Nesting is the process of cutting custom patterns out of different materials in a way that maximizes the usage of space. It can be used with glass, wood, steel, ceramic, plastics, etc. The process of nesting is done by using nesting software. This type of program analyzes the shapes that you want to nest, and, by using computer algorithms, fits as many cutting patterns inside the available space as possible. This allows you to waste less material, reduce times of production, avoid any possible human errors, and also reduce overall costs. The actual cutting is done by specialized CNC (computer numerical control) machines, that can be adapted to the cutting material of your choosing. The model/models to be cut can be created using CAD (Computer-aided design) software compatible with your CNC machine. Today we will explore some of the best automatic nesting software options on the market.

Automatic nesting tools for Windows 10: reduce production cost

Inventor Nesting

Inventor Nesting is a CAD-embedded software with true-nest shaping tools that can optimize raw material or help in product designs or manufacturing. You can manage your manufacturing object by setting up nesting properties, thus creating a nesting study to manage your product. To get a better idea, each nest is a set of shapes arranged on a sheet of material for cutting your available raw materials. Plus, you can simply compare nesting studies if you want to optimize efficiency while reducing costs. Furthermore, in order to create your nest study, the materials need to have packaging associated to include them all. After that, the study can be opened in the dialog box, containing listing shapes, packaging, and materials. You can also set up the job quantity or shapes to personalize your product at its best and therefore create the perfect outcome for your project. In addition, you’re able to create 3D nesting models and generate cutting paths using Inventor CAM, or directly export the project as DXF files. Key features of Inventor Nesting include:

Automated true-shape nesting Smooth workflows for cutting paths Reports reviews and comparison to see nesting efficiency Guided steps to create your nest study correctly

This tool comes with the Product Design and Manufacturing collection, delivering features that work inside Inventor. You can connect products for 2D drafting, large-scale design review, or visualization.

DeepNest

The next entry is DeepNest, an open-source nesting software made for laser cutters or plasma cutters, without losing any materials. With this software you have full control over quoting and cost estimation, inventory management and stock control, work order and job tracking, and also integrates perfectly with MRP/ERP business systems. By using the wide range of features found in this application, you can reduce waste materials, lower the production cost per part, allows part-in-part nesting, and offer you the possibility to choose from a wide range of nesting strategies. You can also use SigmaNEST to optimize tool path sequencing – allows you to reduce the time-cycle of your CNC machine for faster and more efficient results. You can also use common-line and continuous cutting features that offer you full control over the cut direction and sequence, and many other options. You can see its full list of features accompanied by detailed descriptions on the dedicated website. Some other features that are worth mentioning, based on their type: Nesting key features include:

Move common line pair – allows you to align and rotate parts Sheet defined task parameters – can apply cutting directions directly to the material to reduce scrap HD Super Nest supports Best Sheet and the Continuous Nesting module High definition rectangular nesting engine – improved nesting for rectangular parts

CAD import and geometry:

Batch support for files in inventor vault Easily import CAD data Solidworkds support

Inventory features :

Can assign configuration rules Advanced material handling – easily assign part removal

You can find a good range of training material on the SigmaNEST official website. ⇒ Get SigmaNEST SPONSORED With a robust nesting engine, you can get the advantage of nesting bitmap images for laser engraving and construct your pieces measured by perfection If you need effective software specialized to improve yield raw material, this solution provides real help by automatically merging common lines, improving part quality to avoid the heat, and much more. Moreover, you will benefit from a simple-to-use interface that helps you to get the job done in minutes. Practically, you only need to import your files, mark the largest part as your sheet, and let the tool find the best answers. Another worth mentioning benefit is the time-saving option that lets you part your material without multiple laser passes and therefore improves your workflow timing. All in all, such a useful program will greatly help any user that needs powerful nesting services, especially for manufacturers who work in the industry. In fact this software can read DXF, SVG, and Corel CDR files, and it can write DXF and SVG files. Key features of DeepNes include:

Merge common lines for laser cuts Support for DXF files New path approximation feature New nesting engine User-friendly interface

⇒ Get DeepNest

You can fully control nesting settings like quantities, sheet size, part rotation, and also have full automation processes that allow you to produce nested parts around the clock. Key features of NestFab include:

Interactive CAD importer – you can easily import any CAD data to NESTfab by automatically searching for the part that fits Export nests – you can save your layouts to CAD formats and select from a huge range of export options that assures maximum compatibility Can print detailed reports – a variety of nesting reports that can assist the production team both before and after the cutting is done Automates workflow by using a production planning system

You can also add the Ultra Performance package to NESTfab, which adds a few more incredibly powerful and useful features :

Professional-level nesting efficiency Can set exact part and sheet spacings – including no gap Free rotation of your parts Can set tilt tolerance for materials that are grainy Repeat nest options – allows more efficient production by repeating the commands Common line cutting

The NestFab official website offers useful tutorial videos to help you get started with using this software. ⇒ Get NestFab Even though the services provided by MyNesting are free to download and use, in order to be able to export your nested items, you will need to pay. There are two ways in which you can get a subscription and manage to export your files. The first option is to buy ‘Nest Credits’ (1 credit allows one export), the second is to buy an unlimited nesting subscription for either 30 or 90 days. You can find a good range of tutorials on the MyNesting official website. ⇒ Get MyNesting We chose to present software that covers both the needs of professionals and beginners. If you are new to nesting, you can start off by using the free DeepNest software. Once you get used to it, you can then try the MyNesting option with added ‘Nest Credits’. If you are a professional with high levels of experience under your belt, then you can choose to jump right into the powerful features of Autodesk TruNest, SigmaNest, or NestFab. The nesting software options presented above cover all your possible needs when it comes to automating the nesting process. What they also have in common is the fact that the services come at a pretty steep price. Let us know what software you chose from this list in the comment section below. Name * Email * Commenting as . Not you? Save information for future comments
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