Exapt

What Exapt does

EXAPT Systemtechnik GmbH is a German privately held software company headquartered in Aachen that has provided CAD/CAM systems and tool management solutions for the mechanical production industry since 1972. The company builds a unified platform centered on the EXAPTplus and EXAPTsolid CAM programming systems (the latter integrated with SOLIDWORKS), EXAPTcontrol as a central database for production and operating-resource data, and EXAPTsmartcontrol as a browser-based shopfloor communication client. Specialized modules cover tool lifecycle management (EXAPTtlm), DNC with OPC UA/UMATI (EXAPTdnc 2.0), machine simulation, postprocessing, stock management, equipment identification with RFID, digital twin, and maintenance planning, addressing the full NC process chain from work preparation through machine execution. The platform is targeted at enterprise mechanical production customers with multi-axis CNC machines, tool-and-mold making, and complex NC programming requirements.

EXAPT generates revenue primarily through perpetual software licenses combined with recurring annual maintenance contracts that entitle customers to version updates and product upgrades such as EXAPTdnc 2.0. A professional services layer delivers Industry 4.0 consulting, process optimization, custom interface implementation, and training. The go-to-market is consultative and direct: enterprise field sales for large accounts, inside sales via website demo requests and callback service for mid-market leads, and event-driven engagement at AMB Stuttgart, the EXAPT Hausmesse, and the new UserConference series held at customer sites. Free webinars and the EXAPT ExpressInfo newsletter support lead generation. The firm also maintains an active R&D program with multiple federally funded research collaborations (EFRE.NRW, BMBF) alongside RWTH Aachen and Fraunhofer institutes, covering AI-assisted production documentation (GEPARD), adaptive CAD (AdaptCAD), and additive manufacturing process control (AddToP). The EXAPT brand is owned by the sponsoring association Verein zur Förderung des EXAPT-Systems e.V., which licenses it to the operating company, and EXAPT Systemtechnik GmbH is led by CEO Michael Servos under Chairman of the Supervisory Board Prof. Dr. Arndt Richter.

Name

Exapt

Legal name

EXAPT Systemtechnik GmbH

Website

https://exapt.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

EXAPT Systemtechnik GmbH is a German software company that provides CAD/CAM systems, tool lifecycle management, and digital shopfloor solutions for enterprise mechanical production customers across the full NC process chain, sold via direct enterprise sales and perpetual licenses plus maintenance contracts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Aachen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Software Licenses (Perpetual): EXAPT sells perpetual software licenses for CAM systems (EXAPTplus, EXAPTsolid), tool management (EXAPTcontrol), and related modules. Customers receive the right to use the software indefinitely with an initial one-time license fee.
2. Software Maintenance & Support Contracts: Customers with maintenance contracts (Wartungsvertrag) receive updates (e.g., version 7.8, 7.7, 7.6), new product licenses (e.g., EXAPTdnc 2.0 at no additional cost), and access to the customer portal for license retrieval. The newsletter references 'Professional Services' suggesting ongoing support contracts.
3. Professional Services & Consulting: EXAPT offers consulting for Industry 4.0, individual process optimization, and a variety of interface implementations. Training services are also offered for the use of EXAPT software. Migration projects (e.g., to MS SQL, new platform) are offered as paid professional services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

EXAPT develops and sells a proprietary CAD/CAM and tool management software platform for the mechanical production industry. The offering covers the full NC process chain: CAM programming (EXAPTplus, EXAPTsolid), postprocessing and machine simulation, a central production-data and operating-resource database (EXAPTcontrol), web-based shopfloor communication (EXAPTsmartcontrol), tool lifecycle and order/setup optimization (EXAPTtlm), DNC connectivity (EXAPTdnc with OPC UA/UMATI), and supporting services such as consulting, training, and professional services.

Product overview

EXAPT Systemtechnik GmbH offers a unified platform-plus-modules architecture for CAM systems and SmartFactory toolmanagement. The core CAM offerings include EXAPTplus and EXAPTsolid, which provide fast programming environments for generating reliable NC code for CNC machine tools. The SmartFactory ecosystem centers on EXAPTcontrol, a central database that manages production and operating resource data, complemented by specialized modules including EXAPTsmartcontrol (web-based shopfloor communication), EXAPTtlm (tool lifecycle management with order and setup optimization), EXAPTdnc (NC program transfer with OPC UA/UMATI support), Stock Management, Production Data Management, Equipment Identification, and Digital Twin capabilities. All modules share the same platform architecture, enabling easy scaling and integration across the complete NC process chain from work preparation through shopfloor execution.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• EXAPTplus: CAM system for CNC programming, providing fast programming environment and reliable NC code generation for complex components
• EXAPTsolid
• EXAPTcontrol
• EXAPTsmartcontrol
• SmartFactory
• EXAPTcloud
• EXAPTdnc 2.0

Products and services

• EXAPTplus CAM programming system for turning, milling, 5-axis simultaneous machining, tool and mold making, grinding, and EDM. Provides fast programming environment and lean, reliable NC code generation for complex components with state-of-the-art machining strategies for machine tools.
• EXAPTsolid CAM programming system integrated with SolidWorks, providing CAD/CAM capabilities within the SolidWorks environment, including a 3D tolerance module for precise CAD model adjustment to the tolerance band center.
• EXAPTcontrol Central database system managing operating resources and production data, providing a complete overview of production orders and component availability across the manufacturing operation.
• EXAPTsmartcontrol Web client for digital shopfloor enabling smooth communication between manufacturing process participants, accessible via browser on many end devices, providing quick insight into pending production orders and associated information.
• EXAPTtlm (Tool Lifecycle Management) Tool lifecycle management module providing automatic order and setup optimization that generates optimal production sequences from the ERP order queue and calculates tool waste across multiple production orders to reduce tool changes and machine downtimes.
• EXAPT Postprocessors and Machine Models Custom postprocessors and machine models together with continuous collision checking that ensure absolute safety during CAM programming across diverse CNC machine tools.
• Machine Simulation Simulation capability for verifying NC programs and ensuring collision-free machining operations prior to execution on the shopfloor.
• Stock Management Module Module for warehouse management of tools and operating materials, including web-based mobile warehouse booking for shopfloor inventory operations.
• Equipment Identification (RFID) Digital equipment identification system that optionally uses RFID technology for tracking tools, measuring and test equipment, and devices.
• Digital Twin Module Digital twin capability for virtual representation and simulation of manufacturing processes and equipment within the EXAPT platform.
• Consulting Services (Industry 4.0) Consulting services for Industry 4.0 implementation, individual process optimization, interface implementations, and digital manufacturing transformation projects for mechanical production customers.
• Training Services Training programs for EXAPT software, including scheduled webinars (free and fee-based), professional services workshops, and on-site training for customer teams.
• Professional Services & Support Technical support and professional services ensuring optimal maintenance and operation of EXAPT software solutions, delivered via maintenance contracts, the EXAPT Ticketsystem, and the customer portal.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduced machine downtimes through automatic production order sequencing and setup optimization
• +2 more outcomes

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

AI capability4 records

Feature22 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• SMS group GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 November 2024Host of the 1st EXAPT UserConference 2024 (26-27.11.2024) in Hilchenbach. Showcases an extensive EXAPT software landscape including EXAPTcam, EXAPTcontrol, EXAPTtlm, and digital shopfloor solutions deployed at the company.
• Verein zur Förderung des EXAPT-Systems e.V. (EXAPT Association)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerEXAPT Systemtechnik GmbH operates under license from the EXAPT Association which owns the EXAPT trademark. The association also organizes the annual EXAPT Hauptversammlung (general meeting) and promotes the EXAPT system. EXAPT Systemtechnik GmbH is a key operating entity of the association ecosystem.
• Camaix GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner in the Lean-CAx project, focusing on lean software transformation of CAx systems as enablers for Industry 4.0. The project develops methods for the next generation of Industry 4.0-capable CAx software.
• 3 Win Maschinenbau GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner in the Lean-CAx project (also listed as 3WIN Maschinenbau GmbH in WerkerLab project). Contributes industrial application expertise to CAx software research.
• RWTH Aachen University - Textlinguistik und TechnikkommunikationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic research partner in the Lean-CAx project, contributing expertise in technical communication and human-computer interaction aspects of CAx software.
• RWTH Aachen University - Human-Computer Interaction Center (HCIC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic research partner in both the Lean-CAx and WerkerLab projects, contributing expertise in human-computer interaction for Industry 4.0 software and training concepts.
• Fraunhofer IPT (Institut für Produktionstechnik)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner in the AdaptCAD project (position data acquisition for real geometry determination) and in the Digitale Photonische Prozesskette project (CAM system integration for additive manufacturing).
• CP autosport GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustrial application partner in the AdaptCAD project, contributing real-world manufacturing data for the development of adaptive CAD model adjustment methods.
• Aconity GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partner in the AddToP project, contributing to the development of a technology processor for Selective Laser Melting (SLM) additive manufacturing.
• Fraunhofer ILT (Institut für Lasertechnik)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner in the AddToP project for adaptive process guidance in Selective Laser Melting.
• Otto Fuchs KGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partner in the AddToP project, providing application expertise for adaptive SLM process guidance.
• WBA Aachener Werkzeugbau Akademie GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner in the WerkerLab project, contributing to the development of a modular training concept for SMEs for Industry 4.0 introduction.
• RWTH Aachen University - Lehrstuhl für Digitale Additive Produktion (DAP)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic research partner in the Digitale Photonische Prozesskette project, contributing to the development of integrated CAM programming for photon-based production processes.
• CERATIZIT Deutschland GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint practical seminar (Praxisseminar) held on 12.11.2025 at CERATIZIT Technical Center in Kempten. Demonstrates integration of CERATIZIT cutting tools with EXAPT CAD/CAM solutions in live machining on EMCO turning and DMG milling machines.
• EFRE.NRW (European Regional Development Fund North Rhine-Westphalia)minorOthersResearch funding body supporting multiple EXAPT research projects (Lean-CAx, AdaptCAD, AddToP, WerkerLab, Digitale Photonische Prozesskette). EFRE.NRW funding is mentioned on EXAPT's research page alongside BMBF (Federal Ministry of Education and Research) funding.
• BMBF (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung)minorOthersFederal Ministry of Education and Research funding the Digitale Photonische Prozesskette research project (Förderkennzeichen 13N13976) in partnership with EXAPT for SLM additive manufacturing programming.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• CAMWorks: SolidWorks-integrated CAM solution providing knowledge-based machining and automatic feature recognition. Direct alternative to EXAPTsolid for SolidWorks-based CAM programming.
• Mastercam (CNC Software): One of the most widely installed CAM software products globally, offering milling, turning, and wire EDM programming. Direct alternative to EXAPTplus/EXAPTsolid in CNC programming for job shops and manufacturers.
• Vero Software (Edgecam/Alphacam): Developer of Edgecam and Alphacam CAM software for milling, turning, and multi-axis machining, now part of Hexagon. Competes directly with EXAPTplus in mid-market CNC programming, particularly in European manufacturing.
• SolidCAM: SolidWorks-integrated CAM solution offering iMachining and 2.5D-5AXIS programming within the SolidWorks environment. Closely mirrors EXAPTsolid's SolidWorks-integrated CAM positioning.
• OPEN MIND Technologies (hyperMILL): Developer of hyperMILL CAM software for 2.5D to 5-axis machining, headquartered in Germany with global presence. Closely competes with EXAPT in complex multi-axis CAM programming and tool/mold making.
• Tebis AG: German-headquartered CAM software vendor focused on mechanical production with templated automation for CNC programming and tool/process libraries. Direct competitor to EXAPTplus/EXAPTsolid with a similar Mittelstand customer profile.

Broad incumbents

• Siemens Digital Industries Software (NX CAM): Part of Siemens PLM offering NX for Manufacturing (CAM programming, postprocessing, machine simulation) integrated with Teamcenter PLM. Broad incumbent competing against EXAPTplus/EXAPTsolid in mid-market and large enterprise.
• Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence (ESPRIT/Edgecam): Division of Hexagon AB offering CAM solutions (ESPRIT, Edgecam) alongside metrology and broader manufacturing software. Competes with EXAPT while offering a much wider portfolio of shopfloor software and hardware.
• Autodesk (Fusion 360 / Inventor CAM): Provides CAM capabilities within Fusion 360 and as a feature in Inventor, increasingly targeting cloud-native manufacturing workflows. Competes with EXAPT across both integrated SolidWorks-style and standalone CAM use cases.

Others

• ModuleWorks GmbH: Provider of CAD/CAM software components and toolpath calculation kernels used by many CAM vendors. While primarily a technology/development partner rather than direct competitor, ModuleWorks underpins competing CAM products EXAPT must differentiate against.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC2dnud7n-FuZQeVaw8bxygg/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/EXAPT
• LinkedInde.linkedin.com/company/exapt-systemtechnik-gmbh
• Xx.com/EXAPTSystem

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 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 Exapt