Autodesk Fusion users now have access to Module Works’ physics-based Smart Roughing technology. The add-in is designed to reduce manual toolpath optimisation and help CAM programmers achieve shorter cycle times in 3-axis roughing.

Software developer Module Works has released version 2026.04 of its software components for digital manufacturing, introducing GPU-accelerated machine simulation and extending its Volumill and Smart Roughing technologies to multi-axis and turning applications.

Horn has introduced its new KX range of ball nose end mills for the precise and economical machining of ball bearing tracks in constant velocity joints. Designed for tight tolerances, high surface quality and shorter cycle times, the solid-carbide interchangeable heads support flexible machining strategies from roughing to finish milling, including applications in soft and hardened materials.

With the expanded DA65 milling system, Horn targets both roughing and finishing applications. Larger, six-edged indexable inserts enable greater depths of cut, stable machining on less powerful machines and an economical cost-per-edge ratio across a wide range of materials.

With the new BB732 boring bridges, Seco introduces a modular deep-boring solution that combines roughing and finishing in a single tool. Designed for Steadyline bars, the system delivers high rigidity, effective vibration damping and targeted coolant flow.

NTK highlights the strategic role of ceramic cutting tools in cast iron machining. Designed for heat-dominated, stable processes, the company’s silicon-nitride and alumina-based grades enable higher cutting speeds, dry machining and improved productivity while allowing carbide to be reserved for applications where maximum toughness is required.

Ency Software has released version 2.8 of Ency, its CAD/CAM system, and Ency Robot. This release brings faster toolpath calculation, more flexible background verification, improved simulation behavior, and a set of practical usability and stability updates.

Material volatility is reshaping tool strategies: in cast iron machining, advanced ceramics enable higher speeds, dry processing, and improved productivity, NTK states.

With the GC1240, Sandvik Coromant is introducing the latest generation of indexable inserts for machining stainless steel, featuring a multilayer nano-coating applied via a PVD process.

Grinding is becoming a system technology. At Grinding Hub 2026, examples from brake disc machining, in-process metrology, CBN tools and tool supply showed how closely machine, tool, measurement technology and process knowledge now have to interact to secure precision, efficiency and process reliability.