IGEMS 2026 — Complete CAD/CAM Guide for Waterjet Cutting Professionals

What Is IGEMS?

IGEMS is a professional CAD/CAM software platform developed in Sweden, designed exclusively for waterjet cutting machines. Unlike general-purpose CNC CAD/CAM software that has been adapted for waterjet use, IGEMS was built from the ground up with waterjet cutting as its sole focus — and that specialization shows in every feature.

With over 8,000 installations in more than 20 countries, IGEMS is one of the most widely used waterjet CAD/CAM platforms globally. It is used by job shops, stone fabricators, metal service centers, aerospace subcontractors, and specialty cutting operations running machines from virtually every major waterjet manufacturer.

The current release is IGEMS R2025.4 / 2026.1, continuing the company’s regular release cycle with improvements to nesting algorithms, 3D cutting tools, and machine compatibility.

IGEMS is distributed as a modular system — the base CAD module is included, and operators purchase the specific CAM, nesting, and specialty modules they need for their cutting applications. This means a small shop doing basic 2D cutting pays only for what they use, while a large operation with 5-axis machines and complex nesting needs can license the full suite.

Why Waterjet Shops Choose IGEMS Over General CAD/CAM

The fundamental advantage of IGEMS over general-purpose CAM software (like Mastercam, SolidCAM, or BobCAM adapted for waterjet) comes from waterjet-specific engineering throughout the software:

Waterjet-specific compensation — the TVL formula (Taper angle, Variable offset, Lag compensation) accounts for the physical behavior of the waterjet stream at different speeds, pressures, and material thicknesses. This compensation cannot be accurately replicated by borrowing mill or plasma compensation algorithms.

Material database tuned for waterjet — cutting speed optimization accounts for abrasive flow rate, pump pressure, orifice size, and material-specific kerf characteristics that are unique to abrasive waterjet cutting.

Nesting built for waterjet economics — IGEMS Autonest was specifically designed around waterjet material costs and machine time costs, not adapted from laser or plasma nesting.

Interface familiarity — the AutoCAD-inspired interface means most machinists can be productive in IGEMS within hours, not weeks.

Module-by-Module Guide

Base Module — CAD

The foundation of every IGEMS installation. Provides a complete 2D CAD environment for creating and editing part geometry:

DWG and DXF import/export — compatible with AutoCAD files from any version
Geometry creation tools — lines, arcs, circles, splines, rectangles, polygons
Contour optimization — reduces the number of objects in a contour without changing dimensions; removes overlapped geometry and repairs gaps
Layers management — organize geometry on layers for multi-operation parts
CAM Tools commands — geometry analysis and repair tools that find issues in imported drawings before they cause problems in cutting (open contours, duplicate entities, tiny segments)

The AutoCAD-inspired command structure means any operator familiar with AutoCAD will be productive almost immediately.

AWJ Module — Abrasive Waterjet CAM (2D)

The primary CAM module for 2D abrasive waterjet cutting. This is the core production tool for most waterjet shops:

Toolpath generation:

Lead-in and lead-out configuration (tangential, perpendicular, arc)
Pierce type selection (soft pierce, dynamic pierce, pierce on the fly)
Cut quality settings (Q1 through Q5) controlling cutting speed and edge finish
Common cut lines — share a single cut between adjacent parts to eliminate redundant passes
CircleCut — optimized toolpath for circular holes reducing taper and improving roundness
Tab/bridge placement to prevent small parts from falling into the catcher tank

Cutting parameters:

Material database with pre-configured feed rates for hundreds of materials and thicknesses
Speed override and manual parameter adjustment
Time and cost calculation before cutting — calculate the machine time, abrasive consumption, and cost for any job
CNC code generation for the machine controller

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Simulation:

2D cutting path simulation with crash detection
NC code preview before sending to machine

5X CAM Module — 3D and Bevel Cutting

Extends IGEMS to handle cutting operations beyond flat 2D profiles:

3D CAM on imported models:

Import STEP (.stp) and IGES (.igs) 3D CAD files
Place toolpaths on 3D surfaces and contours
Generate CNC code for machines with 3D cutting capabilities

Bevel / taper cutting:

Supports 1-axis through 6-axis cutting configurations
Define precise bevel angles for weld preparation, beveled edges, and compound angles
Rotation axis support for cutting tubes and cylindrical parts in 3D
Automatic calculation of head tilt angles and compensation

This module is essential for shops doing weld prep work (J-groove, V-groove, compound angles), architectural and artistic 3D cutting, or aerospace components requiring precise bevel geometry.

Nest 1 Module — Semi-Automatic Nesting

Nesting is the process of arranging multiple parts efficiently on a sheet to minimize material waste. Nest 1 provides semi-automatic strategies:

Circle nest — optimized for circular or near-circular parts
Rectangle nest — efficient arrangement for rectangular parts with configurable margins
Single nest — place individual instances with manual control
Grid nest — repeat patterns at defined spacing
Remnant management — track and reuse material remnants from previous jobs
Sheet rotation — automatically test part rotation angles for better material utilization

Nest 2 Module (Autonest) — Fully Automatic Nesting

The flagship feature that IGEMS is most famous for — Autonest is a true automatic nesting algorithm that arranges mixed collections of different parts on sheets of any shape with minimal waste:

What makes Autonest powerful:

Nests any combination of different parts simultaneously on the same sheet
Supports irregularly shaped sheets and remnants (not just rectangles)
Configurable part rotation increments (e.g., allow 0°, 90°, 180°, 270° or any angle)
Grain direction constraints for materials where orientation matters (brushed metal, wood grain)
Part priority settings — ensure high-priority parts are nested first
Multiple sheet support in a single nesting run

Real-world impact: IGEMS published a comparison case where Autonest saved 291€ on a single 25mm steel sheet versus FlowNest, and calculated savings of approximately 172 sheets per year for a typical production scenario.

Nest 2 cannot be purchased without Nest 1.

TVL Formula — Taper and Lag Compensation

One of IGEMS’s most technically significant features is the TVL compensation formula. Waterjet cutting produces a slight taper in the cut edge — the bottom of the cut is slightly narrower than the top due to the jet spreading as it cuts through material. At high speeds, the jet also lags behind the programmed path in curves.

TVL compensates for three distinct phenomena:

T (Taper angle control) — calculates and compensates for edge taper based on material, thickness, and cutting speed
V (Variable offset control) — adjusts kerf offset dynamically based on cutting conditions
L (Lag control) — compensates for the hydrodynamic lag of the jet in corners and curves

The result is cut edges that are straight (not tapered) and corners that are accurate to the programmed geometry — critical for precision parts and weld preparation profiles.

TileMaker Module — Stone and Tile Industry

A specialized module for stone fabricators, tile cutters, and mosaic artists:

Tile nesting — specialized nesting for tile and stone patterns
Inlay commands — create complex inlay designs with multiple materials and colors
Pattern matching — match veining or grain patterns across adjacent tiles
ID assignment — automatically assign ID numbers to each piece for assembly reference
Texture preview — visualize how different stone textures will appear in the finished design

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This module is widely used by countertop fabricators, architectural stone shops, and artistic waterjet cutting operations.

TubeCut Module — Tube and Pipe Cutting

Enables waterjet cutting of tubes, pipes, and cylindrical profiles:

Mount the tube on a C-axis rotary device or lay it flat on the table
Define any tube cross-section (round, square, rectangular, custom)
Create holes, cutoffs, notches, and custom features including logos and text
3D visualization of the tube design during programming
Generates CNC code for either rotary axis or flat-cut methods

SignMaker Module — Image and Font Cutting

For shops cutting signs, artwork, and decorative profiles:

Import JPG and BMP images and automatically convert to CAD vectors
Use TrueType fonts — convert text to smooth waterjet-cuttable geometry
Bitmap tracing with configurable threshold and smoothing
Ideal for sign shops, trophy engravers, and artistic cutting applications

Organizer Module — Job and Parts Database

A SQL-based database for managing the operational side of the waterjet shop:

Store parts with material, thickness, quantity, and customer information
Job tracking — record planned and completed cutting jobs
Quick retrieval via filters and search
Parts stored in Organizer are directly accessible from the Autonest module
Generate job reports for customer quotations and production planning

DataExchange Module — Extended File Format Support

Extends IGEMS beyond its standard DWG/DXF support:

Additional import formats: WMF, PS/EPS, GEN, GEO, IGS, MEC, ORD, TAG
NC code import — import existing G-code back into IGEMS for review and editing
Essential for shops receiving files from customers in non-standard formats or needing to work with legacy NC programs

Camera Module — Material Positioning

IGEMS Camera attaches a calibrated overhead camera to the waterjet machine:

Camera image is mathematically calibrated to match the exact 1:1 scale of the machine table
Place material on the table and see precisely where it is in the IGEMS coordinate system
Drag and drop the nest onto the actual material image — position cuts to avoid defects, use remnants with unusual shapes, or align to material grain or patterns
Eliminates material positioning errors that cause scrap

Licensing Options

IGEMS offers two license types:

Node-Locked License (Dongle)

The standard license uses a USB hardware key (dongle). The software runs on any computer with the dongle inserted. One dongle = one concurrent user. Additional dongles are required for additional simultaneous users.

Floating License (Network License)

For shops with multiple operators sharing access to IGEMS:

License server installed on the network
Any computer on the LAN can run IGEMS
Number of concurrent users limited by the number of floating licenses purchased
No physical dongle needed on individual workstations

Compatible Waterjet Machines

IGEMS works with virtually any waterjet cutting machine through its flexible post-processor system. Post-processors translate IGEMS toolpaths into the specific G-code dialect required by each machine controller. IGEMS maintains post-processors for all major brands:

Flow (WMC, Mach, Dynamic XD, Waterjet Pro)
Omax (Intelli-MAX software integration)
KMT / BFT machines
Wardjet
Jet Edge
WARDJet
SWARC (formerly WARDJet)
Water Jet Sweden
TECHNI Waterjet
Finepart (micro waterjet)
Virtually any other machine through configurable post-processor creation

This machine-agnostic approach means IGEMS can be used when upgrading or replacing a machine without needing to change CAD/CAM software — and shops with mixed machine fleets can run all machines from a single IGEMS installation.

IGEMS vs. Competing Waterjet CAD/CAM Software

Feature	IGEMS	FlowPath/FlowNest	OMAX Intelli-MAX	ProtoMAX
Waterjet-specific	✅ 100%	✅ Flow machines	✅ OMAX machines	✅ OMAX entry
Machine compatibility	✅ All brands	❌ Flow only	❌ OMAX only	❌ OMAX only
Autonest (true automatic)	✅	✅ FlowNest	✅	Limited
5-axis / bevel cutting	✅ Up to 6 axes	✅	✅	❌
3D STEP/IGES import	✅	✅	✅	❌
Stone/tile module	✅ TileMaker	❌	❌	❌
Tube cutting module	✅ TubeCut	❌	❌	❌
Camera material positioning	✅	❌	❌	❌
AutoCAD-compatible interface	✅	❌	❌	❌
Modular pricing	✅	Limited	Limited	❌
Material cost savings vs FlowNest	✅ Documented	Baseline	N/A	N/A

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The key competitive advantage of IGEMS over machine-bundled software (FlowPath, Intelli-MAX): IGEMS is not tied to one machine brand. Shops that upgrade machines, add a second machine from a different manufacturer, or simply want to switch hardware vendors do not need to retrain operators or rebuild part libraries — IGEMS works across the entire shop.

System Requirements

Component	Requirement
OS	Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit)
CPU	Intel Core i5 or AMD equivalent
RAM	8 GB minimum, 16 GB recommended for 3D work
Storage	2 GB for installation
Display	1920 × 1080 recommended
USB	Required for dongle (node-locked license)
Network	Required for floating license

Frequently Asked Questions

Does IGEMS work with my existing Flow/OMAX/Wardjet machine? Yes. IGEMS provides post-processors for all major waterjet machine brands. For Flow machines, IGEMS can be run in “on-tool” mode where IGEMS sends basic geometry to the Flow controller, which handles speed and parameter calculations internally — giving you IGEMS nesting and toolpath efficiency while keeping Flow’s cutting parameters.

Can I try IGEMS before purchasing? Yes. IGEMS offers a free download of the software. The free version has limited functionality (restricted nesting, limited part size) but lets you evaluate the interface and workflow before committing to a purchase.

How many modules do I actually need? For basic 2D flat cutting: Base CAD + AWJ module. Add Nest 1 if you cut multiple parts per sheet. Add Nest 2 (Autonest) if you cut varied part mixes — the material savings typically pay for the module quickly. Add 5X CAM only if your machine has bevel or 3D cutting capability. Add specialty modules (TileMaker, TubeCut, SignMaker) only if relevant to your work.

What is the difference between Nest 1 and Nest 2? Nest 1 provides semi-automatic nesting strategies for simpler scenarios — same part repeated, simple rectangular arrangements. Nest 2 (Autonest) is a fully automatic intelligent nesting engine that arranges mixed collections of different parts with minimal waste, including on irregular-shaped sheets and remnants. For high-mix production, Autonest delivers significantly better material utilization.

Does IGEMS support inch and metric units? Yes. IGEMS works in both metric and imperial units and can switch between them.

How are software updates handled? IGEMS releases regular software updates. Updates are included for customers with an active software maintenance subscription. IGEMS also makes minor updates and patches available for free.

Summary

IGEMS is the waterjet industry’s most feature-rich and machine-agnostic CAD/CAM platform. Its combination of the AutoCAD-familiar interface, the industry-leading Autonest nesting algorithm, TVL taper and lag compensation, full 5-axis and 3D cutting support, and specialty modules for stone, tube, and sign work make it the comprehensive solution for waterjet shops of any size or specialization.

For shops currently using machine-bundled software (FlowPath, Intelli-MAX) and looking for better nesting performance, more cutting flexibility, or the ability to run multiple machines from different manufacturers in one software environment, IGEMS is the natural upgrade path.

For licensing assistance or questions about IGEMS module selection for your specific cutting application, contact our team via Telegram: t.me/DoCrackMe