For three decades, Microvellum has played a role in shaping the way manufacturers design, engineer, and produce bespoke wood products. Founded in 1995 by a cabinet maker and building contractor in Southern California, the company was created to improve efficiency in shop drawing production. What began as a specialised tool to streamline shop drawings quickly evolved into a comprehensive software platform, now used by manufacturers across residential and commercial woodworking industries worldwide.
Microvellum’s early advancements laid the groundwork for its evolution into a full-scale woodworking software provider. By developing tools that streamlined cut listing, drawing creation, and material calculations, the company introduced a more efficient approach to design and production. These innovations helped manufacturers transition from manual processes to more automated workflows, improving accuracy, reducing errors, and accelerating project timelines.
As the demand for more advanced solutions grew, Microvellum continued to expand its capabilities, refining and enhancing its software to meet the needs of a diverse customer base. By the early 2000s, the company had gained traction with woodworkers in North America and beyond. This period also marked Microvellum’s first direct CNC connections, enabling manufacturers to link their design and engineering data directly to CNC machinery.
As its user base grew, the company established sales and support teams in Canada, Australia, and the UK, ensuring that users around the world had access to the resources and assistance needed to optimise their operations.
A major milestone in Microvellum’s history came in 2007 when the company partnered with Autodesk to develop Toolbox OEM, an all-in-one solution built on the AutoCAD platform. This collaboration reinforced Microvellum’s reputation as a leader in woodworking technology and gave manufacturers access to a powerful, integrated tool for design, engineering, and production.
Over the years, continuous investment in software development has driven new advancements, solidifying the company’s role in the industry. One of its key strengths lies in its extensive product libraries, which are designed to serve various applications, including cabinetry, casework, commercial interiors, and bespoke joinery.
These libraries provide a strong starting point for manufacturers, allowing them to work with pre-configured products that can be customised to match their specific production needs.
Regular updates to these libraries ensure that manufacturers stay in sync with evolving design trends and industry advancements.
Microvellum has also focused on strengthening its integrations with leading hardware brands. The software streamlines product specification processes by supporting components from well-known brands such as Blum, Hettich, Häfele, Kesseböhmer, Titus, and others. By integrating directly with these manufacturers’ hardware, Microvellum helps businesses reduce engineering adjustments and minimise errors, making production workflows more seamless.
Microvellum’s commitment to automation extends beyond design and engineering, with ongoing advancements in CNC connectivity. The software is designed to integrate seamlessly with nearly any modern CNC machine, including saws, boring machines, routers, machining centres, material handling systems, and robotic arms. This level of connectivity enables manufacturers to bridge the gap between design and production, optimising workflows and minimising manual intervention.
By streamlining machine communication and automating toolpath generation, Microvellum helps manufacturers improve production efficiency, reduce errors, and maximise the capabilities of their CNC equipment.
Beyond software development, Microvellum has placed a strong emphasis on education and workforce development. Recognising the importance of training and knowledge-sharing within the industry, the company made its community forums and knowledge base freely accessible in 2018.
These resources provide an open space for users to exchange insights, troubleshoot challenges, and learn from one another. Building on this commitment to education, Microvellum introduced Microvellum University (MVU), a free eLearning platform that offers a structured curriculum covering key aspects of the software, helping new users get started while also providing more advanced training for experienced professionals.
The company also works closely with educational institutions, supporting programmes that train students in drafting, engineering, and woodworking technology. By investing in education, Microvellum aims to help bridge the labour gap in the woodworking industry and prepare the next generation of professionals for high-demand careers in manufacturing.
Reflecting on the company’s journey, Microvellum President David Fairbanks shared: “Our success has always been driven by innovation and a focus on solving real challenges for woodworkers. Every milestone we’ve reached has been made possible by the dedication of our team and the feedback from our users.
As we celebrate 30 years, we remain committed to advancing technology, enhancing automation, and providing manufacturers with the tools they need to grow.”
Microvellum has grown from a small, six-person team to a global company with experts in software development, technical support, service, sales, and marketing. Many of its team members have backgrounds in woodworking, drafting, engineering, and project management, allowing them to provide users with practical, industry-focused solutions.
As Microvellum looks ahead, its focus remains on automation, innovation, and global expansion. With a strong foundation and 30 years of progress behind it, the company continues to evolve, helping manufacturers stay competitive in an industry that is constantly changing. What began in 1995 has grown into a trusted solution for manufacturers worldwide, and with ongoing advancements, Microvellum is positioned to support the industry for decades to come.
Pictured below: David Fairbanks, Microvellum President
