RADAN vs DeskProto

RRADAN7.1Visit DeskProto6.7Visit

Higher score R RADAN #5 in Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software 7.1/10 Pricing on request ✓ 3 of 5 features Visit Hexagon

vs

DeskProto #8 in Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software 6.7/10 Free plan · paid from €145 Free plan✓ 2 of 5 features Visit DeskProto

• RADAN fits best

  Sheet-metal shops programming cutting and bending

• DeskProto fits best

  Budget-conscious CNC users needing multi-axis toolpaths

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Side by side

Feature	RRADAN 7.1/10 Visit ↗	DeskProto 6.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	7.1	6.7
Ranking	#5 in Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software	#8 in Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software
Best for	Sheet-metal shops programming cutting and bending	Budget-conscious CNC users needing multi-axis toolpaths
Pricing model	Paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Not published	Not published
Free plan	Not published	✓ (best)
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows	Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Tickets, Docs	Email, Community, Docs
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features RADAN 3/5 · DeskProto 2/5
Toolpath simulation	✓	✓
Machine simulation	✓ (best)	—
Post-processor library	✓	✓
Turning support	Not published	Not published
Mill-turn support	Not published	Not published
Specs
Simultaneous axes	Not published	3 axes
Deployment model	Desktop	Desktop
Our review
Pros	Covers punching, profiling, bending, tube cutting and quoting workflows True-shape nesting helps plan sheet utilization 3D tube-cutting simulation includes collision warnings	Imports 2D vectors, STL geometry and bitmaps for machining. Supports continuous and indexed 4-axis plus indexed 5-axis toolpaths. Includes toolpath preview, part simulation and configurable postprocessors.
Cons	Runs as a desktop application on Windows Capabilities vary by the RADAN modules purchased Pricing requires contacting sales	Free Edition is limited to one part and one operation. 5-axis machining is indexed and limited to rotating-part machines. Listed scope focuses on milling; turning and mill-turn support are not documented.
Our verdict	RADAN is Hexagon’s CAD/CAM suite for sheet-metal fabricators and manufacturers. It brings programming for punching, profiling and bending together with true-shape nesting, tube and profile cutting, quoting and CAD import. The product is… Read the review →	DeskProto is desktop CAM software from Delft Spline Systems for turning 2D vectors, 3D geometry and bitmap images into CNC milling toolpaths and NC programs. It suits designers, jewelers, artists, medical users, moldmakers, woodworkers,… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• RADAN — where it wins

  • Covers punching, profiling, bending, tube cutting and quoting workflows
  • True-shape nesting helps plan sheet utilization
  • 3D tube-cutting simulation includes collision warnings

  Where it doesn't

  • Runs as a desktop application on Windows
  • Capabilities vary by the RADAN modules purchased
  • Pricing requires contacting sales

• DeskProto — where it wins

  • Imports 2D vectors, STL geometry and bitmaps for machining.
  • Supports continuous and indexed 4-axis plus indexed 5-axis toolpaths.
  • Includes toolpath preview, part simulation and configurable postprocessors.

  Where it doesn't

  • Free Edition is limited to one part and one operation.
  • 5-axis machining is indexed and limited to rotating-part machines.
  • Listed scope focuses on milling; turning and mill-turn support are not documented.

• RRADAN7.1/10 · Pricing on request

  A modular Windows suite for programming, nesting, bending, quoting and tube cutting.

  Visit HexagonFull verdict →
• DeskProto6.7/10 · Free plan · paid from €145

  Accessible desktop CAM with a free edition and paid indexed multi-axis options.

  Visit DeskProtoFull verdict →