RhinoCAM-NEST
RhinoCAM-NEST is a CNC nesting plugin for Rhino 3D and one of the modules in the RhinoCAM CAM software suite. It provides cost-effective sheet nesting tools for optimally arranging 2D geometric shapes onto stock material sheets. As part of MecSoft’s multi-axis CAM software lineup, RhinoCAM-NEST helps manufacturers reduce waste, save material, and improve cutting efficiency. It is designed to help manufacturers reduce material waste, lower production costs, and improve cutting efficiency by optimally arranging 2D geometric shapes onto sheet stock.
As part of MecSoft’s multi-axis CAM lineup, RhinoCAM-NEST offers powerful nesting automation directly inside Rhino, eliminating the need for manual layouts or third-party tools.
✅ Included FREE with all RhinoCAM-MILL configurations
✅ Supports both rectangular nesting and true shape nesting.
Use the following resources to get started with RhinoCAM-NEST:
Learn about the new features in RhinoCAM 2025
Video that explains how to use rectangular nesting
Video that explains how to use arbitrary shape nesting
RhinoCAM – NEST Quick Start Guide Document
What Does RhinoCAM-NEST Do?
With RhinoCAM-NEST, you can define part quantities, part spacing, and orientation rules to meet manufacturing requirements. The result: optimized cutting layouts that save time and material. RhinoCAM-NEST provides two primary nesting capabilities:
- Rectangular Nesting: Arranges parts within rectangular boundaries for quick and simple optimization
- True Shape Nesting: Fits parts based on their actual 2D geometry, with rotation, orientation, and material grain control for maximum sheet utilization
Applications
RhinoCAM-NEST is ideal for:- Woodworking and cabinetry → optimize panel layouts and reduce material scrap.
- Sheet metal fabrication (laser, plasma, or waterjet) → save costly alloys with optimized nesting.
- Sign-making and engraving → streamline production by automating layout generation.
Feature List
RhinoCAM NEST is MecSoft’s cost effective solution for optimally arranging and fitting geometric shapes onto sheets of stock material.
| PRODUCT ARCHITECTURE | RHINONEST |
|---|---|
| 64 Bit Version |  |
| USER INTERFACE | RHINONEST |
|---|---|
| Wizard Interface | |
| Preview before output | |
| NESTING METHODS | RHINONEST |
|---|---|
| Rectangular (sometimes referred to as ‘block’ nesting) | |
| True Shape | |
| 2D & 3D Parts | |
| GLOBAL PARAMETERS | RHINONEST |
|---|---|
| Distance limits between part and sheet | |
| Distance limits between two adjacent parts | |
| Accuracy of nesting | |
| SHEET PARAMETERS | RHINONEST |
|---|---|
| Sheet start corner | |
| Nesting direction | |
| Grain direction | |
| Unlimited number of sheets | |
| Sheet layering by color | |
| PART PARAMETERS | RHINONEST |
|---|---|
| Distance limits between part and part | |
| Rotation limits | |
| Mirroring | |
| Island recognition | |
| Part-in-Part | |
| OUTPUT PARAMETERS | RHINONEST |
|---|---|
| Estimation of # of sheets needed for nest | |
| Overflow Utilization | |
| Tagging of Nests | |
Blog & News
Cloning Toolpath Knowledge in MecSoft CAM
Cloning Toolpath Knowledge in MecSoft CAM Note: This blog post is a portion of a larger MecSoft Corporation written case study on the successful implementation
RhinoCAM at Piedmont Composites and Tooling
RhinoCAM at Piedmont Composites and Tooling Note: This blog post is a portion of a larger MecSoft Corporation written case study on the successful implementation
When the Machine Gets Bigger, MecSoft Gets Better!
When the Machine Gets Bigger, MecSoft Gets Better! Overview As manufacturers push into larger, more complex, and more ambitious projects, MecSoft continues to evolve its
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, RhinoCAM-NEST is included free with all RhinoCAM-MILL configurations. It can also be purchased separately if needed.
You can nest 2D shapes on sheet materials, including wood, composites, plastics, and sheet metal.
Rectangular nesting is best for quick layouts of parts with standard shapes. True shape nesting uses the actual part geometry, including rotations and grain rules, to fit irregular shapes and achieve maximum sheet utilization.
Yes. RhinoCAM-NEST allows you to export layouts as DXF files or generate G-code directly for supported CNC machines.
Savings vary depending on part geometry and material type. However, customers typically report significant reductions in material waste compared to manual nesting methods.