Even with the right tools and techniques, you may encounter some challenges when drilling concrete. Here’s how to address common issues.

Below is additional information on these changes in the market. This is not marketing spin, all facts and data below are linked to the respective companies websites/press releases/official forums. This is not a comprehensive list but a sample of the current state of the industry.

Continually monitor the drill bit’s temperature. If it becomes too hot to touch, you should stop and let it cool down. This precaution extends the life of your drill bits and provides a smoother drilling process, enhancing both safety and efficiency.

Mastercam (CNC software Inc.), founded in 1983, is still a family owned company based out of Tolland CT and fully US developed software for US manufacturing. We’re a perpetual licensed, technically mature product with the strongest customer base in the industry.

In all Tech/ Community Colleges in our area that have a full CNC curriculum, Mastercam is the CAM system that is taught. There are people graduating every semester with the skillset and knowledge to run your machines efficiently.

Rebar can be tricky. Marking the location of the rebar with a metal detector before you drill can help you avoid the rebar. If you hit rebar, stop drilling and consider relocating your hole if possible. If you must drill through the rebar, switch to a specialized rebar-cutting bit. They’re designed to handle concrete and metal.

Improve your productivity with simultaneous 4- and 5-axis machining capability for Mastercam. Mastercam Multiaxis offers a wide range of multiaxis machining strategies—both basic and advanced.

Safety should always be your top priority when working with power tools and concrete. We always advise following these safety guidelines:

Maintenance customers receive ongoing support from our highly trained, experienced veteran Applications Engineers.  Shopware’s 20+ years as the leading CAM software provider to manufacturers’ means you continue to get the best service and support in the industry. We utilize GotoAssist® to help our customers remotely.

Due to its density, solid concrete can be challenging to work with. Use a high-quality carbide-tipped bit and start with a smaller pilot hole before moving to your desired size. Take breaks to prevent overheating, and use a vacuum or compressed air to clean dust from the hole.

Mastercamlicensing

For 99% of around-the-house drilling, a rotary hammer in the 5-pound range with a three-quarter-inch bit holder will do just about anything you’ll need to do, from demo to concrete drilling.

Mastercam Mill 3D & 2D both include a full suite of Dynamic Motion™ tool path strategies for fast efficient machining.  These aren’t 3rd party integrated toolpaths like many of our competitors. They are fully developed in-house at Mastercam and tested in their on-site machining lab in Tolland, CT. Benefits of these tool paths include: smoother finishes, higher federates, smoother entry and exits, and better tool life.

A hammer drill is primarily for occasional drilling and smaller holes—think plastic anchors and screws (say, for shutters or running coaxial cable) or #10 concrete screws.

Using a slow and steady approach initially can also help you gauge the hardness of the concrete, allowing you to adjust pressure and speed as necessary. Listen to the sound of the drill; a consistent noise suggests you are maintaining even pressure, while choppy sounds may indicate the need for adjustments.

Haas, Mazak,  Mori Seiki, KGK,Yasda, Toyoda, Ameri-Seiki, Doosan Infracore, Okuma, Fadal, Niigata, Hwacheon, Thermwood, Makino, Kitamura, DMG, Centroid, Milltronics, Hardinge, Onsrud, Mitsubishi, Amada-Wasino, Multicam, Progressive Machinery, Hermle, Matsuura, ZPS Usa, Edgetek Machine, Hardinge, Kubotek, OMAX Corp., Star CNC, Centroid Corp., Hurco, Daewoo, Monarch, Akira-Seiki, USA Inc., Enshu, Mikron Corp, Minitech, Agie USA, Charmilles, Techno, Datron, ONA EDM, Morris Midwest, Fuji, Sodick,  Staubli, ZPS-CNC, Hitachi EDM, Hoz-Her U.S., Komo Machine…and more!

Regularly inspect bits for signs of wear or damage, such as chipping or warping, and address these issues promptly. Lubricating bits with a light machine oil can prevent rust and extend their lifespan.

Overheating can damage both your drill bit and the concrete. You can use water as a coolant by periodically dipping the bit or having a helper spray a small amount of water on the drilling site. For deeper holes, consider using a wet-drilling system.

Very often, that one additional CAD or CAM tool makes a specific job easier, faster, and more profitable. If you need very specialized options to precisely match your customer, your workflow, or your products, there’s a Mastercam app available.

Cinder block is generally easier to drill than solid concrete. When possible, aim for the mortar joints, as they’re softer. If you have to drill into the block, be cautious near the edges to avoid cracking.

Begin drilling slowly to create a pilot hole. This step helps prevent the bit from wandering and keeps it accurate. Once you’ve established a small depression, gradually increase the drill speed. Let the tool do the work—don’t force it.

Mastercam offers ease of use with a standard Windows Office-like interface, intuitive toolbars, icons, hot-keys, and simple to use menus. As you become experienced you can customize the system, increasing your productivity. Mastercam also provides Feature Based Machining (FBM) to further reducing your programming time by creating programs in just a few clicks. Mastercam is also one of the best documented Cam products in the world. With top-rated help files, you are always only a few clicks away from finding what you need to learn to get the job done.

Mastercam is now part of the Design & Planning Automation Division of Sandvik. In keeping with Sandvik’s decentralized business model, Mastercam will run autonomously within Sandvik with the same employee base, the same leadership team, its Reseller channel, and partnerships using its established practices. The company’s headquarters will remain in Tolland, Connecticut.

Apply firm, consistent pressure as you drill. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can overheat the bit and damage the concrete. Periodically pull the bit out to clear debris from the hole, which helps prevent overheating and improves drilling efficiency.

A rotary hammer is what a hammer drill wants to be when it grows up. Once you use one, you’ll probably want to leave your hammer drill in the rearview mirror. If you anticipate working with concrete regularly or need to drill larger or deeper holes, investing in a rotary hammer can save you time and effort.

New and enhanced functions are accompanied by digital documentation to help you get up to speed quickly in an easy to read ‘What’s New’ PDF document.  You will also receive Mastercam Notes – Customer Newsletter containing tech tips, news you can use, how to’s, plus much more.  Join us at our in-person and online Webinars for special tips and tricks, Q&A sessions and special demos.  Get training discounts, Valued Maintenance Customer software specials and more.

Concrete’s porosity also affects its drillability. Dense, high-strength concrete is less porous and more difficult to penetrate. Understanding whether your concrete slab includes reinforcement materials and its porosity helps you select the right drill bit, speed, and pressure to apply.

• Elgin Community College (ECC) • Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC) • Madison Area Technical College (MATC) • Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) • McHenry Community College (MCC) • College of Lake County (CLC) • Oakton Community College (OCC) • College of Dupage (COD) • Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) • Technology and Manufacturing Association (TMA) • Northern Wisconsin Technical (NWTC)

We feel that this is the only indicator needed for the level of support we provide. Year after year our customers understand the value of what a CAM system can do for their company. Technology is advancing quickly. Staying at the peak of the curve like the day you invested in Mastercam, you know you have that advantage. One of our philosophies here at Shopware is to get better, every day. We know our customers share a passion for their work just as we do here. So beyond what new software features come out you know you have a team of people interested in the success of your business.

Mastercam is the industry leading PC based CAD/CAM product. Mastercam leads their nearest PC competitor by a margin of over 2 to 1. Your software investment is protected by a company with over 35 years of software development behind them. You can be assured that Mastercam will be there to enhance, improve, and support their software systems for years to come.  While thousands of shops test and evaluate dozens of CAM programs each year, there is a reason they keep choosing the number one name in CAD/CAM technology – Mastercam.

The two main types of drills used for concrete are hammer drills and rotary hammers. Each has its strengths and is suited for different projects.

The vibration from hammer drills and rotary hammers can be tiring and potentially harmful with prolonged use. To reduce fatigue and potential injury, take regular breaks, wear anti-vibration gloves, and maintain a relaxed grip on the tool. Anti-vibration handles can absorb some shocks and reduce strain on your hands and arms. Maintaining correct posture while drilling can prevent long-term stress injuries.

Specialty data translators for UG/NX, Pro/E, and CATIA ensure you can read and use the files you need. Mastercam includes translators for all other standard CAD formats such as Solidworks, Inventor, Autocad, and more!

More than likely all of the other systems will be able to program your part. Additionally most of the systems you’re looking at are going to be in the same price range (if they’re not, you should be very suspicious).

Chad Wright – Technical Manager & Post Processors Norbert Rajkowski – IL Tech Lead & Post Processors Scott Lundin – Training & EDU Account Manager – Certified Mastercam Instructor Mitch Kinder – Sr. Applications Engineer & Post Processors Jeff Elliott – Sr. Applications Engineer Kevin Graham – Sr. Applications Engineer Devin Glass – Sr. Applications Engineer Rob Krezman – Sr. Applications Engineer Alex Zuniga – Sr. Applications Engineer Scott Stukenborg- Applications Engineer Zach Thomas –  Applications Engineer Josh Sanders –  Applications Engineer Matt Szczesny –  Applications Engineer

Mastercamfor sale

Regular bit replacement guarantees clean, accurate holes and protects your drill from strain. Replace your drill bit when you notice these issues:

Mastercam is used and endorsed by more machine tool builders and distributors than any other product in the industry. They know quality when they see it.

Drilling into concrete may seem intimidating, but it’s a skill you can master for home projects like mounting shelves, adding outdoor lighting, installing a channel drain, or applying stone veneer. The key to successfully working with concrete is understanding its properties and using the appropriate tools and techniques. In this guide, we share our expert advice to make your concrete drilling precise and effective.

If you’re a DIYer of almost any level, chances are you’ll need to drill into concrete or masonry at some point. Here's how to do it the right way.

ShopWare provides the best support in the industry.  We have a fully staffed support team to better serve your needs and increase your utilization of the software. This is something most of our competitors can’t say. Support is crucial when investing in a CAM system.

Mastercam offers more breadth of features and value for your software investment dollar. From our 53,000 sq. foot facility in Tolland, CT our 100% US based software engineers continue to enhance, improve, and update our family of products. From basic programming, lathe, router, art and wire to advanced multi-axis & multi-tasking programming.  Mastercam has your shop covered for any direction you want to grow.

•  Dedicated Post Writers •  12+ local Applications Engineers •  Full Time Mastercam Certified Trainers •  IL & IN Classroom Training labs, custom on-site and remote training options •  IL & IN Based locations for 6:30am to 5pm CST M-F support. •  Customer Service Staff

Delcam was recently acquired by Autodesk. While any corporate acquisition is painted in a rosy light by the parties involved there have been significant changes in the structure and setup of Delcam and its ancillary products including but not limited to: Partmaker, FeatureCAM, Delcam for Solidworks.

Mastercamprice

The CAM industry has seen recent significant upheaval. Smart manufacturers realize these changes will have cascading effects on their businesses and are proactively considering their options.

ShopWare employs their own Technical Services Team which includes Post Development, Classroom Instructor, On-site Trainers, Phone/ email support. There is no CAM vendor serving our area of IL/IA/IN/KY/WI that can say this.

Automatically detect, group, and apply drill strategies to large amounts of holes, and even automatically create tool definitions from existing geometry.

The Post is the secret sauce of a CAM system. You should NEVER have to hand-edit your G-code. Nobody has supplied as many proven posts as Mastercam. We have, on our staff, our very own team of Post development engineers and guarantee our Posts 100%.

Mastercam has been around since 1984. There are multitudes of ways to program the same part. Mastercam will not force you into a single process methodology while is still easy to use and learn.

Concrete, a mix of cement, sand, gravel, and water, varies in hardness based on its composition and age. Newer concrete is typically softer, while older concrete hardens with time. Concrete often contains reinforcing materials like rebar, which can present more drilling challenges. Recognizing these factors will help you approach your drilling project with the right mindset and tools.

These include new tools, new options and additions to existing Mastercam features and they address functions requiring changes and are available only to Mastercam Maintenance customers.  Maintenance updates are typically scheduled three to four months following a major release.  This means you’ll have early access to any brand new features that are pre-released to Maintenance customers and you can download these as soon as they are ready, giving your shop a competitive advantage.

Mastercam1 year subscription

Clear the area around your drilling location and check for a stable footing. If working on a ladder or elevated surface, make sure it’s secure. Gather all your tools and materials, including your drill, appropriate bits, and any anchors or screws you’ll be using. A drop cloth or tarp to catch dust and debris helps simplify cleanup after drilling. If you’re drilling indoors, we recommend covering nearby furniture and surfaces to protect them from dust and potential damage.

Using a pilot hole technique for particularly hard concrete minimizes the risk of cracking or damaging the structure. Employing a rhythmic drilling pattern, where you periodically pause and clear the dust, speeds up the process and reduces friction.

Our post library is extensive and tested by our large customer base. Remember the most important part of a CAM system is getting EDIT FREE code to your machine and we have the people and partners to make that happen.

MasterCam also has the majority of the educational market. This insures that there will always be a place to get local training and there will always be a pool of experienced operators available. Some of the local training options include:

Employing a controlled drilling speed and avoiding excessive pressure provides precision and minimizes the risk of cracks. For added caution, reinforcing the area around the drill site with a temporary wooden frame can provide stability and reduce the chance of fractures.

Two targeted, powerful multi-axis techniques that add extra flexibility to your base milling seat and can be easily upgraded to the full Multi-axis product in the future as your capabilities expand.

Major releases are made available to customers with active Maintenance at no additional charge.  Mastercam is developed right in Tolland, CT by a team of over 100 software engineers to make sure you are always getting the latest improvements in the industry. You can always check out what’s new at: whatsnew.mastercam.com

So….are they all the same? No way. However, the differences most likely won’t show up during a demo or some internet research.

Using cooling gels or sprays specifically designed for masonry drilling can also be effective. These products reduce friction and heat buildup, allowing for smoother drilling and protecting the bit and the concrete.

Mastercamoptions

MastercamDesign

If you’re a DIYer of almost any level, chances are you’ll need to drill into concrete or masonry at some point. Here's how to do it the right way.

We believe that Sandvik’s values, culture, and desire to leverage Mastercam’s strengths to benefit the world of manufacturing align with everything Mastercam and Shopware stand for. Sandvik’s size and relevance in the industry opens many opportunities for our global Mastercam community. Coupled with increased R&D budgets, we only see Mastercam getting even better from here.

Creates automated precision engine cylinder head porting toolpaths on surface or solid data, while minimizing unnecessary motion.

Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our experts–straight to your inbox.

Keep your drill bits clean and sharp. After use, clean them thoroughly and store them in a dry place. Sharpen or replace bits when they become dull to maintain drilling efficiency and prevent damage to your drill.

MastercamShopWare

Using a damp cloth to wipe down surrounding surfaces periodically helps keep the dust under control and prevents it from spreading through your workspace. Consider renting a professional-grade dust management system for large projects to maintain a cleaner and healthier environment.

HSM works, an originally developed product to be CAM inside of Solidworks was acquired by Autodesk. This was one of Autodesks early buyouts as they are attempting eliminate competition on the CAM market.

CADreseller

Start with a smaller bit, which prevents cracking the concrete, and gradually work up to your desired hole size. Avoid drilling too close to edges or corners, and be especially careful when working with thinner concrete slabs or walls.

Brings Renishaw in-process probing and inspection to your Mastercam programs. Easily set up, validate, and even make in-process adjustments where appropriate.

Automated, highly-efficient toolpaths for multi-bladed parts, delivering superior blades, splitters, floors, and fillets.

Vero software is another player in the market known as a ‘CAM consolidator’. Vero includes products such as Alphacam, Edgecam, Surfcam, Peps, Radan, Visi, Work NC among others. Vero was acquired by Hexagon AB in 2014. A consolidation of a consolidation of a company solely focused on pleasing investors of a high market cap stock.

Post Processor support is included with your maintenance.  ShopWare has post processors available for over 5,000 machine tools.  New piece of equipment?  Call us for a working post processor to quickly and easily integrate it into your operations.  As a maintenance customer you get access to our Post Processor Library available from our Post Department.  Some complex and multi-axis will require additional charges.

Shopware takes pride in the value that our maintenance program provides. We have a team of applications engineers here to make sure you’re making chips and getting your parts cut right. We also have people to make sure your software is always running smoothly, up to date with the latest improvements and a drive for complete customer satisfaction.

We recommend lighter pressure and slower drill speed to maintain control and reduce the risk of damaging the block. Reinforcing the back side of the block with a piece of scrap wood can provide extra support and stability during drilling.

Quickly bring your 2D sketches, clip art, photos, and CAD files to life by crafting them on-screen and cutting them with easy, specialized toolpaths.

Concrete drilling generates a lot of dust. Not only can this be messy, but it’s potentially harmful if inhaled. Use a dust collection attachment on your drill or have a helper hold a vacuum nozzle near the drilling site. Alternatively, you can create a “dust catcher” by folding a piece of paper into a funnel shape and taping it below the drill site.

There are over 300,000 installed seats of Mastercam worldwide. Shop tested with the most available CNC programming talent in the industry. We have over 5,500 installations in our 5 state area alone.