CGTech has announced the release of Icam Suite V26, featuring significant upgrades in post-processing automation, tool and diagnostic management, and deeper integration with Vericut to boost manufacturing precision and efficiency.
With Icam V26, users benefit from advanced capabilities that simplify setup, enhance traceability, and create a seamless workflow across NC programming, post-processing, and simulation, while also improving safety and reducing overall programming time.
Smarter Post-Processing with Automation and Look-Ahead
Icam V26 introduces an intelligent rotary axis clamping/unclamping algorithm that automatically adjusts based on axis movement and operation type, reducing manual input and improving process reliability. A new look-ahead feature enhances control at the start of each operation, supported by an updated CLAMP section in the Questionnaire and new system variables for advanced customization.
Further enhancing performance, V26 adds the $FCLINFO() macro function — a high-speed, selective look-ahead tool for cutter location data. It delivers the robust capabilities of $FINFO(), now with significantly improved speed and efficiency.
Better Diagnostic Control and Visibility
Icam V26 enhances diagnostic transparency and customization with a new event macro that allows users to intercept and tailor diagnostic messages—including warnings, errors, and fatal alerts—before they are issued. This gives post developers greater control over messaging, including the ability to adjust severity levels or suppress non-critical notifications.
To further improve clarity, discrete color coding for diagnostic messages has been introduced in both GENER and CERun. Users can now easily distinguish message severity at a glance, with full customization available via the Preferences dialog.
Enhanced Tool Recognition and Toolchange Handling
Icam V26 strengthens tool recognition by improving support for tool names during tool changes, ensuring consistent identification across all Icam products — including Quest, Virtual Machine, and NC post-processors. A new Questionnaire setting enables compatibility with NC programs that use tool names instead of tool numbers, while a REG_TOOL alias ensures accurate indexing and referencing throughout the workflow.
Seamless Vericut Integration for Optimised NC Code
For users of both Icam and Vericut, V26 offers a streamlined process for enhanced accuracy and performance:
- Import Vericut Project data directly into the GENER launch panel to set machine limits and tool lengths during post-processing, without requiring simulation.
- Optimise feedrates with Vericut Optimizer or Force before post-processing using a new “Optimizer” tab. This allows GENER to output post-processed G-code based on the optimised cutter location data — avoiding manual rework and supporting machine shops with strict procedural controls.
Additional Enhancements in Icam V26
“Icam Suite V26 is about smarter automation and deeper integration,” said Patrice Bastien, R&D Manager (Post-Processor). “We’re making it easier for manufacturers to configure, control, and trust their NC output — while leveraging the full power of Vericut and Icam together in a seamless environment.”
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