What’s new in EZCAM 2026

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  2. What’s new in EZCAM 2026

1. Industry-Leading 3D Toolpaths

The 2026 edition introduces an entirely new generation of high-performance toolpaths:

  • 3D Roughing

• Auto side lead-in/out from stock boundary enables the tool to automatically lead in and out from the edge of the stock material, ensuring safe entry and exit without engaging the part.

• If helical plunging is not feasible due to a narrow area, the system automatically switches to Zig-zag within the limits and continues safely without showing an error.

• Minimize Jumps option replaces Z-rapid retracts with optimized safe-Z lifts, eliminating unnecessary retracts to high clearance planes for smoother and more efficient toolpaths.

  • 3D Re-Roughing

• Independent control over re-roughing parameters allows a separate set of plunge settings, machining allowances, finish tolerances, and boundary definitions to be applied, enabling toolpaths to be precisely tailored for both roughing and re-roughing.

• Accurate rest material computation for all tool types ensures precise detection of uncut material regardless of tool type, improving efficiency and accuracy in re-roughing and finishing sequences.

  • New 3D Finishing Strategies

• Parallel, Radial, Morphcut, Curve Projection

• Supports undercut tools such as T-slot and lollipop cutters.

• Supports selection of Check Surfaces and specification of minimum and maximum Surface Angle parameters to restrict toolpath generation to the desired regions.

• Smooth automatic ramp in/out

• Variable Step mode for consistent scallop height

  • Spiral Finish

• Automatically transitions to elliptical spirals for wide areas, maintaining tool efficiency and surface quality

• Users can define both the cutting direction and the starting point of the operation for better control.

• Allows the addition of dedicated finish passes within spiral operations for enhanced precision

• Variable Step maintains scallop tolerance while optimizing X-Y step length

  • Pencil Milling Enhancements

• Adds support for multiple pencilcut passes, ideal for detailed edge cleanup and improved surface quality

• Also supports constant-Z passes by specifying the Z step parameter

2. Next-Gen Wizard Interface

Redesigned UI with modern visuals and always-visible data panels. Help graphics enhance understanding during toolpath setup.

  • Faster Programming and Simulation

In previous versions, users had to close the workstep dialog to calculate toolpaths, select surfaces, or initiate simulation. Now, all these steps can be performed directly while the window remains open. You can even exit simulation mode by simply double-clicking an empty space on the screen—no need to use the Redraw command.

  • Right-Side Command Panel

2D Wizards now appear above the workstep list for improved workflow access. From here, you can initiate a new workstep, enter tool parameters, and select geometry—all without ever closing the active window.

  • Seamless Workstep Navigation

You can now switch between ez-cam commands and workstep editing with a single click. Toolpath recalculation is available while the window remains open, making it easy to iterate quickly.

  • Automatic Tool Diameter

A new button next to the input box enables the tool diameter to be set automatically based on the current selection. For drilling operations, it matches the diameter of the selected holes. For contouring and pocketing operations, it matches the minimum corner fillet radius of the selected faces.

  • In-Place Renaming

A new right-click feature allows for easy renaming of worksteps directly in the list—just right-click and rename.

3. Curveless System Improvements

Curveless now supports: pocketing, contouring, chamfering, wrapping, 4th-axis, drilling, threading.

Threadmilling face-based SmartClick support for internal and external threads

Wrapping with Open-End Pockets supported in EZ-MILL and EZ-TURN

Pocketing/Contouring with Bosses Combine Regions supports embedded features

Check Surface Expansion supported in more pocketing/contouring cases

Open-Edge Contouring with check surfaces and auto region detection

4th Axis Surface Finishing via contour with 3D projection (EZ-TURN)

SmartClick Enhancements

  • Selects flat faces at same Z height; ignores blind hole ends
  • Supports wrapping via face selection at same diameter
  • Draft/taper angles automatically populated
  • Automatically set Z-surf and Z-depth
  • Avoids faces with negative surface normal
  • Allows curveless indexing without UCS using first selected surface

4. Workflow, Automation & Integration Enhancements

  • Enhanced “World on Surface” Command

  • Dynamic X-Axis Alignment: When the cursor is moved near a linear edge of the selected face, the X-axis of the UCS automatically aligns with that edge. This intuitive preview helps the user understand how the UCS will be oriented before placing it.
  • Endpoint-Based Direction Control: The system intelligently chooses the X+ direction based on the proximity of the cursor to the endpoints of the selected edge, allowing more precise orientation without requiring manual axis flipping.

    • EZ-WEB Tools

  • Backup/restore from “default account” tied to license key
  • New option to upload user-selected files
  • Restore log opens in preferred text editor
  • Backup/restore access directly from Starting Window
  • Better exception handling prevents crash scenarios during upload / download

    • UI & Automation

  • Double-clicking empty space now triggers Redraw
  • True 3D Screen Point Snapping: When hovering over a surface, the “Screen Point” snapping mode now locks to the actual 3D coordinates of the model allowing reliable distance measurements.

  • Geometry Copy/Paste works across layers and EZ-CAM modules
  • Spreadsheet command can sync Tool Data across all worksteps using same tool number

    • Alibre Enhancements

  • “Transfer Fixture” and “Transfer Stock” supported
  • When working with assemblies in Alibre, using the “Edit Here” or “Edit in Separate Window” command on a specific component ensures that the part retains its precise placement during the transfer into EZ-CAM

  • Feature data from design tree now transferred (e.g., fillet radius for 3D geometry)

    • SolidWorks Plug-in

  • Improved model transfer reliability
  • Better handling of special characters and face properties

    5. EZ-EDM: Redesigned Icons for All Commands

    All command icons have been redesigned in a larger 32 x 32 size to improve visibility and usability. The new icons ensure a visually cohesive interface, making commands easier to recognize and access.