Almacam Tube FAQ: CAD/CAM Nesting Software for Tube and Profile Cutting

Almacam Tube is a nesting CAD/CAM software for tubes and profiles used to prepare, optimize and program tube-cutting operations. Almacam Tube designs or imports tube CAD models, generates toolpaths and NC programs, and manages machine constraints within the Almacam suite.

Almacam Tube covers the complete workflow from CAD design or import to NC generation, including nesting, feature recognition, toolpath generation, machine kinematics, collision checks, simulation and ERP/MES integration.

Almacam Tube is designed for tube and profile fabricators, subcontractors, OEM cutting-machine builders and system integrators who need a reliable CAD/CAM and nesting solution for tube and profile cutting in both series and high-mix/low-volume production.

Almacam Tube supports laser tube cutting, plasma tube cutting, oxy-fuel cutting and even laser cutting machines combined with mechanical turret for example for drilling or tapping. Almacam Tube handles round, square, rectangular tubes, standard open profiles and custom sections, taking into account bevel capabilities and multi-axes configurations.

Almacam Tube is compatible with all tube and beam cutting machine brands including, Bodor, Bystronic, Cutlite Penta, Cy Laser, Daihen Varstroj, DNE, Ficep, Gasparini, Han’s Laser, Huagong, Mazak, Müller Opladen, Nukon, OMP, Oxyser, Silber do Brasil, SLTL, Soco, Soitaab, Tecnopampa, Tecoi, Yawei. Almacam Tube supports all common machine kinematics and multiple CNC controllers, including CypCut, JQ Controller (ESA controllers), Delectron, Weihong, Siemens, Fanuc and Beckhoff.

Compatibility is defined at machine model and reference level, allowing Almacam Tube to be adapted to different generations, configurations and options within the same machine brand.

Almacam Tube supports round, square and rectangular tubes, as well as U-profiles, L-profiles, H-profiles and custom tube sections imported from CAD models.

Almacam Tube is fully integrated into the Almacam suite, ensuring a centralized workflow for CAD import, assembly handling, tube quoting, cutting programming and workshop planning. An open API enables integration with third-party ERP and MES systems. You can use it standalone or together with other Almacam modules.

Almacam Tube supports a wide range of CAD formats:

• Neutral formats: Parasolid, STEP, IGES, SAT/ACIS
• Native CAD formats: CATIA V4/V5, PTC Creo/ProENGINEER, Inventor, Solid Edge, SOLIDWORKS, Unigraphics
• Structural formats: IFC, DSTV

Almacam Tube uses the most advanced 3D nesting engine developed in-house by Alma and continuously improved for over 45 years. To help save material, Almacam Tube arranges parts along bars to reduce scrap, respects machine constraints and automatically records remaining bar lengths as reusable remnants.

Almacam Tube offers several nesting options:

• Nesting of different tube parts on the same bar when material and profile section are compatible and production rules allow it,
• Possibility to have full or partial common cut,
• Definition of standard or customized bar lengths and available remnants,
• Minimum remnant length settings,
• Prioritization of parts or bars,
• Control of spacing between parts and cutting order.

Almacam Tube automates CAD feature recognition (holes, slots, bevels), tube and profile nesting, toolpath generation including complex trajectories on profile extremities, remnant handling, collision checks and NC program creation.

Yes. Almacam Tube is well suited for high-mix, low-volume tube and profile production thanks to automation of CAD preparation, feature recognition, nesting, toolpath generation and remnant management. These capabilities reduce programming time and operator intervention, making frequent changeovers and small batch production more efficient.