CAD/CAM Software Directory

In the world of computer-aided manufacturing, a bold newcomer is aiming to redefine the standards of how we design and program machines. ENCY is a comprehensive CAD/CAM/OLP software ecosystem developed by ENCY Software Ltd., a company based in Limassol, Cyprus. Launched globally in late 2024, ENCY is described by its creators as a next-generation platform that blends user-friendly simplicity with cutting-edge technology. The system goes beyond traditional CAD/CAM by providing a unified environment to program both CNC machines and industrial robots, all while enabling cloud-based collaboration and AI-driven assistance.

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.

FeatureCAM is an automated computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software package designed to streamline the programming of machine toolpaths for CNC (computer numerical control) equipment. It integrates CAD-to-CAM functionality, allowing users to import or design parts and then automatically generate optimized toolpaths for milling, turning, mill-turn (multi-tasking) machines, Swiss-type lathes, and wire EDM cutting. A defining aspect of FeatureCAM is its feature-based approach: the software recognizes geometric features (like holes, pockets, bosses, etc.) on 3D models and uses built-in machining knowledge to decide how to machine those features.

Autodesk Fusion 360 is a professional-grade software platform that combines CAD, CAM, CAE, and printed circuit board (PCB) design in one unified package. Launched in 2013, Fusion 360 was one of the first CAD tools built from the ground up as a cloud-based solution, enabling users to design, simulate, and fabricate products collaboratively over the internet. It runs on Windows and macOS, with portions accessible via web browser and companion apps, reflecting Autodesk’s emphasis on cross-platform accessibility. The software is offered on a subscription basis, though Autodesk provides a free limited-license version for hobbyists, startups, and students to broaden its reach.

GibbsCAM has a strong foothold in what’s known as the production machining sector: environments with high-volume or repeat CNC work, where efficiency and reliability are paramount. It excels at generating error-free toolpaths for CNC lathes, mills, and mill-turn centers that run day in and day out. The system is also widely used in toolmaking and mold-making contexts, though sister products (such as the Cimatron software for mold design) have traditionally catered more specifically to that domain.

GO2cam is a high-end CAD/CAM software suite developed by the French company GO2cam International. It is a versatile system that covers a wide range of machining processes, including milling, turning, mill-turn, Swiss-type turning, and wire EDM. In addition to these traditional machining applications, GO2cam also offers specialized solutions for digital dentistry (under the GO2dental product line) and even supports offline programming of industrial robots for machining tasks. The software is known for combining powerful capabilities with a focus on ease-of-use, aiming to make advanced CAM technology accessible to machine tool operators and CNC programmers alike.

As a high-end CAD/CAM product, hyperMILL is known for its focus on advanced 5-axis machining capabilities, toolpath quality, and process efficiency. The software offers specialized modules and strategies for challenging tasks like high-speed cutting (HSC), high-performance cutting (HPC), and multi-axis simultaneous operations. It includes automated routines for common features (holes, pockets, etc.), intelligent collision avoidance, tool library and management functions, simulation of machining processes, and post-processor support to translate toolpaths into machine-specific code.

Mastercam is a leading computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software suite that has become a mainstay in modern manufacturing. Developed by CNC Software, the Mastercam system allows engineers and machinists to design virtual parts and generate precise toolpaths for computer-controlled machine tools. Over nearly four decades, Mastercam has evolved from a small startup’s idea into the world’s most widely used CAM software, empowering industries from aerospace to education and shaping how products are made.

NCG CAM is a specialized computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software system with a long heritage in the toolmaking industry. Developed by the UK-based company NCG CAM Solutions Ltd in Cambridge, this stand-alone CAM package focuses on advanced 3D milling and high-speed machining (HSM). The software is widely used for programming complex machining operations like molds, dies, and prototypes, offering an easy-to-use interface that appeals to both experienced CAM programmers and shop-floor machinists.

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.