What is Radan? Modules, integrations and alternatives
Radan is a sheet metal CAD/CAM software product, now part of Hexagon, used to program laser, punch, plasma, waterjet and bending machines. It covers part design and import, nesting, toolpath generation and bend programming. It is aimed at fabricators that want one environment to take sheet metal parts from drawing to machine.
Also known as: RADAN, Radan CAD/CAM, Hexagon Radan, Vero Radan
Radan focuses on sheet metal and plate fabrication. It reads part geometry from 2D drawings and 3D models, prepares parts for manufacture, nests them onto sheets, and generates programs for cutting and punching machines. A separate area handles press brake programming and bend simulation. The product has a long history in the sheet metal industry and is now offered under the Hexagon manufacturing portfolio.
Its users include contract fabricators, OEMs with in-house sheet metal departments and shops that run laser, punch and brake equipment from several makers. Those customers value a programming layer that is not tied to one machine vendor, and the ability to move designs from engineering into production without redrawing parts.
Within a manufacturing stack, Radan sits after engineering and ERP order release and before the machine controllers. It can be used alongside mechanical CAD for design, and with an ERP or production system for orders and material. As with any nesting tool, the quality of the outcome depends heavily on post processors, material data and how consistently part data enters the system.
Modules and capabilities
Radan CAD/CAM core
Imports and prepares part geometry and generates machine programs for cutting and punching.
Nesting
Arranges parts on sheets for material efficiency, with rules for spacing, rotation and process requirements.
3D sheet metal and unfolding
Creates flat patterns from 3D models and prepares them for nesting and bending.
Bending
Programs press brakes with bend sequencing and tooling, and supports simulation to catch collisions.
Post processors
Output programs for many laser, punch and plasma controllers.
Part and job management
Organizes parts, orders and nests so programmers can reuse past work.
Automation links
Supports integration with some automated material handling and production tracking setups.
Integrations and data access
CAD import
Reads common formats such as DXF, DWG and STEP, and can work with files from major mechanical CAD systems.
ERP and orders
Orders and part lists can be exchanged with an ERP through file or database interfaces designed per site.
Machine output
Programs are produced with post processors and transferred to controllers via network or DNC.
Hexagon portfolio
Can be used alongside other Hexagon manufacturing tools, depending on the products and versions in use.
Reporting data
Job and material data can be extracted for analysis in BI tools.
Strengths
- Strong sheet metal focus including bending as well as cutting
- Vendor-neutral programming for mixed fleets
- Direct handling of 3D models and flat patterns
- Long-established product with a stable user base among fabricators
- Part of a larger manufacturing software portfolio
Limitations
- Management and ERP-style functions are not its focus, so integration matters
- Post processor tuning may be needed for unusual controllers
- Heavy plate and structural cutting may be better served by plate-focused nesting tools
- Product packaging and naming under Hexagon can be confusing, so verify what each license includes
Where AI helps Radan users
- - Answer questions about past nests and parts, for example which parts have been nested on a given material
- - Compare predicted and actual cut times using data from the machines and the ERP
- - Highlight parts with repeated bending issues from past programming notes
- - Check that ERP orders have matching programs and flag gaps
- - Summarize differences between two revisions of a part before reprogramming
Evaluating Radan? Check these
- Test with your own parts, including complex bends, and compare flat pattern accuracy
- Verify post processors for each laser, punch and press brake in your shop
- Clarify which license package includes nesting, 3D and bending
- Define how part data moves from CAD and ERP into Radan
- Ask about automation links if you use sheet loaders or sorting systems
- Plan programmer training and a period of parallel running
Common alternatives: Lantek, SigmaNEST, ProNest, TRUMPF TruTops, Autodesk Fusion, SolidWorks Sheet Metal.
Frequently asked questions
What is Radan used for?
Radan is used to prepare sheet metal parts, nest them on sheets and generate programs for laser, punch, plasma and other cutting machines, plus bend programs for press brakes. Fabricators use it to move from drawing or 3D model to a machine-ready program.
Who owns Radan?
Radan is offered by Hexagon as part of its manufacturing software portfolio. Earlier it was associated with other names in the CAD/CAM market. For current licensing and support details, confirm directly with Hexagon or an authorized reseller.
Does Radan handle bending as well as cutting?
Yes, Radan includes press brake programming with bend sequencing and simulation in addition to cutting and punching. Whether a given license includes each capability depends on the package, so check the exact modules when buying.
How does Radan compare with Lantek?
Both are vendor-neutral sheet metal CAD/CAM suites covering cutting and bending. Differences tend to be in management modules, controller coverage, regional support and user interface. A trial with your parts and machines is the reliable way to compare.
Can AI help Radan users?
AI can help around Radan's data, such as answering questions over past nests, reconciling programs with ERP orders and summarizing part revisions. It should assist programmers rather than change programs automatically, and any write-back should keep human approval.
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