Cimatron 2026 is the latest iteration of Cimatron’s integrated CAD/CAM software, designed for toolmakers and manufacturers, particularly in the mold and die industry. Building on the advancements of previous versions, Cimatron 2026 continues to focus on automation, productivity, user-friendly workflows, and digital connectivity to streamline the design and manufacturing process. Below is an overview of its expected key features and functionalities, based on the software’s evolution and industry trends.

1. Enhanced CAD Capabilities

Cimatron 2026 is likely to further improve its CAD tools for mold design and part modeling:

  • Mold Design Automation: Expect advanced automation for creating parting lines, surfaces, cores, cavities, lifters, and sliders. New features may include improved handling of complex geometries, such as partial rib creation in challenging mold designs.
  • Cooling System Design: A new feature, “Cooling items as the Same Component,” suggests enhanced tools for managing cooling channels, potentially allowing users to treat multiple cooling elements as a single entity for easier design and modification.
  • Hybrid Modeling: Cimatron 2026 will likely retain and enhance its hybrid solid/surface modeling capabilities, enabling seamless transitions between 2D and 3D workflows, with improved tools for draft analysis and undercut detection.

2. Advanced CAM Functionality

Cimatron 2026 is expected to build on its robust CAM capabilities for 2.5- to 5-axis machining:

  • 3-Axis and 5-Axis Machining: Improvements in toolpath generation, such as enhanced auto-tilt for 5-axis machining and automatic use of 3-axis stock for 5-axis roughing, are likely to be refined, reducing computation times and improving tool stability.
  • Deburring and Finishing: Following the introduction of 3-axis deburring in 2024, Cimatron 2026 may offer more precise control over chamfer and fillet creation along sharp edges, with automated chain selection for efficiency.
  • Pre-Drilling and Toolpath Optimization: New options for pre-drilling to avoid tool plunge issues and toolpath splitting based on tool life or cutting length are expected to be further optimized, enhancing machining precision and reducing wear.

3. AI-Driven Automation

Cimatron 2026 is anticipated to expand its use of AI technology:

  • CAD-AI Integration: Building on 2025’s AI-powered feature detection for mold design, 2026 may introduce more AI-driven tools to automate repetitive tasks, such as identifying optimal toolpaths or suggesting design modifications.
  • Smart Tool Recommendations: Integration with external tool libraries (e.g., Sandvik Coromant’s CoroPlus®) will likely continue, with AI providing intelligent suggestions for cutting tools based on material, operation, and machine type.

4. Improved User Experience

Cimatron 2026 is expected to prioritize a simplified and intuitive user interface:

  • Search & Favorites: A new “Applicative Add – Search & Favorites” feature suggests enhanced tools for quickly accessing frequently used functions or components, improving workflow efficiency.
  • Batch Processing: Features like multi-view spacing and batch updates for drawings, introduced in earlier versions, may be refined to allow faster modifications across multiple design elements.
  • Visualization Tools: Enhanced visualization of toolpath nodes and simulation improvements (e.g., up to 30% faster computation in previous versions) are likely to be further optimized for better prediction of machining outcomes.

5. Digital Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Cimatron 2026 will likely strengthen its digital connectivity features:

  • Tool Library Integration: Continued integration with external tool management systems, providing access to extensive cutting tool databases and seamless data transfer to CAM processes.
  • Simulation and Verification: Enhanced integration with G-code simulation tools (e.g., NCSIMUL) may allow for more accurate machining previews, with automatic transfer of workpieces, fixtures, and tool data.
  • Process Management: Improved NC template managers and multi-edit procedures will likely streamline CAM programming, reducing setup times and enhancing process control.

6. Electrode Design and Manufacturing

Cimatron 2026 is expected to further optimize electrode workflows:

  • Automation in Electrode Creation: Enhanced automation for burn body operations and electrode extensions, with improved control over non-cutting rules and electrode shapes.
  • Electrode Extensions: New tools for defining extension directions and managing electrode geometry, making the process faster and more precise.

7. Industry-Specific Tools

Cimatron 2026 will likely continue to cater to the specific needs of moldmakers and tool manufacturers:

  • Rapid Parting Line Design: Improved tools for defining parting lines and surfaces, with automated draft angle analysis and undercut evaluation.
  • Flexible Mold Alterations: Enhanced flexibility in modifying mold designs, allowing quick adjustments to accommodate engineering changes.
  • Support for Multiple Formats: Continued support for importing and exporting industry-standard formats (e.g., DXF, IGES, STEP, STL) and direct read/write capabilities for popular CAD systems like CATIA, Creo, and SolidWorks.

8. Productivity and Efficiency

Cimatron 2026 is expected to deliver significant productivity gains:

  • Reduced Machining Time: Features like automatic feed control (AFC) and optimized toolpaths may further reduce CNC machining time, building on the 10%+ reduction seen in prior versions.
  • Streamlined Workflows: Automation of repetitive tasks, improved template management, and faster simulation times will likely enhance overall productivity.
  • Multi-Component Handling: The ability to treat cooling items or other components as a single entity may simplify complex designs, reducing errors and design time.

Conclusion