CloudNC

CloudNC is a London-headquartered manufacturing software company whose main product, CAM Assist, plugs into existing CAM packages to automate a large share of CNC programming work. According to the company, CAM Assist can complete up to 80% of a CAM program in minutes: users configure the AI with their own tools, materials, workholding and machines, open a part to receive machinability feedback, choose 3-axis or 3+2 milling with preferred directions and exclusion zones, then review AI-generated strategies and operations before the toolpaths are passed back into their CAM software for post-processing to G-code.

Beyond strategy and toolpath generation, the product includes a physics-based "Cutting Parameters" engine for feeds and speeds, cycle-time estimation intended to support faster and more accurate quoting, machinability checking that flags missing stock, unsupported features and geometry issues, and a Soft Jaw Designer for generating fixture designs (offered as a free download). CAM Assist is sold per seat, attached to a customer's CAM seat licence, with bespoke pricing based on user count and support level, and is available in 13 languages including English, Chinese (Simplified), German, Japanese and Korean.

CloudNC also operates its own precision machining facility in Essex, United Kingdom, described as a "full-stack" factory where the software is developed and tested. The site offers 3- to 6-axis CNC milling, CNC turning, post-processing (anodisation, bead blasting, EDM, grinding, heat treatment, laser cutting/etching, painting, plating, powder coating) and a quality assurance department, and is AS9100D certified with full material traceability. Machine assets listed include DMG Mori, Mazak, Haas and Fanuc equipment with EROWA automated feeder systems, and metrology equipment from Hexagon, Mitutoyo, Bowers and Trimos.

Founding story

Co-founder Theo Saville developed the idea while studying manufacturing and mechanical engineering at the University of Warwick, where easy access to 3D printers contrasted sharply with the difficulty, training requirements and long lead times of CNC machining and its CAM software. He applied to the Entrepreneur First programme initially with a low-cost metal 3D printing concept, then shifted to building CAM software that would automate as much of the machining task as possible. At Entrepreneur First he pitched the idea and was approached by Chris Emery, who had also been working on a 3D printing startup; the two teamed up, with Saville teaching machining theory and Emery developing a machine-learning approach to toolpath automation. After validating the problem with manufacturers, they raised seed capital from friends and family, then a first seed round from Episode 1 Ventures following an investor pitch at the end of the EF programme. The founders initially expected an automated CAM product within about two years but found the problem contained many NP-hard sub-problems.

Business model

Software-as-a-service sold to machine shops on a per-seat basis, attached to the customer's existing CAM seat licence, with bespoke pricing based on number of users and support level; a subscription option runs CAM Assist in an AWS GovCloud (US) environment for shops with ITAR-related security requirements. CloudNC additionally operates its own contract precision manufacturing facility offering multi-axis machining, turning and post-processing services.

Per-seat software subscriptions with pricing quoted individually per shop; a separate subscription tier for the AWS GovCloud (US) deployment. Manufacturing services are quoted per job through a sales enquiry process.

Traction

The company states CAM Assist is used by more than 1,000 factories worldwide and cites customer-reported outcomes including 70-80% of a program produced automatically, programming time reductions of roughly 80%, and specific shop claims such as $50,000 a year saved (Dreamz Machining) and three months of programming time saved over six months (Avalanche Energy). CloudNC says the typical machine shop saves over 1,000 hours a year. Published case studies include Align Precision, Arcamed, Auxilium Manufacturing, Bedford CNC, FJH Group, Hamilton, Maki Precision Machining, MSP Manufacturing and Xeon NC.

Latest developments

Recent product additions include the Cutting Parameters feeds-and-speeds engine, AI cycle-time estimation, machinability checking, and a Soft Jaw Designer released as a free download; Mastercam compatibility now spans versions 2025-2027 and a Creo integration is listed as coming soon. CloudNC lists SOC 2 Type 2, ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus certifications and an AWS GovCloud (US) option for Mastercam, GibbsCAM and NX. A news item dated 7 May 2026 announces the opening of a Shanghai office to expand AI support for Chinese manufacturers.