CAD Integration

Import 2D parts or 3D assemblies and automatically calculate part cost and cutting time

SigmaNEST natively imports DXF, DWG, DSTV and STEP files. Our optional CAD Import Direct and Plus modules expand the range to include all major 3D CAD formats as well as PDF and image files.

Whether importing 2D or 3D files, SigmaNEST offers interactive mapping tools to choose which elements to import for part creation. From 2D mapping options for Layer/Color/Line Type to the robust property filtering for 3D, SigmaNEST CAD Import lets users define desktop settings for similar files without the need to reconfigure.

Additional import options are available specifically for fabricating sheet metal such as bend line customization, drill and hole type recognition, and process mapping to ensure faster programming of parts after import.

SigmaNEST CAD Import Direct integrates with major 3D CAD packages, using their specific API to retrieve critical geometry and feature details to recreate part geometry in SigmaNEST. CAD Import Direct filters assemblies and multibody files according to CAD properties to determine which parts to import, and maps the CAD property data to SigmaNEST part data fields.
CAD Import Direct creates a deeper connection between SigmaNEST and a specific CAD software through advanced filtering tools and flat pattern recognition for formed sheet metal parts. CAD Import Direct also stays up to date with the latest version of the CAD software.
CAD Import Direct requires a local installation of the 3D CAD package and license availability and offers more advanced filtering and process mapping options.

SigmaNEST CAD Import Plus uses advanced methodology to convert all major 3D CAD software files to a neutral file format suitable for import in SigmaNEST, all within a single module.
CAD Import Plus includes SigmaUNFOLD technology to ensure sheet metal parts are unfolded properly.
CAD Import Plus does not require local CAD installation or licensing, but may not support all of the same advanced features for a specific 3D CAD package as CAD Import Direct.

= Included, = Additional module required, = Available in supporting CAD systems
Note*: CAD Import Direct requires local CAD Installation

	Base SigmaNEST	CAD Import Direct *	CAD Import Plus
Supported CAD Formats
SOLIDWORKS
Solid Edge
Creo (Pro-E)
Inventor
NX
CATIA (V5, V6)
Rhino
Parasolid
ACIS
SpaceClaim
3D DWG
IGES
STEP (Plate parts)
STEP (Bent parts)
DSTV
Filters and Mapping
Assembly Name Filter
Part Name Filter
Cut List Filter
Material Filter
Thickness Filter
Configuration Filter – Assemblies
Configuration Filter – Parts
Folder Filter
BOM Filter
Non-Sheet Metal Part Filter
Custom Part Property Mapping
Sketch to Process Mapping
Feature Suppression
Design for Manufacturing (DFM) Support
Extract CAD model flat pattern
Custom Coordinate System
Drilled Hole Recognition
Combine Mirrored Parts
Bend Line Detection
Bevel Recognition
Partial Depth Contours
Farside Contour Detection
Workflow Automation
BOM Creation