IronCAD 2026 Released!

IronCAD, a leading provider of innovative CAD software solutions, has announced the release of IronCAD 2026, the latest version of its powerful design platform built for industrial equipment, machinery, and metal/steel fabrication manufacturing. This release focuses on boosting productivity, enhancing precision, and streamlining design workflows for engineers and product developers worldwide.

One of the major highlights of IronCAD 2026 is Multiple Application Window Support for both 3D Scene and 2D Drawing environments (ICD and DRAFT). This feature allows users to work seamlessly across multiple monitors within a single instance of IronCAD, offering dedicated Ribbon Bar UIs for each window. Designers can now switch between 3D and 2D views effortlessly, with real-time updates and instant synchronization—dramatically improving multitasking and design iteration efficiency.

Another key addition is the Smart Annotation Add-On License, which automates dimensioning with exceptional accuracy. Users can now define exact dimensioning points on objects, ensuring precise and automated drawings with minimal manual intervention. This feature reduces cleanup time and ensures manufacturing-ready documentation.

IronCAD 2026 also advances its AI Design Assistant Foundation, introducing Stage 2 of AI-powered design automation. Enhancements include multiple database support for industry-specific learning, Python scripting for design automation, and an AI-driven chatbot that provides real-time optimization and manufacturability suggestions. The AI engine now offers intelligent modeling recommendations—suggesting components and parameters for assemblies, enabling faster design creation and accelerating configure-to-quote processes.

In terms of modeling improvements, users can now quickly view and edit parameters directly in the 3D Scene using a quick-access editor, simplifying parametric adjustments. The new Disc CAM Generator enables the creation of precise motion profiles for mechanical systems, while enhanced sketch region selection tools make handling complex geometries more efficient.

For 2D design, IronCAD introduces a 2D TriBall for ICD Curve Placement, improving precision in curve positioning and patterning. A new Smart Cursor for ICD Annotations ensures accurate alignment of dimensions and annotations, enhancing drawing quality and reducing manual adjustments.

Sheet metal designers benefit from new corner seam features that handle complex three-corner conditions with unmatched precision, making enclosure design easier and fabrication more reliable.

The IronCAD Native Translator Add-On has also been updated to support the latest file formats from leading CAD systems such as CATIA, Creo, NX, Inventor, SolidWorks, and SolidEdge, ensuring smooth interoperability across platforms.

Cary O’Connor, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Product and Strategy at IronCAD, stated, “IronCAD 2026 reflects our dedication to empowering designers with tools that enhance precision and streamline workflows. The integration of advanced AI capabilities alongside our robust CAD features ensures our users can achieve unparalleled productivity and innovation in their design processes.”