Hexagon has rolled out a Cloud-based tooling integration designed to speed up mould and die machining and bring greater consistency to CAM workflows, as manufacturers face rising part complexity and a shortage of experienced programmers.
The update links Hexagon’s WORKNC CAM software with a Cloud-hosted Tool Library, giving programmers direct access to OEM-validated cutting-tool data. The company said the integration would reduce programming time, improve repeatability, and increase the likelihood of achieving first-time-right machining on complex parts.
The production-ready release, announced today, combines centralised tooling data with new workflow automation inside WORKNC. Hexagon said this would help machine shops avoid duplicating effort in recreating tool assemblies, managing fragmented data, or relying on informal knowledge transfer between shifts.
Steffen Dilger, President of Hexagon’s Production Software Division, said reliable tooling information was a critical factor in reducing variability. As manufacturers adopt more automation and AI-assisted programming, he added, high-quality, centralised tool data would become increasingly important in supporting predictable machining outcomes.
Under the new integration, WORKNC users can import verified tool definitions directly from the Tool Library without re-entering data or rebuilding models. Tooling can also be downloaded for local or offline use, allowing shops to standardise preferred toolsets while maintaining flexibility on the shop floor.
The Tool Library draws on a growing ecosystem of tooling partners, including Kennametal and Sandvik Coromant, alongside digital tooling platforms such as MachiningCloud and ToolsUnited. Additional partners are expected to be added as the ecosystem expands.
Dr Carlonda Reilly, Chief Technology Officer at Kennametal, said the integration supported more efficient digital workflows by combining validated tooling data with CAM technology. Tobias Unosson, Business & Partner Development Manager at Sandvik Coromant, said having OEM tooling data embedded in CAM software reduced guesswork and helped shops standardise best practices.
Beyond tooling data, the release also introduces new automation and finishing capabilities in WORKNC 2025.4. These include a new parallel finishing algorithm aimed at improving surface quality and geometry accuracy, as well as enhancements to remaining material detection and tool entry and exit control. Hexagon said the changes would reduce manual intervention while helping programmers generate safer, more consistent toolpaths.
The Tool Library integration also supports the creation of accurate digital twins of tools and assemblies, automatic application of material-specific cutting data, and the sharing of standardised tooling definitions across teams. Its cloud-based architecture is designed to scale across large tool inventories without requiring additional applications or CAM licences.
Hexagon said the update reflected its focus on incremental automation that fits existing manufacturing processes, allowing customers to modernise at their own pace.
