RADAN vs SigmaNEST

RRADAN—Visit SigmaNEST—Visit

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

vs

SigmaNEST #6 in Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software —/10 Pricing on request ✓ 2 of 5 features Visit SigmaNEST

• RADAN fits best

  Sheet-metal shops programming cutting and bending

• SigmaNEST fits best

  Cutting shops optimizing sheet use and CNC programming

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Side by side

Feature	RRADAN —/10 Visit ↗	SigmaNEST —/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	—	—
Ranking	#5 in Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software	#6 in Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software
Best for	Sheet-metal shops programming cutting and bending	Cutting shops optimizing sheet use and CNC programming
Pricing model	Paid	Paid
Starting price	Not published	Not published
Free plan	Not published	—
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows	Windows
Support	Tickets, Docs	Email, Phone
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features RADAN 3/5 · SigmaNEST 2/5
Toolpath simulation	✓	✓
Machine simulation	✓ (best)	Not published
Post-processor library	✓	✓
Turning support	Not published	—
Mill-turn support	Not published	—
Specs
Simultaneous axes	Not published	Not published
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	Automatic nesting supports efforts to reduce sheet-material waste. Programs laser, plasma, oxyfuel, waterjet, punching and combination machines. Includes configurable post-processing, toolpath simulation and production reports.
Cons	Runs as a desktop application on Windows Capabilities vary by the RADAN modules purchased Pricing requires contacting sales	Runs as a Windows desktop application, limiting platform choice. Pricing requires contacting sales rather than selecting a published plan. Does not support turning or mill-turn workflows.
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 →	SigmaNEST brings CAD/CAM programming and sheet nesting together for fabrication shops and manufacturers managing CNC cutting workflows. Its feature set covers importing and editing CAD geometry, arranging parts on sheets, generating CNC… 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

• SigmaNEST — where it wins

  • Automatic nesting supports efforts to reduce sheet-material waste.
  • Programs laser, plasma, oxyfuel, waterjet, punching and combination machines.
  • Includes configurable post-processing, toolpath simulation and production reports.

  Where it doesn't

  • Runs as a Windows desktop application, limiting platform choice.
  • Pricing requires contacting sales rather than selecting a published plan.
  • Does not support turning or mill-turn workflows.

• RRADAN—/10 · Pricing on request

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

  Visit HexagonFull verdict →
• SigmaNEST—/10 · Pricing on request

  SigmaNEST pairs sheet nesting with CNC programming and production tools for fabrication workflows.

  Visit SigmaNESTFull verdict →