NestForge
NestForge is a browser-based nesting tool from Madegrain that arranges SVG and DXF parts on sheet layouts for laser, plasma, waterjet, and CNC cutting. Spacing, rotation, and grain-direction rules are applied while every calculation runs locally in the browser, so part files never leave the workstation.
Full Pricing Breakdown
Official software licensing terms, volume discounts, educational exemptions, and renewal fees vary significantly across countries, exchange rates, and regional authorized resellers. Click below to verify real-time terms directly on the vendor portal.
Technical Audit
Compatibility & Interoperability
Trust & Support
The Pros
- Runs locally in the browser — part files never leave the workstation
- One-time payment, no subscription
- Handles both SVG and DXF round-trips
The Cons
- 2D nesting only — no tube or 3D cutting
- Free tier export capped at 10 parts on one sheet (full layout preview is unlimited for any job size)
- No plugin integration with CAM suites
CADGuide Verdict
Final Professional Conclusion
NestForge is a browser-based nesting tool from Madegrain that arranges SVG and DXF parts on sheet layouts for laser, plasma, waterjet, and CNC cutting. Spacing, rotation, and grain-direction rules are applied while every calculation runs locally in the browser, so part files never leave the workstation.
Expert Q&A
?What is NestForge used for?
NestForge arranges SVG and DXF parts on sheet layouts for laser, CNC, and plasma cutting, applying spacing, rotation, and grain-direction rules in the browser.
?How much does NestForge cost?
NestForge offers a free tier alongside paid commercial plans (Freemium). Available plans include Free, Pro (Lifetime). Because commercial licensing rates, regional taxes, and volume discounts vary by country, please visit the official NestForge pricing page for live regional pricing.
?Is there a free version of NestForge?
Yes. The free tier calculates and shows layouts, sheet counts, and utilization for jobs of any size (tested on real jobs up to 200+ parts across 22 sheets). A license is only needed to export layouts with more than 10 parts or across multiple sheets.
?What operating systems does NestForge support?
NestForge officially supports Web browsers (Windows, macOS, and Linux).
?Which file formats does NestForge support?
NestForge imports and exports SVG and DXF files, and can also export cut sheets to PDF.
?What are the best alternatives to NestForge?
The closest alternatives to NestForge are SigmaNEST, Lantek Expert, Radan. SigmaNEST (offered on a Perpetual license) competes directly on core Laser Cutting workflows, while Lantek Expert (offered on a Perpetual license) is another top-rated option in the same category. Compare their full technical specifications, file-format compatibility, and official licensing options side-by-side on CADGuide.
?Can NestForge reduce raw material scrap on actual cutting jobs?
Yes. In an open-design benchmark using eight acrylic arcade-case panels (Jasen's Customs), nesting the parts onto two 600 x 400 mm sheets instead of a single 900 x 600 mm sheet achieved an 11.1% reduction in total raw sheet area while strictly respecting spacing and rotation constraints.
