LAST UPDATE: 2026 SP2 (26.2.1.3153)
You can download the last update from here.
Update instructions: After download (if running) close ARES and start the installation. The service pack can be installed without previous uninstallation.
Build No. 26.2.1.3153 (SP2) - Release 10/10/2025
Below you can find the main fixes and new improvements on ARES Mechanical 2026 SP2:
AM_INERTIAPROF Commands:
The new AM_INERTIAPROF command allows users to calculate the moment of inertia for standard cross-sections, Rectangular, Tube Rectangular, Circular, and Tube Circular.
The command displays a profile dialog for selecting the shape and inputs its dimensions to generate a moment of inertia block.
The new AM_INERTIAPROFEDIT command allows users to edit existing tables with moments of inertia.
Supports both metric and imperial units, with automatic scaling and formatting.
Outputs a data table block with computed values for I₁, I₂, Sc, St, and Area (A).
Includes editable attributes visible in the Property Palette.
Power Dimensioning Ribbon Contextual Tab - “Format” Panel:
The Format Panel in the Power Dimensioning contextual ribbon has now been added to include options for the following.
Text Positioning: Home Text and Rotate Text tools for repositioning and rotating dimension text.
Symmetry Dimension: Convert a dimension to indicate symmetry by doubling its value and removing one side’s arrows and extension lines.
Oblique Angle: Apply angular slant to extension lines.
Edit Geometry: Controls the dimension text, arrowheads, and extension line.
Fit & Arrow Placement Controls: Specify how arrows and text behave when spacing is limited.
Landing Line & Arrow Inside: Fine control for radial dimensions.
"Mechanical Symbol" Dropdown in Edit Note Dialog:
Added a Mechanical Symbol dropdown within the Edit Note dialog, just after the “Insert Symbol” option. This allows inserting standardized mechanical symbols such as: Diameter, Centerline, Counterbore, Countersink, Depth, Projected Tolerance Zone, Envelope Requirement, Maximum Material Condition, Slope, Taper, Square, Plus/Minus, Degree.
These symbols help communicate mechanical requirements directly within dimension text.
AM_DIMARRANGE Command:
The new AM_DIMARRANGE command provides users with the ability to automatically or manually rearrange existing dimensions with consistent spacing relative to each other and to surrounding geometry.
It supports linear, angular, radial, and ordinate dimensions, applying default snap distances and alignment rules to improve clarity.
In manual mode, users can fine-tune parameters such as side, offset distance, or orientation with immediate visual feedback, making it easier to control the layout of complex drawings.
AM_DIMMEDIT Command:
The AM_DIMMEDIT command allows users to edit multiple dimensions simultaneously.
It opens the power dimensioning contextual ribbon tab, and any changes made are applied to all selected dimensions, ensuring consistent formatting and properties.
AM_DIMCHECK Command:
The AM_DIMCHECK command detects dimensions with overridden text values and highlights them or allows step-by-step editing.
Users can quickly identify all dimensions that do not display the true measurement (for example, where the “<>” placeholder has been replaced with custom text).
AM_DIMSTRETCH Command:
The AM_DIMSTRETCH command allows users to resize geometry by stretching or shrinking it through an associated linear, diametric, radial, or symmetric dimension.
By entering a new dimension value, users can interactively update the size of selected geometry.
Both automatic and centerline-based symmetrical stretching are supported, ensuring flexible and precise resizing operations.
AM_DIMJOIN Command:
The AM_DIMJOIN command allows users to combine two or more dimensions of the same type into a single, consolidated dimension.
It supports Linear (Aligned, Rotated), Angular (2-Line, 3-Point), and Arc Length dimensions, and the unsupported dimension types include Radius, Diameter, Jogged, and Ordinate.
When dimensions are joined, the system validates compatibility and outputs a single dimension that spans the full range of the selected dimensions.
Nesting Manager - Automatic Plate Calculation:
The Nesting Manager plugin now automatically calculates the number of plates required when selected parts cannot fit into a single plate.
Instead of showing an error, the system will duplicate the defined plate size as many times as needed to nest all parts.
This enhancement ensures smoother workflows and eliminates manual adjustments when handling larger part quantities.
AM_CENTERMARK – Center Mark as Polyline:
The AM_CENTERMARK command has been improved to create center marks as two separate polyline entities.
Applies a custom line scale dynamically based on circle size, ensuring clarity even on smaller radius.
This update delivers more consistent center marks and better integration with drawing standards.
Fit Tolerances in BSI Standard:
Fit tolerances are now available when working with the BSI standard.
Previously, the “Fit” option was deactivated when BSI was active in the drawing standard settings.
With this update, users can apply fit tolerances consistently across dimensions in BSI-based drawings, improving compliance and flexibility in projects.
Frame:
Detail view scale displays correctly when it is created within drawing frames and when drawing frames get rescaled. [AM-4409]
Annotation scale is adjusted correctly with changes to the drawing frame scale. [AM-5326]
Detail View:
The persistent warning message in AM_DETAIL's Text height field when entering invalid data has been resolved. [AM-5382]
Dimensions:
Alternate units in Power Dimensioning are visible in all fit representations. [AM-5363]
Resolved issue where new dimensions in AM_DIMINSERT were not linked to points in embedded blocks. [AM-5374]
The 'Fit' dialog now correctly displays the current fit tolerance for dimensions. [AM-5384]
The command prompt wording has been corrected from 'Select' to 'Specify' for clearer instructions when copying and applying dimension properties. [AM-5385]
Tolerance options in Properties palette now correctly sync with Ribbon display. [AM-5389]
Dimensions created with AM_RECTANGLEANDDIMENSIONS are placed on the current layer instead of AM_5. [AM-5398]
Adjusting dimension height with AM_INSERTDIMENSION command accurately reflects changes. [AM-5419]
Documentation:
The F1 key for help now functions correctly after selecting a construction line in AM_CONSTLINES. [AM-5392]
Layer:
Resolved issue with AM_LAYER where layers couldn't be turned off or frozen in case of multiple selection. [AM-5089]
Crash:
Resolved a crash issue when selecting and pasting blocks between specific drawings. [AM-5418]
If you are facing issues that are crashing the application, please use the Crash Report tool to let us know about it. If possible, it's always useful to provide the reproduction steps in the comments section of the Crash Report tool.