Hexagon previews faster route through complex turning and mill turn programs with NCSIMUL at IMTS 

• Forthcoming NCSIMUL enhancements extend Selective Simulation from milling to turning and mill-turn applications
• GPU-accelerated Rest Stock Previews help programmers reach critical stages of long NC programs sooner
• In an earlier milling customer trial, previews were generated in under two minutes for a 47-hour machining program, compared with 48 minutes of sequential simulation before the required operation could be inspected

CHICAGO, USA, September 7, 2026 – Hexagon’s Production Software Division will preview an expansion of NCSIMUL Selective Simulation at IMTS, giving turning and mill-turn programmers a faster way to reach the operations that require their attention within long and complex NC programs. 

Selective Simulation uses GPU-accelerated Rest Stock Previews to create intermediate views of the evolving workpiece while an NC program is decoded. Programmers can use these previews to move more directly to a relevant stage of the program, rather than progressing sequentially through every preceding operation before detailed investigation can begin. 

Initially introduced for milling applications, the patent-pending capability is now being extended to turning and mill-turn. These programs can combine multiple machining processes and significant changes in stock geometry within a single production sequence. When the operation under review sits deep within the program, simply reaching the relevant stage can consume valuable programming time. 

The value of the approach has already been demonstrated in milling. In an earlier customer trial by an American athletic footwear corporation, a long-cycle mould application had a machining cycle of 47 hours. Sequential simulation required 48 minutes before the programmer could inspect the required operation. Using Selective Simulation, Rest Stock Previews were generated in under two minutes, making useful intermediate views of the stock available much sooner. 

The customer result relates to the generation of Rest Stock Previews and the time required to reach the operation under review. It does not represent the time required for complete final verification. “Selective Simulation is not about doing less verification; it is about getting to the right question sooner,” said Jasper Sanders, Product Manager for NCSIMUL, Hexagon’s Production Software division. 

Rest Stock Previews support program navigation, earlier review and faster iteration. They do not replace full NC program verification. Complete NCSIMUL simulation, including collision detection and material-removal accuracy, remains the standard for final sign-off. 

NCSIMUL brings G-code verification, CNC machine simulation and machining optimisation together in one digital twin environment. It enables manufacturers to verify posted, controller-specific NC programs against a digital representation of the machine tool, cutting tools, workholding and stock before production begins. 

By identifying potential issues while the process remains digital, manufacturers can reduce risky or time-consuming prove-out on valuable CNC equipment, protect productive machine capacity and give operators greater confidence in the programs they receive. 

At IMTS, Hexagon will demonstrate how the expanded Selective Simulation workflow can help turning and mill-turn programmers navigate changing stock conditions, reach later stages of complex programs sooner and focus detailed analysis where it is most valuable. 

Visitors can preview the forthcoming capabilities at Hexagon’s Production Software booth 133210, East Building, Level 3, during IMTS at McCormick Place in Chicago. 

The expanded Selective Simulation capabilities are planned for a forthcoming NCSIMUL release. Further details about commercial availability will be announced separately. 
Read more about NCSIMUL.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Sarah Walton, Global PR Manager, Hexagon's Production Software Division,
E: [email protected] T: +44(0) 7586 446424