Industry Information Archives

If you’re a CNC Programmer or working toward becoming one, you’ve likely heard the name Mastercam. It’s one of the most well-known computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software tools on the market. While there are several CAM platforms available, Mastercam has built a reputation as the industry standard — not necessarily because it’s the best in every category, but because it’s the most widely used.

As of 2020, Mastercam boasted more than 274,000 installed seats in manufacturing. Its closest competitor? Just under 150,000. That kind of market share doesn’t happen by accident.

So how did Mastercam get here? And why is it such a dominant force in the CNC world?

One Tool for Every Machine

One of Mastercam’s biggest advantages is versatility. It can be used to program a broad range of machines, including:

CNC mills
Lathes
Routers
Mill-turns and multi-axis systems
Wire EDM

For shops that run multiple machine types, having a universal CAM platform streamlines training, programming, and integration. That flexibility makes it a favorite across industries — from aerospace to automotive to medical devices.

The Leading CAM Package in Education

Mastercam isn’t just dominant on the shop floor. It’s also the number one CAM software used in technical education programs across the country.

As of 2020, there were nearly 143,000 installed seats in schools, compared to fewer than 75,000 for the next closest option. That means most students entering the CNC field are already familiar with Mastercam before they even start their first job.

This early exposure helps fuel its dominance in industry. It also makes Mastercam a smart skill to learn for anyone entering the trade.

A Long History in Manufacturing

Mastercam was founded in 1983, making it one of the first PC-based CAM platforms available to manufacturers. It began as a 2D tool and evolved over time into a full-featured 3D CAD/CAM package.

With nearly four decades of development, Mastercam has had time to fine-tune its features, improve compatibility with CNC equipment, and build a loyal base of users and educators alike.

That kind of longevity builds trust — and trust matters when you’re running million-dollar machines with high-stakes tolerances.

Want to Learn Mastercam?

If you’re serious about becoming a CNC Programmer, Mastercam is a valuable tool to know. You can check with your local trade or technical school for in-person training opportunities. Many programs offer hands-on learning with Mastercam as part of their curriculum.

Prefer to learn at your own pace? Explore Titans of CNC Academy, a free online platform created by Titan Gilroy. It’s an outstanding resource for CAD/CAM and CNC machine training, built for real-world manufacturing needs.

FlexTrades exists to solve problems for American manufacturers. That’s our purpose. But solving real problems means asking hard questions. And sometimes, answering them.

One of the questions we hear most often from job seekers and clients alike is this:

What is ITAR, and why should I care?

Let’s break it down.

Understanding ITAR

ITAR stands for International Traffic in Arms Regulations. These are federal laws enforced by the U.S. government. They exist to protect national security by controlling who has access to defense-related products, data, and services.

If you build, supply, or support anything tied to military use — directly or indirectly — you’re in ITAR territory. That includes primary manufacturers, vendors, and even subcontractors in the supply chain.

Being ITAR compliant isn’t just a title. It means implementing safeguards to restrict access to sensitive materials and systems. It means following strict rules to prevent foreign nationals from accessing defense-related information. It means recertifying every year.

And if your company operates across borders? It means navigating some serious complexity — across documentation, digital access, hiring practices, and more.

What ITAR Means for Job Seekers

If you’re applying for a position at an ITAR-compliant company, there’s one thing you’ll need: proof of ITAR eligibility.

That usually includes two forms of government-issued ID, with at least one containing your photo. Requirements vary, but the company will tell you exactly what to provide. If you’re curious, here’s an example list of acceptable documents used for defense conference access.

This isn’t red tape. It’s law. And it’s important.

Still Curious About ITAR?

Want a deeper dive? The U.S. government offers detailed guidance on ITAR — who it applies to, what it regulates, and how compliance is maintained.

And if you’re new to the FlexTrades blog, stick around. We’ve got more answers where this came from.

Want to Work With Us?

If you’re a recent tech school graduate, consider the FlexTrades ReTool Program. It’s designed to help people like you get real-world experience that leads to a real career.

Already have experience? Join our Talent Network to see current opportunities and get matched with the right projects.

Got a Question of Your Own?

We want to hear it. Send your questions to writingteam@flextrades.com. Who knows — maybe your question will inspire our next blog post.

Do you remember learning about the Industrial Revolution as a kid? History books often describe it as a single, world-changing event that reshaped economies, societies, and the future of manufacturing. While that is true, it is also incomplete.

There have been four distinct industrial revolutions so far, and we are already seeing the fifth take shape. Each wave has redefined how we work, what we build, and where we’re headed next. At FlexTrades, understanding this evolution matters—not just because it’s history, but because it helps us prepare for the future.

Let’s walk through each phase.

Industry 1.0: The Mechanical Revolution

Industry 1.0 began around 1784 and introduced the world to steam power. Steam wasn’t new, but its industrial application changed everything. With powered tools, steamships, and railroads, the shift from farming to urban factory life began. Rail travel opened up new regions. Factories created new jobs. People began migrating to cities for work. This marked the first major transformation of labor and manufacturing.

Industry 2.0: The Mass Production Revolution

Around 1870, speed became the next big goal. Electricity, gasoline engines, telephones, and assembly lines ushered in an era of mass production. This was the age of industrial scale, where the modern manufacturing model took shape.

We also got our first taste of global connectivity—radios allowed ideas to travel faster than ever, while lighting and telecommunication extended work hours and workplace reach. The foundation for modern society was set.

Industry 3.0: The Digital Revolution

In 1969, the rise of semiconductors, computers, and the Internet marked the start of Industry 3.0. Known as the Digital Revolution, this phase changed how we made things, how we worked, and how companies managed their operations.

Production became more precise. Global supply chains expanded. Analog became digital. Curious what that really means? This Analog vs. Digital Electronics article breaks it down clearly.

Industry 4.0: The Intelligence Revolution

We are living through Industry 4.0 right now. This phase centers around Artificial Intelligence and its wide-reaching applications. From autonomous vehicles to robotic automation, predictive analytics, 3D printing, and virtual assistants, we are reshaping how we design, produce, and deliver goods.

This revolution is far from over. If you’re interested in a deeper dive, check out this detailed Industry 4.0 overview to learn more about what it is, how it works, and what comes next.

Industry 5.0: The Human-Centered Revolution

We are just beginning to step into Industry 5.0. What sets it apart is its emphasis on human-machine collaboration. The goal is to ensure technology serves not just businesses, but also employees, communities, and the environment.

While the exact definition is still evolving, one thing is clear: inclusion, sustainability, and human value creation will drive this next industrial chapter. At FlexTrades, we’re excited to see what’s ahead—and we’re preparing our workforce to grow with it.

FAQs for PMG

PMG provides labor solutions to American manufacturers. That’s what we do in a nutshell and we take the “solution” part of that equation seriously. As a result, all of us here end up asking a lot of questions to make sure we find the right way to solve the real problem. During that process, we end up getting asked a fair amount of questions ourselves. This blog is our effort to provide answers to the questions PMG employees get asked the most.

What is Industry 4.0?

Great question! Here at PMG, we’re big proponents of the continuous improvement mindset necessary to adapt and adjust to the consistent changes Industry 4.0 requires of manufacturers and fabricators. But what is it, actually? Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution and the rise of digitization and automation in pursuit of “Lights Out Manufacturing”.

Earlier industrial revolutions happened with steam and water power, electricity and assembly lines. Finally, computerization transformed then-standard models for production. This latest revolution is all about the confluence of those previous breakthroughs through use of integration technologies to create interconnected networks of systems that can communicate with each other. Basically, Industry 4.0 is the point where our cyber and digital worlds are meeting in real time and it will impact all disciplines, economies, and industries.

What does it benefit?

Many of you have heard of Industry 4.0 before, but you’ve probably just heard it referred to in terms of robots coming to take your jobs. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

According to a comprehensive study conducted by the Hays Global Skills Index, we’re expecting technology to eliminate close to 75 million jobs in the next decade. That’s a lot, but the same study estimates close to twice as many new jobs (133 million) will be created. Put simply, the robots won’t take your jobs. In fact, they will make them better, easier, and safer.

Read this Bernard Marr article if you’d like to learn more about the benefits, to all industries, of early Industry 4.0 adoption.

What’s next?

In one word, change. That’s why we believe so firmly in the importance of a continuous improvement mindset. Industry 4.0 is not going to eliminate jobs, but it will cause them to change continuously and consistently for the rest of your career. You need to prepare yourself to be able to change your skills and focus right along with them.

Most commonly, technology changes jobs by moving the human element (you) further and further from where material and machine meet. That’s where inefficiencies, injuries, and human errors occur. This means that, as important as your technical skills are and always will be, the five technological skills below are just as important for you (according to a Deloitte study) to master in the future. These abilities will be necessary for you to be able to continue to apply your technical skills to your job as your trade or facility is disrupted throughout Industry 4.0.

Technology & Computer Skills
Programming Skills for Robotics & Automation
Critical Thinking
Working with Tools & Techniques
Digital Skills

Additional Resources

If you’d like to learn more about Industry 4.0, or how to prepare your career for it, watch our free webinar Manufacturing in the Future: The Changes Yet to Come.

Did you find this informative? Send your questions to our Writing Team and keep an eye out for future FAQ’s for answers!

Want more FAQ? Check out our post on Supply Chain.