CAD software RADAN

CAD/CAMCAMvisualization

Overview
Below are the release notes for RADAN showing the main features and improvements introduced in each version. This product history covers RADAN CAD/CAM and related modules (DESIGNER, RADAN Bending / Radbend, Radm-ax / Radtube, RADQUOTE, Radnest, Radpro) and highlights changes relevant to production workflows for sheet metal, tube cutting and bending.

RADAN Version 2026.1

• Enhanced automation and efficiency for sheet metal manufacturers.
• Optional time estimates on file import displaying cycle times for the active machine tool.
• Part marking improvements: automatic placement, multiple marking options and collision checks for clearer, scannable marks and secure cutting codes.
• Fixed-part allocation during nesting: optional method to allocate fixed parts reliably for reporting and identification.
• DESIGNER Sheet Metal updates: improved search, automatic material form detection, part name etching with preview and automatic alignment, and mortice straightening on hollow sections (CHS).
• RADAN Bending updates: batch processing of multiple 3D part files, support for multiple tool profiles and tool adapters.

RADAN Version 2025.1

• Streamlined operations and improved part traceability to reduce time and cost.
• Part marking: support for rectangular Data Matrix codes (reducing marking time and consumables in some cases).
• Tooling Hints: interactive tooling error handling with zoom-to-problem functionality.
• Import Parts: drag-and-drop import for RADAN/DRG/RPD files, DESIGNER Manufacturing Packs and CSV bulk imports.
• Finding Parts in Nesting: immediate highlighting of searched parts on opening a nest.
• Importing Remnants: support for DRG, SYM, DXF and DWG remnants for reuse as remnant stock.
• Dimensions in Reports: nest drawing dimensions included automatically in reports.
• RADQUOTE: German translations, improved internal/external ID handling, WORKPLAN integration and various fixes.
• Radm-ax / Radtube: new tools for time and cost studies, batch post-processing, nozzle diameter support in cutting settings, imprinting options and multiple fixes.

RADAN Version 2024.1

• End burns for cutting thick materials to improve cut quality; software remembers materials/thicknesses that require end burns.
• Automatic part marking placement to reduce omissions and respect system settings.
• Part filtering in nest projects to quickly locate specific parts.
• Orientation mode in nesting to unify part orientations (grain direction control).
• Remnant value tracking and inclusion of remnants in nesting reports; store remnants generated during cutting.
• Radbend: geometry conversion in tool/material DB editor and generic postprocessor output for bending data.
• Radm-ax/Radtube: CSV import can include parts' material specification.
• Radquote: import Manufacturing Packs from DESIGNER into Radquote for assemblies.

RADAN Version 2023.1

• Nest Projects: finish multiple nests automatically with Finish Nest Projects.
• Floating Scrap: detection added to automation options to prevent floating scrap in NC programs.
• Part Marking: configurable machine-level marking templates, QR/DataMatrix configuration and support for small codes.
• Text Marking: dynamic text etching without exploding text; multi-line TrueType fonts, balloons and special characters supported; human-readable text output option.
• Common cutting and nester improvements for safer and more efficient common-line cutting and small scrap tagging.
• Radm-ax / Radtube: handling of multiple stocks, stock ID tracking and Tube Purchasing Report; improved common-line cutting support.
• Radbend: improved automatic sequencing and tool stability; export tool definitions to controllers; broader postprocessor and machine support.
• Radquote: CSV list importing for quotes; improved tube/bar quoting consistency.
• DESIGNER: assemblies support, manufacturing pack enhancements and improved sheet-metal data on 2D drawings.

RADAN Version 2022.1

• Major improvements across 3D file import, Radm-ax / Radtube, Radbend and DESIGNER.
• Nest Projects environment improvements; import DESIGNER files, RADAN .sym and CSV files into nesting workflows.
• Reporting: improved part identification and label generation for material flow.
• Automatic nesting: categorization for pre-cut blanks and single-part nesting for logistic flows.
• Punching: new options for tooling application and safety highlighting for hazardous situations.

RADAN Version 2022.0

• Consolidated enhancements across RADAN CAD/CAM, Nest Projects and toolpath generation.
• Expanded automation and reporting capabilities and deeper integration with DESIGNER and other modules.

RADAN Version 2021

• Radmanager and nest optimization updates: Radnest Ultimate for punch optimization and demonstrated sheet savings.
• Automatic generation and distribution of set-up sheets and NC workflows to machines and operators.
• Radm-ax / Radtube: hazardous-hole avoidance, multi-part nesting improvements, order & job number import and tube purchasing reports.
• Radbend: collision checking improvements, sequencing to reduce part rotations and handling; improved tool editor ergonomics.
• Radquote: CSV import to speed up quoting for multiple parts.

RADAN Version 2020.1

• Nesting workflow updates driven by shop-floor feedback.
• Common Grid Cutting: improved auto-tooling for regular grids.
• Floating Scrap Test: checks for floating scrap with visual highlighting.
• Radm-ax / Radtube: multiple stock lengths in nesting and stock identifier tracking; enhanced reporting.
• Radbend: expanded multi-press brake programming options, properties display during NC compile and default section view dimensions.
• Radquote: import 3D assemblies from SolidWorks, Inventor, SAT and STEP for quoting.
• DESIGNER: additional tools to prepare assemblies and generate BOMs and cut lists.

RADAN Version 2020.0

• 64-bit-only release; updated 3D CAD import/export support (Inventor 2019, Solid Edge 2019, SolidWorks 2019).
• Nesting: visual nest projects interface and project templates; ability to import existing nests.
• New punching tool types and simplified machine configuration access.
• Radbend: intermediate bends, holes-near-bends checks and improved clamp collision checks.
• Radtube: common-line cutting auto-mark for legacy parts; multinest optimization control (time vs material); improved reporting.

RADAN Version 2019 R1 and earlier

• Ongoing improvements across CAD import/export translators, nesting engine, profiling, punching, Radbend, Radtube, Radm-ax, Radquote and Designer modules.
• Key themes: stronger nesting algorithms, improved 2D/3D import, enhanced automatic tooling, common-line cutting, floating-scrap detection, better reporting and setup-sheet generation, interactive tool lists, batch nesting and bending automation, Quick Estimates and expanded postprocessor/machine support.
• Designer and RADAN 3D: expanded translators, automatic unfolding and improved 3D navigation to prepare parts for CAM.

Technical features / specifications

• Brand: Hexagon
• Product family: RADAN (CAD/CAM and production software for sheet metal, tubes and bending)
• Product type: Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) & production software (modules include RADAN CAD/CAM, DESIGNER, RADAN Bending / Radbend, Radm-ax / Radtube, RADQUOTE, Radnest/Radpro)
• Supported workflows: nesting (project & single-part), profiling (laser/plasma/oxy), punching, tube cutting, bending sequencing, quoting and manufacturing packs, assembly exports, remnant management
• File & translator support: extensive 2D/3D CAD formats across releases (DXF, DWG, IGES, STEP, Parasolid, SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA, PRO/E/Creo and others depending on release)
• Platform: desktop/server software (modern releases are 64-bit)
• Localization: product information available in multiple languages
• Release content: detailed per-version release notes and feature lists describing automation, tooling and postprocessor support