What's New in the SigmaTEK Connected Shop in Version 27
Why Upgrade?
Upgrading delivers measurable improvements across programming, nesting, cutting, and shop floor operations - helping your team work faster with less waste.
Remnant-first logic, better nesting engines, and smarter scrap cuts reduce virgin stock consumption
Part loading optimizations, Apply Defaults, and streamlined UI reduce daily setup time
Corner relief, part removal controls, and improved toolpath reliability reduce interruptions
Production location tracking, enhanced reports, and dashboard improvements keep your team informed
Expanded API support, SimTrans improvements, and SigmaBEND connectivity streamline data flow
Security improvements, crash reporting, and cloud licensing enhancements reduce support overhead
SigmaNEST263
Highlighted Features
3D Bevel Improvements
Straight cuts with the bevel torch can now be treated as bevel edges, reading bevel angle from the 0 degree line of a bevel tech table and managing the rotor as needed. The rule manager now supports formulas using Thickness, Virtual Thickness, and Bevel Tech Table variables for generating leads and transitions.
Edit Nest Leadin/Out Quick Select
Quickly select all internal or external contours at once when editing nest lead-ins and lead-outs, enabling one-click editing across an entire nest layout.
Punch Turret Management Advances
Improvements to punch turret management including enhanced tool assignment, turret optimization, and streamlined punch tooling workflows.
Hatch Fill
A new CAD function has been added to allow for hatch filling closed contours by specifying x pitch, y pitch, and rotation angle. This command is most commonly requested for filling in geometry or text to be laser etched so that the finished product is a fully etched block letter or contour.
Corner Relief
Four new CAD options have been added to the Scallop/Relief menu for more advanced corner reliefs. The first new function, Corner Relief, allows for creating a minimal corner relief by enclosing the corner tangentially with a circle. The original "Relief" option was only applicable for creating a corner relief perfectly centered around the vertex and created an unnecessarily large relief. Another two relief styles added, "Along Short Side" and "Along Long Side" create a corner relief by continuing tangentially from the short or long side of the corner, respectively, into the circular releif. Lastly, a Compromise style relief has been added which will position the circular relief in a manner that will leave a small portion of the original corner intact. This is commonly used for a very tight fit on slots of wood furniture parts.
Fly Cut Group
In FlyCut Groups we have added support for more patterns and shapes. The part below can now be programmed complete with FlyCut Groups In addition to those patterns we have added support for staggered square and circle grids
Taper Correction for 3D Bevel Cutting
New taper correction capabilities for 3D bevel cutting improving cut quality and processing speed. Bevel formulas can now read tech variables for more precise angle control.
Relax nest
All of our nest engines are designed to provide the best yield possible, this means that all parts are nested toward the nest origin point. Relax nest will take time to space parts out by utilizing open space. This can help reduce heat affected zones. On full sheets that are fully nested we will simply try to nudge parts around to create larger part clearances, on the last layout of a task if a user chooses to relax the nest we will create a boundary for relax nest at the max X value of the nest and relax within that boundary
Bump around punch tooling
Users will now be able to Bump around punch tooling if a part meets one of the following 3 criteria 1. Has part mode Pre-NC 2. was nested first using AutoDynamic nesting 3. Has tooling applied on the nest
Punch nesting Improvements for common-line
1. Punch tools that do not belong to the common line edge but overlap will no longer prevent common line nests 2. 4-way radius tools will no longer exclude parts from common line eligibility 3. Two different sized parting tools will be considered for common line, commonline punch will replace with the larger of the two
Dynamic Array Improvements
1. Support for X and Y Clearance Has been added 2. Support for Sheet Edge clearances defined in the Task Parameters 3. Left side panel array part information
AutoNC Scrap Cut Preferences
Apply Scrap Cut directly from the Auto NC dialog, skipping extra steps. Users who are used to opening up the scrap cut dialog after applying Auto NC can now skip that step by configuring scrap cut preferences directly within the Auto NC dialog. Enable Cut Scrap and configure global settings, sheet edge settings, part edge settings, and progressive scrap cut settings all from within Auto NC.
SigmaBEND Integration
A new import option has been added to the File Import drop-down to directly launch SigmaBEND to program a part and create a SigmaNEST part. This option supports single part files from all file types SigmaBEND supports. Additionally, a default machine selector has been added to the Config > General Import > SigmaBEND tab along with part property mapping from SigmaBEND for all supported file properties like # of bends, bending time estimates, and even posted file locations. Lastly, import batch commands have been added for SigmaBEND import. The batch commands require SigmaBEND BendSIM Pro Batch and Remote licenses to use. EX:
HD SuperNest Punch Nesting
AutoDynamic nesting for Punch Machines is now partially supported with HD Supernest. Parts that are pretooled will behave the same as pretooled parts nested with our other engines. In addition to any part rotation settings on the grain tab, rotations may be limited by the tooling that is on the part in part mode. If a part is not pretooled we will auto tool it in its 0 degree orientation, then place rotational limits on it before nesting. This is different from how HD Trueshape and HD Advanced Trueshape work as with those engines we can rotate the parts and apply different tooling at different rotations for the same parts
Part Level Contour Sorting on Nests
Set the Internal Contour Sequence on each part. The sequence setting will be saved with the part and followed when applying NC to a nest, no need to pre-nc parts. Multi-select and right click to change the setting of multiple parts at once Using Batch users can set this by using PARTINTERNALSEQUENCE and one of the following internal sequence settings NOCHANGE LEFTRIGHT TOPDOWN BIGTOSMALL SMALLTOBIG MINMOVE1 MINMOVE2 MINHEAT MINMOVE3 SKIPCUT
Auto NC Preview
NC can be previewed before closing the Auto NC dialog, move through each layout to review NC, set defaults once you see the most desirable results
Punch Patterns - Elastic Tooling
Designate pattern start/end entities as flexible to automatically adjust tooling to geometry. Tooling is automatically adjusted to maintain specified tab sizes on acute corners. Enhanced warnings for tooling failures, scrap detection, and turret space issues.
Remnant Crosshatching and UI-UX Improvements
Display diagonal hatch pattern on nests and reports to identify remnant locations, sizes, and shapes. Part removal symbols are now toggleable per machine and removal type to reduce visual clutter. Multiple selected tools in tool sort are now all highlighted simultaneously on the nest display. Additional UI-UX improvements include resizable standard shapes windows, multi-level grid selection, and customizable open contour point colors.
Report Improvements
Task report printing now generates and renders in the background, allowing SigmaNEST to remain usable while reports process. A new configuration option allows machine-specific task report lists so certain reports only appear for relevant machine types. A completely new Workspace Task Reports segment was added to create/print/preview reports across all tasks in the workspace. New reports include Task Remnant Report, Task Sheet Summary, and Task Sheet Summary Grade Thickness. PDFs can now be exported with editable textboxes and checkboxes. New report variables including Devalued Sheet Cost have been added.
New Task List UI
The Task List dialog has been updated to add incredibly powerful new functionality for conducting major task programming workflows from a central location. This includes: Create or load a job, create a new task from workspace parts or Auto Task, print and export workspace task reports, modify the parts or sheets in a task (Task Setup), edit Task Parameters, delete or copy tasks, Auto Nest, Auto NC, Apply Defaults (NC), Clear NC, Task Reports, and Post Processing. Commands can be applied to one or all tasks in the workspace based on selection making bulk actions a single click. The task list grid provides a summary overview of task statistics and status while also offering familiar grouping, sorting, and filtering abilities. Sheet Data 1-4 are now available in the Task Setup > Sheets List for filtering and sorting.
Introducing SigmaNEST Copilot: Your AI-Powered SigmaNEST Assistant
AI-powered assistant available in 19 languages to answer questions about SigmaNEST processes and features.
Inventor Model State Support
Filter and import specific Model States from Inventor 2024+ for precise part variations.
HD SuperNEST Floating Leadins
Dynamic leadin positioning that maintains optimal positions during rotation and mirroring.
Cut/Rapid/Cut Delay
Enhanced cut sequencing that reduces torch collision risk by keeping parts attached longer.
NC By Contour Move Leadins
Move leadins and apply NC with one click for faster toolpath generation.
SigmaBEND Import now supports .polp Files
Import saved SigmaBEND program files with field mapping capabilities unavailable via DXF import.
SigmaBEND Qty Mapping added
Map quantity attributes from SigmaBEND during import through SigmaNEST.
Part Parameter Loading Speed
Optimized time and centroid calculations for faster opening and interaction with complex, high-entity-count parts.
Corner Relief Cuts
Improve part removal and support automation by adding relief cuts around sharp corners or irregular shapes. This helps prevent parts from getting stuck in the skeleton, reducing the risk of machine interruptions- especially during automated unloading. A simple way to make unloading smoother and more reliable.
Manual Scrap Cut - Part Mode
Manual Scrap Cut-Part Mode can be used in addition to or in place of Profile Destruct and Corner Reliefs. Users will have use of our cad tools to draw NC around a part that does not belong to a contour. Making it easier to destruct complex shapes and cut scrap into small enough pieces that it can reduce risk of damage to machines.
Auto Complete
Finish a job from wherever you are in the process with one action. Auto Complete runs the remaining steps of Auto Task, Auto Nest, Auto NC, Post, and Report, removing redundant clicks while preserving the flexibility to start manually and let Auto Complete finish.
SigmaTEK Copilot Programming
SigmaTEK Copilot brings AI-assisted programming directly into SigmaNEST, letting users carry out real programming actions through natural language instead of navigating menus and dialogs. Copilot automates the tedious, repetitive parts of programming and lowers the depth of software expertise a new operator needs to become productive. For shops, this means quicker programming, a shorter learning curve for new hires, and more value from a maintenance subscription. Unlike competitors that bolt a generic chatbot onto their software, SigmaTEK Copilot is wired into the programming workflow itself, turning natural-language requests into real actions inside SigmaNEST and establishing a clear competitive edge in AI-driven CAD/CAM.
- 203 tools, up from 153 at the trial
- Import and Edit: Import CAD and work orders, draw and edit, clean up and measure geometry
- Program: Set up parts, nest automatically or by hand, apply toolpath and NC
- Manage and Deliver: Assign sheets and stock, query job data, post programs, export reports
- New since the trial: Add and edit lead-ins at nest and part level; apply NC by profile in part mode; create CAD import desktops; search folders; create and edit sheets; print and preview reports
Add Bridge by Dragging Line
Drag a single line across the nest and SigmaNEST creates a bridge wherever it crosses a part profile, bridging an entire row of parts in one gesture instead of clicking each pair. The same nest that took 24 clicks in V26 takes just 4 in V27.
Grip Tab
A new tab type that holds parts securely during cutting by gripping a piece of the skeleton, without physically attaching to the plate. Sequenced ahead of the cut like corner reliefs, selectable in Auto NC and manual/auto tab definition, and now supporting the Balanced Tab method in 2D.
Apply to Same for Tabs and NC Fillets
Apply to Same lets programmers place a manual tab or NC fillet once and apply it to every matching contour in a single click, instead of repeating the placement part by part. Independent scope controls target matching contours by rotation and extend placement to the current layout or all layouts in the task. On sheets full of identical parts, it turns a tedious, error-prone chore into one consistent action.
Sheet Auto Marking
Add a repeatable test-part cut and program-name marking to a nest directly from the Modify Task Dialog. Verify machine settings before production and mark each sheet with its program name for on-floor traceability during unload.
Perf Part Improvements
Perforated plate and other high-entity-count parts no longer bog down tooling, sorting, and posting. Tool Sort no longer freezes on large perf-part nests and runs up to 73% faster (tested on nests of parts with 2,000+ contours each), while the reposition window opens 52% faster. High-entity-count programs - including 10,000+ entity DXF parts and high-hole-count jobs - now post without crashing or hanging, and task-report time calculation for perf-part nests is dramatically faster. Grid Punch now works correctly with cluster tools and the Use Global Tools setting across all tool types and offset grids.
Scallop (Auto Application)
Apply scallop and corner-relief cuts to one part or an entire job at once from Part Mode. Choose a relief type and parameters once, and a live-updating preview shows exactly how internal and external corners will be treated before you commit.
Post/Machine Import and Configuration Wizard
Install or update a machine by selecting one or more zipped post files. SigmaNEST unzips them into the correct post path, registers the machine, and updates Operation Manager automatically, with an option to set the imported machine as the default.
Selection-Based Replace Patterns
Trigger the Replace Pattern feature on parts or geometry that have already been created, correcting geometry without re-importing parts.
Additional Features
SigmaUNFOLD7
Additional Features
Part Handler Sorting1
Highlighted Features
Part Handler Sorting Official Rollout
Part Handler Sorting is a modern, lightweight part-handler program for laser machines, now officially released. It drives part removal and sorting on machines that the SigmaNEST part handler does not support, with out-of-the-box support for Trumpf SortMaster, Bystronic BySort, and Amada rotating TK.
SigmaFAB (SigmaMRP)22
Highlighted Features
Edit GRN
New GRN editor showing booked-in batch details with edit reason tracking.
Edit Available Quantity
Adjust available batch quantity independently from booked-in quantity.
MYOB Accounting Integration
New accounting integration with MYOB.
Reckon Accounting Integration
New accounting integration with Reckon.
Additional Features
SigmaQUOTE1
Additional Features
SigmaPLAN Pro (SigmaSchedule)5
Additional Features
SigmaPLAN (Load Manager)8
Highlighted Features
Assign All Operations
The new Workstations tab in Load Manager allows users to assign all work for all workstations, not just SigmaNEST Programs. Dependencies between appointments are highlighted, and broken dependencies caused by disruptions on the shop floor are also flagged.
Additional Features
SigmaSHOP (Shop Manager)23
Highlighted Features
Connected Shop
Overview of the connected shop ecosystem including SigmaMRP, SigmaSCHEDULE, Load Manager, and shop floor integration for Version 23.
Shop Clock
A new 'Time and Labor' / 'Time and Attendance' software that allows all employees (shop floor and office) to clock in and out of work for shifts and breaks: Management can create shifts and assign those shifts to each employee: History of time punches can be exported to a CSV which can be imported by any major payroll software:
Quality Manager
A new QMS (quality management system) style application aimed at helping you achieve and maintain ISO9001 quality certification. It allows users to log NCRs (Non-Conformance Reports). Details can be added, documents and pictures can be attached and a full change history is available: Users can also create CAPAs (Corrective Action / Preventative Action plans) to record and address repeated issues. Details, documents and history are available and NCRs can be linked to CAPAs:
Data Hub
A new data viewing application that allows anyone in the shop to view important data from a browser. Important data such as Inventory and location of inventory, status of SN Work Orders, List and status of Jobs/Quotes, list and status of Purchase Orders... are all visible and NO financial data is displayed: If SigmaSCHEDULE and the new Load Manager are used, then work that has been assigned in Load Manager can be seen in the schedule section: ADD PIC
Security Groups
Users can now manage users and permissions directly from the Super Admin page. While logged in as the Super Admin, new users can be created and adjusted without first needing to create a user through SigmaNEST or SigmaMRP. With Security Groups, permissions can be quickly adjusted and changed for all users within the security group. New users can be created and permissions set up quickly simply by adding them to a security group.
Dashboards
Dashboards have now been added to Shop Manager. With this addition, users can create categories or dashboard groups that can be assigned to users or security groups as well as permissions to create or edit dashboards. Users will now have the ability to create their own dashboards.
Tube Feedback
Shop Manager in V24.1 now supports program time tracking and updating for SigmaTUBE programs. Programs posted out in SigmaTUBE will show in Tube Feedback along with the programs list of parts and their quantities. This allows for programs to be run on the shop floor alongside a timer for accurate time tracking as well as real time program updating for progress tracking in jobs.
Physical Inventory
In our newly renamed Inventory module (Formally known as SigmaLIFT) of Shop Manager a new feature for performing physical inventory has been added. This new physical inventory feature allows for digital tracking of physical inventories as well as tracking of variances during those physical inventories.
Color Offload Migration to Web
Color offload has been migrated to a web platform within Shop Manager. This web platform still uses the license it does for its desktop predecessor meaning no license change is needed. Color offload in Shop Manager introduces new features such as an expanded view to aid in the unloading process which contains several view options such as the part tile view. Another new feature added to Color Offload is the ability to assign colors based on values attributed to the parts such as Next Operation. This allows for consistent coloring for commonly cut parts.
Production Location Tracking
New features in Color Offload and SFDC that allow operations to designation where they are physically placing a production item after each operation is completed. Users will also be presented with information regarding which items need to be picked so they can process each next operation. For example, if the new setting is on, parts that have been laser cut will need to be picked before they can be bent. Then we will store the location of the bent item once bending in complete. Offloading / assigning items to a location from Color Offload: Pick list in SFDC and the Shipping module so the user can pick the items they are processing: There is also a new feature that allows users to create pallets on the fly. A name is auto generated and that pallet is deleted from the system once it sets empty for more than 1 day. This is to properly manage the workflow in which users will use and reuse wooden pallets/skids. They need to know when items are located on the pallets, but they don't want to necessarily add those pallets/skids into the system as a permanent location.
Dark Mode
A full dark-mode theme across Shop Manager for reduced eye strain and a modern look.
SFDC Emailing of Rejected Parts
Automatically email notifications for rejected parts from SFDC.
Additional Features
Color Offload3
Additional Features
SAW Feedback1
Additional Features
SigmaSAW (SigmaCTL)18
Highlighted Features
Open Section Bundling Support
Bundle Angle, Channel, and IBeam profiles with Nested or Stacked options.
Bundle Rules
Create custom rules to control bundle sizes by material, profile, or dimensions.
Use Remnant First Option Added
A new nesting option has been added to use remnants first when nesting. This will force the usage of the remnant before utilizing any other stock for nesting. This can be used in combination with the existing Automatically Load Remnants feature to ensure remnants are always added to a new task and always utilized first for nesting.
Partial, Double, and Compound Miter
Support for CTL standard shapes to create double and compound miter parts, removing the need for physical model files and improving support for modern miter saws.
Additional Features
SigmaBEAM (SigmaDSTV)6
Highlighted Features
SigmaDSTV SW Overview
Overview of new features and improvements in SigmaDSTV SW for Version 23.
Additional Features
SigmaTUBE34
Highlighted Features
Auto Destruct
A new AutoDestruct feature has been added to destruct simple and complex cutouts. Apply automatically when generating toolpath with area lookup limits, or manually select a loop to automatically destruct the cutout when toolpathing interactively. Specify the X pitch, Y Pitch, and an offset from the original loop(typically kerf value) and SigmaTUBE will automatically generate all of the necessary destruct cuts for even the most complex of cutouts.
Auto Touch Probe Rules
Mazak users can now create touch probing rules for automatically applying the touch probe based on key aspects of a parts toolpath. For example, create a rule which will automatically apply the touch probe to a loop if the rapid to the cut was longer than a certain length. Or, create a rule which will automatically touch probe the first loop after C3, C4, and/or C1 activation/deactivation. The new rule based system allows for complete customization and even deeper user control of the touch probing feature of the Mazak tube laser machines.
Brand New Reports and Report Editor
Create and customize reports with built-in editor supporting labels and barcodes.
DeadZone Nesting Improvements
Extend deadzone nesting to Angle, Channel, and IBeam profiles with single-part support.
Auto Tabbing Improvements
Auto Tabbing can now be applied for all Loops, external only, or internal only. This will improve behavior for you who only want to auto tab internal cutouts to reduce potential collision with scrap and for you with a tail-stock style machine that requires tabbing parts to the stock, who may only want to tab end cuts but not all loops. Additionally, a new option has been added to automatically tab the parent loop when the Auto Offcut option is used. This ensures you with Mazak machines who are using an offcut to resolve chucking clamps will automatically have the parent loop tabbed to resolve collision with the chuck. Additionally, this is useful for more complex end cut geometries to ensure the part falls cleanly from the stock to avoid collisions.
Drill Parameters for Tube Parts
Assign drill parameters to tube parts, part of expanded multi-process machine support for drilling and tapping.
Additional Features
SigmaBEND14
Highlighted Features
SigmaBEND Overview
Overview of new features and improvements in SigmaBEND for Version 23.
Additional Features
SigmaLINK (SimTrans)51
Highlighted Features
Feedback Export
Data feedback for an external consumer like an ERP system is now possible and configurable in SimTrans. Previously, a separate application had to be implemented, configured, and maintained. The new Feedback Export tab is available per district with flexible options for when the export can be triggered, what data to export (including entire database tables or custom queries), and what do to after the export. Once one of the export triggers is fired, the configured data is pulled, organized, and exported. Using SQL, any kind of formatting, ordering, or functional scripting is possible within the .sql file.
SigmaBEND New Transaction and Integration
SimTrans can now process a BEND_PART transaction which leverages SigmaBEND's automation capabilities for programming a press brake for a given 3D CAD file. SimTrans manipulates SigmaBEND and if autonomous unfolding, tooling, and sequencing are successful, SigmaBEND will produce the flat pattern, bend report PDF, NC program, and .polp document file in the SigmaBEND machine folder. Additionally, the SigmaNEST part is made immediately available for the programmer to load into a workspace for nesting and further processing. Other notes: Bend part transaction licensing is included in SimTrans Techno and SimTrans PowerPack SigmaBEND must be installed on the same machine as SimTrans to run this transaction The BEND_PART transaction can only handle part files at this time (no assembly files) The CAD file must have a readable material name property for unfolding OR the "Read material name" option should be unselected in the SigmaBEND configuration To add a unfolded part to a SigmaNEST work order after bend programming, a separate SN84 would need to be run after the BEND_PART transaction to take the created part and add it to a work order (cannot be done with the BEND_PART transaction)
Engineering Conversion Support for 3D CAD Assembly Files
It is now possible to provide SimTrans Engineering Conversion 3D assembly files. Previously, only individual part files were supported. SimTrans will use the district's SigmaNEST Profile for licensing, 3D Desktop Mapping, other other import settings. CAD Import Direct (uses the local CAD system install) or CAD Import Plus (does not require any installed CAD system) will also be based on the SigmaNEST Profile configuration. Related to this item was the added support in SigmaNEST batch for the PART, command to also support 3D assembly files since SimTrans' Engineering Conversion uses SigmaNEST batch for processing CAD files.
SimTrans Studio (Setup and Diagnostic Utility)
A new companion utility application is now included with SimTrans to help troubleshoot common issues. There are categories of tests designed to monitor or troubleshoot various areas: Application Integrity, Windows Service, File System, Database, SigmaNEST, and Plugins. C# plugins can be created for SimTrans Studio to check targeted things for a custom integration. Some tests offer a self-guided resolution pathway to remedy the detected failure.
CUR_NEW and CUR_EDIT Transactions
New transactions have been added to manage currencies and their exchange rates. This is useful when trying to synchronize price and cost information with an external ERP system that manages multiple currency rates.
Additional Features
General19
Additional Features
Installers1
Highlighted Features
App Installer License and Database Configuration
New pages have been added to the App Installer wizard to allow the user to configure licensing and database connection information for all products. This eliminates the need to repeatedly configure these crucial components in each of the individual product installers. The licensing and database connection information can still be configured in the product installers if you run the installer exe manually.
Security Improvements7
Additional Features
Database Installer1
Additional Features
SigmaTEK Launcher3
Highlighted Features
New SigmaTEK Connected Shop Launcher
A redesigned launcher with the new SigmaTEK look opens every product from one place, grouped into CAD/CAM, Shop Floor, and Business Systems. News, What's New, utilities such as License Server, Database Installer, and SQL Manager, and support links for Technical Support, Training, Knowledge Base, and Suggest a Feature are all one click away.