(Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence: Las Vegas) -- Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence Division announced a major release of ESPRIT EDGE, its industry-leading computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software. It addresses productivity and skills challenges with extensive user-friendly Swiss machining support and the first AI services powered by Hexagon’s cloud based Nexus platform.

This new release introduces advancements in Swiss machining and artificial intelligence (AI), empowering manufacturers to overcome programming complexity and address the widening skills gap, enhance productivity, and streamline operations to meet the evolving needs of modern, high-precision production environments.

Democratizing Swiss machining functionality

ESPRIT EDGE introduces Swiss machining functionality, enabling safe, efficient, and simplified programming for complex machines such as the CITIZEN L series and STAR SR series. An intelligent digital twin acts as a precise virtual model of the machine, enabling advanced features such as superimposition, composite axis control, and automatic prepositioning to optimize performance and ensure collision-free operations.

With tools for configuring collets, guide bushings, and tool mounting blocks, ESPRIT EDGE reduces user expertise requirements, while making setup faster and more consistent. Features such as automatic synchronization, adaptive cycles, and tilted plane rotation simplify programming for multichannel operations, minimizing manual coding and errors.

Real-time simulation ensures safe and highly accurate, optimized machining, while high-quality, OEM-tailored G-code eliminates post-processor customization.

These advanced and versatile capabilities mean ESPRIT EDGE successfully addresses the challenges of Swiss machining, including complex kinematics, limited CAM support, and the imposition of steep learning curves for machinists, making it easier for shops to adopt high-precision technology.

AI-powered automation tools

Leveraging AI to transform CAM programming with two innovative tools, ESPRIT EDGE empowers manufacturers to automate repetitive tasks, reduce errors, and improve overall efficiency, enabling faster time-to-market for their products.

First is Hexagon Copilot, an AI-driven virtual assistant, that provides 24/7 support for CAM programmers of all skill levels. With natural language processing, it offers tailored responses, expert guidance, and seamless integration into the software’s interface.

Second, ProPlanAI streamlines process planning and accelerates production. It’s a self-learning automation tool that uses historical machining data to predict and optimize processes for new parts, minimizing manual intervention.

Overcoming the skills gap with AI and knowledge capture

With the skills gap affecting the manufacturing industry on a global scale, ESPRIT EDGE uses AI-driven solutions to bridge this gap, making CAM programming accessible to users of all experience levels.

With the focus on knowledge retention and sharing, Hexagon Copilot and ProPlanAI fully leverage institutional insight and experience, ensuring that expertise remains within the organization even as experienced employees retire or leave.

Using these capabilities, new programmers quickly become productive by relying on intuitive AI tools, reducing the training time and resources they need to become proficient. These innovations enable manufacturers to standardize processes, reduce workflow disruptions, and maintain consistent quality across their operations.

“With the release of ESPRIT EDGE 2025, we’re reaffirming Hexagon’s commitment to driving innovation in manufacturing,” says Chuck Mathews, general manager of production software at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence. “By combining advanced Swiss machining capabilities with cutting-edge AI technologies, this latest version empowers manufacturers to overcome today’s challenges—from the scarcity of skilled machine operators to the intense demand for greater productivity. It’s all-in-one revolution in CAM programming, Swiss-type machining and AI automation will help manufactures stay competitive, agile, and achieve new levels of efficiency.”

ESPRIT 2000 and ESPRIT EDGE customers can upgrade to ESPRIT EDGE 2025.2 to access the latest desktop software capabilities and access ProPlanAI via Nexus. For more information visit Hexagon or contact your local Hexagon sales representative.