The name change is not simply new packaging. CIMCO introduced CIMCO Edit Core and CIMCO Edit Ultra on 1 September 2026, changing how key NC editing, backplotting and verification functions are grouped. For manufacturing teams choosing software or reviewing existing licences, understanding the difference matters more than the label.
Core: professional NC editing and visual toolpath review
Core takes the place of CIMCO Edit Standard. It brings together advanced NC editing with complete Backplot functionality. The practical benefit is that CNC programmers can review and visualise motion while editing code at a workstation, rather than treating an NC file as an unstructured block of text.
Advanced NC editing, program manipulation, Backplot and toolpath visualisation.
Reviewing and preparing NC programs before controlled machine prove-out.
Ultra: an additional layer of simulation and verification
Ultra takes the place of CIMCO Edit Professional. Alongside the GPU-based Solid Simulation and CAM integrations associated with the Professional tier, it adds more extensive checks for conditions that may matter during prove-out.
- Collision reporting: checks for relevant tool, workpiece and fixture interactions.
- Enhanced safety checks: identifies selected rapid-to-stock and holder-to-stock collision conditions.
- Over-travel reporting: flags motion exceeding configured machine travel limits.
- Stop conditions: pauses simulation on selected events to support inspection.
These checks depend on the quality of the NC program, simulation configuration and machine/tool data. They support engineering verification; they do not eliminate shop-floor prove-out and machine safety procedures.
Is the Machine Simulation add-on still needed?
Yes, for customers who need complete physical-machine simulation. Core and Ultra should not be confused with a digital representation of all machine components. CIMCO confirms that its Machine Simulation add-on remains available separately for scenarios requiring detailed 3D machine models and motion of the physical equipment.
What happens to existing Standard and Professional licences?
CIMCO states that existing Standard users qualify for Core, and existing Professional users qualify for Ultra, when the latest CIMCO Edit is installed. There is no separate conversion action required for the eligible licences described in its announcement. Organisations should still check their own maintenance, licensing and deployment requirements before changing production workstations.
Support for CNC manufacturers in Scotland and the UK
MGC Technical Service provides CIMCO product selection, demonstrations, configuration and engineering support. We can discuss whether Core, Ultra or additional CIMCO modules fit your controllers, NC programming process and verification requirements.
Request a CIMCO demonstration or quotation or email sales@mgctechnicalservice.com.
Product source: CIMCO — Introducing CIMCO Edit Core and CIMCO Edit Ultra (1 September 2026). This is an independent MGC explanatory article, not a republication of CIMCO's announcement.