Mastercam
Mastercam is a specialized computer-aided manufacturing software providing advanced CAD/CAM solutions for milling, turning, wire EDM, and router applications to streamline your precision machining and production workflows.
PTC Onshape
Onshape is a professional-grade computer-aided design platform that combines 3D modeling, data management, and real-time collaboration tools into a single cloud-native solution for modern product development teams.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Mastercam | PTC Onshape |
|---|---|---|
| Website | mastercam.com | onshape.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 0 days free trial | ✓ 0 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1983 | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Tolland, USA | Boston, USA |
Overview
Mastercam
Mastercam provides you with a comprehensive suite of tools designed to bridge the gap between computer-aided design and precision manufacturing. Whether you are working with basic 2D shapes or complex 3D geometries, you can create efficient toolpaths that optimize your CNC machines' performance. The platform supports a wide range of machining disciplines including milling, turning, and multi-axis routing, allowing you to handle diverse shop floor requirements from a single interface.
You can reduce cycle times and extend tool life by using proprietary dynamic motion technology that constantly adjusts tool movements based on material conditions. The software is built for machine shops of all sizes, from small job shops to large-scale aerospace and automotive manufacturers. By integrating CAD design tools directly with CAM toolpath generation, you eliminate data translation errors and move from digital model to finished part faster and more accurately.
PTC Onshape
Onshape is a professional-grade CAD platform built entirely in the cloud, eliminating the need for expensive hardware or complex installations. You can design complex 3D models, manage your product data, and collaborate with your team in real-time from any web browser or mobile device. Because it uses a single source of truth, you never have to worry about version control issues or overwritten files again.
You can streamline your entire product development lifecycle by using built-in release management and automated workflows. The platform is designed for engineering teams of all sizes, from startups to global enterprises, who need to move faster and work more flexibly. It solves the traditional headaches of file-based CAD by providing a secure, always-accessible environment where your entire team can contribute simultaneously.
Overview
Mastercam Features
- Dynamic Motion Technology Cut harder materials faster while extending tool life by using intelligent toolpaths that maintain constant chip load and reduce heat.
- Multi-Axis Machining Control complex 4-axis and 5-axis machines with ease to produce intricate parts with fewer setups and higher surface quality.
- Accelerated Finishing Reduce your finishing cycle times by up to 80% using specialized tool profiles designed for faster material removal and smoother finishes.
- Mill-Turn Simulation Sync your milling and turning operations in a virtual environment to detect collisions before they happen on your expensive shop equipment.
- Advanced CAD for CAM Prepare your wireframe, surfaces, and solid models for machining using built-in design tools specifically optimized for the manufacturing process.
- Extensive Post Processor Library Connect to virtually any CNC machine with a massive library of post processors that ensure your code runs perfectly every time.
PTC Onshape Features
- Multi-Part Part Studios. Design related parts in a single environment to ensure perfect fit and function without managing complex external references.
- Real-Time Collaboration. Work simultaneously with your teammates on the same design and see their changes instantly with live editing tools.
- Built-in Version Control. Track every change automatically and return to any previous state of your design without ever saving a separate file.
- Branching and Merging. Experiment with new design ideas in isolated branches and merge the best versions back into your main project seamlessly.
- Cloud Simulation. Test your assemblies with integrated structural analysis tools that run in the cloud without slowing down your local machine.
- Mobile CAD Editing. Create and edit professional 3D models on your phone or tablet using native apps designed for touch-screen precision.
Pricing Comparison
Mastercam Pricing
PTC Onshape Pricing
- Public documents only
- Full professional CAD tools
- Real-time collaboration
- Standard content library
- Mobile app access
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Unlimited private documents
- Release management
- Company-wide sharing
- Custom properties
- Consolidated billing
Pros & Cons
Mastercam
Pros
- Massive global community makes finding skilled programmers very easy
- Dynamic milling paths significantly reduce wear on expensive cutting tools
- Highly flexible toolpath parameters allow for extreme precision tuning
- Free Learning Edition helps you master the software without upfront costs
Cons
- Initial purchase price is higher than many entry-level CAM tools
- Interface can feel cluttered due to the massive number of features
- Annual maintenance fees are required for the latest software updates
PTC Onshape
Pros
- Eliminates file crashes and data loss
- No installation or high-end hardware required
- Superior version control and history tracking
- Seamless collaboration with external vendors
Cons
- Requires constant high-speed internet connection
- Steep learning curve for complex surfacing
- Annual billing only for professional tiers