What’s New in GibbsCAM 2026

Next-Generation Engine Redefines 3D Machining

October 1, 2025

GibbsCAM 2026 sets a new benchmark as the go-to solution for high-end CNC programming with the all-new Advanced 3D Machining engine that unlocks dramatically faster calculations, optimal toolpaths, and exceptional surface quality.

GibbsCAM 2026 is brimming with ergonomic advances and tools for smarter ways of working, like GibbsCAM Viewer for team-wide collaboration, upgraded Variable-B Turning and multi-axis machining, advanced simulation, tool management and more.

A New Era for Advanced 3D Machining

At the heart of GibbsCAM 2026 lies a completely re-engineered Advanced 3D Machining engine, powered by ModuleWorks technology. This new core delivers significant gains in toolpath generation speed, ensuring faster programming cycles and fewer iterations.

GibbsCAM users will be at ease with familiar GibbsCAM interface without training, while enjoying a major boost in performance. The engine generates smoother, more predictable toolpaths, which translates into superior surface finishes and minimizes secondary finishing operations.

GibbsCAM Viewer — Enterprise-Wide AccESS

The new GibbsCAM Viewer extends access to CAM data across the entire organization. This read-only tool allows operators, managers, and quality teams to inspect parts, verify geometry, analyze toolpaths, and generate reports—all without risking changes to toolpaths or NC code. By using the same familiar interface, the Viewer enhances collaboration, reduces communication errors, and keeps programming data secure.

Automated Deburr/Chamfer of Solids

GibbsCAM 2026 adds a new capability to Mill Contour: Automated Deburr/Chamfer. This replaces and supersedes the Deburring plug-in. You can now deburr or chamfer edges that you manually select and/or edges of selected faces; or you can automatically deburr or chamfer all applicable edges on a selected solid body.

Metallic Rendering

You can now specify not just a color but optionally also a metallic appearance for Simulation items. Use the Colors tab to assign metallic rendering to such items like workpieces, cutting tools/shanks/holders, intermediate tooling, fixtures, etc.; use the Sim tab for such items as Target, ActiveOp, Op, Clash, etc.

Undo/Redo history navigation

New navigation capability allows quick access to any point in the design process. This new function greatly speeds and facilitates navigating to a particular action instead of having to press Ctrl+Z or Ctrl+Y repeatedly to undo or redo many actions.

Smarter Tool Management

The new Tool Usage Reporter offers operation-based tracking of all tools used in a project. Accessible from the Tool dialog, this manager-style interface displays every operation linked to a selected tool.

Users can quickly identify, select, or remove tool-linked operations with intuitive row selection and workspace highlighting. This feature streamlines tool management and improves transparency.

Expanded Multi-Axis and 5-Axis Capabilities

GibbsCAM 2026 expands its multi-axis machining capabilities with advanced tilting strategies and smarter toolpath orientation. The improved AutoTilt feature now supports bullnose tools, increasing versatility.

Two new strategies—Tilted into Plane and Tilt Tool in a User Defined Plane—give programmers precise control over tool axis orientation, aligning tilt with specific rotational axes for more stable machining. The enhanced automatic tilting kernel ensures consistent results across existing toolpaths and simplifies adoption of the latest features.

Multiblade Machining Improvements

The new Edge Finishing strategy delivers high-quality surface results while protecting delicate leading edges, and expanded tool support now includes flat end mills, bullnose mills, and taper tools. Users can customize feed rates for links, lead-ins, lead-outs, and edge extensions, reducing non-cutting time and optimizing cycle efficiency.

Additional upgrades include enhanced wall finishing, improved rotary machining finishing, and more effective deburring, giving operators greater control, speed, and precision across complex multi-axis operations.

Variable-B Turning — Interactive & Intuitive

GibbsCAM 2026 users can define tool angles directly along the cut path using control points, with smooth interpolation for precise control over complex operations. This makes complex turning operations easier to set up and more accurate, improving both flexibility and productivity.

Multi-Sided Turning — Smarter & More Efficient

For Multi-Sided Turning tools such as Sandvik Coromant’s CoroTurn® Prime inserts, toolpath generation is now smarter and more efficient. The system calculates material engagement intelligently, maximizing insert geometry while maintaining safety. The result is improved material removal, consistent operation, and greater efficiency in advanced turning tasks.

Easier Workflows & Simulation

Better Geometry Control

Users can now scale solids, sheets, and facet bodies with precision, rotate geometry out of plane without complex workarounds, and measure minimum and maximum distances for improved part inspection.

Easier Workflows

Stock definitions are more accurate with features like cylindrical Shrink Wrap.

Accurate Simulation

Simulation playback now reflects actual machining time and includes metallic rendering options for enhanced visual clarity.

Enhanced Measurement

This spreadsheet-style

New Partner Solutions

VERICUT® Optimizer for GibbsCAM

Dynamically adjust feed rates to maintain ideal chip thickness. The result: shorter cycle times, extended tool life, and consistent cutting quality—all without altering proven GibbsCAM toolpaths.

CloudNC CAM Assist — AI Automation for Programming

CloudNC CAM Assist offers cloud-based AI automation to generate complete 3-axis and 3+2 toolpaths directly from GibbsCAM session data, dramatically reducing programming time and helping companies address the shortage of experienced programmers.