Driving Complex Manufacturing with Mastercam

Two Decades of Growing Complexity

D.P. Engineering’s shop floor tells the story of continuous evolution. What began as straightforward machining has grown into precision work for oil & gas and aerospace clients—industries where “close enough” doesn’t exist. The materials got harder. The tolerances got tighter. And the machines got more sophisticated. 

“Our parts have increased in complexity, with more operations and tighter tolerances,” says Alex Dark of D.P. Engineering. “The latest versions of Mastercam have kept pace, enabling us to handle these complex parts and plan them effectively.”  

Managing that complexity means programming everything from basic turning operations to advanced 9-axis work on Muratech and Swiss-type machines—equipment so specialized that finding UK-based post support was nearly impossible. 

One Platform for Everything  

Rather than juggling multiple CAM systems, D.P. Engineering consolidated around Mastercam. The software handles its full range of operations—milling, turning, and multi-channel work—on a single platform.

What sets Mastercam apart for the team is flexibility. Other systems lock programmers into finished model geometry, but Mastercam lets engineers build frame-based setups that match how they actually think about parts. Need to add grooves or lead-in moves for a turning profile? No problem. The software adapts to the programmer, not the other way around. 

Advanced toolpaths like OptiRough tackle exotic materials efficiently, and when D.P. Engineering needs a custom post for unusual equipment, they get real support—not a shrug. 

The Impact 

With Mastercam, D.P. Engineering achieved significant improvements in efficiency, reducing programming time across complex operations. The team can now produce high-quality parts faster and with greater accuracy, meeting stringent customer requirements. Standardizing on Mastercam has also increased flexibility, allowing staff to work seamlessly across different machines. 

Building Toward Full Consolidation 

The results speak for themselves: faster programming, higher-quality parts, and a team that can move fluidly between machines without relearning a new system. 

Looking ahead, D.P. Engineering is working toward running every machine on Mastercam. Full standardization means greater flexibility, easier cross-training, and a foundation that scales with whatever complexity comes next. 

“We continue to invest in new technology—whether machines, software, or sales tools—to stay ahead,” Dark explains. “The main driver is the increasing complexity of parts. We need software that evolves with machine technology and customer requirements.” 

About D.P. Engineering 

D.P. Engineering is a precision engineering company located in Cornwall, UK, specializing in complex components for the oil & gas and aerospace industries. With expertise in exotic materials like Monel and Inconel, and a machine fleet spanning 2-axis to 9-axis capabilities, they’ve partnered with Mastercam for over 20 years to deliver work that others can’t. 

Quick Facts

• Product Used: Mastercam Mill, Mastercam Lathe, Mastercam Multiaxis
• Industry: Precision Engineering – Oil & Gas, Aerospace
• Location: Cornwall, UK
• Mastercam Customer: 20+ Years