Rotate Geometry Around Nonplanar Axes in GibbsCAM 2026

Summary

GibbsCAM 2026 adds nonplanar Rotate and Dup+Rotate. The commands rotate geometry and features around a selected axis without first creating a construction coordinate system.

Table of Contents

• What Changed in GibbsCAM 2026
• Before You Begin
• Procedure
• Related Video
• Best Practices
• Troubleshooting
• Related Articles

What Changed in GibbsCAM 2026

Important: Use Live Preview and verify the active coordinate system, axis, center, angle, and direction before applying the result.

Before You Begin

•  Use GibbsCAM 2026 or later.

•  Select only the geometry or features to rotate.

•  Identify a reliable line, hole, or straight edge for the axis.

•  Use Dup+Rotate when the original must remain available.

Procedure

Step 1 - Open Rotate

1.  Open Modify > Transform > Rotate, or Duplicate > Dup+Rotate.

2.  Choose the axis definition method.

3.  With Line, select a line, hole, or straight solid edge.

Step 2 - Define the Rotation

1.  Set the center point.

2.  Enter the angle and direction.

3.  Use Live Preview to confirm the axis and rotation from more than one view.

Figure 1  Define the axis and inspect Live Preview before applying the rotation
Source: What's New in GibbsCAM 2026, p. 26

Step 3 - Apply and Verify

1.  Apply the rotation.

2.  Confirm the final orientation in the active coordinate system.

3.  Inspect the transformed model before regenerating toolpath.

Expected Result

•  Selected geometry or features rotate around the intended axis and center.

•  The final orientation matches Live Preview.

•  The transformed model remains valid.

Related Video

Best Practices

•  Use a stable axis reference.

•  Review the preview from several views.

•  Keep a duplicate for comparison.

•  Revalidate affected setups and operations.

Troubleshooting

•  Problem: The preview uses the wrong axis or direction.

Cause

•  The selected axis or center is incorrect.

•  The direction or angle does not match the required view.

Resolution

Reselect the axis and center, reverse the direction or angle, and confirm Live Preview before applying.

•  Problem: A line-based axis cannot be selected.

Cause

•  The element is not a supported line, hole, or straight edge.

•  The reference is hidden or difficult to select.

Resolution

Show the reference, select a supported element, and verify the snapped center point.

Related Articles

•  What's New in GibbsCAM 2026

•  Recommended Simulation Settings

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Visit the CAMCO website to learn more about:

•  GibbsCAM Products

•  Training Options

•  Technical and Post Support

•  Downloads and Helpful Resources

Keywords

GibbsCAM 2026, Rotate, Dup+Rotate, nonplanar rotation, axis of rotation, Live Preview, model preparation