Features

What's new in SigmaNEST

Multi Drop Nesting Module

Complete multiple parts at the same time using the new Multi Drop Nesting Module and common cut method for plate processors.

New HD Multi Drop nesting engine efficiently nests common cut parts in columns.
Multi Drop NC applies toolpath to process the sheet from left to right.
Parts and scrap in each completed column are dropped before the next column is processed.

To learn more about Multi Drop Nesting, contact your SigmaNEST sales representative.

New Profile/NC Features

SigmaNEST now supports geometry-based clamps for machines with specially-shaped clamps. For more information about this feature, please contact Technical Support.
Use the new Delete All Fillets and Delete Single Fillet functions to delete fillets without removing and re-applying all NC.
Use the new Delete All Bridges and Delete Single Bridge functions to delete bridges without removing and re-applying all NC.
Rapids that cross over formed features are now highlighted in green for better visibility

Customizable Ribbon Toolbar

Customize the ribbon toolbar to show the functions you use and hide the ones you don’t. Functions are still locked to their relevant tabs (for example, you can’t add Auto NC to the CAD tab), but within each tab, you can:

Add and rename custom groups.
Add and remove functions from all groups.
Remove existing groups from the toolbar.
Rearrange all groups and the functions within them.

General Enhancements

Use the new Zoom to Selection feature to fill the workspace display area with one or more selected entities. This feature is located on the Quick Access Toolbar.
In the Attributes dialog box, choose to Show Entity Attributes for NC entities.

HD Rectangular Nesting Engine

The new HD Rectangular nesting engine nests rectangular parts more efficiently than ever before. On average, you’ll see a 3% increase in yield compared to the standard Rectangular nesting engine.

Nesting Improvements

HD Super Nest now supports Best Sheet options and the Continuous Nesting module.
HD TrueShape Plus has been renamed HD TrueShape.

Auto Single Hit

Automatically tool all single hits faster and more efficiently using the new Auto Single Hit feature.

Choose whether to apply tooling to internal, external, or all contours.
Select which types of tools will be used.
SigmaNEST automatically applies tooling to all single hit contours.

SOLIDWORKS 2018 Support

SigmaNEST now supports SOLIDWORKS 2018.

Help Center Translation Support

Use the new Google Translate plugin to view help content in 12 different languages. This plugin is available in all Help Centers, directly below the right menu on each page.

Note: All translations are powered by Google Translate, and not affiliated with SigmaTEK. Google Translate requires an Internet connection, and is not available offline.

New Import Features

Drag and drop DXF, DWG, and CDL files into the Edit Geometry workspace.
View filtering and import progress with the new progress bars on the Solid CAD Desktop.
Map machine names from any 3D CAD program to SigmaNEST.
Import parts with basic variable bevels from any 3D CAD program.
Filter parts and assemblies by thickness during any 3D CAD import.
Filter SOLIDWORKS parts and assemblies by folder.
Use PDM Import to import 2D files (DXFs/DWGs) from Autodesk Vault.
Use the overhauled Level List in Interactive Mapping to view groupings of similar geometry.
- Remove specific entities without hiding an entire layer.
- Dynamically change hole sizes without manually editing the geometry.
Automatically discard internal cutouts when creating or importing medallion parts

New Release: SimTrans X1

SimTrans has moved to the web! The new SimTrans X1 is a web service, offering faster processing, better performance, greater stability, and a more intuitive user experience.

Receive error reports through automated emails
Create new user accounts and control permissions.
Access SimTrans from any platform: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android
Get help instantly using the all-new SimTrans Help Center.

SimTrans X1 is available as a free update for SimTrans customers with a current maintenance subscription. Use the SigmaNEST X1.4 installer to get started, or contact SigmaTEK Support for assistance.

New Release: Load Manager X1

Load Manager is now 64-bit! Our latest Load Manager release offers faster response times, greater stability, and a modernized and intuitive user experience. Using Load Manager X1, you can:

Set shifts and breaks across all machines using a global schedule.
Easily view assigned and unassigned programs with a single click.
Quickly preview and move scheduled programs using our new streamlined process.
Get help instantly using the all-new Load Manager Help Center.

Load Manager X1 is available as a free update for Load Manager customers with a current maintenance subscription. Use the SigmaNEST
X1.4 installer to get started, or contact SigmaTEK Support for assistance.

Documentation Enhancements

Check out our new Help Centers, now available in the following products:

SimTrans X1
SimTrans 10 (desktop application)
Color Offload
Load Manager

Legacy content has been updated and rewritten to improve accuracy and readability. Accompanying PDFs are included with every installation, and can also be downloaded via the Help Center.

More features

Advanced geometry repair

During CAD import, new advanced repair techniques enable you to automatically trim open ends, combine arcs, and more.

New import modules

New Onshape, Teamcenter PDM, and PDF/Image Import modules further enhance integration with external CAD systems and file types, allowing you to seamlessly import the files of your choice into SigmaNEST.

Task Parameters

The Task Parameters have been redesigned to group similar settings and improve user workflow. Settings are also automatically enabled or disabled based on the selected machine and nesting type.

SigmaNEST is now 64-bit

SigmaNEST is now available as a 64-bit program. This allows SigmaNEST to take advantage of more memory, resulting in even better performance.

New punch features

Display common punch lines in different colors using the new Highlight Common Punch NC feature. You can also use the new Merge Between Intersections common-line strategy to improve flexibility by intelligently breaking common lines at part edges.

Pre-Form Punching

Pre-Form Punching protects parts with formed features from damage by reordering interfering hits. By designating a crush zone around each forming hit, SigmaNEST effectively checks for hit overlaps, reordering them to prevent damage.

Feature Tree

The Feature Tree now automatically sorts parts by material type and thickness, and also displays the total number of parts in the workspace, parts is displayed below the feature tree.

Nesting improvements

The HD TrueShape nesting engine is faster and more efficient than ever. It now freely rotates parts during nesting to provide the best yield possible. HD TrueShape also now fully supports the Continuous Nesting Module.

New Help Center

The new SigmaNEST Help Center is your hub for all SigmaNEST information. Here, you can view tutorials, help pages, videos, PDF guides, and more. New search functionality enables filtering by topic type, so you can easily find what you’re looking for.

One platform for many machines

Using a single software solution saves you time and money. SigmaNEST enables you to switch between machines with the click of a button, eliminating the need to go back and forth between other programs.

Achieve the cutting speed you were promised

Use your machine’s capabilities to the fullest with advanced NC technology that’s designed for your machine. From beveling to common-line cutting and pre-form punching, SigmaNEST gives you full control over programming, helping you reach or exceed your machine’s potential.

Seamless integration with your other investments

Streamline your process by seamlessly integrating existing business and design systems with your nesting software. Automatically retrieve work orders and inventory in real-time, reducing downtime and improving communication between the office and shop floor.

Eliminate pierces to reduce nozzle damage

Maximize your material usage by mixing work orders during nesting. Color Offload color-codes and tracks parts, making it easy for your machine operator to unload and sort parts by work order.

Mix work orders for maximum yield

Maximize your material usage by mixing work orders during nesting. Then, use Color Offload to generate a color-coded schematic for tracking, making it easy for your operator to sort the parts by work order after they are cut.

Advanced material handling

Using SigmaNEST, you can quickly and easily set up part removal for any type of drop-door or part handler, optimizing the removal sequence based on your machine’s capabilities.

Reduce waste through crop-cutting and remnants

Automatically crop sheets to reduce the amount of scrap lost. Remnants of cropped sheets are saved to the inventory for future nesting tasks.

Optimize toolpath and tool usage

Optimize toolpath based on your parts, material, machine, and settings. SigmaNEST also eliminates unnecessary tool changes, which helps preserve the life of your tools.

Multiple process support

Program your parts using one or many processes, easily switching between processes and machines as needed. During nesting, SigmaNEST automatically optimizes the nest for your chosen machines and processes.