Almacam FAQ : CAD/CAM Nesting Software for 2D Sheet Metal Cutting

Almacam is a CAD/CAM and nesting software used to prepare and program 2D cutting jobs. Almacam designs or imports geometries to cut, automatically nests them to optimize material use, and generates machine-ready programs for sheet-metal cutting machines (laser, plasma, oxy-fuel, waterjet, punch, routing, combined machines).

Almacam provides a complete workflow for 2D sheet metal cutting, from CAD design or parts import, to NC program generation. Almacam main capabilities include:

• Efficient 2D nesting to maximize sheet usage and manage remnants,
• Automatic feature recognition (holes, contours, machining details),
• Toolpath generation with lead-ins, micro-joints, bridges and common-line cutting,
• Cutting condition assignment based on technological rules for laser, plasma, oxy-fuel or waterjet,
• Machine kinematics management including clamps, dead zones and multi-head configurations,
• Cutting simulation and collision checks for process reliability,
• Integration with ERP/MES for job, sheet and production data synchronization.

Almacam is designed for sheet-metal cutting workshops that need to program 2D cutting efficiently, as well as machine manufacturers (OEMs) who bundle a reliable CAD/CAM nesting solution with their cutting machines. It is suitable for both series production and high-mix, low-volume environments.

Almacam supports all 2D cutting technologies used in sheet metal fabrication:

• 2D Laser cutting,
• 2D Plasma cutting,
• 2D Oxy-fuel / flame cutting (oxygen cutting / oxycutting)
• 2D Water jet cutting (pure and abrasive waterjet machines)

Almacam can program all brands of 2D sheet cutting machines (laser, plasma, oxy-fuel, waterjet).

Almacam can also support other machine brands on request. Contact us.

With Almacam you can cut:

• Metals: mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, high-strength steels,
• Non-metals (depending on process): plastics, composites, foam, stone, glass or other materials typically cut by waterjet or laser.

The achievable thickness range is not limited by the software but by the cutting technology and machine power:

• 2D Laser cutting: typically from thin sheets (≤ 1 mm) up to medium/high thicknesses, depending on laser power and material.
• 2D Plasma and oxy-fuel: from medium to very thick plates, especially for structural steel.
• 2D Waterjet: from thin sheets to very thick materials, metals and non-metals included.

Yes. Almacam supports bevel cutting for machines equipped with a bevel head, and multi-head or multi-torch cutting when the machine allows it. It can generate multi-axes bevel toolpaths and manage synchronized or mirrored cutting with multiple heads.

Almacam supports the import of standard 2D CAD formats such as DXF and DWG. Through Almacam’s CAD import modules, it can also read IGES, DSTV and other neutral or native CAD formats, allowing reliable transfer of 2D geometry from most CAD systems for nesting and cutting preparation.

Yes. Using Almacam’s advanced CAD import module, CAD assemblies can be imported and automatically analyzed: the software identifies all parts in the assembly, detects shapes and quantities, unfolds sheet metal components when required and sends the resulting flat parts for 2D nesting and cut programming.

Almacam uses the most efficient 2D nesting engine, developed in-house by Alma for 45 years. The Almacam’s nesting algorithms arrange all part shapes to maximize sheet usage while respecting cutting rules and machine constraints. Almacam manage remnants, grain direction, common-line cutting and part priorities, and can automatically reuse offcuts.

Almacam automatically detects and registers usable remnants after cutting. These offcuts are stored in the remnant database with their dimensions, material and orientation constraints, and can be selected or automatically reused in later nests.

Yes. In Almacam, parts to cut for different orders can be mixed together in the same sheet, unless they have the same material and thickness.

Yes. Almacam can apply grain direction and orientation constraints during nesting to respect material structure or aesthetic requirements. Parts can be automatically rotated or locked according to defined constraints.

Thanks to open APIs and tailored developments, Almacam can exchange data with ERP and MES systems to synchronize production and inventory. Typical exchanges include importing orders and part lists from ERP, and from Almacam sending nesting results, sheets and remnants.