hyperMILL
German CAD/CAM from OPEN MIND Technologies AG, with milling, 5-axis, turning, automation and simulation modules
Quick Overview
| Company | OPEN MIND Technologies AG |
|---|---|
| Category | CAM Software |
| Headquarters | Wessling, Germany |
| Founded | 1994 |
| EU Presence | Yes - Germany (EU) |
| Data Location | Desktop application |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | No |
| Main Features | 2.5D, 3D and 5-axis milling, high-performance roughing (MAXX), mill-turn, probing, wire EDM, additive, virtual machining, postprocessors, BEST FIT alignment, CAD integrations |
| Pricing | Not published; quote from OPEN MIND or a sales partner |
| Best For | Mould, tool and production shops with complex 5-axis and automation needs |
| Replaces | Mastercam, Siemens NX CAM, PowerMill |
Detailed Review
hyperMILL is the CAM product of OPEN MIND Technologies AG, based in Wessling near Munich. The company states that it was established in 1994, employs over 400 people worldwide including more than 90 in research and development, and runs 17 international branch offices.
The modules are bought separately and reach from drilling and 2.5D milling to 5-axis milling, high-performance roughing, turning, deburring, electrode work, wire EDM and additive processes. OPEN MIND also describes itself as a Mensch und Maschine company.
Module structure
Rather than one tier ladder, OPEN MIND sells a long list of modules: 3D and 5-axis milling, the MAXX machining package for roughing and finishing, mill-turn, probing, knife cutting, electrode manufacturing and wire EDM with OPTICAM. Shops pay for the strategies they use.
The 2026 release is described as adding new algorithms, rest-material strategies and better orientation control for multi-axis parts.
Automation and simulation
BEST FIT is listed as automatic part alignment, and an automation area with feature macros and a tool database is also listed. A separate virtual machining product is described as generating, optimising and simulating NC code, and postprocessors are part of the offer.
OPEN MIND took a majority stake in the MES maker Hummingbird at the beginning of 2022 to widen its portfolio of networked manufacturing solutions.
CAD handling
hyperMILL works with its own CAD functions and with integrations for SOLIDWORKS and Autodesk Inventor. A CAM viewer is listed for displaying, analysing and documenting CAD and CAM data.
Limitations to Consider
OPEN MIND does not publish prices, and the module-based structure means the total depends on which strategies are bought. It targets demanding multi-axis work, so a small shop with simple 2.5D parts may pay for more than it needs; Estlcam or Vectric cover that end of the market. The company works through subsidiaries and sales partners, so local support can depend on the partner.
Who Should Use hyperMILL
Mould, die, aerospace and production machining companies in Europe that run multi-axis machines and want a German CAM vendor with automation and simulation modules.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Broad module list from drilling to 5-axis, turning and wire EDM
- Automation and virtual machining offered in the same family
- CAD integrations for SOLIDWORKS and Inventor
- German AG with over 90 staff in development
- MES link through the Hummingbird stake
Cons
- No published prices
- Module-based pricing makes totals hard to predict
- More than a simple 2.5D shop needs
- Support may depend on a sales partner
Alternatives to hyperMILL
Other European cam software worth comparing before you decide:
GO2cam
France · Lyon-made CAM range from milling to Swiss and wire EDM
Vectric
United Kingdom · CNC router CAM with V-carving, nesting and 3D relief
TopSolid
France · Integrated CAD/CAM from France for machinery, tooling, sheet metal and wood
Tebis
Germany · CAD/CAM, CAQ and MES for mould, die and production machining
See all European cam software or compare them directly against Mastercam on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
It has its own CAD functions and also integrates into SOLIDWORKS and Autodesk Inventor, so you can program inside the CAD system you already use.
The module list covers drilling, 2.5D and 3D milling, 5-axis milling, mill-turn, probing, deburring, wire EDM, additive processes and knife cutting.
Yes. OPEN MIND Technologies AG is registered in Munich (HRB 132423) with its offices in Wessling, Germany.