Concepts NREC Unveils Agile Engineering Design System 2026.1

Concepts NREC has released version 2026.1 of its Agile Engineering Design System, with new capabilities to enhance workflows across design, analysis, and manufacturing for turbomachinery engineers. The release enhances secondary flow analysis, reduces friction between tools, expands machining flexibility for complex geometries, and gives users greater control over process documentation, the company reports.

The Agile Engineering Design System (AEDS) is an integrated CAE and CAM software platform specialized for turbomachinery. 

Expanded Flow Analysis Capabilities

The latest release deepens CFD functionality for radial and axial machines. Users can now solve secondary passages with standard, stepped, or custom labyrinth seal designs using Cadence Fidelity Fine Turbo and Concepts NREC's pbCFD. Improvements to secondary flow path geometry handling in AxCent further expand customization options and improve CFD solve success rates. 

Reduced Workflow Friction

A new automated link between AxCent and CTAADS ports blade geometry and CFD results directly into cooled turbine analysis projects, eliminating manual data transfer. Similarly, the TurboOpt II, Concepts NREC's turbomachinery design optimization tool, and Ansys optiSLang integration has been overhauled to automatically exchange inputs and outputs between the two applications.

Increased Toolpath Performance 

The latest MAX-PAC release focuses on expanding machining flexibility for complex blade geometries. New toolpath methods are also being introduced including spiral roughing capabilities for single blades for shrouded or tailstock-supported parts. Undercutting support has also been added for 3+2 roughing operations with lollipop tools, disc cutters, and barrel tools, resulting in increased material removal in each tool orientation. 

Customized Process Documentation

A new interface in the Machining Setup Properties menu consolidates process documentation customization into a single location, giving users control over setup images, column configuration, and output format (HTML or TXT).

"The pace of innovation in turbomachinery is accelerating and engineers are expected to meet demands, faster than ever before," says Jonathan Bicknell, vice president of Software Products at Concepts NREC. "This release reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering the most connected and capable environment for engineers, from early design through analysis, optimization, and final machining, so they can focus on solving hard problems with robust tools."

A full list of new features is available in the release notes at www.conceptsnrec.com/software-release-notes-2026.1. 

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.