Inventor Nesting: CAD-embedded, true-shape nesting tools

Available only as part of the Product Design & Manufacturing Collection.

What is Inventor Nesting?

Inventor® Nesting software helps you optimize yield from flat raw material. Easily compare nesting studies to optimize efficiency and reduce costs and export 3D models or DXF™ files of the completed nest for cutting path generation.

Inventor Nesting is integrated software that helps you optimize yield from flat raw material.

  • Generate multiple sheet nests in a single study, allowing for multiple material and packaging options

  • Compare the efficiency and costs associated with different nesting studies to maximize job profitability

  • Specify allowable orientations to ensure consistent grain direction on all parts when required for aesthetics or to prevent cracking in subsequent bending operations


Inventor Nesting overview (video: 1:53 min.)

Why use Inventor Nesting?

Minimize scrap costs

Include nesting tools to automatically calculate nests that save on material costs and engineering time.

Get to fabrication faster

Produce your nests seamlessly without leaving the familiar Inventor interface.

Improve collaboration

Communicate a summary of your nesting study results with a detailed report for quick decision making.

What you can do with Inventor Nesting

Automated true-shape nesting

Generate multiple sheet nests to reduce raw material waste. Optimize the use of materials in flat cutting operations.

Smooth workflows for creating cutting paths

Create 3D models of a nest and generate cutting paths with Inventor CAM, or export DXF files. Use DXF files in AutoCAD and other toolpath-making software.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is Autodesk Inventor Nesting used for?

Inventor Nesting is used to create an optimal nest for flat components that produces a minimal amount of scrap after they are cut from the raw material.

Who uses Inventor Nesting?

Inventor Nesting is used by designers and engineers who are tasked with producing an efficient nest for components that are cut from flat raw material.

Which versions of Inventor Nesting can I use if I subscribe to the current version?

Your Inventor Nesting subscription gives you access to install and use the 3 previous versions. Available downloads are listed in your Autodesk Account after subscribing. See also previous releases available for subscribers.

Can I install Inventor Nesting on multiple computers?

With a subscription to Inventor Nesting software, you can install it on up to 3 computers or other devices. However, only the named user can sign in and use that software on a single computer at any given time. Please refer to the Software License Agreement for more information. 

How do I convert my Inventor Nesting free trial to a paid subscription?

Launch your trial software and click Subscribe Now on the trial screen or buy Inventor Nesting here . When buying your subscription, enter the same email address and password combination you used to sign in to your trial. Learn more about converting a trial to a paid subscription.

How much does an Inventor Nesting subscription cost?

Inventor Nesting is available through the Product, Design, and Manufacturing Collection. The price of the Product, Design, and Manufacturing Collection subscription is  monthly, annually, or for 3 years. Please visit www.autodesk/collections/product-design-manufacturing/overview to learn more about the Product, Design, and Manufacturing Collection. If some of your users only occasionally use Inventor Nesting, consider buying tokens to access it for 24 hours at a time. Visit www.autodesk.com/flex to learn more.

See more

Get Inventor Nesting documentation, tutorials, downloads, and support.