COBHAM, UK, May 21, 2026 – Hexagon’s Production Software Division has released a new NCSIMUL capability that helps CNC programmers review long NC programs without waiting through full sequential simulations. The patent-pending “Selective Simulation” feature uses GPU-accelerated Rest Stock Previews to show intermediate part conditions earlier, helping manufacturers inspect critical machining stages before machine time is committed.
NCSIMUL combines G-code verification, CNC simulation and machining optimization in a digital twin environment. Manufacturers use it to check NC programs, review toolpaths and reduce risky or time-consuming work on valuable machine tools.
The release addresses a common constraint in high-value machining workflows. Long NC programs can involve many machine hours, multiple operations and stages that require review before production begins.
Selective Simulation gives programmers a faster way to navigate through these long programs. During the NC decoding phase, GPU-accelerated Rest Stock Previews generate intermediate stock models that show how the part develops through the machining process. Programmers can use these previews to inspect part states at different stages. The views help identify visible issues earlier and guide attention toward operations that need review.
In a customer trial with an American athletic footwear corporation, Hexagon tested the capability on a long-cycle mold application. A program with a 47-hour machine cycle previously required 48 minutes of sequential simulation before the required operation could be inspected. Selective Simulation generated Rest Stock Previews in under two minutes.
“Simulation accuracy has always been central to NCSIMUL, and that remains unchanged,” said Jasper Sanders, product manager for NCSIMUL, Hexagon’s production software division. “Selective Simulation gives programmers a more flexible way to work through complex programs. They can gain useful visibility much earlier, focus their attention on the operations that matter most, and still rely on the full NCSIMUL simulation engine for final verification.”
Rest Stock Previews support earlier review and iteration, but they do not replace full NC code simulation. Complete collision detection and material-removal accuracy remain required for final sign-off before a program is released to the machine.
“Manufacturers are under pressure to make better use of time, skills, and machine capacity,” said Peter Ameloot, senior director EMEA North, Hexagon’s production software division. “That pressure is felt strongly at the verification stage, where teams need confidence before a program reaches the machine, but cannot afford unnecessary delay. With this latest release, NCSIMUL helps engineers move through long, complex programs more intelligently, focusing their attention where it matters most.”
Source: Hexagon
About Hexagon
Hexagon AB is a Swedish industrial technology company based in Stockholm, Sweden. The company traces its origins to Eken Industri och Handel AB, founded in Stockholm in 1975. Hexagon supplies measurement, positioning, sensing, and software products for industrial and public-sector users. Its products include sensors, coordinate measuring machines, laser scanners, positioning systems, CAD/CAM software, geospatial tools, asset lifecycle systems, and autonomous technologies. The company serves customers in manufacturing, construction, aerospace, agriculture, mining, public safety, infrastructure, and mobility. Engineers, surveyors, manufacturers, asset owners, governments, and industrial operators use its products. Hexagon reported about 24,500 employees in 50 countries.