold and die industry. Developed originally in the late 1980s, VISI has grown into one of the world’s leading PC-based CAD/CAE/CAM systems for toolmakers. The software provides an integrated environment for 3D tool design, simulation, and multi-axis machining, tailored specifically to the needs of mold makers and die designers. Today, VISI is part of the product portfolio of Hexagon AB, a global technology company.

WorkNC is a CAM software that generates the instructions or CNC machines to cut and form complex parts. In simpler terms, it’s the brain telling high-precision machine tools how to carve metal or other materials into a desired shape. Initially developed for mold and die makers, WorkNC quickly earned a reputation for automation and ease-of-use in CNC programming. Where older CAM systems required extensive manual tweaking, WorkNC’s claim to fame was doing much of the heavy lifting automatically – its toolpath generation aimed to be as close as possible to a one-click operation.