.NC File Extension

NC files exist as 4 different types. Please find information about each of them below.

Type 1: Mastercam Numerical Control File

General Information

Title NC File Extension
Extension .nc
Full Form Mastercam Numerical Control File
File Type CNC Program File
Developer CNC Software, Inc.
MIME Type application/x-mastercam-nc

File Function

Primary Function Store CNC
Additional Functions Machine instructions
Features G-code, Toolpaths

File Characteristics

Quality High precision
Supports Layers Yes
Supports Transparency No
Editable Yes
Text-Based Yes

Use Cases

CNC Machining Yes
Manufacturing Yes
Prototyping Yes
Engineering Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Minimal
Best Practices Verification, Backup

Historical/Version Information

Associated with Mastercam versions
File Evolution Regular updates

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .mcx, .mcam, .cnc, .tap

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Mastercam Paid Windows
CNC simulators Varies Varies
G-code editors Free, Paid Varies

Type 2: NetCDF File

You can open an NC file in Windows by selecting File → Open with CNC Mastercam. CNC Software offers a free trial of Mastercam that limits capabilities. File Viewer Plus can open over 400 file format...

General Information

Title NetCDF File Extension
Extension .nc
Full Form Network Common Data Form
File Type Data File
Developer Unidata
MIME Type application/x-netcdf

File Function

Primary Function Store scientific data
Additional Functions Visualization, Data analysis
Features Multi-dimensional, Portable

File Characteristics

Quality High precision
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Climate Research Yes
Oceanography Yes
Remote Sensing Yes
Geosciences Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Data integrity issue
Best Practices Validation, Backup

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 1989
Latest Version NetCDF 4.8.0 (2021)

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .hdf, .grib, .cdf

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Unidata NetCDF Free Windows, Mac, Linux
Panoply Free Windows, Mac, Linux
MATLAB Paid Windows, Mac, Linux

Type 3: mcrypt Encrypted File

The NC file extension relates to MCrypt encryption. MCrypt replaces the old crypt package and command. It provides encryption functions developers can use without changing code. NC files are MCrypt ...

General Information

Title .NC File Extension
Extension .nc
Full Form mcrypt Encrypted File
File Type Encrypted Data File
Developer Nikos Mavrogiannopoulos
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Store encrypted data
Additional Functions Secure file content
Features Symmetric encryption, Algorithm support

File Characteristics

Quality High security
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable No (encrypted)

Use Cases

Data Protection Yes
Secure Communication Yes
Confidential Storage Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Decryption by unauthorized users
Best Practices Strong passphrase, Key management

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 1998
Latest Version mcrypt 2.6.8 (2007)

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .gpg, .pgp, .aes

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
mcrypt Free Unix, Windows, Mac
Libmcrypt Free Unix, Windows, Mac

Type 4: DSTV Numerical Control File

DSTV is an open standard for storing CAD data for CNC machines. Programs can save DSTV files with extensions like .nc, .nc1, and .cnc. The Deutscher Stahlbau-Verband recommends saving DSTV files as .n...

General Information

Title NC File Extension
Extension .nc
Full Form Numerical Control File
File Type CNC Machine Instruction File
Developer Various CNC Software Developers
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Control CNC machinery
Additional Functions Automate machining, Define toolpaths
Features Text-based, Instructional

File Characteristics

Quality Precision-based
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Manufacturing Yes
Metalworking Yes
Woodworking Yes
Plastic Cutting Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Minimal
Best Practices Regular updates, Validate code

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release Varies by software
Latest Version Dependent on software

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .gcode, .tap, .cnc

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Autodesk Fusion 360 Subscription Windows, Mac
Mastercam Paid Windows
SolidCAM Paid Windows