Jump to content

Cimatron | 2026

Cimatron 2026 introduces several new features focused on artificial intelligence, workflow automation, and enhanced design control to streamline the tool-and-die and mold-making process. Core New Features & Highlights

Cimatron Copilot: A dedicated AI-powered digital assistant that understands natural language. It can answer questions about the software, help locate specific tools, and provide guidance on daily workflows.

CAD-AI Feature Detection: Uses advanced AI to automatically identify complex geometry such as pockets, slots, chamfers, and holes in seconds, even on complex mold plates.

Reference Manager (Ref Mgr): A new tree tab in the part tree that provides a global view of all rerouted or "broken" references in a part, helping users quickly identify and fix lost geometrical or dimensional links.

Data Import Monitoring: The system now monitors source folders for new neutral files (STEP, IGES, etc.) and issues a notification if a newer version of the original imported data arrives.

What's New Marking: Enhanced tools are now visually flagged with an orange dot indicator on their icons. Clicking an updated tool and pressing F1 takes you directly to the specific "What's New" description for that enhancement. Design & Modeling Enhancements

Loft Twist Control: Provides direct control over the direction and starting point of a loft to correct unwanted twisting between sections.

Fillet Gap Correction: Visually highlights areas that exceed max gap tolerances and offers a dedicated function to repair these errors and restore surface continuity.

Improved Electrode Functionality: New safeguards alert users when a reference User Coordinate System (UCS) is missing and can automatically synchronize holder rotation to the blank.

Text & Drafting Improvements: The system now keeps the 5 most recently used fonts at the top of the list for both modeling and drafting. Linear dimensions in drafting also automatically apply a diameter symbol when they detect parallel lines representing holes or shafts in side views. NC & Machining Updates

5X Auto Tilt Improvements: New optimizations for 3+2 axis machining reduce unnecessary rotational axis travel, leading to shorter cycle times.

Motion Editor Upgrades: Enhanced performance with new "undo" and "redo" functionality, along with automated toolpath gap reconnection after motion deletion.

NC File Multi-Tasking: Users can now open multiple NC files in a single session, allowing for easier copying and pasting of machining procedures and toolpaths between different projects. Product Videos

Cimatron 2026 is the latest major release of the integrated CAD/CAM software designed specifically for the mold, die, and toolmaking industries

. This version continues to push the boundaries of automation and digital connectivity, primarily through its integration with Sandvik's advanced manufacturing technologies. Key New Features & Enhancements GPU-Accelerated Simulation : A major addition is the ModuleWorks GPU Simulation cimatron 2026

, which utilizes graphics card processing to increase simulation speeds by up to 10 times compared to traditional CPU methods. This is particularly effective for complex 3- and 5-axis parts. CAD-AI Integration

: Cimatron 2026 leverages AI-powered feature detection to automatically identify mold components and part features within solid models. This streamlines the transition from design to CNC toolpath generation by automating tedious manual selection tasks. Advanced Tool Management : The software features direct integration with the Sandvik Coromant CoroPlus® Tool Library

. This allows users to access over 900,000 tool items and receive intelligent recommendations based on material and operation type. Enhanced CAM Strategies Toolpath Splitting

: Users can now split toolpaths based on tool life or cutting length for better process control. NC Template Manager

: A new manager simplifies editing and reusing successful machining strategies. 5-Axis Optimization

: Improvements in auto-tilting algorithms can result in calculation speed gains of up to 25 times in specific scenarios. Core Module Capabilities

Cimatron 2026 maintains its comprehensive suite of specialized modules for every stage of the tooling workflow: Cimatron CAD-AI

Cimatron 2026 is the upcoming major release of the integrated CAD/CAM software designed specifically for the mold, tool, and die industry. While a specific release date has not been officially broadcast as of early 2026, the software continues to focus on end-to-end manufacturing efficiency—from initial quoting and design to final CNC machining. Core Focus Areas of Cimatron 2026

The 2026 edition is expected to build upon the "digital thread" concept, ensuring that data flows seamlessly between the design office and the shop floor to reduce lead times. Advanced Mold & Die Design

: Enhanced automation for complex parting lines, cooling channel optimization (including conformal cooling for 3D printing), and specialized tools for electrode design. High-Speed Machining (HSM)

: Refined milling algorithms aimed at reducing tool wear and cycle times. This includes smarter "rest milling" to remove material efficiently where previous tools couldn't reach. Multi-Axis Support

: Improved 5-axis strategies designed to handle the intricate geometries often found in aerospace and automotive tooling. Sandvik Coromant Integration

: Following its acquisition by Sandvik, Cimatron is increasingly integrating specialized cutting tool data and "digital twin" technology to simulate machining environments more accurately. Key Expected Features Feature Category Anticipated Improvements User Interface

Further customization of the workflow to reduce mouse clicks and improve "heads-up" designing. Automation Cimatron 2026 introduces several new features focused on

Increased use of template-based design for standard components (lifters, sliders, ejectors) to speed up the CAD phase. Connectivity

Better integration with MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) and direct communication with Shop Floor managers. Simulation

Enhanced G-code verification to prevent machine collisions and ensure "right-first-time" machining. Industry Impact

Cimatron 2026 remains a niche powerhouse for toolmakers. By consolidating CAD (design), CAE (analysis/flow), and CAM (manufacturing) into a single environment, it eliminates the data translation errors that often occur when moving between different software packages.

Cimatron 2026 is widely regarded as a powerhouse for the mold, tool, and die industry, earning high marks for its deep specialization and the introduction of advanced automation features like CAD-AI. Reviewers and users frequently highlight that while the software has a steep learning curve, its ability to handle complex 5-axis machining and automated tooling workflows makes it "the best for complexity tasks" in professional environments. Key Performance Highlights

AI-Powered Automation: The new CAD-AI feature is a standout, enabling automatic detection of complex features like pockets, slots, and holes in seconds, which significantly cuts down manual programming time.

Workflow Efficiency: Tools like Cimatron Copilot act as an interactive personal assistant, helping users navigate the interface and resolve workflow questions quickly.

Specialized Tooling: The software excels in niche areas such as electrode design and die binder surface creation, with new automated "Extend and Cap" functions that eliminate manual surface fixing.

Performance Gains: Integration with ModuleWorks GPU Simulation provides up to 10x faster simulation speeds compared to CPU-based methods, which is critical for verifying complex 5-axis toolpaths. User Perspective: Pros & Cons

According to reviews from G2 and SourceForge, users report the following: All-in-one solution for quoting, design, and manufacturing Steep learning curve for beginners

Superior electrode automation that can reduce delivery times by 70%

UI/UX can feel less modern than some general-purpose CAD tools

Excellent support and community resources for troubleshooting

Interoperability with non-manufacturing PDM systems can require extra setup Loading Time: Large assembly files (2GB+) expected to

See the latest AI features and specialized toolpath enhancements in Cimatron 2026:

Part 3: UI/UX and Performance Upgrades

While raw machining power matters, usability defines a software’s success. Cimatron 2026 is reportedly moving to a fully GPU-accelerated interface.

Performance Benchmarks:

  • Loading Time: Large assembly files (2GB+) expected to load 40% faster than in Cimatron 2025.
  • Visualization: Real-time ray tracing for checking surface finish before cutting.
  • Dark Mode 2.0: Full contrast optimization for long shifts in dimly lit shop floors.

Furthermore, Cimatron 2026 will likely sever ties with legacy code from the 32-bit era, making it a native 64-bit multi-threaded application. This means if you have a 16-core workstation, Cimatron 2026 will finally use it effectively for simultaneous simulation and toolpath calculation.

Phase 7: Documentation

  • Create Setup Sheet (HTML/PDF): Shows tool list, stock image, operation comments.
  • Tool list automatically exported to Excel (tool name, diameter, stickout, holder).

Core CAD Enhancements: Intelligent Design for Manufacturability

The CAD environment in Cimatron 2026 has been fundamentally re-architected. The headline feature is the AI-Assisted Parting Line Designer. Traditionally, extracting a parting surface from a complex plastic part could consume hours of manual trimming and stitching. Version 2026 employs a machine learning model trained on thousands of mold geometries to automatically propose and refine parting lines, reducing designer intervention by an estimated 70% on organic shapes.

Furthermore, the Electrode Design Workbench has been enhanced with generative capabilities. Engineers can now select a burn area, and Cimatron 2026 will automatically generate not only the electrode geometry but also the associated holder, graphite stock, and burning program, while simultaneously checking for clearance with adjacent mold components. This reduces the electrode design cycle from minutes to seconds, a critical advantage when producing molds for rapid prototyping or short-run production.

The Hybrid Manufacturing Revolution

A defining characteristic of Cimatron 2026 is its native support for hybrid manufacturing—the seamless combination of additive (laser powder bed fusion or directed energy deposition) and subtractive (milling) processes within a single workpiece. Recognizing that conformal cooling channels are now standard in high-end injection molds, Cimatron 2026 introduces a DED (Directed Energy Deposition) Path Generator. This allows a machinist to deposit a near-net shape of a mold insert onto a standard blank, then immediately switch to finishing toolpaths. The software automatically handles the stock model transition, a task that previously required manual file transfer and alignment. This integration reduces material waste by up to 85% for large mold bases and cuts lead time dramatically.

2. CAM: High-Speed Milling & Multi-Axis Mastery

3-Axis High-Efficiency Milling The VoluMill 2026 kernel is now deeply embedded, offering toolpath strategies that maintain constant chip load even in hard materials (e.g., H13, D2). New Adaptive Clearing with Plunge Roughing reduces air cutting by 25% on deep pockets.

5-Axis Simultaneous & 3+2 Machining Cimatron 2026 refines its multi-axis capabilities with:

  • Auto-Tilt for Finishing: Automatically tilts the tool to avoid holder-collision on steep walls and deep ribs.
  • 5-Axis Flow Lines: Allows machining of complex blisks, impellers, and tire molds with smooth, gouge-free passes.
  • Tool Path Morphing: For large electrode blocks, the system can smoothly transition between zig-zag, spiral, and one-way patterns in a single operation.

Micro-Milling Support For medical or micro-component molds, Cimatron adds Tool Runout Compensation and Scaled Corner Feed Reduction (down to 0.1 µm precision), preventing tool breakage on features <0.2 mm.

1. CAD Enhancements: Smarter Design for Manufacturability

Intelligent Solid & Surface Hybrid Modeling Cimatron 2026 introduces an enhanced hybrid modeling environment where solid and surface operations coexist non-destructively. The new Direct Editing Wizard allows users to push/pull complex B-rep faces, remove fillets in batches, and offset core/cavity faces without regenerating history. This is critical when repairing imported geometry from automotive or consumer electronics supply chains.

Automated Core & Cavity Separation A major update is the AI-assisted Parting Designer. The system now automatically detects undercuts, suggests parting line locations, and generates split surfaces with fewer manual steps. For complex dies, the new Slider & Lifter Catalog includes parametric, industry-standard components that auto-adjust to the part’s draft angle.

Electrode Design 2.0 Since electrodes remain vital for EDM machining of complex cavities, Cimatron 2026 debuts Agile Electrode, a semi-automated workflow:

  • One-click burn area extraction from negative volumes.
  • Automatic electrode blank selection from a customizable library.
  • Real-time anti-collision checking against stock, clamps, and neighboring electrodes.
  • Dynamic electrode documentation with automatic updates when the design changes.
×
×
  • Create New...