.NC File Extension
Mastercam Numerical Control File
| Developer | CNC Software |
| Popularity |
3.7 | 64 Votes |
What is an NC file?
An NC file is a data file created by CNC Mastercam, a suite of CAD tools used for designing and manufacturing mechanical components. It contains numerical control instructions for directing a CNC machine tool, such as a router, drill, or boring tool, during the production of the component.
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CNC Mastercam is a widely-used CAD/CAM package for engineers or machinists to design and produce mechanical components. When a user saves a 2D or 3D machine toolpath in the pane in Mastercam, the software creates an NC to store its information.
Users typically save their NC file(s) to a portable storage device, such as a USB flash drive, then transfer it to a CNC machine tool. They then load the file in the tool to direct it as its cuts a path in a piece of material, such as wood, plastic, or metal.
How to open an NC file
You can open an NC file with CNC Mastercam in Windows by selecting . CNC Software offers Mastercam Learning Edition, which is a free trial of Mastercam that limits some capabilities.
Programs that open NC files
DSTV Numerical Control File
| Developer | Deutscher Stahlbau-Verband |
| Popularity |
4.0 | 2 Votes |
An NC file may also be an ASCII text file that contains data representing a piece of steel. It stores information computer numerical control (CNC) machines use to drill into, cut, punch, or otherwise alter steel to build a structure. NC files are saved in the Deutscher Stahlbau-Verband (DSTV) file format.
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The Deutscher Stahlbau-Verband is a German association that represents the interests of the German steel industry. In the 1990s, to help standardize data transfers between computer-aided design (CAD) programs and CNC machines, the association created the DSTV file format. Various CAD programs use the DSTV format to save information that CNC machines require to alter a piece of steel to build a larger structure. Notably, each DSTV file corresponds to one specific component included in a structure (though programs may use the NC file to create multiple copies of that component).
Because DSTV is an open standard, various CAD programs save DSTV files using different extensions, including .nc, .nc1, and .cnc. The Deutscher Stahlbau-Verband recommends that programs save DSTV-format files as NC files. Autodesk Advance Steel and Tekla Structures save DSTV-format files as NC files.
How to open an NC file
You can open an NC file with various steel-related CAD programs and viewers, including:
- Autodesk Advance Steel (Windows)
- Tekla Structures (Windows)
- Steel Projects CAD Viewer (Windows)
Since NC files are ASCII text files, you can also open them with any text editor if you wish to view the text they contain.