What’s new in NX for manufacturing (June 2506)
The latest release of NX for Manufacturing is here, bringing a set of powerful enhancements that make part production easier and more efficient.
From introducing a new product tier in NX X Manufacturing, to smarter automation in NX CAM that reduces programming time, improved additive capabilities for consistent prints, enhanced On-Machine Probing and inspection for greater accuracy, and stronger data management to support collaboration and traceability, this release brings important improvements across the board.
Get a glimpse of the new enhancements ⬇️
Let’s take a closer look at what’s new in NX 2506.
What’s new in NX X Manufacturing
NX now offers a cloud-based software-as-a-service solution with NX X Manufacturing. Since launch, it has changed how part manufacturers collaborate, manage, and access software in a cost-effective way.
NX X Manufacturing is simple to deploy and install on your devices, with flexible access—either offline on a desktop or streamed remotely, depending on your needs.
With software updates and infrastructure taken care of, manufacturers like you can focus on what matters most: making high-quality parts and bringing them to market faster.
NX X Manufacturing Essentials
NX X Manufacturing now offers four product tiers—Essentials, Standard, Premium, and Advanced—with the flexibility to expand capabilities through floating NX X Manufacturing Value-Based Licensing Add-ons.
With the latest release, a new base tier has been introduced: NX X Manufacturing Essentials. You can view and interact with 3D part models and manufacturing data directly within the NX X Manufacturing environment—making it a cost-effective way to get started.
NX X Manufacturing Essentials includes:
- Built-in data management: Manage versions and revisions of machining, control access to NC programs and collaborate confidently with a single source of truth
- Manufacturing visualization: review setups, operations and toolpaths and provide feedback to authors of NX and CMM programs, as well as 3D printing building jobs
- Postprocessing and shop documentation: generate production-ready G-code with the use of a versatile postpocreesor and access cloud-based library of over 1,000 postprocessors
NX X Manufacturing Essentials can be paired with Value-Based Licensing and High-Value Add-ons, such as NX X Line Designer and NX X Assembly Line Planner, to expand its functionality.
With NX X Manufacturing Value-Based Licensing, you get a flexible, cost-effective way to access more than 20 specialized add-ons using value units (credits), so you only pay for what you use, instead of buying fixed modules.
You can customize your solution with key add-ons such as productivity tools, advanced machining capabilities, G-code-driven simulation, postprocessors, machine kits, and advanced CAD tools. We’ve now expanded the list with new options including On-Machine Probing, sequential milling, CMM inspection, Machine Powered Programming , and multi-user notifications.
Built-in data management
Managing complex CAM data can be challenging, especially when multiple design parts, machining operations, and stakeholders are involved. That’s why the latest release of NX X Manufacturing also introduces built-in data management as a major feature, delivering essential product data management capabilities for users. NX X Manufacturing Built-in Data Management (BIDM) is built to handle the complexity of modern manufacturing while keeping your data accurate, connected, and accessible.
- With built-in data management, manage versions and revisions of machining, additive, and inspection data — all from a secure, centralized system. Utilize discussions and tasks to improve team collaboration between designers and manufacturers and control access to NC programs, work instructions, and other critical files with check-in/check-out and release workflows.
Collaborate confidently with a single source of truth that keeps teams aligned from design through production.
Built-in data management supports controlled collaboration by centralizing the storage, sharing, and versioning of manufacturing data. It ensures data consistency, improves traceability of part programs and process plans, and minimizes errors from outdated information. While not a full-scale PLM replacement, it offers a practical solution for smaller teams or those seeking greater data control within NX X Manufacturing.
Aligned with NX’s open architecture, it provides flexibility and choice, allowing users to adopt the data management approach that best fits their needs.
What’s new in NX CAM
New enhancements in NX CAM focus on automation and intelligent, Machine Powered Programming, enabling faster workflows, improved accuracy, and better part quality.
App Hub
App Hub, a cloud-based marketplace for modular and third-party applications, such as NX CAM Power Naming, NX CAM Commissioning manager and more. With one click, users can install the apps and stay current with the latest NX CAM features.
App Hub is fully integrated into the CAM environment and accessible through the CAM Applications ribbon bar, allowing users to browse, download, and launch apps without leaving NX or opening a browser—ensuring a smooth, single-workspace experience.
Machine Powered Programming
We’ve taken machine programming to a whole new level. It’s simple: NX CAM now does the heavy lifting for you, cutting your programming clicks in half while making smarter decisions.
Think of it as having a built-in expert that knows your machine inside out. It automatically sets up operations based on your part design and machine capabilities. No more manual tweaking of every parameter, the system figures out the optimal settings on its own.
New to CAM? No problem. Experienced programmer? Even better. It guides you with smart, context-aware prompts exactly when you need them.
Check Tool Path for Machine Collisions
Machine-powered programming now delivers both visual verification and automated collision checking, ensuring safer, more efficient machining processes. The Display Tool in Machine feature provides real-time visual previews of machine state during programming.
But we’ve taken safety further with Check Tool Path for Machine Collisions – a system that automatically catches even hidden collision risks.
Display Machine Axis values during CAM Programming
Real-time feedback shows you exactly what’s happening with your mill-turn scenarios. Make decisions faster, validate your work instantly, and let NX predict and prevent issues before they happen.
The new machine axis dialog features intuitive sliders and manual inputs, letting you fine-tune positions in real-time – even while editing tools or refining operations. Dynamic toolpath animation displays live machine movements, with instant axis position updates and automatic limit violation alerts to prevent errors. This real-time control and visualization give you greater command over machine operations and toolpath precision.
Graphical Tool Interaction
Tool commissioning process has been simplified with the introduction of direct graphical tool interaction in NX. Instead of navigating complex lists in Operation Navigator or Machine Setup Configurator, simply click on visible tools to display names, delete, or relocate them.
This intuitive approach eliminates the frustration of searching through cluttered interfaces, making tool commissioning faster and more efficient. Complex setups with multiple tools and carriers are now easier to manage through straightforward visual interaction.
Tool Holder Support
We’ve upgraded tool holder management in the latest NX CAM to make it clearer and easier to use. Instead of the old _DEVICE or _HEAD labels that weren’t very specific, you’ll now see a straightforward TOOL_HOLDER classification for your changeable heads, turn tool holders, and drill holders.
Best part? Once you set up your tools and holders, they stay exactly as you configured them throughout your CAM programming. No more unexpected changes during machining, what you set is what you get.
Facing Spiral
Spiral face milling gets a powerful upgrade in the latest NX CAM. With real-time visual feedback, you can instantly see how parameter adjustments affect your toolpath – from overhang to floor thickness and start points, ensuring error-free programming.
This new operation supports both circular and morph spiral patterns, delivering smoother cuts across planar faces while keeping all traditional face milling features. You’ll achieve more consistent surface finish with optimized machining.
We’ve streamlined everything with a modern interface and faster toolpath generation, making complex face milling as simple as adjusting a few controls. Whether you’re working on flat surfaces or complex geometries, you’ll get better results in less time.
2D Wall Milling
The new 2D Wall Profiling is all about speed and simplicity. We’ve cleaned up the interface to show you just what you need – no more digging through complex menus. As you adjust your settings, you’ll see your toolpath update right away on screen.
You can use any tool you need – Flat, Chamfer, or Ball Mill – and easily set up your part, wall, and avoidance geometries. Want to machine the whole wall or just a section? Just set your range and you’re good to go.
2D Face Mill Midpass – Support Multiple Faces
If you were spending time creating separate operations for each face while face milling, that’s no longer necessary. Face Mill Mid-Pass now handles multiple faces in a single operation – just select all the faces you need and organize them exactly how you want.
You have complete control over the machining order or let NX optimize the toolpath automatically. When faces are close together, the new Merge Distance feature creates smooth transitions between them in a single pass.
This means less time setting up operations and better toolpaths, especially when you’re working with complex surfaces. Simple, efficient and more flexible – exactly what you need for face milling multiple surfaces.
Facing Zig Zag – Contain path to specified machining surface
We’ve made toolpath containment a lot smarter, especially for those tricky castings and irregular stock pieces. Here’s the deal: NX now only cuts where you actually have material above your machining surface – not just anywhere it spots extra material.
In the past, if NX found any excess material within your cutting height, it would create a toolpath there, even if it was nowhere near where you wanted to machine. Now it’s much more focused – if there’s material off to the side or not connected to your machining surface, NX just ignores it.
You’ll get cleaner, more precise toolpaths that do exactly what you need. And with Trim Boundaries and “Contain Blank To” settings, you’re in complete control of where the cutting happens. No more wasted moves or machine time.
What’s new in NX On-machine probing
The latest enhancements improve On-Machine probing workflows with intuitive graphical controls, greater control over measurement cycles, and more efficient setup and cycle optimization.
Control center for the Measurement Cycles
The new Machine Cycle Manager brings a simpler way to control measurement workflows through an intuitive, visual interface. Complex measurement tasks are now easier to set up and manage with graphical controls.
You can create and publish custom measurement cycles, configure displays to show only relevant information, and set up pre-defined parameters for consistent results. Each cycle can be fine-tuned to match your exact production needs.
Built-in documentation and help resources ensure your team has the support they need, when they need it. Whether you’re optimizing existing workflows or creating new ones, Machine Cycle Manager makes measurement control more efficient and user-friendly.
Advanced Selection and Optimization for Multi-Point Measurements
Manually selecting and sequencing measurement points was time-consuming and inefficient. Now, the new snap function lets users quickly select multiple points at once, which are automatically numbered in measurement order.
Sequences can be optimized manually or automatically using shortest-path logic, saving time and reducing errors. This streamlined approach makes measuring complex parts faster and more reliable.
This feature works with Sinumerik systems using the MEAS function and includes toolpath animation to verify everything before running the measurement routine.
Optimized Interfaces and smarter Cycle Programming
Cycle programming is faster and smarter with practical usability improvements. The revamped lock function lets you edit values directly without unlocking parameters first, cutting unnecessary steps from your workflow.
New Hexagon tool probe graphics enhance setup visualization, while smart parameter suggestions speed programming and reduce trial and error.
These updates boost efficiency for both new setups and cycle optimization.
What’s new in NX CMM inspection programming
We’ve added new capabilities to generate inspection paths faster and with greater accuracy. These updates help streamline inspection programming, shorten probe cycle times, and deliver more consistent measurement results.
Adaptive Inspection Path Generation
Inspection path generation is now simpler and more efficient. Instead of multiple manual steps, you can visually choose the best inspection method for each feature type directly in the interface.
The new adaptive approach automatically generates optimized inspection paths based on your selections. When working with multiple features, different inspection methods can be defined at once—saving time and cutting down on repetitive tasks.
Model based definition – Constructed Features
Logic Editor now automates the creation of constructed features, making inspection programming easier for complex parts. You can generate intersection lines, midpoints, best-fit geometry, and more—all within the workflow. This helps reduce manual effort and brings more consistency to NX CMM inspection programming.
What’s new in NX Additive manufacturing
We’ve added new capabilities to multi-axis additive manufacturing to give you better control, higher print quality, and more efficient part production.
No-Build Zones
One of the key enhancements is the new No-Build Zones feature, which helps avoid print issues by letting you define areas on the build tray where parts shouldn’t be placed. Whether it’s zones with sensors, fixtures, or regions known for poor print quality—you can now block them off entirely.
NX takes care of part placement automatically during 2D or 3D nesting, keeping parts away from restricted areas and placing them only where optimal print results can be achieved. Even better, you can save these zones as part of your build tray templates, making them reusable for future projects and ensuring consistent results every time.
Slice Area Distribution Checker
Now you can detect build problems early with the new Slice Area Distribution Checker. It analyzes how the cross-sectional area changes layer by layer across your parts or entire build tray – identifying those big variations that could lead to thermal stress or defects.
You can analyze single parts or the whole build and adjust how detailed you want the analysis to be. The tool shows you a clear visual of where material builds up unevenly, so you can fix issues before they cause print failures. With this enhancement you can place parts better and get more reliable prints every time.
Build Processor for Farsoon
NX and Farsoon have joined forces to streamline your additive workflow. Using Siemens’ Build Processor Server, you can now generate native .FAR files that work seamlessly with Farsoon’s Makestar software for both polymer and metal systems.
You’ll get access to Farsoon’s proven build strategy files, making setup straightforward and results more reliable. No more extra steps or complicated workarounds – just a smooth path from design to print.
For Farsoon users, this means getting parts to print faster while taking full advantage of NX’s capabilities right on the shop floor.
Freeform Thinwall Offsets
Freeform Thinwall Offsets eliminates tedious manual programming for Thinwall parts with multiple beads. No more manual offsetting surfaces, duplicating operations, or dealing with disconnected toolpaths.
You can automatically create multiple continuous beads along or across drive surfaces, with precise control over offset direction and step-over. This makes intricate Thinwall designs faster to program, easier to validate, and more consistent to machine.
This powerful automation saves hours of programming time, letting you tackle complex designs with confidence.
Deposition Length per Layer
Material traceability has been enhanced to show you exactly how much material is being deposited across layers, regions, and patterns. You’ll know precisely what to expect before you start printing.
We’ve made it easier to manage your spools and adjust process parameters based on actual material usage data. And there’s good news if you’re working with older files – just recalculate the cutterpath to access this new data, no redesign needed.
This detailed insight helps prevent mid-print surprises and gives you more control over your builds.
Build Styles with Length
Using fixed parameters in Build Styles restricted control over complex toolpaths and part quality. With the latest update, you can customize process parameters based on toolpath segment length, ensuring consistent, reliable, and high-quality prints every time.
You can apply specific rules to full path segments or stepovers, precisely matching your build strategy. The same powerful tuning tools used by machine builders are now seamlessly integrated into your workflow.
What’s new in Part manufacturing data management
The latest enhancements to Part Manufacturing Data Management make it easier to access and manage the data you need to plan and produce parts. With the integration of Teamcenter, Active Workspace, and the Manufacturing Resource Library, these updates streamline workflows, improve collaboration, and give you greater control across part manufacturing operations.
New filtering options, integration with legacy controller systems, and improved connectivity to the shopfloor have been key areas of focus in the latest updates.
Attribute Applicability in Active Workspace
Active Workspace is now more intuitive and efficient, with smarter resource management that boosts productivity. The new applicability-based filtering lets you see just the classification properties you need.
When working on specific tasks, you can highlight only the relevant attributes. For instance, during an NX CAM project, you’ll see only CAM-related attributes instead of scrolling through a long list of properties.
Use the ‘Show Highlighted Only’ toggle to focus on the properties that matter for your work. You get three pre-defined Siemens groupings, plus two customizable options with your own icons and labels—perfect for adapting the system to your team’s workflow.
Standardized Collision Parameters for Tool Assemblies
Manufacturing Resource Library now supports the industry-standard DIN 4000-180 for enhanced collision planning. This update delivers precise tool dimension control, clear geometric visualization, and seamless integration with Siemens Mcenter.
Connecting legacy CNC and PLC controllers has always been a challenge—often requiring hardware upgrades or manual data handling.
Seamless Shop Floor Integration with Brown Field Connector
Now, with the new integration between Shop Floor Connect and Brownfield Connector, legacy machines can connect directly with NX and Teamcenter with no hardware changes required.
This automated NC data exchange streamlines program transfer to machines and captures shopfloor feedback to drive efficiency and continuous improvement.
What’s new in NX Assembly Line Planner
With the latest version of NX Assembly Line Planner, you can optimize production line design, work more collaboratively, and use integrated planning tools to streamline line planning.
Multi-User Collaboration Support
Collaboration is now easier than ever. Multiple users can plan and edit the same assembly line at the same time, whether it is within the same application or across platforms. This speeds up planning, boosts efficiency, and keeps data consistent and secure.
To enable this, update the NX Customer Defaults by activating Manual Check-out in Teamcenter Integration and Automatic Check-out in Assembly Line Planner.
What’s new in NX Line Designer
Enhancements to NX Line Designer focus on making layout planning more efficient, simplifying workflows with a visual interface that makes it easier to navigate and complete each step, and enabling better collaboration. The improved integration between NX and Tecnomatix keeps layout planning connected across platforms.
The new framework enables multiple users to work on the same structure simultaneously, streamlining layout planning across platforms.
Concurrent layout planning using Manufacturing Check-Out and Check-In
To simplify workflows, Line Designer automatically manages Check-Out and Check-In based on user activity, while also allowing manual check-out for exclusive access when needed.
Clear visual cues show which items are checked out, who is editing them, and the current access permissions—keeping everyone informed and preventing conflicts
Seamless exchange of Single Part Kinematics between NX and PS
NX and Process Simulate now share single-part kinematics seamlessly, eliminating the need to define them separately in each application.
Kinematic definitions are automatically imported during load, with NX supporting batch translation of those created in Process Simulate.
Any changes to kinematics are detected and flagged during loading, ensuring consistency and accuracy across both platforms.
Connector Expression Propagation
With the new Propagate Parameter feature, connecting components is simple—even when source and target use different expressions. It works seamlessly with both drag-and-drop and the Connect Components command.
Users can pair, review, and edit expressions within a single interface. Mappings are cached and automatically reused in future connections, boosting efficiency and consistency.
To access the Propagate Parameters dialog, ensure the “Show Propagate Expression Dialog Box” option is enabled in NX Customer Defaults.
Learn more
Explore NX’s advanced capabilities for NC programming by signing up for the NX X Manufacturing trial. No installation is required meaning you can run NX in your browser, in just a few minutes.
Eager to learn more about the NX for manufacturing features? Check out the step-by-step tutorial videos on our online community.
