Engineering & CAD/CAM

CNC/CAM Programming

Simulation-checked 3-axis CNC milling toolpaths and clear set-up sheets, programmed in Mastercam from your part models.

Custom quote after a short consultation · Timeline agreed in your quote

Scope: Toolpaths are checked in simulation before delivery. You remain responsible for machine set-up, tooling and physical prove-out on your machine.

Overview

We prepare CNC milling programs in Mastercam from your 3D models or drawings. The service ranges from single parts with simple pocketing and profiling to parts needing several operations, such as facing, roughing, finishing, drilling and chamfering, across one or more set-ups on a 3-axis machine.

Before programming we confirm your machine, controller, available tooling, stock size and workholding. We then choose operations and starting cutting parameters to suit that set-up, order them sensibly, and run every toolpath through stock-removal simulation to check for gouges, collisions with the part and missed material. NC code is output using the post-processor you already use for your machine.

You receive the Mastercam file, the NC code and, on the higher tiers, set-up sheets listing tools, offsets, work zero and operation order. Toolpaths are checked in simulation only; you remain responsible for machine set-up, tooling and physical prove-out on your machine.

Who it’s for

  • Job shops that need extra programming capacity during busy periods
  • Small manufacturers with a 3-axis mill but no dedicated CAM programmer
  • Product developers preparing prototype parts for in-house or local machining
  • Machinists who want a second view on toolpath strategy for a difficult part

Problems it solves

  • Get parts programmed without holding up the machine schedule
  • Catch gouges and collisions in simulation before cutting material
  • Give operators a written set-up sheet instead of verbal instructions
  • Turn a model into NC code ready to load on your existing machine

What RF ETS delivers

  • Mastercam file with clearly named and ordered operations
  • NC code output with your existing post-processor
  • Stock-removal simulation check of every toolpath
  • Set-up sheets with tool list, offsets, work zero and operation order on the Professional and Advanced tiers
  • Notes on the assumed cutting parameters for your operator to review

How we work

  1. Confirm machine and tooling

    We record your machine, controller, tool library, stock and workholding so the program matches your shop.

  2. Plan set-ups and operations

    We decide the set-ups and operation order, then select tools and starting cutting parameters.

  3. Program and simulate

    Toolpaths are created in Mastercam and checked in simulation for gouges, collisions and remaining stock.

  4. Post and document

    We output NC code with your post-processor and prepare set-up sheets for your operators.

What we need from you

  • A 3D model in STEP or native format, or a fully dimensioned drawing
  • Machine make, controller and the post-processor you currently use
  • Tool library, stock size, material and workholding details
  • Any shop standards for work zero, tool numbering or program format
Pricing

How pricing works

This work varies too much for fixed packages. We scope it with you, then send a written quote with price, timeline and deliverables before any work starts.

  1. Tell us what you need

    Use the quote form or book a consultation and describe your goal, constraints and deadline.

  2. We scope it with you

    We review your material and agree deliverables, assumptions and what is out of scope.

  3. Written quote

    You receive a fixed price or milestone plan, timeline and revision terms before any work starts.

Not included

  • Machining or physical prove-out
  • Post-processor development
  • Third-party costs: domains, hosting, paid plugins and themes, software licences, API or AI-model usage fees, data-provider credits
  • Work outside the written scope agreed before work starts (handled as an add-on or a custom quote)
  • Ongoing support after the delivery and launch-support window unless a support package is bought
Custom solution

Need something different?

Tell us what you need, and we’ll prepare a solution and pricing based on your requirements.

FAQ

CNC/CAM Programming: common questions

How is CNC programming priced?

The tiers above give typical scope and 'from' prices. Part geometry, the number of set-ups and the tooling available all change the effort, so your exact price is confirmed in a quote after we see the model and machine details.

Will you prove out the program on our machine?

No. Toolpaths are checked in simulation before delivery, but machining and physical prove-out are not included. You remain responsible for machine set-up, tooling and prove-out on your machine, and we recommend a cautious first run with feed overrides.

Can you write or modify a post-processor for our machine?

Post-processor development is outside this service. We output code using the post-processor you already use. If it needs changes, those are best handled by your machine or CAM software supplier.

What if the part design changes after programming?

Revision rounds in your tier cover adjustments to the agreed toolpaths. If the model changes significantly or new parts are added, we update the scope and confirm any additional cost before reprogramming.

Can you create the 3D model as well?

Yes. If you only have a sketch or drawing, our CAD & 3D Modeling service can produce the model first, and we then program from that same file so geometry stays consistent.