What BobCAD CAM does

BobCAD-CAM, Inc. is a privately held vertical software company founded in 1985 and headquartered in Tampa, Florida (with corporate registration in Clearwater), that develops and sells modular 2D and 3D CAD-CAM software for CNC machine shops and discrete-part manufacturers. The core product, BobCAD-CAM, generates G-code toolpaths for 2.5-axis through 5-axis milling, turning, mill-turn, routing, laser/plasma/waterjet cutting, wire EDM, and probing operations, and is paired with a built-in CAD engine, machine simulation, customizable post processors for over 100 CNC machine configurations, and an integrated NC code editor. The company also distributes BobCAM for SOLIDWORKS, a Gold Certified CAM add-in that embeds toolpath generation directly inside the Dassault Systèmes SOLIDWORKS environment, plus a Rhino variant and the LaunchPad online training platform.

The company monetizes through a hybrid of perpetual software licenses (sold by machining-module tier), annual Advantage Plan subscriptions that bundle software updates, technical support, and training access, paid training services at $300/hour for live one-on-one instruction alongside in-house and on-site seminars, and add-on modules such as Lathe, Mill Turn, Wire EDM, BobART, Probing, NC Editor Pro, and Machine Simulation Pro. Go-to-market combines self-serve online purchasing through the bobcad.com bundle builder, an inside sales team reachable via toll-free phone, and a global value-added reseller network that handles local sales, implementation, and first-line support; an affiliated relationship with Torchmate CNC extends distribution into bundled machine-plus-software sales. Marketing is content-led, anchored by the BobCAD After Dark video series, free monthly live training exceeding 90 hours per year, downloadable whitepapers, a user forum, customer success stories, and an active trade show circuit.

The customer base spans 150,000+ cumulative software licenses worldwide across SMB and micro-business CNC job shops, with named users in aerospace (AS9100-certified), medical device, automotive aftermarket, tool and die, mold making, woodworking, sign making, musical instrument, and jewelry manufacturing, plus education and workforce development partnerships via the Manufacturers of the Future initiative. The company competes primarily on cost-performance value relative to higher-priced incumbents such as MasterCAM and GibbsCAM, supported by 40 years of category presence, modular pricing that lets shops buy only the capabilities they need, and a self-reinforcing community ecosystem that reduces customer acquisition friction.

Name

BobCAD CAM

Legal name

BobCAD-CAM, Inc.

Website

https://bobcad.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

BobCAD-CAM develops modular 2D and 3D CAD-CAM software that generates CNC toolpaths for milling, turning, mill-turn, wire EDM, and routing, sold primarily to SMB CNC job shops worldwide through perpetual licenses, subscriptions, training, and a global reseller network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

CAD-CAM Software

akta.pro primary industry

CAM Toolpath Generation & DfAM Optimization (IMAAACAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial CAD/CAM for Manufacturing (EDAOAGAG), CNC Machining & Programming (EDAOAGAA), CNC Plasma/Laser Cutting & Automated Fabrication Training (EDAOADAH)

Keywords

• CNC machining software
• CAD-CAM solutions
• Toolpath generation
• Multi-axis milling
• CNC programming

Headquarters

HQ city

Clearwater

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Software Licenses (Perpetual / Stand-Alone): BobCAD-CAM sells its core CAD-CAM software as perpetual licenses with modular pricing tiers (2.5/3 Axis Mill, 4 Axis, 5 Axis, etc.). Customers purchase at the tier appropriate for their machining needs and can expand via add-on modules (Lathe, Mill Turn, Wire EDM, BobART, NC Editor).
2. Advantage Plans / Support Memberships: Annual and multi-year Advantage Plan subscriptions provide ongoing technical support, software updates, and access to training resources. These create recurring revenue from the installed customer base.
3. Training Services: Paid training services including live 1-on-1 online training ($300/hour), in-house seminars at the Tampa facility, on-site training at customer shops, and 3-day local seminars. Training Professor Video Series and Launchpad online courses are also sold.
4. BobCAM for SOLIDWORKS: Separate product line sold as an add-in license to SOLIDWORKS users, providing CAM capabilities inside the SOLIDWORKS environment. Sold as a standalone or bundle with the core BobCAD-CAM product.
5. Add-On Modules: Additional software modules (Lathe, Mill Turn, Wire EDM, BobART artistic CAD, Probing, Machine Simulation) are sold as add-ons to the base package, enabling upsell and land-and-expand revenue from existing customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

BobCAD-CAM develops and sells 2D & 3D CAD-CAM software that generates CNC toolpath code for machining operations. The suite supports 2.5 through 5 axis milling, turning, mill-turn, routing, laser/plasma/waterjet cutting, and wire EDM operations. The company also offers BobCAM for SOLIDWORKS, a Gold Certified CAM add-in that embeds CAM programming inside the SOLIDWORKS environment.

Product overview

BobCAD-CAM is a modular CAD-CAM software suite designed for CNC machining. The core product is BobCAD-CAM, a 2D & 3D CAD-CAM software offering various machining modules including Mill, Lathe, Mill Turn, Router, Laser/Plasma/WaterJet, Wire EDM, Probing, BobART, NC Editor, and Machine Simulation. The company also offers BobCAM for SolidWorks, a Gold Certified CAM add-in that operates within the SOLIDWORKS environment. Users can purchase standalone CAD-CAM packages or bundle multiple modules with training and support options. The software supports 2.5 through 5 axis CNC operations and serves industries including aerospace, automotive, medical, tool & die, woodworking, and education.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• BobCAM for SOLIDWORKS: Gold Certified CAM add-in for SOLIDWORKS offering powerful, time-saving toolpath capabilities within the SOLIDWORKS environment.
• BobCAM for Rhino
• BobCAD-CAM V38
• LaunchPad
• BobCAD After Dark

Products and services

• BobCAD-CAM Standalone 2D and 3D CAD-CAM software providing toolpath capabilities for CNC machining, supporting 2.5, 3, 4, and 5 axis milling, turning, mill-turn, routing, laser, plasma, waterjet, and wire EDM operations. Targeted at CNC machine shops and manufacturers of all sizes.
• BobCAM for SolidWorks Gold Certified CAM add-in providing integrated CAM programming within the SOLIDWORKS environment, supporting 2-5 Axis Milling, Lathe/Mill Turn, and Wire EDM operations using both 3D models and 2D drawings. Targeted at SOLIDWORKS users in design-to-manufacturing workflows.
• Mill Module Milling module for 2.5 and 3 axis CNC milling operations, part of the BobCAD-CAM CAD-CAM software suite. Sold as a standalone module or in a bundle.
• Lathe Module Turning module for 2 axis lathe and turning center CNC operations. Sold as a standalone module or in a bundle.
• Mill Turn Module Mill Turn module for C and Y Axis Mill Turn CNC machines, combining milling and turning operations in a single software package.
• Wire EDM Module Wire EDM module supporting 2 Axis, 2 Axis with Taper, Land and Taper, and 4 Axis machining operations.
• Laser, Plasma & WaterJet Module Cutting module for 2 axis shape cutting CNC machines including laser, plasma, and waterjet operations.
• Router Module Router module for CNC wood routing and specialty product manufacturing.
• BobART Artistic CAD Artistic CAD module for creating artistic projects and decorative machining for 2, 3, and 4 axis CNC machines, targeting woodworking, sign making, and custom crafts.
• LaunchPad Training Platform Online learning platform offering CAD/CAM training courses including virtual training events, seminars, on-site training, in-house training, and self-paced video courses. Provides paid training services at $300/hour for 1-on-1 online training.

Quantifiable outcome

• 150,000+ licenses sold worldwide across CNC shops of all sizes
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature12 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Authorized BobCAD-CAM Dealers / Value-Added Resellers (VARs)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBobCAD-CAM operates a worldwide network of authorized value-added resellers who locally sell, implement, and support the software. The network is a core distribution channel. Partners include Torchmate CNC, which bundles BobCAD-CAM with its CNC cutting machines.
• SolidWorks (Dassault Systèmes)coreTechnology or IntegrationBobCAD-CAM offers BobCAM for SOLIDWORKS, a Gold Certified CAM add-in that embeds CAM programming capabilities directly inside the SOLIDWORKS CAD environment. This is a strategic integration partnership targeting design-to-manufacturing workflows. The product is regularly updated in sync with SOLIDWORKS releases (current version V13).
• TorchmateminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTorchmate CNC is affiliated with BobCAD-CAM and resells the software alongside its CNC cutting machines, particularly in the woodworking, sign-making, and custom fabrication markets. Customer success stories on the BobCAD-CAM website reference Torchmate as the entry point for BobCAD-CAM adoption.
• Manufacturers of the FutureminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBobCAD-CAM partners with Manufacturers of the Future, an education initiative focused on workforce development in manufacturing, providing educational outreach and student access to CAD-CAM software for training future machinists.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• GibbsCAM (3D Systems): GibbsCAM is a modular CNC programming suite for milling, turning, mill-turn, and multi-axis machining, owned by 3D Systems. It is a direct competitor to BobCAD-CAM, frequently cited by BobCAD customers as the higher-priced incumbent they switched away from.
• CAMWorks (HCLTech): CAMWorks is a Gold Certified CAM add-in for SOLIDWORKS (now under HCLTech) offering 2.5–5 axis milling, turning, mill-turn, and wire EDM. It is the closest direct substitute to BobCAM for SOLIDWORKS and competes in the same design-to-manufacturing add-in category.
• HyperMill (Open Mind Technologies): HyperMill is a premium CAM suite for 2.5–5 axis milling, mill-turn, and additive manufacturing, known for advanced 5-axis strategies. It competes with BobCAD-CAM at the higher end of the multi-axis and aerospace/mold market segments.
• ESPRIT (DP Technology / Hexagon): ESPRIT is a high-end CAM system for milling, turning, mill-turn, wire EDM, and additive, owned by DP Technology and distributed via Hexagon. It competes with BobCAD-CAM across multi-axis production environments and serves overlapping aerospace, automotive, and medical customer bases.
• SolidCAM: SolidCAM is a leading CAM add-in for SOLIDWORKS offering iMachining, 2.5–5 axis milling, turning, mill-turn, and 4/5-axis simultaneous machining. It directly competes with BobCAM for SOLIDWORKS inside the same SOLIDWORKS ecosystem.
• Mastercam (CNC Software): Mastercam is the long-standing market-leading standalone CAD/CAM software for 2- through 5-axis CNC milling, turning, mill-turn, and wire EDM. It competes head-to-head with BobCAD-CAM across the same shop-floor workflows, with BobCAD-CAM historically positioning on price-performance value versus Mastercam.

Others

• Predator CNC Editor / Virtual CNC: Predator Software provides CNC post-processing, NC editing, simulation, and shop-floor automation tools that compete with and complement BobCAD-CAM's NC Editor Pro and Machine Simulation Pro modules. Customers frequently combine Predator tools with BobCAD-CAM in their post-processing workflow.
• ModuleWorks: ModuleWorks is a leading provider of CAM kernel components (toolpath generation, simulation, kinematics) used by many CAM vendors including BobCAD-CAM (V38 supports ModuleWorks MDES for simulation). It is an enabling technology partner and a competitive benchmark for the underlying CAM engine technology BobCAD-CAM integrates.

Emerging players

• BobCAD-CAM (Dolphin CAD/CAM) — Dolphin PartMaster: Dolphin CAM (PartMaster) is a long-standing smaller CAD/CAM vendor targeting hobbyist, educational, and entry-level CNC users. It overlaps with BobCAD-CAM at the low end of the SMB price-sensitive segment.

Broad incumbents

• Autodesk Fusion 360: Autodesk Fusion 360 is a cloud-based CAD/CAM/CAE/PCB platform with integrated 2.5–5 axis milling, turning, and additive manufacturing CAM. It competes with BobCAD-CAM in the SMB and maker/education segments and represents the dominant cloud-native threat to on-premise CAM vendors.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/playlist?list=PL6Y4bbgMtjx_U79M15y4u9nZSzYl-s0B_
• Facebookfacebook.com/BobCADCAM
• Xx.com/bobcad_cam
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bobcad-cam-inc-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about BobCAD CAM