MecSoft
MecSoft Corporation, founded 1997 in Irvine, CA, develops standalone and CAD-integrated CAM software (RhinoCAM, VisualCAD/CAM, FreeMILL) for CNC machining and 3D printing, serving SMB manufacturers, Fortune 50 firms, and educational institutions globally via direct sales, resellers, and OEM partnerships.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1997
- HeadquartersIrvine, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What MecSoft does
MecSoft Corporation is a privately held developer of CAD/CAM software founded in December 1997 in Irvine, California by a team of programmers from Unigraphics Solutions (now Siemens PLM). The company builds standalone and integrated computer-aided design and manufacturing software for subtractive CNC machining (milling, turning, nesting, artistic toolpaths) and additive 3D printing, serving customers ranging from individual CNC programmers and small machine shops to Fortune 50 manufacturers across aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, luxury goods, healthcare, and education. Its commercial product portfolio centers on RhinoCAM, a CAM plug-in integrated inside Rhinoceros 3D CAD, and VisualCAD/CAM, a standalone CAD/CAM package, each available with MILL, TURN, NEST, and ART modules; complementary products include FreeMILL as a free entry-level offering, VisualCAM for SOLIDWORKS (Gold Certified), VisualCAMc for Onshape (cloud-based), AlibreCAM, JewelMILL, and VisualXPORT file-translation add-ins. MecSoft monetizes primarily through one-time software licenses augmented by an Annual Maintenance Subscription (AMS) that delivers premium support, training content, and post-processors via the VisualSERVE customer portal, with freemium (FreeMILL), bundled, and quote-based pricing rather than published list prices. Distribution combines a direct e-commerce store, an international reseller network covering 50+ countries, wholly-owned regional subsidiaries (MecSoft Europe GmbH established 2009 and MecSoft Oceania established 2012), and OEM partnerships with machine tool builders (HAAS, Roland DGA, C.R. Onsrud, Shop Sabre, Techno CNC, CNC Masters) and 3D printer vendors (Creative Tools). The company maintains an annual product release cadence (RhinoCAM 2026 and VisualCAD/CAM 2026 released March 2026), a CAMJam annual user event, and an education program, and operates with a headcount in the 11-50 range without disclosed external funding.
MecSoft firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- MecSoft
- Legal name
- MecSoft Corporation
- Website
- https://mecsoft.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1997
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- MecSoft Corporation, founded 1997 in Irvine, CA, develops standalone and CAD-integrated CAM software (RhinoCAM, VisualCAD/CAM, FreeMILL) for CNC machining and 3D printing, serving SMB manufacturers, Fortune 50 firms, and educational institutions globally via direct sales, resellers, and OEM partnerships.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
MecSoft industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software
- SIC
- General Industrial Machinery & Equipment, Nec (3569)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Industrial CAD/CAM for Manufacturing (EDAOAGAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- CNC Machining & Programming (EDAOAGAA), Consulting, Advisory & Technology Transfer (AM Adoption) (IMAAAJAK)
Keywords
Where MecSoft is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Irvine
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
MecSoft business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Software Licenses: Sale of standalone and integrated CAD/CAM software products including RhinoCAM, VisualCAD/CAM, and module-specific products like RhinoCAM-MILL, VisualMILL, etc.
- Annual Maintenance Subscription (AMS): Annual maintenance subscription providing access to premium support forums, knowledge bases, post-processors, advanced product training videos, and premium webinars through VisualSERVE portal.
- Bundled Products: Bundled pricing options combining CAD and CAM products, such as discounted RhinoCAM with Rhinoceros CAD packages.
- Free Products: FreeMILL provides free CAM software with no licensing requirements, serving as a product-led growth entry point.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Other | Free entry-level product for lead generation |
| Subscription | Annual | Commercial software products |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
MecSoft product offering
Product offeringCore offering
MecSoft Corporation develops, markets, and supports standalone and integrated CAD/CAM software for CNC machining and 3D printing. Its two primary commercial product lines are RhinoCAM, a CAM plug-in integrated inside Rhinoceros 3D CAD with MILL, TURN, NEST, and ART modules, and VisualCAD/CAM, a complete standalone CAD/CAM package for CNC programmers. FreeMILL provides a no-cost milling entry point that funnels users into commercial products.
Product overview
MecSoft Corporation develops a comprehensive portfolio of CAD/CAM software solutions for both subtractive CNC machining and additive 3D printing manufacturing. The product architecture centers on two primary commercial product lines: (1) RhinoCAM, an integrated CAM plug-in for Rhinoceros 3D CAD software available with MILL, TURN, NEST, and ART modules; and (2) VisualCAD/CAM, a standalone CAD/CAM package that includes VisualCAD design capabilities along with VisualMILL, VisualTURN, VisualNEST, and VisualART modules. Additionally, FreeMILL provides free milling capabilities with optional FreeCAD integration. MecSoft also offers integrated variants including VisualCAM for SOLIDWORKS (Gold Certified, runs inside SolidWorks), VisualCAMc for Onshape (cloud-based), and AlibreCAM for Alibre Design. Supporting products include CAMJam (annual training/evaluation release), VisualXPORT (CAD file export add-ins), and specialized 3D printing solutions (Rhino3DPRINT and Visual3DPRINT). JewelMILL addresses jewelry manufacturing. The company also provides VisualServe, a customer portal for software access, maintenance, and support resources.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- RhinoCAM: CAM Software plug-in integrated directly inside Rhinoceros 3D CAD software, includes modules for milling, turning, nesting, and art
- VisualCAD/CAM
- FreeMILL
- VisualCAM for SOLIDWORKS
- CAMJam
- VisualSERVE
- JewelMILL
Products and services
- RhinoCAM RhinoCAM is a CAM Software plug-in that integrates directly inside Rhinoceros 3D CAD software, providing comprehensive CNC machining capabilities including 3-, 4-, and 5-axis milling, turning, nesting, and artistic machining for CNC programmers and manufacturing professionals.
- VisualCAD/CAM VisualCAD/CAM is a complete standalone CAD/CAM software package for CNC programmers, combining VisualCAD design capabilities with full CAM functionality for milling, turning, nesting, and artistic machining in a single integrated product.
- FreeMILL
Quantifiable outcome
- Deployed in over 50 countries worldwide
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use MecSoft
Customer profileNamed customers18 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
MecSoft technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration11 records
Feature5 records
MecSoft partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Creative ToolsminorProvider of market-leading brands of 3D software and hardware with services for product visualization and rapid prototyping. 3D printer vendor partner.
- McNeel & Associates (Rhinoceros)coreRhinoCAM is a CAM Software plug-in integrated directly inside Rhinoceros 3D CAD software. MecSoft also has completely integrated plug-ins running inside of Rhino that provide machining and additional modeling capabilities.
- OnshapecoreOnshape is the first and only full-cloud 3D CAD system. MecSoft provides VisualCAMc, a production CAM for Onshape that runs in the Onshape App Store.
- SolidWorks (Dassault Systèmes)coreVisualCAM for SolidWorks is a Gold Certified CAM product that runs fully integrated inside SolidWorks for creating CNC cutter paths without leaving the SolidWorks environment. MecSoft is a SolidWorks Gold Solution provider.
- CNC MastersminorManufacturer of CNC Jr Table Top Mill and CNC SUPRA 9x49 Vertical Knee Mill. CNC Masters is a registered reseller of MecSoft products.
- NEW CNC Router Inc.minorBuilds affordable, industrial quality CNC routers for small and mid-sized shops.
- Shop SabreminorAmerican manufacturer of Industrial Strength CNC Routers & CNC Plasma Systems. Shop Sabre CNC is a registered dealer of MecSoft VisualMILL/RhinoCAM.
- Techno CNC Router SystemsminorOver 28 years experience building affordable, built-to-last CNC machines. Partners with VisualMILL for production needs.
- GoodFA CominorProvides robotic solutions and used machinery for robots and CNC machines for the Korean market.
- Flashcut CNCminorManufacturer of affordable and easy to use desktop CNC mills and CNC retrofit kits. Registered reseller of MecSoft products.
- Minitech Machinery CorporationminorMakes CNC milling machines, CNC lathes, CNC routers and 3D scanners. Registered reseller of MecSoft products.
- SIBE AutomationminorManufactures CNC routers from small table top prototyping machines to large production machines for industries from aerospace to plastic recycling.
- Velox CNCminorNorth American manufacturer of Desktop CNC Routers for Industries and Education. Turn-key solutions with 3 and 4th axis machines.
- Syil Canada / North AmericaminorDedicated to bringing Syil's affordable CNC products to North America. Provides CNC software and machine tooling kits.
- TruCut by RC EnterprisesminorLeading manufacturer of affordable CNC plasma cutting tables, made domestically in Nashville, TN. OEM distributor for Thermal Dynamics and Victor lines.
- HAAS Automation IncminorThe largest machine tool builder in North America, manufacturing CNC vertical and horizontal machining centers, CNC lathes, rotary tables and 5C indexers. MecSoft products provide complete solution with HAAS CNC machines.
- Roland DGA CorporationminorUS marketing, distribution and sales arm of Roland DG Corporation. Leading provider of Milling Machines for the Subtractive Rapid Prototyping (SRP) industry. Bundled VisualMILL with SRP devices historically.
- C.R. Onsrud, IncminorOffers comprehensive line of high-precision machining products including 3, 4, and 5-Axis CNC Routers. Known for superior service and high-tech training facilities.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
MecSoft competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- CNC Software (Mastercam): Mastercam is the long-standing market-leading standalone CAM software for CNC milling, turning, and wire EDM. It is the most direct competitor to MecSoft's RhinoCAM and VisualCAD/CAM, serving the same SMB-to-enterprise CNC programmer base with similar module-based pricing.
- BobCAD-CAM: BobCAD-CAM is an affordable, easy-to-use 2.5–5 axis CAM solution positioned squarely against MecSoft in the SMB and job-shop segment, with freemium entry products and a comparable price-to-performance value proposition.
- Vectric (VCarve Pro / Aspire): Vectric's VCarve Pro and Aspire are CAD/CAM packages targeting sign-making, woodworking, and routing shops—the same end-user profile that drives RhinoCAM-ART and VisualART module sales for MecSoft, including educational customers.
- GibbsCAM (3D Systems): GibbsCAM is a mid-market CAM platform owned by 3D Systems, offering milling, turning, and multi-task machining modules. It competes head-to-head with VisualCAD/CAM in production CNC shops and shares MecSoft's emphasis on ease of use for programmers.
- CAMWorks (HCL Technologies): CAMWorks is a Gold-Certified CAM add-in that runs inside SOLIDWORKS with automated feature recognition, directly comparable to MecSoft's VisualCAM for SolidWorks offering in the same channel.
- IMSI Design (TurboCAD): IMSI Design's TurboCAD Pro is a general-purpose CAD platform with manufacturing capabilities and file interoperability with MecSoft products; both target the same budget-conscious CAD/CAM buyers and education market.
Broad incumbents
- Autodesk (Fusion 360 / Inventor CAM): Autodesk's Fusion 360 bundles CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB design in a low-cost subscription, directly pressuring MecSoft's affordability positioning; Inventor CAM and FeatureCAM serve the enterprise CAM segment where MecSoft also competes via machine-tool OEM partnerships.
- Siemens Digital Industries (NX CAM / Solid Edge CAM Pro): Siemens NX CAM (formerly Unigraphics, where MecSoft's founders originated) is the high-end incumbent in CAM for aerospace and automotive; Solid Edge CAM Pro addresses the mid-market. Both compete with MecSoft across its customer base.
- Dassault Systèmes (SOLIDWORKS CAM): Dassault offers native CAM inside SOLIDWORKS as well as a 3DEXPERIENCE machining portfolio, competing with MecSoft's VisualCAM for SolidWorks (Gold Certified) inside the same SOLIDWORKS user ecosystem.
Emerging players
- ZW3D / ZWSOFT: ZW3D is an affordable all-in-one CAD/CAM solution from a China-headquartered vendor competing on price-performance similar to MecSoft, with growing global distribution in the same SMB segment.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
MecSoft social profiles
Digital presenceMecSoft financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
MecSoft leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
MecSoft subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
MecSoft funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
MecSoft M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about MecSoft
What does MecSoft do?
MecSoft Corporation develops, markets, and supports standalone and integrated CAD/CAM software for CNC machining and 3D printing. Its two primary commercial product lines are RhinoCAM, a CAM plug-in integrated inside Rhinoceros 3D CAD with MILL, TURN, NEST, and ART modules, and VisualCAD/CAM, a complete standalone CAD/CAM package for CNC programmers. FreeMILL provides a no-cost milling entry point that funnels users into commercial products.
Is MecSoft a public or private company?
MecSoft is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was MecSoft founded?
MecSoft was founded in 1997. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is MecSoft based?
MecSoft is headquartered in Irvine, United States, in the North America region.
How does MecSoft make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Software Licenses are the primary driver. The others are annual Maintenance Subscription (AMS), bundled Products and free Products.
Who are MecSoft's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are CNC Software (Mastercam), BobCAD-CAM, Vectric (VCarve Pro / Aspire), GibbsCAM (3D Systems), CAMWorks (HCL Technologies) and IMSI Design (TurboCAD). Broad incumbents are Autodesk (Fusion 360 / Inventor CAM), Siemens Digital Industries (NX CAM / Solid Edge CAM Pro) and Dassault Systèmes (SOLIDWORKS CAM). ZW3D / ZWSOFT is listed as an emerging player.
Does MecSoft have an API?
No public API is recorded for MecSoft.
What industry is MecSoft in?
MecSoft's product category is Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAOAGAG, Industrial CAD/CAM for Manufacturing, with a secondary code of EDAOAGAA, CNC Machining & Programming. Its SIC code is 3569.