MASTERCAM released the latest edition of its CAD/CAM platform that introduces several productivity enhancements along with advanced machining capabilities and AI-enabled CAM intelligence. Mastercam 2026 is designed to help manufacturers increase workflow efficiency, reduce programming time, and minimize shop-floor bottlenecks.
Built with extensive input from customers as well as industry research, Mastercam 2026 focuses on eliminating bottlenecks in the programming workflow while providing more precise control over complex machining operations.
Greater productivity via workflow efficiency
A key feature in Mastercam 2026 is its redesigned “Solid Hole” functionality, which provides programmers with improved control over hole creation in solid models. The new three-panel interface—geometry selection, hole style, and advanced options—enables programmers to design complex hole features with precision and ease, reducing programming time for parts with multiple hole types and configurations.
"Our customers have been asking for more intuitive and powerful hole creation tools for years," according to chief information officer Nand Shivkumar. "The new Solid Hole functionality doesn't just save time; it gives programmers the precision and flexibility they need to handle the most complex geometries with confidence."
Mastercam 2026 also introduces comprehensive improvements to tool handling and organization:
Mill Tool Holder Designer is redesigned to provide panel-based, intuitive visual feedback, and streamlined tool assembly workflows.
Lathe Generic Tool Catalog Support allows rapid tool creation and standardization across multiple machines.
Planes Manager is a new feature that provides a powerful tree structure with drag-and-drop organization, group creation capabilities, and advanced search and filtering functions, enabling programmers to manage complex part setups more efficiently.
Enhanced Levels Manager is a new, tree-structured interface that provides improved customization options and workflow efficiency, so users can organize and manage part modeling, workholding, and toolpath creation entities with greater flexibility.
Safety Zone Motion Priority allows for intelligent path optimization through three new prioritization options that reduce air cutting time and improve overall machining efficiency.
Higher precision and control in complex machining
Mastercam 2026 includes several machining enhancements that add more precision and control in complex machining, to achieve advanced geometries and challenging part features easily and confidently.
OptiRough Critical Depths is a new feature enables efficient machining of flat areas within complex geometries, reducing cycle times while maintaining surface finish quality. Manufacturers can now optimize roughing operations with intelligent depth control that adapts to part geometry.
Tapered Helix Entry addresses common challenges in deep pocket machining, which improves chip evacuation, provides better coolant and air access, and significantly extends tool life through optimized entry strategies.
Enhanced Loft Surface Creation is possible thanks to new blending algorithms and dynamic sync options that allow smoother surface transitions and more predictable results when working with complex sculptured surfaces.
Expanded mill/turn and integration
Mastercam 2026 significantly expands mill-turn functionality with Classic Mill Toolpath Support, so manufacturers can apply existing Surface Rough, Surface Finish, and Wireframe toolpaths previously only found in Mill programing.
PrimeTurning™ updates now include enhanced angled cuts, pinch turning capabilities, and improved finishing options, providing manufacturers with more flexibility in complex turning operations.
AI-Enabled CAM Intelligence
For customers interested in exploring next-generation manufacturing technology, Mastercam 2026 includes access to an early adopter program featuring the Mastercam Copilot, an AI-powered programming assistant enabling the next wave of CAM intelligence.
The initial release of the Mastercam Copilot offers two primary functions: a Help system that provides natural-language guidance for programming questions; and a Command function that helps users by guiding them through the programming process through user interface automation. While still in the Beta phase, early feedback on this function indicates significant potential for reducing learning curves and accelerating programming workflows.
"We're excited to give our most innovative customers early access to AI capabilities that could reshape how we approach CAM programming," according to Shivkumar. "This early adopter program allows us to refine these features based on real-world feedback before full commercial release."
Mastercam 2026 is available through Mastercam's global network of authorized resellers as well as directly from Mastercam.
Learn more at www.mastercam.com