New Interface for Creating Tools and Holders

Mastercam 2026 features a redesigned interface for creating Mill tools and holders. The old wizard-style dialog boxes have been replaced by modern function panels similar to the Lathe 3D Tool Designer. Additional enhancements streamline your workflow even further. Use the new interface to create all types of tools for Mill and Router:

• 3D tools with component models for accurate simulation
• Simpler tools with parametric definitions that do not require solid models

The Mill Tool Designer organizes your tool settings in four pages.

Use the Tool page to tell Mastercam about the tool and to select a tool Type.

The layout of the Geometry page is determined by the tool Type that you select. Use the controls at the top of the page to select and manage the solid model that will represent the tool for simulation and collision checking.

Mastercam maintains two different models of the tool:

• The anti-collision model is based on the imported solid model. Mastercam uses this model for simulation and collision checking.
• The parametric model is based on the tool dimensions as shown in this panel. Mastercam uses this model when calculating toolpaths.

If you import a solid model, Mastercam fills in the dimensions automatically based on the model. This ensures that the two models are as close as possible. However, you can edit or fine-tune the dimensions as required to improve your toolpath results. The Model deviation field displays the maximum deviation between the two.

You are not required to import a solid model. In this case, enter the dimensions manually and Mastercam will build the parametric model from them. For simulation and collision checking, Mastercam uses a revolved profile.

The new interface makes it easy to visually compare the two models. You can choose to display each model as wireframe or as a shaded solid. Use the Opacity slider to adjust the translucency so that you can see them clearly on top of each other.

Use the Parameters and Coolant pages to set default feeds, speeds, and coolant options similar to previous versions.

The new Mill Holder Designer presents a similar workflow for designing and managing tool holders.

Use the Geometry controls to select and manage solid component models similar to the Tool Designer panel. The holder profile is represented as sections organized in a grid. Edit the dimensions of each section as desired, or right-click in the first column of the grid to see additional options.

Use the Connections page to select from industry-standard sizes and types for each end of the holder.

Finally, Mill tool assemblies feature additional properties that let you manage them more easily. New properties include default tool and offset numbers that Mastercam can apply when you select the assembly for an operation. The default tool number associated with the tool definition remains unchanged. This lets you create as many assemblies with the tool as you wish; each assembly can have its own tool number, independent of the number in the tool definition.

A Tool Projection field has also been added. This lets you easily enter a known projection value from a blueprint or data sheet instead of dragging the tool in the graphics window. If you wish, you can continue to set the projection for the tool or holder components by dragging the component in the graphics window.