Mastercam Update Features AI-Enabled CAM Intelligence

Source: Mastercam

Mastercam 2026 introduces 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 shopfloor 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.

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 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.

Mastercam 2026 introduces comprehensive improvements to tool handling and organization:

Mill Toolholder 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 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 tree-structured interface provides improved customization options and workflow efficiency, enabling 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 prioritization options, which reduce air cutting time and improve overall machining efficiency.

Mastercam 2026 also 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. These features include:

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 – Blending algorithms and dynamic sync options enable smoother surface transitions and more predictable results when working with complex sculptured surfaces.

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.

Additionally, 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.