FabriCAM

Source: https://am.co.za/brands/fabricam

published: 2022-06-02 11:03:20
modified: 2022-08-03 10:59:53
excerpt: CAD/CAM is software for CNC sheet metal cutting, optimising material utilisation and machine run time.
discipline: Laser Cutting & Engraving, CNC Plasma Cutting
shop / article: Buythis Store
category: Software
range: Profile Cutting Software
logo: https://cdn.am.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/FabricCAM_Logo_dark.svg

FabriCAM logo

CAD/CAM is software for CNC sheet metal cutting, optimising material utilisation and machine run time.

FabriCAM is AM.CO.ZA's own 2D CAD/CAM software for CNC sheet metal cutting. AM.CO.ZA first released it in 2016 as "our first CNC software", built to automate the programming of sheet metal cutting machines, and has kept updating it since (the latest release on the download page is version 1.0.8.0, with a 1.0.8.1 build noted in 2026 that can split NC files by line count). It takes a drawing (DXF or DWG), cleans it up, nests the parts on the sheet to save material, works out lead-ins, lead-outs and the cutting sequence, and writes the NC code for the machine. It is made for oxy-fuel, plasma, laser and water jet cutting, and AM.CO.ZA pairs it with its MetalWise CNC plasma tables and RayCut fibre laser cutters. The details below come from AM.CO.ZA's product data on am.im, the AM.CO.ZA product dump behind buythis.co.za, the fabricam.co.za site and older AM.CO.ZA posts.

Quick answers

What does FabriCAM do? It turns a design into precise cuts: import DXF/DWG files with automatic conversion, clean up drawings (entity reduction, smoothing, closing open profiles), set quantity, material and thickness, auto-generate the tool path and cut direction on import, draw and edit parts with its own CAD tools (lines, arcs, text, copy and paste), and nest parts manually or automatically to use as much of the sheet as possible.
Which machines does it work with? CNC cutting machines that take NC/G-code from a CAM program: plasma, oxy-cut, fibre laser and water jet. AM.CO.ZA demonstrates it on MetalWise CNC plasma cutters (including the MetalWise Lite) and RayCut fibre laser cutters. Hypertherm Powermax plasma models with settings such as pierce delay time have been in it since version 1.0.1.3.
What are the main features? Automatic and manual nesting, nesting for remnants (cutting on a leftover steel piece), common line cutting, bridge and multi-bridge cutting to cut faster with fewer pierces, micro-joints, collision avoidance by recalculating entries and exits, lead-in and lead-out set by plate thickness, manual hole and pierce sequence, centre punch marks for drill start holes, letter marking for part sorting, multi-torch nesting, grouped part nesting, art part (vector metal art) import, job reports and costing.
What modules are there? The Essential package (CAD/CAM core), the PRO upgrade (adds automatic nesting and the professional tools), a Cost module (cutting cost estimation for quotes), an HVAC module (ducting shapes such as round ducts, elbows and flanged sections from flat sheet) and a TUBE module (round tube and pipe cutting on a plasma cutter fitted with a rotary). The fabricam.co.za site also lists rectangular and round tube cutting and a flat parts module.
Can I try nesting before buying PRO? Yes. Since release 1.0.6.8 the nesting tool is visible in the basic package, so anyone can try it; you just cannot save the nested result without the nesting licence.
How is it licensed? With a blue USB activation dongle (X-FABRICAM, the foundation core). Every package includes the dongle. A damaged dongle can be swapped for a new one with X-FABRICAM/EXCHANGE, and the damaged dongle must be returned. The licence is registered to one user.
Where do I download it? From fabricam.co.za/download, which links to the latest release on CNCU.co.za. Older versions are in the FabriCAM folder on CNCU.co.za. The machine utilities and drivers (X-UTILITY) are free to download from CNCU.co.za.
How do I upgrade? For a major upgrade (for example 1.0.8.x to 1.0.9.x), uninstall the old FabriCAM first, then delete any files left in C:\Program Files (x86)\FabricCAM\, because old default database values can cause upgrade problems.
Install or "reconfig" errors? Windows Defender or other antivirus can flag or block FabriCAM. Add the FabriCAM install and config folders as an exclusion in your antivirus, then install or run it again.
Manual? The FabriCAM Manual Guide (PDF) is linked on the package and module product pages.
Training? Free FabriCAM mini-courses and step-by-step video tutorials are on SoftwareTraining.co.za.

FabriCAM packages

Prices are the current Sales and Regular prices from the AM.CO.ZA product dump, including VAT, stamped with the dump date. Prices are linked to exchange rates and can change; check the buythis page for the price on the day you order. Stock is not listed here; check with AM.CO.ZA.

SKU	Package	What is included	Sales price (incl. VAT)	Regular price (incl. VAT)	Price date
X-FABRICAM/LITE (KB)	FABRICAM Sheet Metal Fabrication CAM Software Essential Package	Foundation core + USB dongle, CNCU utilities (free download)	R 10 110.80	R 10 999.00	2026-10-20
X-FABRICAM/LITE/C (KB)	FABRICAM Sheet Metal Fabrication CAM Software Essential Package, Cost Module Add-On	Foundation core + USB dongle, Cost module, CNCU utilities (free download)	R 12 401.60	R 13 598.00	2026-10-20
X-FABRICAM/LITE/H (KB)	FABRICAM Sheet Metal Fabrication CAM Software Essential Package, HVAC Module Add-On	Foundation core + USB dongle, HVAC module, CNCU utilities (free download)	R 12 401.60	R 13 598.00	2026-10-20
X-FABRICAM/PRO (KB)	FABRICAM Sheet Metal Fabrication CAM Software Professional Package	Foundation core + USB dongle, PRO (nesting) upgrade, CNCU utilities (free download)	R 13 781.60	R 16 098.00	2026-10-20
X-FABRICAM/PRO/C (KB)	FABRICAM Sheet Metal Fabrication CAM Software Professional Package, Cost Module Add-On	Foundation core + USB dongle, PRO (nesting) upgrade, Cost module, CNCU utilities (free download)	R 11 490.80	R 18 697.00	2026-10-20
X-FABRICAM/PRO/H (KB)	FABRICAM Sheet Metal Fabrication CAM Software Professional Package, HVAC Module Add-On	Foundation core + USB dongle, PRO (nesting) upgrade, HVAC module, CNCU utilities (free download)	R 11 490.80	R 18 697.00	2026-10-20
X-FABRICAM/ULTIMATE (KB)	FABRICAM Sheet Metal Fabrication CAM Software ULTIMATE Package, All Modules Add-On	Foundation core + USB dongle, PRO (nesting) upgrade, Cost module, HVAC module, CNCU utilities (free download)	R 13 790.80	R 21 296.00	2026-10-20

Upgrades, add-on modules and the dongle

SKU	What it is	Sales price (incl. VAT)	Regular price (incl. VAT)	Price date
X-FABRICAM (KB)	FABRICAM Software USB Dongle, Blue Small Dongle	R 10 120.00	R 13 000.00	2026-10-20
X-FABRICAM/P (KB)	Fabricam PRO Module, Upgrade from Essential to Professional Package with Nesting	R 4 600.00	R 5 400.00	2026-10-20
X-FABRICAM/COST (KB)	Fabricam Cost Module Add-On for Cutting Cost Estimation	R 2 300.00	R 2 800.00	2026-10-20
X-FABRICAM/HVAC (KB)	Fabricam HVAC Module Add-On for HVAC Shape Building	R 2 300.00	R 2 800.00	2026-10-20
X-FABRICAM/TUBE (KB)	Fabricam Tube Cutting Module Add-On for Round Tube/Pipe Cutting on CNC Plasma Cutter with Rotary	R 41 400.00	R 49 000.00	2026-10-20
X-FABRICAM/EXCHANGE (KB)	Exchange Damaged FABRICAM USB Dongle to a New One (Damaged Dongle Must Be Returned)	R 3 448.85	R 3 300.00	2026-10-20

What each package and module is for

X-FABRICAM/LITE – FABRICAM Essential is sheet-metal CAM software designed to simplify the preparation of jobs for CNC production. Operators can import DXF/DWG drawings, arrange components using nesting tools, optimise material usage, and generate accurate cutting, bending and punching paths. Its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface makes job setup straightforward, while visual verification and real-time collision detection help identify mistakes before production begins. Ideal for sheet-metal workshops, FABRICAM Essential helps improve workflow, reduce waste and prevent costly manufacturing errors. The package includes the FABRICAM software activation USB dongle and essential CNC utility software.
X-FABRICAM/LITE/C – FABRICAM Essential is a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software package designed to help sheet-metal fabrication businesses prepare and manage cutting work. It provides the essential software foundation needed to turn fabrication requirements into organised production jobs for compatible cutting equipment. The included Cost Module adds practical cutting-cost estimation, helping users calculate expected job expenses and prepare more accurate customer quotations. This package is ideal for workshops seeking a straightforward solution to improve production planning, reduce manual calculations and maintain better control over project costs. It combines essential fabrication functionality and costing tools in one convenient software package.
X-FABRICAM/LITE/H – FABRICAM Essential with HVAC Module is specialised CAM software for businesses manufacturing sheet-metal products and HVAC ducting. It helps users design and prepare common HVAC shapes, fittings and duct components for accurate cutting and fabrication. By converting designs into production-ready cutting instructions, FABRICAM streamlines workflow, reduces manual drawing, limits material waste and improves consistency. This package is ideal for HVAC contractors, duct manufacturers and sheet-metal workshops seeking a practical entry-level fabrication solution with dedicated HVAC capabilities. It provides the essential tools needed to move efficiently from component design to machine-ready production.
X-FABRICAM/PRO – FABRICAM Professional is advanced CAM software designed to streamline sheet-metal fabrication from design through to production. It helps operators create accurate layouts, generate CNC-ready cutting code and organise parts for efficient manufacturing. Automatic nesting maximises material usage, while part sorting and sequencing improve workflow and reduce production time. Its user-friendly, customisable interface makes it suitable for professional fabrication businesses producing anything from individual components to complex projects. The package includes the FABRICAM USB activation dongle, Professional nesting module and downloadable CNC utilities, providing a practical solution for improving accuracy, productivity and material efficiency.
X-FABRICAM/PRO/C – FABRICAM Professional with Cost Module Add-On is a comprehensive CAM software package for businesses involved in sheet-metal cutting and fabrication. It helps users prepare production-ready cutting jobs, organise component layouts and improve material utilisation. The integrated Cost Module supports accurate job estimation by calculating expected cutting and production costs, helping fabricators prepare quotations and control expenses. Designed for professional workshops, this package simplifies the workflow between design and manufacturing while reducing manual calculations, material waste and planning time. It is ideal for sheet-metal fabricators seeking a practical solution for efficient production planning, costing and day-to-day cutting operations.
X-FABRICAM/PRO/H – FABRICAM Professional with HVAC Module is an advanced CAM software package for sheet-metal fabricators and HVAC manufacturers. It helps users create accurate sheet-metal components and HVAC shapes, prepare designs for production, and generate CNC-ready cutting instructions. Professional tools such as nesting, simulation and material optimisation help reduce waste, prevent errors and improve workshop productivity. The user-friendly interface makes complex fabrication jobs easier to plan and manage, from initial design through to cutting. Supplied with the FABRICAM software foundation, Professional upgrade, HVAC module and utility resources, this package is ideal for producing ducting, fittings and general fabricated sheet-metal products.
X-FABRICAM/ULTIMATE – FABRICAM Ultimate is a complete CAM software package designed to simplify and accelerate sheet-metal fabrication. It helps fabricators prepare complex parts for CNC production using efficient nesting, advanced toolpath creation, bend simulation and visual workflow tools that improve accuracy and reduce material waste. The package includes the Professional nesting upgrade, Cost Module for estimating cutting expenses, and HVAC Module for creating ducting shapes. Supplied with the FABRICAM USB dongle and machine utility software, it is ideal for workshops handling anything from one-off components to demanding production jobs. Work faster, quote smarter and manufacture with confidence.
X-FABRICAM – FABRICAM Foundation Core is the base software licence for the FABRICAM sheet-metal fabrication CAM system. Supplied with a USB activation dongle, it provides secure access to the software used for preparing designs and production data for compatible CNC metal-cutting machinery. It is ideal for fabrication businesses that need a licensed foundation on which to build their required FABRICAM solution. Essential, Professional and specialised modules—such as costing, HVAC shape building and rotary tube cutting—can be selected separately according to your production needs. This product is the foundation licence and activation key, not a complete module package.
X-FABRICAM/P – Upgrade your existing FABRICAM Essential software to the Professional Package with X-FABRICAM/P. Designed for sheet-metal fabrication businesses, this upgrade adds professional nesting capabilities to help arrange parts efficiently on metal sheets before CNC cutting. Better part placement can reduce material waste, simplify production preparation and improve overall workflow. It is ideal for fabrication shops that have outgrown the Essential Package and need more advanced tools without purchasing a completely new software package. This product is an upgrade rather than standalone software, so an existing compatible FABRICAM Essential installation is required. A practical step up for more efficient, organised sheet-metal production.
X-FABRICAM/COST – The FABRICAM Cost Module Add-On helps sheet-metal fabrication businesses estimate the cost of CNC cutting jobs quickly and consistently. Designed for use with compatible FABRICAM software, it converts production information into practical costing data, accounting for material usage, cutting time, labour and operating overheads. This makes it easier to prepare accurate customer quotations, evaluate job profitability and reduce the risk of underpricing. Ideal for workshops handling custom or repeat sheet-metal projects, the module adds a valuable commercial layer to the CAM workflow. It supports faster estimating, better pricing decisions, improved production planning and tighter control over operating costs.
X-FABRICAM/HVAC – The FABRICAM HVAC Module Add-On extends FABRICAM sheet-metal software with specialised tools for designing HVAC components. It helps ventilation, ducting and sheet-metal professionals quickly create custom shapes from flat sheet material. Users can select predefined profiles and build common components such as round ducts, elbows and flanged sections with less manual drawing. Its user-friendly workflow simplifies HVAC shape development, reduces design time and helps prepare accurate components for fabrication. This module is ideal for businesses manufacturing air-conditioning, extraction and ventilation ductwork that want to improve productivity and handle custom HVAC projects more efficiently.
X-FABRICAM/TUBE – The AM.CO.ZA FABRICAM TUBE Module is a specialised software add-on for businesses cutting round tube and pipe with a CNC plasma cutter fitted with a rotary system. It helps operators prepare tube-cutting jobs more efficiently, turning designs into practical cutting instructions for compatible machinery. Ideal for metal fabricators, engineering workshops and production environments, the module extends FABRICAM’s sheet-metal capabilities beyond flat material to cylindrical workpieces. It supports a smoother workflow, reduces time spent preparing complex rotary cuts and helps improve consistency across repeat jobs. This is a software module, so a compatible FABRICAM setup and rotary-equipped cutting machine are required.
X-FABRICAM/EXCHANGE – Restore access to your FABRICAM software by exchanging a damaged USB activation dongle for a new replacement. This product is intended for existing FABRICAM users whose original blue USB dongle has been physically damaged or is no longer functioning correctly. The damaged dongle must be returned as part of the exchange process. This is a replacement service for an existing activation device—not a new FABRICAM software licence or software package. It offers a straightforward, cost-effective way to replace essential licence hardware and get your FABRICAM-enabled production workflow operational again with minimal disruption.

Which package should I choose?

Essential (X-FABRICAM/LITE) if you mainly cut one-off parts and simple jobs and can nest by hand.
Professional (X-FABRICAM/PRO) if you cut production runs and want automatic nesting, part sorting and sequencing. Essential users can move up later with the PRO upgrade (X-FABRICAM/P).
Add the Cost module (LITE/C, PRO/C or X-FABRICAM/COST) if you quote jobs and want cutting cost estimates from material, cutting time, labour and overheads.
Add the HVAC module (LITE/H, PRO/H or X-FABRICAM/HVAC) if you make ducting, elbows and other ventilation or air-conditioning parts.
Ultimate (X-FABRICAM/ULTIMATE) if you want everything: PRO nesting, Cost and HVAC modules.
TUBE module (X-FABRICAM/TUBE) is a separate add-on for round tube and pipe cutting and needs a plasma cutter with a rotary.

Who it suits

Sheet metal fabricators, engineering and steel workshops, HVAC and ducting makers, metal art and signage makers, and anyone running a CNC plasma, laser, oxy-fuel or water jet cutter who wants to save material, cut faster and quote more accurately. AM.CO.ZA's BusinessNow episode on starting a sheet metal fabrication business with a MetalWise CNC plasma table shows it in use.