CAM350 Price & Licensing: Cost Breakdown & Where to Buy [2026 Guide]

If you’re shopping for PCB CAM software, figuring out the CAM350 price can feel like trying to decode a secret language. Unlike consumer software with straightforward pricing pages, professional CAM tools like CAM350 use custom quotes based on configuration, licensing type, and volume. After years of dealing with CAM software procurement, I’ve learned that understanding the pricing structure upfront saves significant time and helps you budget accurately.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about CAM350 price ranges, licensing options, configuration tiers, and where to actually purchase the software. Whether you’re a small fab shop buying your first seat or a large manufacturer expanding your CAM department, this information will help you navigate the purchasing process.

Understanding CAM350 Pricing Structure

The first thing to know about CAM350 price is that DownStream Technologies (now part of Siemens) doesn’t publish a fixed price list. The cost depends on several factors that vary by customer:

Factors Affecting CAM350 Price:

Factor	Impact on Price
Configuration tier (070 through FabFactory)	Primary cost driver
License type (perpetual vs. subscription)	Affects upfront vs. ongoing costs
Node-locked vs. floating license	Floating licenses cost more
Number of seats	Volume discounts available
Geographic region	Prices vary by market
Maintenance agreement	15-20% of license cost annually

Based on available market data and user reports, CAM350 price starts around $500 USD for entry-level configurations and can exceed $10,000+ for full DFM capability with advanced features. The exact quote depends on your specific requirements.

CAM350 Configuration Tiers and Estimated Costs

CAM350 comes in multiple configurations, each building on the previous tier’s capabilities. Understanding what each tier includes helps you select the right level without overpaying for features you don’t need.

CAM350 Configuration Pricing Overview

Configuration	Primary Features	Estimated Price Range
CAM350-070 (Viewer)	Import, view, query, measure, 3D visualization	$500 – $1,500
CAM350-095 (Entry DRC)	Basic DRC, editing, optimization, Gerber export	$1,500 – $3,500
CAM350-160 (Production)	NC editor, panel editor, ODB++/IPC-2581, crossprobing	$4,000 – $7,000
CAM350-195 (Full DFM)	Complete DFM analysis, Design Analyzer, rigid-flex, stencil designer	$7,000 – $12,000+
FabFactory	Advanced NC/panel editors for full factory operations	$12,000 – $20,000+

Important note: These are estimated ranges based on market research and user reports. Actual CAM350 price quotes will vary based on your specific situation. Always request a formal quote from DownStream or an authorized reseller.

What Each Configuration Includes

CAM350-070 (Gerber Viewer Bundle): This entry-level configuration handles basic viewing and verification tasks. It imports Gerber (274D, 274X, Fire9000, Barco DPF), NC drill and mill data (Excellon, Sieb & Meyer), and IPC netlists. Includes stackup definition and 3D visualization, plus query, report, and measurement tools. Best for engineers who need to verify Gerber output without editing.

CAM350-095 (Entry Level Design Analysis): Adds export capability, data editing, optimization functions, and Streams-based design rule checking. Includes ODB++ and IPC-2581 import support. Good for design engineers performing basic verification before sending files to fabrication.

CAM350-160 (Advanced Design Analysis): Includes everything in 095 plus basic NC editing, basic panel design, bi-directional DXF interface, crossprobing with Cadence Allegro and PADS, ODB++/IPC-2581 export, and VB scripting for automation. This is the sweet spot for most production environments.

CAM350-195 (Design For Manufacturing): The full DFM configuration adds comprehensive manufacturability analysis for Gerber and intelligent CAD formats, rigid-flex support, Design Analyzer for fabrication quoting, and the new Stencil Designer tool. Essential for fab shops that need to validate incoming designs against production capabilities.

FabFactory: The top tier adds advanced NC editing with tool feed tables, advanced panel editing, and complete factory workflow support. Designed for high-volume PCB manufacturers.

Perpetual vs. Subscription Licensing

Starting with Version 15, DownStream introduced subscription licensing alongside traditional perpetual options. Understanding the difference significantly impacts your total cost of ownership.

Perpetual License Model

With a perpetual license, you pay once and own the software indefinitely. However, you’ll need annual maintenance to receive updates and support.

Perpetual License Cost Structure:

• One-time license purchase (full CAM350 price)
• Annual maintenance: typically 15-20% of license cost
• Maintenance includes all updates during the year
• Maintenance can be dropped and resumed (with back-payment)

Example for CAM350-160:

• License: ~$5,000 (one-time)
• Annual maintenance: ~$750-1,000/year
• 5-year total: ~$8,750-$9,000

Subscription License Model

Subscription pricing lowers the upfront barrier and includes all updates during your subscription period.

Subscription License Cost Structure:

• Monthly or annual payment
• No large upfront investment
• All updates included
• Must maintain subscription to use software

Key Consideration: Subscription pricing was introduced specifically to “make Design for Manufacturing (DFM) accessible to more engineers and designers,” according to DownStream’s announcement. This suggests subscription costs are positioned to be more accessible than perpetual license pricing.

Which License Type Makes Sense?

Scenario	Recommended License	Reason
Long-term stable use (5+ years)	Perpetual	Lower total cost over time
Uncertain future needs	Subscription	Flexibility to cancel
Cash flow constraints	Subscription	Lower upfront cost
Multiple seats with turnover	Subscription	Easier to scale up/down
Need latest features always	Either (with maintenance)	Both include updates

Node-Locked vs. Floating Licenses

CAM350 offers two deployment options that affect both price and operational flexibility.

Node-Locked License

A node-locked license ties to a specific computer. Only that machine can run the software.

Advantages:

• Lower cost than floating
• Simpler administration
• No network dependency

Disadvantages:

• Can’t move between machines easily
• Need separate license per workstation
• Machine failure means downtime

Floating (Network) License

Floating licenses allow concurrent use across multiple machines up to your seat count. A license server manages access.

Advantages:

• Share licenses across team members
• Better utilization in shift environments
• Flexibility for remote work

Disadvantages:

• Higher per-seat cost
• Requires license server setup
• Network dependency

Pricing Impact: Floating licenses typically cost 20-50% more than equivalent node-locked licenses. For a team with variable CAM needs, floating often provides better value despite higher per-seat cost.

Where to Buy CAM350

Purchasing CAM350 involves either direct contact with DownStream/Siemens or working through authorized resellers. Here are your options:

Direct from DownStream Technologies/Siemens

Since Siemens acquired DownStream Technologies, the official purchase channel is through Siemens EDA.

Contact Options:

Channel	Details
Official Website	https://www.downstreamtech.com
Siemens EDA	https://eda.sw.siemens.com
Free Trial Request	https://www.downstreamtech.com/free-trials/
Sales Contact	Email or phone via website contact forms

Process:

1. Request a quote through the website
2. Discuss requirements with sales representative
3. Receive custom quote based on configuration
4. Negotiate pricing (especially for multiple seats)
5. Complete purchase and receive license

Authorized Resellers and Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

DownStream works with regional VARs who can provide local support, training, and sometimes different pricing structures.

Finding Authorized Resellers:

• Contact DownStream directly for VAR referrals in your region
• Regional electronics/EDA distributors may carry CAM350
• Some PCB-focused distributors offer CAM software

Benefits of Working with VARs:

• Local language support
• Regional pricing
• Combined deals with other EDA tools
• Implementation assistance

Regional Distributors

Notable Distributors by Region:

Region	Potential Sources
North America	Direct from DownStream/Siemens, PROLIM
Europe	C.B. Distribution (Netherlands), regional Siemens partners
Asia	Siemens regional offices, local EDA distributors

Always verify that any reseller is actually authorized. Unauthorized sellers may offer pirated software or versions without valid support.

Getting the Best CAM350 Price

Based on industry experience, here are strategies for getting the best possible CAM350 price:

Request Quotes from Multiple Sources

Even though DownStream controls pricing, different resellers may have different incentive structures. Get quotes from both direct and VAR channels.

Consider Bundle Deals

If you need other DownStream products (BluePrint-PCB, DFMStream), bundling can reduce per-product cost. Similarly, if you’re buying other Siemens EDA tools, ask about package pricing.

Negotiate Multi-Seat Discounts

Volume purchasing typically yields 10-20% discounts. Even 3-5 seats may qualify for better pricing than single-seat purchases.

Timing Your Purchase

End of quarter and end of fiscal year often bring better deals as sales teams work to meet targets. Ask about promotional pricing or upcoming discounts.

Evaluate Subscription vs. Perpetual Total Cost

Calculate total cost of ownership over your expected usage period. For short-term projects, subscription may save money even at higher annual cost.

Start with the Right Configuration

Don’t overbuy features you won’t use, but don’t underbuy either. Moving up configurations later often costs more than starting at the right level.

Maintenance and Support Costs

Beyond the initial CAM350 price, ongoing costs include:

Annual Maintenance Agreement

Service	What’s Included
Software Updates	All version updates during maintenance period
Technical Support	Phone and email support from DownStream
Knowledge Base	Access to documentation and FAQs
Remote Assistance	Help resolving technical issues

Typical Cost: 15-20% of original license price annually

Training Costs

Training Type	Estimated Cost
Online self-paced	Often included with purchase
Live webinars	Free from DownStream
On-site training	$1,000-3,000/day plus travel
Customized workshops	Varies by scope

Free Trial and Evaluation Options

Before committing to the full CAM350 price, you can evaluate the software:

Free Trial: DownStream offers evaluation licenses through their website. The trial provides full functionality for a limited period, letting you test workflows with actual production data.

Request Process:

1. Visit https://www.downstreamtech.com/free-trials/
2. Fill out the contact form with your requirements
3. Discuss evaluation scope with sales
4. Receive time-limited evaluation license
5. Test with your actual Gerber files and workflows

Evaluation Tips:

• Prepare test cases representing your typical workload
• Include complex boards to stress-test capabilities
• Test the specific features you need (DFM, panelization, etc.)
• Evaluate integration with your existing tools

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting price for CAM350?

The entry-level CAM350 price starts around $500 USD for the basic viewer configuration (CAM350-070). However, most production environments require at least the CAM350-160 configuration, which runs approximately $4,000-$7,000. Full DFM capability (CAM350-195) typically costs $7,000-$12,000+. These are estimates; actual pricing requires a custom quote from DownStream or an authorized reseller.

Does CAM350 offer a free version?

CAM350 does not offer a permanent free version. However, DownStream provides free evaluation licenses for prospective customers. The trial includes full functionality for a limited period, allowing you to thoroughly test the software before purchasing. Contact DownStream through their website to request an evaluation.

Is CAM350 worth the price compared to free alternatives?

For professional PCB fabrication, CAM350 justifies its cost through comprehensive DFM analysis, netlist verification, and production optimization that free tools can’t match. Free Gerber viewers work for basic file inspection, but they lack the manufacturability checking, panelization automation, and NC editing that production environments require. The time saved catching issues before fabrication typically pays for the software within a few projects.

Can I purchase CAM350 online with a credit card?

CAM350 isn’t typically sold through online e-commerce. The custom pricing model requires working with sales representatives who can configure the right solution for your needs. You’ll receive a formal quote and purchase through standard business procurement processes. Some resellers may accommodate credit card payment for smaller orders.

What happens if I stop paying maintenance?

If you have a perpetual license and discontinue maintenance, you can continue using your current version indefinitely. However, you won’t receive software updates or technical support. To resume maintenance later, you’ll typically need to pay back-maintenance fees covering the lapsed period. Subscription licenses require continuous payment to use the software.

Conclusion

Understanding CAM350 price and licensing options requires looking beyond a simple number to consider your specific needs, usage patterns, and total cost of ownership. The software’s custom pricing model can seem opaque initially, but it allows DownStream to match solutions to actual requirements rather than forcing one-size-fits-all packages.

For most PCB fabrication shops and engineering teams, the investment in CAM350 pays back through reduced scrap, faster turnaround, and fewer manufacturing issues. The introduction of subscription pricing in Version 15 makes the software accessible to smaller organizations that couldn’t justify large perpetual license costs.

Start by requesting a free trial to confirm CAM350 meets your workflow needs, then work with DownStream or an authorized reseller to get quotes for the configurations that fit your requirements. Don’t hesitate to negotiate, especially for multi-seat purchases or bundle deals with other DownStream/Siemens products.