GPU-Accelerated Simulation Rounds Out New Mastercam Release

Mastercam has released Mastercam 2026.R2, the second installment in its new semi-annual release cycle. 

“Our customers told us they needed faster verification, less time on repetitive tasks, and quicker access to new capabilities,” says Nand Shivkumar, chief innovation officer at Mastercam. “The move to semi-annual releases means we can respond to what shops are asking for without making them wait. When simulation runs in seconds instead of minutes, and an AI assistant handles routine programming steps, machinists can focus on the work that actually requires their expertise.”

GPU Simulation

The new GPU simulation delivers high-resolution verification without extended processing time. In testing, verification that took nearly 90 minutes with CPU simulation completed in just over 22 minutes with GPU acceleration. Shops working with complex multi-operation parts can now run through collision detection and material analysis without compromising their production schedule, according to Mastercam

AI-assisted Programming

Mastercam Copilot brings AI automation to everyday programming tasks. Machinists can adjust feed rates and spindle speeds across multiple operations using voice or text commands, with confirmation prompts built in for safety. The assistant supports approximately 200 toolpath types and can build complete machine groups based on verbal descriptions. A hands-free mode, activated by the keyword “Copilot,” enables voice-controlled operation. 

Copilot also searches the myMastercam video library, returning answers with timestamps that link directly to relevant training content.

Multiaxis Advancements

Mastercam 2026.R2 introduces automatic tilting with bullnose endmills, improved 4-axis Swarf milling, smarter clearance plane calculations, and optimized level-based ordering.

Probing Upgrade

This release adds support for Blum laser tool setters across major CNC controls, enabling users to output tool setting macros directly from Mastercam. Tool height offsets, wear checks, and breakage detection are now managed within the application. The integration works with Fanuc, Siemens, Okuma, Heidenhain, Mazak, and Makino controls, keeping tool data centralized without requiring manual code editing. 

Availability

Mastercam 2026.R2 is available now and offered as a free update to all customers on an active Mastercam CONNECT maintenance and support plan. Learn more here or log in to myMastercam to download.

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