It was in 2021 that the Swedish engineering player took a giant leap into the CAM and CNC path generation arenas by buying up the company Cambrio’s software Cimatron and Gibbs CAM, and also acquiring CNC Software, with Mastercam – the world’s largest unbundled CAM software.
In one fell swoop, Sandvik stepped directly into the absolute hot air of the area and established an important position in the CAM market, which includes both specific tool manufacturing and more general machining. As mentioned, Cambrio’s product portfolio included GibbsCAM, with a focus on milling and turning – Cimatron, which has its absolute strength in die casting and compression molding – and SigmaNEST, intended for efficient metalworking and nesting.
Mastercam was Sandvik’s Major Step Into the Broader CAM World
But Sandvik took the really big step in CAM with the purchase that brought Mastercam in-house. As a major global player Sandvik supplies most of what is needed in terms of support equipment, inserts and other materials for metalworking industrial operations. With Mastercam in the portfolio it has an extraordinary opportunity to develop the holistic approach to this type of production that appears to be the future. In the Industry 4.0 concept, for example, it is of utmost importance not only to be able to handle the physical pieces within the framework of automated arrangements, but rather that the connections to digital control of the operations are a crucial element for success.
Today Mastercam is a cornerstone of Sandvik’s CAM portfolio, further enhancing machining productivity by combining the groups machining knowledge with their CAM expertise to improve quality and reduce waste for its customers. Specifically, Sandvik can leverage data capture and usage to ensure efficient tool selection and toolpath optimization for its customers.
Verisurf has 44 Emplyees and Generates $12 Million in Annual Revenues
A few more words on yesterdays announcement of the acquisition of Verisurf: The company is principally active in the North American market. It serves a diverse customer base of around 1,500 companies — SMEs as well as larger customers — with exposure in segments such as aerospace and defense.
Verisurf offers modular-based easy-to-use software solutions for quality inspection, assembly guidance, and reverse engineering, that are built on the Mastercam Design (CAD) platform.
“Verisurf will strengthen our metrology offering and ability to support the growing customer demand for precision measurement and quality assurance in manufacturing. The acquisition fits very well with our strategy to grow in digital manufacturing and provide comprehensive solutions for our customers to drive efficiency and productivity,” says Stefan Widing.
Verisurf has 44 employees and is headquartered in Anaheim, California, US. In 2024, the company had revenues of approximately $12 million. The impact on Sandvik’s EBITA margin and earnings per share will be limited. Also in this case the parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2025, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Not Sandvik’s First Mastercam Related Postprocessor Purchase
Speaking of postprocessors, it can be noted that in 2023 Sandvik acquired the Canadian Postability, which is a software company that develops NC (numerical control) postprocessors for Mastercam. Postability’s software solution includes CAM postprocessing, machine simulation and maintenance, which enables customers to improve and validate their component designs.
Postprocessing is generally a key step in the component manufacturing process where generic CAM system outputs are converted into machine-specific NC code. Postability is a postprocessor provider that is fully dedicated to Mastercam software, serving both small and medium-sized manufacturing companies (SMEs) as well as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) worldwide.
