Mastercam 2026 Delivers Superior Machining Performance with Advanced Productivity Tools and AI-enabled CAM Intelligence

TOLLAND, Conn., July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mastercam, the world's leading CAD/CAM software provider, today announced the release of Mastercam 2026, introducing several productivity enhancements along with advanced machining capabilities and AI-enabled CAM intelligence, designed to help manufacturers increase workflow efficiency, reduce programming time, and minimize shop floor bottlenecks.

Built on extensive customer feedback and industry research, Mastercam 2026 focuses on eliminating bottlenecks in the programming workflow while providing more precise control over complex machining operations.

Increased Productivity Through Workflow Efficiency

A key feature in Mastercam 2026 is its redesigned Solid Hole Functionality, which provides manufacturers 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," said Nand Shivkumar, Chief Innovation Officer at Mastercam. "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."

Recognizing that tool management often creates programming bottlenecks, Mastercam 2026 introduces comprehensive improvements to tool handling and organization:

The redesigned Mill Tool Holder Designer provides panel-based, intuitive visual feedback and streamlined tool assembly workflows, while Lathe Generic Tool Catalog Support enables rapid tool creation and standardization across multiple machines.

New Planes Manager: Features 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: The new tree-structured interface provides improved customization options and workflow efficiency, allowing users to organize and manage part modeling, work holding, and toolpath creation entities with greater flexibility.

Safety Zone Motion Priority: Intelligent path optimization can now be accomplished through three new prioritization options which reduce air cutting time and improve overall machining efficiency.

Higher Precision and Control in Complex Machining

Mastercam 2026 includes several machining enhancements that enable complex machining with a high degree of precision and control, delivering advanced geometries and challenging part features with ease and confidence.

OptiRough Critical Depths: This 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: Addressing common challenges in deep pocket machining, this enhancement improves chip evacuation, provides better coolant and air access, and significantly extends tool life through optimized entry strategies.

Enhanced Loft Surface Creation: New blending algorithms and dynamic sync options enable smoother surface transitions and more predictable results when working with complex sculptured surfaces.

Expanded Mill-Turn and Integration Capabilities

Mastercam 2026 significantly expands mill-turn functionality with Classic Mill Toolpath Support, enabling manufacturers to leverage existing Surface Rough, Surface Finish, and Wireframe legacy toolpaths previously only found in Mill environments. 

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 Beta, early feedback 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," Shivkumar noted. "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 Channel Partners as well as directly from Mastercam. The U.S. release is available immediately while additional languages will be released in the following weeks and months. More information can be found at mastercam.com.

For more information, contact Melanie Frenkel, Sr. Media Director, Berkeley Communications, phone: 760.421.7719, or email: [email protected].

About Mastercam
Shaping the Future of Manufacturing®, Mastercam is the world's leading provider of CAD/CAM solutions. As part of Sandvik, we empower manufacturers to enhance productivity, streamline processes, and drive innovation. With a global network of Channel Partners and an extensive developer community, Mastercam continues to set industry standards by delivering comprehensive, connected solutions across the manufacturing enterprise. We lead the way with cutting-edge technology and unparalleled expertise. Discover more at www.mastercam.com, follow us on LinkedIn, and join the conversation with #mastercam

SOURCE Mastercam