The Best Nesting Software for Laser and Plasma Cutting

Which are the ten best brands of automatic nesting software?

Choosing the best of any product is a subjective undertaking, and nesting software is no exception. However, we have attempted to arrive at this list with as much objectivity as possible, so here goes:

1. Inventor Nesting

Inventor Nesting is part of one of the leading CAD companies, Autodesk. It can help you optimize your yield from flat stock, reducing costs and enhancing efficiency. It exports 3D models or DXF™ files of the completed nest for cutting path generation, and it will compare the efficiency and costs associated with various nesting studies to maximize job profitability.

Features:

· CAD: Yes

· CAM: Yes

· File formats: DXF and 3D models

· Operating system: Windows 10

· Price: $3,000 annually

2. Nest&Cut

Nest&Cut is powerful web-based nesting software capable of re-nesting, order generation, multiformat nesting, inside-part nesting, parts cleaning, and much more. It does not require a high-performance computer to run the program since all the processing occurs on the server-side.

Although Nest&Cut is paid software, there is a free version with limitations to exporting files in DXF or DWG file formats. With the paid version, you can export designs in G-code file format, which most laser-cutting nesting software accepts.

Features:

· CAD: Yes

· CAM: Yes

· File formats: DXF, DWG, and on the paid version, G-code

· Operating system: Independent (web-based)

· Price: $59 per month or a limited free version

3. ProNest

ProNest allows you to nest your design manually or let ProNest do it automatically. The program targets the metal fabrication industry and supports plasma, oxyfuel, and waterjet. Other features include plate inventory, work order processing, management reports, and more. You get unlimited technical support and training with ProNest and won’t pay for future software updates.

Features:

· CAD: Yes

· CAM: Yes

· File formats: Industry-standard CAD file formats

· Operating system: Windows 7 or higher

· Price: $1,600

4. Deepnest

An open-source nesting software marketed toward hobbyists, Deepnest does not have editing features. Still, it imports your files and arranges your parts to reduce the cutting time and material waste. It automatically merges common lines and puts smaller parts inside larger cavities. An excellent entry-level nesting tool!

Features:

· CAD: No

· CAM: No

· File formats: DXF, SVG, and Corel CDR

· Operating system: Windows, Mac, and Linux

· Price: Free

5. SigmaNEST

SigmaNEST is a versatile industrial-grade nesting software appropriate for shops that have multiple cutting machines, including lasers, waterjet cutters, and plasma cutters. It is compatible with most 3D and 2D CAD tools and has modules beyond laser cutting, such as sheet metal bending, tube cutting, and punching.

Features:

· CAD: Yes

· CAM: Yes

· File formats: DXF, DWG, CDL, and others

· Operating system: Windows 8.1 or higher

· Price: $5,000 to $25,000 depending on the modules purchased