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SigmaNEST is the leading CAD/CAM nesting system for programming CNC profile cutting and
punching machines. Optimized for plasma, laser, punch, oxyfuel, router, knife, tube/pipe and com-
bination cutting machines, SigmaNEST ensures the best results in terms of material utilization,
machine motion optimization, part quality, work flow integration, material handling, accurate esti-
mates and information management.SigmaNEST software is offered in modules that can be com-
bined to best meet the needs of particular customers, from job shop environments to diverse
corporations in aerospace, transportation, energy, and more.
About SigmaTEK Systems, LLC
Founded in 1992, SigmaTEK Systems, LLC provides solutions to enhance efficiency and profitability
for flat material and tube manufacturers through CAD/CAM nesting solutions – SigmaNEST, Sol-
idNEST and SigmaTUBE. Headquartered in Ohio, USA, SigmaTEK has an extensive support network
worldwide, with branches in Europe, China, India, Australia and South America.
Confidentiality Agreement
Any information disclosed in this manual concerning SigmaTEK Systems, LLC’s software, products
and procedures shall be considered proprietary information for which SigmaTEK Systems, LLC
retains all rights. The recipient shall maintain SigmaTEK Systems, LLC’s proprietary information in
confidence and not divulge proprietary information, in whole or in part to any third party without
written permission. Copies or reproductions shall not be made except to the extent reasonably nec-
essary and all copies made shall be the property of the disclosing party. Accepting this document
constitutes acceptance of the Confidentiality Agreement.
Table Of Contents
Overview 1
User Interface 5
Program Basics 8
Workspace 35
Work Orders 47
Work-space NC 75
Cut To Length 76
CAD 84
Geometry 84
Edit 125
Detail 140
X-Form (Work-space) 153
Verify (CAD) 165
Nesting 169
Nest 169
Manual Nest 189
Lead-ins 209
Verify (Nesting) 220
Nesting NC 223
NC Nest 223
Motion Optimization 255
Advanced NC 272
Edit NC 293
Remnant 302
Nesting Detail 364
Nesting Detail 364
Parts 369
Part Mode 369
Part NC 386
Punch - Part Mode 398
Part Detail 401
Detail (Part Mode) 401
Edit (Part Mode) 402
Tools & Help 403
Technology Set-up 430
Overview
Overview
This manual is a reference to SigmaNESTVersion 9.Some optional features may not be included in
the version of SigmaNEST software being used. Contact your SigmaNEST sales representative to
obtain optional program modules described in the manual that are not installed at your site.
The new Vista operating system now protects the Program files directory. The Program Files direc-
tory is a protected location that standard Users cannot write to. The SigmaNEST Program Data files
are no longer installed in the Program Files directory.
Programs that use data files that are altered during program execution are placed in the Application
directory. The Application Data Directory is located at different places in Windows XP and Vista.
SigmaNEST installs files to these different locations depending on the operating system that is
installed.
Click the arrow next to the three installation directory structures below for more details.
Windows XP installation directory structure
For Windows XP 64 the following files have moved from the Program Files folder to:
C:\ProgramFiles(x86)\SigmaTEK\SigmaNEST90 or [Directory Path where SigmaNEST was instructed
to be installed]\
For Windows XP 32 the following files have moved from the Program Files folder to:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\SigmaTEK\SigmaNEST90 or [Directory Path
where SigmaNEST was instructed to be installed]\
l ColorScheme.ini
l config.dtk
l nesting.ini
l nesting_Comp.ini
l SNStartup.ini
l ToolTypes.cfg
l UserForm-Knife.txt
l UserForm-Laser.txt
l UserForm-Oxygas.txt
l UserForm-Plasma.txt
l UserForm-Router.txt
l UserForm-Waterjet.txt
l UserForm-RailTools.txt
l UserForm-TurretTools.txt
l Users.xml
l WaterjetIN.dat
l WaterjetMM.dat
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Overview
For Windows XP 64 the following files have moved from the Program Files folder to:
C:\ProgramFiles(x86)\SigmaTEK\SigmaNEST90 or [Directory Path where SigmaNEST was instructed
to be installed]\SysFiles\UserINIFiles
For Windows XP 32 the following files have moved from the Program Files folder to:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\SigmaTEK\SigmaNEST90 or [Directory Path
where SigmaNEST was instructed to be installed]\INIFiles\
l Shapes.ini
l SheetHist.ini
l Sheets.ini
l SNConfig.ini
l SNData.ini
l SNDlgs.ini
When user profiles are used, the user name is appended to the path (...\ SigmaNEST90 or [Directory
Path where SigmaNEST was instructed to be installed]\INIFiles\<UserName>\) and the files are in
that folder instead.
Windows Vista installation directory structure
For Vista 64 the following files have moved from the Program Files folder to:
C:\ProgramFiles(x86)\SigmaTEK\SigmaNEST90 or [Directory Path where SigmaNEST was instructed
to be installed]\
For Vista 32 the following files have moved from the Program Files folder to:
C:\ProgramData\SigmaTEK\SigmaNEST90 or [Directory Path where SigmaNEST was instructed to be
installed]\
l ColorScheme.ini
l config.dtk
l nesting.ini
l nesting_Comp.ini
l SNStartup.ini
l ToolTypes.cfg
l UserForm-Knife.txt
l UserForm-Laser.txt
l UserForm-Oxygas.txt
l UserForm-Plasma.txt
l UserForm-Router.txt
l UserForm-Waterjet.txt
l UserForm-RailTools.txt
l UserForm-TurretTools.txt
l Users.xml
l WaterjetIN.dat
l WaterjetMM.dat
For Vista 64 the following files have moved from the Program Files folder to:
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Overview
When user profiles are used, the user name is appended to the path (...\ SigmaNEST90 or [Directory
Path where SigmaNEST was instructed to be installed]\INIFiles\<UserName>\) and the following
files are in that folder instead.
SNData installation directory structure
All SigmaNEST data files are stored in the SNData folder. The SNData folder's location is specified
when SigmaNEST is installed, but common locations for it are:
l Within the Public folder on the local machine
l On a network share
l The root of a drive (e.g. c:\SNData)
The following table lists the primary folders that may be found within the SNData folder:
..\BOM
Bills of Materials
..\CDL
CADKey's CDL geometry transfer format files
..\DWG
CAD system's DWG geometry transfer format files
..\DXF
CAD system's DXF geometry transfer format files
..\eReport
Electronic report files
..\IGES
CAD system's IGES geometry transfer format files
..\Jobs
Scheduled job definitions
..\NC
NC post processed programs
..\Parts
SigmaNEST parts
..\Post
Post processor files
..\PTN
Pattern files
..\Replace
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Overview
There is still a copy of the files in the Program folder, which are used to create new user profiles.
The Span directory is installed to the root directory.
Program Overview
SigmaNEST is organized according to program tabs, program ribbons, functions, dialogs, and actions.
The Program tabs are located along the top of SigmaNEST's program window. Program ribbons are
displayed under the tabs, along the top, once a program tab is selected.
The ribbons contain function icons that may have drop down arrows for additional functions. Select a
function to display program dialogs. The program dialogs contain parameters and or actions. Some
functions will display a group of actions on the left side of the program window instead of dialogs.
Program tabs, listed below, contain a collection of related functions, grouped onto ribbons, which
contain groups of actions. Actions are also displayed on the left side of the Work-space after select-
ing a ribbon function.
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Overview
User Interface
The features and layout of SigmaNEST's user interface may vary depending on the actions completed
or in process.
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Overview
License Start-up
SigmaNEST uses a license file, along with the SIM key, to run the program on
a single machine. SigmaNEST also runs on a server where client systems connect to use the Sig-
maNEST License File from the server.
The SIM (green) key is plugged into an operational USB port on the single machine. For network
licensing a network SIM (red) key is installed in an operational USB port on the system hosting the
license.
The license file is sent by email or the license file can be downloaded from the SigmaTEK License
Server.
License File Downloaded from the SigmaTEK License Server
1. Verify the SIM (red) key is installed on an operational USB port on the host system.
2. On each client machine select the Net Hasp Setup tab on the Startup dialog.
3. Select Check for Network Sim and enter the computer host name or the IP
address of the host computer.
4. Select local\network or network only to read the sim key from the network sim key
on the host system. Local/Network Sim searches for the sim key on the local
machine first then the host system.
5. The NetHasp.ini and license file are loaded to the client machine.
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Overview
Hasp Detail
The SIM key type, ID, and program version is displayed along with the company name and location.
Requesting license codes
License codes can be requested through email, fax, or from the SigmaTEK website.
If assistance is needed contact SigmaNEST Technical Support at 513-674-0005.
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Program Basics
Program Basics
l Quick Keys (See page 8)
l Mouse Functions (See page 10)
l Pull-down Menu (See page 21)
l Coordinate System (See page 24)
l Quick Access Toolbar (See page 10)
l Contour Attributes (See page 25)
l Column Listing (See page 21)
l Selection Actions (See page 15)
l Position Actions (See page 18)
Quick Keys
Commands are available, without navigating the menu system, by using SigmaNEST's Quick Launch
Keys. Quick Launch keys are activated by pressing a special combination of keys. For example, press-
ing "Alt" and "W" will navigate the user to the Work-space tab and display the quick launch keys on
top of the functions. Additional Quick Launch Key combinations are listed below.
Ctrl + Keys
Ctrl + A: Auto Scale Ctrl + O: Open Work Space
Ctrl + B: NEST Bump, Bump on / off* Ctrl + P: Create Part, Position*
Ctrl + C: Ctrl + Q: Delete Function
Ctrl + D: Double Scale Ctrl + R: Redraw, Rotate
Ctrl + E: Create Sheet Ctrl + S : Save Workspace
Ctrl + F: Quick Find Ctrl + T: Part Tile, Torches*
Ctrl + G: New Nesting Task, Ref Position* Ctrl + U: Work Order Update
Ctrl + H: Half Scale Ctrl + V:
Ctrl + I: Info Manager, Min Rectangle* Ctrl + W: Window
Ctrl + J: Ctrl + X: Exit SigmaNEST
Ctrl + K: Work Orders Ctrl + Y: Double Scale
Ctrl + L : Part List Ctrl + Z: Undo
Ctrl + M : WS Mode, Mirror* Ctrl + Del: Delete*
Ctrl + N : New Work space
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Program Basics
Ctrl + 0 – 9
Selecting Ctrl with a number key loads a previous workspace. For example: Select-
ing Ctrl + 2 loads
Ctrl +F Keys
Ctrl + F1: Help Topic Ctrl + F7: Position
Ctrl + F2: Reset Rotation Ctrl + F8: Mirror Vert
Ctrl + F3: Min Rectangle Ctrl + F9: Mirror Horiz.
Ctrl + F4: Torches Ctrl + F10:
Ctrl + F5: Snap trl + F11:
Ctrl + F6: Bump On/Off Ctrl + F12:
Shift+Ctrl Keys
Shift + Ctrl + A: Create Line Angle Absolute Shift + Ctrl + T: Fillet Trim
Shift + Ctrl + B: Trim Both Shift + Ctrl + U:
Shift + Ctrl + C: Create Circle Radius Shift + Ctrl + V: Create Line, Vert.
Shift + Ctrl + D: Trim Divide Shift + Ctrl + Y:
Shift + Ctrl + E: Create Line Angle Relative Shift + Ctrl + W:
Shift + Ctrl + F : Trim First Shift + Ctrl + X:
Shift + Ctrl + G: Line Rectangle Corners Shift + Ctrl + Y:
Shift + Ctrl + H : Create Line, Horiz. Shift + Ctrl + Z:
Shift + Ctrl + I : Create Line, Horiz. & Vert. Shift + Ctrl + Y:
Shift + Ctrl + J : Create Line, Parallel Through Shift + Ctrl + 2: Create Circle, 2
Point Points
Shift + Ctrl + 3: Create Circle, 3
Shift + Ctrl + K : Line Offset at Distance
Points
Shift + Ctrl + L : Create Line, 2 Points Shift + Ctrl + 4:
Shift + Ctrl + M : Create Circle, Diameter Shift + Ctrl + 5:
Shift + Ctrl + N : Shift + Ctrl + 6:
Shift + Ctrl + O : Create Offset Shift + Ctrl + 7:
Shift + Ctrl + P : Play Macro Shift + Ctrl + 8:
Shift + Ctrl + Q : Quit Trim Shift + Ctrl + 9:
Shift + Ctrl + R : Record Macro Shift + Ctrl + 0:
Shift + Ctrl + S : Smart Dimension
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Program Basics
Mouse Functions
In SigmaNEST, the mouse can be used to alter the Workspace display, along with its traditional func-
tions such as selecting commands and dragging.Work-space objects can be moved and zoomed in
on, anytime throughout the program by using the mouse wheel and cursor.The work space contracts
towards the cursor or expands from it in all directions. The actual X and Y coordinates are not
changed.
Move Work Space Objects: Place the mouse over the object to move and hold down the left
mouse button, the cursor changes to a hand icon, indicating the object is attached to the cursor.
Drag the object by moving the cursor to the desired position and release the left mouse button.
Zooming In & Out: When the mouse has a wheel between the left and right mouse buttons, it may
be used to perform extremely quick and convenient zoom operations. Rolling the wheel forward
(towards the front of the mouse) zooms in and enlarges the image. Rolling the mouse wheel back
zooms out and the image size reduces.
The Quick Access Tool Bar, located at the top of the SigmaNEST Dialog, contains frequently used
functions.
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Program Basics
Show Quick Access Below/Above the Ribbon: Select to change the location of
toolbar to below or above the ribbon
Minimize the Ribbon: Select to minimize the ribbon, providing more room for view-
ing the Work-space.
NC Simulate
NC Simulate is used to view the NC path in motion after creating a NC tool path for the nested
parts. NC Simulate displays the tool motion step-by-step, contour-by-contour, or part by part.
The nested parts must have a NC tool path applied for simulation to run.
The NC Simulate dialog has a set of controls to navigate through the simulation.
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Program Basics
G-Code: Select G-Code to display the actual machine code of the NC Tool path, that the
machine controller interprets. The G code is displayed in a window below the controls.
Step: Select to simulate the NC motion step through each NC tool path entity by entity.
Part: Part advances through the NC tool path part by part. The forward button advances by one
part each time it is selected. Step, Contour, Part and G-Code are mutually exclusive.
Beginning: Select to run the simulation over again from the beginning. Select Start to begin
the simulation again.
Reverse Step: Forward advances one step through the NC tool path simulation.
Forward Step: Forward advances one step through the NC tool path simulation.
More/Less: The More button expands the NC simulate dialog downwards to show the NC
Code, highlighting each step as it is processed. When the dialog is in its expanded state the More
button changes to Less. Selecting Less closes the window displaying the NC code.
Options: Select to display the Simulate Options dialog. The selected the combination of NC
simulate options will be shown in the above NC simulate dialog.
Animation Speed: Slide the speed control to the desired simulation speed.
Cancel: Select to close NC simulation without saving the selections.
OK: Select to close NC simulation saving the selections.
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Program Basics
Attributes
The Attributes function is used to setup the Work-space properties and how the Work-space is
viewed. It can be accessed by clicking on the Quick Access Toolbar, as shown below.
The Attributes Dialog Box has four tabs with unique sets of fields.
l Attributes: General (See page 14)
l Attributes: Process (See page 13)
l Attributes: Machine (See page 15)
l Attributes: NC Tab (See page 15)
Attributes: Process
The Process tab is used to display the properties for various processes. The available options and
corresponding images are listed below. Hoover the cursor over the images below to enlarge.
Show Bevel Attributes: Displays the information and an icon in a circle when in Part and Nesting
modes.Enter the size to change the size of the circle and check the Display Bottom Bevel with a Neg-
ative Sign. In the example below, the Top Angle is 45°, the Land Size and Top Land Size are .50.
Show Drill Attributes: Click the checkbox to display drill attributes and an icon in a circle. The size
can be changed below to alter the size of the circle.
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Program Basics
Show Router Tool Attributes: Click the checkbox to display router attributes.
Show Depth Attributes: Show Depth Attributes creates an icon in a circle with a leader line to the
contour.Click the checkbox to select. This will display only when in Part or Nesting modes.
Show Contour Start: Show Contour Start creates a blue box at the start of the contour. Click the
checkbox to select. The size can be changed below to alter the size of the box.
Show Pre-tabbing: Click the checkbox to display the pre-tab point. See Pre-Tabbing.
Show Punch Error Data: Click the checkbox to display error information.
Attributes: General
The General tab is used to setup basic attributes and contains the fields below.
Show Entity Attributes: Select to enable entity start points and direction.
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Program Basics
Entity Start Points: Select to display the start point of each entity. The start point symbol is dis-
played as a square.
Entity Direction: Select to display the entities cutting direction. The direction is displayed by an
arrow.
Color By: Select the color type to display the dialog window.
Color Fill Type : Select the fill type for the parts to be displayed on the Work-space.
Attributes: Machine
Attributes: NC Tab
The NC tab is has three setting which allow the user to see the NC in different ways.Click on the
button next to the desired option.
Display NC: Select to display the NC with lighter dashed lines representing the rapid movements.
Display NC without rapids: Select to display the NC codes without the rapid lines.
Do not Display NC: Select to turn off the NC and rapid lines without removing the NC path.
Selection Actions
There are multiple actions are available for selecting parts, entities, and geometries for editing.
Directional Actions
For Single and Chain selection actions, there are additional directional selection actions. The addi-
tional actions are displayed in the control panel and are also available in a quick pop-up window
after selecting the entity.
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Program Basics
Select All Clockwise: Select to include all of the entities clock wise from the selected entity.
Select All Counter Clockwise: Select to include all of the entities counter clockwise from
the selected entity.
Select All in Both Directions: Select to include all of the entities in both directions.
Single: Select single elements, entities, or parts by hovering the cursor over them and left-
clicking. Single select enables individual selection of lines, arcs, etc. Select text near its start point.
Select entities near their start point to define the selection direction.
When working with parts, single selection selects the whole part.
Chain: Select Chain to select a chain or string of entities. Select the first and last entities and
all entities in between are selected for the action. Left-clicking on the first entity (1) and the last
entity (2) will select the first, last, and all entities in between.
The entity's chain direction is defined from the selected starting point of
the entity, see Single above.
Window: The window option permits entities to be selected by drawing a rectangle around
them with the cursor. Click and drag the cursor to create the selection window. Release the button
to complete the window definition. Only items that are completely enclosed by the selection win-
dow are selected.
Selection windows are always available. It is not necessary to first select the window option. For
example, if the single selection option is selected, it is possible to select some individual entities,
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Program Basics
by clicking them, then select another group of entities by drawing a selection window around them
and then add a few more individual entities by clicking them.
When the window select option is active the other selection methods are disabled and it is only pos-
sible to use window selections.When Window is selected, the only way to select entities is with
selection windows. When Window is not selected window selections can be used in conjunction
with the active selection method.
All: Select All to apply the selected action by one of the attributes below.
Open Ends: Select Open Ends to select all entities that have one end that is not connected
to any entities. Left-click and window around the objects with open end entities. Right-click to apply
the selected action.
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Program Basics
Attached: Select Attached to select all entities that are connected to the selected entity or
part, including open end entities. Left-click on one of the entities and right-click to apply the
selected action to the attached entities. The following image illustrates a delete of the attached
entities.
Contours: Select Contours to apply the selected action to the selected contours. Contours is
similar to Attached except the action does not work on open ended entities. Left-click on the con-
tour. Right-click to apply the action.
Unselect: Select Unselect to deselect objects from applying the selected action.
Position Actions
When functions are selected the Position Actions are located in a window on the left side of the
Work-space. Different actions are available for different types of selected geometry objects.
Change the action before anchoring the geometry by right-clicking and selecting from the action
drop down list. Left- click to anchor the geometry with the type of action selected.
Smart Cursor: Select to turn the smart cursor on or off. The smart cursor displays the entity
end, midpoint, quadrant, and center point as the cursor hovers over the geometry contours.
Reset Incremental Coordinate Origin: Select to reset the incremental origin coordinate.
After selecting reset origin, the last position is used as the reference point.
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Program Basics
Use Absolute or Incremental Coordinates: Absolute coordinate is the default setting for
position actions. The geometry objects are referenced from position 0,0 of the Work-space in Abso-
lute mode. Selecting the icon again enables incremental mode, referencing to the last placed entity.
The icon changes displaying a border,
The X and Y coordinates will always read zero in absolute mode. Incremental displays the last
selected position and references the next selected position from there. The X and Y coordinates dis-
play the last entity position.
X coordinate: The X coordinate displays the vertical cursor position. When a new geometry
is selected the X coordinate is set to zero until a position is selected on the Work-space. X and Y
cursor positions can be manually entered. The selected geometry home position is placed at the
manually entered cursor position.
Y coordinate: The Y coordinate displays the horizontal cursor position. When a new geome-
try is selected the Y coordinate is set to zero until a position is selected on the Work-space. X and Y
cursor positions can be manually entered. The selected geometry home position is placed at the
manually entered cursor position.
Cursor: Selecting the Cursor icon positions the geometry where the cursor is clicked.
Point: Select point and enter the X and Y values for the point placement on the Work-space.
If no values are entered for the X and Y coordinates, the point position is undefined and is not
created.
Entity End: Select Entity End to attach to the nearest endpoint of a selected entity on the
Work-space. Left- click near the geometry end. A new geometry object is created and attached to
the end closest to the cursor.
The left image below displays the 2 point geometry object selection using the Entity End action on a
circle geometry. The line connects to the right side of the circle geometry, which is the end point
for a circle.
The right image below displays the Entity End action being applied to a rectangle. After selecting
the entity end action left-click near each end of the rectangle. The lines are attached to the ends of
the rectangle contours.
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Program Basics
Midpoint: Select Mid Point to locate the midpoint of a line or arc, or to place a definition
point at the midpoint of a line. The following images display a midpoint for an arc and a line. Using
Mid Point with arc geometry places a position halfway along the length of the arc.
Center: The center point of an arc or circle is used as a definition position. For example
select polyline geometry type, position the cursor on the Work-space, right-click and select the
center action icon from the drop down action list.
Select the geometry to center the new polyline from. Continue to create the polyline to the pre-
ferred dimensions. The center of a line is the same as the midpoint of the line.
Quadrant: Select to place the selected geometry to the closest quadrant point on an arc or a
circle. The images display a center radius for aligning bolt holes equidistant around a flange object.
Left-click on the Quadrant icon and left-click on each quadrant of the center circle entity (below left
image). The center circle is deleted (below right image).
Intersection: Select to locate the selected geometry object where two lines would intersect
if the entities crossed each other.
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Program Basics
For example, the following image display an obround geometry placed at the intersection of two
blue construction lines.
Enter the x and y coordinates on the prompt line or use the cursor and click each line contour that
intersect with each other.
Pull-down Menu
The Pull-down Menu uses standard Windows interface functions. There are two ways to select
menu options:
Cursor: Position the cursor on the menu item and left-click.
Underlined Letters: When a pull-down menu item has an underlined letter in its name, that item
may be selected by pressing the Alt key plus that underlined letter. On each pull-down menu, some
items have Ctrl or Alt key combinations shown to the right of the function. These functions may be
applied immediately with the specified Ctrl or Alt key combination.
For example, on the Create Part ribbon, the Create Part function lists Ctrl+P as its shortcut key
sequence. Using the Ctrl+P key combination, brings up the Create Part window in the Work-space
immediately.
Column Listing
Column Listings are dialog display listings that can be filtered to reduce the amount of information
that is displayed.
Column Displaying
SigmaNEST dialogs contain data represented in listings of columns and rows. Select the columns to
be visible by clicking on the column icon and selecting the columns to be displayed in the listing
window.
Each horizontal row represents a specific instance of data. For example, the sheets list has columns
for the sheet name, material, thickness, length, and so on. Each row represents a unique sheet
where the sheet properties are defined in each column.
Column Sorting
Sorting can be done two ways:
Filtering
Filters can be applied to the column dialog listings to only display certain information. The columns
or rows can be filtered from view in the list.
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Program Basics
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Program Basics
8. Repeat steps 4 through 7 to add another condition line that reads Qty is greater than or
equal to 3.
9. Select the Apply button. MS sheets of three or more that are longer than 50 are displayed
in the dialog listing. Apply can be used at any time to display the results of the conditions
added or removed.
10. Select the Save As if the condition must be used later. Use Open to load a previously saved
condition.
11. Select OK when the condition is complete. The dialog closes and the specified condition is
applied to the dialog listing.
12. The complex condition can be disabled and enabled.
Grouping
Grouping allows the dialog listing to be organized for efficient display.
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Program Basics
Position the cursor in the footer under the column to provide a summation function. Right-click to
open the summation function menu. Select from one of the following functions to apply to the col-
umn.
The value is placed in the footer under the column. The count and sum values are displayed as a
numeric value only. Min, Max, and Average are displayed with the selected function name, in the
form, Max=11400. The count function is applied to all columns. All other functions are applied to the
numeric columns.
The following example image displays the maximum area of the largest 0.5 mm MS sheet (2202.96
mm), the maximum area of the largest .06 mm MS sheet (3000000 mm), how many 0.5 mm sheets
there are (1), how many 0.06 mm sheets there are of each sheet name (12 each), how many sheet
names (3). Sheet types: 0=stock sheet, 1=remnant sheet. Total number of sheets (25).
To remove a column summation, place the cursor over the summation to be removed, open the con-
text menu and select None.
Related Topic:
Part Parameters
Coordinate System
X coordinate
The X coordinate displays the vertical cursor position. When a new geometry is selected the X coor-
dinate is set to zero until a position is selected on the workspace. X and Y cursor positions can be
manually entered. The selected geometry home position is placed at the manually entered cursor
position.
Y coordinate
The Y coordinate displays the horizontal cursor position. When a new geometry is selected the Y
coordinate is set to zero until a position is selected on the workspace. X and Y cursor positions can
be manually entered. The selected geometry home position is placed at the manually entered cur-
sor position.
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Program Basics
Contour Attributes
The contour attributes can be used to define the part contours with special attributes. When the
contours are not defined with a special attribute, SigmaNEST defines kerf cut for all the part con-
tours when the part is created. The outer contours are cut clockwise and the inner contours are cut
counter-clockwise.
Right Kerf (See page 27) Level Mapping (See page 30)
Kerf
Kerf Cut is the default attribute for all contours when the part is created. The outside contours are
cut clockwise and the inside contours are cut counter-clockwise. The Kerf Cut function does not
change any of the contours that have been defined by the other kerf functions.
1. Select the Kerf Cut icon from the attribute actions.
2. Select one of the select actions for selecting the contours.
3. Select the contour or contours and select Done.
The below images display the part (solid line) and the kerf cut (dashed line). The kerf cut, which is
the cutting width of the head, is orientated to the outside of the contour for both cutting directions
(arrow), and for both inside (top images) and outside contours (bottom images).
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Program Basics
No Kerf
No Kerf is used when the cut is made exactly on the contour (solid line), without any offset, in either
cutting direction (arrows).
This type of cutting is used in common line cutting when a part shares a common edge with another
part, or when a single cut is made on open or closed contours.
1. Select the No Kerf Cut icon from the attribute actions.
2. Select one of the select actions.
3. Select the contour or contours and select Done.
The part cannot be automatically nested if No Kerf Cut is specified for all
contours.
Left Kerf
Left Kerf creates the cut to the left of the contour, relative to the cutting direction (arrow). Left kerf
is not the same as the default Kerf Cut, see Kerf Cut for its definition.
Caution should be taken when applying left kerf. The part does not have the same dimensions when
left kerf is applied to the different cutting directions. In both images the dashed lines indicate the
part edges after a left kerf cut.
1. Select the Left Kerf icon from the attribute actions.
2. Select one of the select actions.
3. Select the contour or contours and select Done.
The below images display the part (solid line) with a contour cut (dashed line) to the left of the edge
of the part, relative to the cutting direction.
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Program Basics
Right Kerf
Right Kerf creates the cut to the right of the contour, relative to the cutting direction (arrow).
Caution should be taken when applying right kerf. The part does not have the same dimensions
when right kerf is applied to the different cutting directions. In both images the dashed lines indi-
cate the part edges after a right kerf cut.
1. Select the Right Kerf icon from the attribute actions.
2. Select one of the select actions.
3. Select the contour or contours and select Done.
The images below display the part (solid line) with a contour cut (dashed line) to the right of the
part edge, relative to the cutting direction.
Lead-in
The Lead-in attribute allows manual creation of a lead-in when creating parts from geometry. The
lead-in is drawn with geometry lines and arcs. The geometries are selected and defined as a lead-in.
The order of selection of the geometry entities is not important.
1. Create a part and add a lead-in to the geometry.
2. Select Create Part from the Create Part ribbon on the Work-space tab. The attribute and
selection icons are displayed.
3. Select Lead-in from the attribute icons.
4. Select a selection action and select the entities that make up the lead-in.
5. Select Kerf Cut and window around all geometries.
6. Right-click and select the Done and the Part Parameters dialog is displayed.
7. Enter the parameters for the part and select OK.
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Program Basics
Do not set the lead-in parameter, in the part parameters dialog, to No Lead-
in when defining manual lead-ins.
Marking
The Marking attribute allows entities on a part to be defined as markings, such as bend lines
created by a powder marker. SigmaNEST creates NC code to drive the powder marker.
1. Create a part and add markings to the geometry.
2. Select Create Part from the Create Part ribbon on the Work-space tab. The attribute and
selection icons are displayed.
3. Select Marking from the attribute icons.
4. Select a selection action and select the entities to define as markings (top image).
5. Select Kerf Cutand window around all geometries (bottom image).
6. Right-click and select Done and the Part Parameters dialog is displayed.
7. Enter the parameters for the part and select OK.
No Cut
The No Cut attribute allows selected contours to be designated as a no cut entities. NC code is not
generated for the selected contours.
1. Create a part.
2. Select Create Part from the Create Part ribbon on the Work-space tab. The attribute and
selection icons are displayed.
3. Select the No Cut icon from the attribute icons.
4. Select a selection action and select the entities to define as no cut (left image).
5. Select the Kerf Cut icon and window around all geometries (middle image).
6. Right-click and select the Done icon and the Part Parameters dialog is displayed.
7. Enter the parameters for the part and select OK. The part is created as shown (right image).
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Program Basics
Special Punching
The Special Punch attribute designates an entity or entities to be formed by a punch tool on com-
bination or punch type machines.
1. Create a part.
2. Select Create Part from the Create Part ribbon on the Work-space tab. The attribute and
selection icons are displayed.
3. Select the Special Punch icon from the attribute icons.
4. Select a selection action and select the entities to define as special punch (left image).
5. Select the Kerf Cut icon and window around all geometries (right image).
6. Right- click and select the Done icon and the Part Parameters dialog is displayed.
7. Enter the parameters for the part and select OK.
Detail
The detail attribute allows the user to define an entity or entities as detail notes which are not rec-
ognized by the NC process. Details are not included in the NC process and are seen when viewing
parts from the parts tab.
1. Create a part.
2. Select Create Part from the Create Part ribbon on the Work-space tab. The attribute and
selection icons are displayed.
3. Select the Detail icon from the attribute icons.
4. Select a selection action and select the entities to define as detail.
5. Select the Kerf Cut icon and window around all geometries.
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Program Basics
6. Right-click and select the Done icon and the Part Parameters dialog is displayed.
7. Enter the parameters for the part and select OK. The part is shown without the detail. To
view the detail of the part select the Parts tab.
Level Mapping
The Level Mapping function defines the part being created with the level mapping defined in the
Batch Import dialog under SigmaNEST Configuration.
1. Select the Level Mapping icon from the attribute actions.
2. Select a selection action and select the geometry to apply the level mapping. The levels
that are defined in the Batch Import tab, under Configuration, are applied to the created
part.
3. Select the Kerf Cut icon and window around all geometries.
4. Right-click and select the Done icon and the Part Parameters dialog is displayed.
5. Enter the parameters for the part and select OK. The part is created and displayed on the
work space.
Options
The Options function allows the user to setup part creation parameters. Part integrity is important
for the proper nesting and cutting of the parts. Before creating a part, specify the part creation
options.
1. Select the Options icon from the attribute actions and the Setup dialog is displayed.
2. Enter the parameters for part creation and select OK. The parameters are used for part cre-
ation.
SigmaNEST provides the following parameters to verify and complete part creation. The following
options are the same options used for part creation of imported parts.
Mapping Type: CAD programs define the parts with different mapping properties. The following
options define the part properties when importing or creating parts.
Layers/Levels
Colors
Line Type
Part Creation: SigmaNEST provides the option to create single or multiple parts from the geometry.
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Program Basics
Single Part: Select to have the selected geometry be created as a single part. All
geometry selected will be defined as the part.
Multiple Parts: Select to have all selected closed geometry to be created into mul-
tiple parts.
Auto Detect Bend Lines: Auto Detect Bend Lines is used for importing parts with bend lines. Select
from the following options.
Marking Lines: Select from one of the following options when the Auto Detect Bend Lines is set to
As Marking Lines.
Shorten Bend Lines: Select to shorten the bend lines and enter a length value.
Trim Marking: Select to trim marking lines on the part and enter an offset value
from other entities.
InputFile : The CDL file that defines the signature geometry that SigmaNEST will
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Program Basics
Each replace type has its own section in the inifile e.g. [Replace1]. The string in between [] needs to
be unique for each replace type. Underneath the section heading specify the parameters and there
values as defined above. Use the sample in the next section as a guide.
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Program Basics
Example:
[REPLACE4]
InputFile=SHAPE4.CDL
ReplaceWith=Shape4_New.cdl
Action=DELETE
Scale=1
InsideCountour=1
Enable=1
SigmaNEST looks for geometry that matches SHAPE4.CDL, also taking into consideration any scaled
geometry, and replaces it with Shape4_New.cdl. The replacing geometry is seen as an inside con-
tour.
Typically used Attribute numbers :
Multi-Part Configurations: Select to import a part with different configurations as different parts.
Perform Validation Checks: Select to validate the geometry to ensure a complete part. If the
geometry has errors or open contours, SigmaNEST places an X next to the file name, indicating an
incomplete part. If the file is error free, then SigmaNEST places a check mark next to the file name
indicating that it can be made into a part.
Contour Interference Check: Select to check for contour overlapping in the geometry.
Uses Part Properties: Select to use the part properties for all of the imported parts. When not
selected the dialog is displayed for all selected parts or geometries.
Import Z Depth: Select to allow the file to be imported with defined multi and partial depth cuts.
Depth cuts are shown in different colors.
Weld Gap: Enter the Weld Gap. When creating a closed contour from geometry, that consists of
lines and arcs with small gaps between their end points, SigmaNEST automatically closes these gaps
or fixes overlaps, if the gaps are smaller than this weld gap parameter.
Auto Tile Parts: Select to automatically have the parts tiled on the Work-space after the import.
Desktop: Select from the drop down box the import configuration profile for the selected part. If no
configurations have been saved the default profile is used.
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Program Basics
Machine: Select the machine type for the part from the drop down box.
Cancel: Select to close the Setup dialog not saving changes.
OK: Select to close the Setup dialog saving any changes.
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Workspace
Workspace
l Files (See page 35)
l Work Orders (See page 47)
l Parts (See page 61)
l Nesting (See page 66)
l Work-space NC (See page 75)
l Cut To Length (See page 76)
Files
The Files ribbon contains actions for handling the Work-space, file import, and SigmaNEST con-
figuration.
The Configuration icon is located at the bottom right on the Files ribbon.
New Work-space (See page 35) Export Work-space (See page 36)
New Work-space
New Work-space creates a new, empty Work-space. If a Work-space is already open a confirmation
dialog is displayed.
Select one of the following actions:
Yes: Clears the current, open Work-space. Unsaved changes are discarded.
Save Changes: Saves the current, open Work-space before creating the new one.
Cancel: Cancels the new Work-space operation. The current, open Work-space is not changed.
Open
The Open command opens an existing Work-space. The Work-space directory is the default direc-
tory. The default directory is changed in the configuration setup on the Paths tab.
Select Open to display an Explorer dialog. Navigate to the file by clicking on the file in the explorer
listing, or enter the file name and select open at the bottom of the dialog. If the file is not listed,
select the file type from the drop down box under the file name.
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Workspace
Preview: Select the preview check box to display the files Work-space parts. When a file is selected
in the list Work-space parts are displayed in the preview window.
File Name: Enter the file name to open in the Work-space.
Open: Select to open the file that is selected in the listing.
Files of Type: Select from the drop down box the file type to display in the explorer listing.
Cancel: Select to close the explorer dialog without opening the file.
Save
Select to save the Work-space. The Save As dialog is displayed.
File Name: Enter a file name for the Work-space.
Save as Type:To save the Work-space as a particular file type, Select one from the drop-down menu.
Save: Select to close the Save As dialog saving all changes.
Cancel: Select to close the Save As dialog without saving any changes.
Export Work-space
Select to export the following:
CDL: CadKey files with lines, arcs, circles, ellipses, and text.
DXF: A Drawing Exchange Format (DXF) file is an ASCII or binary file format of a draw-
ing.
Patterns: Pattern files contain a subset of a Work-space file (.WS file). A pattern file
is used to transfer information from one Work-space to another in geometric form.
Parts: All part currently on the workspace are exported.
Export Nesting (See page 36)
Export Batches: Batch files are used to export groups of DXF, CDL, OR IGES files.
This is useful for simultaneously exporting a number of files.
The Save As dialog is displayed. Navigate to the folder to export the file to and enter the file name
and select Save to save the file or Cancel to cancel the action.
Export Nesting
Select to export the nesting file for porting into another CAD program.
DXF Path: Enter the name of the export file and browse to a destination location to export the file.
Export Type: Select the export file type, CDL or DXF.
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Workspace
Export Sheets: Select to export sheets within the task. Selecting Sheets only exports the sheet(s)
only.
Export Parts: Select to export parts. Selecting Parts only exports the parts only.
Export Detail: Select to export part and sheet detail. Selecting Detail only will export only the
detail information of the sheet and parts.
Setup: Select to setup export parameters for exporting the nesting file to the selected CAD pro-
gram.
Cancel: Select to close the dialog without saving changes.
OK: Select to close the dialog saving all changes and creating the nesting export file.
File Imports
A variety of File Types (See page 38) can be imported in SigmaNEST. Files can be imported directly
or using mapping to alter the file before it is loaded. To import a file:
1. Select the file import operation represented by the main icon in the ribbon
or select one of the following file types, listed below, from the drop down
list. When the file type is selected, a file open dialog is displayed.
2. Select the specific file to open.
3. Select the applicable options listed below.
4. For 2D files, such as DXF or DXG : Select the applicable options listed
below, then select Import to import file and open the Interactive Mapping
Dialog (See page 39), if selected, or Cancel to close the dialog without
importing.
Importing SolidCAD forming features: SolidWorks, Inventor or Pro/E files can be imported as any
other file type, by selecting the appropriate file type from import button drop-down menu located
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Workspace
on the files ribbon of the Work-space tab. However, the Forming Features option, under the 3D
import tab in the configuration dialogue, check box must be checked. In addition, the default
machine for SigmaNEST must be a Punch machine that has form tools in the active tool list and
defined using the base sketch for the formed feature in the SolidCAD system
File Types
Import WS: Import an existing SigmaNEST Work-space file into the current, open Work-space. The
current Work-space is not replaced. The imported Work-space is merged into it.
Import: Select to open an explorer window to import files.
CDL: CadKey files with lines, arcs, circles, ellipses, and text.
DXF: A Drawing Exchange Format (DXF) file is an ASCII or binary file format of a drawing.
DWG: DWG is an AutoCAD drawing format.
IGES: International Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES) is an ANSI-standard format for the digital
representation and exchange of information between CAD/CAM systems.
STEP: STEP, the *St*andard for the *E*xchange of *P*roduct Model Data, is a comprehensive ISO
standard (ISO 10303) that describes how to represent and exchange digital product information.
SolidWorks: Part and Assembly files from SolidWorks CAD software, including .SLDASM and
.SLDPRT files.
Solid Edge: A Solid Edge part, assembly, or sheet file type, including .ASM , .PAR and .PSM files.
Pro-E: Files from the Pro-E CAD software package.
When importing, select the Version of Pro/E that Pro/E files that will be imported. Selecting the cor-
rect 32bit or 64 bit is necessary. Enter the path to Proe.exe file and to the Pro_comm_msg.exe
Autodesk Inventor: Autodesk's Inventor software uses specific file formats for parts (.IPT),
assemblies (.IAM) and drawing views (.IDW).
NX: NX file types.
Catia: Catia software file types, including .model, .session, .dlv and .CATPart .
Think3: File format from the Think3 CAD software product.
Rhino: Rhino software files, .3DX, files.
SpaceClaim: SpaceClaim CAD software, .scdoc, files.
NC: Numerical Control (NC) files. Word address and ESSI are supported.
HPGL: Hewlett Packard Graphic Language files.
Pattern: Pattern files contain a subset of a Work-space file (.WS file). A pattern file is used to trans-
fer information from one Work-space to another in geometric form.
BOM: A BOM file is used to import multiple SigmaNEST part files as a group. After the BOM file is
selected, SigmaNEST displays a prompt for a batch quantity. This quantity is multiplied with original
part quantities of the part.
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Workspace
Batch: Batch files are used to import groups of DXF, CDL, OR IGES files. This is useful for simul-
taneously importing a number of files and automatically prepares parts from the geometry infor-
mation for nesting.
Refer to Batch Processing for batch file formatting.
When importing a batch from another drawing program with multiple attributes on a part, other
than cutting (such as marking, left kerf, no kerf, or text) the attributes need to be represented as a
number, which is a mapped level or color.
Unfolder: SAT file format from Cad software Unfolder.
When the file type is selected, a file open dialog is displayed.Select the specific file to open. The
Import dialog is displayed.
DSTV: DSTV files, primarily used in the construction industry,are ASCII-based geometric rep-
resentation of Profiles, Tubes and Plates with the part features described as needed for processing
by CNC machinery.When DSTV file is imported, SigmaNEST automatically imports and recognizes
beveled edges and complex holes such as countersinks and screw threads.
The Import Dialog offers additional options for customization and editing prior to importing. Func-
tions are organized into to program ribbons, displayed along the top, and tabs,located along the bot-
tom right. The dialog also contains a Preview Window and File List , which shows all the files
selected for import. Use the following buttons to navigate through the File file list:
Edit :Select to open the CAD dialog, which offers several functions for editing the
part.
Previous: Select to go to the previous part on the list.
Next: Select to go to the next part on the list.
The Interactive Mapping Dialog contains the ribbons and tabs below.
l Import (See page 40)
l View (See page 40)
l Scale (See page 40)
l Files (See page 41)
l Options
l Tag Settings (See page 46)
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Workspace
Import
Create Geometry only: Select to import the part's geometry on create the part in the work-
space. After the part is imported, click the part to select and move; click again to place. This option
is best if editing or adding additional geometry to the part.
Auto Create Part: Enabling Auto Create Part creates the part on the Work-space when OK is
selected. If Auto Create Part is not checked, the part has to be created from the edit parts function
under the Edit drop down listing.
Auto Create Nest: Select to display the Part Parameters Dialog to create the part or parts.
Once parts have been created, the Task Parameters dialog is automatically opened for defining the
nesting task and the parts are nested as they are imported.
Desktop: Select the import configuration profile for the selected part from the drop down menu. If
no configurations have been saved the default profile is used.
Save Desktop As: Select to save the import desktop. The Desktop file can be selected in the
setup parameters to open with file imports. Enter a file name and select OK to save the desktop.
Select Cancel to close the dialog without saving the desktop file.
View
Level List: Select to show the Level List. Next to each listed layer of the part is a checkbox
which can be selected to show a layer or unchecked to hide.
Show Contours: Select to show improperly defined geometry in a part's contours. The closed
contours are show in blue; the open in red.
Scale
The Scale ribbon contains the Geometry Filter (See page 128) and Scale Functions.
Scale: The scale parameter is for display purposes only. Parts are always created on a scale of
1:1. The scale will the default to the last setting entered.
File Selection: Select one of the options below:
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Workspace
Metric to Imperial/ Imperial to Metric: Select to change data from Metric to Imperial units or vice
versa.
Scale factor: Enter the scale factor for the selected part.
Cancel: Select to close the dialog without making any changes.
OK: Select to save changes and close the dialog.
Files
Part attributes are defined with Layers/Levels Tab (See page 41), Colors Tab (See page 42), or Line
Type Tab (See page 44), each on their respective tabs. Select a column in a part's row to edit its
attributes. Select the drop-down arrow, which appears when a column is selected, to select a param-
eter from a list. All attributes are turned on by default.
Layers/Levels Tab
Select the Layers/Levels tab to view the attributes as layers/levels. Select the row to edit the map-
ping attributes. Select the column to edit and a drop down arrow appears. Select the drop down
arrow to select a parameter from a list.
The following attribute columns are displayed.
Levels: Displays the number of levels the part geometry has defined for the part.
Attribute: To change the kerf type for the part click on the attribute column and select the drop
down arrow. Select from one of the following options.
Kerf Cut: Kerf Cut is the default setting. Outer contours are cut clockwise. Inside
contours are cut counter-clockwise.
Left Kerf: Select to enable left kerf for inside contours. Left Kerf is normally used
when no parts are nested within inside contours of the part. For example, if a part is
cut for a door, no other parts are cut inside the door.
Right Kerf: Right kerf is only used for inside contours. Right Kerf is used where no
parts are nested within the inside contour of a part
No Kerf: No kerf is used for common line cutting, where no offset or kerf is used.
No kerf is also used for single cuts with no closing contours.
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Workspace
Lead-in: Select to allow user to manually create lead-ins. The lead-in must be
defined before the kerf cut function is executed.
Mark: Select to define the contour on the material as a marking, such as a bend
line.
No Cut: Select to define the geometry as no cut contours. No NC code generation
is created for No Cut .
Detail: Select to define the entity as detail information.
AutoMark: Select to define the layer or level for a marking.
Spec Tool: Select to define the contour uses a special tool.
Process: Select the Default Process, or select from one of the listed processes for the layer/level in
the drop-down menu.
Depth: When working with routers or non-sheetmetal parts with partial depth contours, select from
one of the options.
Side: Select to define as either Far Side or Near Side of the sheet.
Colors Tab
Select the Colors tab to display color attributes for the parts. Select the row to edit the mapping
attributes. Select the column to edit and a drop down arrow appears. Select the drop down arrow to
select a parameter from a list.
The following attribute columns are displayed.
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Workspace
Color: Turn on the color contour by selecting the check box. All of the color contour definitions are
enabled by default.
Attribute: To change the kerf type for the part click on the attribute column and select the drop
down arrow. Select from one of the following options.
Kerf Cut: Kerf Cut is the default setting. Outer contours are cut clockwise. Inside
contours are cut counter-clockwise.
Left Kerf: Select to enable left kerf for inside contours. Left Kerf is normally used
when no parts are nested within inside contours of the part. For example, if a part is
cut for a door, no other parts are cut inside the door.
Right Kerf: Right kerf is only used for inside contours. Right Kerf is used where no
parts are nested within the inside contour of a part
No Kerf: No kerf is used for common line cutting, where no offset or kerf is used.
No kerf is also used for single cuts with no closing contours.
Lead-in: Select to allow user to manually create lead-ins. The lead-in must be
defined before the kerf cut function is executed.
Mark: Select to define the contour on the material as a marking, such as a bend
line.
No Cut: Select to define the geometry as no cut contours. No NC code generation
is created for No Cut .
Detail: Select to define the entity as detail information.
AutoMark: Select to define the layer or level for a marking.
Spec Tool: Select to define the contour uses a special tool.
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Workspace
Process: Select the Default Process, or select from one of the listed processes for the layer/level in
the drop-down menu.
Depth: When working with routers or non-sheetmetal parts with partial depth contours, select from
one of the options.
Side: Select to define as either Far Side or Near Side of the sheet.
Select the Line Type tab to display line type attributes. The contours can be displayed with different
line types. The number of line types correspond to the number of levels defined for the part file.
The following attribute columns are displayed.
Line Type: Displays line types for the part contours
Attribute: To change the kerf type for the part click on the attribute column and select the drop
down arrow. Select from one of the following options.
Kerf Cut: Kerf Cut is the default setting. Outer contours are cut clockwise. Inside
contours are cut counter-clockwise.
Left Kerf: Select to enable left kerf for inside contours. Left Kerf is normally used
when no parts are nested within inside contours of the part. For example, if a part is
cut for a door, no other parts are cut inside the door.
Right Kerf: Right kerf is only used for inside contours. Right Kerf is used where no
parts are nested within the inside contour of a part
No Kerf: No kerf is used for common line cutting, where no offset or kerf is used.
No kerf is also used for single cuts with no closing contours.
Lead-in: Select to allow user to manually create lead-ins. The lead-in must be
defined before the kerf cut function is executed.
Mark: Select to define the contour on the material as a marking, such as a bend
line.
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Workspace
Process: Select the Default Process, or select from one of the listed processes for the layer/level in
the drop-down menu.
Depth: When working with routers or non-sheetmetal parts with partial depth contours, select from
one of the options.
Side: Select to define as either Far Side or Near Side of the sheet.
Select Part Parameters tab to enter the part parameters. The Part Parameters tab is available when
Auto Create Part or Auto Create Nest is checked.
Use Part Parameters: Select to enable part parameters.
Work Order No.: Enter the Work Order number.
Due Date: Enter the date the order is due or select the arrow for a pop-up calendar and select date.
Customer: Enter the customer name or select the ellipse icon to open the Find Customers Dialog
and the select from there.
Programmed By: Enter the programmer's name or select the arrow for a drop-down list of options.
Part Data 1-14: Custom part information can be entered into these fields.
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Workspace
Tag Settings
Tag Type: When importing DXF files, the attributes set in the DXF file are used to populate the tag
text boxes. A separator is defined to recognize the string to apply to the tag when the String Tags
option is selected.
No Tags: Select to not use tags. Color or level mapping is only used.
DXF Attribute Tags: Select to use the object type attribute in DXF files to identify
the tag names in the batch import dialog.
String Tags: Select to enable a field separator for the imported file. When the sep-
arator is encountered in the file being imported the following string is used in the
tag text box.
String as Part Name: Select to use a string name to identify the part name.
Tags: The tags listed below are enabled when DXF Attribute Tags or String Tags is selected for the
tag type.
Separator: Enabled for String Tag types. Enter the character to indicate the string
separator.
Part Name Tag: Enter the part name.
Material Tag: Enter the material type of the part.
Thickness Tag: Enter the thickness of the material used for the part.
Material Lookup Tag: Enter the material name for the material lookup tag.
Lookup Filename: Navigate to the file using the ellipse icon or enter the filename
used for the batch import.
Quantity Tag: Enter the quantity of the parts to create.
Customer Tag: Enter the name of the customer.
Drawing Number Tag: Enter the drawing number of the part file.
Remark Tag: Enter any remarks for the batch file import.
Mirror Part Tag: Enter text to indicate if the part can be mirrored.
Grain Constrain: Enter text to indicate grain constraints.
Common Cut Tag :
Priority Tag: The selected priority of the part is used by the nesting algorithm. In
the Nesting Parameters, the Priority function of the nesting algorithm is enabled or
disabled. If the priority function in the nesting algorithm is disabled, the selected
parts are nested in an automatically determined sequence.
If the Priority function in the nesting algorithm is enabled, the nesting algorithm
overrides the part order selection to a certain degree and gives priority to the part
priority number specified here.
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Workspace
If the priority is set to one, the part has the highest priority. The greater the
number, the lower the priority of the part to be nested. If two parts have the same
priority, the nesting algorithm looks at the part order setting and makes a decision
based on that setting. Setting the priorities of parts may affect how tightly parts are
nested.
Filler Part Tag: Select if this part is to be used as a filler part.
Do Not Nest Internals Tag:Select if parts are not to be nested inside internal con-
tours.
Part Data 1 to 14: Custom part information can be entered into these fields.
Work Orders
The Work Orders ribbon contains actions for handling the parts, sheets, work orders, and quotes.
Part List (See page 48) Sheet History (See page 54)
BOM (Bill of Materials) (See page 48) Work Orders (See page 54)
Load Parts (See page 49) Program Update (See page 58)
Invalid Parts (See page 50) Info Manager (See page 58)
Parts Tracking (See page 50) Quote View (See page 60)
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Workspace
Part List
Select Parts List to display the Parts List dialog.
1. Select the part or, hold down the control key, and select each part from the
parts list to load to the Work-space.
2. To change the directory select the Browse or Alias navigation tabs on the
right side of the dialog. The parts list can also be printed. See Print Reports.
3. The list box contains a list of all the parts in the current directory. The
graphics box at the top right, is a graphical representation of the selected
part. The X-Y values are the selected part's outer dimensions.
4. The default parts directory is changed in the configuration program.
Refer to Config (See page 403) for more information on changing the default directory.
Search: Select Search to display the Search dialog. Use Search to filter the part listing.
Delete: Select the part or parts to delete. Select delete. SigmaNEST displays a Confirm Message
box. If the correct parts are selected, select OK, or select Cancel to stop the delete process.
Tag: Select Tag to display a dialog similar to the search dialog.
For example, to select all the parts starting with a P in the part name and with a thickness of 12,
type in p* in the part name edit box and 12 in the thickness edit box, then select OK. SigmaNEST
selects all the parts that meet the criteria. Load the selected part(s) to the Work-space by selecting
OK.
Edit: Select Edit to display the Part Parameters dialog. Refer to Part Parameters for a description of
the part parameters.
To make work order quantity changes use the work order function, do not
make quantity changes here in the parts list.
Cancel: Select Cancel to close the dialog without loading the parts to the Work-space.
OK: Select OK to load the selected parts to the Work-space.
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Workspace
user to increase the quantity of the group of parts. Enter a value and select OK. Select Cancel to
close the BOM quantity dialog without increasing the quantity.
Delete: Select Delete to delete all of the selected BOM files.
Edit: Select Edit to make changes to the selected BOM file. The Edit BOM dialog is displayed.
Print: Select Print to display the Part List Reports dialog. Select the printer type and the parts or list
to print. Preview the print or select Setup to select a report for printing.
Delete: To delete a part from the BOM listing, select the part and select delete. The part is deleted
from the BOM listing.
Add: Parts can be added to the BOM. Select Add to display the parts listing.
Edit: Select a part or parts and select Edit to display the Part Parameters dialog.
Cancel: Select Cancel to close the dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select OK to close the dialog saving all changes.
New: Select New to create a new BOM file. The Edit BOM dialog is displayed. Parts can be added,
the options are the same as the above Edit function.
Once the parts are added to the listing the part parameters can be changed and the part parameter
dialog is displayed. An information dialog is displayed asking if the part is to beloaded to the Work-
space.
Select Yes to load the part to the Work-space. Select No to close the dialog without loading the
part to the Work-space, or select Cancel to cancel the function.
Done: Select Done to close the BOM listing.
Load Parts
Select Load to display an explorer dialog. Select a part filename (filename.PRS) and select Open to
load a part into the Work-space.
File Listing: The left side of the explorer dialog displays the list of part files. Select a single file or
files.
Preview: Select the preview check box to display parts as they are being selected.
File Name: The selected file name is displayed. Select Open to load the part file or files to the
Work-space. Select Cancel to close the explorer dialog without loading any part files.
Files of Type: Select from the drop down box the file types to display in the listing.
Open: Select to navigate to a parts file to load to the Work-space.
Cancel: Select to close the Open dialog.
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Invalid Parts
Invalid Parts provides a listing of any invalid parts that were imported or created, parts with open or
incomplete contours.
Selecting invalid parts displays the Invalid Parts dialog, which contains the following options.
Invalid Part Listing: The invalid parts are listed on the left side of the dialog. Select an invalid part
or parts to repair or accept.
Part Display: The selected part is displayed on the right side of the dialog.
Accept: Select to accept the invalid part as a complete part.
Repair: Select to display the invalid part geometry for editing.
Print: Select to print an invalid part list. The Print List Reports is displayed.
Parts Tracking
Computer Name: Name of the computer the file is located.
File Name: Name of the file of the part.
Part Name: Name of the part.
Material: Material type the part is made of.
Quantity: The quantity of parts to nest.
Thickness: Thickness of the material type the part uses.
Priority: Priority level of the part.
Filler Part: Checked if the part is designated as a filler part.
Part Data 1-4: Additional fields for part information.
Net Area: The area of the part after it has been cut, excluding internal scrap.
Rect Area: The weight of the smallest rectangle into which the part can fit. Dropouts are not taken
into account.
Outside Area: Area of the part including the internal areas.
Cutting Time: The time for the part to be cut, including the cutting speed, rapid movement speed,
and pierce times.
True Cost: The absolute minimum cost and does not allow for any scrap loss.
Rect Cost: The cost of the part, based on material consumed equal to the smallest rectangle that
can fully enclose the part.
Net Weight: The weight of the part after it has been cut.
Rect Weight: The rectangular weight of the part is obtained from calculating the weight of the small-
est rectangle into which the part can fit. Dropouts are not taken into account.
Gross Weight: The weight of the actual part after it is cut.
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Machine: A numeric indicator for the machine process selected for the part.
Mirror: A one indicates the auto nester mirrors the part.
Grain: A one indicates the grain constraint is enabled for rotations of 0 and 180 degrees during nest-
ing.
Nest Internal: Checked if part is nested in internal contours.
Rotation: Either will be incremental, for using the angle increment value to rotate the part during
nesting, or absolute, for rotating the part with the angle values listed in the Abs Angles during nest-
ing.
Angle Increment: The smallest incremental angle degree.
Abs Angle: The angles listed for the counterclockwise nesting orientations.
Common Cut Part: Checked if the part is allowed to be common cut.
Work Order No.: Work order number part or parts listed on.
Units: Metric or English.
Corner Loop Type: Corner loop type used for the part.
Corner Loop Size: Dimension of the corner loop used.
Min Corner Loop Angle: Minimum corner loop angle used.
Due Date: Date the part is due.
Programmed By: Name of the person creating the part.
Customer: Customer name for the part.
Dwg No.: Drawing number of the part.
Rev No.: Revision number of the part.
Remark: Comments or remarks.
Cost Factor: The markup value of the predicted net total cost of the part.
Special Properties 1-3: Fields for any special properties for the part.
Blank Frame: The value of the rectangular margin around the part.
Filename: Filename part was created from.
Source Type: Originating file type.
Source Date: Date and time the file was created.
Sheet List
The Sheet List dialog displays all available sheets. A graphical representation of the selected sheet
is displayed in the top right corner of the Sheet List dialog.
Select the following options to filter the list of sheets displayed. Press enter to update the display
listing after entering or changing parameters.Selecting one or two of the sheet types (remnants,
stock, or coils) displays a customizable filter builder at the bottom of the sheet listing. Column List-
ing (See page 21) page has additional information on Filter Builder.
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Advanced Filter : The Advanced Filter dialog allows the user to filter the list displayed
according to the following parameters. Select Cancel to close the advanced filter dialog without sav-
ing the changes. Select OK to accept changes to the advanced filter dialog.
Export: Select to export the sheet file to a different file type. The file is saved as a coma delimited
file. The fields that are outputted are below:
Sheet Name, Material, Thickness, Width, Length, Qty, Cost, Units, Location, Heat
Number, GeoID or Filename IF Remnant, Bin, Prime Code, Mill, QtyOnOrder, QtyRe-
served, Spec Prop 1, Spec Prop 2, Special Instructions, Sheet Data 1, Sheet Data 2,
Sheet Remark
A confirmation dialog is displayed which includes an option to export the selected sheet or all
sheets. Select Cancel to close the dialog without exporting any sheets. A Save As dialog is displayed
when exporting files. Enter the file name and select the file type. Select Save to save the file or Can-
cel to close the dialog without saving the file.
Import: Select to retrieve a sheet saved in a different format. An explorer dialog is displayed. Navi-
gate to the file to import and select open.
Delete: This removes a specific sheet or sheets from the list.
Edit: Select to edit the sheet parameters. The Sheet parameters dialog is displayed.
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Print: The Print Sheet dialog is displayed. Before printing, make sure the printer is on and connected
to the computer. The Printer Setup dialog is a normal Windows Print Setup dialog. Refer to the Win-
dows documentation for help on selecting the correct printer setup. Select one of the options and
select OK to start printing.
At least one sheet must be selected before selecting the Print button.
New: Select to display the New Sheet dialog and enter a new sheet to the sheet inventory.
OK: Select OK to load the selected sheet(s).
Sheet Parameters
The sheet parameters dialog displays general sheet information. Select the fields to edit and enter
the new values.
Sheet name: Enter the new sheet name. If the default sheet name is used it is incremented and
added to the sheet listing.
Material: Enter the material type of the sheet.
Quantity: Enter the quantity of the new sheets.
Thickness: Enter the sheet thickness.
Location: Enter the sheet location.
Unit cost: Enter the value of the material per weight.
Heat Number: Enter the heat number value of the material.
Bin Number: Enter the sheet bin number.
Mill Number: Enter the mill value of the sheet.
Prime Code: Enter the prime code of the sheet.
Sheet Data 1: Additional field for sheet information.
Sheet Data 2: Additional field for sheet information.
Remark: Additional field for sheet information.
Spec Prop 1: Provides an option to apply a special property file to the sheet. Select from one of the
following options.
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Spec Instruction: Additional field for special instructions for the sheet.
Edit: Select to edit the sheet geometry. Enabled for remnant type sheets.
Rotate: Select to rotate the sheet 90 degrees for nest placement.
Mirror: Select to mirror the sheet in the horizontal plane. Enabled for remnant type sheets.
Cancel: Select to close the Sheet parameters dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the Sheet parameters dialog saving all changes.
Sheet History
Original sheet information is displayed in the upper dialog listing. A graphic display of the original
sheet is displayed in the upper right corner of the dialog window.
The lower dialog listing displays remnant information. The bottom right image is the sheet or rem-
nant and how it currently looks.
The Column Listing (See page 21) page has additional information on changing the way the columns
are arranged and viewed in either of the dialog listings.
Archive: Selecting Archive displays a confirm dialog for removing the sheet or remnant from the His-
tory listing. The sheet or remnant is then archived. Once the sheet is archived it cannot be used.
OK: Select to archive the sheet and close the sheet history dialog.
Cancel: Select to cancel the archiving of the sheet and close the sheet history
dialog.
Work Orders
Work Orders are part production jobs or tasks, associated to a customer. Parts from multiple work
orders that have the same material, thickness, and process, can be included in a single nesting task.
When the nesting task is posted the work order parts are tagged as being in-process. Update is
used to update the work order as parts are completed. When all of the parts have been tagged as
completed through update, the work order is tagged as completed in the listing. The work order can
be archived. Sometimes the work orders are tagged as undefined due to incomplete parts. Select
Undefined to view the incomplete parts.
Undefined (See page 56) List Work Order Parts (See page 57)
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Work Orders
Work Order View provides a global view of the existing work orders. Work Orders are created,
imported, printed, archived, or edited. The Work Order List dialog Column Listing (See page 21) can
be edited to display preferred information.
Copy: Select to create a copy of the selected work order. A dialog prompting for a new work order
number is displayed. Enter the new work order number and a copy of the selected work order is
listed with the new work order number.
Print: Select to print the Work Order. Be sure the printer is on and connected to the computer. The
Work Order Printing dialog is displayed. See Print Work Order.
Archive: Select Archive to save the work orders to a file. Select from one of the following options.
All Selected: Select to archive the work orders that are selected in the listing.
All Completed: Select to archive all of the completed work orders in the listing.
All in Process, Partially or Completed: Select to archive all of the work orders
that are completed and partially completed.
Cancel: Select to close the Archive dialog not saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the Archive dialog saving the changes.
Import: Select to import parts from any work order list (.WOL) files into a new or existing work
order file. An Open File dialog is displayed. Navigate to the file and select open. The
Delete: Select to delete the highlighted work order from the work order list. Select Yes to confirm
deleting the work order. Deleting a work order signifies that whatever parts designated for pro-
duction are no longer required.
Load: Select to load all parts from the selected work order, in the list, onto the Work-space.
Edit: Select to open the Work Order Edit dialog and edit the selected work order in the list.
New: When New is selected, an input box will
appear with an automatically generated work
order number, which can be changed if desired.
Select OK to create a work order with that
number and open the Work Order Edit dialog.
Cancel: Select to close the Work Order List
dialog without saving changes.
OK: Select to save close the Work Order List
dialog.
Related topics:
Column Listing (See page 21)
Part List (See page 48)
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Undefined
Selecting Undefined displays the Work Order Edit dialog. Undefined means that the work order is
missing certain elements, for example; the part file is missing from the directory.
The left side of the dialog displays part names with work order numbers in a Column Listing (See
page 21).
Part Image: The selected part image is displayed in the upper right corner of the Work Order Edit
dialog.
Cutting Time: The cutting time of the selected part is displayed at the middle right of the Work
Order Edit dialog.
Print: Selecting Print displays the Work Order Printing dialog.
Tag: Work orders can be displayed by selected parameters. Using Tag, filters the work orders for
viewing. Select Tag to display the Work Order Tag dialog.
Edit: Select a part from the list and select Edit. The part parameters dialog is displayed. Select Edit
(See page 125) from the CAD tab to edit the geometry of the part.
Cancel: Closes the dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Closes the dialog saving all changes.
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Archive
Archiving work orders removes them from the active work order list. Selecting Archive displays the
Work Order List dialog. Select from the following options.
All Selected: Archives all of the selected work orders from the list.
All Completed: Archives all of the completed work orders from the list.
All in Process, Partially Completed or Completed: Archives all of the In process, partially com-
pleted, and completed work orders.
Cancel: Closes the Archive dialog without archiving the work orders from the selected option.
OK: Closes the Archive dialog and archives the work orders from the selected option.
Work Orders on hold will not be displayed in the Work Order Edit list. Work
Orders that are unassigned will be displayed, but are not editable.
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Program Update
The Program Update dialog displays the production programs. View each program's progress by
selecting the plus symbol, on the left side of the listing. A drop down list displays the work
order details. All NC programs are listed, with the quantity in process and WO state.
Delete: Select Delete to remove the selected task from the list. Deleting a program implies the pro-
gram was never cut. Sheets are returned to stock and parts are added back to the work order list.
Edit: Select the Work Order from the list and select Edit to change the quantity of parts in a task.
For example, if ten parts are programmed but only eight parts are completed, Edit allows for change.
Done: Select Done to close the Program Update dialog.
Update: Select the work order to update in the listing. Select Edit to display the Edit dialog. Enter
the new quantity for the part. Select Update to apply the new values to the work order.
If all part quantities are reached on the work order, the work order is removed from the Program
Update dialog listing, indicating it has been completed.
Info Manager
The following customer information parameters are listed on the left side of the dialog. Customer
information parameter tabs are also located along the top of the dialog.
Select the Column icon, on the left side of the column headers, to turn
visibility, on or off, for Customer Detail category columns.
Address Card: Select the Contacts tab. Right-click inside the main Contacts win-
dow and select New Contact. The New Customer dialog is displayed.
Fill in the new customer information; name, address, contact, tax ID, and any com-
ments. Select OK to save the information or Cancel to exit without saving changes.
The information is displayed as an address card with name and contact information.
To edit the address cards click on the item to change. A cursor appears for text edit-
ing.Hover over the category row to display a drop down arrow for setting the
address cards visibility according to the category.
Detail Address Cards: The Detail Address Cards display the complete contact
information entered from the new contact dialog. Editing detail information is the
same as above.
Phone List: Lists the contacts by phone numbers.
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Customer Detail: The Customer Detail displays details of companies, contacts, and their locations.
Company Details: The Company Detail Category displays company information in several windows.
The top window displays the company name and information. The second window displays the com-
pany locations by addresses. The bottom window displays all contacts for the selected company loca-
tion.
Company List: Selecting the company list under the Customer Detail category displays a listing of
all the companies.
Quotes: Selecting the Quotes tab displays all quotes. The quote options are viewed as: All Quotes,
Pending, Order Received, By Company, or Archives.
All Quotes: Lists all quotes from all customers. Selecting the individual quote dis-
plays the parts listing for the quote in the bottom window.
Pending: Lists all pending quotes. Quotes can be listed by a customized filter.
Select the Customize button to display a filter builder for customizing the display
of pending quotes. Different filters can be saved to provide different ways to view
and list pending quotes.
Order Received: Lists all quotes that have been submitted and received by the cus-
tomers. Listing and viewing Orders Received are customized by selecting the Cus-
tomize... button.
By Company: Lists quotes (Orders Received) by company name and ID. Selecting
the company in the top window displays all quotes for the company in the second
window. All parts, for the quotes, are displayed in the third window from the top.
Archives: All quotes that have been submitted, produced, and archived.
Order: Selecting the Order tab displays orders received and produced. Orders received are the
quotes that are accepted and converted to work orders.
Work Orders: Selecting Work Orders displays active or archived work orders.
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Quote View
Quotes are managed through four states:
Active: The quote is created and not submitted. The Quote can be edited.
Pending: The quote is submitted. The Quote can only be converted to a work order
or archived.
Order Received: The quote is converted into a work order. The work order (quote)
can only be archived in this state.
Archived: The quote can not be edited any further and is placed in the archived
state.
Ship To: Information of the company and contact shipped to. The option exists to enter a different
ship to address. See the previous Sold To section for parameter definitions.
Tax Number: Tax ID number.
Comment: Additional or unique customer information.
Cancel: Closes the Information Manager dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Closes the Information Manager dialog and saves any changes made.
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Parts
The Part ribbon contains actions for creating and editing parts and sheets.
Standard Shapes
The Shape Library provides a number of standard shapes that are used to ease the creation of part
geometry.
Select one of the icons from the Standard Shapes drop down arrow to open a library of related
geometry groups.Selecting the standard shape icon opens the rectangle shape library. The library
tabs are located at the bottom of the dialog.
Select the part that closely resembles the part to be created. A Shape dialog is displayed, enter the
dimensions of the part to be created and select OK.
Check the Auto Create Part check box, at the bottom left of the Shape dialog,
to automatically create a part from the shape. The Part Parameters dialog is displayed.
The Part Parameters page is displayed. To edit the geometry of the part select Geometryto open
the the Edit Geometry (See page 383) page.
Create Part
Geometry has to be existing on the Work-space for part creation. Parts can be imported and created
from files, created from geometry ( SigmaNEST CAD functions), or created from the standard shapes
that SigmaNEST provides.
Parts can also be created using Create Part by Import (See page 62)and Create Part Using Geome-
try (See page 63) .
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Check the Auto Create Part check box, at the bottom left of the Shape
dialog, to automatically create a part from the shape. The Part Parameters dialog is dis-
played.
The Part Parameters page is displayed. To edit the geometry of the part select Geometryto open
the the Edit Geometry (See page 383) page.
The side menu contains Contour Attributes (See page 25) and Selection Actions (See page 15).
1. Select the file type to import from the Files ribbon on the Work-space tab.
A navigation dialog is displayed. Navigate and select the file to import. As
the files are selected the part image is displayed in the window to the
right.
2. Select the Auto Create Part option and the Do Layer Mapping option, to
convert the part layers to levels in SigmaNEST.
3. Select Open, if Layer Mapping was selected the Interactive Mapping
Dialog (See page 39) for defining level mapping is displayed first. The lev-
els will be automatically determined by SigmaNEST and listed on the Lay-
ers/Level tab.
4. Select OK on the Import dialog and the Part Parameters dialog is displayed.
Select OK.
5. The new part is created and displayed on the Work-space. If the part is not
displayed select the Part Tile icon on the Create Part ribbon. The part will
be displayed in the center of the Work-space.
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1. Select a geometry type from the Create ribbon on the CAD tab, see CAD
for the geometry function descriptions.
2. With the geometry on the workspace, select Create Part on the Create Part
ribbon under the Workspace tab.
3. Two sets of action icons appear on the workspace. The top set of icons
define contour attributes to the geometry. The second set of icons are the
select actions.
4. Select the window icon, of the select actions, and select the contour attrib-
ute to apply to the selected geometry. Window around the geometry enti-
ties to apply the selected attribute.
5. Window around all of the geometry and select Done. The Part Parameters
dialog is displayed.
6. Enter the parameters and select OK. The new part is created and displayed
on the workspace. If the part is not displayed select the Part Tile icon on
the Create Part ribbon. The part will be displayed in the center of the work-
space.
Edit Parts
Select to edit the part geometry and parameters. The Get Part dialog is displayed. The Parts are
viewed as a list or they are displayed graphically in a table. Select one of the following tabs.
List tab: Select the List tab to display the parts in a listing format. Select a single or multiple parts
Table tab: Select the Table tab to view the parts in their graphic form. Select a part and select OK,
or double click the part image to edit.Hovering over the part image displays the part name at the
bottom of the dialog.
Edit Multiple Parts: Select to enable editing the same parameter for more than one part. The param-
eter that is changed in the Part parameters dialog is applied to all of the selected parts from the Get
Part dialog.
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Delete: Select the part and select delete to remove the part from the listing. The part is only
removed from the Work-space.
Print: Select the part or parts and select print to print the selected part or parts information.
Cancel: Select to close the Get Part dialog canceling the part edit.
OK: Select to close the Get Part dialog and open the Parts Parameters dialog for editing the part or
parts.
Create Sheet
The Create Sheet function is used to create irregular shaped sheets. Create the geometry of the
sheet in CAD.
1. With geometry on the Work-space, select the Create Sheet icon on the Create Part ribbon
from the Work-space tab.
2. Left-click and window around the created geometry or use the selection actions for select-
ing the geometry.
3. Right-click and the sheet parameters dialog is displayed.
Related Topic:
Sheet Parameters (See page 53)
Part Tile
Select Part Tile to separate overlapping parts into a regular grid of distinct non-overlapping parts.
The following image displays Work-space parts overlapping. The second image displays parts tiled
on the Work-space after selecting part tile from the create part ribbon
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Edit Sheet
The Remnant/Sheet dialog displays the part name, work order, and part quantity. Double-click on the
quantity of the part that is to be changed.
Program Name: Displays the name of the post program.
Sheets Per Program: Displays the number of sheets used for the post program.
Repeat No.: Displays the number of the repeat post program.
No. of Repeats: Displays the number of repeats of the post program.
Sheet Name or remnant name: Displays the sheet or remnant name used in the post program.
Bin Number: Displays the bin number of the sheet or remnant.
Mill: Displays the mill value of the sheet or remnant.
Location: Displays the location of the sheet or remnant.
Prime Code: Displays the prime code of the sheet or remnant.
Heat Number: Displays the heat number of the sheet or remnant.
Qty in Process: Displays the quantity of the sheet or remnant in process.
Part Name: Displays the part name of the program.
Work Order Number: Displays the work order number of the part.
Quantity Programmed: Double-click the parts quantity to edit the quantity value.
Cancel: Select cancel to close the dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select OK to close the Sheet/Remnant dialog saving the changes.
After selecting OK, to apply the changes, select Update from the Program
Update dialog.
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Nesting
The Nesting ribbon contains actions for defining nesting tasks for parts and sheets and static nests.
Nesting
A nesting task is a combination of parts, sheets, and nesting parameters.
Select Nesting to display the Task List dialog. The Task List dialog holds multiple nests by material,
thickness, and part quantity. The left side of the dialog displays existing tasks for the Work-space.
The right side of the dialog displays task functions. If no tasks exist select the New Task function, on
the right side of the dialog, to display the Task Setup to define a new task.
New Task: Select to create a New Nesting Task (See page 66) .
Auto Task: Select Auto Task (See page 73) to auto setup tasks according to the material and thick-
ness.
Modify: Select Modify Task (See page 170) to auto setup tasks according to the material and thick-
ness.
Delete Task: The Delete Task function deletes all the selected tasks in the task list. To delete the
task, highlight the unwanted task and choose Delete Task.
Manual Nesting: Select to enter Manual Nest (See page 189).
Auto Nesting: Select to Auto Nest (See page 169) the task.
Report: Select Report (See page 186) to setup reports for the nest.
NC/Nesting: Select to enter the NC mode of the nest.
Detail Task: Select to enter a detailing mode for the nest.
Exit Nest: Select to close the Task List dialog.
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The Task Setup dialog is broken down in two tabs the Parts List (See page 67) and the Sheets List
(See page 68) .
Parts List
Under the Parts List tab,the left side of the Task Setup dialog displays parts loaded on the Work-
space. Show or hide part information columns by selecting the table column icon , on the left
side of the columns in the listing. Select the table column to display from the drop down list of the
table column icon. Use the arrow buttons to select or deselect parts on the either side of the parts
listing. Use the options below to move a part from one side of the list to the other.
Select to transfer all the parts, in the list, to the task list on the right.
Select to transfer selected parts from the task list back to the parts list.
Select to transfer all the parts from the task list back to the parts list.
The bottom of the dialog displays the number of parts in the parts list and the number of parts
selected in the task listing.
Part Image Display: The selected part, from the parts list or the task list, is displayed at the top
right window.
Task Name: The task name is automatically incremented, or enter a task name.
Batch: Enter a value to multiply the quantity that the part parameter is set to.
Thickness: Enter the material thickness.
Material: Enter the material.
Combine WO parts with same part name: Select to combine the quantity of work order parts that
have the same part names.
Task Setup Buttons: The following task setup buttons are along the bottom of the dialog:
Cancel: Select to close the Task Setup dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the Task Setup dialog saving all changes.
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Sheets List
Under the Sheets List tab, the left side of the Task Setup dialog displays sheets loaded on into the
system. Show or hide part information columns by selecting the table column icon , on the left
side of the columns in the listing. Select the table column to display from the drop down list of the
table column icon. Use the arrow buttons to select or deselect sheets on the either side of the
sheets listing. Use the options below to move a sheet from one side of the list to the other.
Select to transfer all the sheets, in the list, to the task list on the right.
Select to transfer selected sheets from the task list back to the parts list.
Select to transfer all the sheets from the task list back to the parts list.
The bottom of the dialog displays the number of parts in the Parts List and the number of parts
selected in the task listing.
Use Best Sheet: Select to allow SigmaNEST to choose the best sheet based on yield. Only inven-
tory sheets will be considered.
Limit Nested Stock Sheets: Limit Stock Sheets sets the number of sheets SigmaNEST can use in a
task.For example, if this option is not selected and the nest requires 8 sheets and the stock selected
has 10 sheets available then all 8 sheets will be used. If this option is selected and set to 2 then the
max number of sheet that will be nested is two.
Extract: Select to separate combined sheets into single sheets.
Combine: Combine creates one sheet out multiple sheets and assigns it a new name. Select to
open the Multi Sheet Edit dialog. The sheets that were selected to be combined are listed along
with the Y axis. Use the up and down arrows to rearrange the list and the X to delete. Additional con-
figuration options are below:
Sheet Clearance: Enter the space to leave between the sheets. Parts will not be
nested along the seam line.
Multi Sheet: Select the direction, horizontal or vertical, to place the sheets
together. The following images illustrate the Vertical, below right, and Horizontal,
below left, layouts with Align set to Left.
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Align:Select which side of the first sheet the next to which the following sheet will
be placed. The following images illustrate the Right, below right, and Left, below
left, layouts with the Multi Sheet Type set to Vertical.
Used Fixed Head Spacing: Select to use fixed head spacing on the combined
sheet.
Sort: Select to sort the selected sheets by either largest or smallest area.
New Task Sheet: Select to open the Add Sheets dialog and add sheets to stock.
New Stock Sheet: Select to open the Add Sheets dialog and add sheets to stock.
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Edit: Select to edit the sheet parameters. The Sheet Parameters (See page 53) dialog is displayed.
Library: Select to view the Sheet List (See page 51) , which lists all of the available sheets.
Task Parameters: Select to open the Task Parameters (See page 172) dialog.
Cancel: Select to close the Task Setup dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the Task Setup dialog saving all changes.
Edit
Select Edit to edit parts in the nesting task. The Task Setup dialog has two list boxes. The parts in
the left list box, of the Task Setup Dialog, are the Work-space parts. The parts in the list on the right
side are nesting parts.Edit only is enabled for parts listed in the right list box. If no parts are present
in the right list box (below image) do the following:
Editing part parameters changes part parameters in the current task only,
and does not change the part in the Work-space, or in the part library, unless the
changes are Saved in the Part Parameters Dialog. In this case, the changes are saved
to the part in the library.
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Import
Select Import to display a drop down box for importing from a Parts List or a BOM (Bill of Materials).
Pre-nest
Parts can be manually pre-nested, for the present nesting task. The parts have to be listed in the
task list box, on the right side of the Task Setup dialog. Pre-nests are not used if the requested part
quantity is reached, or the nest runs out of sheet space. Pre-nesting is useful for common line cut-
ting of parts. To save the pre-nest for future use, see Static Nest (See page 73).
Pre-Nest opens up another Work-space to bring in parts listed in the task. The parts can be man-
ually or automatically nested. The parts can be grouped together in more than one pre-nest group.
1. Select Pre-Nest and the Pre-Nest dialog is displayed.
2. Select Get Part from the Manual Nesting ribbon and the Get Part dialog is displayed. Use
the List or Table tabs to view the task parts.
3. Select the parts from the List or Table and select OK. The parts are loaded to the Pr-enest
Work-space.
4. Use the action buttons to arrange the parts. Save the pre-nest and the pre-nested parts are
saved for the task.
Pre-nest ribbon
New Group: Select to create a new group in the Pre-nest group drop down box.
Delete Group: Select to delete the Pre-nest group displayed in the Pre-nest group
drop down box.
Pre-nest Group: Select the drop down arrow to select a pre-nest group to load to
the Pre-nest Work-space.
Get Part: Select to display the Get Part dialog. Select the parts from the list or table
tab. The table tab displays a graphic representation of each part. After selecting the
parts select OK. The parts are displayed on the pre-nest Work-space.
Move and Copy: The Move (See page 192) actions are used to move and copy the
parts for the pre-nest.
Remove Part on Current Layout: Select to remove the part or parts from the pre-
nest layout. The following actions are available.
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Select to display the Work Order Edit dialog window. Parts assigned to work orders can be edited
here. The upper right corner displays the part geometry. Under the part geometry assigned or unas-
signed work orders are checked to be displayed. Parts may be entered without geometry by batch
files or a SimTran's transaction.
Data Tab: Under the data tab, the details of the work orders are displayed, including Part name,
work order number, material,and due date. The fields shown can be edited by selecting the column
listing button at the left of the fields and checking or removing checks from the fields listed. Fields
can also be filtered using the drop-down menu next to each field, which displays a filter dialog box.
Graph Tab: The Graph tab creates a
dynamic chart which allows users to
quickly view outstanding work
orders.
The graph can be generated based
on customer, material or machine.
Select the drop-down arrows next to
the fields to customize the graph.
Assigned: Work orders with com-
pleted part geometry are displayed.
Unassigned: Unassigned work
orders are work orders with parts
that have no geometry.
All WO's or Next WO's: Selecting
All WO's in the drop down box displays all the assigned and/or unassigned work orders. Next WO's
displays the number of work orders in the numeric display under All and Next WO's drop down box.
Use the arrow keys to change the numeric value.
Cutting Time: The total cutting time of the selected parts is displayed.
Print: The Part List Reports dialog is displayed. Print Selected parts, current parts list, or all part ali-
ases. A select button is available to select the printer type. Part lists reports can be edited or setup
through the setup button. Part Reports can be edited, cloned, or created.
Tag: The tag button allows the user to tag a group of parts to be selected for work order edit. Enter
the parameters in the tag dialog display to select the parts to be grouped for work order editing.
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Edit: Selecting a part and selecting the edit button displays the Part Parameters dialog for part edit-
ing. A part has to be selected first for the Part Parameters dialog to be displayed.
Cancel: Cancel closes the Work Order Edit dialog and the changes are not saved.
OK: Closes and saves all changes in the Work Order Edit display.
Work Orders on hold will not be displayed in the Work Order Edit list. Work
Orders that are unassigned will be displayed, but are not editable.
Static Nest
A nested sheet created automatically or manually can be saved as a static nest.
The static nests are only used when the nesting task uses the same mate-
rial, thickness, and sheet size, that the static nest uses.
Save Static Nest as Kit: Select to create a Static Nest with multiple sheets.
Save Static Pre-Nest: Select Save Static Pre-Nest from the File drop down menu, in Nesting Mode.
The Pre-Nest is used for a group of parts in a preferred orientation. The Pre-Nest group of parts is
used anywhere the parts are needed throughout the nesting tasks. Pre-nests are nested across sev-
eral sheets where necessary. Also if the nesting algorithm defines a more efficient nest placement
the pre-nest will be broken only for the nest in progress.
Auto Task
The Auto Task button, on this page, automatically sorts the parts for nesting into the tasks. When
nesting a list of parts with different materials and thickness, SigmaNEST automatically separates the
parts into tasks where the material and thickness match. Each individual task is listed in the task list
and is ready for nesting.
To set up an auto task, import the parts to nest onto the Work-space. Select Auto Task from the
Nesting dialog. The Auto Task dialog window is displayed.
The selected parts are shown on the top portion of the screen. SigmaNEST separates the parts into
different tasks depending on the part's properties. The divided tasks are then displayed on the bot-
tom portion of the screen. Double click on the task to display the Task Setup dialog window to
change or view the task parameters.
Parameters Auto Lookup: The Parameters Auto Lookup will create the new tasks using the task
defaults set in the technology setup.
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Create Task by Machine: Create Task by Machine creates tasked to be created based on Material,
Thickness, and Machine. Using the query bar at the top of the parts list, additional fields can be
added to define how the tasks will be created.
Auto Task by Group: Auto Task by Group activates the query bar at the top of the parts list. Fields
can be arranged in the query bar to determine how the tasks are generated.
Run: Select Run to automatically nest the list of tasks by executing the AutoTaskRun.wol file batch,
located in the default WOL folder.Once the tasks are nested select Done to view the nests.
Import: Select Import to display a drop down box for importing from a Parts List or a BOM (Bill of
Materials).
Work Orders: Select to display the Work Order Edit (See page 72) dialog.
Auto Task by Group / Auto Task: Select to create the tasks.
Delete Task: Select a task and select the Delete Task to delete the task.
Defaults: Select to open the Auto Task Setup (See page 74) dialog and edit default settings.
Done: Select Done to close the Auto Task dialog saving all changes.
The Auto Task Setup dialog sets up default parameters for a nest. When using Auto Task, Defaults
uses the nesting parameters specified for that material and thickness. The material types are listed
at the upper left. Specify the nesting parameters and select Add.
The following parameters are used for auto task setups.
Material: Enter the material type.
Thickness: Enter the material thickness.
Length: Enter the material sheet length.
Width: Enter the material sheet width.
Part Clearance: Enter the clearance between parts.
Edge Distance: Enter the distance offset from the edge of the sheet where parts will not be nested.
Stack Quantity: Enter the value for the number of sheets to stack.
Machine: Select the machine process type from the drop down box.
Number of Sheets: Enter the number of sheets used in the task.
Default Machine: Select the default machine type. If the above Machine setting is set to default the
task will use the machine process type selected here.
Use Stock Sheets: Check this box if stock sheets are to be used.
Use Remnants: Check this box if remnants are to be used.
Use Coil: Check this box if coil stock is to be used.
Group by Work Order: Checking this box will group the tasks by work orders.
Add: The new setup will be added to the Auto Task Setup listing.
Delete: Delete removes the setup selected in the list.
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Cancel: Selecting cancel will close and not save any changes.
OK: Selecting OK will save all changes.
If default parameters are not set up, the system uses the default parameters
setup in Configurations.
Work-space NC
The Work-space NC ribbon contains actions for setting up part NC and NC tools.
Tool Manager (See page 320) Add Special Tool STD Shape (See page 76)
NC Setup
The Setup option displays the Change Post dialog from which the machine and kerf settings are
chosen for the current application. The post can be changed by selecting a new machine from the
Machine pull-down menu.
Machine: Select the machine type.
Post: Displays the post file for the machine type.
Cancel: Selecting Cancel closes the Change Post dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Selecting OK closes the Change Post dialog saving all changes.
NC Part
Select to open the Get Part (See page 190) dialogue.
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1. Select the tool that closely resembles the tool to be created. A Shape
dialog is displayed,
2. Enter the dimensions of the tool to be created.
3. Select OK.
Cut To Length
The Cut to Length (CTL) ribbon contains functions used in creating and managing Cut to Length
orders and managing preformed stock.
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Text Printer: Click the Select button to choose the printer and print properties for
the document.
CTL Tasks: Choose which tasks to print by selecting All CTL Tasks or Selected CTL
Tasks.
Setup: Select to display the Setup dialog for selecting, creating, or editing report
types.
Export: Select to export the reports. A Save As dialog is displayed. Enter the name
of the file and select the file type to export the reports into.
Preview: Select to preview the document selected from the list.
Print: Select to print the document(s) selected from the list.
Close: Select to close the dialog without printing the document.
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The Create New CTL Task dialog defines the work order for cut to length part orders. Parts are
selected from the cut to length part listing, at the bottom left side of the dialog. The Available
Stocks tab displays stock listed in the inventory. The Available Cut Plan displays the cut nesting of
the parts with the stock. The Create New CTL Order dialog has the following tabs:
In addition to the tabs, the functions below are available on the bottom of the dialog regardless of
which tab is selected.
Print: The Task Printing dialog is displayed. Before printing, make sure the printer is on and con-
nected to the computer. The Printer Setup dialog is a normal Windows Print Setup dialog. Refer to
the Windows documentation for help on selecting the correct printer setup.
Text Printer: Click the Select button to choose the printer and print properties for
the document.
CTL Tasks: Choose which tasks to print by selecting All CTL Tasks or Selected CTL
Tasks.
Setup: Select to display the Setup dialog for selecting, creating, or editing report
types.
Export: Select to export the reports. A Save As dialog is displayed. Enter the name
of the file and select the file type to export the reports into.
Preview: Select to preview the document selected from the list.
Print: Select to print the document(s) selected from the list.
Close: Select to close the dialog without printing the document.
CTL Tab
Task Name: Enter the name for the CTL task. When a part is added, the window below the task
name displays the following properties for the parts:
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Available stock tab displays a listing of the stock available for the CTL order.
Under the Available Stock tab, the left side of the Task Setup dialog displays stock loaded on into
the system. Select the table column to display from the drop down list of the table column icon to
filter the listing.
To add stock to a task, use the arrow buttons to select or deselect stock on the either side of the
listing. Use the options below to move stock from one side of the list to the other.
Select to transfer all the stock, in the list, to the task list on the right.
Select to transfer selected stock from the task list back to the available list.
Select to transfer all the stock from the task list back to the available list.
Library: Opens the View CTL Stock (See page 81) dialog.
Create New CTL Stock: Select to add stock to the inventory. Displays the Create New CTL Stock
dialog for entering new stock.
Available Cut Plan tab displays a listing of the cut plans available for the Cut to Length order. Select
the plus symbol next to Cut Plan Name to display the cut plan information for the CTL order.
Delete Cut Plan: Select to remove the selected cut plan from the list. Left-click the cut plan row to
delete and select Delete Cut Plan.
Update Cut Plan: Select to update the selected cut plan from the listing. Left-click the cut plan row
to update and select Update Cut Plan.
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Results Tab
The results tab has information on the Cut Plans. including the Total Scrap Percentage, of all of the
Cut Plans,which is displayed at the top of the tab.
The part list window lists the CTL parts along with their Stock Name, Material Length and Quantity
Used for the CTL parts. Select on of the parts to see the number of duplicates, scrap left and general
Cut Plan information.
Below the Part list window, an image of
the selected part is displayed, Select a
Cut Plan for more detailed information,
including the parts nested, stock length,
scrap length, scrap left, scrap %, edge
distance,machine name, kerf as well as
noting if a remnant was created, and if
so, the name and length of the remnant.
In addition , a graphical representation
of the Cut Plan will be displayed.
Text Printer: Click the Select button to choose the printer and print properties for
the document.
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CTL Cut Plans: Choose which plans to print by selecting All CTL Cut Plans or
Selected CTL Cut Plans.
Setup: Select to display the Setup dialog for selecting, creating, or editing report
types.
Export: Select to export the reports. A Save As dialog is displayed. Enter the name
of the file and select the file type to export the reports into.
Preview: Select to preview the document selected from the list.
Print: Select to print the document(s) selected from the list.
Close: Select to close the dialog without printing the document.
Material:Select material.
Length: Enter length.
Create New CTL Stock: Select to open the Create CTL Stock dialog.
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Delete CTL Stock: Select to delete a stock type from the inventory. Select the stock from the listing
and select the delete icon.
Edit CTL Stock: Select to display the edit stock dialog. The stock type image is displayed at the
upper right image box along with he stock type dimensions.
Cancel: Select to close the dialog not saving any of the changes.
OK: Select to close the dialog saving all changes.Create New CTL Stock
Print: The Sheet Printing dialog is displayed. Before printing, make sure the printer is on and con-
nected to the computer. The Printer Setup dialog is a normal Windows Print Setup dialog. Refer to
the Windows documentation for help on selecting the correct printer setup.
Choose which sheets to print by selecting All Sheets or Selected Sheets.
Setup: Select to display the Setup dialog for selecting, creating, or editing report
types.
Export: Select to export the reports. A Save As dialog is displayed. Enter the name
of the file and select the file type to export the reports into.
Preview: Select to preview the document selected from the list.
Print: Select to print the document(s) selected from the list.
Close: Select to close the dialog without printing the document.
CTL Setup
Select to setup the Cut to Length materials. The CTL setup dialog is used to add material types and
their dimensions. The stock categories are displayed on the left side of the dialog.
Selecting the stock category displays an image of the stock type. Multiple stock dimensions can be
defined for one stock category type.
Shapes Set-up: Select either inches or metric, to view all available shapes. Shapes can also be
searched by typing the beginning of the shape name in the Shape Name Prefix box. When a part is
selected, an image of the part is displayed in the upper left corner. All of the parts with the selected
shape are listed and the name, weight, material, edge distance, and remnant minimum length are dis-
played.
Change Remnant Min. Length: Select to open a dialogue and enter the minimum remnant length.
Change Edge Distance: Select to open a dialogue and enter the edge distance.
Add Material: Select to open the Set-up CTL Material dialog, which allows the user to add delete
or set-up material.Selecting Set-up material will open the Technology Set-up (See page 430).
The material listing displays the available stock from the category selected on the left.
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If a CTL order exists for the material stock type, the stock can not be edited.
A new stock type must be created.
Add Stock: Select the add icon to add a new stock entry into the inventory. Enter the Name of
the stock in the Name column of the new stock entry. Left-click the material row and select the
material type from the material column
Delete Stock: Select to delete a stock type from the inventory. Select the stock from the list-
ing and select the delete icon.
Machine Set-up: Machine Set-up lists the name, Set-up Cost, Cost factor, Feed Rate and Kerf for
available machines. In addtion the following function are available for managing the list.
Edit: Highlight a machine on the list and select Edit to display the New/Edit CTL
Machine dialog and edit the machine's name, set-up cost, cost factor, feed rate and
kerf.
Delete: Highlight a machine on the list and select Delete to remove the machine
from the list.
New: Select to display the New/Edit CTL Machine dialog. Enter the machine's
name, set-up cost, cost factor, feed rate and kerf then select OK to add the machine
to the list or Cancel to close the dialog without adding the machine.
Cancel: Select to close the dialog not saving any of the changes.
OK: Select to close the dialog saving the changes.
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CAD
l Geometry (See page 84)
l Edit (See page 125)
l Detail (See page 140)
l X-Form (Work-space) (See page 153)
l Verify (CAD) (See page 165)
Geometry
The Geometry ribbon contains functions for creating or editing parts from CAD geometry.
CAD functions are separated into the categories, with the icon displayed on the ribbon depending
on the most recent selection, and include the following:
Point
A point is a geometric entity that is often used for geometry construction as well as identifying the
center position for drilling or punching a part.
Selecting Point displays the Position Actions (See page 18) icons on the left side of the dialog.
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2. Left-click the position on the workspace to place the point. The point is dis-
played as a plus symbol.
3. Select Esc to end the function.
Lines
Line types are added to the geometry through the options below. Selecting one of these options
will display a set of action icons, on the left side of the dialog, for the selected line type.
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Two Points
The Line 2 Points function is used to draw lines between two selected points on the workspace.
1. Select Line 2 Points from the create ribbon and left-click on a workspace
position.
2. Slide the cursor to a second position on the workspace and left-click. A line
is displayed between the two points.
3. Select Esc to end the function.
String
1. Select Line String from the create ribbon and left-click on the Work-space
to draw string lines.
2. Left-click to anchor the string segment and start a new string from the
point.
3. Select Esc to end the geometry action.
Polyline
The Polyline function creates continuous line segments through specified points.
1. Select Polyline and left-click the position for the polyline on the Work-
space, or enter the X and Y coordinates on the left side of the Work-space.
Position Actions (See page 18) can be used to place the starting point of
the polyline.
2. The polyline dialog is displayed and a point cursor is displayed on the
Work-space.
3. Select from the following ways to continue to draw the polyline.
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The above image displays the line drawn from the dialog navigator. The left side of the line displays
the point where the cursor was left-clicked. The line length value is 20, and the right arrow was
selected to draw the line to the right of the point.
Absolute
Select to use X and Y coordinates for drawing out the polyline. The dialog navigator is not used.
Enter the coordinates of the point to draw the line from. Enter the X and or Y value and select enter.
The line is drawn. Use a negative value to draw the X coordinate in the left direction. Use a negative
value to draw the Y coordinate in the down direction. See below image.
The above image displays a negative X value and a zero Y value drawing the line on the Y axis to the
left.
Position using the Polar coordinate system
The polar coordinate system uses an angle (theta) and a distance (radius) from a designated point.
Enter the following values and left-click the point on the Work-space to draw the line from. Select
OK or Enter. See below image.
The above image displays a radius distance value of 20 and an angle (theta) value of 25. A line length
of 20 at an angle of 25 degrees is drawn at the selected axis point of the dashed guide lines.
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Offset at Distance
The Line Offset at Distance function creates a line parallel to the selected line. The image below
displays a bend line (dash line) added to the rectangle geometry.
1. Select the Line Offset At Distance icon from the line listing on the CAD rib-
bon.
2. Enter the distance the line is to be placed.
3. Left-click the line to copy (below left image).
4. Place the cursor on the left or right side of the selected line, and left-
mouse click (below right image). The new line is placed on the selected
side at the specified distance.
Additional options:
The Offset Through Point function copies a line geometry at a selected position. The image below
displays a bend line (blue dash line) added to the rectangle geometry (below left image).
1. Select Line Offset Thru Point function icon and select the line of the
geometry object to copy (below left image).
2. left- click the point for the line to draw thru. The selected line is drawn.
3. Select Esc to end the function.
Additional options:
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Tangent
The Offset Tangent function is used to copy a line and draw the line tangent to a circle or arc.
Additional options:
Horizontal
The Line Horizontal function is used to draw horizontal lines across the Work-space.
Additional options:
Draw Both Horizontal and Vertical Lines: Select to draw the lines both hor-
izontally and vertically.
Draw a Horizontal Line only: Select to draw the lines horizontally only.
Draw a Vertical Line only: Select to draw the lines vertically only.
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Vertical
The Line Vertical function is used to draw vertical lines across the Work-space.
1. Select Line Vertical from the drop down arrow of the line geometries on
the create ribbon.
2. Left-click the point on the Work-space to place the vertical line. A vertical
line is drawn along the Work-space (see image below).
3. Select Esc to end the function
Additional options:
Draw Both Horizontal and Vertical Lines: Select to draw the lines both hor-
izontally and vertically.
Draw a Horizontal Line only: Select to draw the lines horizontally only.
Draw a Vertical Line only: Select to draw the lines vertically only.
The Line Horizontal & Vertical function is used to draw a vertical and horizontal line perpendicular
across the Work-space, usually for construction lines.
1. Select the Line Horizontal Vertical icon from the line listing on the CAD rib-
bon. Right-click to use Position Actions (See page 18) to place the starting
point of the arc.
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2. Left-click the point on the Work-space to apply the Line Horizontal Vertical
line object. The lines are displayed (below image).
Additional options:
Draw Both Horizontal and Vertical Lines: Select to draw the lines both hor-
izontally and vertically.
Draw a Horizontal Line only: Select to draw the lines horizontally only.
Draw a Vertical Line only: Select to draw the lines vertically only.
The following functions draw combination perpendicular and tangent entities between geometries.
The Line Tangent to Point function is used to draw tangent lines from geometry objects.
1. Select Line Tangent to Point and select the geometry point to draw the tan-
gent from (below left image).
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2. Left-click the point on the Work-space for the end point of the tangent
line.
3. A line is drawn tangent between the selected point on the geometry and
the end point (below right image).
4. Select Esc to end the function.
Additional options:
The Line Perp Through Point function is used to draw perpendicular lines to a point.
1. Select Line Perp Through Point, and select the geometry to draw the line
perpendicular from (below left image).
2. Move the cursor to the point where the line is to be drawn and left-click. A
line is drawn perpendicular between the selected geometry and point
(below right image).
3. Select Esc to end the function.
The below image displays a perpendicular line from a circle to a point on a line.
Additional options:
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CAD
Tangent Tangent
The Tangent Tangent function is used to draw tangent lines between circle and arc geometries.
1. Select Tangent Tangent and select the first circle or arc object to draw the
tangent line from (below left image).
2. Left-click the selected side of the second circle or arc object.
3. A tangent line is drawn between the selected circle or arc geometries
(below right image).
4. Select Esc to end the function.
The image below displays the four possible tangent lines between the same or opposite sides of
the circles or arcs.
Additional options:
Perp Perp
The Perp Perp function is used to draw perpendicular lines between geometries.
1. Select Perp Perp, and select the first geometry object to draw a per-
pendicular line from (below left image).
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2. Left-click the second geometry object to draw the perpendicular line to. A
line is drawn perpendicular between the selected geometries (below right
image).
3. Select Esc to end the function.
Additional options:
Tangent Perp
The Tangent Perp function is used to draw tangent lines from a geometry object perpendicular to
another geometry object.
1. Select Tangent Perp and select the geometry object to draw the tangent
line from (below left image).
2. Left-click the second object for the tangent line to be perpendicular to. A
tangent line is drawn from the one geometry to the second (below right
image).
3. Select Esc to end the function.
Additional options:
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CAD
Perp Tangent
The Perp Tangent function is used to draw a tan line from a geometry object perpendicular to
another geometry object.
1. Select Perp Tangent , and select the geometry object to draw the per-
pendicular line from (below left image).
2. Left-click the second object for the line to be tan. A perpendicular line is
drawn from the first geometry tan to the second geometry object (see
below right image).
3. Select Esc to end the function.
Notice the tan line is not connected to the line but is still drawn perpendicular to the line (see
above right image). Geometry objects do not have to be directly aligned.
If the first entity is a circle, the new line is drawn perpendicular to the closest point on its cir-
cumference (see below image). The first point selected (1) can be any point on the circle or arc.
Additional options:
Angle Functions
The following angle functions draw lines at specified angles from the selected geometries.
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Angle Relative
The Line Angle Relative function is used to create lines at a relative angle to an existing line. The
angle of rotation, of the relative line, is counter-clockwise to the selected reference line.
1. Select Line Angle Relative and enter the desired line angle, in degrees.
The angle entered for the below images is 45 degrees.
2. Select the baseline object to apply the angled line. (See image below left.)
3. Left-click on or near the entity. The angled line is displayed anchored to
the mouse cursor.(See image below center.)
4. Move the cursor to the desired position and left-click again and the angled
line is placed on the Work-space. (See image below right.)
5. The angled line is ready to be used again. Select Esc to end the function.
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Angle Absolute
Line Angle Abs function is used to draw lines, with specific lengths, at an absolute angle from the
positive X-axis. The Position Actions (See page 18) functions are also available for absolute line
angles.
1. Hover over the Angle icon from the points drop down listing and select
Line Angle Abs.
2. Enter the desired line angle, in degrees, and the line length.
3. Right-click on or next to the geometry and select one of the position
action functions from the listing. The center action is used in the below
example.
4. Left-click on or next to the geometry object to apply the absolute angled
line (below right image). The line is drawn
Angle
Enter the relative line angle value.
Additional options:
Line Abs Angle Tangent is used to create a line at an absolute angle, from the positive X-axis, tan-
gent to the selected circle or arc.
1. Hover over Angle from the line listing on the CAD ribbon, then select Line
Abs Angle Tangent.
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2. Enter the desired tangent line angle, in degrees, and the line length.
3. Left-click on or next to the geometry to apply the tangent line angle (see
below left image). The below right image displays one 45 degree tangent
on a circle.
For arcs, the tangent line angles are placed where the arc geometry would exist if it were a circle
entity. The above left image displays the two 90 degree tangent line angles for the arc.
Caution: When repeating the tangent action for a particular tangent line
angle, the lines are placed on top of each other. The result is multiple stacked tangent
lines that are displayed as one tangent line.
Angle
Enter the relative line angle value.
Additional options:
Line Segment
The Line Segment function breaks an entity up into a series of straight lines. For arcs and circles,
the original entity is retained and the circle contour is separated into the number of specified seg-
ments. When Lines are segmented the original is discarded.
1. Select Line Segment from the create ribbon and specify the number of
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entities to create.
2. Left-click the entity to segment. The entity is segmented into the number
specified.
3. Select Esc to end the function.
The below images display segment applied to a circle (below right image), and a line of a rectangle
(below left image).
Additional options:
Rect 2 Corners
The Rectangle Two Corners function is used to draw rectangles, with optional corner types, by
selecting two positions.
1. Select Rect 2 Corners icon from the CAD ribbon. Different corner types are
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Square Corners
Select to apply square corners to the rectangle. Left-click on the Work-space and slide the cursor to
the desired rectangle size. Left-click again to release the action.
Notch Corners
Select to apply notch corners to the rectangle. Enter the notch size and select enter. Left-click on
the Work-space and slide the mouse to the desired rectangle size. Left-click again to release the
action.
Scallop Radius
Select to apply scallop radius to the corners of the rectangle. Enter the radius value of the scallop
and select enter. Left-click on the Work-space and slide the cursor to the desired rectangle size.
Left-click again to release the action.
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Additional options:
The Length & Width function is used to draw rectangles, with optional corner types, by length and
width.
Square Corners
Select to apply square corners to the rectangle. Left-click on the Work-space and slide the cursor to
the desired rectangle size. Left-click again to release the action.
Notch Corners
Select to apply notch corners to the rectangle. Enter the notch size and select enter. Left-click on
the Work-space and slide the mouse to the desired rectangle size. Left-click again to release the
action.
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Scallop Radius
Select to apply scallop radius to the corners of the rectangle. Enter the radius value of the scallop
and select enter. Left-click on the Work-space and slide the cursor to the desired rectangle size.
Left-click again to release the action.
Additional options:
Rectangle 3 Points
The Rectangle Three Points function is used to draw rectangles, with optional corner types, by
selecting three points.
1. Select Rectangle 3 Points and left-mouse click the first rectangular point
position on the Work-space.(See image below left.)
2. Drag the cursor to the second point and left-click.(See image below
middle.)
3. Drag the cursor to the final and third point and left-click. (See image below
right.) The rectangle is drawn and the action is ready to repeat.
4. Select Esc to end the function.
The first (1) and second (2) points determine the angle of the rectangle.
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Square Corners
Select to apply square corners to the rectangle. Left-click on the Work-space and slide the cursor to
the desired rectangle size. Left-click again to release the action.
Notch Corners
Select to apply notch corners to the rectangle. Enter the notch size and select enter. Left-click on
the Work-space and slide the mouse to the desired rectangle size. Left-click again to release the
action.
Scallop Radius
Select to apply scallop radius to the corners of the rectangle. Enter the radius value of the scallop
and select enter. Left-click on the Work-space and slide the cursor to the desired rectangle size.
Left-click again to release the action.
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Additional options:
Parallelogram 3 Points
The Parallelogram Three Points function is used to draw parallelograms.The Position Actions (See
page 18) are available for use with the parallelogram function.
1. Select Parallelogram 3 Points and left-click on the Work-space the first par-
allelogram point position.
2. Drag the cursor to the second point and left-click.
3. Drag the cursor to the final and third point and left-click. The parallelogram
is drawn and the action is ready to repeat.
4. Select Esc to end the function.
Additional options:
Obround
The Obround function creates an obround geometry at the angle and dimensions specified.
1. Select Obround from the drop down arrow of the rectangle objects, on the
create ribbon.
2. Specify the obround length (1), diameter (2), and angle (3) from the X axis
(counterclockwise).
3. Right-click on the workspace to use the Position Actions to place the
obround center position (4).
4. The obround is drawn and the action is ready to repeat. Select Esc to end
the action.
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Additional options:
Arcs
When creating arcs, with the following options, it is important to keep in mind that all angles are
counter-clockwise positive and measured from the positive horizontal axis in degrees.
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Center Rad
The Center Radius function defines an arc by a distance with a starting and ending angle. The
angles are referenced counter-clockwise from the positive X-axis.
1. Select Center Rad from the arc drop down arrow on the create ribbon.
2. Left-click on one of the radius or diameter icons to define the distance
parameter.
3. Enter the start angle (1) and the end angle (2). Enter the radius or diameter
distance (3) and select enter. The arc is anchored to the cursor.
4. Left-click to place the arc on the Work-space (4). Use Position Actions (See
page 18) or the cursor to place the radius distance position. The arc is
placed at the distance specified from the cursor. Press Esc to end the
Center Rad function.
Additional options:
Center Dia
The Center Diameter function specifies arcs in exactly the same way as Center Rad, except that the
diameter is used instead of the radius. The distance is defined as a radius or a diameter.
1. Select Center Dia from the arc drop down arrow on the create ribbon.
2. Left-click on one of the radius or diameter icons to define the distance
parameter.
3. Enter the start angle (1) and the end angle (2). Enter the radius or diameter
distance (3) and select enter. The arc is anchored to the cursor.
4. Left-click to place the arc on the Work-space (4). Use Position Actions (See
page 18) or the cursor to place the radius distance position. The arc is
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placed at the distance specified from the cursor. Press Esc to end the
Center Diameter function.
Additional options:
Center Edge
The Center Edge function draws a circle from a selected center and edge position. Use Position
Actions (See page 18) or the cursor to place the center and edge positions of the circle.
1. Select Center Edge from the circle drop down arrow on the create ribbon.
2. Left-click to place the center (1) and edge (2) positions of the circle on the
Work-space.
3. Press Esc to end the Center Rad function.
Additional options:
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3 Points
The Three Points function creates an arc by selecting three points on the Work-space.
1. Select 3 Points from the arc drop down arrow on the create ribbon. Use
Position Actions (See page 18) or the cursor to place the starting point of
the 3 point arc.
2. Left-click the first position (1) on the Work-space for the starting edge of
the arc.
3. Left-click the second (2) and third positions (3) on the Work-space. Press
Esc to end the 3 Points function
Additional options:
Tangent
The Arc Two Entity Tangent function creates an arc that is tangent to two selected entities.
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The function does not return a result if the specified radius is too small or
too large.
Additional options:
Radius 2 Points
The Radius Two Points function creates an arc with a specified radius between two selected
points. An arc radius is specified. Right-click to use Position Actions (See page 18) to place the
starting point of the arc.
1. Select the Rad 2 Points icon from the arc listing on the CAD ribbon.
2. Left-click on one of the counter-clockwise or clockwise icons for drawing
the arc direction.
3. Enter the arc radius.
4. Left-click the first and starting point of the arc (1). The arc is drawn in a
counter-clockwise direction from the start point.
5. Left-click the second and ending point of the arc (2).
The following illustrations of arcs display the curvature of the arcs are always drawn in a counter-
clockwise direction from the start point (1).
The function does not return a result if the specified radius is too small to
connect the two points.
Additional options:
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Arc Continue
The Arc Continue function creates a continuous arc from the start point of a selected entity through
a series of points. The arc is
The circle image in the first quadrant of the cursor is the smart cursor, indicating the first quadrant
position of the circle.
Additional options:
Arc Spline
The Arc Spline function creates a curved line or an arc that passes through the specified points.
Right-click on the Work-space to use the Position Actions (See page 18) to place the arc spline
points.
1. Select the arc spline function from the CAD ribbon under the arc listing.
2. Enter the number or arc segments to be created between each point. A
higher number will produce a more accurate curve approximation.
3. Left-click the positions for the arc spline points (1-4). Position Actions
(See page 18) can be used to specify the series of points through which
the arc is drawn.
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Additional options:
Circles
The Circles functions create circles with the following options:
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Center Rad
The Center Radius function draws a circle from a radius or diameter value. Use Position Actions
(See page 18) or the cursor to place the circle.
1. Select Center Rad from the circle drop down arrow on the create ribbon.
2. Left-click on one of the following parameter buttons to draw the circle
from a radius or diameter value. Enter the radius or diameter distance.
3. Left-click to place the circle on the Work-space.
4. Press Esc to end the Center Rad function.
The images below illustrates the creation of a simple washer. The left circle was created using the
diameter button. After selecting the radius button, right-click next to the circle and select center
from the position actions drop down menu. Left-click in the diameter circle to place the inside cir-
cle.
Additional options:
Center Dia
The Center Diameter function draws a circle from a radius or diameter value.
1. Select Center Dia from the circle drop down list on the create ribbon. Use
Position Actions (See page 18) or the cursor to place the circle.
2. Left-click on one of the radius or diameter icons to define the distance
parameter.
3. Enter the radius or diameter distance (3) and select enter. The circle is
anchored to the cursor.
4. Left-click to place the circle on the Work-space (4). Use Position Actions
(See page 18) or the cursor to place the circle position. Press Esc to end
the Center Diameter function.
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The images below illustrates the creation of a simple washer. The left circle was created using the
diameter button. Left-click the radius parameter button. Right-click next to the diameter circle and
select center from the position actions drop down menu. Left-click in the diameter circle and a cir-
cle with the radius of the diameter circle is drawn centered in the circle.
Additional options:
Center Edge
The Center Edge function draws a circle from a selected center and edge position. Use Position
Actions (See page 18) the cursor to place the center and edge positions of the circle.
1. Select Center Edge from the circle drop down arrow on the create ribbon.
2. Left-click to place the center (1) and edge (2) positions of the circle on the
Work-space.
3. Press Esc to end the Center Rad function.
Additional options:
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Three Points
The Three Points function draws a circle through three selected points on the Work-space.
1. Select 3 Points from the circle drop down arrow on the create ribbon. Use
Position Actions (See page 18) or the cursor to place the three points of
the circle.
2. Left-click the first position (1).
3. Drag the cursor to the second position and left-click (2).
4. Drag the cursor to the third position and left-click the final position. Press
Esc to end the 3 Points function.
Additional options:
Two Points
The Two Points function draws a circle through two selected points on the Work-space.
1. Select 2 Points from the circle drop down arrow on the create ribbon. Use
Position Actions (See page 18) or the cursor to place the two points of the
circle.
2. Left-click the first position (1).
3. Drag the cursor to the second position and left-click (2). Press Esc to end
the 2 Points function. See image below.
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Additional options:
The Tangent to One Entity function draws a circle, that is tangent to another selected line, arc, or
circle. The size of the circle is determined where the center is defined.
If the selected entity is a line, see below left image, the new circle is tangent to the line or an exten-
sion of the line.
If the selected entity is an arc, then the new circle is tangent to the nearest point on the arc or to
the nearest point on the circle described by the arc, see below right image.
Additional options:
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The Tangent to Two Entities function draws a circle, with a specified radius, that is tangent to two
other selected lines, arcs, or circles.
If one of the selected entities is a line, the new circle is tangent to the line or an extension of the
line. See below left image.
If one of the selected entities is a circle, the new circle is tangent to the closest point on its cir-
cumference. If one of the selected entities is an arc, then the new circle is tangent to the nearest
point on the arc or to the nearest point on the circle described by the arc. See below right image.
Additional options:
The Tangent to Three Entities function creates a circle that is tangent to three specified lines.
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Additional options:
Ellipse
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Additional options:
Corner Geometries
The Corner Geometries functions create a specific type of junction between two entities and, option-
ally, trims them.
The Fillet with Trim function creates an arc of a specified radius that is tangent to two selected enti-
ties. The sections beyond the intersection of the selected entities are removed.
1. Select Fillet with Trim from the Fillet drop down arrow.
2. Enter the fillet radius value.
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3. Hover over the inside corner of the two intersecting entities and left-click.
The fillet is drawn trimming the entities.
4. Select Esc to end the function.
Fillet No Trim
The Fillet with no Trim function creates an arc, of a specified radius, that is tangent to two selected
entities. The sections beyond the intersection of the selected entities are not removed.
1. Select Fillet with no Trim from the Fillet drop down arrow on the create rib-
bon.
2. Enter the fillet radius value.
3. Hover over the inside corner of the two intersecting entities and left-click.
The fillet is drawn without trimming the entities.
4. Select Esc to end the function.
Chamfer
The Chamfer function creates a line junction between two intersecting line entities. The chamfer
distances are defined for each intersecting lines.
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Corner Loop
The Corner Loop function creates a looping junction between two intersecting line entities. Corner
Loop is used to improve the cut quality on sharp corners when using laser or plasma cutters.
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Cancel
Select to close the Corner Loop dialog without applying the corner loop function.
OK
Select to close the Corner Loop dialog.
Notch
The Notch function creates a round notch junction between two intersecting lines.
1. Select the Notch function from the Fillet drop down arrow on the create
ribbon.
2. Enter the radius of the notch from the intersecting lines.
3. Left-click and select the first line, below left image.
4. Left-click and select the second intersecting line, below middle image and
the notch is displayed, below right image.
5. Select Esc to end the function.
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Scallop
The Scallop function creates a concave radius junction between two intersecting lines.
1. Select the Scallop function from the Fillet drop down arrow on the create
ribbon.
2. Enter the radius of the scallop from the intersecting lines.
3. Left-click and select the first line, below left image.
4. Left-click and select the second intersecting line, below middle image.
5. Select Esc to cancel the scallop function. The scallop is drawn, below right
image.
Offset Geometry
The Offset Geometry function creates an offset of the selected entities at a specified distance.
Select a single entity, a chain of entities, or select all entities to apply the offset distance. The Offset
Distance is applied to the inside, outside, or both inside and outside of the entity or entities
Single
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the side of the entity to keep the offset, and the opposite
offset is removed (3).
Chain
Select the Chain offset function to apply the offset to a series of entities.
1. Select the Close in selected direction action to apply the offset completely
around all entities.
2. Left-click the first entity (1).
3. Left-click the Close in direction icon from the popup menu(2).
4. Right-click and the offsets are drawn (3).
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5. Left-click on the side of the entities to keep the offset. The opposite offset
is removed (4).
Combination Selections
The following is an example of combination offset selections.
1. Select Single action and left-mouse click the first entity (1).
2. Left-click the second entity (2).
3. Left-click the third position (3).
4. Left-click the fourth position (4).
5. Right-click and the offsets are drawn (5).
6. Left-click on the side of the entities to keep the offset. The opposite offset
is removed (6).
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Edit
The Edit ribbon contains functions for editing existing geometries, parts, nests, or sheets. Select
from the following:
Recall Last (See page 127) Standard Shapes (See page 61)
Delete
The Nesting Delete function contains the following actions for deleting objects. Select Done to end
the delete function.
Delete Single (See page 126) Delete Contours (See page 126)
Delete Chain (See page 126) Unselect (See page 127)
Delete Window (See page 126) Delete All (See page 127)
Delete Open Ends (See page 126) Done (See page 127)
Delete Attached (See page 126)
Once an entity is deleted, use undo to retrieve the deleted object. Only the
last action is undone.
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Delete Single
Select Delete Single to delete a single entity. Left-click to select the entity to delete and right-click
to delete the entity.
Delete Chain
The Delete Chain function allows the selection of a chain of entities by defining the first entity and
the last entity to delete. Left-click the first and last entities and all the connecting entities between
the first and last entities are selected for deletion. Right-click to delete the selected entities.
Delete Window
Select Delete Window to select a group of entities, by creating a window around them, for dele-
tion. Left-click and hold down to create a window around the objects to delete, then right-click to
delete the selected entities.
Select Delete Open Ends to remove all open-end entities for deletion. Left-click and hold down the
button and window around the geometry to delete the open ends. Right-click to delete the open
ends.
An open-end entity is defined as an entity connected to a closed contour and the other end is not
connected to any entity. Delete Open End is normally used to remove lead-in and lead-out lines.
Delete Attached
Select Delete Attached to delete all entities that are connected to each other. In a complex draw-
ing with multiple entities, to delete a group of connected entities select one of the entities in the
group.
Left-click and select one of the entities of the group that are attached to each other. Right-click and
the entities are deleted.
Delete Contours
Select Delete Contours to delete all entities of a contour. Left-click an entity on a closed contour
and the entire contour is selected for deletion. Right-click to delete the contour.
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Unselect
Select Unselect to exclude an entity from the selected entities to be deleted. Left-click on the
entity to exclude from deletion. Right-click to execute the deletion.
Delete All
The Delete All function deletes all entities with specific properties and contains the options below:
Done
Recall All
Select Recall All to restore all of the entities that were deleted during the current session.
Recall Last
Select Recall Last to restore the last action taken.
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Undo
Select Undo to undo the last action on the workspace.
Single: Select to edit a single entity. Left-click to select the entity. Select Done to edit.
Window: Select to select a group of entities, by creating a window around them, for editing.
Left-click and hold down to create a window around the objects to edit. Select Done to edit.
Done: Select to open the Part Parameters dialog and edit selected parts or end function if
none have been selected.
Geometry Filter
SigmaTEK offers two filters to reduce the number of entities for up to a 90% increase in machine
program efficiency. Left-click on Geometry Filter icon and window or use the selection actions to
select the entities. Right-click on the workspace and the Filter dialog is displayed.
The Arc Recognition Filter (See page 128) is intended to reconstitute arcs that have been split.
The Smoothing Filter (See page 129) is an ideal solution for fitting arcs and lines from scanned
images. The smoothing filter enhances edge quality and cutting productivity.
The Arc Recognition Filter is used to reconstruct arcs from small lines. The following diagram illus-
trates the relationship between the arc recognition filter parameters. The conditions defined by the
parameters must be met in order for arc recognition to take place.
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Theta(θ) - Angle tolerance a - Chord deviation b - Center of arc BCDc - Arc center tolerance d - Center
of arc ABC
Angle Tolerance (θ)
The angle tolerance is essentially the same as the Angular Arc Fitting Tolerance. Angle Tolerance is
specified in degrees and is typically between 25 and 35 degrees, depending on the application.
Successive arc segments must describe a smaller angle than that specified for the Angle Tolerance
in order to be combined into a common arc segment.
Maximum Chord Deviation (a)
The maximum chord deviation is essentially the same as the Arc Fitting Error Tolerance. The units
are inches or millimeters, depending on system settings. Newly combined arc segments must devi-
ate from their original chord segments by less than this amount in order to be accepted and
retained as a combined segment.
Arc Center Tolerance (c)
Each arc segment has a logical center point. In order for the arc segments to be combined, (b) and
(d), these center points must be closer to each other than the distance specified here. The units are
inches or millimeters, depending on system settings.
Smoothing Filter
Two filtering procedures are applied to the geometry when the Smoothing Filter is used.
Line Filter
The Line filter replaces a series of small lines with a single long line. The Small Line Angle Tol-
erance and the Line Fitting Error Tolerance values govern the behavior of the line filter.
Line Filter
The straight blue line is fitted automatically.
If any value of e is greater than the Line Fitting
Error Tolerance, the line is not fitted. Filtering
stops at the right because theta θ is greater
than the Small Line Angle Tolerance.
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Arc Filter
The straight blue arc is fitted automatically.
If any value of e is greater than the Error
Tolerance, the arc is not fitted. Filtering
stops at the right because theta θ is greater
than the Angular Arc Fit Tolerance.
All angles between subsequent lines that are smaller than the Arc Angle Fitting Tolerance are con-
sidered for the arc fit. As the filter moves from left to right, it continues to replace the small lines
until it finds one line for which the angle with the next line is greater than the Arc Angle Fitting Tol-
erance. Once this is done, the filter stops and checks the error tolerance.
Arc Fitting Error Tolerance (e)
The filter begins making sure the newly fitted arc does not deviate from the original small lines by
more than the Arc Fitting Error Tolerance. Whenever the measured error is greater than the Arc
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Fitting Error Tolerance, the arc is not fitted. Specify the Arc Fitting Error Tolerance in the defined sys-
tem units (either inches or millimeters). The actual value of the tolerance depends on the appli-
cation of the geometry. If it is a high accuracy part, the tolerance must be small and fewer lines are
filtered. The general size of the geometry also influences the tolerance; large tolerances are used
for large geometry. The size refers to the general X and Y dimensions, not the number of small lines.
Filter by Layer: Select to filter the geometry throughout all layers.
Start: Select to apply the filtering to the selected geometry with the above values. The following list-
ing is provided to view the filtering results.
Number of Entities: Displays the number of total entities of the selected geome-
try.
Remaining Entities: Displays the number of entities remaining after the filtering of
the selected geometry.
Entities Removed: The total number of entities that were removed as a result of
the filtering.
Extract
The Extract function separates an object into its components. For example a part is separated into
the line and arc entities of which it is comprised.
Select the desired objects with the Selection actions. The existing object is deleted and the object
is extracted.
Trim
The Trim function is used for modification of two entities in relation to each other, by extending or
shortening the entity. Whether an entity is extended or shortened depends on whether the two
entities selected intersect. When the lines intersect, one entity is shortened to the point of inter-
section. When entities do not intersect, one entity is extended to the point of intersection.
When using the trim functions, always click on the part of the entity to keep.
Most cases where the Trim function is used, at least two entities must be selected for the function
to be applied. The Quick Trim function is an exception.
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Trim First
The first entity selected is changed by Trim First. The second entity selected acts as an indicator of
how far the first entity should be extended or shortened. The following images illustrate the short-
ening and extension of an entity.
To trim an entity, select Trim First icon. (1) Select the entity on the side to keep. (2) Select the trim-
ming entity.
To extend an entity, select Trim First icon. (1) Select the first entity to extend. (2) Select the second
entity to which the first should extend.
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Trim Both
The Trim Both function trims or extends both selected entities. Where each entity is selected is
important to the result. The order in which they are selected is not important. The following image
displays the Trim Both function.
To Trim Both entities, Left-click the first (1) and second (2) entities on the sides to keep. When the
second entity is selected the entities are trimmed.
Divide
The divide function enables an entity to be split by two other intersecting entities. The segment
between the two intersecting entities is removed.
When dividing a circle or an arc with an entity that intersects the circle or arc in two places, the loca-
tion of the selection point on this intersecting entity is important.
The divide will take place on the intersection with the arc that is closest to the selection points (2)
and (3). The location of the selection point on the arc or circle to be divided (1) is not important.
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Trim to Point
Select an entity and specify the point to which it is trimmed using the cursor or Position Actions
(See page 18) . Whether the entity is extended or shortened depends on the position of the
selected point. If an arc or circle entity is selected, it must be selected on the section to be kept.
When trimming circles, keep in mind that a circle has a start point. Refer to the following image for
applying the Trim to Point function on a circle.
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Quick Trim
The Quick Trim function searches in both directions along the selected entity for intersecting enti-
ties and trims the selected entity to the intersections. The Quick Trim function always removes part
of an entity and never extends the selected entity.
Select Quick Trim and left-click the entities to trim; the entities are trimmed as they are selected.
To Quick Trim a circle, left-click the entities to trim; the entities are trimmed as they are selected.
Break
The Break functions separate the selected entity, at the point indicated, into two entities. To undo a
break command select Undo or Recall.
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Break First
The Break First function breaks the first selected entity at the intersection point nearest to the
selected position of the second entity.
To break a line entity, (1) left-click the entity to break. (2) Left-click the entity that intersects the
first selected entity. The newly separated entity's color was changed to illustrate the entity break.
To break a circle entity, (1) left-click the circle entity. (2) Left-click the intersecting entity. The newly
separated entity is displayed in green to illustrate the function.
Break Both
The Break Both function separates the selected intersecting entities at the point of intersection.
To break, (1) Left-click the first entity. (2) Left-click the second entity and the two selected entities
are separated into separate entities at the intersection. The below right image displays the newly
separated entities.
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Break to Point
The Break to Point function separates the selected entity at a specified point into two separate
entities.
(1) Left-click the first entity. (2) Left-click a point on the selected entity to separate. (3) The selected
entity is separated into two entities at the selected point. The image on the right illustrates the
newly separated entity.
Break All
The Break All function breaks all the selected entities at their intersection points into separate enti-
ties.
(1) Left-click and window around the entities, or select from the selection actions to select the enti-
ties to separate. Right-click to apply the Break All function to the selected entities. (2) The image on
the right illustrates the newly separated entities.
Attributes
The Attributes functions change colors, levels, and line types of entities, and include the following
options.
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Active Color
Select Active Color to display the color palette dialog and choose a new color for displaying enti-
ties. Left-click on the color in the palette to change the active color.Once the active color is
changed, the next entities are drawn with the new active color.
Cancel: Select to close the color palette dialog without changing the active color selection.
Change Color
The Change Color function changes the color of a selected entity. Selecting the Change Color icon
opens a dialogue containing Selection Actions (See page 15) for selecting objects for color changes.
To change an the color for an entity or entities :
1. Select the Change Color icon from the active/change listing on the Edit rib-
bon.
2. Choose a Selection Actions (See page 15) to determine the selection
method.
3. Left-click the entity to apply the color change.
4. Select Done. The color palette dialog is displayed.
5. Select a color. The color palette dialog is closed and the selected entity
color is changed.
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Active Level
The Active Level function activates, inactivates, adds or renames levels. Selecting or deselecting
the check box of a level will hide or display the level. Select the Close icon in the upper right hand
corner to close the dialog.
Add: Select Add to add another level to the list.
Rename: Select the level, then select Rename to edit the name of the level.
Change Level
The Change Level function moves one or more entities from one level to another.
To move levels:
1. Select the Change Color icon from the active/change listing on the Edit rib-
bon.
2. Choose a Selection Actions (See page 15) to determine the selection
method.
3. Select the entities to change the levels
4. Right-click to display the level listing dialog.
5. Select the level to change the entities to and select OK.
The Active Line Type function changes the style for active line types.
1. Select the Active Line Type icon to display the line type dialog.
2. Select the drop-down box to display the line type styles.
3. Left-click the line type to make active.
4. Select OK to accept the line type and close the Line Type dialog.
The entities created from this point on will have the selected line type.
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The Change Line Type function changes the existing entity line types.
1. Select the Change Line Type icon to display the Selection Actions (See
page 15)for changing line types.
2. Select the entity/entities and right-click to display the line type dialog.
3. Select the drop down box to display the line type styles. Left-click the line
type to change the selected entities to.
4. Select OK to accept the line type and close the Line Types dialog.
Detail
The Detail ribbon contains functions for defining detail information for the geometries and parts.
The following categories Notes, Dimensions , and Font are defined under the Detail ribbon.
Make Note
The Note function adds text to a drawing. The Note actions are displayed on the left side of the win-
dow. The cursor is active in the Note text window when Note is selected from the drop down list on
the Detail ribbon. Enter text for the note. Select enter to start a new line of text.
Left-click on the workspace to place the note.
The following actions are available for editing a note in the Note Text Window.
Delete: Select Delete to remove all of the text in the note window.
Cut: Select Cut to remove selected text from the note. Select the text to remove and left-
click the cut icon. The text is removed.
Paste: Select Paste to insert text at a cursor location in the Note Text Window. Left-click the
location for the text in the Note Text Window and left-click the paste icon.
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The last text that was removed by the cut action, or selected with the copy action, is pasted at the
cursor location.
Copy: Select Copy to copy text to another location in the Note Text Window. Select the text
from the text window and left-click the copy icon. Place the cursor to a new location in the Note
Text Window and left-click the paste icon. The text is placed at the new location in the text window.
Color: Left-click on the color bar and the color palette dialog is displayed. Select the note color.
Note Height: Enter the value for the height of the note. The note height value is determined by the
type of units set in the SigmaNEST configuration, millimeters (metric) or inches (imperial).
Note Angle: Select from one of the following quick icons for the note angle or enter a value in
degrees for the note to display on the workspace. Selecting one of the quick angle icons displays
the note the same as the icon's orientations.The note angle is defined as counter-clockwise to the
X-axis.
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Note Height
Select Note Height to change the selected note height size.
Note Position
Select Note Position to move the note to a new position.
Edit Text
Edit Text allows changing the text of a selected note.
1. Left-click the text to edit and the edit note dialog is displayed.
2. Edit the text and select OK. The edit note dialog is closed and the newly
edited text is displayed.
3. Select Esc to end the function.
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Arrows
Select to set the arrow position of the dimension lines. The arrows are set between the lines or are
positioned outside of the dimension lines pointing inward. Select one of the following arrow action
icons.
Arrows Out
Select to display the arrows for the dimension lines to point outward. Left-click on the existing
arrows and right-click. The arrow direction is changed.
Arrows In
Select to apply the arrows for the dimension lines inward. Left-click on the existing arrows and
right-click. The arrow direction is changed.
Decimals
Select to set the number of decimal places for the dimension values.
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Line Up Dimensions
Select to align the dimension values on the workspace. The alignment is applied to the same type of
dimensions only. For example all horizontal dimensions are aligned only and not vertical dimensions.
Detail Options
Select to set general Note/Dimension options. A dialog for setting the Note height, number of dec-
imals, and arrow pointer type is displayed.
1. Select the Detail Options icon from the Detail ribbon. A dialog is displayed.
2. Enter the general parameters and select OK.
Dimension
The Dimension functions add dimension notes to parts. The dimension notes are applied with dif-
ferent parameters.
Default Dimension notes can be set up using the Note Functions. Set the default dimension height,
number of decimals used for the dimension value, and arrow direction of the dimension note.
The Note and Dimension parameters can also be set on the System tab under the configuration
menus located on Work Space tab.
Select from one of the following dimension parameters:
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The following parameters are used in the set-up of all of the Smart Dimension functions:
Color: Select to change the dimension note color. A color dialog palette is displayed. Left-click the
color to change and the color selected is displayed.
Note Height: Enter the height of the dimension note.
Number of Decimals: Enter the number of decimal places to use for the dimension note.
Tolerance: Select to apply a tolerance note for the dimension.
Upper Limit: Enter a positive tolerance specification for the dimension note.
Lower Limit: Enter a negative tolerance specification for the dimension note.
Note Height Factor: Enter the note height for the tolerance specification. The tolerance spec-
ification note is also displayed with the dimension note and can be defined with a different height
from the dimension note.
Smart
The Smart function inserts dimension notes between two selected entities. The smart function auto-
matically determines angle, length, or height value dimension notes inserted between the two
selected entities.
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Horizontal
The Horizontal function inserts a horizontal dimension line between two points. The Position
Actions (See page 18) are available for placing the horizontal dimension note.
Vertical
The vertical function inserts a vertical dimension line between two points. The Position Actions
(See page 18) are available for placing the horizontal dimension note.
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Radius
Diameter
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Parallel
The parallel function inserts a parallel dimension line between two selected points. The Position
Actions (See page 18) are available for placing the horizontal dimension note.
Angle
The Angle function displays an angular dimension between two selected lines. The angle is always
measured in the counter-clockwise direction from the first selected line.
1. Select the Angle Function from the detail ribbon on the CAD tab.
2. Left-click the first entity.
3. Left-click the second entity. The angle dimension id displayed.
4. Move the cursor to the selected position for the dimension note, and left-
click to anchor the dimension note.
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Base Horizontal
The Base Horizontal function inserts a base horizontal dimension line referenced from the first
selected point. The Position Actions (See page 18) are available for placing the base horizontal
dimension note.
Base Vertical
The Base Vertical function inserts a base vertical dimension line referenced from the first selected
point. The Position Actions (See page 18) are available for placing the base vertical dimension note.
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Chain Horizontal
The Chain Horizontal function inserts a base horizontal dimension line referenced between the pre-
vious and last selected points. The Position Actions (See page 18) are available for placing the chain
horizontal dimension note.
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Chain Vertical
The Chain Vertical function inserts a base vertical dimension line referenced between the previous
and last selected points. The Position Actions (See page 18) are available for placing the chain ver-
tical dimension note.
Chamfer
The Chamfer function places a calculated dimension for the selected entity.
1. Select the Chamfer dimension icon from the Detail ribbon on the Detail or
Part Detail tab.
2. Left-click the entity. The chamfer note dimension is displayed.
3. Move the cursor to the selected position for the dimension note, and left-
click to anchor the dimension note.
4. Select Esc to end the function.
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Arc Length
The Arc Length function displays the arc length of a selected arc.
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X-Form (Work-space)
XForm functions are for moving, copying, rotating, scaling, and arraying existing geometries. Select
from the following XForm functions
Delta Copy (See page 153) Scale Move (See page 158)
Delta Move (See page 154) Dynamic Copy (See page 158)
Old New Copy (See page 154) Dynamic Move (See page 159)
Old New Move (See page 155) Array (See page 159)
2D Rotate Copy (See page 156) Box Move Delta (See page 160)
2D Rotate Move (See page 156) Box Move Base Point (See page 161)
Scale Copy (See page 157) Copy Point Vertical (See page 162)
Copy Point Horizontal (See page Copy - Select Two Points (See page
162) 163)
Delta Copy
The Delta Copy function copies selected entities to a new position. The Delta Copy function
creates a specified number of copies of the selected geometry, each spaced by the specified XY
translation distance.
The Selection Actions (See page 15) are available for selecting the entity or entities for the delta
copy or copies.
1. Select Delta Copy from the XForm ribbon.
2. Enter the number of copies and enter the XY coordinates for placement of the copied enti-
ties.
3. Left-click or window around an entity(s) (1), or use a selection action icon to select the
entity or entities.
4. Right-click on the workspace and the geometries are copied to the specified XY positions
(2).
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Delta Move
The Delta Move function moves selected entity(s) to a new position.
The Selection Actions are available for selecting the entity or entities for the delta move.
1. Select Delta Move from the XForm ribbon.
2. Draw a window around the entities to move with the cursor or select the entities using one
of the selection actions.
3. Enter the X and Y distance to move the selected entities in the control panel.
4. Select the apply button in the control panel.
5. Select the Esc key to end the function.
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2D Rotate Copy
The 2D Rotate Copy function rotates a specified number of copies of a selected entity or entities,at
a specified angle,around a specified point.The rotation occurs in degrees counter-clockwise from the
X-axis.
The Selection Actions are available for selecting the entity or entities for the 2D Rotate function.
1. Left-click (1) or window the entity to rotate and copy.The 2D Rotate Copy
actions are displayed.
2. Enter the number of copies to create.Enter the angle the copied object(s)
will be rotated around and select enter.
3. Right-click to advance the function to select the rotation point.Left-click
the point of rotation (2) for selected object(s).The point of rotation does
not have to be relative to the entity to rotate.
4. Right-click and the object(s) are drawn referenced to the selected rotation
point.
5. Select Esc to end the function.
2D Rotate Move
The 2D Rotate Move function moves a selected entity or entities,at a specified angle,around a spec-
ified point.The rotation occurs in degrees counter-clockwise from the X-axis.
The Selection Actions are available for selecting the entity or entities for the 2D Rotate function.
1. Select the 2D Move function icon and function actions are displayed.
2. Left-click and window around the entity to move ,or use one of the selec-
tion actions.
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3. Enter the angle of the object(s) that will be moved and select enter.
4. Left-click the point of rotation of the selected objects.The point of rotation
does not have to be relative to the entity to rotate.
5. Right-click and the object(s) are drawn referenced to the selected rotation
point in step 2.
6. Select Esc to end the function.
Scale Copy
The Scale Copy function copies and scales selected entities referenced to a selected point. To
scale the selected entities larger, enter a factor greater than one. To scale the selected entities
smaller, enter a value smaller than one.
The original entity is retained and the specified number of copies are created. The scaling factor is
applied to each entity in turn, creating progressively larger or smaller entities. The reference point
is effectively a perspective vanishing point.
The Selection Actions are available for selecting the entity or entities for the scale copy.
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Scale Move
The Scale Move function scales and moves a selected entity or entities. To scale the selected enti-
ties larger, enter a factor greater than one. To scale the selected entities smaller, enter a value
smaller than one.
The Selection Actions are available for selecting the entity or entities for the scale copy.
1. Select Scale Move from the XForm ribbon.
2. Enter the scale factor for the selected entity(s).
3. Left-click (1) or window the entity(s) to scale and move, or use one of the selection actions
and right-click.
4. Left-click the reference point to scale and move the copied object(s) from (2).
5. The selected entity(s) are scaled and moved from the selected reference point.
6. Select Esc to end the function.
Dynamic Copy
The Dynamic Copy function copies a selected entity or entities.
The Selection Actions are available for selecting the entity or entities for the dynamic copy function.
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Dynamic Move
The Dynamic Move function moves a selected entity or entity(s).
The Selection Actions (See page 15) are available for selecting the entity or entities for the
dynamic move function.
Select Dynamic Move from the XForm ribbon.
1. Window the objects to move, or use one of the selection actions and left-
click.
2. Right-click and the selected object(s) are anchored to the cursor for place-
ment.
3. Place the object in the new position and left-click the new position for the
selected object(s).
4. Select Esc to end the function.
Array
Select Array to copy an array of parts across a sheet in the X and or Y directions.
1. Window around the entities or left-click each part to copy.The selected parts are high-
lighted.
2. Right-click and an array dialog is displayed.
3. Specify the number of copies in the X direction and the spacing.This is the total number of
copies in the X direction when the operation is complete.It is not the number of additional
copies made.For example,if three is specified as the number of copies,then two additional
copies are made,so there are a total of three.
4. Specify the number of copies in the Y direction and the spacing.This is the total number of
copies in the Y direction when the operation is complete.It is not the number of additional
copies made.For example,if two is specified as the number of copies,then one additional
copy is made,so there are a total of two.
5. Right-click and the array of parts is displayed.
6. Select Esc to end the function.
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Extend or shorten a line entity horizontally by entering a positive or negative X offset value respec-
tively. Extend or shorten a line entity vertically by entering a positive or negative Y offset value
respectively.
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If no entity or entity end point is selected, a "No Entities Found" error mes-
sage is displayed.
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1. Left-click the entity to copy (1), or select one of the selection actions. The
entity or entities are highlighted.
2. Right-click and select the type of position action, for example the cursor
position is selected. Once the position action is selected, select two points
to copy the entity around.
3. Left-click the first point (2).
4. Left-click the second point (3). The selected entity(s) are copied to the new
position (4).
5. Select Esc to end the function.
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Verify (CAD)
The Verify functions are used to view and verify entity positions, angles, and distances.
1. Select the Shortest Distance between 2 Positions icon on the Verify rib-
bon.
2. Left-click the first point position.
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3. Left-click the second point position. The shortest distance between the
points is displayed at the bottom of the workspace.
Related topic:
Position Actions (See page 18)
1. Select the Shortest Distance between a Position and Entity icon on the Ver-
ify ribbon.
2. Left-click the point position.
3. Left-click the entity. The shortest distance between the point and the
entity is displayed at the bottom of the workspace.
Coordinates of an Entity
The Display Entity Coordinates function shows the selected entity's coordinates in the status bar
at the bottom of the window.
l If the entity is a point, its coordinates are displayed.
l If the entity is a circle or arc, the coordinates of its midpoint are displayed.
l If the entity is a line, the coordinates of each end point are displayed.
Instructions:
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Position of a Point
The Verify Position of a Point function finds the coordinates for a selected position on the work
space. The Position Actions are available for selecting the positions for the selected verify function.
The selected point position X and Y coordinates are displayed at the bottom of the workspace.
Perimeter
The Verify Perimeter function displays the total perimeter for all selected entities. The Selection
Actions are available for selecting the entity or entities.
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Related topic:
Position Actions (See page 18)
Area
The Area function is similar to the perimeter function except that it displays the area for all
selected entities. The Selection Actions are available for selecting the entity or entities.
The area value is displayed at the bottom of the workspace.
Attribute
The Attribute function displays the selected entity's attributes, line type and level, at the bottom of
the Work-space.
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Nesting
l Nest (See page 169)
l Manual Nest (See page 189)
l Lead-ins (See page 209)
l X-Form (Nesting) (See page 215)
l Verify (Nesting) (See page 220)
l Parts Bar
Nest
The Nest ribbon contains the functions to nest, manually nest, add lead-ins, and verify nesting lay-
outs.
Auto Nest (See page 169) New Nesting Task (See page 66)
Task Parameters (See page 172) Task Properties (See page 188)
Auto Nest
Auto Nesting is used to automatically nest parts defined in a task. Auto Nesting automatically nests
the parts in the selected tasks and will be disabled if no nest exists. If Auto Nesting is selected for a
task that is already nested, SigmaNEST displays a confirm dialog window with the following options.
Continue: The Input Box dialog window is displayed when continue is selected.
When more than one sheet of parts is nested, the Input Box dialog window asks for
a layout number to continue nesting from. Select Continue and select a layout
number. SigmaNEST continues to nest parts from the layout specified.
Re-nest: Select Re-nest and SigmaNEST re-nests all the parts on all the sheets. A
process dialog window is displayed during the nest function.
Current Sheet: Select to re-nest the current sheet.
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Cancel: Cancel ends the function and does not save any work done while in the
Auto Nesting function.
The nesting in process can be interrupted by pressing Esc. Parts can then be
manually nested by using the functions on the Manual Nesting ribbon. Select Auto,
from the Nest ribbon, to continue the nesting. The completed nest is displayed.
Modify Task
Modifying a task uses the same features as creating a new task. See the Task Setup dialog for more
information.
Parts List: The left side displays parts loaded on the Work-space. Left-click the parts and select the
arrow buttons to move parts to and from the task list on the right side of the parts listing.
Select to transfer all the parts, in the list, to the task list on the right.
Select to transfer selected parts from the task list back to the parts list.
Select to transfer all the parts from the task list back to the parts list.
A warning appears if there is a material mismatch. Highlight the parts and select Unselect to
remove them from the task.
The bottom of the listings displays the number of parts in the parts list and the number of parts
selected in the task listing.
Part Image Display: The selected part is displayed at the top right window.
Task Name: The task name is automatically incremented, or enter a task name.
Batch: Enter a value to multiply the quantity that the part parameter is set to.
Thickness: Enter the material thickness.
Material: Enter the material.
Combine WO parts with same part name: Select to combine the quantity of work order parts that
have the same part names.
Task Setup Buttons: The following links describe the task setup buttons along the bottom of the
dialog.
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Sheets List: The left side displays parts loaded on the Work-space. Left-mouse click the parts and
select the arrow buttons to move parts to and from the task list on the right side of the parts listing.
Select to transfer all the parts, in the list, to the task list on the right.
Select to transfer selected parts from the task list back to the parts list.
Select to transfer all the parts from the task list back to the parts list.
A warning appears if there is a material mismatch. Highlight the parts and select Unselect to
remove them from the task.
The bottom of the listings displays the number of parts in the parts list and the number of parts
selected in the task listing.
Use Best Sheet: Select to allow SigmaNEST to nest on all available sheet sizes then choose the lay
out with the lowest scrap rate.
Limit Nested Stock Sheets: Limit Stock Sheets sets the number of sheets SigmaNEST can use in a
task.For example, if this option is not selected and the nest requires 8 sheets and the stock selected
has 10 sheets available then all 8 sheets will be used. If this option is selected and set to 2 then the
max number of sheet that will be nested is two.
OK: Select OK to load the selected sheet(s).
Extract: Select to split sheets that had been combined back into seperate sheets.
Combine : Select to combine two or more sheets into one sheet with a new sheet name. Parts will
not be nested along the seam line.
Sort: Select to sort the selected sheets by either largest or smallest area.
Edit: Select to edit the sheet parameters. The Sheet Parameters (See page 53) dialog is displayed.
Task Setup Buttons: The following links describe the task setup buttons along the bottom of the
dialog.
Cancel: Select to close the Task Setup dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the Task Setup dialog saving all changes.
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Task Parameters
Task Parameters is used to setup the parameters for task nesting.Parameters include nesting strate-
gies,group by work order,process and repositioning parameters.For punching type of machines a
punching parameter tab is available for setting up tooling strategies.
Task Parameters
Material: Enter the material type for the nesting.
Length: Specify the length of the sheet. The value is ignored if a sheet from the stock control sys-
tem or a remnant is used.
Width: Specify the width of the sheet. As with the previous option, the value is ignored if a sheet
from the stock control system or a remnant is used.
Thickness: Specify the thickness of the material used for the nest.
Part Clearance: This is the distance between the parts. When entering the nesting clearance, the
system is satisfied within approximately plus or minus 20% of the value defined.
Select the ellipse to set the clearance X direction.When entering an X clearance the main value
becomes the Y clearance.When the X clearance value is greater than the main value the ellipse will
highlight in red.
Edge Distance: The edge distance is a border around the sheet in which no parts are nested. If a
dead zone is specified in the machine setup, then the top or bottom takes the larger of the two
values, depending upon where the zero position is set.
Select the ellipse to set the edge clearance for the top, bottom, left and right side of the
sheet.The individual values must be greater then the main value or it will be ignored. When values
are set the ellipse will highlight in red.
Custom edge clearances can be set for sheets in the Edit Sheet (See page 65) or Sheet Parameters
(See page 53) dialogs.
Sheet Edge distance takes precedence over and will override the task
parameters values.
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Auto Nesting Type: Select the type of nesting algorithm to use. The following types of nesting algo-
rithms are available.
Auto Nesting Type is a separate option. The Auto Types displayed depends
on the nesting modules that are activated.
True Shape nesting uses the contours of the parts to fit the parts as close and effi-
cient as possible. Smaller parts are fit into larger dropouts, if possible. The fol-
lowing image below is an example of True Shape nesting.
Advanced True Shape nesting uses the same method of nesting as True shape,
with the enhanced feature of creating groups out of the same part. The following
image below is an example of Advanced True Shape nesting.
Lookahead uses the most effective nest from multiple nests. The percentage of
the part's area and the percentage factor for the size of the part, are used to deter-
mine which parts to nest first.
The following image below illustrates an additional part was nested inside the drop-
out of the larger part, compared to the image under True Shape nesting.
Rectangular fits the smallest rectangle around a part and then nests the rectangle.
The dropout is ignored, and no other parts are nested within that rectangle.
The following image illustrates a rectangular type nest.
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Shear nesting nests rectangular parts for L-shape shearing. The following image
illustrates, on the right side the nest, shear type nesting.
AutoSelect automatically selects parts and find the best nesting combination.
Usually takes longer to nest, but produces a more efficient nest
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Number of Tries: The lower number provides a quicker nest, but the nest is less efficient. Selecting
six takes longer to create the nest, but the nest is more efficient with less scrap.
Strategy: Strategy works in conjunction with the Nest Reference and the Machine Reference to
determine how parts are nested. The Strategy's initial position is determined by the nest and
machine reference settings, with the nesting reference taking precedent. For more information, see
Machine Reference and Nest Reference below.
Strategy 1 nests the parts vertically, starting in the position of the nest reference.
Strategy 2 - 4 are intermediate combinations of strategy 1 and 5.
Strategy 5 nests the part horizontally, starting in the position of the nest reference.
The most suitable strategy depends on the types of parts nested. Strategy 5 is recommended for
punch and combo punch profile machines, using the Nest Reference opposite of reference.
If the auto nest is not providing the desired results,change the strategy and
re-nest the parts.
Lookahead Factor: This function is an efficiency parameter much like the Number of Tries param-
eter. Select a value between one and five. One produces a nest quicker, but the nest may be less effi-
cient. Five takes longer to produce a nest, but the nest is more efficient.
Exact Nesting: The value entered in the Clearance field is normally observed to within plus or
minus 20 percent. Exact nesting overrides this tolerance and uses the exact clearance value.
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Exact nesting is only compatible with true shape nesting with Nest Bevels
turned on.
Common Cut Nesting: Select the type of Common Cut Nesting. The parts are nested together so
as the cutting process commonly cuts both contours at the same time.
Common Cut Kerf Lookup: Select Common Cut Kerf Lookup to retrieve the kerf information from
the technology setup tables.
Common Cut Kerf: Enter the kerf value for the common cut kerf option. Common Cut Kerf is ena-
bled when Common Cut Kerf Lookup is disabled.
Nest Bevels: Adjusts the clearance to permit the bevel cut to occur. The angle cuts that are
required for some bevels require that adjacent parts be located further apart than the specified
clearance value in order to avoid damage by the angle cut. Nest Bevels accomplishes this.
Priority: Each part has a priority parameter (1-256), 1 is the highest priority. Priority determines the
order the parts are nested. When the priority option is set to Yes, the nesting algorithm looks at the
priorities of the parts to determine which part is nested first.
If this option is set to No, the priority of the parts are ignored. If priority is enabled, it overrides the
part order parameter. Only parts with the same priority are ordered by the part order parameter set-
ting.
Part Order: The part order parameter determines the nesting order of the parts.
Area: The Area function determines the nesting order by the area and number of
entities of a part. The parts with the largest area are nested first.
Perimeter: The Perimeter function determines the nesting order by the perimeter
and number of entities of a part. The parts with the largest perimeter are nested
first.
WO Sort: The WO Sort function determines the nesting order by the priority of the
work order. The parts with the highest priority settings are nested first.
Rect Area: The Rect Area function determines the nesting order by the rectangular
area and number of entities of a part. The parts with the largest rectangular areas
are nested first.
Length: The Length function determines the nesting order by the aspect ratio of a
part. The part with the longest perimeter segment is nested first.
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Use Static Nests: Specify yes or no the use of Static Nests files (STC). The parameters will check on
a previous archived nest.
Number of Torches: Specify the number of torches that are used for the nesting.
Head Spacing: Select the desired head spacing, provided the Head Spacing option is set to Manual.
If the head Spacing is set to Sheet, the system calculates the head spacing, taking into account the
number of heads and sheet width.
Min Head Distance: Sets a minimum head distance for multi-torching. It is the smallest distance
that is permitted between heads. No parts are nested closer than this setting.
Head Settings: Set the method for the head spacing calculation.
Head Priority: Set the method for the head priority calculation.
Allow Part Overrun: When set to Yes, then more parts that are specified in the nesting task can be
created. This occurs when cutting with multiple torches or with stacked sheets. For example, if 10
parts are required and three torches are used then the actual number of parts cut is the next high-
est multiple of the number of torches, 12 in this case.
Similarly, when cutting stacked sheets, the number of parts cut is the next higher multiple of the
number of sheets in the stack.
When set to No, some of the torches are turned off in order to cut the exact number of parts. When
cutting stacked sheets, No, is ignored. Part Overrun is effectively always on.
Check lead-ins: Lead-in lines are checked here. The choices are:
Yes: the lead-in lines on parts are nested and the clearance around the lead-in lines
are maintained
Off: a more economical nesting results; however, it is necessary to ensure that the
lead-in lines do not overlap with other parts.
Pre Pierce Diameter: Pre Pierce Diameter is available only when Yes is selected in the Check Pre
Pierce Box. Punch tool or drill size.
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Min Shear Strip (Width): This is used only for shear nesting (Auto Type is set to Shear). This is a
machine characteristic and is the minimum amount that the shear cuts.
Number of Sheets: Select the maximum number of sheets allowed for this nesting. If the parts do
not fit on a single sheet, increase this number.
Stack Quantity: The software allows the stacking of sheets; it is useful in routing applications. If
entering a stack quantity other than one, the Part Quantity automatically sets the Parameters to No.
Part quantities are rounded up (due to the stacking) to multiples of the stack quantity.
Repeat Duplicate: Select Yes to allow duplicate sheets to be added to the nesting layout. Select No
and the first sheet of a set of identical nesting layouts is shown.
This generates a message in the nesting report, and in the nesting detail, to cut the program the
number of times necessary to produce the correct number of parts.
The default setting is NO
Machine: This option allows the choice of machine used to cut the nesting layout. This influences
the post processor, the dead zone, and the zero position that is used for this nesting layout.
See the Config program for setting up machines.
Machine Reference: Machine Reference specifies the location of the home position (0, 0) for the
machine. It is influenced by the clamps or by the position where the machine operator is standing. It
can have one of the following values:
Bottom Left
Top Left
Bottom Right
Top Right
Nest Reference: Nest Reference is the position that the nesting starts from. It is used mainly for
combination machines but works on any machine that uses clamps. The following options are avail-
able.
Same as Reference: Select to set the nest reference the same as the above
machine reference setting.
Opposite to Reference: Select to set the nest reference the opposite as the above
machine reference setting.
Bottom Left: Set nest reference to the bottom left.
Top Left: Set nest reference to the top left..
Bottom Right: Set nest reference to the bottom right.
Top Right: Set nest reference to the top right.
Nest Under Clamps: Specify whether the parts should be nested under the clamps or not nested
under the clamps. In punching, it is very important to understand the repositioning of the plate in
order to determine whether to nest under the clamps. The choices are:
Exclude All Clamps: Parts are nested under all the clamps.
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Exclude First Clamp: No parts are nested under the first clamp in position one.
Parts are nested under all the other clamps.
Exclude Clamps for Position 1: No parts are nested under the first position of the
clamps. Parts are nested under the second position of the clamps.
Between All Clamps: No parts are nested under the clamps.
Not Between Clamps: No parts are nested between the clamps.
Exclude Last Clamp-Last Repo: No parts are nested under the last clamp in final
reposition.
Parameters Auto Lookup: Select to have the task parameters automatically loaded as default.
Set as Default: Select to save the task parameters to be saved as the default settings.
Cancel: Select to close the Task Parameters dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the Task Parameters dialog saving all changes.
Multi Sheets: Select if the machine process is capable of placing multiple sheets horizontally or ver-
tically.
The exact sheet size must be known and the Inventory Control Module
must be installed to use the multiple sheet feature.
Sheet Count: Enter the number of sheets allowed for the sheet type.
Spacing: Enter a spacing value between the sheets.Some sheets may not be square
and a spacing value is needed to align the machine process
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Used Fixed Head Spacing: Select to allow SolidNEST to use the machine process
head spacing.
Advanced Nesting Parameters: The Advanced Nesting Parameters allows the user to perform nest-
ing according to sheet utilization,work orders,crop lines,spacing and scrap percentages.
Reject last layout if utilization is less than: Select to enable a required sheet util-
ization percentage for the nesting layout to be accepted. Enter the percentage
amount in the utilization window.
Group By Work Order: Selecting one of the following options allows parts to be
nested by work orders.
Group Separation Crop Type: Select to enable a crop line type to separate the
parts of a work order.Select from the following crop line types.
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Crop Step 2: Select to enable a crop line that follows the part con-
tours of the edge of the nest.
Spacing: Enter a value to allow spacing between work order part groups.The image
shows the spacing between the group of parts.
Small Part Handling: Small Part handling provides an option to include additional part clearance for
nesting small part,s allowing parts more material for vacuum and decreasing the chance for moving.
Small parts are identified by checking the small part option on the Part Parameters' Grain Tab (See
page 378). Part clearance can be set in the Task Parameters dialogue under the Advanced Task
Parameters (See page 179) tab.
Adjust Nest Clearance for Small Parts: Select to define a part clearance for small
parts and their x and y dimension values.
Small Part Dimensions: Enter the dimensions used to detirmine if the part qual-
ifies as a small part.
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Parameters Auto Lookup: Select to allow the nesting task parameters to be saved as defaults.
Set As Default: Select to save the parameters as defaults for the nesting task.
Cancel: Select to close the Task Parameters Advanced dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the Task Parameters Advanced dialog saving all changes.
Process Parameters
Part Defined: Enables corner loops for the process according to the corner loops
defined on the part.
Remove Corner Loops: Select to disable corner loops applied to the part for the
selected process.
Power Level: Select the cutting amperage for the process from the drop down box if more than one
is available.The cutting amperage is defined by the post file for the machine type.
Parameters Auto Lookup: Select to automatically load the parameters for process parameters,from
a saved file,for the machine type.
Set As Default: Select to save the Task Parameter settings as the default settings for the Task
Parameters
Cancel: Select to close the Task Parameters dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the Task Parameters dialog saving all changes.
Reposition
Reposition in the Task Parameters is used to setup repositioning rules,zone parameters,load pref-
erences,machine clamp and sheet crop options.
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Some parameters may not be displayed due to the type of the post file
used.
Part Repos Break Rule: The part reposition break rule allows the part to be processed in different
positions depending if the part is within overlapped process positions.Select from the following
options.
Allow Any Repos: Select to allow parts to be processed in any of the overlap posi-
tions the part is nested in.The part is processed in different process positions.
Keep Same Repos if Possible: Select to allow the part to have all processes be
applied in one of the selected overlapped positions if possible.
Force Same Repos: Select to allow the part to have all processes be applied in the
same position.The part must lay completely in the overlapped position.
Reposition Direction: This is determined by the post file.The reposition direction is either Left to
Right or Right to Left
Overlap Rule: The Overlap Rule defines how the parts are processed within the selected posi-
tions.Some parts will be nested within overlapping process zones.The parts may be critical to
produce and require to processed before any repositioning takes place.The following options are
available for processing parts that lay in overlapped process zones.
Expedite Processing: Select to allow the part to be processed in the first available position that
overlaps all processes for the part.
Delay Processing: Select to allow the part to be processed in the last process position that the part
is nested in.
Delay Only Forming: Select to delay the part processes that pertain to forming of the part to the
last possible overlapped position.
Max Delay: Select to allow the part to be processed in the last possible position that overlaps all of
the part processes.
Tab Tool Sequence Type: Enabled from the post file. The following options are available when ena-
bled by the post file. The tabbing can be applied as the processes occur or tabbing can be delayed
till after the position processes to prevent tabs from separating during repositioning.
With Other Tools: Select to allow tabbing to occur during the reposition proc-
esses. The tabbing tools are applied along with the other tools.
Separate and Same Direction: Select to allow the tabbing to occur after the repo-
sitioning processes are completed. The tabbing is applied from the last reposition
back to the first position.
Separate and Opposite Direction: Select to allow the tabbing to occur back to the
first repositioning process. The tabbing is applied back at the first position. After
the processes are applied to all the positions, the machine is positioned back to
the first position and the tabbing is applied.
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Sheet Load Preference: Sheet load preferences is used to setup the loading and unloading of the
sheet. The position of the clamps are taken into consideration when using different size sheets.
Left Sheet Edge On Zone Edge: Select to align the left side of the
sheet on the beginning edge of the punching zone.
Right Sheet Edge On Zone Edge: Select to align the right side of
the sheet on the beginning edge of the punching zone.
Center Clamps on sheet: Select to have the clamps centered on
the sheet.
Clamps far left as possible: Select to move the clamps to the left,
even if outside the active punching zone, but not off the sheet
edge.
Clamps far right as possible: Select to move the clamps to the
right, even if outside the active punching zone, but not off the
sheet edge.
User defined offset load: Select to enter in a value for the offset
for the sheet load.
Center Sheet in Zone: Select to load the sheet to the center of
the active punching zone.
Offset Load Distance: Enter the distance from the edge of the sheet to the posi-
tion of the load zone. Offset Load Distance is the position where the sheet is
placed. Enabled when Automatic Offset Loading is selected. The sheet may have to
be loaded to the center of the punching zone instead of the home position.
Load Reference: The options for the Load Reference depend on the machine type
and if there is multiple load positions available. Certain post parameters have to be
defined. If using multiple load positions contact SolidNEST support.
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Shear Only: Allows the rectangular blade shear only, for the posi-
tion selected.
Properties Options: The Properties Options provides parameters for controlling cropping and break-
ing around clamps.
Add Crop Line: Select Add Crop Line to allow the system to cut off the unused
material after every reposition. Much like the cut scrap function.
Specify the offset from the reposition for the crop line in the Crop Offset field.
Select the ellipse next to the crop offset to setup the Auto Crop lead-in Set-
tings.Reverse Split NC Direction
This is mostly used with large parts that span zone positions. When Reverse Split
NC Dir is selected, the NC path direction is the reverse in the next zone of what it
was in the previous zone.
Break Around Clamps: For Large parts nested under clamps select Break Around
Clamps. If the part is nested under both the clamps so that when the clamps are
repositioned, the part is still under the second clamp, it is desirable to break the
part. This allows the machine to create a stop or break where the machine finishes
cutting a section of the part. When the clamps move to the next position, the sec-
tion under the first position clamps are then cut. The Clamp Offset is the distance
from the clamp where the machine breaks the part. Specify the lead-in Length (the
lead-out is the same size).
Dynamic Nesting Zone Length: Enter the length of the nesting zone of parts, that
will be cut first on the sheet section. A Zone Spacing value must be entered also
for the zone length to be cut after the parts are cut in each zone. Dynamic Length
allows the sheet length to be cut down as the parts are processed.
Dynamic Nesting Zone Spacing: Enter the value to separate the nesting zones of
the sheet. The sheet is cut along the separation space after the parts are cut.
Apply to All Repositions: Select to apply the reposition parameters to all types of repositioning.
Parameters Auto Lookup: Select to automatically load the parameters for reposition from a saved
file for the machine type.
Cancel: Select to close the Task Parameters dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the Task Parameters dialog saving all changes.
Punching Parameters
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Use Global Tools: Select to automatically place any required tools that are in the tool manager in
the turret. When Global Tools is not selected only the tools in the specified turret are used. If a
required tool is not in the turret, the tooling fails.
Check Die: Select Check Die to have a tool with a corresponding die be placed in the turret. When
not selected the check is not performed.
Lock Base Tools: Tools in the base turret are not exchanged or replaced when selected.
Same Start Turret for All Layouts: Select to use the default base turret for all nesting task layouts.
Progressively Lock Stations: Select to enable the tools to remain in the station, as they get pulled
into the Active Turret, for the task. Applies mainly to multiple layout tasks.
Look-Up Base Turrets: Selecting Look-Up Base Turret assigns a specific base turret according to
the material and thickness of the part.
Base Turrets: Select the base turret if more than one exists from the drop down box.
Auto Dynamic Nesting: Select to have the parts tooled as they are being nested.
Parameters Auto Lookup: Select to automatically load the parameters for punching parameters,
from a saved file, for the machine type.
Set As Default: Select to save the Task Parameter settings as the default settings for Task Param-
eters.
Cancel: Closes the Task Parameter dialog not saving any changes.
OK: Closes the Task Parameter dialog saving all changes.
Report
The Task Report displays a complete report of the nest. A report of each sheet is displayed and
printed separately. Task Report Printing (See page 187) and Setup: Reportsexplain more about the
types of reports and how they are set-up.
The different sheets used in the nesting are displayed as tabs at the bottom left of the dialog. The
sheets are labeled as Main, Sheet1, Sheet2, and so on, depending on the number of sheets the nest
uses. The Main Sheet tab displays all of the parts in the nest. The Sheet tabs display only the parts
nested on that particular sheet.
The report summary information is displayed in the top portion of the dialog. The parts used in the
nest are listed in the lower portion of the dialog. The right side displays a picture window for dis-
playing the selected part from the parts listing.
Cost: Select to display the Cost Report (See page 187) dialog.
Print: Select for report printing options. Task Report Printing (See page 187) has more information
on report options.
OK: Select to close the Report dialog.
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Cost Report
The Cost Report displays a report of the cost of the nest. The following cost types are displayed:
True Shape: The true cost is calculated by using the true shape of the parts and the
average material cost from Mat.txt.
Rectangular Shape: A part's rectangular area is used to calculate the rectangular
cost.
Nested Shape: Nested Shape is the net area of all the parts in the nest. The scrap
percentage, number of torches, and the true shape of a part are used in the cal-
culation of the nested cost.
Scrap is allocated to each part in proportion to its area, thus increasing the material component of
cost for each part.
Task Part Summary: Task Part Summary displays sheet parameters, nesting task
results, and costing information.
Task Layout Summary: Task Layout Summary displays sheet information.
Layout Detail: Layout Detail displays task and program name along with sheet and
part information.
Layout Report: Layout Report displays task and program name, sheet parameters,
nesting task results, part and torch parameters.
Layout Detail Work Orders: Layout Detail Work Orders report displays task and
program name, sheet, part, and stack information, .
Layout Cost: Layout Cost displays sheet parameters, nesting task results, part and
costing information.
Part Label (Bar Code): Part Label bar code displays part information with a bar
code.
Part Label (7x2): Part Label 7x2 displays a label with part information.
Part Label (3x2): Part Label 3x2 displays a smaller label with part information.
Nest Detail: Nest Detail report displays the nest with sheet information.
Shear Nest Report: Shear Nest Report displays sheet parameters, nesting task
results, task and part information.
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Delete
The Delete Nesting Task function deletes the selected task in the task list. Tasks can also be
deleted by selecting and left-clicking on the unwanted task and selecting Delete Task.
Task Properties
Task Properties dialog displays a list of the layouts for the task. Select a layout to view the Layout
Properties (See page 189).
Delete: Removes the selected layout from the work space.
Clear: Clears the layout of all parts and markings.
Edit: Displays the Nesting Layout dialog. See Nesting Layout.
Add: Adds sheets to the nest.
Copy: Creates a copy of the selected layout.
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Layout Properties
The Layout Properties dialog includes the following information on the selected layout:
Program Name: Displays the name of the program.
Sheet Name: If a sheet name is present, then selecting the ellipsis ( ... ), to the left of the name,
invokes the sheet dialog that enables the sheet parameters to be changed.
Parts Required: Displays the number of parts required.
Parts Nested: Displays the number of parts nested.
Length: Displays the length of the sheet.
Width: Displays the width of the sheet.
Number of Sheets: This is the number of sheets to use with this layout. The number of parts on
this layout is multiplied by the number of sheets. The result is reflected in the Parts Nested value.
Selecting the adjacent button calculates the value.
Stack Quantity: The stack quantity is the number of sheets that are stacked and cut together. The
number of parts on the layout is multiplied by this number and reflected in the Parts Nested value.
The initial stack quantity is set in the nesting Task Parameters Dialog. For more information refer to
Stack Quantity. Selecting the adjacent button calculates the value.
Remnant List: If there are any remnants associated with this layout, they are listed here. Double-
clicking the remnant invokes a sheet dialog that permits changing the remnant's parameters. The
button at the left of the remnants list removes the selected remnant.
Parts Listing: Displays a listing of each part and the required quantities.
Selecting a layout displays a dialog with the following information. The number of sheets, the stack
quantity, and the number of parts visible on that layout are all multiplied to arrive at the total
number of parts for the layout. The Parts Nested value is the sum of the total number of parts on
each layout. The layouts can be modified by the following functions.
Manual Nest
Manual Nest is used to manually adjust the Work-space nest.
The following options are available in Nesting mode:
Bump (See page 195) Clear Current Layout (See page 208)
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Snap (See page 195) Clear All Layouts (See page 208)
Reposition (See page 201) Remove Unused Layouts (See page 208)
Quality (See page 206) Group Unused Layouts (See page 208)
Auto Align Text (See page 208) Static Nest (See page 73)
Get Part
Select to open the Get Part dialog and select parts to be edited, deleted, or printed.
List: List opens the all the parts in a list form with a single preview window of the active selected
part. Right-click on a part to rename that part.
To Select a part or parts:
1. Click on the desired part or select multiple parts by holding down the con-
trol button while clicking.
2. Select OK to open each part, or multiple parts one at a time or cancel to
exit without opening parts.
Table: The table tab will show a preview of each part. Parts cannot be renamed in this tab.
To Select a part or parts:
1. Click on the desired part or select multiple parts by holding down the con-
trol button while clicking.
2. Select OK to open each part, or multiple parts one at a time or cancel to
exit without opening parts.
Auto Nest Parts: Select to Auto Nest the selected part or parts.
Print: Select to open the part report dialog. Select a report to print.
Cancel: Select to close the Get Part dialog without opening any parts.
OK: Select to open selected part, or parts, and close the Get Part dialog.
Get Part - Side Panel (See page 190) has more information on additional functions.
The Get Part Side Panel is displayed when the move and copy functions are active in Nesting tab
and contains actions to apply to the selected part. The action can also be accessed by right clicking
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on the part while it is anchored to the cursor. In addition to the following functions, available in the
side panel, the Quick Key functions, listed below, can be used to position parts.
Rotate: Select Rotate and enter the rotation angle and press Enter. After changing the rotation,
place the part using by left-clicking or enter the X and Y coordinates for the bottom left corner of
the part.
A part can also be rotated using a mouse. Select Rotate from the menu, click on the part, and then
move the scroll wheel on the mouse until the part is in the desired position. Left-click again, and
the part is placed.
Mirror: The Mirror function mirrors the part around the vertical axis. To mirror a part around the hor-
izontal axis, use the Rotate function to rotate the part through 90 degrees; then, use the Mirror func-
tion. To mirror a part, select a part with the Get Part function. Then, choose Mirror from the menu,
and click on the part. The part appears mirrored, now place it on the sheet.
Handle: Select Handle to reposition the handle on a selected part.
Position: Use Position Actions to indicate the position reference point of the part.
Bump: The Bump (See page 195) function ensures parts are not nested within a specified clearance
distance from each other while manually nesting.
Torches: Selecting Torches displays the Torch Setting Dialog, with the following options:
Up Arrow : Rotate part(s) 15 degrees Ctrl +Up Arrow : Rotate part(s) 5 degrees
Shift +Up Arrow: Rotate part(s) 10 Shift + Ctrl + Up Arrow: Rotate part(s) 1
degrees degree
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Down Arrow : Rotate part(s) -15 Ctrl + Down Arrow : Rotate part(s) -5
degrees degrees
Shift + Down Arrow: Rotate part(s) - Shift + Ctrl + Down Arrow: Rotate part(s)
10 degrees -1 degree
Left Arrow:
Right Arrow:
Mouse: A part can be moved by a mouse when selected. In addition, the mouse can be used with
the shift and ctrl keys in the following ways:
Move
The Move function moves a part by the cursor, or the part can be moved and placed according to the
reference point selected. The reference point is determined by the contour selected. Selecting a
contour selects the end of the contour as the reference point.
The following images illustrate different selected reference points (red squares) of the same part.
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Entity End
The entity end point is the end point of an entity on the part contour. For example, if a line in a part
is selected, the nearest end point of the line is the entity end point. When a circle is selected, the
entity end point is always the point on the circle at zero degrees. See the following images.
Entity Center
The entity center point is the center point of the part. For example, if a line in the part is selected,
the center point of the line is the entity center point. When a circle is selected the entity center
point is the center of the circle. See the following images.
Min/Max Extremities
The Min/Max reference point is a point, on the rectangle that fits around the part, closest to the
position selected by the mouse. For example, if a part contour is selected, the nearest corner of the
rectangle, around the part, is the Min/Max reference point. See the following images.
Align
The Align function positions a part at a specified distance from a line contour of a part or sheet
edge.
1. Select Move from the Manual Nesting ribbon under the Nesting tab.
2. Select Align from the left side of the dialog.
3. Enter the clearance distance on the prompt line for the part.
4. Select the part contour to be aligned.
5. Select the line to which the previously selected part contour is to be
aligned. The part is aligned. The following images illustrate the align
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Align Rotate
The Align Rotate function rotates and aligns the selected part contour with a second part contour.
The following images illustrate the Align and Rotate function.
1. Select the Move function from the Manual Nesting ribbon under the Nesting tab.
2. Select the Align Rotate icon on the left side of the dialog. The Align Distance text box is dis-
played.
3. Enter the align distance in the prompt line.
4. Select the part contour to align and rotate.
5. Select the part contour to align the first selected part contour to.
Get Part - Side Panel (See page 190) has more information on additional functions.
Copy
Copy is used to create a copy of a part on the nest.
1. Select Copy and left-click on one of the manual copy actions.
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Select to anchor the min/max extreme (rectangular boundary) of the entity to the
cursor for placement.
Information on additional functions can be found on the Get Part - Side Panel (See page 190) page.
Bump
The Bump function ensures parts are not nested within a specified clearance distance from each
other while manually nesting. The part tracks the position of the cursor unless it bumps against the
boundary (plus clearance) of another part or the edge of the sheet. Select Bump to turn on the
bump function. Select Bump again to turn it off. Once Bump has been turned on, use the following
steps to place the part.
1. Specify the clearance distance that must be maintained between parts on the
prompt line.
2. Use the cursor to place the part in the desired position.
3. Use Shift plus the up or down arrow keys to rotate.
Snap
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Snap enables manual manipulation of parts nested on the sheet.The mouse is used to select the
part or parts.More than one part can be selected by holding down the control key and left mouse
clicking on each part. After the part is selected,hovering over the part or parts edges displays arrows
indicating the direction the part or parts are to be moved.Selecting the part or parts when a direc-
tion arrow is displayed moves the part or parts in the direction of the arrow.The following action
keys and Quick Keys are available to move the parts in different ways.
Shift + Ctrl + Up Arrow : Rotate part(s) Shift + Ctrl + Down Arrow : Rotate part(s)
1 degree -1 degree
Left Arrow : Snap part(s) left -X Right Arrow : Snap part(s) right + X
Shift +Left Arrow : Move part(s) up left -X Shift +Right Arrow : Move part(s) right + X
Ctrl + Right Arrow : Rotate part(s) -90
Ctrl + Left Arrow : Rotate part(s) 90 degrees
degrees
Shift + Ctrl + Left Arrow :Align next edge Shift + Ctrl + Right Arrow : Align next edge
CCW CW
Shift + Ctrl +Mouse: Movement rotates the
part(s)
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Free Rotate
Select to allow the manual rotation of a part or a group of parts.
1. Select Snap from the Manual Nesting ribbon,under the Nesting Tab.The move actions are
displayed on the left of the dialog.
2. Left-click the part to rotate and right-mouse click.
3. Select Free Rotate from the list.The part or parts can now be rotated with the cursor.
4. Left-click again when the part or parts are at the desired angle.The part or parts are
anchored to the Work-space.
5. Select Esc to end the function.
Move
Move Lead-in allows the lead-in on a selected part to be repositioned manually. After moving the
lead-in, use Lead In/Out to specify the lead-in parameters.
Copy
1. Select Snap from the Manual Nesting ribbon, under the Nesting tab.
2. Left-click the part to copy and right-mouse click.
3. Select Copy from the list. The part or parts is copied and placed on the
workspace.
4. Right-click again and select free move to place the selected part or parts
on the nest.
5. Select Esc to end the function.
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Heads
Select to display the Head Setting dialog for the machine processes using multi heads.Heads is
used to duplicate the selected part or parts on the sheet when more than one head is being used
for cutting.
1. Select Snap from the Manual Nesting ribbon,under the Nesting Tab.The move actions are
displayed on the left of the dialog.
2. Left-click the part or parts to apply the head settings.The parts become highlighted.
3. Right-click and select head distance from the list.The head setting dialog is displayed.
4. Enter the head setting parameters and when using dynamic head distance,the selected part
or parts distances are adjusted by moving the mouse.With the head setting dialog open
left-mouse click the Work-space to enable the mouse to adjust the part or the parts dis-
tances.
5. Select OK to exit the dialog and select Esc to end the function.
The left image is the selected part group with the number of heads set to one.The right image dis-
plays the selected group of parts duplicated with number of heads set to three.
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Auto Nest
Select Auto Nest to automatically nest the quantity of parts not yet nested.Auto Nest only will nest
the remaining number of parts not yet nested.Parts can be individually nested and then the remain-
ing parts can be auto nested.Before implementing the auto nest action,the strategy in Task Param-
eters can be changed for the manual auto nest function.
1. Select Snap from the manual nesting ribbon,under the Nesting tab.The move actions are dis-
played on the left of the dialog.
2. Left-click the part or parts to move.The parts become highlighted.
3. Right-click and select auto nest from the list.The selected part quantities not yet nested are
nested.
4. Select Esc to end the function.
The following image displays the first three parts manually nested and the right image displays the
auto nesting of the remaining parts.
Grid Nest
Select to nest the selected part or parts in an array. The remaining number of parts selected are
nested. The initial part selected begins the array in the lower left corner, see image below.
1. Select Snap from the Manual Nesting ribbon, under the Nesting tab. The
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Delete
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Once an entity is deleted, use undo to retrieve the deleted object. Only
the last action is undone.
Nudge
The arrow keys on the keyboard can be used to manipulate the selected parts in Snap mode.
Shift and one of the arrow keys moves the selected parts by the nudge distance.
Ctrl and one of the arrow key rotates the selected parts. The left and right arrow keys rotate anti-
clockwise and clockwise, respectively, by the nudge angle. The up and down arrow keys rotate anti-
clockwise and clockwise, respectively, by half the nudge angle.
Nudge Values are available to move the part or parts by exact distances.
1. Select Snap from the Manual Nesting ribbon, under the Nesting tab. The move actions are
displayed on the left of the dialog.
2. Left-click the part or parts to move. The parts become highlighted.
3. Hover over the edges of the part or parts selected, to display the direction arrow for mov-
ing the part, and left-mouse click. The part or parts are anchored to the mouse cursor for
placement. The move action can also be selected by right-mouse clicking to display the
move actions drop down list. Select the move action and the selected part or parts respond
as the selected action.
4. Left-click again when the part or parts are in the desired position. The part or parts are
anchored to the workspace.
5. Select Esc to end the function.
Reposition
Reposition allows the hold down and clamps to be moved to another position to cut parts nested
under the clamps.
The Reposition dialog includes the following tabs:
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All tabs have the position listing, which displays the process positions, on the left side of the Repo-
sition dialog. Select the arrow on the left side of the position to display machine processes asso-
ciated to the position. Select a machine process to view the zone boundaries of the process.In
addition, the options below are listed on the right side.
Options shown grayed out are not available from the post file.
Reposition: General
The general tab, on the reposition dialog, permits the manipulation of the position of the clamps
when the sheet is adjusted.
Reposition Offset: Displays the distance of the position from the machine zero point.
Repos Type: Select from the drop down box the type of process the position will allow. The fol-
lowing options are available.
Move: To move the clamp position select the Move button. Left click on the Work-space and the
process position follows the cursor. Left-click again to place the clamp at the desired location.
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Offset Loading: Select the check box to enable SigmaNEST to obtain an offset loading value from
the post file for the sheet. The offset loading is for sheets to be loaded at certain positions.
Delete: Select the position to delete from the listing.
Insert: Select to add another position in the listing.
Equally Spaced: The equally spaced function spaces the clamps out evenly according to the last
clamp position.
Reposition: Clamps
The Clamps Tab allow the positioning of the clamps. Select a position and a process to view.
All Positions: All Positions indicate that the clamps for the selected position are moved all
together. Select All Positions and the clamp number from the drop down box to apply the positions
to the specific clamp.
Clamp Distance: Displays the clamp distance from the first clamp.
Save To PST: Select to save the options to the post file.
Set Session: Select to apply the position options to the session only. Set Session does not over-
write the post.
Update WS: Select to refresh the Work-space of any changes.
Move: Select Move to move the clamp position. After selecting move, left- click the position on the
Work-space. The position will follow the cursor. Left-click again to place the zone to the new posi-
tion.
Keep Clamps on Sheet: Select the check box to keep the clamps from being moved off the sheet,
when applying the move option.
Reposition: Options
The options tab provides parameters for controlling cropping and breaking around clamps.
Add Crop Line: Select Add Crop Line to allow the system to cut off the unused material after every
reposition. Much like the cut scrap function.
Specify the offset from the reposition for the crop line in the Crop Offset field.
Select the ellipse next to the crop offset to setup the Auto Crop Lea-din Settings. See Auto
Crop Lead-in Settings.
Reverse Split NC Direction: This is mostly used with large parts that span zone positions. When
Reverse Split NC Dir is selected, the NC path direction is the reverse in the next zone of what it
was in the previous zone.
Break Around Clamps: For Large parts nested under clamps select Break Around Clamps. If the
part is nested under both the clamps so that when the clamps are repositioned, the part is still
under the second clamp, it is desirable to break the part. This allows the machine to create a stop or
break where the machine finishes cutting a section of the part. When the clamps move to the next
position, the section under the first position clamps are then cut. The Clamp Offset is the distance
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from the clamp where the machine breaks the part. Specify the lead-in length (the lead-out is the
same size).
Lead-in Length: The lead-in length applies to breaks around clamps and to breaks in large parts that
span zones. It is important that the lead-in size is smaller then the clamp offset because otherwise a
small area of the part is not cut.
Break Percentage: When a large part spans repositioning zones, this specifies how far into the over-
lap the break occurs. It is expressed as a percentage of the overlap size, starting at the edge of the
overlap nearest the origin.
Hold downs are placed on the sheet to keep the sheet positioned so that the clamps can be moved.
Typically, it is necessary to position the hold downs somewhere on the sheet where there are no
parts.
Hold Down Position: The X and Y values are displayed from the post file.
Move: Select Move and then left mouse click the hold down. The hold down follows the cursor for
placement. Left click again at the desired hold down position.
Reset Hold Downs: Resets the hold down to the original position.
Move All to Current: Moves all hold downs in the positions to the same x,y point for each process
zone.
Reposition: Display
The Display tab allows the user to setup the Work-space parts display related to the process posi-
tions.
Show Overlap: Select to display the overlap of the process zones.
Highlight Active NC Parts: Select to highlight the active NC for the selected position. When High-
light Active NC Parts is checked along with Highlight Manual Repos, on the Manual tab, the active
NC parts are highlighted in yellow.
Zone Active Linetype: Select from the drop down box the type of line style to use for displaying the
active zone.
Reposition Option: Select the type of reposition option to display. The following options are avail-
able.
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Color Fill Type: Select the part fill type. Select from no fill, solid, or hatch type part fills.
Reposition: Sequencing
The sequencing options define the break and overlap rules, reposition direction, and the tab tool
sequence.
Part Repos Break Rule: The part reposition break rule allows the part to be processed in different
positions depending if the part is within overlapped process positions. Select from the following
options.
Allow Any Repos: Select to allow parts to be processed in any of the overlap posi-
tions the part is nested in. The part is processed in different process positions.
Keep Same Repos if Possible: Select to allow the part to have all processes be
applied in one of the selected overlapped positions if possible.
Force Same Repos: Select to allow the part to have all processes be applied in the
same position. The part must lay completely in the overlapped position.
Reposition Direction: This is determined by the post file. The reposition direction is either Left to
Right or Right to Left.
Overlap Rule: The Overlap Rule defines how the parts are processed within the selected positions.
Some parts will be nested within overlapping process zones. The parts may be critical to produce
and require to be processed before any repositioning takes place. The following options are avail-
able for processing parts that lay in overlapped process zones.
Expedite Processing: Select to allow the part to be processed in the first available
position that overlaps all processes for the part.
Delay Processing: Select to allow the part to be processed in the last process posi-
tion that the part is nested in.
Delay Only Forming: Select to delay the part processes that pertain to forming of
the part to the last possible overlapped position.
Max Delay: Select to allow the part to be processed in the last possible position
that overlaps all of the part processes.
Tab Tool Sequence Type: Enabled from the post file. The following options are available when ena-
bled by the post file. The tabbing can be applied as the processes occur or tabbing can be delayed
till after the position processes to prevent tabs from separating during repositioning.
With Other Tools: Select to allow tabbing to occur during the reposition proc-
esses. The tabbing tools are applied along with the other tools.
Separate and Same Direction: Select to allow the tabbing to occur after the repo-
sitioning processes are completed. The tabbing is applied from the last reposition
back to the first position.
Separate and Opposite Direction: Select to allow the tabbing to occur back to the
first repositioning process. The tabbing is applied back at the first position. After
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the processes are applied to all the positions, the machine is positioned back to
the first position and the tabbing is applied.
Reposition: Manual
The manual tab allows the user to place parts, in overlapping positions, in a selected position. The
manual positioning overrides automatic positioning.
Setting the display to show overlapping processes, the user can select parts, in the overlapping posi-
tions, with the mouse or window around the part or parts. After selecting the part, select the posi-
tion, from the list on the left. The part will be applied to the newly selected position when the user
selects OK
Highlight Manual Repos: Select to highlight manual repositions for the selected position. When
Highlight Manual Repos is checked along with Highlight Active NC Parts, on the Display tab, the
active NC parts are highlighted in yellow.
Select to Change: Select the Selection type below first before selecting the parts or entities on the
nest. The manual positioning is applied to all selected items. Select OK to save the manual posi-
tioning.
Reset All Repos: Select to set the repositioning back to the original settings. The repositioning set-
tings are only saved with the nested NC. Re-nesting the NC will remove any repositioning param-
eters.
Selection: Select by part, entity, or process before enabling the Select to Change button.
By Part: Select to allow the user to select the part or parts to manually reposition.
By Entity: Select to allow the user to select the internal or external entities to man-
ually reposition.
By Part Process: Select to force by part into position.
By Entity Process: Select to force by entity into position.
Quality
Quality is used to define the contour with a feed rate that provides the cut quality. A higher quality
cut may be needed for a contour on the part. The dialog displays quality cut levels by color. The col-
ors represent a feed rate from the
1. Select the Quality function from the Part Adv NC ribbon on the Parts tab.
The part contours are changed to the color of the quality attribute.
2. Left-click the contour to change the quality cut type and the contour is
highlighted (below middle image).Use the selection actions to select the
contour or contours.
3. Right-click to display the Quality dialog.
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4. Left-click the quality, from the quality dialog (Fastest,lower quality) to Best,
highest quality), to define the selected contour or contours. The contour or
contours are displayed with the new selected quality.
5. Select Esc to end the quality function. Save the change by selecting Update
Current Part.
Reverse Cut
The Reverse Cut Direction reverses the defined cut for the selected parts and or contours.
1. Select Reverse Cut Direction from the Manual Nesting Ribbon under the Nesting tab and
arrow heads are displayed indicating the parts cutting directions.
2. Left-click the part contour to change the cut direction.
3. Select ESC to end the function.
Undo
Select Undo to undo the last action on the workspace.
Origin
Select to set the origin of the machine process.
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1. Select the Auto Align Text icon and the part markings are aligned hor-
izontally.
2. Select Esc to end the align mark function.
If sheets 1,2,3,5 & 6 have parts nested on them and sheet 4 is blank, selecting
Group Used Layouts will cause sheets 5 & 6 to become sheets 4 & 5, and sheet 4
will become sheet 6.
Related topic:
Remove Unused Layouts (See page 208)
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Lead-ins
The Lead-ins ribbon contains functions for applying lead-ins and torch modifications and settings.
Move Lead-in (See page 209) Torch Settings (See page 214)
Delete Lead-ins (See page 385) Verify Torch (See page 214)
Edit Lead-in/out (See page 210) Modify Torch (See page 215)
Special Lead-in/out (See page 212) Single Torch (See page 215)
Move Lead-in
Select Move Lead-in to reposition the lead-in for the selected part.Move lead-in allows the user to
manually move the lead-in on the selected part. After moving the lead-in use Lead In/Out to specify
the lead-in parameters.
Lead-in Side Menu: The Lead-in Side Menu contains options for the lead-ins including the fol-
lowing:
Placement Options:
Snap to Endpoints and Midpoints: The lead-in/out will placed at the nearest end-
point or midpoint of an entity depending on the selection position.
Snap to the closest point to the cursor: The lead-in/out will placed at the cursor
location.
Dynamic: Select and drag the lead-in to the position desired. Select again to place
the lead-in/out.
Selection Options:
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Single Part: Select to apply a placement option to a single the part for the lead-in.
All Parts with the Same Rotation: Select to apply a placement option to all the
identical parts on the sheet that match the selected part rotation/orientation.
Selected Parts: Select to apply a placement option to one or more selected parts.
Right-click on the part to select. Selected parts must be identical.
All the Parts: Select to apply a placement option to all parts.
Move all lead-ins to the far right
Select to move all lead-ins/outs to the most right position on all parts.
Auto Select Lead-in Position: Select to move the lead-in based on the SigmaNEST
Lead-in/out Auto Select algorithm.
Edit Lead-in/out
Select Edit Lead In/Out to change the lead-in or lead-out parameters for the selected part.
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Bottom Right: Places the lead-in at the right of the bottom most protrusion of the
part.
Bottom Middle: Places the lead-in at the middle of the bottom most protrusion of
the part.
Bottom Left: Places the lead-in at the bottom of the left most protrusion of the
part.
Top Right: Places the lead-in at the right of the topmost protrusion of the part.
Top Middle: Places the lead-in at the middle of the topmost protrusion of the part.
Top Left: Places the lead-in at the left of the topmost protrusion of the part.
Longest: Places the lead-in on the longest entity of the part.
Auto Select: Places the lead-in at the best possible position.
A - lead-in
B - Line
a< - lead-in angle
b< - line angle
C - part contour
Line Arc: Places a lead-in with a specified lead-in radius, lead-in arc angle, line
length, and the line angle.
Contour: Places a lead-in along the contour with a specified lead-in length and a
line length.
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Line Arc: Places a lead-in with a specified lead-in radius, lead-in arc angle, line
length, and the line angle.
Contour: Places a lead-in along the contour with a specified lead-in length and a
line length.
Depending on the selected lead-in type above the following parameters are dis-
played.
Lead-in Length: Enter the length of the lead-in.
Lead-in Angle: Enter the lead-in angle.
Line Length: Enter the line length before the lead-in.
Line Angle: Enter the line angle before the lead-in.
Lead-in Radius: Enter the lead-in radius.
Lead-in Arc Angle: Enter the arc angle of the lead-in.
Under Cut Depth: Enter the value to under cut the lead-in.
Lead-out: Select the check box to turn on the lead-out function. The lead-out types are the same as
lead-in except there is no Undercut type for the lead-out.
Gap Size: The gap size is a special method of lead-out arrangement. Normally the point where the
lead-in intersects the part is also the point where the lead-out intersects the part.
This is changed by the gap size setting. The gap size is the path distance between the lead-in and
lead-out. If the gap size is negative, the lead-out line is moved so that the lead-out occurs after the
lead-in is reached. If the gap size is positive, the lead-out line is moved so that the lead-out occurs
before the lead-in position is reached.
Lead-out Length: To specify the length of the lead-out line, change the lead-out length.
Cancel: Select to close the dialog without setting the lead in/out.
OK: Select to close the dialog setting the lead in/out.
Special Lead-in/out
The Special Lead-ins is used to apply lead-ins that require special approach to the part. Select Spe-
cial lead-in from the lead-in ribbon on the Nesting tab. The Special lead-ins dialog is displayed.
1. Left-click the special lead-in function icon and the special lead-in param-
eters dialog is displayed.
2. Select the special lead-in type and enter the special lead-in parameters
and select OK.
3. Left-click the part to apply the special lead-in. The lead-in is displayed.
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Change Torches
Select Change Torches to change the torch settings for the nesting.
Number of Torches: Enter the number of torches that are used for the machine process.
Max Number of Torches per Sheet: Enter the maximum number of torches available for the proc-
ess used. Each additional head added is displayed in the table below the Max Number of torches
text box.
Torch Spacing: Select the desired torch spacing, enabled when Manual torch setting is selected. If
the Torch Spacing is set to Sheet, the system calculates the torch spacing, taking into account the
number of torches and sheet width.
Torch Setting: Set the method for the torch spacing calculation.
Dynamic:Select to view positioning of parts on the sheet in reference to each torch. The spacing
value of each part is displayed in the dialog. The first part always has zero spacing.
1. With parts placed or nested on the sheet select Change Torches on the
Lead-in ribbon.
2. Left-click the part to reposition. The part is highlighted for each torch row.
3. Right-click and the torch setting dialog is displayed.
4. Select Dynamic and the parts for each torch is anchored with the cursor.
Move the cursor to view the part positions.
5. Select OK to accept the positions and select Esc to end the function.
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Torch Settings
Select Torch Settings to set the torch settings for the sheet. Re-nest after changing the torch set-
tings to display the new parameters. The following image displays a machine process with three
torches defined in the settings.
Number of Torches: Enter the number of torches that are used for the machine process. The fol-
lowing image was re-nested using two of the above three torch settings.
Torch Spacing: Select the desired torch spacing, enabled when Manual torch setting is selected. If
the Torch Spacing is set to Sheet, the system calculates the torch spacing, taking into account the
number of torches and sheet width.
Torch Setting: Set the method for the torch spacing calculation.
Verify Torch
Select Verify Torch to verify the torch distance for the cutting process. The torch distance is
defined by the distance between each part across the cutting rows of the sheet.
1. Select Verify Torch from the Lead-in ribbon on the Nesting tab.
2. View the torch spacing at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select Esc to end the function.
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Modify Torch
Select Modify Torch to modify the torch distance for the cutting process. The torch distance is
defined by the distance between each part across the cutting rows of the sheet.
1. Select Modify Torch from the Lead-in ribbon on the Nesting tab. The mod-
ify Torches dialog is displayed.
2. Enter the parameters and select OK. Re-nest to display the changes.
Number of Torches: Enter the number of torches to use for the cutting process.
Min Torch Distance: Enter the minimum distance the torches are positioned between each other.
Part Tolerance: Enter the part tolerance where the torch is allowed to align for cutting.
Torch Tolerance: Enter the distance the torch is allowed to align within the actual torch distance
setting.
Active Sheet Only: Select to apply the settings to the active sheet on the workspace only.
Cancel: Select to close the dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the dialog saving all changes.
Single Torch
Select Single Torch to use a single torch to cut the nesting.
1. Select Use Single Torch from the Lead-in ribbon on the Nesting tab.
2. The parts are now cut using a single torch.
X-Form (Nesting)
XForm functions are for moving, copying, rotating, scaling, and arraying existing geometries. Select
from the following XForm functions:
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Delta Copy (See page 153) Mirror Copy Vertical (See page 216)
Delta Move (See page 154) Mirror Copy Horizontal (See page 216)
Old New Copy (See page 154) Mirror Move Vertical (See page 217)
Old New Move (See page 155) Mirror Move Horizontal (See page 217)
2D Rotate Copy (See page 156) Mirror Nest Vertical (See page 218)
2D Rotate Move (See page 156) Mirror Nest Horizontal (See page 219)
Scale Copy (See page 157) Rotate Sheet (See page 219)
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3. Left- click the part(s) to mirror or use the Selection Actions (See page 15)
to select the parts.
4. Right-click to create a mirrored and copy.
5. Use the cursor to move the new copy along the x axis or left-click to place.
6. Select Done to end the function.
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Rotate Sheet
Rotate Sheet is used to rotate the sheet 90 degrees. It may be necessary to rotate the sheet accord-
ing to the way the parts are nested.
Select the Rotate Sheet icon on the X-Form ribbon. The Sheet is rotated 90 degrees.
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Verify (Nesting)
The Verify functions are used to view and verify entity positions, angles, and distances.
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Machine: Displays the machine that will process the selected entity.
Process: Displays the process that will be used to produce the selected entity.
Area: Displays the area for the selected entity.
Perimeter: Displays the total perimeter for the selected entity.
Interference
The Check Interference is used to test for part, sheet, piercing, and NC interferences. Select Check
Interference from the Verify ribbon on the Nesting tab, and the Interference parameters are dis-
played on the left side of the workspace.
Set as Default: Set as Default saves the parameters as the default values whenever Check Inter-
ference is selected.
Done: Select to close the Check Interference function.
Check: Select to run the interference check with the selected parameters. If any interference is
found the parts and or sheet are highlighted. If interference is detected, a warning indicator
is displayed under the Check button. A layout warning indicator is also dis-
played in the layout listing at the bottom left side of the Work-space.
Part Interference: Select to enable to test for interference with other parts on the layout.
Include lead-in: Select to include part lead-ins to be tested for interference.
Interference Type: Select from the following interference types.
Offset-Part: Select to test interference of a part with other parts on the layout.
Offset-Offset: Select to include the heat-zone of a plasma/laser cutting process, of
adjacent parts, to be simultaneously included in the interference test, to minimize
part distortion.
Offset Type
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Safety Clearance/Part Offset: Depending on the selected above Offset Type, enter the value of the
safety clearance or part offset.
Sheet Interference: Select to enable interference checks for the sheet edge.
Sheet Offset: Enter an offset value for sheet interference.
Pierce Interference: Select to enable interference checks for part piercing.
Pierce Offset: Enter an offset value from the piercing locations and parts.
Check NC Interference: Select to test for interference from the NC path and parts.
Current Layout: Select to test for interference on the currently displayed layout.
All Layouts
Select to test for interference for all layouts of the nesting.
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Nesting NC
l NC Nest (See page 223)
l Motion Optimization (See page 255)
l Advanced NC (See page 272)
l Edit NC (See page 293)
l Remnant (See page 302)
l Verify (Nesting) (See page 220)
l Parts Bar
NC Nest
The Nesting NC ribbon contains functions for applying and/or editing the NC path for the nested
parts.
Auto Nest (See page 169) Remove All Sheets (See page 250)
Task Parameters (See page 172) Delete Part NC (See page 250)
Auto NC (See page 224) Delete Single Hit (See page 251)
NC by Profile (See page 243) Backup Last Move (See page 251)
User Entry (See page 246) Post Single Sheet (See page 252)
NC Add (See page 247) Post All Sheets (See page 253)
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Auto NC
Auto NC automatically creates a NC path for the nested parts. The NC code is generated with dif-
ferent strategies.
Auto NC displays the Auto NC dialog. NC parameters are separated in the following tabs, which may
differ depending on the machine process type.
The following Router and Multi-pass tabs are available with router machines.
Auto NC functions are not enabled until the parts have been nested.
General
The Auto NC General dialog displays parameters for setting up cutting orders, preferences, and NC
path methods.
Cutting Order: Select from one of the following cutting order strategies.
Min Move 1: The Min Move NC generation function creates NC code to minimize
head movement and cutting time. The smallest part width is used as the path zone
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width to zigzag from left to right across the sheet. Results in more up and down
head movement.
Min Move 2: The path zone width is the widest part width. This results in less up
and down head movement. Resulting in more horizontal head movement.
Min Move 3: An intermediate value between the smallest part width and the larg-
est part width is used as the path zone width.
Min Heat: The NC path is generated to minimize heat distortion of the parts and
sheet. Results in many flame off movements in order to heat the sheet uniformly.
Skip Cutting: Skip Cutting skips parts and returns to them later. Used to minimize
heat build-up or to make it easier to remove parts, during the cutting process.
Block Cut: The NC path is separated into block size areas. Enter the value for the
block size.
Spiral Inwards: Select from one the following spiral directions.
Fixed Spiral Width: Enabled when Spiral Inwards is selected. Select Fixed Spiral
Width and enter a value to enable the NC path to spiral in the selected direction, a
fixed NC path width.
Stability Sequencing: When selected, Stability Sequencing generates a cutting
order based on the effect the cuts will have on the material's stability. Select the
Move Lead-ins check box to allow the lead-ins to be changed to accommodate the
new sequencing.
Sort Method: Select from one of the following options to start the NC tool path.
Zigzag: Select to enable a zigzag NC tool path pattern. Zigzag movement is a ver-
tical up/down NC tool path movement from left to right.
Typewriter: Select to enable a typewriter NC tool path pattern. Typewriter move-
ment is horizontal from left to right back to the left then right again.
Direction: Select the direction of the NC tool path from one of the following.
Start Point: Select from one of the following options to start the NC tool path.
Origin: Select to start the NC tool path from the machine origin.
Bottom: Select to start the NC tool path at the bottom of the sheet.
Top: Select to start the NC tool path at the top of the sheet.
Sort Position: The Sort Position selected, in conjunction with the cutting order, determines the
order in which parts will be cut. The tool path will begin with the start point and move to the next
nearest part, within the block, if that option is selected above, based on one of the sort positions
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below. For example, if Min Move 1 is selected along with the lead-in sort position, the parts with
lead-ins within the block will be cut , beginning with the one closet to the start position and moving
to the nearest lead-in.
Select from one of the following options to sort the NC tool path.
Keep Internal part Sequence: If apply NC path to the part is not applied from the Part Order func-
tion in part mode, then select this option to keep the internal part sequence.
Dropouts and internal Counrours First: This completes the NC tool path for all the internal con-
tours and dropouts on the entire sheet before beginning the NC tool path for the external contours.
This button is only active when using Process Preference, not Part Pref-
erence.
Process List Box: The process list box displays all of the processes that are assigned to the nested
parts. Each process is checked if they are used in the NC.
Select the check box to unselect and suppress any of the processes. When the process is unse-
lected the process is not applied to the NC.
Sheets: Select from the following options.
All Sheets: The program NC's all sheets nested in the task.
Current Sheet: The program NC's the current sheet shown on the screen.
Select: This allows the programmer to select the sheet to NC, from all sheets
within the task. The standard Select menu is used.
Preference: When using multiple processes on one sheet, this is the cutting preference for the NC
tool path. Choose to create the NC tool path with Part Preference or Process Preference. If there is
only one process per sheet, then either option has the same outcome.
Part Preference: Select to enable the system to complete all the processes for an
individual part before beginning a new part.
Process Preference: Select to enable the system to complete an entire process for
the sheet before moving on to the next process. For example, if there is both mark-
ing and cutting on the same sheet, the system completes all the marking for the
sheet before the cutting process. The order of processes is determined by the
machine post.
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Group By Part Preference: Select to enable the system to complete all the proc-
esses for a block of parts before beginning in a new block. Block size must be set
for this option to be enabled.
Group By Block Preference: Select to enable the system to complete an entire
process, working on one block before moving on to the next, before beginning
another processes. The next process will go back and start with the first block, then
move to the next. The order of processes is determined by the machine post. Block
size must be set for this option to be enabled.
Multi-head Sort Method: The multi-head sort method allows the user to define a multi-head cut-
ting sequence.
Keep Internal Part Sequence: If apply NC path to the part is not applied from the Part Order func-
tion in part mode, then select this option to keep the internal part sequence.
Drop-outs and Internal Contours First: This completes the NC tool path for all the internal con-
tours and dropouts on the entire sheet before beginning the NC tool path for the external contours.
This button is only active when using Process Preference, not Part Pref-
erence.
Keep Work Order Sequence: Select to keep the existing work order sequence.
Default Process: Select a default process for the auto NC tool path. When a process is selected
here and Auto NC is applied to the nest, any part with undefined contours will
Advanced Features Used:Advanced Features Used is a status value only. When any parameters are
enabled on the Advanced NC tab Yes is displayed.
Set As Default: Select to save the settings as the default settings for Auto NC. When Auto NC is
selected in the future these settings are displayed.
Cancel: Select to close the Auto NC dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the Auto NC dialog saving all changes.
Parameters
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Process Parameters: Displays the value found in the process parameters field, if available. See Tech-
nology Set-up (See page 430).
Kerf In: The kerf can either be controlled by SigmaNEST or by the Controller. Select one of the fol-
lowing options.
When Computer is selected above for the Kerf In type the kerf is deter-
mined by the machine process, lookup table, or manually defined.
Kerf Lookup: When Computer is selected for the Kerf In, Kerf Lookup is enabled. Select from one of
the following, or manually enter the kerf radius and diameter.
Assigned Process: Enables the computer to use the assigned kerf settings.
Default Process: Enables the computer to use the default kerf settings in the tech-
nology setup table.
Kerf Radius: When Assigned Process or Default Process are not selected, manually enter the Kerf
Radius or Kerf Diameter. Use the tool radius for the kerf radius. The Kerf Diameter automatically
changes.
Kerf Diameter: When Assigned Process or Default Process are not selected, manually enter the tool
diameter for the kerf diameter. This automatically changes the kerf radius. Either the Kerf Radius or
the Kerf Diameter may be specified.
Kerf By Process: Select to enable the kerf to be defined by the machine process. The machine proc-
esses are displayed in the listing at the bottom of the parameters dialog.
Set As Default: Select to save the settings as the default settings for Auto NC. When Auto NC is
selected in the future these settings are displayed.
Cancel: Select to close the Parameters dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the Parameters dialog saving all changes.
Advanced NC
Select the Advanced NC tab to display the Advanced NC parameters dialog. The following param-
eters define Advanced NC options.
Pre-Pierce: Select to enable pre-pierce of the start points. Pre-Pierce is used to preserve the cut-
ting tool head and speed up the cutting time.
Auto Drill: Select to automatically enable drilling.
Auto Punching: Select to enable a combination punch and cutting machine to automatically deter-
mine the punching sequence.
Auto RAS (Right Angle Shear): Select to automatically enable right angle shear cutting. Depending
on the machine type RAS may not be enabled.
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Assign Tools to Contours: Select to enable Auto NC to assign tools to punching processes in the
NC.
If the correct tool does not exist, the contour is automatically cut, or a tool can be manually
assigned.
Auto Sort: Select to enable an auto sort of the tools used in the NC. The tools are sorted Auto Sort
is enabled dependant on the machine process.
Auto Part Removal: Select to enable auto part removal for the NC. Auto Part Removal is dependant
on the machine process.
Auto Reposition: Select to enable repositioning of the sheet during part cutting. Auto reposition
automatically releases the clamps to move the sheet for the next cut. This only occurs when the
parts are outside of a cutting zone or the parts overlap the cutting zone.
Dynamic Multi-tools: Select to enable SigmaNEST to build a general tool list from all dynamic
multi-tools used on all of the sheets of the nest.
Auto Interference: Select to enable interference checking. Interference checking will check for over-
laps of parts or NC tool path. A dialog will show which layouts have an interference. For more inter-
ference checking options click here
Single cut NC Slots: Select to enable single cut profiles on contours where the contour is equal to
the kerf diameter. Using the NC Slot Settings tolerances can be set to match a slot width to the kerf
diameter and control entry to the slot profile.
Contours: When the Vaporizing field is set to something other than None, the contours to be vapor-
ized can be set to one of following options.
Vaporizing Marking: Vaporizing Marking is activated only if a selection other than None is chosen
for Vaporizing.
Part Avoidance: Part Avoidance changes the NC tool path to eliminate raising and lowering of the
head. The path is mapped so the cutting tool does not cross over pre-cut areas.
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The gray lines display rapid head movements and the white lines display normal head movement.
Select from one of the part avoidance options.
Check Part Avoidance: Select to enable part avoidance for the nested parts. The
head will move up over any cut parts.
Move Dynamic Lead-ins: Select to enable any dynamic lead-ins for the nested
parts.
Move Dynamic/Fixed Lead-ins: Select to enable the dynamic and fixed lead-ins to
be moved by auto NC. The lead-ins are moved to provide an efficient NC head
movement.
Max Traverse in Cut Feature: Enter the maximum distance the tool will move within a inside con-
tour with the head down.
Clearance Diameter: Enter a diameter value larger than the head diameter to provide a safety zone
for head part avoidance.
Max Dist In Feature: Enter the maximum distance the tool will move with the head down.
Snap to Endpoints: Select to enable the lead-ins to be applied to the entity endpoints.
Move Only Internal Lead-ins: Select to enable only moving internal lead-ins, when Move dynamic
and or fixed lead-ins is selected for part avoidance.
Auto Bridge: Select Auto Bridge to place definable bridges between parts.
Auto Bridge Lead-in: Select Auto Lead-in to place definable bridges between parts at the lead-in.
Bridge Gap: Enter the width of the bridge that connects two or more parts.
Max Bridge Length: Enter the maximum distance between two parts that are auto-
matically bridged together.
Auto Chain: Select to enable continuous cutting between parts. This reduces the amount of pierc-
ing.
Auto chain does not work with parts containing internal contours.
Maximum Length: This is the maximum distance between parts where chaining still takes place.
Edge No-NC: Enable to allow lead-ins on parts that are nested on the sheet edge.
Lead-in Setup: Select to display the lead-in setup dialog. The lead-in setup dialog is similar to the
lead-in setup dialog in nesting. See Lead-in Setup dialog.
Edge Tolerance: Enter the sheet edge lead-in tolerance.
Pierce Zone Compensation: Select to enable pierce zone compensation to control the radius and
feed rates of the piercing's. The feed rate is a percentage of the process feed rate. Depending on
the contour radius if a lead-in is placed at the radius the feed rate can be defined.
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Pierce Compensation Listing: Left-click the radius row and the text box is active to enter the value.
Left-mouse click the drop down arrow and a calculator is displayed for computing the value.
Left-click the feed rate % row and the text box is active to enter the value. Left-mouse click the drop
down arrow and a calculator is displayed for computing the value.
To delete an entry select the entry and select the delete key.
Set As Default
Select to save the settings as the default settings for Auto NC. When Auto NC is selected in the
future these settings are displayed.
Cancel: Select to close the Advanced NC dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the Advanced NC dialog saving all changes.
Crop Sheet
Select to display the Crop sheet dialog. The following options are available to define crop lines for
remnant cutting.
Automatic Crop: Select to enable automatic cropping. Select the following parameters to setup
automatic cropping.
Crop Type: Select the type of crop from the following.
Crop Line: Select to apply a standard crop line at the edge of the last part nested.
The following image illustrates the crop line selection.
Crop Step 1: Select Crop Step 1 to step crop along the edge of the nested parts.
The following image illustrates a crop step 1 selection.
Crop Step 2: Select Crop Step 2 to crop along the contour of the nested parts. The
following image illustrates a crop step 2 selection.
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Crop Horizontal: Select to enable a horizontal crop line across the length of the
sheet. The virtual crop line is not used to cut the upper sheet remnant. Two rem-
nants are created. The following image illustrates selecting a horizontal crop line.
Crop Vertical: Select to enable a vert: cal crop line. The virtual crop line is used as
a reference to cut the sheet. Two remnants are created. The following image illus-
trates selecting a vertical crop line.
Crop L-shape: Select to enable the remnant to not be cut along the virtual crop
line. The following image illustrates selecting a crop L-shape line type.
Offset: Specify the offset distance for the crop. This creates the crop line at the specified offset dis-
tance from the outermost part.
Minimum Strip Width: This is the minimum width for the area above or below the nest that can be
made into a remnant. If the unused sheet area is within the specified minimum strip width, then the
remnant is created with the remaining material on both the horizontal and vertical sides of the
nested area.
Crop Side Start: Select from where the rapid path to cut the crop line starts. Select from one of the
following options.
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Machine Origin: Select to rapid from the machine origin (blue arrow in below
image) to the edge of the nested parts (red arrow in below image) to start the crop
line cut.
Opposite Origin: Select to rapid opposite of the machine origin (blue arrow in
below image) and at the edge of the nested parts (red arrow in below image), to
start the crop line cut.
Closest to Last NC: Select to rapid from the last NC (blue arrow in below image) to
start the crop line cut (red arrow in below image).
Enable Clamp Avoid: Select to enable the crop line to clear the machine clamp. The image below
illustrates the crop line moved to clear the clamp (red arrows)
Crop Process: Select the process to apply the automatic crop settings. Depending on the machine
process types available the drop down listing will have different process options available.
Length Increments: Enter a value for Length Increments to get predictable lengths for remnants.
Example when using the value of 12” the crop will either produce a 12”, 24”, 36”, 48”… crop. This
value is works in conjunction with the Min Length.
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Min % Used / Min Length: Min Length, available when Length Increments is selected, is the mini-
mum length a remnant can be saved.
Min % Used, available if Length Increments is not selected, is the a minimum percentage value of
the sheet, to allow a crop line to be cut. The Min % Used is calculated by taking the sheet used and
dividing by the sheet length. For example if a 100” sheet is used, and the sheet used value is 61”
then a min value of 62% is required for a crop line to be cut. (Sheet used / Sheet Length) = Min %
used
Edge Distance: This is the distance from the edge of the sheet where the crop cut begins. When
the remnant must remain attached to the skeleton, this creates a small tab at the specified distance
from the edge of the sheet between the remnant and the skeleton.
Create Remnant: Select to make a remnant from the cropped sheet. This tracks the remnant as part
of the sheet's history and put the remnant in the sheet's library as part of available stock.
Unique Sheets: Select to create each remnant as a unique sheet. The sheet parameters dialog is dis-
played to enter a sheet name or allow SigmaNEST to automatically create the unique sheet name.
Create Remnant of the Dropouts: Select to create a remnant from the dropouts or internal con-
tours. The dropouts are tracked as part of the sheet's history. The dropout remnants are entered
into the sheet's library as available stock. Selecting Create Remnants from Dropouts enables the
Minimum Dropout area text box.
Minimum Dropout Area: Enter the minimum area of a dropout that is used for a remnant. The sys-
tem does not make remnants from any dropout smaller than the area specified.
Add Lead-in Offset: Select to add a crop line offset to clear part lead-ins.
Rem Offset: Enter a distance value to enable the crop line around the part lead-in.
Add Lead-in Pierce Bubble Zone: Select to add a lead-in for the piercing zone where material
splatter may occur.
Pierce Puddle Size: Enter the value for the pierce puddle.
Lead-in: Select from the drop down box one of the following lead-in types. The lead-in type and
value
Lead-in Length: Enter the length for the lead-in. For Line Line lead-ins numeric boxes are enabled.
Lead-out: Select from the drop down box one of the following lead-out types.
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Reversed Lead-out: Select to apply a reversed lead-out type. Reverse lead-outs are
used to reduce cutting debris.
Line Line Lead-out: Select to apply an additional line length to the normal lead-in
length.
Reverse Line Line Lead-out: Select to apply a reverse line line lead-in. The reverse
line lead-out is used to adjust for cutting of thicker materials.
Lead-out Length: Enter the length for the lead-out. For Line Line lead-outs numeric boxes are ena-
bled.
Do Height Sensing: Select to enable height sensing to occur for the crop cuts. Enabled the last
height sensing value is retained before the cutting head is moved outside the sheet perimeter.
Separation Crop
Separation Type: Select from the following the separation type for the sheet crop line.
Separation Sequence
Select from the following the crop line separation type for the parts.
First: Select to enable crop lines between part priority values. The parts are sep-
arated by their due dates and priorities.
Between Work Orders: Select to enable crop lines to separate the parts by work
orders.
Multiple Torch Crop: Multiple torches can be used to crop the sheet. Enter the following param-
eters. Multi-torch cropping is available for multi head processes.
Number of Torches: Specify the number of torches used to cut the nest.
Type: Select the multi torch crop type from the following.
Common Cut
The Common Cut tab contains parameters for setting up common line cutting of parts. Part Com-
mon Line cutting is enabled on the Grain tab in the Part parameters dialog.
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Common Cut
Select to enable common line cutting.
Type of Common Line
Select from one of the following common line cutting types.
Cut/Rapid/Cut
This is considered a normal cut with the Common
Line function. This type of common line cut makes
two pierces. Refer to the following figure; the cut-
ting tool rapids over to the first lead-in, and then
it cuts around the entire first part. It then leads
out from the lead-in position and rapids over to
the second part's lead-in. It then cuts around
three sides of the second part and leads out
through the top.
This works much like the regular One Pierce, Two Parts option. This is also called Two Parts, One
Pierce because it cuts two parts with only one pierce. As seen in the figure below, the cutting tool
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first cuts between the two parts, then cuts the remaining three sides of the first part and finally cuts
the remaining three side of the second part before leading out through the bottom. This process is
ideal for cutting both parts using a single kerf.
In the following diagram, the lead-in after the rapid move from the end of cut 4 to the start of cut 5
is placed on the common line cut, by cut number 2.
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Lead-in
Enter the length of the lead-in.
Lead-out
Enter the length of the lead-out.
Set As Default
Select to save the settings as the default settings for Auto NC. When Auto NC is selected in the
future these settings are displayed.
Cancel
Select to close the Common Cut dialog without saving any changes.
OK
Select to close the Common Cut dialog saving all changes.
NC Fillet
Fillet corners allows the user to apply a fillet to the corners of parts. A minimum and maximum
angle value is defined to allow the cutting head to approach the part corners and if the corner is
between the specified angles the head will follow the fillet path for a smoother and continuous cut-
ting path.
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Apply Fillet To: Select the following options to apply the fillets to the external and or internal con-
tours, and or lead-ins.
Fillet by Process: Select to apply the fillets by the machine processes. Depending on the machine
type the process listing may be different. Select the machine process from the listing to apply the fil-
lets.
Machine Process 1
Machine Process 2
Machine Process 3
Cancel: Select to close the NC fillet dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the NC fillet dialog saving any changes.
Multi-pass
The Multi Pass tab controls the strategy for cutting the part contours with different depths in the
router process.
Multi Pass: Select to enable multi pass cutting parameters for cutting parts with the router process.
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Multi Pass by Process: When more than one process is displayed, the multi pass parameters can be
defined for each process or applied to all of the processes listed.
Number of Passes: Divides up the thickness of the material by the number of passes to determine
the depth of each pass of the cutting head. Entering a value of two will result in two passes.
Step Size: Enter the depth of each pass. If there is remaining material after all passes, at the Step
Size depth, the material is cut. This material will be removed by a final pass. Entering a step size of 5
MM on 12 MM material results in three passes, two passes at step size and a final pass to remove
the final 2 MM of material.
Cut Sequence: Select the process type from the drop down box. The destruct process types depend
on the machine type in the configuration.
By Contour: Each contour is processed completely before the next contour is cut.
When By Contour is active the Contour Transition Strategy is enabled determining
how the cutter head will transition to the next depth.
By Part: Select to process each part completely before the next part is cut.
By Nest: Select to process the entire nest at one depth, then the next depth, and
so on. This is the preferred method because it gives maximum vacuum throughout
the cutting process, resulting in higher quality parts and less rejected parts due to
movement.
Contour Transition Strategy: Select to determine how the cutter head will transition to the next
depth for the Cut Sequence.
Pickup at Lead-in: Select to enable a normal head up and use the parts lead-in/out
value.
Ramp Down: Select to enable the head to immediately ramp down to the next
depth, using the following Lead-in/out Ramp length parameters. Ramp Down is the
preferred method as it greatly reduces machine time.
Lead-in Ramp Length: Enter the lead-in ramp length when Ramp Down is selected for the Contour
Transition Strategy.
Lead-Out Ramp Length: Enter the lead-out ramp length when Ramp Down is selected for the Con-
tour Transition Strategy.
Apply to All: Select to apply the multi-pass parameters to all of the processes listed in the Multi
Pass by Process box.
Set As Default: Select to save the settings as the default settings for Auto NC. When Auto NC is
selected in the future these settings are displayed.
Cancel: Closes the Auto NC Dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Closes the Auto NC Dialog saving all changes.
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Router
The Router tab controls the destruction of inner cutout material when a router is used.
Auto Destruct: Select to enable the auto destruct function.
Auto Destruct Type: The Auto Destruct Type controls how the interior material is removed.
Pocket: Select to specify that several concentric passes are made. The block size,
edge distance, and reverse lead-in are not relevant when Pocket is selected.
Block Cut: Cuts the interior material into small squares. When Block Cut is
selected the overlap options are not relevant.
Destruct Process: Select the process type from the drop down box. The destruct process types
depend on the machine type in the configuration.
Kerf Lookup: Select to use the kerf setting from the technology setup files.
Kerf Lookup: Enter a kerf value when the kerf lookup option is not selected.
Overlap: Enabled when Pocket is selected for the auto destruct type. Enter an kerf overlap value for
the process to overlap the cutting head during the destruct.
Overlap % (of kerf): Enter a percent value for overlapping the kerf during the destruct.
Block Size: Enter a value for the cutting head block size for the auto destruct.
Edge Distance: Enter a value to allow the cutting tool head to approach the edge of the destruct
section.
Destruct Contours with Nested Parts: Select to remove material from within internal contours with
nested parts.
Auto Destruct Pre-Programmed Parts: Select to have the Pre-NC' ed parts internals destructed as
well. When not enabled Destruct ignores Pre-NC parts.
Minimum Area: Enter the minimum area of material to apply the auto destruct.
Maximum Area: Enter the maximum area to apply the auto destruct.
Lead-in Length: Enter a value for the lead-in length to apply the auto destruct.
Line Length: Enter a line length value to before the lead-in to apply to the auto destruct.
Reverse Lead-in: Select to enable a reverse lead-in for the auto destruct.
Edge Over-cut % (of kerf): Enter a value for the cutting head to over-cut to ensure the destruct sec-
tion separation.
Auxiliary Tool (For Router Process): Select to apply an auxiliary tool for the routing process. An
auxiliary tool is defined to provide corner smoothing for the routing process.
Auxiliary Tool Process: Select the process the tool is used in.
Auxiliary Tool Radius: Enter the radius of the auxiliary tool.
Kerf Lookup: Select to allow the program to look up the kerf value for the part.
Auxiliary Tool Diameter: Enter the auxiliary tool diameter.
Entire Contour: Select to apply the auxiliary tool to all the part contours.
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Auxiliary Tool Pickup Length: Enter the length (between the arrows in the image below) from the
tool center to the beginning of the material to be removed (shaded area in the image below).
Lead Radius: Enter the lead radius distance from the beginning tool position to the contour to be
cut (the dashed arc path in the above image).
Set As Default: Select to save the settings as the default settings for Auto NC. When Auto NC is
selected in the future these settings are displayed.
Cancel: Closes the Router Dialog, without saving any changes.
OK: Closes the Router Dialog saving all changes.
Select the Feed Rate Calculator to define the cut quality for the Waterjet process. The parameters
change the flow and feed rates for each of the cut qualities.
1. Select Feed rate calculator from the Waterjet ribbon and the Waterjet dialog is displayed.
2. Enter the waterjet parameters.
Material: Displays the material type of the nesting layout.
Thickness: Displays the material thickness of the nesting layout.
# of nozzles: Enter the number of nozzles the process uses. Changing the number of nozzles will
change the flow rate in the cut quality listing.
Pressure: Enter the water pressure for the cutting process. Changing the pressure changes the flow
and feed rates for the cut quality.
Orifice: Enter the orifice size for the defined pressure.
Nozzle Size: Enter the nozzle size for the waterjet process.
Abrasive Flow rate: Enter the flow rate of the abrasive to be used with the abrasive waterjet proc-
ess. Lower abrasive flow rates reduce the feed rate.
Machineability Index: Enter the machineability index of the sheet material and thickness. The lower
the value the slower the process feed rate. The machineability index is the ease of cutting the mate-
rial at a certain thickness with the waterjet process.
Sheets: Select from the following to apply the parameters.
All Sheets: Select to apply the parameters to all of the sheets associated with the
nesting layout.
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Current Sheet: Select to apply the parameters to the current sheet on the Work-
space.
NC By Part
NC By Part allows the user to manually select the parts in a cutting order. Parts needed right away
can be selected to be cut first. After the parts are selected the rest of the parts can be auto NC.
1. Select the By Part icon on the Nesting NC ribbon, on the Nesting NC tab.
2. Select the parts in order for cutting. The NC path is displayed. Select Esc to end
the NC By Part function.
NC by Profile
NC Profile allows the user to manually select contours in a cutting order and verify and/or change
the profile parameters. NC Profile allows the manual NC of contours in a predetermined order, allow-
ing the user to enhance the cutting technique for improved quality cutting.
1. Select the Profile icon on the Nesting NC ribbon, on the Nesting NC tab.
2. Select the contours in order for cutting. The NC path is displayed. Select
Esc to end the NC Profile function.
3. Right-click after selecting the contour to display the profile parameters
dialog. Kerf properties can be verified.
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Profile Parameters
The Profile Parameters dialog is used to define the entities feed rate and attribute. The cutting
direction for the outside contours is dependent on the selection of the first entity to be cut. Enter
the following options for profile parameters.
Machine
Select the machine type from the drop down box.
Process
Select the machine process from the drop down box. Depending on the machine type the process
selections may be different.
Kerf In
Select from one of the following options for kerf calculation.
Control
Select to enable the kerf calculation to be done by the machine process controller.
Computer
Select to enable the kerf calculation to be done by SigmaNEST.
Kerf Side
Select the kerf direction. Select Left or right kerf values for the internal contours which are not used
by the nesting algorithm. No kerf is used where the cut is made exactly on the line. Common cut
lines are calculated by SigmanNEST, and not set as no kerf.
Kerf Radius
Enter the kerf radius value. The kerf diameter is automatically updated.
Kerf Diameter
Enter the kerf diameter value. The kerf radius is automatically updated.
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Kerf Lookup
If the kerf-in control is set to computer the kerf lookup is enabled. Selecting Kerf Lookup will disable
the kerf diameter and kerf radius fields and the kerf is obtained from the technology setup tables.
Feed Rate Type
Select either by thickness or manual. Selecting thickness, the feed rate is obtained from the tech-
nology setup tables. Select manual to set the feed rate manually.
Feed Rate
When Manual Feed Rate is selected above, the feed rate field is enabled. Enter the feed rate value.
Negative Gap
Enter a value to allow the cutting head to pass through the lead-in point to avoid incomplete cut-
ting.
Continuous Cut
Select to allow the head to continue to cut through selected contours. Usually for cutting along the
outer contours of a nest.
Reverse
Select to back out of a cut. Used for precision cutting into special areas of a part.
Combine with Previous Cut
Lead-in/Lead-out
Define the Lead-in and Lead-out parameters for the part. The types are the same for both the lead-in
or lead-out.
Lead-in/out
Select from the drop down box the type of the lead-in/out.
None
Select to apply no lead-in type for the contour.
Line
Select to apply a lead-in line with a length value.
Line Angle
Select to apply an angle lead-in with a length and angle values.
Line Perp
Select to apply a perpendicular lead-in with a length and or an extra line length.
Arc
Select to apply a curved lead-in with a radius and angle value.
Lead-in/out Length
Enter the length of the lead-in/out line.
Lead-in/out Angle
Enter the angle of the lead-in/out line.
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Extra Line
Select to apply an additional line to the lead-in/out. Enter the extra line length.
Lead-in/out Angle
Enter the angle of the extra line lead-in/out.
Cancel
Select Cancel to close the dialog without saving any changes.
OK
Select OK to close the dialog saving any changes. and the tool path is displayed.
NC Go To
The Go To function allows manual creation of both the NC path and the sequence in which the part
contours are cut. Go To allows cutting of the outside contour of a part before the inside contour.
User Entry
User Entry allows the user to manually insert a note or NC command in the NC code of the post file.
1. Select the User Entry icon on the Nesting NC ribbon, on the Nesting NC tab. The
Add Manual Command dialog is displayed.
2. Enter the user command and select the position point.
3. Enter the user command and select the position point. Select OK, If Insert at
selected position was selected left-click the position on the NC nest.
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Position Type: The position type allows the insertion of the command or note at the end or a
selected point of the NC code.
Add to end of program: Select to apply the command at the end of the NC code.
Insert at selected position: Select to apply the command at a point on the NC
nest. Select OK then left-mouse click the position on the NC nest to apply the com-
mand.
Cancel: Select to close the Add manual Command dialog without inserting a user command.
OK: Select to close the Add manual Command dialog inserting a user command. If Insert at selected
position was selected left-click the position on the NC nest.
NC Add
NC Add allows special imported pattern NC code. The pattern file is created from geometry and
saved as a .PTN file, under the SNDATA/PTN folder.
1. Select the Add icon on the Nesting NC ribbon, on the Nesting NC tab. A navi-
gation dialog is displayed for selecting a pattern file.
2. Left-click the file and select open. The pattern geometry is displayed on the
Work-space.
3. Left-click to anchor the pattern geometry to the cursor and left mouse click the
Work-space position and the reference point of the geometry pattern is placed.
NC Repeat
NC Repeat rapids the NC path to a new location to repeat the NC program path.
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Letters Profile
Letters Profile adds NC text to a NC nesting. The text is anchored to the cursor. The Letters Profile
actions are displayed on the left side of the window. The cursor is active in the Note text window
when Letters Profile is selected from the drop down list on the Detail ribbon. Enter text for the
note. Select enter to start a new line of text.
Left-click on the Work-space to place the note.
The following actions are available for editing a note in the Note Text Window.
Delete: Select Delete to remove all of the text in the note window.
Cut: Select Cut to remove selected text from the note. Select the text to remove and left-
click the cut icon. The text is removed.
Paste: Select Paste to insert text at a cursor location in the Note Text Window. Left-click the
location for the text in the Note Text Window and left-click the paste icon.
The last text that was removed by the cut action, or selected with the copy action, is pasted at the
cursor location.
Copy: Select Copy to copy text to another location in the Note Text Window. Select the text
from the text window and left-click the copy icon. Place the cursor to a new location in the Note
Text Window and left-click the paste icon. The text is placed at the new location in the text window.
Color: Left-click on the color bar and the color palette dialog is displayed. Select the note color.
Note Height: Enter the value for the height of the note. The note height value is determined by the
type of units set in the SigmaNEST configuration, millimeters (metric) or inches (imperial).
Note Angle: Select from one of the following quick icons for the note angle or enter a value in
degrees for the note to display on the workspace. Selecting one of the quick angle icons displays
the note the same as the icon's orientations.The note angle is defined as counter-clockwise to the
X-axis.
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Letters Mark
The Letters Mark function etches marks on a NC nesting. The text is anchored to the cursor. The
Letters Profile actions are displayed on the left side of the window. The cursor is active in the Note
text window when Letters Profile is selected from the drop down list on the Detail ribbon. Enter
text for the note. Select enter to start a new line of text.
Left-click on the Work-space to place the note.
The following actions are available for editing a note in the Note Text Window.
Delete: Select Delete to remove all of the text in the note window.
Cut: Select Cut to remove selected text from the note. Select the text to remove and left-
click the cut icon. The text is removed.
Paste: Select Paste to insert text at a cursor location in the Note Text Window. Left-click the
location for the text in the Note Text Window and left-click the paste icon.
The last text that was removed by the cut action, or selected with the copy action, is pasted at the
cursor location.
Copy: Select Copy to copy text to another location in the Note Text Window. Select the text
from the text window and left-click the copy icon. Place the cursor to a new location in the Note
Text Window and left-click the paste icon. The text is placed at the new location in the text window.
Color: Left-click on the color bar and the color palette dialog is displayed. Select the note color.
Note Height: Enter the value for the height of the note. The note height value is determined by the
type of units set in the SigmaNEST configuration, millimeters (metric) or inches (imperial).
Note Angle: Select from one of the following quick icons for the note angle or enter a value in
degrees for the note to display on the workspace. Selecting one of the quick angle icons displays
the note the same as the icon's orientations.The note angle is defined as counter-clockwise to the
X-axis.
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Remove Current
Select to remove all the NC code for cutting, marking, or punching from the current sheet. Select
the Current icon on the Nesting NC ribbon, on the Nesting NC tab, and a Confirmation dialog is dis-
played.
Select Yes to remove the current NC paths.
NC Delete
Select Delete to clear the NC path for a single part or group of parts. Select from one of the delete
actions.
Single: Select the Single icon and left-mouse click on the part, then right-mouse click and
the NC path is removed from the selected part.
Window: Select the Window icon and left-mouse click and window around the parts to
remove the NC path. Right- click to remove the NC paths for the selected paths.
Unselect: Select the Unselect icon to unselect the selected part or parts from removing the
NC path.
Done: Select the Done icon to end the delete function or select ESC.
Delete Part NC
Select to remove NC from a selected part without removing the entire NC path on the nest.
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NC Back 1
Select Back 1 to step back the NC path by one step, and last NC path is removed. The NC path
sequence steps back by the part.
The below left image displays four parts with NC paths. Back 1 is selected and the last NC path is
removed, see bottom right image.
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Back Contour
Select Back Contour to remove the last NC contour. The NC Back Contour occurs by the contour,
part, or profile depending on the type of NC applied.
The below left image displays a part with NC paths. Back Contour is selected and the last NC con-
tour is removed, see bottom right image, white arrow.
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Status Window: Displays the status of the post file. Displays the cutting time of
the process and any errors.
Done: Select to send the NC program file to the controller.
Change Post
After the NC code and tool path are created, the information is posted to the machine controller
that drives the cutting head.
Select the Change Post icon on the Nesting NC ribbon and the Change Post dialog is displayed.
Enter the following parameters.
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Machine: Select from the drop down box to change the machine process type to change the post
file. Select from the post files available. Machine types can be added in Config (See page 403).
Post: Displays the name of the post file.
Cancel: Select to close the post file dialog without saving the program file.
OK: Select to close the post file dialog saving the new program file. Go back to the Post Single or
Post All sheets functions to post the new program file.
Editor
The Editor functions and actions are displayed along the top of the dialog. The left side of the dialog
is used to navigate to the file to be edited. Double-click the file and the file is displayed on the right
side of the editor.
The SigmaNEST Editor allows more than one file to be edited at a time allowing text to be copied or
moved from one file to another.
The selected files are displayed using a program format style from the drop down menu, for easy
editing and navigating. The following file format types are available.
Plain Text
INI Files
PST Files
Reassign
Reassign is used to re-map a process or map an unknown process for multi-process machine types.
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Motion Optimization
The Motion Optimization tab contains the following functions for setting parameters for NC com-
mon line cutting, bridging, part avoidance, piercing, and tabbing, to optimize the machine process.
iPierce (See page 255) Auto Part Avoid (See page 263)
Manual iPierce (See page 256) Pierce Zone (See page 264)
Move iPierce (See page 257) NC Fillet Corners (See page 265)
Delete iPierce (See page 257) Fly Cut (See page 266)
Common Line Parameters (See page 258) Auto Tab (See page 266)
Auto Chain (See page 261) Manual Tab (See page 269)
Auto Bridge (See page 261) Delete Single Tab (See page 270)
Manual Bridge (See page 262) Delete All Tabs (See page 270)
Auto Bridge By Lead-in (See page 262) Tab Removal (See page 270)
iPierce
iPierce creates an eyelet into the material skeleton and places the next lead-in around the eyelet,
eliminating the need for a pierce. Reducing pierces decreases the cycle time to cut a nest, elim-
inates slag where pierces have been removed. In the image below, A= Eyelet Radius, B= Throat
Width, C= Throat Height, D= Eyelet Height,E= Maximum Distance and F= Edge Distance.
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Lead-in Placement: Enter the distance from the edge of the Inlet radius for the start position of the
lead-in for the adjacent part. Using a positive value will place the lead-in start position into the inlet
radius, Using a negative value will start the lead-in on the outside and away from the inlet radius.
Manual iPierce
Select manual iPierce to open the add iPierce eyelets to selected parts.
In the image below, A= Eyelet Radius, B= Throat Width, C= Throat Height, D= Eyelet Height,E= Max-
imum Distance and F= Edge Distance.
The eyelet image will not display without an eyelet shape file. The file , Eye-
let.shp,is located in the shapes folder inside the SNData folder. If the file is missing,
contact SigmaTEK technical support.
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Preferred Placement Position: Use the arrows to arrange the placement options in order of pref-
erence for eyelet placement.
Lead-in Placement: Enter the distance from the edge of the Inlet radius for the start position of the
lead-in for the adjacent part. Using a positive value will place the lead-in start position into the inlet
radius, Using a negative value will start the lead-in on the outside and away from the inlet radius.
Selection Actions
Single: Select Single to place an eyelet on a single entity. Left-click to select the entity. Right-
click to add the eyelet. Select Done to save and exit.
Window: Select Window to place eyelets on select a group of entities, by creating a window
around them. Left-click and hold down to create a window around the objects. Right-click to add eye-
lets to the selected entities. Select Done to save and exit.
Unselect: Select Unselect to exclude adding an eyelet an entity from the selected entities.
Done: Select Done to accept the current eyelets and close the iPierce side panel.
Move iPierce
Select Move iPierce from the Motion Optimization ribbon to reposition the eyelet for the selected
part.
Delete iPierce
To delete an eyelet, Select Delete iPierce or right-click on a part. The side panel opens with selec-
tion actions listed below. Select part or parts and right-click to delete eyelet(s).
Selection Actions
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Single: Select Single to place an eyelet on a single entity. Left-click to select the entity. Right-
click to add the eyelet. Select Done to save and exit.
Window: Select Window to place eyelets on select a group of entities, by creating a window
around them. Left-click and hold down to create a window around the objects. Right-click to add eye-
lets to the selected entities. Select Done to save and exit.
Unselect: Select Unselect to exclude adding an eyelet an entity from the selected entities.
Done: Select Done to accept the current changes and close the Pierce side panel.
One Pierce Two Parts:This is considered a reverse cut with the Common Line function. This is
called Two Parts One Pierce because it cuts two parts with only one pierce. As seen in the figure
below, the cutting tool cuts out the entire first part, and then cuts the remaining three sides of the
second part before leading out through the top. This process uses left kerf for the first part, no kerf
between the two parts and right kerf on the second part.
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One Pierce, Two Parts (Laser): This works much like the regular One Pierce, Two Parts option. This
is also called Two Parts, One Pierce because it cuts two parts with only one pierce. As seen in the
figure below, the cutting tool first cuts between the two parts, then cuts the remaining three sides
of the first part and finally cuts the remaining three side of the second part before leading out
through the bottom. This process is ideal for cutting both parts using a single kerf.
Auto Slit Cut: This cuts entities from multiple parts along a common line. The following figure is an
example of how multiple entities are cut along a common line. The dotted lines are rapid moves. All
cuts are for the full length of three parts. The first cut is from the bottom to the top of three parts.
There is a rapid move to the right and the second cut is from the top to the bottom of three parts.
All the internal common lines are cut first, then the external contours are cut in steps 5 through 8.
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Selection
Select the areas to apply the common line parameters.
All Sheets
Current Sheet
Window
Single
Previous Pickup length: Enter the length of the previous pickup lead-in. If a neg-
ative value is used, the lead-in is placed outside the part, as it is when previous cut
pickup is not used.
Previous Pickup length (No Cut): Enter a length for the No Cut option to move
the cutting head a distance before starting the cut.
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Common Line Lead-ins Settings: Lead-in and Lead-out is only available when the type of common
line is either One Pierce, Two Parts or One Pierce, Two Parts (Laser). Select the lead-in and lead-out
from one of the following.
Auto Chain
The Auto Chain function permits the selected parts to be cut continuously, reducing the amount of
piercing. Auto chain does not work with parts containing internal contours.
1. Select the Auto Chain icon from the Motion Optimization ribbon.
2. Click each part in the order they must be cut.
3. Select the Done button to complete the function.
The following images illustrate the application of auto-chaining between two parts:
The white NC path is replaced by the red NC path to designate a continuous cut between the parts.
Auto Bridge
The Auto Bridge function allows the user to add bridging between selected parts, for holding parts
together for more accurate cutting and part handling.
1. Select the Auto Bridge icon from the Motion Optimization ribbon. Enter the
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The following images illustrates before and after Auto Bridge is applied to the parts.
Manual Bridge
The Manual Bridge function allows the user to add bridging between selected parts, for holding
parts together for accurate cutting and part handling.
1. Select the Manual Bridge icon from the Motion Optimization ribbon. Enter the bridge gap
size.
2. Left-click the first part position to apply the bridge.
3. Left-click the second part position to compete the bridge function. The bridge is display.
Select ESC to end the function.
The following images illustrates Manual Bridge applied between part contours.
1. Select the Auto Bridge By Lead-in icon from the Motion Optimization ribbon.
Enter the bridge gap size.
2. Left-click the first part to apply the bridge from.
3. Left-click the second part to apply the bridge to.
4. Right-click and the bridge is displayed. Select ESC to end the function.
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Left-click on Auto Part Avoid icon and the Part Avoidance dialog is displayed. Select the following
parameters for defining auto part avoidance.
Check Part Avoidance: Select to give a warning if crossing rapids or lead-ins.
Move Dynamic Lead-ins: Select to rotate parts with dynamic lead-ins, to maximize head move-
ments.
Move Dynamic/Fixed Lead-ins: Select to rotate parts and adjust for both dynamic and any fixed
lead-ins to maximize head movement.
Sheets: Select All Sheets or Current Sheet to apply Part Avoidance.
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Clearance Diameter: Enter the value that allows the head to pass near a cut part, not less than 1/2
of the value, before a head up is applied. The clearance diameter should be larger than the head dia-
meter, to provide sufficient head clearance.
Maximum Distance: Enter the distance the head will travel between external features before a
head up is applied.
Max Dist in Feature: Enter the distance from inside a feature, to the next feature to cut. The head
will go up if the distance is more than the max dist in feature.
Snap to Endpoints: Select to place the lead-in at 3 o'clock in circular entities and at the ends of
square entities. Some controllers may not handle small arc segments and need to be checked.
Move Only Internal Lead-ins: Select to allow to move only internal lead-ins and not external lead-
ins.
Cancel: Select to close the part avoidance dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the part avoidance dialog saving all changes.
Pierce Zone
Select Pierce Zone to display the Pierce Zone parameters on the left side of the Work-space. The fol-
lowing parameters are available for Pierce Zone.
All Sheets: Select to apply the pierce zone for all sheets.
Current Sheet: Select to apply the pierce zone to the current sheet.
Internal Contours: Select to enable pierce zone for internal contours.
External Contours: Select to enable pierce zone for external contours.
Cancel: Select to close the pierce zone dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the pierce zone dialog saving any changes.
Radius and Feed rate: The feed rate is specified for the piercing distance defined by a radius value.
As piercing occurs the feed rate can be slowed as the head approaches the part contour. The feed
rate is defined as a percentage of the speed. Enter radius and feed rate values.
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NC Fillet Corners
Fillet corners allows the user to apply a fillet to the corners of parts. A minimum and maximum
angle value is defined to allow the cutting head to approach the part corners and if the corner is
between the specified angles the head will follow the fillet path for a smoother and continuous cut-
ting path.
Apply Fillet To: Select the following options to apply the fillets to the external and or internal con-
tours, and or lead-ins.
Fillet by Process: Select to apply the fillets by the machine processes. Depending on the machine
type the process listing may be different. Select the machine process from the listing to apply the fil-
lets.
Machine Process 1
Machine Process 2
Machine Process 3
Cancel: Select to close the NC fillet dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the NC fillet dialog saving any changes.
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Fly Cut
Fly Cut allows the user to speed up cutting on repetitive part patterns. The cutting head follows
similar part contours, aligned horizontally or vertically, and applies power off between the contours,
allowing the head to move continuously through the NC nesting.
1. Select the Fly Cut icon and the Fly Cut dialog is displayed.
2. Enter the following parameters for defining the fly cut function and select
OK.
Lead-in Length: Enter the lead-in length to apply during the fly cut approach to the contour.
Lead-out Length: Enter the lead-out length to apply after the contour cut during the fly cut function.
Current Sheets: Select to enable fly cutting to all sheets.
All Sheet: Select to enable fly cutting to the current sheet only.
Max Rapid Distance: Enter the maximum distance for the fly cut to be applied during the rapid
movement across the NC nesting.
Cancel: Select to close the fly cut dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the fly cut dialog saving any changes.
Auto Tab
The Auto Tab dialog sets tab parameters for the parts of the nesting NC. Tabs are used between
parts to hold them together for handling. The tab placement and size are dependant on the Tab
Types selected.
Tab Type:The tab type determines how the tabs are placed on the part. Select one of the following
values from the drop down list.
Number: Determines the number of tabs placed around the perimeter of the part.
Spacing: Tabs are placed around the perimeter of the part at approximate intervals
specified in the Tab Spacing field.
Corners: The Corner Tab Type positions are determined as follows:
1. All corners are evaluated and weighted based on factors such as whether the
corner is convex, the proximity of other entities to the corner, and the length of the
preceding part and the following corner.
2. The best corner is selected for the first tab.
3. The desired tab spacing is used to select a candidate tab position at the spec-
ified distance around the perimeter of the part.
4. The specified search distance is used to search forward and backwards from the
candidate position for a suitable corner within that range.
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5. If one corner is found within the search distance from the candidate position it is
used.
6. If more than one corner is found within the search distance from the candidate
position, the best one (with the highest weighting) is selected.
7. If there are no corners within the search distance from the candidate position, a
tab is placed at or near the candidate position, depending on attributes such as Min
Tab Entity Length,Tab Lines, Tab Arcs, etc.
8. The procedure continues by using the tab spacing distance to locate the next can-
didate position.
Fixed: Tabs are placed at fixed distances from each other(Tab Spacing) and this dis-
tance is maintained even when the Move Tabs Away from Corners attribute is set.
The whole set of tabs along an entity may be moved, to move a tab away from a
corner, but the distance between each is maintained.
Equal Spacing: Equal Spacing sets the tabs equidistant from one another along
each side.
Lead–out Tab: Lead–out Tab creates a single tab between lead–in and lead–out.
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Tab Part Ends: If this parameter is set to yes then tabs are placed on the ends of the entity accord-
ing to the Part/Width Length Ratio value.
Part Length/Width Ratio: This parameter is active and can be set when the Tab Part Ends param-
eter is set to yes. Specifying a length/width ratio allows a tab to be placed on the part end.
Tab Lines: This parameter allows the tabs to be placed on specific line types. One of the following 4
options may be selected.
All lines: This option allows tabs to be placed on all of the line types according to
the Tab Type and Spacing selected.
Only horizontal: The horizontal option places the tabs along horizontal sides of the
part according to the Tab Type and Spacing selected.
Only vertical: The vertical option places the tabs along vertical sides of the part
according to the Tab Type and Spacing selected.
Only horizontal and vertical:This option places tabs along the horizontal and ver-
tical sides of the parts only according to the Tab Type and Spacing selected.
Tab Arcs: Select to place tabs along the arcs according to the specified spacing.
Exclude Arcs: Select to exclude tabs placed within arcs.
Only if Needed: Select to override tab parameters and place tabs along arcs accord-
ing to a specified spacing.
Remove Tabs: Remove tabs specifies whether tabs must be removed when all other operations are
complete. Select from the following options.
If removing tabs was not selected on this dialog use the Tab Removal option
to enable Remove Tabs after the part or nest cutting. Opening the dialog again and
only changing Remove Tabs option, and selecting OK, will apply another set of tabs to
the NC nest.
Remove Tab Offset: Enter the Offset value to set the distance away from the part the tab will be
removed.
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Remove Sequence: Select to remove tabs on a part by part basis, a part is completed and the tabs
removed before processing the next part. Or the entire nest is completed and then all tabs are
removed.
Over Cut: Enter the over cut value. The Over Cut is the lateral distance from the
edge of the tab where the tab removal process starts. Over cut applies to cutting
and routing processes and does not apply to punching.
Offset: Enter the Offset value. The Offset permits tabs to be removed in two
passes. The first pass is this distance from the contour and removes part of the tab.
The next pass is on the contour and completely removes the remaining part of the
tab.
Move Tabs Away From Corners: Select to move any tabs, placed near corners, away from the corn-
ers.
Set As Default: Select to save the settings as the default settings for Auto NC. When Auto NC is
selected in the future these settings are displayed.
Cancel: Closes the Auto NC Dialog, without saving any changes.
OK: Closes the Auto NC Setup Dialog saving all changes.
Manual Tab
Manual tab allows the user to place tabs on part contours. A tab dialog is displayed for the tab set-
tings. See tab settings definitions below.
Tab Type: The tab type determines how the tabs are placed on the part. Select one of the following
values from the drop down list.
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Tab Spacing: Enabled when the Tab type is set to Spacing. Tab Spacing specifies the distance apart
from each tab. Example: If one inch is specified, the tabs are placed at one inch intervals along the
perimeter of the entity. The number of tabs placed depends on the length of the entity and the dis-
tance between the tabs.
Tab Method: Drop down box for selecting tab method. Choose from the following options.
Normal: Select Normal tab type for normal full depth tab types.
3D Tab: Select 3D tab for router type machines performing partial depth tab types.
Micro Tab: Select Micro tab method for special laser type machines performing
micro weld type tabs.
Depth: If the normal tab spacing algorithm places a tab right next to a corner, the selection of this
attribute equalizes the spacing between the tabs, on this edge, to move it away from the corner.
Tab moves are head-down moves: Select this for tab moves to be head-down moves.
Lead-in
Cancel: Closes the tab settings dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Closes the tab settings dialog saving any changes.
Tab Removal
Tab Removal allows the user to remove the NC nest tabbing after each part or after the nest has
been cut.
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If removing tabs was not selected on the Auto Tab dialog, use this Tab
Removal option to enable the removing of tabs from the NC nesting. Opening the
Auto Tab dialog again and only changing the Remove Tabs option, and selecting OK,
will apply another set of tabs to the NC nest.
Remove Tabs
Remove tabs specifies whether tabs must be removed when all other operations are complete.
Select from the following options.
Remove Sequence: Select to remove tabs on a part by part basis, a part is completed and the tabs
removed before processing the next part. Or the entire nest is completed and then all tabs are
removed.
Over Cut: Enter the over cut value. The Over Cut is the lateral distance from the
edge of the tab where the tab removal process starts. Over cut applies to cutting
and routing processes and does not apply to punching.
Offset: Enter the Offset value. The Offset permits tabs to be removed in two
passes. The first pass is this distance from the contour and removes part of the tab.
The next pass is on the contour and completely removes the remaining part of the
tab.
Sheets: Select to apply the tab removal to the current sheet or all of the sheet layouts for the nest-
ing task.
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Height recording points can be added to parts with a beveled edges to indicate height. Each contour
can have up to 99 points, depending on the user preferences set.
Only Bevel Parts: Select to apply points only to parts with bevels.
All Parts: Select to apply points to all parts.
Apply to all sheets: Select to apply the properties set in the Height Recording side menu to all
sheets in the task. When it is not selected, the properties will be applied to the current sheet only.
Min Hole Rad: Enter the minimum hole radius to which points should be applied. Holes with a
smaller radius will not have any points.
Max # Points (contour) (2): Enter the maximum points to apply to a contour.
Min # Points (contour) : Enter the minimum points to apply to a contour.
Max Dist Between Points: Enter the maximum distance between points.
Min Arc Rad: Enter the minimum hole radius to which points should be applied. Holes with a
smaller radius will not have any points.
Done: Select to apply the changes and exit the Heights Recording Points side
menu.
Advanced NC
The Advanced NC ribbon contains the following functions for applying advanced NC functions as
repositioning, vaporizing, part removal, pre-piercing, and aligning auto marks.
Move Lead-in (See page 209) Auto Align Text (See page 208)
Edit Lead-in/out (See page 210) Knife Cutter (See page 291)
Special Lead-in/out (See page 212) Apply To Same (See page 292)
Select the ellipse to display the Reposition Auto Crop Lead-in Settings dialog. The dialog displays
lead-ins and lead-outs for the sheet edge and part to part scrap line parameters.
Include Sheet Edge Scrap Lines: Select to setup the sheet edge scrap lines. The following options
are enabled.
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Sheet Lead-in Type: Select the type of lead-in for the sheet edge from the drop down box. The
lead-in is added from the edge distance to the edge of the sheet. The following options are avail-
able.
Sheet Lead-out Type: Select the type of lead-out for the sheet edge from the drop down box. The
following options are available.
Lead-in Length: Enter the length or lengths of the selected lead-in or lead-ins from the above drop
down boxes.
Lead-out Length: Enter the length or lengths of the selected lead-out or lead-outs from the above
drop down boxes.
Edge Distance: Enter a value to tell the cutting head how far in from the edge to stop cutting. If no
lead-ins are defined, lead-ins are added to the edge distance toward the edge.
Do Height Sensing: Select to apply height sensing for the head movement. The head moves to the
edge distance value to acquire a height for the sheet. Height sensing is then disabled so as to not
allow the head to move downward creating a collision condition.
Lead-out to Sheet Edge: Select to have the scrap line start from the part out to the edge.
Include Part to Part Scrap Lines: Select to enable the options for part to part scrap. The part clear-
ance value is used to set the lead-in and lead-out distances. The lead-in and lead-out lengths are
added to the part clearance value.
Part Lead-in Type: Select the type of lead-in for the sheet edge from the drop down box. The lead-
in is added to the part clearance value away from the part. The following options are available.
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Reverse Lead-in: Select to apply a reverse type lead-in. Enter the reverse line
length.
Line Line Lead-in: Select to apply a lead-in with two lead-in line lengths.
Reverse Line Line Lead-in: Select to apply a reverse lead-in type with two line
lengths.
Part Lead-out Type: Select the type of lead-out for the sheet edge from the drop down box.
Lead-in Length: Enter the length or lengths of the selected lead-in or lead-ins from the above drop
down boxes.
Lead-out Length: Enter the length or lengths of the selected lead-out or lead-outs from the above
drop down boxes.
Part Clearance: Enter a value to specify how close to get to the part before you stop cutting the
scrap line.
Minimum Cut length: Enter a value to remove any lines shorter than the specified value from being
cut.
Vertical Lead-in Side: Select from either top to bottom or bottom to top for the lead-in cutting
direction.
Bottom to Top: To allow the scrap lead-in cutting direction from the bottom to
top.
Top to Bottom: To allow the scrap lead-in cutting direction from the top to bot-
tom.
Part Removal
Selecting part removal displays the part removal dialog. The left side lists part removal types. There
may be additional drop door parameters listed depending on the part removal type of the machine.
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The following basic part removal types are defined. There are other part removal types that may be
listed.
Part Removal Types
Small Drop Door
Select small drop door to automatically remove small parts. The X-Y contour dimensions is required
for the small drop door part removal.
Drop Door
Select drop door to automatically remove the parts through a drop door. The drop door is displayed
in white on the layout. The X-Y contour dimensions is required for the drop door part removal.
Manual
Select manual to have the machine stop for the operator to remove the part. The parts that exceed
the specified X and Y dimensions appear in white.
Command
The command text box displays the part removal command from the post file.
Slide Type
The slide type specifies how the machine locates the part over the drop door. Select from the fol-
lowing options.
Geometric Center
Select Geometric Center to position the center of the part over the center of the
drop door.
Center of Gravity
Select Center of gravity to position the part's center of gravity over the center of
the drop door.
Rectangle Overlap
Select Rectangular Overlap to ensure that the part's bounding rectangle is over
the drop door.
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OK
Select to close the part removal dialog saving any changes.
Pre-pierce
Select Pre-Pierce to display the Pre-Pierce dialog. The following parameters are available for pre-
piercing.
Pre-Pierce Type: The following pre-pierce types are available.
Pierce Points: The Pierce Points pierces small openings at the starting point of
each cut.
Circle: The Circle function pre-pierces a circle the size of the specified circle dia-
meter.
Punch: The Punch function punches an opening at the starting point of each cut.
Select from the punching tools already used for the part from the list in the lower
portion of the dialog. The tool must be highlighted before selecting OK. It is also
possible to select a different punching tool (one not already used in the nest) by
selecting Add Tool. The Tool Manager dialog displays, allowing selection of a new
tool.
Standard Shape: Provides the user a way to define a pre-pierce type by a standard
shape. The list of the standard shapes is displayed. The Add Tool button displays
the Tool Manager for adding additional shapes.
None: Pre-Pierce is defined as none.
Process: From the drop down box select the pre-pierce process type.
Circle Diameter: Enter the value for the pre-pierce diameter.
Add Machine Stop: Adds a machine stop in the NC code. The machine is stopped for the tool head
to accommodate the pre-piercing process. Select one of the following parameters from the drop
down box.
Pierce Position: The pre-pierce position is placed in relation to the lead-in position.
On the Edge: Places the pierce position to meet the lead-in on the edge.
In the Center: Places the pierce position to meet the lead-in at the center.
Sequence: The sequence of pre-pierce can be done By Part or By Nest. By part means pre-pierces
are applied then cuts are applied. By nest means pre-pierces are applied then cutting is applied.
Sheets: Apply the pre-pierce to the Current Sheet, All Sheets, or Select a sheet.
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Vaporizing
Vaporizing is used to mark, etch, or remove coatings on the top layer of sheets or parts. Select
Vaporizing to display the Vaporizing dialog. The following parameters are available for Vaporizing.
Vaporizing: Select to apply vaporizing before the cutting parts or contours, or before the nest.
Contour: Select to vaporize the contour first then cut the contour.
Part: Select to vaporize the part first then cut the part.
Nest: Select Nest to apply vaporizing to the entire nest before cutting the parts.
Cancel: Select to close the vaporizing dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the vaporizing dialog saving any changes.
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Bevel
Select the bevel icon for the following bevel options:
Fixed Bevel (See page 278) Move Bevel Attribute (See page 288)
Variable Bevel (See page 282) Move Bevel Lead-in (See page 290)
Edit Same Bevel (See page 287) Move Bevel Arc Lead-in (See page 289)
Delete Bevels (See page 288) Apply Bevel Sequence (See page 290)
Fixed Bevel
The Fixed Bevel function is used to create or edit contour surface inclinations. The Fixed bevel has a
single angle across the contour. Two adjoining surfaces that do not meet at right angles define a
bevel. The bevel is marked by callouts defining the bevel parameters and displaying an image of the
bevel type.
Selecting a bevel function displays the bevel callouts until the bevel function is ended. To display
and setup the bevel callouts see Show Bevel Attributes.
The following define the bevel parameter values. Depending on the selected bevel type not all of
the bevel parameters are displayed at once.
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Bevel Types
There are five different bevel types. In addition, the blind bevel property can be used with any type
of bevel.
Top Land (See page 280) Bottom Knife (See page 281)
Blind Bevel
A blind bevel is defined as an inclination along a section of the contour and not the entire length of
the contour.
When defining a blind bevel, the part contour has to be split into separate entities in the part
geometry (below image).
The blind bevel property can be used with any type of bevel.
Thickness:The thickness of the material is displayed to assist in defining the bevel values.
Bevel Image: A side view of the bevel image is displayed on the right side of the dialog. Changing
the bevel values in the dialog changes the bevel image.
Cancel:Select to close the dialog without saving any changes to the bevel parameters.
OK:Select to close the dialog saving all changes to the bevel parameters.
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Bottom Land
The Bottom Land Bevel is defined when the angled contour is below the land or nose of the bevel.
Depending on the drawing type of the part, a bevel width, depth, or nose size is defined. The bottom
land bevel provides all three values, plus an angle value, to define the bevel. The material thickness
is displayed in the dialog to aid in defining the bevel depth or nose size.
Sometimes special bevel cut conditions are required for certain bevels. The bevel cut conditions are
defined in Technology Setup under the Machine Parameters tab.
To define a bevel angle, enter the angle value in degrees and do not check the bottom angle box.
The angle is fixed. Select the bevel width, depth, or nose to define the bottom land bevel.
To define the bottom land bevel using a width or depth value select the bottom angle check box
and enter either the bevel width or depth.
With a single-headed plasma torch, this requires two complete passes along each entity. The deep-
est cut, which is typically the vertical or land cut, is the first pass. The second pass is the angle cut.
1. Enter the Bottom Angle Value (A).
2. Select and enter the bevel width (B), bevel depth (C) or bevel nose size (D).
Top Land
The top land bevel has an angled contour or inclination at the top of the vertical or land cut. Depend-
ing on the drawing type of the part, a bevel width, depth, or nose size is defined. The top land bevel
provides all three values, plus an angle value, to define the bevel. The material thickness is dis-
played in the dialog to aid in defining the bevel depth or nose size.
To define a bevel angle, enter the angle value in degrees and do not check the top angle box. The
angle is fixed. Select the bevel width, depth, or nose to define the top land bevel.
To define the top land bevel using a width or depth value select the top angle check box and enter
either the bevel width or depth.
With a single-headed plasma torch, this requires two complete passes along each entity. The deep-
est cut, which is typically the vertical or land cut, is the first pass. The second pass is the angle cut.
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1. Enter the Top Angle Value (θ) or select the check box to adjust the bevel according to the
width and depth parameters.
2. Select and enter the bevel width. or Select and enter the bevel depth.or Select and enter
the bevel nose size.
Top Knife
This is the most common bevel type. The angled contour is applied across the material thickness.
Knife bevels are defined by an angle or width.
Sometimes special bevel cut conditions are required for certain bevels. The bevel cut conditions are
defined in Technology Setup under the Machine Parameters tab. See Bevel Lookup Table.
With a single-headed plasma torch it is accomplished in one pass with the torch at the correct
angle.
1. Enter the Top Angle Value (θ) or select the check box to adjust the bevel according to a
bevel width.
2. Enter the Bevel Width.
Bottom Knife
This is the most common bevel type. The angled contour is applied across the material thickness.
Knife bevels are defined by an angle or width.
With a single-headed plasma torch it is accomplished in one pass with the torch at the correct
angle.
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1. Enter the Bottom Angle Value (A) or select the check box to adjust the bevel according to a
bevel width.
2. Enter the Bevel Width (B).
K Bevel
The K bevel is defined as a contour with each side of the contour having a top and bottom angle.
Depending on the drawing type of the part, a bevel width, depth, and angle is defined. The material
thickness is displayed in the dialog to aid in defining the bevel depth value.
With a single-headed plasma torch, this requires three complete passes along each entity. The deep-
est cut, which is typically the vertical or land cut, is the first pass. The second pass is the bottom or
negative angle cut. The final pass is the top angle cut. The most common value for the top and bot-
tom angles is 45.
1. Enter the Top Angle Value (θ) or select the check box to enter a bevel width or depth value
to define the bevel.
2. Enter the Top Bevel Width.or Enter the Top Bevel Depth.
3. Enter the Bottom Angle Value (θ) or select the check box to enter a bevel width or depth
value to define the bevel.
4. Enter the Bottom Bevel Width.or Enter the Bottom Bevel Depth.
Variable Bevel
The Variable Bevel has a start and end angle on each end of the contour. The image on the left is an
illustration of the variable bevel. Variable bevels can be defined as a blind bevel. Variable bevels
have the same bevel types as the Fixed Bevel.
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Selecting a bevel function displays the bevel callouts until the bevel function is ended. To display
and setup the bevel callouts see Show Bevel Attributes.
1. Select the Fixed Bevel icon from the Advanced NC ribbon.
2. Left-mouse click the contour, or use the Selection Actions (See page 15) to select the con-
tour, and right-mouse click. The Beveling Parameters dialog is displayed.
3. Select the bevel type from one of the bevel images at the top of the bevel parameters
dialog. The bevel parameters for the selected bevel is displayed in the dialog.
4. Enter the bevel parameters and select OK. A bevel callouts dialog is displayed attached to
the contour. Select Esc to end the bevel function.
Selecting a bevel type and entering the parameters applies the bevel to the selected contour.
Depending on the selected bevel type not all of the bevel parameters are displayed.
Bevel Types
Select one of the bevel icons below for more information.
Variable Top Land (See page 285) Variable Bottom Knife (See page 286)
Variable Bottom Land (See page 284) Variable K Bevel (See page 286)
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Blind Bevel
A blind bevel is defined as an inclination along a section of the
contour and not the entire length of the contour.
When defining a blind bevel, the part contour has to be split
into separate entities in the part geometry (see image onthe
right).
The blind bevel property can be used with any type of bevel.
Thickness: The thickness of the material is displayed to assist in defining the bevel values.
Bevel Image: A side view of the bevel image is displayed on the right side of the dialog. Changing
the bevel values in the dialog changes the bevel image.
Cancel: Select to close the dialog without saving any changes to the bevel parameters.
OK: Select to close the dialog saving all changes to the bevel parameters.
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Variable K Bevel
The Variable K bevel is defined as a contour with a top and bottom inclination. A different start and
end angle for each inclination. The Variable K bevel can be a blind bevel, occurring over a section of
the contour. The material thickness is displayed in the dialog to aid in defining the bevel depth
value.
Sometimes special bevel cut conditions are required for certain bevels. The bevel cut conditions are
defined in Technology Setup under the Machine Parameters tab. See Bevel Lookup Table.
With a single-headed plasma torch, this requires three complete passes along each entity. The deep-
est cut, which is typically the vertical or land cut, is the first pass. The second pass is the bottom or
negative angle cut. The final pass is the top angle cut.
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1. Select the Edit Same Bevels icon from the Advanced NC ribbon.
2. Select the contour with the bevel attribute to edit. Contours with the
same bevel attributes are selected and the Beveling Parameters dialog is
displayed.
3. Edit the bevel parameters and select OK. The bevel attributes are changed.
Select Esc to end the bevel function.
If a variable angle bevel (below left image, green) has a start or end bevel that is the same as the
selected bevel (below left image, orange), then the variable angle bevel is also selected for editing
(below middle image). If a contour with a variable angle bevel attribute is selected, it is changed to a
single angle bevel (below right image).
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Delete Bevels
Delete Bevels allows the user to delete bevels.
1. Select the Delete Bevels icon from the Advanced NC ribbon.
2. Left-click the bevel attribute to delete (below left image), or use the Selection Actions (See
page 15) to select the bevels to delete, and right-click. The bevel is deleted (below right
image).
3. Select Esc to end the delete bevel function.
Delete Bevel Window allows the user to remove NC cut out windows used for bevel lead-ins. The
bevel window is an area that is cut out first to prevent material splatter from damaging cutting
heads and improving part quality (below left image). The light and dark gray paths represent a K
bevel contour with a lead-in length.
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3. Left-click the new position for the bevel attribute. The bevel attribute is moved to the new
position.
4. Select Esc to end the move bevel attribute function.
Select to move a Triple Bevel Arc lead-in, which has an arc lead-in and a straight line lead-in . The
straight line can be shortened or extended and/or the angle can be changed .
1. Select Move Bevel Arc Lead-in from the Advanced NC ribbon.
2. Left-click the bevel lead-in or lead-out and to anchor it to the cursor. Move the cursor to
adjust the arc radius.Once the arc radius is adjusted, left-click again to set.
3. After the radius has been set, the length can be adjusted. Move the cursor to adjust the
desired length, then left-click to finish.
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Select to move the bevel lead-in or lead-out. The bevel lead-in or lead-out is shortened or
extended.
1. Select Move Bevel Lead-in/Lead-out from the Advanced NC ribbon.
2. Left-click the bevel lead-in or lead-out and the lead-in or lead-out is anchored to the cursor
(below left image).
3. Move the cursor and the bevel lead-in or lead-out is moved to the new position. Left-click
and the bevel lead-in or lead-out is placed at the new position. (below right image)
4. Select Esc to end the Move Bevel Lead-in/Lead-out action.
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Knife Cutter
Select to display the knife cutting dialog.
Cut Sequence: Select from the following options.
Contour: Select to enable all passes applied to the internal contour first. Then all
passes applied to the outer contours.
Part: Select to enable the first pass to start at the internal contour, then applied to
the outer contour.
Nest: Select to enable knife cutting to follow the nesting NC path.
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Tool Down Acceleration: Enter the numeric value of the actual speed per second.
Down Dwell: Enter a pause value in seconds for the knife to wait before moving down.
Up Dwell: Enter a pause value in seconds for the knife to wait before moving up.
Speed: Enter the feed rate in minutes.
Use Down Force: Check the box to enable the use of a down force.
Down Force: Enter the value of the down force in pounds or kilograms.
Min Area: Specify the minimum area for the tool to be used. Different blade types perform dif-
ferently, according to the blade structure, during cutting.
Knife Type: Select the blade type, straight or wheel.
Size: Enter the width of the straight blade or the diameter of the wheel blade.
Overlap: Enter the contour extension to cut pass the material. When using a wheel the value will be
negative due to the wheel diameter extending into other contours.
Manual: Check the manual checkbox to enter depth values manually. Leaving Manual unchecked
allows SigmaNEST to calculate the pass depths.
No. of Passes: Selecting the number of passes allows the knife to continuously cut a depth distance
equal to a multiple of the first depth distance. The pass number and depth are displayed in the table
to the right. When the previous option Manual is checked the depth distances can be manually
entered.
Compensation: The Compensation value is a value for each depth distance to ensure material pen-
etration. Example: for 1" material there may be a compensation value of 1.1", to allow the blade to
penetrate the material.
Knife Type tabs: Select the knife type to be used by the machine. Selecting the tab will display the
parameter fields to define.
Cancel: Closes the Knife Cutting dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Closes the Knife Cutting dialog saving all changes.
Apply To Same
Apply to Same allows the user to select tooled contours and apply the pattern to selected internal
contours of similar parts. The internal contours of similar parts can be tooled quickly.
1. Select Apply to Same from the Punching ribbon on the Nesting NC tab.
2. Window around and left-click the tooled contours to apply to similar inter-
nal part contours.
3. Left-click each internal part contour or window around the contours.
4. Right-click and the selected contours are tooled.
5. Select Esc to end the function.
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Edit NC
Edit NC functions allows the user to set corner loops for bevel cuts, thermal locks for cutting parts
from thick material, and adjusting the NC path order or moving NC node points.
Corner Loops
Select to define the head movement for corner or bevel cuts. For acute part corners, adjusting the
head position for optimum cut quality is done by applying a corner loop. For bevel cuts, piercing is
applied upright. The head movement is adjusted by applying a corner loop before cutting the bevel
angle. Corner loop parameters are defined and edited in the Bevel Lookup Table in Technology
Setup.
The following corner loops are available. Select to display the corner loop type definition.
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Arc Corner
Arc Corner Loop apply a radius NC movement around the corner of a part. The post file lists the
corner loop parameters according to the machine process type. The lead-in and lead-out of the arc
corner loop is half the radius value of the arc.
1. Select Corner Loops on the Edit NC ribbon and the Corner Loop dialog is
displayed.
2. Select the Arc Corner Loop icon and the parameters for the loop type is dis-
played.
3. Enter the radius of the arc loop and select OK.
4. Left-click the corner to apply the arc loop and the arc loop is displayed.
Radius
Enter the radius for the corner loop.
Cancel
Select to cancel the corner loop and close the Corner Loop dialog.
OK
Select to apply the corner loop and close the Corner Loop dialog.
Line corner loop is a corner loop with an NC cut path between the lead-out and lead-in. The cutting
head is cutting while repositioning for the next cutting contour.
1. Select Corner Loops on the Edit NC ribbon and the Corner Loop dialog is
displayed.
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2. Select the Line Corner Loop icon and the parameters for the loop type is
displayed.
3. Enter the Size 1 (lead-out) and Size 2 (lead-in) length values and select OK.
4. Left-click the corner to apply the line loop and the line loop is displayed.
The loop is applied to the NC only and not the part
Corner Loop Size 1: Enter the length the NC path will lead-out from the selected corner.
Corner Loop Size 2: Enter the length of the NC path will lead-in to the selected corner.
Cancel: Select to cancel the corner loop and close the Corner Loop dialog.
OK: Select to apply the corner loop and close the Corner Loop dialog.
Line corner loop is a corner loop with a rapid path between the lead-out and lead-in. The cutting
head is not cutting while repositioning for the next cutting contour.
1. Select Corner Loops on the Edit NC ribbon and the Corner Loop dialog is
displayed.
2. Select the Line Open Corner Loop icon and the parameters for the loop
type is displayed.
3. Enter the Size 1 (lead-out) and Size 2 (lead-in) length values and select OK.
4. Left-click the corner to apply the line loop and the line loop is displayed.
The loop is applied to the NC only and not the part
Corner Loop Size 1: Enter the length the NC path will lead-out from the selected corner.
Corner Loop Size 2: Enter the length of the NC path will lead-in to the selected corner.
Cancel: Select to cancel the corner loop and close the Corner Loop dialog.
OK: Select to apply the corner loop and close the Corner Loop dialog.
Bevel Line Corner Loop is a corner loop with a lead-out and lead-in. The cutting head cuts during
the head adjustment in the corner loop. The bevel line corner loop is used for adjacent beveled con-
tours.
1. Select Bevel Corner Loops on the Edit NC ribbon and the Corner Loop
dialog is displayed.
2. Select the Bevel Line Corner Loop icon and the parameters for the loop
type is displayed.
3. Enter the Size 1 (lead-out) and Size 2 (lead-in) length values and select OK.
4. Left-click the corner to apply the line loop and the line loop is displayed.
The loop is applied to the NC only and not the part
Corner Loop Size 1: Enter the length the NC path will lead-out from the selected corner.
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Corner Loop Size 2: Enter the length of the NC path will lead-in to the selected corner.
Cancel: Select to cancel the corner loop and close the Corner Loop dialog.
OK: Select to apply the corner loop and close the Corner Loop dialog.
Bevel Line Corner Loop is a corner loop with a lead-out and lead-in. The cutting head does not cut
during the head adjustment in the corner loop. The bevel line corner loop is used for adjacent bev-
eled contours.
1. Select Bevel Line Open Corner Loops on the Edit NC ribbon and the Corner
Loop dialog is displayed.
2. Select the Bevel Line Open Corner Loop icon and the parameters for the
loop type is displayed.
3. Enter the Size 1 (lead-out) and Size 2 (lead-in) length values and select OK.
4. Left-click the corner to apply the line loop and the line loop is displayed.
The loop is applied to the NC only and not the part
Corner Loop Size 1: Enter the length the NC path will lead-out from the selected corner.
Corner Loop Size 2: Enter the length of the NC path will lead-in to the selected corner.
Cancel: Select to cancel the corner loop and close the Corner Loop dialog.
OK: Select to apply the corner loop and close the Corner Loop dialog.
Small Arc Corner Loop applies a concave radius NC movement between the lead-out and lead-in of
the corner of a part. The post file lists the corner loop parameters according to the machine process
type. The lead-in and lead-out sizes are determined by the radius of the connecting arc.
1. Select Corner Loops on the Edit NC ribbon and the Corner Loop dialog is
displayed.
2. Select the Small Arc Corner Loop icon and the parameters for the loop
type is displayed.
3. Enter the radius of the arc loop and select OK.
4. Left-click the corner to apply the arc loop and the arc loop is displayed.
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Thermal Locks
Thermal locks are used to reduce pre-piercing and to prevent thick material from separating.
1. Select Add Thermal Locks from the Edit NC ribbon and the thermal locks dialog is displayed.
2. Select the thermal lock type to apply and enter the parameters for the thermal lock type
selected.
3. Select OK and the thermal lock type is displayed anchored to the cursor for placement
(below left image).
4. Left -click on the contour position to place the thermal lock (below right image).
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Toggle Flame
Toggle Between Position and Cutting allows the user to toggle a NC cutting path to a rapid move
and a rapid move to a NC cut path. In some cases it may be necessary to change the NC to a cut
path for quality or change to a rapid movement to prevent cutting close to other parts.
1. Select Toggle Between Position and Cutting from the Edit NC ribbon.
2. Left- click the path to change. Select Esc to end the Toggle function. If the path was a NC
cut then it will change to a rapid movement (white). If the selected NC path is a rapid move
then it is changed to a NC cut path (red).
The following images illustrate a NC path changed from a rapid (below left image) to a NC cut
(below right image). In this case a change to a NC cut did not interfere with other parts and allowed
for the head not to flame off and rise for the rapid move.
Move Insert
Insert a break allows the user to break the NC path, a NC cut or rapid, to provide an inspection point
or provide a point to interrupt the NC process.
1. Select Insert a Break from the Edit NC ribbon.
2. Left-click the path to insert the break.
3. Slide the cursor to the point the break is to occur.
4. Left-click the new position for the break. A white square is placed at the break point. Select
Esc to end the Insert function.
The following images illustrate a break point inserted. The NC path is selected (below left image).
The position is set (below right image).
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Move Point
Move NC Node Point allows the user to move a point where two or more NC paths meet. The point
is selected and placed using the cursor.
1. Select Move NC Node Point from the Edit NC ribbon.
2. Left-click the point where the NC paths meet. The point is anchored to the cursor.
3. Left-click the new position for the point. The point is placed at the new position. Select Esc
to end the Move function.
The following images illustrate a point move. The NC point is selected (below left image). The point
is placed at the new position (below right image).
Remove Point
Remove NC Node Point allows the user to remove a break point. The point is selected and removed.
1. Select Remove NC Node Point from the Edit NC ribbon.
2. Left-click the NC break point.
3. The break point is removed. Select Esc to end the Remove function.
The following images illustrate a break point removed. The NC break point is selected (below left
image). The break point is removed (below right image).
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Reorder
The Reorder NC Path function allows the user to reorder, group, or remove NC paths. Inspection
part groups can be created to allow the NC process to stop after the part or parts are cut. The win-
dow displays the NC path listing and actions for grouping.
1. Select Reorder from the Edit NC ribbon. The NC path listing for the nest is listed. The part's
internal and external contours are displayed in a list in the order of the NC process.
2. Left-click the contour to reorder and use the arrow buttons to move the selected contour
up or down .
3. Repeat for all the selected NC contours to be reordered.
To remove a NC contour path from the listing select the NC contour and select the delete button
.
Reorder NC Path has the following controls for creating groups for the NC paths.
Create Group
Create Group groups selected NC paths to be processed as a group during the NC process.
1. Select the contour NC paths to group. Left-mouse click each NC path and
hold down the Ctrl key to select individual NC contour paths not in
sequence.
2. Select the Create Group icon and the selected NC paths are placed in a
numbered group folder. The group folder number is automatically
advanced.
The image below illustrates a group of NC part paths highlighted on the NC nest when the group
folder is selected from the listing.
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Highlight Cut Sequence to Selected Part selects all NC paths from the first NC path in the list to
the one selected. The NC path contours are also highlighted in the graphic nesting layout.
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Sort Selected Part sorts selected parts throughout the list and moves those parts to the beginning
of the list, in the order selected.
1. Left-click one of the NC paths for a part and or hold down the Ctrl key to
select more than one part path.
2. Select the Sort Selected Part icon and the selected NC parts are sorted
according to their selected sequence to the beginning of the NC nesting
process.
Remnant
Remnant functions allows the user to define remnant and scrap cut parameters.
Remnant (See page 302) Clear Crop on All Sheets (See page 313)
Crop Sheet (See page 303) Cut Scrap (See page 313)
Manual Crop (See page 309) Manual Scrap Cut (See page 317)
Cancel Remnant (See page 303) Clear Scrap on Current Sheet (See page 318)
Combo Crop (See page 312) Clear Scrap on All Sheets (See page 318)
Remnant
Select Rem to define the remnant, an unused portion of the sheet of the nesting NC. Rem allows
the user to set parameters and archive the sheet remnant. Select Rem to display the Remnant
dialog. The following parameters are available.
1. Select Rem from the Remnant ribbon and the remnant dialog is displayed.
2. Enter the parameters for the new remnant and select OK. The Sheet parameters dialog is
displayed. See Sheet Parameters to define the remnant.
Part Border Offset: Enter a value for the distance from the border of the remnant the parts are to
be placed.
Add Lead-in Offset: Select to apply a lead-in offset for puddle zone compensation. Enabling the Add
Lead-in Offset only uses the lead-in value from the technology table.
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Add Lead-in Pierce Puddle Zone: Select to enable a pierce puddle zone value that SigmaNEST will
use for the remnant.
Pierce Puddle Size: Enter a value for the pierce puddle size when the parameter is enabled above.
Cancel: Select to close the dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the dialog saving all changes.
Cancel Remnant
Prior to posting, selecting Cancel Remnant removes the remnant that would be created once a pro-
gram is posted. Canceling the remnant does not effect the crop.
Crop Sheet
Select Crop Rem to display the Crop Sheet dialog, which opens to the General Crop Settings tab.
An Advanced Crop Settings tab is also available for setting crop tabbing.
The General Crop Settings parameters define the remnant crop for the existing sheet on the Work-
space.
1. Select Crop Rem from the Remnant ribbon on the Nesting NC tab.
2. Enter the General Crop Settings.
Crop Process
Select the machine process type for the crop cut.
Length Increments
Select to define a maximum and minimum length for the remnant.
Min % Used
When Length Increments is not used enter a value equal to the minimum percent of the sheet that
is used.
Crop Type
Select the type of crop from the following.
Crop Line
Select to apply a standard crop line at the edge of the last part nested. The following image illus-
trates the crop line selection.
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Crop Step 1
Select Crop Step 1 to step crop along the edge of the nested parts. The following image illustrates
a crop step 1 selection.
Crop Step 2
Select Crop Step 2 to crop along the contour of the nested parts. The following image illustrates a
crop step 2 selection.
Crop Horizontal
Select to enable a horizontal crop line across the length of the sheet. The virtual crop line is not
used to cut the upper sheet remnant. Two remnants are created. The following image illustrates
selecting a horizontal crop line.
Crop Vertical
Select to enable a vertical crop line. The virtual crop line is used as a reference to cut the sheet.
Two remnants are created. The following image illustrates selecting a vertical crop line.
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Crop L-shape
Select to enable the remnant to not be cut along the virtual crop line. The following image illus-
trates selecting a crop L-shape line type.
Offset
Specify the offset distance for the crop. This creates the crop line at the specified offset distance
from the outermost part.
Minimum Strip Width
This is the minimum width for the area above or below the nest that can be made into a remnant. If
the unused sheet area is within the specified minimum strip width, then the remnant is created
with the remaining material on both the horizontal and vertical sides of the nested area.
Crop Start Side
Select from where the rapid path to cut the crop line starts. Select from one of the following
options.
Machine Origin
Select to rapid from the machine origin (blue arrow in below image) to the edge of
the nested parts (red arrow in below image) to start the crop line cut.
Opposite Origin
Select to rapid opposite of the machine origin (blue arrow in below image) and at
the edge of the nested parts (red arrow in below image), to start the crop line cut.
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Closest to Last NC
Select to rapid from the last NC (blue arrow in below image) to start the crop line
cut (red arrow in below image).
Crop Process
Select the process to apply the automatic crop settings. Depending on the machine process types
available the drop down listing will have different process options available.
Length Increments
Select to enter the minimum length of the crop line. Leave unselected to enable the minimum per-
centage of the crop area. See the following parameter.
Min % Used / Min Length
If Length increment selected above enter the length value of the crop line. Enter a minimum per-
centage value of the sheet size used for cutting, to allow a crop line to be cut. The Min % Used is
the total area of the parts compared to the sheet area. For example if 25% is entered, there must be
at least 25% of the sheet used for the crop line to be cut.
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Edge Distance
This is the distance from the edge of the sheet where the crop cut begins. When the remnant must
remain attached to the skeleton, this creates a small tab at the specified distance from the edge of
the sheet between the remnant and the skeleton.
Create Remnant
Select to make a remnant from the cropped sheet. This tracks the remnant as part of the sheet's his-
tory and put the remnant in the sheet's library as part of available stock.
Unique Sheets
Select to create each remnant as a unique sheet. The sheet parameters dialog is displayed to enter
a sheet name or allow SigmaNEST to automatically create the unique sheet name.
Create Remnant of the Drop-outs
Select to create a remnant from the drop-outs or internal contours. The dropouts are tracked as part
of the sheet's history. The drop-out remnants are entered into the sheet's library as available stock.
Selecting Create Remnants from Drop-outs enables the Minimum Dropout area text box.
Minimum Dropout Area
Enter the minimum area of a drop-out that is used for a remnant. The system does not make rem-
nants from any dropout smaller than the area specified.
Add Lead–in Offset
Select to add a crop line offset to clear part lead–in.
Part Border Offset
Enter a distance value to enable the crop line around the .
Add Lead–in Pierce Bubble Zone
Select to add a lead–in for the piercing zone where material splatter may occur.
Pierce Bubble Size
Enter the value for the pierce bubble.
Lead–in
Select from the drop down box one of the following lead–in types. The lead–in type and value
Lead–in Length
Enter the length for the lead–in. For Line Line lead–in numeric boxes are enabled.
Lead–out
Select from the drop down box one of the following lead–out types.
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No Lead–out
Select to have no lead–out applied.
Lead–out
Select to apply a normal lead–out type.
Reversed Lead–out
Select to apply a reversed lead–out type. Reverse lead–out is used to reduce cut-
ting debris.
Line Line Lead–out
Select to apply an additional line length to the normal lead–in length.
Reverse Line Line Lead–out
Select to apply a reverse line line lead–in. The reverse line lead–out is used to
adjust for cutting of thicker materials.
Lead–out Length
Enter the length for the lead–out. For Line Line lead–out numeric boxes are enabled.
Do Height Sensing
Select to enable height sensing to occur for the crop cuts. Enabled the last height sensing value is
retained before the cutting head is moved outside the sheet perimeter.
Multiple Torch Crop
Multiple torches can be used to crop the sheet. Enter the following parameters. Multi-torch crop-
ping is available for multi head processes.
Number of Torches
Specify the number of torches used to cut the nest.
Type
Select the multi torch crop type from the following.
Simultaneous
Enables the torches to crop at the same time.
Sequential
Enables each torch to cut before moving on to the next section.
Torch Spacing
Enter the distance between each torch.
Separation Crop
Separation Type
Select from the following the separation type for the sheet crop line.
Marking
Select to enable a marking to be applied to the crop line.
Cutting
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Separation Sequence
Select from the following the crop line separation type for the parts.
First
Select to enable crop lines between part priority values. The parts are separated by
their due dates and priorities.
Between Work Orders
Select to enable crop lines to separate the parts by work orders.
Manual Crop
Select to manually create a remnant from the parameters specified. The Crop Sheet dialog is dis-
played.
1. Select Manual Crop from the Remnant ribbon.
2. Right-click the Work-space and the Crop Sheet dialog is displayed.
3. Enter the remnant crop parameters.
Crop Process
Select the machine process type for the crop cut.
Offset
Specify the offset distance for the crop. This creates the crop line at the specified offset distance
from the outermost part.
Edge Distance
This is the distance from the edge of the sheet where the crop cut begins. When the remnant must
remain attached to the skeleton, this creates a small tab at the specified distance from the edge of
the sheet between the remnant and the skeleton.
Create Remnant
Select to make a remnant from the cropped sheet. This tracks the remnant as part of the sheet's his-
tory and put the remnant in the sheet's library as part of available stock.
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Unique Sheets
Select to create each remnant as a unique sheet. The sheet parameters dialog is displayed to enter
a sheet name or allow SigmaNEST to automatically create the unique sheet name.
Create Remnant of the Drop-outs
Select to create a remnant from the drop-outs or internal contours. The dropouts are tracked as part
of the sheet's history. The drop-out remnants are entered into the sheet's library as available stock.
Selecting Create Remnants from Drop-outs enables the Minimum Dropout area text box.
Minimum Dropout Area
Enter the minimum area of a drop-out that is used for a remnant. The system does not make rem-
nants from any dropout smaller than the area specified.
Add Lead–in Offset
Select to add a crop line offset to clear part lead–in.
Part Border Offset
Enter a distance value to enable the crop line around the .
Add Lead–in Pierce Bubble Zone
Select to add a lead–in for the piercing zone where material splatter may occur.
Pierce Bubble Size
Enter the value for the pierce bubble.
Lead–in
Select from the drop down box one of the following lead–in types. The lead–in type and value
No Lead–in
Select to have no lead–in applied.
Lead–in
Select to apply a normal lead–in type.
Reversed Lead–in
Select to apply a reversed lead–in type. Reverse lead–in is used to adjust for cutting
thicker materials before approaching contours to cut.
Line Line Lead–in
Select to apply an additional line length for the lead–in.
Reverse Line Line Lead–in
Select to apply a reverse line line lead–in. The reverse line lead–in is used to adjust
for cutting of thicker materials.
Lead–in Length
Enter the length for the lead–in. For Line Line lead–in numeric boxes are enabled.
Lead–out
Select from the drop down box one of the following lead–out types.
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No Lead–out
Select to have no lead–out applied.
Lead–out
Select to apply a normal lead–out type.
Reversed Lead–out
Select to apply a reversed lead–out type. Reverse lead–out is used to reduce cut-
ting debris.
Line Line Lead–out
Select to apply an additional line length to the normal lead–in length.
Reverse Line Line Lead–out
Select to apply a reverse line line lead–in. The reverse line lead–out is used to
adjust for cutting of thicker materials.
Lead–out Length
Enter the length for the lead–out. For Line Line lead–out numeric boxes are enabled.
Do Height Sensing
Select to enable height sensing to occur for the crop cuts. Enabled the last height sensing value is
retained before the cutting head is moved outside the sheet perimeter.
Multiple Torch Crop
Multiple torches can be used to crop the sheet. Enter the following parameters. Multi-torch crop-
ping is available for multi head processes.
Number of Torches
Specify the number of torches used to cut the nest.
Type
Select the multi torch crop type from the following.
Simultaneous
Enables the torches to crop at the same time.
Sequential
Enables each torch to cut before moving on to the next section.
Torch Spacing
Enter the distance between each torch.
Separation Crop
Separation Type
Select from the following the separation type for the sheet crop line.
Marking
Select to enable a marking to be applied to the crop line.
Cutting
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Separation Sequence
Select from the following the crop line separation type for the parts.
First
Select to enable crop lines between part priority values. The parts are separated by
their due dates and priorities.
Between Work Orders
Select to enable crop lines to separate the parts by work orders.
Combo Crop
Combo Crop is recommended to create crops in both Horizontal and Vertical directions.
The following options are available to customize the crop:
Lead-in Length: Enter the length of the desired lead-in length.
Line Length: Enter the distance for an extra lead-in length. This is used for a two step lead-in and is
added before the main lead-in length.
Lead-out Length: Enter the distance for the lead-out.
Crop Cut (Vertical Line): Select this option to create a Vertical Crop Cut
Number of Heads: Enter the number of cutting heads used to cut the scrap.
Head Spacing: Enter the spacing for the cutting heads.
Cutter Diameter: Enter the diameter of the cutting tool.
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Cancel: Select to exit the Combo Crop dialogue without saving changes.
OK: Select to save changes and exit the Combo Crop dialogue.
1. Select Clear Crop Cut from the current sheet from the Remnant ribbon on
the Nesting NC tab.
2. The NC crop cut is removed from the current sheet.
Cut Scrap
Selecting Cut Scrap displays the Scrap Cut Options dialog. Scrap Cut Options allows the user to
setup a strategy for cutting the material not used in the nest into scrap.
The following image illustrates scrap cut sections in red. The Work-space is updated when values
are changed in the Scrap Cut Options.
Global Settings: The global settings for the scrap cut options define the way the scrap is cut. Scrap
is cut before, during, or after the part is cut.
NC Position: Select from the drop down box.
First: Select to enable to cut scrap lines before cutting the parts.
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Last: Select to enable to cut scrap lines last after the parts are cut.
Progressive: Select to enable to cut scrap lines as the parts are being cut.
Horizontal Lead-in Side:Enter the value for the width of the scrap block size.
Snake: Select to apply a snake pattern head movement, from the machine origin, in
the horizontal direction.
Left to Right: Select to apply a left to right head movement in the horizontal direc-
tion.
Right to Left: Select to apply a right to left head movement in the horizontal direc-
tion.
Block Length: Enter the value for the length of the scrap block size. See image below, black arrows.
Block Width: Enter the value for the width of the scrap block size. See image below, black arrows.
Vertical Lead-in Side:Enter the value for the length of the scrap block size.
Snake: Select to apply a snake pattern head movement, from the machine origin, in
the vertical direction.
Left to Right: Select to apply a left to right head movement in the vertical direc-
tion.
Right to Left: Select to apply a right to left head movement in the vertical direc-
tion.
Stop Before Scrap: Select to stop the machine for part removal before proceeding to scrap cutting.
Trim Leads: Check the position box to trim the lead-in to the known edge of the sheet. The position
is referenced from the machine origin.
Sheets: Select to apply the global scrap settings to all sheets or only to the current sheet.
Sheet Edge Settings: Sheet edge settings allows the operator to define scrap line lead-ins/lead-
outs and scrap edge distances including height sensing.
Include Sheet Edge Scrap Lines: Enables sheet edge parameters.
Sheet Lead-in Type: Select from the following lead-in types.
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Reverse Line Line Lead–in: Select to apply a reverse line line lead–in. The reverse
line lead–in is used to adjust for cutting of thicker materials.
Sheet Lead-out Type: The Sheet Lead-out options are the same as Sheet Lead-in types. Select from
the above options as Sheet Lead-in Types.
Lead-in Length: Enter the length of the scrap cut lead-in length.
Lead-out Length
Enter the length of the scrap cut lead-out length.
Edge Distance: Enter the value distance to stop cutting before getting to the edge of the sheet.
Do Height Sensing: Select to enable height sensing for the sheet. Rapids out to the edge distance
and freezes the head position, then rapids out to the lead-in position for the scrap cut and turns on
height sensing.
Lead-out to Sheet Edge: Select to cut from the part to the edge of the sheet when scrap cutting.
Part Edge Settings: Part edge settings allows the user to define clearance and lead-in/outs for
scrap cutting around the parts.
Include Part to Part Scrap Line:
Select to display the part to part scrap lines. The part to part scrap lines (red) are seen in the fol-
lowing image .
Part Lead-in Type: Select the lead-in type for scrap cutting around the part. Select one of the fol-
lowing options.
Part Lead-out Type: Select the lead-out type for scrap cutting from the part. Part Lead-out options
are the same as Part Lead-in options above.
Lead-in Length: Enter a value for the lead-in length of the scrap cut to the part. The second lead-in
length box is enabled when the Line Line Lead-in type is selected for the scrap cut.
Lead-out Length: Enter a value for the lead-out length of the scrap cut from the part.
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Part Clearance: Enter a value for the distance the scrap cut line will stop cutting before the part.
The following image displays the part contour (green) and the part clearance from the scrap cut line
(red). The scrap cut converts to a rapid (white).
Minimum Cut Length: Enter a minimum cut length value to allow a minimum starting length to cut
towards the part. Prevents cutting into the part when not enough distance is provided.
Progressive Scrap Cut Settings: Enable Progressive scrap cut in the global settings under NC Posi-
tion. Progressive scrap cut allows the machine process to cut scrap as the parts are cut. The fol-
lowing image displays an example. As the NC cutting occurs, from left to right, the scrap lines are
also being cut between the parts.
Gap Width: The distance between scrap lines that is not cut. The following image illustrates scrap
lines(red) with gap widths.
Single Sheet Edge Lead-out: Select to enable each scrap line to lead-out of the sheet. The fol-
lowing image displays the scrap cut lead-outs (red) past the sheet edge (blue).
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Create Gap Cut Lines: Select to enable cutting through the gap width distance. The following image
displays an arrow pointing to the gap cut line. A Cut Pickup Length value must be entered.
Overlap Scrap Width: Enter the distance represented by b, in the following image below, to come
back over the scrap line cut to ensure material separation.
Cut Pickup Length: Enter a value distance, represented by C in the following image below, to start
the cut before the gap width.
Multi Head Scrap Cut Settings: Select to enable multi head scrap cutting.
Apply Multi-head Scrap Cut: Select to apply a multi head scrap cut type.
Sort Sequence: Select one of the following sort sequence options to allow the machine to cut scrap
with the least amount of head position changes.
Keep Sequence: Select to keep the same head sequence for cutting scrap as for
cutting the parts. Keep Sequence causes the most head changes, which is the most
inefficient.
Max->Min: Select to go from max number of heads used to cut parts to a mini-
mum. The scrap is cut across the sheet where the same number of heads are
needed. Then reduced to the next number of heads used to cut scrap across the
sheet.
Min->Max: Select to go from minimum to maximum number of heads used for cut-
ting scrap across the sheet. Opposite functionality as the Max->Min function above.
Match Tolerance: Enter a distance value between the heads, that is considered to be within range,
to allow the heads to cut scrap without moving to another position.
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1. Select Manual Scrap Cut from the Remnant ribbon on the Nesting NC tab.
2. Right-click on the Work-space. The Cut Scrap dialog is displayed.
3. Enter the scrap cut parameters and select OK.
4. Left-click on the scrap line to adjust or move. The scrap line is anchored to the cursor.
5. Move the cursor to the new position and right-click. The scrap line is placed at the new
position.
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Punching
The Punching functions are displayed when a punching machine is defined in the configuration. The
following functions are available on the Punching ribbon.
Auto Tool (See page 319) Active Turret (See page 352)
Tool Manager (See page 320) Assign Tools (See page 353)
Common Line Punch (See page 328) Tool Sort (See page 354)
Punch Setup (See page 329) Add Tab (See page 357)
Punch Parameters (See page 329) Delete Tab (See page 357)
Single Punch (See page 346) Display Tab Points (See page 357)
Nibble Entity (See page 346) Edit Punch (See page 358)
Punch Point to Point (See page 348) Punch Explode (See page 359)
Punch Slots & Holes (See page 350) Add Drill Parameter (See page 360)
Apply to Same (See page 352) Delete Drill (See page 360)
Auto Rivet (See page 361) Move Rivet (See page 362)
Manual Rivet (See page 362) Delete Rivets (See page 363)
Auto Tool
The Punching tab is not visible by default. Display the punching tab under More Commands under
the Quick Access Toolbar.
Automatic tooling examines the tools in the selected turret and the tool manager if the Use Global
Tools is selected in the Punching Setup dialog, under Turret Management.
Auto Tool always uses tools already in the current turret, and then empty positions in the tool sta-
tion are filled. When all positions are filled, unused tools are replaced if permitted by the Lock Base
Tools, under Turret Management.
The system always works on the principle of minimum tool change for any given task.
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Automatic tooling always tries to use the most suitable tool for the job. For example, when punch-
ing a rounded slot, the first choice would be an obround tool of the same size. If the Obround tool is
not available, the fewest hits as possible from a smaller Obround tool are used. If no Obround tool is
available, another reasonable approach is to use a circular tool for the ends and as few hits as pos-
sible from a rectangular tool for the interior.
Automatic tooling does not interfere with previously applied manual tooling. Manual Tooling per-
mits an operator to use manual tooling for a few critical areas or where there are unusual require-
ments, and then apply automatic tooling to quickly tool the rest of the part.
The granularity for manual and automatic tooling is the contour. Once manual tooling has been
applied to a contour, even if it is not fully tooled, it is off limits to automatic tooling.
If it is not possible to automatically tool the complete part, the operator is informed that tooling is
incomplete and the affected areas of the part are highlighted.
Automatic tooling is heavily influenced by the values specified in the Punching Parameters dialog.
Tool Manager
Tool Manager is used to define all tools and dies available to the punching process. Tool Manager
also defines the turret or rail with the tool station locations. There can be multiple turrets or rails
with different tool combinations. The main turret or rail configuration, which consist of tools used in
all of the punching tasks, is defined as the Standard turret or rail. The Tool Manager dialog has two
tabs, Tools and Dies.
The list of the tools and dies for the punching process are empty when tool Manager is opened for
the first time. Tools and dies have to be created and defined.
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Tools and Dies Tabs: The Tools and Dies tabs displays lists or tools or dies along with their prop-
erties. When a tool or die is selected, a graphic representation of the tool is displayed in the top
right corner of the dialog box. Tabs beneath the list allow the user the option to view all or specific
tool or die types, such as round or square. In addition, the functions below are available to manage
the list.
Edit: Select to open the Special Tool Edit: Tools (See page 322) dialog or Special
Tool Edit: Dies (See page 325) dialog,depending on the current tab, which allows
the user to edit the selected tool or die.
New: Select to open the Special Tool Edit: Tools (See page 322) dialog and add a
new tool.
Copy: Select to copy the highlighted tool.
Tag: Select to open the Tool Tag (See page 327) dialog which can filter all the
tools down to those that match specified criteria, such as holder size or face type.
Delete: Select to delete the highlighted tool.
STD Shape: Select to open the Add Special Tool STD Shape (See page 76) dialog,
select a tool shape and create a new tool.
Tool Load: Tool station management is controlled from the lower portion of the Tool Manager
dialog. The Tool Station shows the assignment of tools to specific locations in the tool station and
provides all operations required to manipulate the configuration of the tool station. Multiple con-
figurations of a tool station can be maintained in a library, complete configurations can be copied
and modified to create new ones. Configurations from other systems can also be loaded.
Tools are loaded by selecting the tool from the upper window tool library and dragging the tool to
the lower window station position. The tool station size must match the tool holder size for the tool
to be accepted into the station position.
If Station IDs are not listed in the lower part of the Tool Manager dialog con-
tact SigmaTEK Support.
holder and tool. Select the icon to display the tool shape only or select the icon again to display
both the holder and the tool shape.
Copy: Select to save turret settings. A dialog box will open with a text box in which the name of the
turret setting can be entered.
Delete: Select one of the turret setting form the list and click Delete to permanently remove the
highlighted turret setting.
Print: Select to open the Tool and Turret Printing (See page 326) dialog.
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The Special Tool Edit dialog displays the properties of the tools and allows users to edit those prop-
erties and add tools.
Physical Tab
The Physical tab includes the Tool Name and description and displays a graphical representation of
the tool.
Miscellaneous Tab
The Miscellaneous tab contains the fields below.
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Check Tonnage: Select to have SigmaNEST run a check, based on a tool's dimen-
sions, to make sure the tool can perform properly with the given material thickness.
Causes Interference: Select if the tool needs the surrounding stations to be empty
when in a turret machine.SigmaNEST will only place these type of tools in the tur-
ret, when the stations in proximity are empty.
Tool Data 1-4: Select the ellipse button to open a dialog box in which tool data can
be entered or edited.
Usage: Select the manner in which the tool will be used from the drop-down list.
Avoid Type: The avoidance type defines how tools avoid raised or formed features.
It is set on the tool that creates the raised feature. SigmaNEST then determines
which other tools need to have their paths adjusted to avoid the feature.
Stripper: Select the type to specify by how much the tool must be raised to avoid
forming features. Setting a value other than default causes it to override the
machine’s default.
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Min. Form Overlap Factor: Enter the minimum distance the tool will need to
punch in order to create a consistent part from multiple punches.
Die Management: Select to use a die management system, then select the type of
system,either Select Die (See page 324) or Automatic Die Assignment. If Dedicated
Die is chosen, the die can be selected by clicking the icon to open the Select
Die (See page 324) dialog or the icon to add a new die.
Tool Specific Tolerance: Enter a positive and negative size difference to create the
maximum and minimum part size for which a tool can be used. Positive refers to
the outer tool tolerance;Negative to the inner.
Add Die
Select to open the Special Tool Edit: Dies (See page 325) dialog and add a die.
Cancel
Select to close the Special Tool Edit dialog without saving any changes.
OK
Select to close the Special Tool Edit dialog saving all changes.
Select Die
The Select Die dialog lists available dies, along with their ID, Description, clearance and clearance
percentage.
Select a die from the list to view its properties or select Add Die to open the Special Tool Edit:
Dies (See page 325)dialog and add a new die.
The list of dies can be filter by entering one of the following properties and clicking the Filter
button. parameter into one of the following
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The Special Tool Edit dialog for dies lists the dies in a side panel. Click on any tool in the list to see
and edit the properties of that tool, along with a graphical representation of the tool. The following
properties are listed:
Available:Select to make the die available to all tools.
Die Name:Enter a name for the die.Duplicate die names are permitted. When Automatic Die Name
is not selected any name may be entered.
Die Description:Enter a description for the die.
Die Data 1-4: Select the ellipse button to open a dialog box in which die data can be entered or
edited.
Die Clearance:Enter the die clearance. In SigmaNEST, the die clearance refers to the space needed
on each side. For example if the total clearance is 16% enter 8% .
Compatibility:Select the machine for which the die is compatible.
Holder Size:Select the holder size for which the die is compatible.
Dedicated Tool:Displays the tool's dedicated die, if applicable.
Clearance Tolerance:Enter the clearance tolerance or use the Die Tolerance Calculator (See page
326) to calculate the tolerance.
Guide Key Type:Enter the die's guide key type , either Male, No Key or Female.
Cancel
Select to close the Special Tool Edit dialog without saving any changes.
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OK
Select to close the Special Tool Edit dialog saving all changes.
Using the Die Tolerance Calculator, calculates for the range of thickness beyond the nominal thick-
ness that a die can handle.
1. Enter the tool diameter.
2. Enter the material.
3. Click the Reset button to calculate
4. Click Update to save the changes and
5. Click Close to exit the dialog and add the values to the Clearance Tolerance %.
For the example below, a tool with a diameter is .250 will be used. The material is mild steel.
The nominal material thickness for 10 GA is .135 so expanding the range to cover .133 min to .137
max will calculate the tolerance required. After entering the information, the values of .1203 looser
and .1168 tighter are produced and added to the Clearance Tolerance % when the dialog is closed.
The Tool and Turret Printing dialog contains function for printing previewing tools and turret
reports.
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Tool Tag
The Tool tag dialog filters all the tools down to those that match specified criteria, such as holder
size or face type. Checking the box next to the parameter and entering the value allows the user to
selectively group multiple tools for editing.
Holder Size: Enter the value of the holder to determine if the tool will fit into the turret station.
Length: Enter the length of the tool.
Width: Enter the width of the tool
Stripper: Select a value from the drop down list to specify by how much the tool must be raised to
avoid forming features. Setting a value other than default causes it to override the machine’s default.
Face Type: Face Type values are presently provided as information for post NC programs for
machine types to determine tool tonnage capabilities.
Usage: The usage specifies the most advanced usage the tool is capable of. Usage is not the
expected usage in any particular nest. Specifying the tool’s greatest capabilities permits the auto-
matic tooling algorithm to use the tool most effectively.
Lesser capabilities are always assumed. Thus a smaller parting tool may be used for nibbling, but a
single hit tool is never used for nibbling on a part’s outer contours.
Compatibility: Select the machine type the tool is used in.
Guide Key Type: Pin and Key angles are determined from the bottom of the tool counter-clockwise.
Male: Select Male if the tool has a male guide type, if male is selected, a pin angle must be sup-
plied.
Pin Angle: Enter the pin angle. The below diagram illustrates a male pin key with a pin angle at 90º.
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Max. Merge Distance: Enter the maximum distance two punches can be apart and still be able to be
considered for merged hits.
Merge Directions: Enter the direction to allow punches to merge hits, either Horizontal, Vertical,
Horizontal and Vertical or All Directions.
Compound Tool Merge
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Punch Setup
Setup is used to set Multiple Machine Code and defining the turret management.
Multiple Machine NC Code: Select to enable when the part is pre-tooled for more than one
machine, the NC code for all the machines is saved with the part. Switching from one machine to
the other retrieves the NC code saved for that machine.
Machine: Select the machine type from the drop down box before tooling the part. If the tool is to
be tooled for different machines select each machine and then tool the part for each machine type,
then enable the above Multiple Machine NC Code function.
Process: Select the process used before tooling the part.
Post: Displays the current post selected.
Cutting Zone X: Displays the cutting zone for the X (width) dimension
Cutting Zone Y: Displays the cutting zone for the Y (length) dimension
Turret Management (For Punch Machines): Turret management is displayed for router and punch
type machines with turrets.
Combine With Floor Turret: This parameter applies to the tooling of this one part only.
Use Global Tools: Select Use Global Tools allows SigmaNEST to automatically place any required
tools that are in the tool manager in the turret. If Use Global Tools is not selected only the tools in
the specified turret are used. If a required tool is not in the turret, tooling fails.
Check Die: Select check die to have a tool with a corresponding die be placed in the turret. When it
is not selected, this check is not performed.
Lock Base Tools: Tools in the base turret are not exchanged or replaced when selected.
Look-Up Base Turret: Selecting Look Up Base Turret assigns a specific base turret according to the
material and thickness of the part.
Base Turret: Select the base turret from the drop down list, for the Look-Up Base Turret parameter.
Cancel: Select to close the NC Options dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the NC Options dialog saving all changes.
Punch Parameters
Punch parameters are defined by the following categories: General , which defines tool tolerances,
interferences, limits, and tooling strategies,General Parting, which defines contour tooling, parting,
and grid punching, Auto Tooling, which defines the tool overlaps, destruct limits, and tool
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preferences, and Tabbing which defines tab strategy and tab definition parameters. For more
detailed information, see the links below.
General
Punching Tolerances
Tool Tolerance: This value is the tolerance between the tool size and the entity size. If the tool
matches the entity's size within this positive or negative tolerance, then the tool is used to punch
the entity. The value is always entered as a positive value.
Angle Tolerance: The Angle Tolerance value defines the tolerance, of the angle of the tool and the
angle of the contour to be punched, is within plus or minus the tool angle. When the angle is within
the tolerance value of the tool, the tool is used to cut the contour. The angle tolerance is always
specified as a positive value.
Same Tool Tolerance: If the dimensions of two tools are the same within this positive or negative
tolerance, then either tool is used to cut the contour. The tolerance is always specified as a positive
value.
Tooling Parameters
Minimum Circular Parting Area (MCPA): The MCPA is used to part and tab when the destruct
requirements are not met. The following image illustrates the Minimum Circular Parting Area
(MCPA). For example, setting the MCPA to 3 will allow all internal circular areas larger than or equal
to 3 to be parted. Increasing the value to 4 will prevent the parting destruct to be applied to the
two smaller areas.
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Internal hole areas smaller than the MCPA value can be single tooled or
destructed depending on tool availability.
In the above figure, a represents the maximum external protrusion value. This is the maximum
amount by which the tool (in black) can protrude from the edge of the part contour (gray) when tool-
ing an external contour. It applies to single hit tools creating an external relief.
Max. Internal Protrusion Limit
In the above figure, a represents the maximum internal protrusion value. This is the maximum
amount by which the tool (in black) can protrude from the edge of the part contour (gray) when tool-
ing an internal contour.
The maximum internal protrusion limit is applied regardless of how much of the area defined by the
internal contour has already been tooled. If the punch hit shown in the diagram happens to be the
first internal contour hit, then there is, in fact, no protrusion, but SigmaNEST always applies the limit
from the contour, regardless of what has already been tooled.
Min. Tool Overlap Limit: This is the minimum amount by which two tool hits must overlap each
other.
Parting Interference Dist.
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The above image illustrates the Part Interference Distance (PID), represented by the distance
between the arrows. The PID value is the distance beyond the part contour (gray) that is allowed to
be removed and still be in tolerance.
Corner Radii Tooling
When corner radii tooling is selected then a tool with multiple radii for tooling an arc corner (e.g. fil-
let or concave edge) is used if available. The above image illustrates the use of a selected multiple
radii tool (black) applied to the corner of a part (green).
If corner radii tooling is not selected then the corner will probably be tooled with a small radius nib-
bling tool instead.
Allow Symmetric Overhang
When Allow Symmetric Overhang is selected, a tool (above image, in green) is permitted to over-
hang the edge of a protrusion (above image, black) when tooling its plateau surface. The symmetric
overhang is represented by a (in the above image). The illustrated angle must be greater than 180º
on both sides of the protrusion for the symmetric overhang setting to be in effect. When this field is
not selected then multiple hits from a smaller tool are used to avoid overhangs.
Ignore Corner Tabs: Applies to single hit tooling only. Select Ignore corner tabs to allow a defined
corner tab to be removed with a single hit. Not selecting Ignore corner tabs will preserve the
corner tabs with multiple hits.
Ignore Regular Tabs: Applies to single hit tooling only. Select Ignore regular tabs to allow defined
regular tabs to be removed with a single hit. Not selecting Ignore regular tabs will preserve regular
tabs with multiple hits.
Check for Floating Scrap: Floating scrap can occur when a series of punch hits leaves some free
floating material. Since it is free floating, it can interfere with subsequent punching operations.
Selecting this field causes the automatic tooling algorithm to check for and inform the operator
when floating scrap occurs. When floating scrap is found, the operator uses manual tooling to
ensure that floating scrap does not occur. The check is only made for automatic tooling.
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Grid Punching
Grid Punching is available for machines with post files that have defined grid
punch parameters. The post version (PSTTYPE) needs to be SNPOST3.DLL for grid
punching to be enabled.
Grid Punching is applied to single parts. Grid punching is a grid of uniformly spaced hits by the same
tool at a constant pitch in the x and y directions.
Activate Grid Punching: Select grid punching and SigmaNEST will automatically recognize the grid
patterns.
The displayed NC tool path shows a rapid move to and from the start of the grid and no moves to
the rest of the features in the grid.
Grid Rows: Define the minimum and maximum number of extra rows to apply grid punch.
Grid Columns: Define the minimum and maximum number of extra columns to apply grid punch.
When defining the min values, the max value will automatically advance to
the min value if the max value is less than the min value.
The diagram below illustrates grid punching. When the settings are set to 2 extra rows and 3 extra
columns, SigmaNEST will apply the grid punching to the part from the designated coordinate
(shaded contour).
General Parting
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No Outside Sheet Tooling: Select No Outside Sheet Tooling to ensure tooling does not take place
on the edges of parts that coincide with the edge of the sheet.
L Cutout Pre-Parting: L cutout pre-parting determines whether and under what circumstances L
shaped cutouts are tooled before other external contours.
Off: Select Off to allow L-shaped cut-outs not to be tooled before other external
contours.
Only Corner Tabbed: Select Only Corner Tabbed to allo w contours forming L-
shaped cutouts and that have tabs to be tooled first.
All Edges: When set to All Edges, all contours that form part of an L-shaped cut-out
are tooled before other external contours and those cut-out contours that have
corner tabs are also tooled before cut-out contours that do not have corner tabs.
Sheet Squaring: Select Sheet Squaring to allow SigmaNEST to square the sheet using the contours
of the nested parts. Allows uniformed remnants to be created.
Parting
Horizontal Only
Vertical Only
Orthogonal Horizontal First
Orthogonal Vertical First
Select Preserve Tabs When Squaring to keep all tabs intact while squaring.
Destruct Mode Squaring
Select which edges will be
punched by checking the appro-
priate boxes.
Click on the buttons on either
end of the rectangles rep-
resenting the sides to .....................
Destruct
Destruct: The destruct parameters determines how and when material is destroyed.
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Max. Rectangular Area: Max Rectangular Area specifies that rectangular areas larger than this are
not destroyed.
Max. Circular Area: Max Circular Area specifies circular areas larger than the Max Circular Area
value, are not destroyed.
Max. Rough Scallop: The Rough Scallop value determines the maximum scallop height permitted
when destroying inside contours.
In the diagram below a is the rough scallop. Because these are purely internal material destruction
hits, it does not matter that the scallop value is large. The regular scallop value b is much smaller
because these hits determine the finish of the internal contour.
Filleted Rect. Destruct: Selecting one of the following drop down values, Long Strips or Short Edge
Trim, determines the tooling direction for the material destruction.
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For example, the part diagram, above left, might be tooled as shown when in the box tooling is not
selected.
When in the box tooling is selected it is likely to be tooled as shown in the diagram above right.
Over Punch Length: Over Punch length controls the amount of material that is removed by in the
box tooling. When it is set to 0, the block of material removed is flush with the adjacent external
contours. Illustrated in the In the Box Tooling right diagram.
When the over punch length is greater than zero it specifies how far the block of removed material
extends beyond the adjacent external contours, see the following image.
Flex Boundary: Selecting Flex Boundary allows the tool to apply hits outside of the part boundaries
during a destruct. See image below.
If Flex boundary is off only the Over punch length will be used for a tool protrusion limit. If flex
boundary is active the Max External protrusion limit will be considered and a value in between the
two limits will be considered for the external protrusion
Unidirectional Destruct
Select to apply the destruct sequence in one direction.
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Max No. of Destruct Rings: When destroying a circular area, this is the maximum number of rings
of hits that are permitted.
Min. Destruct Tool Width/Length: The value is the tool width expressed as a percentage of the
tool length. A square is 100%. A tool that is four times as long as it is wide is 25%. It is used to elim-
inate from consideration very thin tools that would cause excessive lateral loading of the tool. If a
value of 75% is specified, for example, then only tools that have a width that is 75% of their length
or higher (nearly square) are considered as candidates for material destruction. The constraint can
also be specified as:
(tool width / tool length x 100) >= this field's value
Max. No. of Destruct Lines: When destroying a rectangular area, this is the maximum number of
lines of hits that are permitted. It is similar in concept to the maximum number of destruct rings
that is described above.
Special Tool Nibbling
Tools must be defined with advanced usage for nibbling and parting.
Specifies that special tools can be used for nibbling. If an arc edge is being nibbled then a special
tool with a suitable arc can be selected. If a straight edge is being nibbled then a rectangular special
tool is selected. If special tool nibbling is not selected, then special tools are not considered for nib-
bling.
If corner radii tooling is selected it always takes precedence over special tool nibbling. For example,
if corner radii tooling and special tool nibbling are both selected, then the tool selection sequence
is:
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Select Special Tool Destruct for circular destructs on contours. A Multi radii tool (above image) is
used for circular destructs.
Complex Auto Destruct: Select Complex Auto Destruct for non standard shapes, for example the
illustration below.
Destruct Strategy: Select one of the destruct strategies below
Use Best: Allows SigmaNEST to determine the best strategy, based on number of
hits.
Max Area: Uses the largest tools available.
X Axis: Creates hits along the x axis.
Y Axis: Creates hits along the y axis.
Max Length: Creates hits beginning along the longest edge.
Min Edge to Recognize: Enter the size of the smallest edge to recognize when punching.
Max Edge # for Linear Nibble: Enter the maximum number of edges a special tool can have to be
considered for use in complex auto destruct.
Parallel Edges Tolerance: Enter the maximum angle two lines can be to each other and still be con-
sidered a parallel line.
Auto Tooling
Corner Overlap Distance: The corner overlap distance is usually just enough to ensure a clean
punch of the corner.
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Nibble Type
Select one of the following nibble types from the drop down box.
Conventional : Hits along
the punch line in a simple
first to last sequence.
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Max. Scallop: Enter the Maximum Scallop height of submachine between successive hits of a round
tool moving along a linear edge, or between rectangular tools moving along a curved edge. The Max-
imum Scallop height is represented by a in the following diagram.
Maximum Circular Relief Diameter: When the part’s edge arc diameter exceeds this value it is nib-
bled even though there may be a tool large enough to punch it in a single hit. This is done because
the protrusion of a large part beyond the edge of a part prevents close nesting of parts.
For example, if this value is set to 1 inch and there is a 2 inch relief on the part, then even though
there may be a 2 inch circular tool available, the relief will be nibbled.
Maximum Side Tooling Length: This is the maximum length of a rectangular tool that may be used
on its short edge or width—typically to punch a notch.
The diagram below a represents the tool length. The maximum side tooling length is the maximum
value of a that can be used for side tooling. The topmost hit is a side tooling hit, because it removes
material with its side edge only.
Max Tool Overlap Percentage: These maximum overlaps are expressed in terms of percentages of
the tool length. There is an additional maximum value for lateral tolerance. This applies when mate-
rial is destroyed and specifies the overlap between the parallel punching lines used to destroy the
material.
Dial in the percentage value for each tool or select the value and type in the new value.
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Arc Tooling Preference: The arc tooling preference specifies the preferred order in which tool
shapes are considered for tooling concave and convex arcs.
Select from the drop down boxes, the following Arc Tooling preferences for each order: first (1), sec-
ond (2), and third (3).
Rnd : round
Sqr : square
Rec : rectangle
Obr : obround
Selecting a shape more than once in either the Concave Arc or Convex Arc
columns will cause a warning to be displayed when the settings are saved.
Tabbing
Auto Tabbing: Select Auto Tabbing to allow tabs to be placed on all parts according to the def-
inition and strategy
Tab Definition: Use Dedicated Tab Tool: When selected a specific tool is used to create the tab.
When not selected the parting tools are used to create the tab.
Min. Tab Tool Overlap
Minimum tab tool overlap value allows a minimum distance to be designated to prevent floating
scrap to occur. The above image illustrates the overlap value (b), is the value the parting tool
overlaps the tabbing tool(a), to prevent floating scrap(shaded area).
Linear Tab Width: The simple width of the tab measured along the punching line.
Linear Tab Style: Select one of the values from the drop down box. The following descriptions and
diagrams describe each selection. The following icon represents a tab. The contours are rep-
resented in black and the tools in green.
Simple Tab: Specifies that no tab tool is used. The parting tool simply leaves a tab
width gap between two of its hits.
Begin Delay Tab: Begin Delay Tab is used with or without a dedicated tab tool. Ini-
tially a gap the width of the tab plus the width of the tool used to create the tab is
retained, then at the end, the tab tool returns to strike before the tab in the direc-
tion of motion. The top part of the above diagram shows the use of a parting tool
and the bottom part of the above diagram, a dedicated tab tool. In both cases the
tab hits are represented by shaded shapes and the direction of motion is from left
to right.
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End Delay Tab: The End Delay Tab can be used with or without a dedicated tab
tool. Initially a gap the width of the tab plus the width of the tool used to create
the tab is retained, then at the end, the tab tool returns to strike after the tab in
the direction of motion. The above top diagram shows the use of a parting tool, and
the above bottom diagram shows a dedicated tab tool. In both cases the tab hits
are represented by shaded shapes and the direction of motion is from left to right.
Double Delay Tab: The Double Delay Tab can be used with or without a dedicated
tab tool. Initially a gap the width of the tab plus twice the width of the tool used to
create the tab is retained. At the end, the tab tool returns to strike both before and
after the tab, in the direction of motion. This creates a single double width tab. The
top above diagram shows the use of a parting tool and the bottom diagram, a ded-
icated tab tool. In both cases the tab hits are represented by shaded shapes and
the direction of motion is from left to right.
Twin Delay Tab: The twin Delay Tab can be used with or without a dedicated tab
tool. Initially a gap the width of the two tabs plus the width of the tool used to
create the tab is retained. At the end, the tab tool returns to strike in the middle of
the remaining material. This creates two tabs. One on each side of the final hit. The
first above top diagram shows the use of a parting tool and the bottom diagram
shows a dedicated tab tool. In both cases the tab hits are represented by shaded
shapes and the direction of motion is from left to right.
The minimum width of a tab created on an arc. The above diagram shows the Circular Tab Width
between the vertical lines.
Corner Tab Style: Select a value from the drop down list to determine the way corner tabs are
created.
Symmetric Tab: The tab width is divided so that half the specified width occurs on
each side. The symmetry setting is ignored if one side can be tooled with a single
hit.
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Auto Longest: Auto Longest tabs are applied to the longest side of the corner. If
both sides leading to a selected corner are the same length, then a symmetric tab
is used. This is illustrated, at the top left, in the following diagram.
Corner Tab Width: The width of the tab material left on the side of the material, adjacent to a
corner, for tabs that occur before and after a corner. For a symmetrical tab the remaining material on
each side of the corner is half this value.
Tabbing Strategy: Tabbing Strategy is only active when Auto Tabbing is selected.
Tab Type
Number: The number of tabs are placed at approximately equal distances around
the perimeter of the part.
Spacing: When Spacing is selected, the Tab Spacing field is also completed and
tabs are placed around the perimeter of the part at intervals of approximately this
distance.
Corners: Corners specifies that tabs must be placed on corners where possible.
The nominal tab spacing distance and the tab search distance must also be sup-
plied. The way these values are used to determine actual tab positions is described
in the Corner Tab Placing Algorithm (See page 345).
Fixed: Tabs are placed at fixed distances from each other (Tab Spacing). This dis-
tance is maintained even when the Move Tabs Away from Corners attribute is set.
The whole set of tabs along an entity may be moved to move a tab away from a
corner, but the distance between each is maintained.
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Equal Spacing: Equal Spacing sets the tabs equidistant from one another along
each side.
Lead-out Tab: Lead-out Tab creates a single tab between lead-in and lead-out.
Min. Tabbed Entity Length: Tabs are not placed on entities that are shorter than this length.
Number of Tabs: Enter the number of tabs to use for parts.
Minimum Number of Tabs: The minimum number of tabs that must be placed on the part. If nec-
essary, other parameters, such as tab spacing, are ignored in order to ensure that the minimum
number of tabs are placed.
Tab Spacing: Desired distance between tabs.
Tab Search Percentage: This is the percentage of the tab spacing distance that the tab placement
algorithm will use to search forwards or backwards from the nominal distance specified by the tab
spacing value in order to find a good tab position.
For example, if the tab spacing parameter specifies that tabs should be placed 50 units apart and the
search percentage is 50 percent, then the tab placement algorithm will use any good tab position
between 25 and 75 units from the previous tab.
The tab placing algorithm has more flexibility when the tab search percentage is large.
Tab Lines
All Lines: This option allows tabs to be placed on all of the line types according to
the Tab Type and Spacing selected.
Only Horizontal: The horizontal option places the tabs along horizontal sides of
the part according to the Tab Type and Spacing selected.
Only Vertical: The vertical option places the tabs along vertical sides of the part
according to the Tab Type and Spacing selected.
Only Horizontal and Vertical: This option places tabs along the horizontal and ver-
tical sides of the parts only according to the Tab Type and Spacing selected.
Move Tabs Away From Corners: If the normal tab spacing algorithm places a tab right next to a
corner, the selection of this attribute equalizes the spacing between the tabs on this edge to move
it away from the corner.
This option may also be selected when the tab type is set to Corners. In this case, true corners are
tabbed, but tabs are moved away from corners with arcs. This is illustrated in the following diagram,
where the right-most tabis moved away from the corner with an arc, the left-most tabis placed on
the corner.
Tab Arcs
Tab Arcs: Tabs are placed on the arcs according to the tab parameters selected.
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Cancel: Selecting Cancel closes the punching parameters dialog not saving any changes made.
Save: Selecting Save closes the punching parameters dialog saving all changes made.
Step 1:
All corners are evaluated and weighted based on factors such as whether it is con-
vex, the proximity of other entities to the corner and the length of the entity pre-
ceding and following the corner.
Step 2:
The best corner is selected for the first tab.
Step 3:
The desired tab spacing is used to select a candidate tab position at the specified
distance around the perimeter of the part.
Step 4:
The specified search percentage is used to search forward and backwards from the
candidate position for a suitable corner within that range.
Step 5:
If one corner is found within the search distance from the candidate position it is
used.
Step 6:
If more than one corner is found within the search distance from the candidate posi-
tion, the best one (with the highest weighting) is chosen.
Step 7:
If there are no corners within the search distance from the candidate position, a tab
is placed at or near the candidate position depending on attributes such as Min Tab
Entity Length, Tab Lines, Tab Arcs, etc.
Step 8:
The procedure continues by using the tab spacing distance to locate the next can-
didate position.
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Single Punch
Single Punch allows the user to manually set the tool for a contour. A secondary and auxiliary tool
assignment is available to define secondary or auxiliary tool hits.
1. Select Single Punch on the Punching ribbon from the Nesting NC tab. The current tool is
anchored to the cursor.
2. Hover over the contours and left-click the position to tool. The tool hit is placed at the posi-
tion selected. Repeat as necessary.
3. Change tools by selecting the drop down arrow next to the top current tool, in the control
panel on the left, and select a tool from the list. A tool can also be selected from the tool
manager by selecting Select Tool.
4. Select Esc to end the function.
Current Tool: The top tool is the current tool. To select a different tool select the drop down arrow,
if the desired tool is not listed select Select Tool and the tool manager dialog is displayed. Select a
tool to use from the tool manager.
Secondary Tool: To define a secondary tool select a tool from the drop down arrow on the right
side of the secondary tool. To change the secondary Select Tool opens the tool manager dialog.
Select Clear Tool to clear the tool selection.
Auxiliary Tool: The auxiliary tool is for an additional tool needed for a third strike on the entity.
Select the Select Tool option and the tool manager dialog is displayed. Select a tool from the tool
manager. Select Clear Tool to clear the tool selection.
Nibble Entity
Nibble Entity allows the user to select a tool and apply a nibble pattern across the entire contour. A
secondary tool can be defined to provide a second tool hit. As the selected tool approaches the con-
tour the tool hits are placed across the contour. The placement of the sequence of tool hits is
defined with the following parameters.
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Current Tool: The top tool is the current tool. To select a different tool select the drop down arrow,
if the desired tool is not listed select Select Tool. The tool manager dialog is displayed, select a tool
to use.
Secondary Tool: Select the secondary tool from the drop down arrow on the right side of the punch-
ing option dialog. To select a tool from the tool manager select the Select Tool and the tool man-
ager is displayed.
The secondary tool can be selected to be used At Start or At End or both.
Punch Sequence: The drop-down list, after the secondary tool, is the point to point sequence.
Select one of the following values:
Conventional: Conventional hits along the punch line in a simple first to last
sequence.
Bridge Punch: Bridge Punch hits along the punch line in a first to last sequence
with alternating full and partial hits.
Bridge Forward: Bridge (Forward) hits along the punch line in a first to last
sequence using full hits and then makes partial hits in the same sequence.
Bridge Back: Bridge (Back) hits along the punch line in a first to last sequence
using full hits and then makes partial hits in last to first sequence.
Spacing Mode: Spacing Mode is used in conjunction with Line Tooling. Select the type of tool spac-
ing.
Min Step: The distance between tool hits, specified in the selected system
units. Note that if the distance is greater than the dimension of the tool, there is
no overlap. There are gaps between the hits.
Scallop: The scallop height that results from successive hits of a round tool,
specified in the selected system units.
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Arc Tooling: The arc tooling value is always specified as a maximum permitted scallop height. The
actual scallop height may be smaller, depending on the geometry of the arc and the size of the tool.
Side: The side parameter specifies the relationship between the entity and the nibbling hits. It only
applies to lines. Auto Side is always in effect for arcs.
Punch On Entity: Punch on Entity specifies that the center-point of the tool
strikes the contour. This is illustrated in the next diagram.
Punch Left: Punch Left specifies that the tool strikes on the left of the contour
when moving in its direction of travel.
Punch Right: Punch Right specifies that the tool strikes on the right of the
contour when moving in its direction of travel.
Auto Side: Auto Side determines the side of the contour the tool strikes is
the side the nibble run is placed by the mouse pointer.
Start/End Conditions: The start and end conditions specify the location of the start and end posi-
tions of a nibbling run. The numeric entry field, after the start and end conditions, permits a positive
or negative offset from the specified start and end locations. This may be used to overcome machine
tolerances. For each condition specify the type of start and end conditions.
Message Box: Tool messages are displayed, in red, at the bottom in the message box.
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Nesting NC
and select the point to start the tool path and slide the tool and left-mouse click the second point.
The tool path is displayed between the two points.
Current Tool: The top tool is the current tool. To select a different tool select the drop down arrow,
if the desired tool is not listed select Select Tool. The tool manager dialog is displayed, select a tool
to use.
Secondary Tool: Select the secondary tool from the drop down arrow on the right side of the punch-
ing option dialog. Select the Select Tool option and the tool manager dialog is displayed.
Select At Start or At End or both for the run specification.
Point to Point Sequence: The drop-down list, after the secondary tool, is the point to point
sequence. Select one of the following values:
Conventional: Conventional hits along the punch line in a simple first to last
sequence.
Bridge Punch: Bridge Punch hits along the punch line in a first to last sequence
with alternating full and partial hits.
Bridge Forward: Bridge (Forward) hits along the punch line in a first to last
sequence using full hits and then makes partial hits in the same sequence.
Bridge Back: Bridge (Back) hits along the punch line in a first to last sequence
using full hits and then makes partial hits in last to first sequence.
Spacing Mode: Spacing Mode is used in conjunction with Line Tooling. Select the type of tool spac-
ing.
Min Step: The distance between tool hits, specified in the selected system
units. Note that if the distance is greater than the dimension of the tool, there is
no overlap. There are gaps between the hits.
Scallop: The scallop height that results from successive hits of a round tool,
specified in the selected system units.
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Current Tool: The top tool is the current tool. To select a different tool select the drop down arrow,
if the desired tool is not listed select Select Tool. The tool manager dialog is displayed, select a tool
to use.
Secondary Tool: Select the secondary tool from the drop down arrow on the right side of the punch-
ing option dialog. Select the Select Tool option and the tool manager dialog is displayed.
Select At Start or At End or both for the run specification.
Point to Point Sequence: The drop-down list, after the secondary tool, is the point to point
sequence. Select one of the following values:
Conventional: Conventional hits along the punch line in a simple first to last
sequence.
Bridge Punch: Bridge Punch hits along the punch line in a first to last sequence
with alternating full and partial hits.
Bridge Forward: Bridge (Forward) hits along the punch line in a first to last
sequence using full hits and then makes partial hits in the same sequence.
Bridge Back: Bridge (Back) hits along the punch line in a first to last sequence
using full hits and then makes partial hits in last to first sequence.
Spacing Mode: Spacing Mode is used in conjunction with Line Tooling. Select the type of tool spac-
ing.
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Min Step: The distance between tool hits, specified in the selected system
units. Note that if the distance is greater than the dimension of the tool, there is
no overlap. There are gaps between the hits.
Scallop: The scallop height that results from successive hits of a round tool,
specified in the selected system units.
Arc Tooling: The arc tooling value is always specified as a maximum permitted scallop height. The
actual scallop height may be smaller, depending on the geometry of the arc and the size of the tool.
Message Box: Tool messages are displayed, in red, at the bottom in the message box.
Destruct
Select to apply a tooling destruct sequence to the sheet area and or internal part areas.
Auto Tool Select: Select Auto Tool Select to allow the system to automatically select the best tool
available that minimizes the number of hits.
Current Tool: The top tool is the current tool. To select a different tool select the drop down arrow,
if the desired tool is not listed select Select Tool. The tool manager dialog is displayed, select a
tool to use.
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Secondary Tool: Select the secondary tool from the drop down arrow on the right side of the punch-
ing option dialog. Select the Select Tool option and the tool manager dialog is displayed. Select
Clear Tool to clear the tool selection.
Auxiliary Tool: The auxiliary tool is for an additional tool needed for a third strike on the entity.
Select the Select Tool option and the tool manager dialog is displayed. Select Clear Tool to clear
the tool selection.
Dest. Min. Overlap: Enter the value for the minimum overlap between tool hits.
Dest. Max. Scallop: Enter the value of the maximum scallop height permitted during destruct.
Over Punch Length: Enter the value of the length the tool extends over the contour.
Over Punch Width: Enter the value of the width the tool extends over the contour.
Message Box: Tool messages are displayed, in red, in the message box at the bottom of the punch-
ing options dialog. When no error messages are visible the message box is not displayed.
Apply to Same
Apply to Same allows the user to select tooled contours and apply the pattern to selected internal
contours of similar parts. The internal contours of similar parts can be tooled quickly.
1. Select Apply to Same from the Punching ribbon on the Nesting NC tab.
2. Window around and left-mouse click the tooled contours to apply to similar internal part
contours.
3. Left-click each internal part contour or window around the contours.
4. Right-click and the selected contours are tooled.
5. Select Esc to end the function.
Active Turret
Select Active Turret to display the current active turret for the nesting layout. The Active Turret
function is similar to the Tool Manager. The turret cannot be changed when viewing the Active Tur-
ret.
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The tools in blue indicate they are used in the layout. Tools in bold indicate they are in the active
turret but not used. Tools can be removed, added, or the tool sequence changed. To edit the tools
in the upper dialog see Tool Manager.
Remove a tool from the Active Turret.
1. Left-click the tool to remove.
2. Select Remove Tool and the tool is removed.
3. Select Done to close the Active Turret dialog.
Add a tool to the Active Turret.
1. Left-click and hold on the tool to add to the Active Turret.
2. Drag the tool to the bottom dialog. The stations will indicate if the tool can be placed at the
selected location.
3. Drop to place the tool in the selected position.
4. Select Done to close the Active Turret dialog.
Assign Tools
Normally used for combo machines, Assign Tools to Contour displays the Standard Contour Tool
Assignment dialog. The dialog is separated into two listings. The upper listing displays the contours
by group type, dimension, and angle. The quantity column displays the number of times the com-
bination occurs in the nest.
The contours in red, in the upper listing (Contours), do not have a punch tool assigned and are pro-
file cut. The contour groups in black have punch tools assigned. Selecting the tool in the upper list-
ing, highlights the tool, in the turret location in the lower listing.
The lower listing (Tool Load) displays the assigned tools with the following attributes.
The tool can be edited from here by double-clicking on the tool. The Tool Edit dialog is displayed.
See Edit Tool.
Bold Highlight: Bold highlight defines the tool, in the lower listing, is used, but not
used on any of the upper contour types.
Teal Highlight: A teal highlight defines the tool is used with one contour type in
the upper listing. The contour group type may occur many times in the nesting lay-
out. The number of times is displayed in the quantity column. To remove or reas-
sign the tools left-mouse click on the tool in the lower listing and the contour
group is highlighted in the upper listing.
Blue Highlight: Blue highlighted tools are assigned to more than one contour
group type in the upper listing.
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3. The contour in the upper listing will highlight in red. The contour is no
longer punch tooled.
4. Select Done to create the revised NC path.
1. Left-click a tool from the lower listing and drag it to the upper listing on
the contour group to apply the tool.
2. If the contour type is highlighted in red the tool becomes the primary tool
for the contour group. The contour group is highlighted in black. If the con-
tour group is highlighted in black before applying the tool the tool
becomes a secondary tool for the contour group.
3. Select Done to create the revised NC path.
Turret: Select the turret button to display the tool manager. Tools can be added or edited, but you
cannot change the turret at this point. Tools in blue are tools used for the NC path of the current
nest. Tools in black are loaded in the turret but are not used.
Cancel: Selecting Cancel closes the Standard Contour Tool Assignment dialog without saving any
changes.
Done: Selecting Done saves any changes and closes the Standard Contour Tool Assignment dialog.
Tool Sort
Tool Sort is selected after auto tooling. Once the tools are selected for the contours in the nesting
layout they are sorted for efficiency. Selecting Tool Sort displays the Tool Sort dialog. The following
parameters and options set up the strategy and transition for applying tool sorting.
Tool List
The left side of the dialog displays the listing of the tools for the process. The upper right corner dis-
plays navigation arrows (see image below) to select an individual tool displaying the tool's orien-
tation .
The slide control (below image, right arrow) changes the visibility level of the Tool sorting window.
By selecting the tools in the list and with the visibility set low (bottom image, right arrow), the user
can step through and view the selected NC tool path (bottom image, middle arrow), on the nesting
Work-space (bottom image, left arrow).
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Sort Tools On: Select Current Sheet or All Sheets to apply the sorting to the current sheet or
sheets.
Group Strategy: The Group Strategy parameters groups the tools by characteristics and usage of
the tool and part. This flexibility enhances efficiency of the punching process.
Grouping Rule: Select the Grouping Rule type from the drop down box. The Grouping Rule allows
the operator to group tools to provide time utilization of tool changes. The following options are dis-
played.
Regular: Groups and displays the tools in the order of the Auto NC program.
Parting Angle: Groups and displays the tools used for parting parts according to
the angle of the part.
By Part: Groups and displays the tools needed to punch out a part.
All Internals First: Groups and displays the tools for internal contours.
Parting Internals First: Groups and displays the tools for internal parting contours.
Dedicated Countersink: Groups and displays the tools for countersink contours.
Max to Min #Heads: Groups and displays the tools by size from largest to smallest.
Min to Max #Heads: Groups and displays the tools by size from smallest to largest.
Horizontal Parting by Part : Groups and displays the tools for each part according
to horizontal parting.
External by Part: Groups and displays all external parting tools for each part. The
tool may be listed more than once.
Tool Independent: Displays each tool once in the listing even though they are
used more than once.
Sort By Tool Usage: Selecting Sort by Tool Usage displays the tools according to the order the
tools are used.
Separate By Tool Angle: Selecting Separate by Tool Angle displays a listing for each tool with
each angle.
Group By Tool: Selecting Group by Tool groups similar tools.
Group By Multi-tool: Selecting Group By Multi-tool displays the tools by multi-tool collections.
Sort Strategy
The Sort Strategy defines a tool change time utilization strategy.
Sort Pattern: Selecting from a sort strategy reduces time for tool changes. Select from the following
strategies:
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Nesting NC
Snake Vertically: The pattern follows an up, right, then down from left
to right pattern.
Vertical Typewriter: The pattern follows vertically from the lower left
upward, then down to the right.
Strip Width: The Strip Width value is enabled when the sort pattern is set to other than None.
Enter a numeric value to apply the sort strategy to a strip section. After the value is entered, select
the move strip lines button to reposition the visible strip lines on the Work-space.
Tool Transition Rule: Select from the following options to define the continuation of the punching
process after a tool change
Closest to Previous Hit: After the tool change the punching continues from the
last hit.
Fixed Transition Reference: Selecting Fixed Transition Reference displays a sheet
diagram below the drop down box. Selecting the check box positions defines the
tool transition to continue in a quadrant area. Selecting one check box defines a
quadrant, selecting two boxes defines an upper/lower or left/right side area.
Closest Transition Reference: Punching is continued from within the area closest
to the tool transition location. The last position punched is the area the machine
head will go to continue punching after the transition.
Apply To All Tools: Select Apply to All Tools to apply the sort strategy to the tools.
Apply Group and Strategy Sorting : Select the icon to apply the group and tool sort
strategy to the listing of tools.
Save as Default: Select to save the settings as the default settings for the tool sort strategy.
Cancel: Select Cancel to close the tool sorting dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select OK to close and save all changes to tool sorting.
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Nesting NC
Add Tab
Add Tab allows the user to place tabs on NC part contours. The part tooling is moved to display the
tab along with the addition symbol.
1. Select Add Tab icon on the Punching ribbon on the Nesting NC tab.
2. Left-click the tab on the part contour and the tab is placed at the selected location.
3. Select Esc to end the function.
Delete Tab
Delete Tab allows the user to remove tabs on NC part contours. The tab is displayed with the addi-
tion symbol.
1. Select Delete Tab icon on the Punching ribbon on the Nesting NC tab.
2. Left-click the tab on the part contour and the tab is removed.
3. Select Esc to end the function.
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Nesting NC
Edit Punch
Edit Punch allows the user to change tools for the NC punch contours of the current nest layout.
Cursor over the NC paths to display the primary tool for the NC path. Change the tool by selecting
the NC path.
The top of the Punching Options dialog, on the left, displays a down arrow to display a tool listing.
Select the tool and select the green check mark to save the selected tool for the NC path. Sec-
ondary and auxiliary tools can be assigned for multi-function tooling to individual contours.
Tool Viewer
Tool viewer displays the tools used in the NC nest. Select the tool from the listing and the NC path
that uses the selected tool is highlighted. The tool can be replaced with another tool or deleted to
be retooled.
Tool Listing: The listing displays all of the tools used in the nesting NC. Select the column icon
and select the columns to display from the drop down box. Column Listing (See page 21) has
additional information customizing column. Double-click the tool to open the tool edit dialog.
Tool Image Window: The selected tool is displayed in the image window.
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Nesting NC
Replace: Select to replace the tool with another tool in the turret. Select the alternate tool from
the turret and select OK, the tool is replaced.
Delete: Select Delete and OK to remove the tool from the NC path.
Cancel: Select to close the tool viewer without saving changes.
OK: Select to close the tool viewer saving any changes.
Punch Explode
Edit Punch provides the following actions to edit NC punch items for the current nest.
Punch Explode separates a group of NC tool hits into individual tool hits. The NC tool hits can then
be edited. The nest NC has to be Auto Tooled.
Refer to the below image. The first image on the left displays the NC tool path for multiple hits for
an obround geometry. The hits are all highlighted in one color, indicating the group of hits are
defined as one set. Select Punch Explode and select the group or window around the group with
the cursor (second from left image). Right-click to separate the group of NC tool hits. Select Edit
Punch and mouse over the NC tool hits. The NC tool hits are highlighted individually (Right image).
After the explode action is executed, the obround tool hits are individual NC tool hits. The NC tool
hits can be edited. Tools are accessed from the tool option window (displayed on the far right side,
see the below images.
Drill Parameters
Several drilling operations can be specified on this dialog and each one takes place in the correct
sequence. A pictorial representation of the specified parameters is shown in the upper right of the
dialog.
To see which holes have drilling attributes assigned, together with a pictorial representation of the
drilling attributes, select Attributes from the View menu at the top of the part mode work area.
Select the Process Tab at the top of the attribute dialog window. Select Show Drill Attributes.Drill
tolerances are global tolerances used to select a drill for the drill process.
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Nesting NC
Hole Type: Select the type of drilling operation from the drop down list. The Blind Hole option per-
mits the specification of a drilling depth, because it does not penetrate the bottom of the material.
Other options are Drill, Ream, and Punch.
Pre-drill: When PreDrill is selected, an initial hole that is normally smaller is drilled before the final
hole is. It is not necessary for the pre-drilled hole to extend through the material. It may be used to
just notch the surface, for example.
Secondary Drill: If Secondary Drill is selected a second hole is drilled prior to the main one. It may
be used with the pre-drill parameters to successively enlarge a hole to its final size.
Tap: Selecting Tap permits a coarse or fine thread of the specified diameter to be tapped into the
hole. The tap diameter corresponds to the thread's major diameter, whereas the hole diameter
(shown at the top right of the dialog) corresponds to its minor diameter.
Counter Sink: The counter sink angle is measured as illustrated in the following diagram. Either the
counter sink angle and the counter sink diameter or the counter sink angle and the counter sink
depth are sufficient to specify the counter sink. Thus if either the diameter or the depth is specified,
the other field automatically changes to a consistent value. In the image below, A is the counter
sink angle.
Counter Bore: A counter bore is essentially a counter sink with vertical walls.
Delete Drill
Select to remove a drill process.
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Nesting NC
1. Select the Delete Drill function from the Part Adv NC ribbon on the Parts tab.
2. Left-click or window around the contour to delete the drill process.
3. Right-click and the drill process is removed.
4. Select Esc to end the function. Save the change by selecting Update Current Part.
Auto Rivet
The riveting functions are used to create holes and/or add rivets or screws to multiple layers of
material that must be held down to a base board for cutting. For example, rivets are often used
when cutting multiple thin sheets of aluminum which must be attached to a base board to maintain
stability.
Auto Rivets allows the user to set default conditions for rivets and have them done on one sheet.
Rivet Size: Enter the size of the rivets.
Rivet Clearance: Enter the clearance distant that must be maintained between rivets and other enti-
ties.
Remove Rivets: Select Yes to remove rivets after cutting the parts or select No to leave the rivets
on the sheet.
Sheets: Specify the sheets to which the rivets will be applied, by selecting All Sheets or Current
Sheet.
Rivets
Drill and Rivet: Select to create a hole and add the rivet.
Drill Only: Select to create a hole for the rivet only. Drill Only is used when rivets
are drilled in by hand
Rivet Only: Select to place the rivet only. Rivet Only is often used when rivets or
screws are used which do not need holes cut prior to insertion.
Primary Rivets: Primary rivets are used to hold the sheet to the baseboard, usually in four corners
or a grid pattern. Each primary rivet is drilled then inserted in before moving to the next rivet posi-
tion.
Secondary Rivets are used to hold done internal contours and floating scrap. All secondary rivets
holes are drilled before any rivet is inserted.
Rivet Floating Scrap will add rivets to any floating scrap.
After selecting Secondary Rivets or Rivet Floating Scrap the following options are availabe for
those rivets:
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Nesting NC
Reach Radius: Enter the radius, the center will be the first rivet position, to remove
any rivets from that radis and reduce the number of unnecessary rivets.
Min Internal Contour Area: Enter the smallest internal contour for which a rivet
will be used.
Min Internal Contour Rivets: Enter the minimum number of rivets to use per count-
our.
Move Rivet
Select to move a rivet manually. When selected, a side panel will open with the options below. The
rivets can only be moved one at a time.
Move: Select to move a rivet anywhere on a sheet, regardless of clearance. Right-click once to
select a rivet and again to place it after it has been moved to the desired location.
Bump: The Bump function allows the rivets to be moved manually but ensures rivets are not within
a specified clearance distance from each other. The clearance can set in either the Manual Rivet
(See page 362) or Auto Rivet (See page 361) dialog.
Done: Select to save changes and exit the function.
Manual Rivet
The riveting functions are used to create holes and/or add rivets or screws to multiple layers of
material that must be held down to a base board for cutting. For example, rivets are often used
when cutting multiple thin sheets of aluminum which must be attached to a base board to maintain
stability.
Manual Rivet allows the user add individual rivets to sheets.
Rivet Size: Enter the size of the rivets.
Rivet Clearance: Enter the clearance distant that must be maintained between rivets and other enti-
ties.
Remove Rivets: Select Yes to remove rivets after cutting the parts or select No to leave the rivets
on the sheet.
Rivet Type: Select the rivet type from the two options below:
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Nesting NC
Primary Rivets: Primary rivets are used to hold the sheet to the baseboard, usually
in four corners or a grid pattern. Each primary rivet is drilled then inserted in before
moving to the next rivet position.
Secondary Rivets:Secondary rivets are used to hold done internal contours and
floating scrap. All secondary rivets holes are drilled before any rivet is inserted.
Rivets
Drill and Rivet: Select to create a hole and add the rivet.
Drill Only: Select to create a hole for the rivet only. Drill Only is used when rivets
are drilled in by hand
Rivet Only: Select to place the rivet only. Rivet Only is often used when rivets or
screws are used which do not need holes cut prior to insertion.
Delete Rivets
To delete an rivet or rivets, Select Delete Rivet from the Punch-Nest ribbon on the Nesting NC tab.
The side panel opens with selection actions listed below. Select part or parts and right-click to
delete rivet(s).
Selection Actions
Single: Select Single to delete a rivet on a single entity. Left-click to select the entity. Right-
click to delete the rivet. Select Done to save and exit.
Window: Select Window to delete rivets on select a group of entities, by creating a window
around them. Left-click and hold down to create a window around the objects. Right-click to delete
rivets from the selected entities. Select Done to save and exit.
Unselect: Select Unselect exclude an entity from the entities selected to have rivets deleted.
Left-click on the entity to exclude from deletion. Right-click to execute the deletion.
Done: Select Done to accept the current changes and close the side panel.
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Nesting Detail
Nesting Detail
l Nest (See page 169)
l Nesting Detail
l Detail (See page 366)
l Verify (Nesting) (See page 220)
l Parts Bar
Nesting Detail
The Nest Detail allows the user to detail, print, and or plot the nesting information. Select the fol-
lowing functions to enable the function.
Print
Select Print to display the Task Report Printing dialog.
Graphics Printer: Select the Graphics Printer button to display the Print Setup dialog. See Print
Setup for setting up the graphics printer selection.
Text Printer: Select the Text Printer button to display the Print Setup dialog. See Print Setup for set-
ting up the text printer selection.
Graphics Printing: Place a check mark in the box next to the word Graphics to print a graphic rep-
resentation of the nest.
Sequence Number: The Sequence Number report displays a graphic representation of the nest with
the pierce positions numbered. Sequence Number is enabled if the Graphics field is selected.
Print Selection:
Report List: Select the reports in the report list for printing. To create and setup
reports see Report Setup.
Sheets
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Nesting Detail
Current Sheets: This prints the information for the sheet currently selected in the
Task Report dialog.
Multiple Sheets: Select to print information for multiple sheets. The sheets are
specified in the Multiple Sheets field. Sheet numbers are separated by commas,
and ranges are with a hyphen separating the start sheet from the end sheet, e.g. 1-
3,5.
All Sheets: SigmaNEST prints the information of all the sheets used in the nesting.
Setup: Select to display the Setup dialog for selecting, creating, or editing report types. See Report
Setup.
Export: Select to export the reports. A Save As dialog is displayed. Enter the name of the file and
select the file type to export the reports into.
Preview: Previews the reports selected from the report list.
Print: Prints the reports.
Close: Select to close the Task Report Printing dialog.
Plot
Select Plot to send the nesting detail or part to the plotter. A Plot dialog is displayed for setting up
the paper and layout.
Plotter: Select from one of the following plotter positions from the drop down box.
Lower Left: The graphic is positioned in the lower left of the paper.
Center: The graphic is positioned in the center of the paper.
Lower Right: The graphic is positioned in the lower right of the paper.
Paper Size: Select from the drop down box the paper size. Selecting User enables to manually enter
the paper size in the X and Y numeric boxes. The default User size is 8.5 x 11.
X: Displays the size of the graphic along the x-axis. It changes automatically with the selected paper
size. If the paper size is set to User, this value may be entered manually.
Y: Displays the size of the graphic along the y-axis. It changes automatically with the selected paper
size. If the paper size is set to User, this value may be entered manually.
Scale: Select one of the following from drop down box.
Auto: Automatically scales the graphic to fit the size of the paper.
Manual: Specifies the percentage size of the graphic. The system scales the
graphic by doubling the size according to the number chosen. For example, 1 =
100%, 2 = 200%, and so on. Enter the size increment on the right.
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Nesting Detail
Port: Select the port the plotter is configured on. Also available will be any printers installed. A
browse button is available to save the plot as a .PLT file. Select File under the port drop down box
and browse to the folder location to save the file.
Plot File Name: If plotting the graphic to a file, choose the output file name. Choose the Browse but-
ton to search for a current file name.
Plot Overlay: This defines the margin of the sheet. Enter the distance from the edge of the sheet,
which must be unoccupied.
Paper Layout: Select from Portrait (the length of the paper is vertical) or Landscape (the length of
the paper is horizontal). When the paper size is set to User, the orientation is determined by the X
and Y values specified and this field is inactive.
Plot: Select to send the information to the plotter.
Close: Select to close the Plotter dialog.
Detail
Select to detail the current nesting sheet. Detail Sgl (Single) details the parts and the nesting. The
nesting is surrounded by a detail border with general nesting information. Notes and markings are
also displayed on the parts.
1. Select Detail Sgl from the Nest Detail ribbon on the Nesting Detail tab.
2. The part notes and markings are displayed along with the detail notes of
the nest.
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Nesting Detail
Detail All
Select to detail all nesting sheets. Detail All details the parts and the nest on all of the nesting task
sheets. The nesting is surrounded by a detail border with general nesting information. Notes and
markings are also displayed on the parts.
1. Select Detail All from the Nest Detail ribbon on the Nesting Detail tab.
2. The part notes and markings are displayed along with the detail notes of
the nest for all layouts.
Clear
The Clear function removes the detail information from the current nesting layout or all layouts of
the nest.
1. Select Clear from the Nest Detail ribbon. A confirmation dialog is displayed.
2. Select Yes to clear the current nesting layout, select no to cancel clearing the layout, or
select All to clear all of the layouts for the nest. All detail notes are cleared.
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Nesting Detail
Note Delete
Select to delete notes from the nesting layout. The Notes are deleted using single or window
action selections. Selection Actions (See page 15) has additional information on the selection types.
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Parts
Parts
l Part Mode (See page 369)
l Part NC (See page 386)
l Part Advance NC (See page 392)
l Punch - Part Mode (See page 398)
Part Mode
The Part Mode allows the user to update, import, export, and modify parts and their parameters.
Auto Update Parts (See page 369) Part List (See page 384)
Auto Update All Parts (See page 370) Import (See page 385)
Save Current Part (See page 370) Move Lead-in (See page 209)
Edit Part (See page 371) Special Lead-in/out (See page 212)
Save All Parts (See page 381) Delete Lead-ins (See page 385)
Save Part (See page 381) Set Fix Lead-ins (See page 386)
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Parts
Update Auto Parts off: Select the highlighted Auto Update Parts icon and the icon is no longer
highlighted.
1. Select the Auto Update Current Part icon from the Part Mode ribbon on
the Parts tab.
2. The current part is updated on the nesting tasks and layouts.
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Parts
(e.g.C:\SNDATA\Parts\MS\0_5000\).
MS represents mild steel and 0_500 represents the material thickness.
Cancel: Select to close the dialog without saving the changes.
OK: Select to close the dialog saving all changes.
Print
Select Print to print single part information.
Graphics Printer: Select to either print the part graphic only or both the graphic and part infor-
mation.
Select: Select to select the printer and setup the paper parameters. See Print Setup.
Print Only Visible Image: Select to only print the part graphics.
Print: Select to print the selected part report.
Preview: Displays the selected reports and graphics.
Close: Closes the part print dialog.
Edit Part
Select to open the Part Parameters dialogue and edit the part.
Part Parameters defines the part attributes. The part is displayed in the upper left corner. The con-
tours are displayed in color to indicate internal and external contours.
The part properties are displayed on the left side of the dialog, such as the area, weight, cutting
length and cutting time for the part. Along with cutting time and the total cut length.
The cutting time is dependent on the material type, thickness, and machine process.
Part Name: The part name is the identification for the part throughout the system. Recall, edit and
identify the part name in the nesting dialog. Save the part under this name. The part is also iden-
tified by this name in the Work Order list. Edit the part name prefix in the SNConfig program on the
part defaults page. The Part Parameters dialog automatically increments the base name by one every
time a new part is created. Specify the start increment number in the SNConfig program on the part
defaults page.
Another name can be entered if needed, but be sure that it does not over-
write an existing part file when the part is saved.
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Parts
The file extension name for part files is .PRS. If Save is chosen, the part is saved in the default part
directory and a prompt appears, asking if the Work Order list should be updated. If a work order list
does not already exist, one is created.
There is also an auto save option in the SNConfig program on the part defaults page. If this is ena-
bled, the part is saved and written to the Work Order list every time OK is chosen.
Work Order No.: The work order number specifies the work order batch to which the part belongs.
Once this information is typed in, it remains as the default setting until it is changed to the next
work order number. If the work order number does not exist, a new work order is created, and the
part is added to the work order.
Select the ellipse (...) button next to the Work Order Number to display the Work Order Edit dialog.
Dwg No.: The drawing number is the customer's drawing number, if one exists. Any name or
number can be used. This information is not used in any other section of SigmaNEST.
Rev No.: Specify the revision number, if the part undergoes revisions. This number is usually linked
to the drawing number.
Production Part: Select to define the part as a production part to help in tracking revisions.
Material: The material type is selected from the material list. If the material type is new or needs to
be edited, select the ellipse symbol to the right of the material drop down box. The Technology
Setup dialog is displayed. Technology Set-up (See page 430) has additional information on adding
new or editing materials.
Thickness: Specify the thickness of the material.
Customer: You can type in the customer name for reference purposes. Once this information is
entered, it remains the default setting until it is changed to the next customer. The customer name
is also displayed in the Work Order manager.
Number To Nest: Enter the quantity of parts nested.
Programmed By: This option records the creator of each part. When entered, this information
remains the default setting until it is changed to the next programmer.
Due Date: Specify the date the part is required.
Do not Nest in Internal Contours: Check this box if parts are not to be nested inside internal con-
tours.
Filler Part: Check this box if this part is to be used as a filler part.
Priority (1-255): The selected priority of the part is used by the nesting algorithm. In the Nesting
Parameters, the Priority function of the nesting algorithm is enabled or disabled. If the priority func-
tion in the nesting algorithm is disabled, the selected parts are nested in an automatically deter-
mined sequence.
If the Priority function in the nesting algorithm is enabled, the nesting algorithm overrides the part
order selection to a certain degree and gives priority to the part priority number specified here.
If the priority is set to one, the part has the highest priority. The greater the number, the lower the
priority of the part to be nested. If two parts have the same priority, the nesting algorithm looks at
the part order setting and makes a decision based on that setting. Setting the priorities of parts may
affect how tightly parts are nested.
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Parts
Lead-in Tab
The Lead-in/Out tab is used to define the parameters for the lead-in and lead-out for a specific part.
The internal and external lead-ins and lead-outs are placed on the edge or center of the part con-
tour.
The dialog defines External/Internal Edge and Center Lead-ins/outs. See the following images.
Internal Same as External: Select to apply the external lead-in/lead-out parameters to the internal
lead-in/out parameters. The internal parameters are disabled in the dialog.
Center Same as Edge: Select to apply the lead-in and lead-outs the same as the edge lead-ins and
lead-outs. The center lead-in and lead-out parameters are disabled in the dialog.
Material Lookup: Select to have the program check for specific lead-in/out conditions. SigmaNEST
looks in the technology table to determine the lead-in process based on the machine process.
Lead-ins by Process: Select the type of lead-in and lead-out to use for a specific material, thickness,
and machine process. It is also possible to specify a different lead-in and lead-out for internal and
external contour cutting. Select the specific process by selecting from the list in the pull down
menu. The file containing this lead-in and lead-out information is the *.LTB file located in the post
directory.
Process: Select the Process type from the drop down box. The Lead-ins by Process check box has to
be selected for this parameter to be active.
Set as Default: Select to set the Lead-in/out parameters as default settings.
Save to Lead-in Table: Select to save the settings in the Lead-in Table.
Set Lead-ins as Fixed: Select to set all lead-ins for the part as fixed lead-ins. SigmaNEST software
will not move the lead-ins. The text label above this button displays the fixed lead-in state.
Reset Fixed Lead-ins
Select to set all lead-ins for the part to non-fixed lead-ins. SigmaNEST will move lead-ins as needed
during the nesting procedure, according to part parameters. The text label above this button dis-
plays the fixed lead-in state.
External/Internal Edge Lead-ins/outs: The External and Internal Edge Lead-ins/outs have the same
parameter settings.
Lead-in Position: The following image illustrates part positions for defining lead-in locations.
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Parts
Select a position on the part where the lead-in is placed. In the diagram above, each position is rep-
resented by the first letter of each word in the position description. For example, TL stands for Top
Left.
The part is shaped in such a way that each position is distinct. This is not always true. In a rec-
tangular part, the Top Left and Left Top positions coincide, as do all the corner positions.
The actual position of the lead-in is affected by the lead-in tolerance specified on the Defaults tab of
the SigmaNEST Configuration dialog, under the Parts Default section.
If the lead-in tolerance covers the area depicted by dimension 1 in the diagram above, then the Top
Right and Right Top positions are distinct.
If the lead-in tolerance covers the area depicted by dimension 2 in the diagram above, then the Top
Right and Right Top positions logically coincide and a Top Right specification actually results in the
lead-in being placed in the Right Top position, because the tolerance causes it to be included in the
top and it is the right-most position.
Another attribute on the Defaults tab of the SigmaNEST Configuration dialog affects middle lead-in
positions. Because these are not commonly used, any middle specification, such as Bottom Middle is
ignored unless Break entities when placing middle lead-in types is selected in the Part Defaults
section of the Defaults tab in the configuration.
If the middle specification is ignored, one of the end specifications is used instead. For example, if
Bottom Middle is specified, then Bottom Left or Bottom Right is used instead.
The following list defines the available lead-in positions.
Top left (TL): Places the lead-in at the left of the topmost protrusion of the part.
Top middle(TM): Places the lead-in at the middle of the topmost protrusion of the
part.
Top right(TR): Places the lead-in at the right of the topmost protrusion of the part.
Left top(LT): Places the lead-in at the top of the left most protrusion of the part.
Left middle(LM): Places the lead-in at the middle of the left-most protrusion of the
part.
Left bottom(LB): Places the lead-in at the bottom of the left-most protrusion of
the part.
Bottom left(BL): Places the lead-in at the left of the bottom-most protrusion of the
part.
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Parts
Bottom middle(BM): Places the lead-in at the middle of the bottom-most pro-
trusion of the part.
Bottom right(BR): Places the lead-in at the right of the bottom-most protrusion of
the part.
Right top(RT): Places the lead-in at the top of the right-most protrusion of the
part.
Right middle(RM): Places the lead-in at the middle of the right-most protrusion of
the part.
Right bottom(RB): Places the lead-in at the bottom of the right-most protrusion of
the part.
Longest: Attaches the lead-in to the longest entity within the part.
Auto select: Places the lead-in at the best possible position.
Gap Size: Enter the gap size, path distance, between the lead-in and lead-out. A negative gap size
crosses over the lead-in position, creating overlap cutting. A positive gap size causes the lead-out
to occur before the lead-in position. This can help to avoid an undercut "nick" in the part, as may
occur with plasma cutters. The images below illustrate the gap parameter for a spherical part. The
image on the left illustrates a negative gap, while the image on the right illustrates a positive gap.
Lead-in and Lead-out Types: External and Internal lead-ins/outs for edge and center contours are the
same. Select a lead-in/out type from the drop down box. The parameters displayed depend on the
lead-in type selected.
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Parts
Line Line: Select to enable an additional line type lead-in for the part. Two line
lengths are provided for the lead-in.
Line Angle Line: Select to enable an angled lead-in line with another angled line.
The lead-in values are the length and angle of the lead-in and the length and angle
of the second line.
Line Arc: Select to enable a line with an arc type lead-in for the part. The values to
enter are the lead-in radius and arc angle along with the line length and angle.
Contour: Select to enable the lead-in to occur on the contour, for router type
machines.
Under Cut Lead-in: Select to undercut a round contour to fit other parts.
Lead-in/Lead-out on Open Contour: Select to apply the lead-in and or lead-out to an open contour.
Enter the Lead-in/out length1 and length2 values.
Select Cost tab to display the Part Parameters Cost dialog. The Part Parameters Cost dialog displays
part information along with the part cost.
The top portion of the dialog contains information pertaining to the part itself. This includes part
name, material thickness, material, net weight, net area, rectangular weight, rectangular area, part
length and part width
Net Area and Weight: The net weight and net area of the part is the weight and area of the part
after it is cut.
Rectangular Area and Weight: The rectangular weight and area of the part is obtained from cal-
culating the weight and area of the smallest rectangle into which the part can fit. Dropouts are not
taken into account. The rectangular weight and area is always greater or equal to the true weight
and area.
Part Length and Width: The part length and width is displayed from when the part was created.
Selecting 1 results in the fastest cut. Selecting thee last option results in the highest quality cut,
which results in a longer process time.
Calculated Time: The calculated time is displayed and will change when you select the different
machine types.
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Parts
Default Cut Quality: Select from one of the following cut qualities: Fastest, Medium Fast, Normal,
Better & Best.
Machine: You can select the machine process from the process Pull-down Menu. If the process is
changed, the costing parameters for the new process is automatically updated and the costing
values change. To create or modify a process, refer to Machine (See page 411).
Blank Frame: The Blank Frame allows the specification of a value for a margin placed around the
part. This is used for compensating kerf loss around the part. For example, if a 10 x 10 part is cut,
with a 0.05 kerf value, the actual material removed from the plate is 10.1 x 10.1.
Cost Factor: The cost factor is a value of the net total cost of the part, in most cases it is 1. Cost Fac-
tor is used to adjust the calculated cost of the part. If the part is unusually easy to manufacture, the
cost facter may be less than one to reduce the cost. Conversely, a part that is difficult to man-
ufacture might have a cost factor greater than one to increase its cost. For example, to supply a part
with a cost factor of 25 percent above the cost of the manufacture price, the cost factor would be
1.25. Customers can have their own cost factor. Once the cost factor changes, it remains the same
until it is changed again. Select OK to save the cost factor value.
Markup%: The Markup % field is used for quantity markups. Parts ordered by quantities can be des-
ignated with a lower markup value. For example, for 50 parts the markup value may be 5 %. For 100
parts the markup value may be 2.5 %, the higher the quantity the lower the markup value. Selecting
the ellipse will display the Quote Item Detail dialog. Any quantity with markup values will be listed.
To add, delete, or reload defaults right click in the dialog to display a selection box.
Cutting Speed, Rapid Speed and Pierce Time: Each machine has a cutting technology table asso-
ciated with it, where cutting speeds are defined. The cutting technology table is a text file with a
.tec extension. The file is associated to the cutting machine by means of entries 400 to 407 in the
PST file. The cutting speed, rapid speed, and pierce time, for a particular part, is given in seconds.
These parameters are read from the technology files. See Technology Setup.
Operating Cost: The operating cost is a factor that is process dependent and represents a value per
cutting time. Operating cost consists of time, cutting length, number of pierces, or in punching the
time to form the part. The true shape value is the cost of the actual material usage of the part based
on its actual shape. The rectangular shape value is the cost of material used by the smallest bound-
ing rectangle around the part. Process Costs (See page 435) parameters must be entered to display
operating costs,.
For Punching machines you must auto tool and tool sort to display the oper-
ating cost of the part. However the accuracy depends on the nest. The tool move-
ments and changes are different when the part or parts are nested.
Material Cost: The material cost is specified as a monetary value per pound for imperial and per kil-
ogram for metric. When a value is entered here two blue arrows appear here to either update the
master material value or refresh or reset the value from the master material value.
Other Costs: Other Costs applies additional costs to parts. Parts may undergo additional handling,
bending, welding, or some other procedure to complete or handle the part.
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Parts
Select the ellipse to open the Other Costs dialog. Select active next to the listed costing type to
enable the costing type for the part.
Depending on the type of cost, values may exist for changing. Click on the value to edit. When no
costing types are listed, or a new costing type is needed. Other Costs (See page 436) has additional
information on setting up or editing costing types.
Grain Tab
tab. Multiple attributes may be selected and their order adjusted with the up and down
arrow buttons. To remove a previously selected attribute, select it and then the button.
Text Size: Enter the auto text size.
Text Property: Select the property of the text. The text is defined as a Marking or as a No Cut.
Mirror: The mirror setting determines whether the automatic nester mirrors the part or not. If this
function is enabled, the nesting algorithm executes the mirroring function when needed. If the func-
tion is disabled, the nesting algorithm does not mirror the part. A good reason for disabling mir-
roring is if the material being cut has a preferential side or a grain constraint.
Grain Constraint: If the grain constraint is enabled, the part is only rotated 0 or 180 degrees during
nesting. The following functions are not accessible if this is set to Use Grain.
Angle: Set the angle either to incremental or absolute. This parameter controls the way the auto-
matic nesting algorithm rotates the parts to get the best nest.
If the angle is set to incremental, the part is incrementally rotated in order to find the best nest. If
the angle is set to absolute, the part is rotated once for each angle in the Abs Angles field.
Angle Increment: Enter the angle degree for an Increment angle. The smaller the increment angle,
the longer the nesting algorithm takes.
Abs Angles: The part is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction and is always nested in this orien-
tation. Multiple angles are specified by separating them with commas.
Common Cut Part: Select if the part is a common cut part. When selected the part will be nested
along side other parts also defined for common cutting.
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Parts
Small Part: Selecting Small Partprovides an option to include additional part clearance for nesting
small part,s allowing parts more material for vacuum and decreasing the chance for moving. Small
parts are identified by checking the small part option on the Part Parameters' Grain Tab (See page
378). Part clearance can be set in the Task Parameters dialogue under the Advanced Task Param-
eters (See page 179) tab.
Corner Loops: Selecting one of the corner loops will activate the following Corner Loop Size and
Min Corner Loop Angle parameters.
Rotate 90: Select to rotate the part 90 degrees counter clockwise. This parameter is active if Grain
Constraint is set to No Grain.
Minimum Rectangle: Select to minimize the rectangular area around the part. This parameter is
active if Grain Constraint is set to No Grain.
Mirror: Select to change the position of the part as a mirror of the original position.
Save: Select to save the grain tab parameters.
Print: Select to open the print dialog for printing the part quote, report, or detail.
Cancel: Select to close the grain parameters dialog not saving any changes.
OK: Select to close and save all changes made to the grain parameters.
Tracking Tab
The Tracking tab tracks parts in Work-spaces, Nests, and Static Nests. New parts can automatically
be set to be tracked in the configuration dialog.
Track this part: Select to automatically track a selected part for tracking in Work Orders, Nests, and
Static Nests. Once the Work-space or nest is saved the part is archived to the appropriate listing..
Workspaces
Nests
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Parts
Statics tab
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Parts
Save Part
Save Part saves the part to a new file name associated with the Work-space, to a specified default
directory (e.g. C:\SNDATA\Parts\). Save Part As will over write their existing part files. Use the fol-
lowing options to save the part to a sub directory.
Alias: Selecting Alias will save the part file name to a folder under the name designated for alias.
(e.g.C:\SNDATA\Parts\Alias name).
The alias folder can be given any path, (e.g.C:\Alias name).
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Parts
Customer: Selecting Customer will save the part file name to a folder with the customer name.
(e.g.C:\SNDATA\Parts\Customer Name\).
The customer name field has to be filled in the Part Parameters dialog window.
Material: Selecting Material will save the part file name to a folder with the name of the type of
material.
(e.g.C:\SNDATA\Parts\MS\).
MS represents mild steel.
Material and Thickness: Selecting Material and Thickness will save the part file name under a folder
with the name of the thickness and then under a folder with the name of the material type.
(e.g.C:\SNDATA\Parts\MS\0_5000\).
MS represents mild steel and 0_500 represents the material thickness.
Cancel: Select to close the dialog without saving the changes.
OK: Select to close the dialog saving all changes.
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Parts
Cancel: Select to close the Search dialog and cancel the search.
OK: Select OK to close the dialog using the search parameters.
Delete: Select to delete the part or parts from the listing. A confirmation message is displayed.
Select OK to remove the parts from the list or select cancel to cancel the delete action.
Tag: The Tag function allows the user to quickly select parts with common attributes. For example,
to select all the parts starting with a P in the part name and with a thickness of 12, type in p* in the
part name edit box, and 12 in the thickness edit box. Select OK and the parts are selected that meet
the criteria entered. Select OK again to load the parts to the Work-space.
Edit: Select Edit to display the Part Parameters dialog. See Part Parameters for a description of the
part parameters.
To make work order quantity changes use the work order function, do not
make quantity changes here in the parts list.
Cancel: Select to close the dialog without loading the parts to the Work-space.
OK: Select to close the dialog and load the selected parts to the Work-space.
Edit Geometry
Edit Geometry is used to change the part geometry for the current part. The Edit Geometry dialog,
which resembles the CAD tab is displayed along with the geometry of the selected part.
The Contour Attributes (See page 25) are available to define the part contours.
The following ribbons are available for editing part geometry:
Files
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Parts
The Files ribbon contains actions for handling rebuilding the part in edit geometry or importing the
part from an external file and include the following:
Close: Selecting Close to close the Edit Geometry dialogue. A confirmation message displays
with the following options for rebuilding the part or canceling the action.
File Import: Edit Geometry allows the user to import files that contain the modified geome-
try for the current part. Select from the following file types from the drop down arrow.
CDL: CadKey files with lines, arcs, circles, ellipses, and text.
DXF: A Drawing Exchange Format (DXF) file is an ASCII or binary file format of a draw-
ing.
DWG: DWG is an AutoCAD drawing format.
IGES: International Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES) is an ANSI-standard for-
mat for the digital representation and exchange of information between CAD/CAM
systems.
NC: Numerical Control (NC) files. Word address and ESSI are supported.
HPGL: Hewlett Packard Graphic Language files.
Pattern: Pattern files contain a subset of a Work-space file (.WS file). A pattern file
is used to transfer information from one Work-space to another in geometric form.
Part List
Selecting Part List displays a listing of the parts on the Work-space. The parts are viewed as a list or
a table.
Hover over the parts on the table tab to display the part names at the bottom of the dialog. The col-
umn listing can be edited to display preferred column information on the List tab.
Double-click a part in the list or the table to load to the Work-space the part for editing. The part
can be edited.
Edit Multiple Parts: Select to edit multiple parts selected from the table or list.
Delete: Select to delete a part from the current Work-space listing. The parts List dialog is dis-
played.
Print: Select to print Part Reports on the current parts on the Work-space. The Part List Reports
dialog is displayed.
Cancel: Select to close the dialog without loading the parts to the Work-space.
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Parts
Import
Edit Geometry allows the user to import files that contain the modified geometry for the current
part. Select from the following file types from the drop down arrow.
CDL: CadKey files with lines, arcs, circles, ellipses, and text.
DXF: A Drawing Exchange Format (DXF) file is an ASCII or binary file format of a draw-
ing.
DWG: DWG is an AutoCAD drawing format.
IGES: International Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES) is an ANSI-standard for-
mat for the digital representation and exchange of information between CAD/CAM
systems.
NC: Numerical Control (NC) files. Word address and ESSI are supported.
HPGL: Hewlett Packard Graphic Language files.
Pattern: Pattern files contain a subset of a Work-space file (.WS file). A pattern file
is used to transfer information from one Work-space to another in geometric form.
Export
Select to export the part file as a CDL or DXF file. The Save As dialog is displayed. navigate to the
folder to export the file to and enter the file name and select Save to save the file or Cancel to can-
cel the action.
CDL: CadKey files with lines, arcs, circles, ellipses, and text.
DXF: A Drawing Exchange Format (DXF) file is an ASCII or binary file format of a draw-
ing.
Delete Lead-ins
Select to delete special lead-ins on the part. The single and window select actions are available to
remove the special lead-ins.
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Parts
1. Select Delete Lead-in from the Part Mode ribbon on the Parts tab.
2. Left-click the special lead-in on the part to remove. The lead-in becomes
highlighted.
3. Right-click on the workspace and the special lead-in is removed. The
delete lead-in action is ended.
1. Select Set Fix Lead-ins from the Part Mode ribbon on the Parts tab.
2. Left-click the special lead-in on the part to set. The lead-in becomes high-
lighted.
3. Right-click on the workspace and the special lead-in is fixed.
1. Select Remove Fix Lead-ins from the Part Mode ribbon on the Parts tab.
2. Left-click the special lead-in on the part to remove. The lead-in becomes
highlighted.
3. Right-click on the workspace and the special lead-in is removed.
Part NC
The Part Mode NC contains functions for generating or editing NC tool paths for a given part.
Auto NC (See page 387) Post Single Sheet (See page 252)
Manual Pocket (See page 388) Move Point (See page 299)
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Parts
Modify Values (See page 391) Move Insert (See page 298)
Center Punch (See page 389) NC Fillet Corners (See page 265)
Part Mode Set-up (See page 389) Reorder (See page 300)
Back Contour (See page 252) Delete Single Tab (See page 270)
Auto NC
The Auto NC for parts function allows the user to modify the NC path for the current part. A dialog
is displayed for setting parameters for avoiding parts that have been cut around the current part.
Auto NC for parts does not change an already generated NC path on the
nesting. In order to obtain a completely new, automatically generated NC for the nest-
ing, first remove all NC paths. Then Auto NC the nesting to apply the new part NC.
Auto NC for parts can be specified for some of the contours and permits the rest of the part NC to
be applied automatically.
Part Avoidance can be applied to the current part and can result in minor modifications being made,
see Tip Up Avoidance below.
Multiple Machine NC Code: Multiple machine NC code applies to automatic dynamic tooling for
punching only. Select to tool the part for more than one type of machine. The NC code, of all
machine types, for the tooled part is saved with the part. Selecting multiple machine NC code will
use the NC code associated with the machine type selected.
Machine: Displays the machine type. The machine type can be selected from the drop down box.
Post: Displays the Post file for the machine process.
Cutting Order: The Cutting Order for a part defines how the inside contours of the part will be cut.
Select from one of the following parameters to define the cutting order of the part.
No Change: Select to not change the Auto NC path defined by SigmaNEST by the
Auto Nesting NC function.
Left to Right: Select to cut the inside contours from the left side of the part to the
right side of the part.
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Parts
Top Down: Select to cut the inside contours from the top of the part down to the
bottom.
Big to Small: Select to cut the larger inside contours first and then the smaller
inside contours.
Small to Big: Select to cut the smaller inside contours first and then the larger
inside contours.
Min Move 1: Select to minimize cutting time. The smallest part width is used as
the path zone width to zigzag from left to right across the sheet. The results is
more up and down head movements.
Min Move 2: Select to produce less up and down head movement. The path zone
width is the widest part width. The result is more horizontal head movement.
Tip Up Avoidance: Select to enable the cutting head to avoid cut parts. Select the ellipse icon to
display and setup the Part Avoidance settings.
Auto Punch: Select to enable the contours, with punching NC for combination type machines, to be
cut with defined punch tools.
Auto Drill: Select to enable the contours, with drilling NC for combination type machines, to be
drilled with defined drilling tools.
Cancel: Select to close the dialog without saving any changes to the dialog.
OK: Select to close the dialog saving all changes to the dialog.
NC by Contour
NC by Contour can be used to manually select contours to be cut in the order they are selected.
1. Select the By Contour icon on the Part Mode NC ribbon, on the Parts tab.
2. Select the contours in the order to cut. The contours are highlighted as
they are selected.
3. Right-click or select Esc to end the contour function.
4. Save the Current part changes to the Work-space or the part file. Verify the
NC path with the simulation function.
Manual Pocket
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Parts
Manual Pocket is used to set up several concentric passes to remove material from inside contours
by router type machines.
1. Select the Manual Pocket icon on the Part Mode NC ribbon, on the Parts
tab.
2. Left-click the contour and right-click to display the Pocket Process dialog.
3. Enter the pocket process parameters.
Center Punch
Select to define a center punch point on the part. The center punch point is identified before any
cut path is generated.
1. Select The Center Punch function icon from the NC Part Mode ribbon on
the Parts tab.
2. Left-click a position on the part for the center punch.
3. Select Esc to end the function.
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Parts
Look-Up Base Turret: Selecting Look Up Base Turret assigns a specific base turret according to the
material and thickness of the part.
Base Turret: Select the base turret from the drop down list, for the Look-Up Base Turret parameter.
The lower half of the NC Setup dialog pertaining to Kerf is not relevant to
punching processes.
Kerf In: The Kerf In option provides the choice of having the kerf calculated by SigmaNEST (Com-
puter) or by the machine control (Control). Kerf offset calculation takes considerable time on some
older controls.
In this case, kerf calculation by SigmaNEST is more efficient; however, the kerf offset is not changed
on the machine. The kerf calculated by SigmaNEST is the radius and typically the kerf in control is
the diameter.
Computer: Select Computer and the kerf is calculated by SigmaNEST. The kerf cal-
culated by SigmaNEST is the radius.
Control: Select control and the kerf is calculated as the diameter.
Kerf by Process: When the computer option is selected Kerf by Process is active. Select Kerf by
process to enable the kerf value to be determined by the process parameter in technology setup.
Kerf Radius: In cases where SigmaNEST calculates the kerf, the kerf value is specified in the Kerf
edit field.
The kerf that is used in SigmaNEST is defined as the tool radius. See the following figure represents
the tool head, in which, A=Kerf Value (radius), and B= Cutter Diameter.
The default kerf value is read from the technology file for the machine selected.
Kerf Lookup: When Control is selected at the Kerf In option, selecting Kerf Lookup enables the pro-
gram to look up the kerf parameter from the technology table information. A table displays the proc-
ess with kerf radius value.
Kerf Diameter: This shows the kerf diameter, calculated from the kerf radius. Set the kerf diameter
in this box, and the kerf radius box shows the update.
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Parts
Feed Rate Type: This sets the default feed rate value. The feed rate type option allows specification
of how the NC feed rate is calculated. The machine feed rate can be applied from within SigmaNEST.
The options are:
Thickness: The NC feed rate value is calculated by using the material type and thick-
ness parameters from the lookup table. The lookup table is the technology file of
the machine selected.
Manual: The NC feed rate is kept at the user specified value until it is changed.
When the manual feed rate option is selected, the feed rate value is entered in the
Feed rate box.
Feed Rate: Displays th e feed rate of the process selected. When Manual Feed Rate type is selected
enter the desired value.
Apply To All: Apply turret management to all parts in the Work-space.
Cancel: Closes the NC Setup dialog not saving any changes.
OK: Closes the NC Setup dialog saving any changes.
Modify Values
The NC values for the part contours can be manually changed. Once the contour is selected a feed
rate dialog is displayed.
1. Select the Modify NC Values from the Part Mode NC ribbon on the Parts tab.
2. Left-click the contour to edit. The contour is highlighted and displays the feed rate dialog.
3. Enter the new feed rate to use and select OK. The change is accepted and the dialog closes.
4. Save the current part to save the change to the part file or select update current part to
apply the change to the part only in the current NC task.
Feed Rate: Enter the feed rate for the contour to adjust the quality of the contour cut.
These options are only active after generating the NC paths for the current
part.
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Parts
Clear NC
Select to remove the NC path of the part on the Work-space.
1. With the part on the Work-space select Clear NC from the Part Mode NC ribbon on the
Parts tab.
2. The NC path is removed from the part on the Work-space only.
Part Advance NC
The Part Mode Adv NC ribbon is used to modify part contours. Tabbing, bevels, corner loops, quality,
and adding certain processes are some of the Advanced NC functions.
The Advanced NC functions are saved for the current Work-space. Select Update Parts to save the
modification to the part in the part library.
Add Tab (See page 393) Verify Depth (See page 397)
Delete Single Tab (See page 393) Change Process (See page 398)
Delete All Tabs (See page 393) Verify Process (See page 398)
Show Tabs (See page 393) Add Router Process (See page 393)
Fixed Bevel (See page 278) Edit Router Process (See page 394)
Variable Bevel (See page 282) Delete Router Process (See page 395)
Edit Same Bevel (See page 287) Far/Near Side (See page 395)
Delete Bevels (See page 288) Corner Loops (See page 293)
Apply Bevel Sequence (See page Waterjet - Feed Rate Calculator (See
290) page 242)
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Parts
Add Tab
Select to add tabs to the part defined in the tab settings dialog, under the auto tab function.
1. Select Add Tabs from the Part Adv NC ribbon on the Parts tab.
2. Use the Position Actions (See page 18) to place the tabs on the part contour. The tabs
were placed, in the below right image, using the cursor action. Left-click the contour posi-
tions and the tabs are displayed with the addition symbol.
3. Select Esc to end the function.
Show Tabs
Select Show Tabs to display the pre tabs on the part's contour.
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Parts
1. Select The Router Process function icon from the Part Adv NC ribbon on the Parts tab.
2. Left-click a contour on the part for the router process and right-click. The Router dialog is
displayed.
3. Select the router parameters and select OK. The contour is displayed with a router callouts
(below image).
The router process dialog displays images of the available routing types. The following images are
an illustration. The routing types displayed may be different according to the machine type and
tools.
Process: Select the process from the drop down box. The processes available are defined from the
post file.
Can be processed after main process: Select to have the router process occur after the main cut-
ting process.
Cancel: Select to close the router dialog without saving changes.
OK: Select to close the router dialog saving all changes.
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Parts
The router process dialog displays images of the available routing types. The following images are
an illustration. The routing types displayed may be different according to the machine type and
tools.
Process: Select the process from the drop down box. The processes available are defined from the
post file.
Can be processed after main process: Select to have the router process occur after the main cut-
ting process.
Cancel: Select to close the router dialog without saving changes.
OK: Select to close the router dialog saving all changes.
Far/Near Side
Far/Near Side function defines the part contour as a near (top) side or as a far (bottom side).
1. Select the Far/Near Side function from the Part Adv NC ribbon on the Parts
tab.
2. Left-click the contour and the contour is highlighted.
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Parts
Reverse Counterclockwise
Set Depth
The Set Depth parameter is used for router and drill type machines to set contour depths. The value
is the remaining depth value of the material thickness.
1. Select the Set Depth function from the Part Adv NC ribbon on the Parts
tab.
2. Left-click the contour and the contour is highlighted.
3. Right-click to display the New depth dialog and enter the remaining thick-
ness value.
4. Select OK and the dialog is closed saving the depth value. Select Esc to
end the function.
5. Save the depth value using Update Current Part.
Full Depth (Z=0.000):Select the text and enter the value for the remaining thick-
ness to be applied to the contour. The value entered will be used and added to the
drop down listing.
Half Depth: Select to apply the contour to be half of the thickness of the material.
The value is half the material thickness and is added to the drop down listing.
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Parts
Full Depth (Z=0.000): Select the text and enter the value for the remaining thick-
ness to be applied to the contour. The value entered will be used and added to the
drop down listing.
Half Depth: Select to apply the contour to be half of the thickness of the material.
The value is half the material thickness and is added to the drop down listing.
Clear Depth
The Clear Depth parameter is used for router and drill type machines to clear contour depths.
1. Select the Clear Depth function from the Part Adv NC ribbon on the Parts
tab.
2. A confirmation dialog is displayed. Select Yes to remove the depth value
for the contour.
Verify Depth
The Verify Depth parameter is used for router and drill type machines to verify contour depths.
1. Select the Verify Depth function from the Part Adv NC ribbon on the Parts
tab.
2. Left-click the contour and the contour is highlighted.
3. The depth value of the contour is displayed at the bottom of the work-
space.
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Parts
Change Process
The Change Process function is used to define the different cutting processes to use on a given
part. For example: The distinction between using hi-definition plasma on a part's small holes and
standard plasma on the exterior can be made here.
1. Select the Change Process function from the Part Adv NC ribbon on the
Parts tab.
2. Left-click the contour to change the process and the contour is high-
lighted.
3. Right-click and the Process dialog is displayed.
4. Select the process from the drop down box and select OK. Depending on
the machine type the process options may vary.
5. Select Esc to end the function and use Save Current Part to save the
change.
Verify Process
The Verify Process function is used to verify the contour cutting process.
1. Select the Verify Process function from the Part Adv NC ribbon on the
Parts tab.
2. Left-click the contour to verify and the contour is highlighted.
3. The process of the selected contour is displayed at the bottom of the work-
space.
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Parts
Check for Floating Scrap Part Mode Set-up (See page 389)
Single Punch (See page 346) Part Mode Set-up (See page 389)
Nibble Entity (See page 346) Add Drill Parameter (See page 360)
Punch Point to Point (See page 348) Delete Drill (See page 360)
Punch Slots & Holes (See page 350) Add Tab (See page 357)
Apply to Same (See page 352) Display Tab Points (See page 357)
Mirror Punch NC - Vertical (See page 399) Punch Explode (See page 359)
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Parts
1. Select Old New Copy Punch NC from the Part Punch ribbon on the Parts
tab.
2. Window around and left-click the NC entities to copy.
3. Right-click and select a position action to place the selected NC copy and
left-click.
4. The NC is copied to the new position.
5. Select Esc to end the function.
1. Select Old New Move Punch from the Parts Punch ribbon on the Parts tab.
2. Left-click and window around the Punch entity(ies).
3. Right-click on the workspace to advance to the next action of the Old New
Move Punch function.
4. Left-click a base position of the selected entity(ies).
5. Left-click the new base position for placing the selected NC. The selected
NC Punch code is moved.
6. Select Esc to end the function.
Drill Tolerance
Drill Tolerance Minimum/maximum: Enter a min and max tolerance for the tool to be used.
For example, a particular part has four holes with a .25 diameter.The tool library does not include a
25 tool drill, but does have a .2656 diameter drill. If the tolerance is set to +.005 -.005, no drill be
selected. If the tolerance is set to +.01 -.005, SigmaNEST will select the .2656 tool to drill the .2500
hole.
Countersink Angle Tolerance: Enter an angle tolerance for the countersink.
The counter sink angle is measured as illustrated in the following diagram.
- 400 -
Part Detail
Part Detail
l Detail (Part Mode) (See page 401)
l Geometry (See page 84)
l Edit (Part Mode) (See page 402)
l Detail (See page 140)
l X-Form (Work-space) (See page 153)
l Verify (CAD) (See page 165)
Detail Part
Part Detail displays a detail border around the part. Used to printout hard copies of parts and the
part details.
1. Select Detail Part from the Part Detail ribbon on the Part Detail tab.
2. A part detail border with part information is displayed.
- 401 -
Part Detail
1. Select Auto Part Dimension from the Part Detail ribbon on the Part Detail
tab.
2. The part dimensions are displayed.
- 402 -
Tools & Help
Config
SigmaNEST's Configuration dialog is grouped by the following tabs. The parameters enable Sig-
maNEST to run according to user preferences.
- 403 -
Tools & Help
System
The System tab displays SigmaNEST program parameters. The parameters set up the Work-space
color and display along with basic part properties.
Language: Select the language from the drop-down menu for the program. Restart SigmaNEST to
enable the language change
Note Height: Note Height defines the default size of font when using dimension functions. Font
heights are usually between 8 (small) and 72 (large).
Units: Select from Metric (mm) or Imperial (in) units. The part and sheet dimensions throughout the
program are referenced to the type of units selected.
Aspect Ratio: The aspect ratio is used to set the width of the characters in relation to text height.
For example, if the height of a character is one, and the ratio is 0.75, then the character width is 0.75.
If the character height is two and the ratio is 0.75, then the character width is 1.5.
Editor: Enter the path to an editor program or select the ellipse next to the editor text window to
browse to an editor.
Note Gap: The note gap is the distance between the characters in the notes. The note gap is
usually smaller than one, but greater than zero.
File Manager: SigmaNEST uses the Explorer file manager available in the Windows environment, or
select the ellipse next to the File Manager text box to navigate to another file manager application.
Arrows: The detail dimension function uses arrows to show the dimensions of entities. The arrow
direction can be set to pointing inward or outward.
Communication Program: Select the Direct Numerical Control (DNC) program for transferring CNC
programs from the computer to the cutting machine control. The default path points to SHOP-
COMMII.EXE. Select the ellipse next to the communication program text box to navigate to the
required DNC program.
Digits for Dimension: Set the number of decimal places for numerical detail dimensions.
Chaining Tolerance: Enter a chaining value for filling in gaps between chain selected entities. Chain-
ing is a selection method that allows the programmer to select multiple entities in a single "Chain".
If the programmer wants to select multiple entities in a series, the first entity may end before the
next entity begins, thus creating a gap between the first entity's end point and the next entity's
start point.
This gap ends the Chain option's ability to continue to the next entity, unless the Chaining tol-
erance is set high enough to "bridge" this gap.
Scale: The scale is the default scale when SigmaNEST is set up for metric or imperial units. This
scale parameter is for display purposes only. Parts are always created on a scale of 1:1.
Weld Gap: When creating a closed contour from geometry, that consists of lines and arcs with small
gaps between their end points, SigmaNEST automatically closes these gaps or fixes overlaps, if the
gaps are smaller than this weld gap parameter. For example, when creating a part, if SigmaNEST
gives the message Open Contours, this parameter may need to be slightly increased.
SigmaNEST Font: Select from one of the following font style types for etching text.
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Tools & Help
Geometry Error: This is the value that SigmaNEST uses to determine if two entity end points are
close enough to each other to indicate the entities are continuous. This value would be relevant to
the size of the geometry when using large parts.
Example:
l Large entity - 1.01 inches or 1.1 millimeters
l Small entity - (scanned artwork) 0.0001 inches or 0.001millimeters
Be sure there is a relevant geometry error value. This influences the geome-
try interpolation results obtained from SigmaNEST.
Skin: Select a skin type to set the graphic style of tool bars and window borders.
Min Offset length: If the length of the entity is smaller than this parameter, SigmaNEST will remove
this entity and connect the adjacent endpoints when offset geometry.
Show Ribbon Icons
Show all icons: Shows All Icons regardless of type of machines loaded
All available icons: Shows Icons for all machines listed in the configuration machine list
Active machine only: Shows Icons for the active machine only.
Number of Digits
Select the number of digits to use for detailing numeric values. The above digits for dimensions
defines the decimal place of the group of digits.
Default Color: Select a color to define the entities. The default outer entity color for SigmaNEST is
green.
Color Scheme: Select from the Work-space background color from the drop down list.
Font: Select the Font button to display the Font dialog. Select from the font type, style, and size. A
sample of the font is displayed in the samlpe window. The font type is used in the program dialog
and display windows.
Part\Sheet Default Fill Color: Select from the drop down list the color pattern for the parts and
sheet.
Use Generic OpenGL Implementation: (Select to have generic OpenGL functions handle graphic
rendering. Some modern graphic cards may have additional features. The features are enabled by
new OpenGL functions that become available. OpenGL is a standard specification for producing com-
puter graphics.
Cancel: Select to close the Configuration dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the Configuration dialog saving all changes.
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Tools & Help
System 2
System2 dialog is a continuation of the general settings from the System dialog.
Part Direction: The cutting direction for the part can be set to clockwise or counter-clockwise. Part
direction is a very important setting. This parameter determines the cutting direction for outside
contours. Set this parameter according to the machine specifications. Whenever a program is auto-
matically created and the direction is set to clockwise, the outside contours are cut clockwise and
the inside contours are cut counter-clockwise.
Lock WS Files: Locks the Work-space files to prevent changes.
Offset Type: Select from the following offset options.
Arcs around all corners: Smoothes or rounds the corner where two lines meet.
No arcs between two lines: Retains the original specifications.
Round sharp corners: Rounds any sharp corners.
Auto Save Parts: Select to save parts to the parts library.
Merge Collinear Entities: When several entities are co-linear, the system can merge the entities
and create one line or the system can leave the entities separate. When beveling, it may be nec-
essary to bevel only a section of the co-linear entities, so this feature should then be set to No. This
permits beveling a section of the line instead of the entire line. Set the feature to Yes to merge co-
linear entities.
Auto Post Parts: Select to automatically post the part to the post processor. The NC code is gen-
erated and added to the post process file.
Cutter Diameter: Enter a cut head diameter to be displayed during NC simulation. The cutter dia-
meter does not have any affect on tool offset or kerf.
Parts with pre-programmed NC code have fixed lead-ins: Select to retain the fixed lead-in lines
once the part is pre-programmed in Part Mode. When using subprograms, creating one subprogram
for one part at different rotations reduces the amount of subprograms. The system overrides the
pre-programmed part with the NC code when not selected, allowing the software to determine the
placement of the lead-in lines.
NC Command Display Size: Enter the size of the square that defines the start position, sized
according to the size of the sheet. This identifies the start position for cutting, cropping, and the
punch point NC path.
Export Nesting Results to a text file: This creates a RTF file, which is stored in the NC directory.
Export Nest as a XML file: Creates a XML file, which is stored in the NC directory.
Auto Save WS: Select Yes to save the Work-space to the Temp directory within the SigmaNEST
installation directory with the filename AutoSave.ws.
Auto Save Time (min): SigmaNEST automatically performs a save operation at the time intervals set
here.
Keep Remnant: Select to save the remnant name the same as the stock sheet's original name.
Add remnants from parameter sheets to inventory
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Tools & Help
When using parameter sheets (sheets not in the inventory library) SigmaNEST will not add the rem-
nant when using one of the create remnant commands unless this option is checked.
Use Virtual Crop To Calculate Nested Area on a Parameter Sheet: Calculates the nested Area on
the Parameter Sheet
Export Work Order Information to SimTrans: This exports the information from the work order to
SimTrans, a program for sending information to a managed enterprise resource planning (MERP) sys-
tem.
Print Remnant: This prints a graphic representation of the actual remnant. If this is not selected, a
standard sheet is used in place of the remnant.
Length Units: This option concerns reports. When displaying a length, it is reported in inches or
feet if the system is set to Imperial (inches) on the System Tab. If the system is set to Metric (mil-
limeters) on the System Tab, the lengths display as millimeters or meters.
Check for Network Plug: When using a network "plug" or network sim, this option must be
selected. This allows SigmaNEST to run on a network.
Area Units: This option concerns reports. When displaying an area, it is reported in square inches or
square feet if the system is set to Imperial (inches) on the System Tab. If the system is set to Metric
(millimeters) on the System Tab, the areas display as square millimeters or square meters.
Virtual Crop Line: Virtual Crop Line is for calculating the scrap and yield percentages and has the fol-
lowing options:
No Crop Line: When the Virtual Crop Line option is set to No Crop Line, the scrap
and yield percentages are based on the entire sheet less any remnants that were
created. No Crop Line is mostly used.
Crop Line: When the Virtual Crop Line option is set to Crop Line, a gray vertical
crop line is represented on the nest (the gray virtual crop line is always on), the
scrap and yield percentages are based on the material to the left of this line. The
material to the right is considered recovered and not used in the calculation or
yield, regardless of its size.
Enable Edit for Sub-Bevel Entries: Select to allow the Sub-Bevel Tech Table to be edited;unselect
to lock the table. The default setting is locked.
The Sub-Bevel Tech Table is located under the Bevel tech Table, in Technology Set-up dialog's
Machine parameters tab under listed bevel machine.
Program Name Format: Select from the following options.
Use Task Name for Program Name: Select to use the task name as the program
name.
Each Program has a Unique Number: Select to use a unique number for the pro-
gram name.
Max Name Length: Set the maximum number of characters (from 1 to 20) to allow in the name.
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Tools & Help
Fill With: Select to enable if the name is shorter than the maximum name length, the unused char-
acters are filled with a selected value.
Program Name Increment: Select a value to automatically increase the program name by the
entered value. For example, enter 20. Each time a new name is added it increases by 20; the program
file begins with 50 then 70 then 90, and so on.
Max Program Number: Enter the maximum number that can be used for a program name.
Cancel: Select to close the Configuration dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the Configuration dialog saving all changes.
Printer
Select to display the Printer dialog. Enter the printing parameters for Nesting, Part, and Sheet
modes.
Default Line Thickness: Enter the default line thickness for all modes. Specify the thickness for the
nesting report printout. A different thickness can be used for sheet, part, NC code, and nesting
detail. If no individual values are defined all reports will use the default value.
Nesting Mode: The following parameters set the line thickness and bitmap for the nesting mode:
Line Thickness for Sheets: Enter the value for printing sheet line thickness.
Line Thickness for Parts: Enter the value for printing sheet line thickness.
Line Thickness for NC Code: Enter the value for printing sheet line thickness.
Line Thickness for Detail Geometry: Enter the value for printing sheet line thick-
ness.
Part Mode: Enter line thickness for part, NC code, and detail geometry.
Line Thickness for Parts: Enter the value for printing sheet line thickness.
Line Thickness for NC Code: Enter the value for printing sheet line thickness.
Line Thickness for Detail Geometry: Enter the value for printing sheet line thick-
ness.
Sheet Mode: Enter line thickness for sheet and detail geometry.
Line Thickness for Sheets: Enter the value for printing sheet line thickness.
Line Thickness for Detail Geometry: Enter the value for printing sheet line thick-
ness.
Printing Color (Graphics): Select Black and White or Color for graphic images, if the printer sup-
ports it.
Printing Color (Reports): Select Black and White or Color for report text, if the printer supports it.
Use Fixed DPI: Select to use a specific DPI (dots per inch) value for printing. Higher value equates
to higher print quality.
Open GL mode for printing: Select from one of the following for graphic color printing.
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Tools & Help
Color Index: Select to have brighter colors rendered in a palette. Used for 8bpp
(bits-per-pixel) graphic cards.
RGB: Select for higher capable graphics cards that accurately shade objects for a
realistic three-dimensional (3-D) display.
Cancel: Select to close the Configuration dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the Configuration dialog saving all changes.
Paths
Before changing the paths in SigmaNEST, make sure the new path exists. Remember to add the back
slash (\) at the end of all paths. The following is a list of the paths that can be changed:
C:\SNData\WS\
Work-space file area
C:\SNData\Parts\
The main part library. Customer directories can be under this directory.
C:\SNData\CDL\
CADKEY CDL files.
C:\SNData\DXF\
AutoCAD DXF files
C:\SNData\DWG\
AutoCAD DWG files.
C:\SNDATA\IGES\
Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES) files.
C:\SNDATA\NC\
Location of NC import files.
C:\SNDATA\SHEETS\
Sheets library files
C:\SNDATA\SHAPES\
Shapes library files
C:\SNDATA\Tools\
Tools for punching
C:\SNDATA\PTN\
NC Pattern files
C:\SNDATA\BOM\
Bill of material files
C:\SNDATA\
Network server location
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Tools & Help
C:\SNDATA\REPORTS\ENGLISH-USA\
location of report files
C:\SNDATA\POST\
Post and Technology setup files
C:\SNDATA\REVNC\
Reverse NC files
C:\SNDATA\Quotes\
Quote file path
C:\SNDATA\JOBS\
Jobs files
C:\SNDATA\Static\
Static Nest path
C:\SNDATA\WOL\
Batch import .WOL files
C:\SNDATA\JOBS\
Jobs files
C:\Program Files\SigmaTEK\SigmaNEST Develop\
SigmaNEST Develop program location
C:\SNDATA\eReport\
Report files for parts, tasks, nests, and sheets
C:\ProgramData\SigmaTEK\SigmaNEST9.0\MAC\
Location path for macro files
C:\SNDATA\Replace\
Replace Pattern path
C:\SNDATA\LinkedFiles\
Linked Files path
C:\SNDATA\CTLShapes\
Cut to Length shapes path
C:\SNDATA\DSTV\
DSTV files
C:\SNDATA\DBGeo\
Database Geometry storage path
Cancel: Select to close the Configuration dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the Configuration dialog saving all changes.
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Tools & Help
Machine
The Machine tab defines the machine and file types to use for the nesting Work-space. If your
machine is not listed select New and define a machine and files to use for the nesting Work-space.
Machines: Displays a list of the machine types. Double-click the machine to use for the nesting
Work-space. If no machines are listed select New to add a machine or machines to the listing.
Machine: Displays machine type selected from the list.
Post: Displays the name of the selected machine's post processor file.
Cost File: Displays the name of the selected machine's cost file, containing the cost parameters and
formulas.
Parameters: Select to display the Machine Parameters dialog. The parameters consist of dialogs for
setting backup NC file locations, machine capabilities, machine zones and basic parameters depend-
ing on the machine type and contains the following tabs: General, Cutting Zones and Torch Settings.
For more information see the links below
Edit: Select to open the New/Edit Machine dialog and edit the machine and files to use for the nest-
ing Work-space.
Delete: Select Delete to remove the machine highlighted on the list above.
New: Select to open the New/Edit Machine dialog and define a machine and files to use for the nest-
ing Work-space.
Cancel: Select to close the dialog not saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the dialog saving all changes.
Related topics:
General Tab (Machine Parameters) (See page 411)
Cutting Zones (See page 412)
Torch Setting (See page 413)
Select the General Tab to set the NC path parameters. The post file is displayed at the top of the
dialog.
NC Extension
Enter the file extension for the NC file.
NC Path: Enter the path of the folder that holds the NC files.
Save Second File: Saves a second copy of the file.
Second NC Path: Enter the path to save a second file when Save second file is set to yes.
Save Third File: Saves a third copy of the file.
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Tools & Help
Third NC Path: Enter the Third File path when Save Third file is set to Yes.
Delete NCI File: Select from the following.
Oxygas Drill
Plasma Punch
Laser Knife Poly Foam
Water Jet Right Angle Shear
Router
Cutting Zones
Select the Cutting Zones tab to set the NC cutting zone parameters.
Bed Length: Enter the length of the machine bed.
Bed Width: Enter the width of the machine bed.
Cutting Zone Type: Defines the cutting zone for all or by individual processes.
Global: Select to globally set the cutting zone for all processes.
By Process: Select to apply the cutting zone to the individual machine process.
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Tools & Help
Torch Setting
Select the Torch Setting Tab to set the torch configurations for the machine.
Torch Setting Type: Select from one of the configuration types.
To change the process, click on the process in the listing, on the bottom
left side of the machine parameters dialog.
Variable Torch Setting: SigmaNEST selects the smallest torch spacing. Select one of the following
parameters.
The Discrete parameter is used for multiple torch cutting with variable
torch spacing.
Max Number of Torches: Enter the maximum number of torches available for the process used.
Each additional head added is displayed in the table below the Max Number of torches text box.
When more than one head is used one of the heads can be defined as a master.
Master: The other heads are positioned with reference to the master head. Double-click on the col-
umn underneath the word Master next to the head number, to place an asterisk to indicate the
master torch head.
Min Max: Each head has a min/max distance setting. Enter the minimum and maximum zone dis-
tance for the head to move.
There must always be at least one Master Head (which would have been
set up during the initial set up). Usually the settings apply to head 1. For a machine
that can drive the heads separately, all the heads can be set to Masters.
Cancel: Select to close the Machine Parameters dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the Machine Parameters dialog saving all changes.
Apply: Select to apply the cutting zone changes without closing the machine parameters dialog.
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Tools & Help
General Import
The Batch Import dialog is used to import CAD files and define the CAD program part layers into Sig-
maNEST levels or color maps. When a file is selected for importing, the levels are listed in the
dialog listing according to the layers of the CAD program.
The attributes for the layers, now levels, can be mapped or defined for SigmaNEST to interpret. The
default attribute for the levels are listed as Kerf Cut. By right-mouse clicking on the layer, a drop
down listing of attributes is displayed. Select the attribute to apply to the level or map.
Batch Import Type: Select one of the following batch import types.
Level Mapping: Select to define imported CAD part layers as levels. The levels are
displayed in the listing on the left side of the Batch Import dialog. Each level has an
attribute defined.
Color Mapping: Select to define the imported CAD part layers as colors. The color
mapping is displayed in the listing to the right of the level listing.
The attributes listed below are used to define both level and color mapping.
Add: Select to add new level mappings. A new level map entry is added to the listing.
Delete: Select the level and select delete to remove the level entry.
Tag Type: When importing DXF files, the attributes set in the DXF file are used to populate the tag
text boxes. A separator is defined to recognize the string to apply to the tag when the String Tags
option is selected.
No Tags: Select to not use tags. Color or level mapping is only used.
DXF Attribute Tags: Select to use the object type attribute in DXF files to identify
the tag names in the batch import dialog.
String Tags: Select to enable a field separator for the imported file. When the sep-
arator is encountered in the file being imported the following string is used in the
tag text box.
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Tools & Help
String as Part Name: Select to use a string name to identify the part name.
Tags: The tags listed below are enabled when DXF Attribute Tags or String Tags is selected for the
tag type.
Separator: Enabled for String Tag types. Enter the character to indicate the string
separator.
Part Name Tag: Enter the part name.
Material Tag: Enter the material type of the part.
Thickness Tag: Enter the thickness of the material used for the part.
Material Lookup Tag: Enter the material name for the material lookup tag.
Lookup Filename: Navigate to the file using the ellipse icon or enter the filename
used for the batch import.
Quantity Tag: Enter the quantity of the parts to create.
Customer Tag: Enter the name of the customer.
Drawing Number Tag: Enter the drawing number of the part file.
Revision Number Tag: Enter the revision number for the part.
Remark Tag: Enter any remarks for the batch file import.
Mirror Part Tag: Enter text to indicate if the part can be mirrored.
Grain Constrain: Enter text to indicate grain constraints.
Common Cut Tag :
Priority Tag: The selected priority of the part is used by the nesting algorithm. In
the Nesting Parameters, the Priority function of the nesting algorithm is enabled or
disabled. If the priority function in the nesting algorithm is disabled, the selected
parts are nested in an automatically determined sequence.
If the Priority function in the nesting algorithm is enabled, the nesting algorithm
overrides the part order selection to a certain degree and gives priority to the part
priority number specified here.
If the priority is set to one, the part has the highest priority. The greater the
number, the lower the priority of the part to be nested. If two parts have the same
priority, the nesting algorithm looks at the part order setting and makes a decision
based on that setting. Setting the priorities of parts may affect how tightly parts are
nested.
Filler Part Tag: Select if this part is to be used as a filler part.
Do Not Nest Internals Tag:Select if parts are not to be nested inside internal con-
tours.
Part Data 1 to 14: Custom part information can be entered into these fields.
Auto Tile Parts: Select the checkbox to automatically have the parts tiled on the Work-space after
the import.
Dimension to Geometry Check
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Tools & Help
Display Warning Message? : Click to check the box and enable a warning message
to be displayed if the geometry and dimensions do not match.
Warning Symbol : Enter the symbol or text to display, next to the difference in
dimension and geometry, in the warning.
Do Linear Dimension Scale Options
Cancel: Closes the configuration dialog and cancels any changes that were made to the Batch Import
dialog.
OK: Closes the configuration dialog and saves all changes made in the Batch Import dialog.
3D Import
Select 3D Import tab to display tabs for setting parameters to import cad files. 3D import is broken
down into multiple tabs.
SpaceClaim
General
The General Tab allows the user to set general parameters for File Imports.
Import Z Depth: Select to allow the file to be imported with defined multi and partial depth cuts.
Depth cuts are shown in different colors. This option is typically used with router machines.
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Tools & Help
Create BOM from Assemblies: When this option is selected, a BOM file is created using the quan-
tities from the assembly file. Parts are saved to the current parts folder and the BOM file is saved in
the current BOM folder. The BOM is created using the assembly name.
Grain Property: When this value is used, the Grain property in the SigmaNEST part will be set to No
Grain or Use Grain
Enter the grain property used in the custom properties on the CAD model. Example GRN or Grain
Values in the CAD model can be set to True/False, On/OFF, 0/1.
Use Top View Coordinate System for each supported CAD system to control
the orientation of the imported model.
Sheet Metal: Sheet Metal section defines part markings and bend lines.
Auto Detect Bend Lines: Auto Detect Bend Lines gives the user multiple options.
No: Select to not define any bend lines for the part when the file is imported.
As Marking Lines: Select to define the bend lines of the part file as markings. The
following options are enabled.
Modify Bend Lines: Select to define the markings of the bend lines.
Line Mark: Select to use a line mark to designate the bend line.
Size: Enter a value for the marks to be separated from the edge of the part and
between each mark.
Cross Mark: Select to use a cross mark instead of a line to designate the bend line.
Point mark: Select to use a point mark instead of a line to designate the bend line.
Nos: Enter the number of cross marks or post marks to use representing the bend
line.
As No Cut Lines: Select to define bend lines of the part file as no cut lines.
Ignore: Select to ignore the bend lines when the part file is imported.
metric: .05 mm
imperial: .005 in
Optimize Spline Import: Select Optimize Spline Importto reduce the number of lines and arcs, if
possible, while maintaining the original shape.
Cancel: Select to close the Configuration dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the Configuration dialog saving all changes.
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Tools & Help
Advanced
File importing is used to import different type of cad files. Select the file type along the lower sec-
ond level tabs. Select the formatting features and profile information for the type of file. Enter part,
work order, and any part data information. The General Tab allows the user to set general param-
eters for the File Import types.
Keyword Filter: Selecting the Keyword Filter allows the user to include or exclude files for import-
ing.
Keyword Source: Use one of the standard filters typically found in the file property of the CAD
model or enter a custom property name:
Keyword Value: After selecting the keyword source type enter text, to filter by, in the Value text
box.
Use Feature Mask: Select to enable the feature mask function when importing part files. Select
from the drop down box one of the following feature mask options.
Suppress Features: Select to suppress any part feature attributes of the part
defined in the part file.
Unsuppress Features: Select to allow the part feature attributes to be imported
with the part file.
Feature Mask Name: Enter the feature attribute mask name, to be suppressed or unsuppressed,
used in the part file.
Example: When selecting parts or an assembly, and only require parts that have a Keywords of "CNC"
set in the Keyword field of the Model(s) then set the Keyword filtering options as follows
Keyword Filter check on, Include Part, Keyword Source set to Keyword, Value set to CNC
Grain Property: When this value is used, the Grain property in the SigmaNEST part will be set to No
Grain or Use Grain
Enter the grain property used in the custom properties on the CAD model. Example GRN or Grain
Values in the CAD model can be set to True/False, On/OFF, 0/1.
Use Top View Coordinate System for each supported CAD system to control the orientation of the
imported model.
Solid: Select the following solid parameters for bevel and far side recognition.
Bevel Recognition: Recognizes bevels in different file types and applies them according to the pro-
gram model.
Far Side Recognition: Recognizes part file far side kerf cut, no cut, or ignore the far side of the part
layout.
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Tools & Help
Process Mapping: Select to enable Process Mapping of sketches from the CAD program. CAD part
programs sometimes contain many sketches defining the part or parts. The sketches are mapped to
a specific process and kerf type. Use the Add or Delete buttons to add or remove a map for each
sketch. Define the following sketch parameters.
Sketch Name: Enter the sketch name of the CAD part file.
Process Name: Select the machine process type used.
Entity Attribute: Select the kerf type from the drop down box.
Contour Direction: Select the contour direction from the drop down box.
Cancel: Select to close the Configuration dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the Configuration dialog saving all changes.
SolidWorks
Select the SolidWorks tab to display parameters to set for importing SolidWorks cad files.
Uses Configurations: Select to enable the SolidWorks files to be imported with or without their dif-
ferent part versions, or families. Some CAD programs allow the user to create different versions of
the same part. The different versions are saved within the part file. The part version name is entered
in the text box separated by a comma delimiter, example: Mfg, DEFAULT.
Show all Configurations in Tree View: Select to show all configurations of a part, known as a family
in SolidWorks. If not selected, only the part listed in the import will be shown.
Forming Features: Select to enable SigmaNEST recognize forming features. SigmaNEST also sup-
ports recognition of SolidWorks Design Library or feature pallet for formed tools like louvers, bridge
lances and embosses. The following steps are required:
1. Create a special tool in SigmaNEST tool library using the base sketch of the
design library shape.
2. Assign the machine that uses this tool in SigmaNEST as the default
machine.
Drills: Enables the function to recognize Hole Wizard features from SolidWorks to be imported and
assigned to a drill property. SigmaNEST machine post must support drilling as well as the physical
machine must support drilling.
Top View Coordinate System: Enter the name of the top view coordinate system that is used in
SolidWorks files. The top view coordinate system defines the part orientation. The function is given
a name in the application that the part is created in, in this case SolidWorks.
Use Pre-defined Top View: When “Use Pre-Defined Top view” option is ON, any (or first instance)
coordinate system that has been in SolidWorks part is considered as top view coordinate system
and processed part accordingly.
Use Global Top View: Select to use the World Coordinate System, based on a simple X,Y coor-
dinate system, from the CAD application for part orientation.
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Tools & Help
Part Property Mapping: Select from the drop down box the part file fields,in the left column, to
import to SigmaNEST fields listed below.Options include: Title, Subject, Author, Key-
words,Comments, Create Date, Save Date and Bends. The Bends option will populate that field with
the number of bends in a part.
Fields can be left unassigned. To remove any text in the fields select the text and select delete.
SolidEdge
Select the SolidEdge tab to display parameters to set for importing SolidEdge cad files.
Use Family Members: Select to enable the SolidEdge files to be imported with their different part
versions. Some CAD programs allow the user to create different versions of the same part. The dif-
ferent versions are saved within the part file. The part version name is entered in the text box sep-
arated by a comma delimiter, example: Profile, Flat.
Top View Coordinate System: Enter the name of the top view coordinate system that is used in
SolidWorks files. The top view coordinate system defines the part orientation. The function is given
a name in the application that the part is created in, in this case SolidWorks.
Use Pre-defined Top View: When “Use Pre-Defined Top view” option is ON, any (or first instance)
coordinate system that has been in SolidWorks part is considered as top view coordinate system
and processed part accordingly.
Use Global Top View: Select to use the World Coordinate System, based on a simple X,Y coor-
dinate system, from the CAD application for part orientation.
Part Property Mapping: Select from the drop down box the part file fields,in the left column, to
import to SigmaNEST fields listed below.Options include: Title, Subject, Author, Key-
words,Comments, Create Date, Save Date and Bends. The Bends option will populate that field with
the number of bends in a part.
Fields can be left unassigned. To remove any text in the fields select the text and select delete.
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Tools & Help
Inventor
Select the Inventor tab to display parameters to set for importing Inventor cad files.
Use iParts/iAssemblies: Select to enable the Inventor files to be imported with their different iPart
versions. Some CAD programs allow the user to create different versions of the same part. The dif-
ferent versions are saved within the part file. The part version name is entered in the text box sep-
arated by a comma delimiter, example: Mfg, DEFAULT.
Filter Reference BOM: Select to exclude the BOM reference files when importing an Inventor file.
Legacy Sheet Metal: When importing Inventor sheet metal parts that are created in Inventor 10 or
older versions to allow bend lines to be read into SigmaNEST. When this setting is ON, bevel rec-
ognition, far side recognition and drill recognition is not supported.
Feature Profiles: Select to enable the Inventor files to be imported with their part feature profiles.
Some CAD programs allow the user to create profile features on the part. The profile being the con-
tour of the part. Part contours are defined with kerf cut types, tools, or markings, etc.
Select from one of the following parameters in the drop down box.
Forming Features: Select to enable SigmaNEST recognize forming features. SigmaNEST also sup-
ports recognition of SolidWorks Design Library or feature pallet for formed tools like louvers, bridge
lances and embosses. The following steps are required:
1. Create a special tool in SigmaNEST tool library using the base sketch of the
design library shape.
2. Assign the machine that uses this tool in SigmaNEST as the default
machine.
Drills: Enables the function to recognize Hole Wizard features from SolidWorks to be imported and
assigned to a drill property. SigmaNEST machine post must support drilling as well as the physical
machine must support drilling.
Top Plane: Enter the name of the top plane definition from the inventor file that defines the part
orientation. Set the X-Axis and the Y-Axis to determine the orientation.
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Top View Coordinate System: Enter the name of the top view coordinate system, which defines
the part orientation, used in Inventor files.The function is given a name in the application that the
part is created in, in this case Inventor.
Use Global Top View: Select to use the World Coordinate System, based on a simple X,Y coor-
dinate system, from the CAD application for part orientation.
Part Property Mapping : Select from the drop down box the part file fields,in the left column, to
import to SigmaNEST fields listed below.Fields can be left unassigned. To remove any text in the
fields select the text and select delete.
Cancel: Select to close the Configuration dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the Configuration dialog saving all changes.
NX
Select the NX tab to display parameters to set for importing NX cad files.
Process Assembly Bodies: Select to process the linked files as individual parts.
Top View Coordinate System: Enter the name of the top view coordinate system that is used in NX
files. The top view coordinate system defines the part orientation. The function is given a name in
the application that the part is created in, in this case Unigraphics.
Use Pre-defined Top View: When “Use Pre-Defined Top view” option is ON, any (or first instance)
coordinate system that has been in SolidWorks part is considered as top view coordinate system
and processed part accordingly.
Use Global Top View: Select to use the World Coordinate System, based on a simple X,Y coor-
dinate system, from the CAD application for part orientation.
Consider UDO for Process Mapping: Select to use UDO, User Defined Objects,properties when proc-
ess mapping.
Merge Composite Layers: Select to import NX parts with composite layers as a single layer part.
64 Bit: Select if the NX program used is 64 Bit.
Part Property Mapping: Select from the drop down box the part file fields,in the left column, to
import to SigmaNEST fields listed below.Fields can be left unassigned. To remove any text in the
fields select the text and select delete.
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Cancel: Select to close the Configuration dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the Configuration dialog saving all changes.
ProE
Select the ProE tab to display parameters to set for importing ProE cad files.
Use Instances: Select to enable the Pro Engineer files to be imported with their different part ver-
sions. Some CAD programs allow the user to create different versions of the same part. The dif-
ferent versions are saved within the part file. The part version name is entered in the text box
separated by a comma delimiter, example: Flat, Mfg, Default.
ProE Version: Select the version of ProE currently installed.
Path to proe.exe: Enter the path for the proe.exe file or click the ellipse icon to open a browser in
which to search for the file.
Path to pro_comm_msg.exe: Enter the path for the pro_comm_msg.exe file or click the ellipse icon
to open a browser in which to search for the file.
Top View Coordinate System: Enter the name of the top view coordinate system that is used in
the Unigraphics file. The top view coordinate system defines the part orientation. The function is
given a name in the application that the part is created in, in this case Unigraphics.
Use Pre-defined Top View: When “Use Pre-Defined Top view” option is ON, any (or first instance)
coordinate system that has been in ProE part is considered as top view coordinate system and proc-
essed part accordingly.
Use Global Top View: Select to use the World Coordinate System, based on a simple X,Y coor-
dinate system, from the CAD application for part orientation.
Drills: Enables the function to recognize drilling holes or markings to be imported and assigned to a
drill property. SigmaNEST machine post must support drilling as well as the physical machine must
support drilling.
Part Property Mapping: Select to enable ProE part mapping fields to be imported. Enter ProE fields
on the left side of the table to be mapped to SigmaNEST fields on the right side of the table.Fields
can be left unassigned. To remove any text in the fields select the text and select delete.
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Cancel: Select to close the Configuration dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the Configuration dialog saving all changes.
eReports
When a post operation is completed a number of reports can be automatically produced in a variety
of electronic formats.
Save eReports When Posting: Select to create the reports listed when you post the file.
Report Listing: The report listing displays the reports selected. The listing displays the name of the
report, a prefix, file type, and the eReport type.Double-click on a report in the list to open the eRe-
port Add/Edit Dialog and edit the selected report..
eReport Add/Edit Dialog:The eReport Add/Edit dialog allows users to edit or add
reports by selecting a report type and customizing the following options:
File Name Type: Select Task, Program or Sheet Name from the drop down list.
eReports Type: Select the format for the report from the drop down list.
Alternate Extension: Enter an optional alternate extension type.
Prefix: Enter an optional prefix for the report.
Delete: Select to delete the selected report or reports from the list.
Edit: Select to open the eReport Add/Edit dialog and edit an eReport from the listing.
Add: Select to open the eReport Add/Edit dialog and add an eReport to the listing.
Cancel: Select to close the dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the dialog saving all changes.
Defaults
The values defined on the Defaults Tab dialog, (under Tools Help, Config), are the normal or initial
settings of a new nesting task. A task is a combination of parts and sheets along with possible nest-
ing.
Task Defaults
Task Name: Specify the prefix of a new task's name. The default value is T.
Task Maximum Value: Enter the maximum number that can be used for a task
name.
Task Sheet Name Prefix: Enter an option prefix for the task sheet name.
Priority Value: The priority value is multiplied with the part's priority to provide
the final priority.
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In Process Parts Value: In Process Parts Value is used to set parts on the task to a
higher priority. When multiple tasks are being cut, setting this value higher will
allow the task to be cut first.
Due Date Value: Enter a Due Date Value. The difference between a part's due date
and the current date is multiplied by the due date value in order to arrive at its
priority. A higher value indicates a higher priority.
Part Defaults: There are a number of default settings to change for a specific part. These default set-
tings can be changed in the program, under Part Defaults.
Part Description: Each part has a name. Specify the prefix of the part name in the part name edit
box. Every time a new part is created, the part number is increased.
Break entities when placing middle lead-in types: When this attribute is selected, the middle
lead-in positions, depicted in the Lead-in Position dialog by an "M" in the second letter, are active.
Because middle positions are not normally used for lead-in lines they are disabled when this field is
not selected.
Lead-in Tolerance: The lead-in tolerance specifies the distance from the specified lead-in position
that is considered logically the same. In the Lead-in Position dialog, if the lead-in position is spec-
ified to the Top Right (TR) and the lead-in tolerance covers the distance depicted by dimension 1,
then the Top Right and Right Top (RT) positions are distinct.
Sheet Name Prefix: Enter the prefix for the sheet names. The default is S.
Work Order Prefix: Enter a prefix for the quoted work order.
Work Order Postfix: Enter a postfix for the quoted work order.
Quote Defaults: Quote default values provide information for quote parameters.
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Cost Model: Select one of the following cost model types from the drop down box.
True Cost : cost of the actual material usage of the part based on
its actual shape.
Rect Cost: cost of material used by the part’s smallest bounding
rectangle.
Quoted Work Order Prefix: Enter a prefix for the quoted work order. The default is
WO.
Recalculate Cost at Startup
Reload Part Material Cost
Cut Plan Name: Enter a prefix for the cut plan name. The default is CP.
Cut Plan Maximum Number:Enter the highest number to use after the Cut Plan
Name prefix to desinate a cut plan.
CTL Task Name: Enter a prefix for the CTL task name. The default is CTLT.
CTL Task Maximum Number: Enter the highest number to use after the CTL Task
Name prefix to desginate a CTL task.
Cancel: Select to close the Configuration dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the Configuration dialog saving all changes.
Database
The Database tab displays the connection information, server name, database, and user login. A con-
nect button is available to allow to test the connection to the database or connect to another data-
base. Select the connect button to display the SQL Login dialog.
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SQL Server: Select the drop down arrow to display the List of SQL Servers available. Select the
server icon next to the text box to populate the listing with available servers.
Database: Select the drop down arrow to display the List of Databases available. Select the database
icon next to the text box to populate the listing with available databases.
Security: Security settings are available along with a default user button to set the login and pass-
word to the SigmaNEST default user.
Login: Enter the user name.
Password: Enter the user password. Select the show password icon to display the pass-
word.
Allow Password Save: Select to allow passwords to be saved.
Use Windows Security: Select to use windows profiles and passwords for logins.
Default User: Select to load and display the default User and password in the security section of the
login dialog.
Test Connection: Test Connection allows the user to test the connectivity to the selected server
and database.
OK: Select to close the SQL Login dialog saving all changes.
Geometry Storage: Geometry Storage sets up sheet geometry files in the SigmaNEST Database
that were either created using CAD in SigmaNEST or by the creation of a remnant. Select one of the
following options from the drop down menu:
Geometry Data Type: In addition to being able to be stored in SigmaNEST as a.sht file, geometry
sheet files can be also be stored as a CDL or DXF. Storing the files as a CDL or DXF is the ability to
import in to another program and view it separately.
Prompt
The Prompts tab displays any of the message dialog prompts that the user checks to not show when
executing a program function. When a user selects the check box to not display the message
prompt the prompt is listed in this dialog. To allow the prompt to be displayed again for the pro-
gram function check the prompt check box and select OK.
Cancel: Select to close the Configuration dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the Configuration dialog saving all changes.
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Tracking/ Revision
Parts Tracking: Part tracking allows the user to track the current up to date part.
Mark new parts for tracking automatically: Select to automatically track new
parts as they are saved to the parts library. New parts only are set for tracking.
Revisions
Keep part revision history: Select to save all part revisions. The parts library list-
ing will show an expand icon indicating the part's revisions are saved and listed.
Automatic Revision Prefix: Specify the prefix of a parts revision.
Excluded Characters: Excludes letters when incrementing revision by a letter. For
example, if the letter "I" is excluded, a revision will skip from "H" to "J". Multiple
letters must be separated by a comma.
Revision Increment: Designate revision increments to be identified by numbers or
letters by selecting the applicable bubble.
Save a base revision the first time a revision is added: Check this option if a part
can be saved without a revision number
Base Revision: When a part is saved without a revision this value will be added to
the Revision field when the parts revision value has been bumped up. A value is
required.
Cancel: Select to close the Configuration dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the Configuration dialog saving all changes.
Reload Config
Select Reload Config to reread the SigmaNEST Configuration file and set the new values in Sig-
maNEST if the snconfig.ini file was edited manually.
The License File manager contains information on the SIM, program and user's company. It also pro-
vides an option for starting SigmaNEST in demo mode, checking for a network SIM,and updating or
requesting a license codes.
Plug In Manager
Select Plug In Manager to open the Plug In Manager dialog, which contains the functions below:
Import Plug Ins: Select to open the Post folder for file management.
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Delete Plug Ins: Select to open the NC folder for file management.
Reload Plug Ins: Select to open the INI folder for file management.
OK: Select to close the Plug In Manager.
Application Manager
Select Application Manager to open the Plug In Manager dialog, which contains the functions below:
Add Application: Select to open the Post folder for file management.
Delete Application: Select to open the NC folder for file management.
Reload Applications: Select to open the INI folder for file management.
OK: Select to close the Application Manager.
Register Com Server sets the current loaded version of SigmaNEST as the default SigmaNEST that
automation or external applications will use.
Print
Select to display the work space printing dialog.
Select: Select to choose the printer, and its set-up dialog, to which the document will be sent.
Print Only Visible Image: Check to print the visible image on the work space, uncheck to print all
images on the workspace.
Print: Select to print the work space.
Preview: Select to view the print image.
Close: Select to close the work space printing dialog.
Text Editor
The Editor functions and actions are displayed along the top of the dialog. The left side of the dialog
is used to navigate to the file to be edited. Double-click the file and the file is displayed on the right
side of the editor.
The SigmaNEST Editor allows more than one file to be edited at a time allowing text to be copied or
moved from one file to another.
The selected files are displayed using a program format style from the drop down menu, for easy
editing and navigating. The following file format types are available: Plain Text, INI, and PST Files
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Technology Set-up
Technology Setup is used to setup the material types of the sheets, markup values for the material
types, production costs, and machine parameters. Technology Setup dialog consists of the following
tabs.
The layout of the tables can be altered using a query builder, which can be
created by dragging the column header of a selected field to the bar above the table,
or selected custom from the column header drop-down menu.
Material Tab
The Material tab on the Technology Setup dialog displays material parameters and cost information.
The Material parameter information is important for SigmaNEST to calculate part cutting param-
eters. Important material parameters are Material name, thickness, cost per unit of measure, shear
strength, and density.
Material: Enter or edit the material name.
IAC: Enter the material IAC specification.
Material Group: Material Group is used to group materials with the same set of cutting conditions.
The cutting parameters are set once and the materials are then added to the group. The group
name is the name of one of the materials in the list that the other materials will be grouped with.
Costing and Reporting of a material is still based on an individual material and not the group.
When the material is listed in the group and listed in the Tech Table the parameters for the mate-
rial are retrieved from the material first and not the group.
1. Select Add or Edit Material from the Material tab in the Technology Setup
dialog.
2. Select a material name from the drop down box or enter a material name
that will be used to define the parameters.
3. Select Ok and the Material dialog is closed. Select the Delete icon to
remove the group the material is applied to and confirm the action.
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Caution! Selecting delete here will delete the selected material and material infor-
mation. To cancel the delete operation before closing the add material dialog select
cancel.
Import Material: Allows the user to import material information from a Directory location.
Cancel: Select to close the dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the dialog saving all changes.
Mark-up Tab
Selecting the Markup tab contains options for entering markup information for a material according
to quantity. The information is displayed by the material name, IAC, thickness, quantity, and markup
percentage. The markup percentage field is a decimal value. Entering .5 is equivalent to a half of a
percent. Entering 5.00 is 5 percent.
Add: Displays the markup editor dialog. The material name, thickness, quantity, and markup values
are entered. The markup is defined as a percentage.
The material has to be added here, to be in the master selector listing. The Master Selector dialog
is located in the Markup Material Editor, which is displayed when the Edit Material button is
selected. Edit Material is used for applying markup percentages to more than one material.
Edit: Selecting a material in the list and selecting edit displays the markup editor dialog. The mate-
rial markup information can be changed.
Delete: Delete removes the selected material from the markup list.
Edit Material: Selecting Edit Material displays the Markup Material Editor dialog. Material markup
parameters can be applied across several materials by selecting a material to emulate. Materials
listed in the bottom of the dialog in red indicate the material has no markup applied to them. To use
the markup value from one of the materials in the upper window select the material or materials
and select Add Material.
Add Material: Select the material in red and select Add Material. The Master Selec-
tor dialog is displayed. Select a material to emulate from the drop down box and
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Production Costs is used to setup global, machine, process, and other costs. Global costs apply to all
of the machines and processes. Machine costs apply to specific machine types. Process costs apply
to the machine process. Other Costs is available to define additional or specific costs pertaining to
certain process types, such as bending, grinding, and welding.
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Material cost is expressed as a value per unit of weight. This rate can vary by mate-
rial thickness and there is provision for different markup percentages for different
quantities of material consumed.
All the previous costs, are integrated in a per Part cost, that can be further modified
for each part. There is provision for adjustments based on the part’s overall com-
plexity, for an additional markup percentage that varies by quantity, for shipping
costs and for extra miscellaneous costs.
To control complexity for those wanting simplified costing, SigmaNEST permits the
selection of costing models that incorporates, one or more, global, machine and
process levels. There is also a user-defined model. These models are set at the
machine level. For example, when running one machine the costing model might
only consider overhead costs, but when running another machine it might include
machine and process-level costs as well.
Costing is divided into the following:
Global Cost
Global costs are costs applied across all of the machines and their processes. The cutting, running,
and piercing costs may be defined at the global level. Additional parameters may also be defined in
the global cost parameter listing.
Cost Formulas (See page 438) has additional information on formula equations and variables.
Setting Global Costs
1. Select Global in the listing at the top left of the Production Cost dialog.
2. Right-click one of the cost parameters in the list to edit the text of the
field. Edit or keep the cost parameter field name.
3. Left-click the value field next to the above selected cost parameter field
and enter a value from the key board, or select the down arrow to display a
calculator to assist in defining the value.
4. Left-click outside of the calculator to close the calculator and save the
value. Repeat the steps for each cost parameter to define.
To add additional #Variables:Select the #variable item and edit the text box describing the var-
iable definition, then select the Value box to the right of the variable and enter the value. The new
variable is added to the global costing parameters. For example: #104.
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Other Costs:Other Costs are defined by using the Setup Cost Type and Populate Cost Type func-
tions on the right side of the Global Costs dialog. To setup other costs, refer to Other Costs (See
page 436).
Machine Cost
Cost Parameters
These are costs associated with running a particular machine and include things like the financing
costs of the machine and operating labor costs. Selecting a machine changes the global costing
parameters into machine cost parameters, along with displaying costing models.
Cutting , Running (Operating), and Piercing machine cost parameters are displayed.
Cutting Cost factors are usually the average number of cutting heads used, gas, noz-
zle, mirror, lenses, etc. The use and general maintenance of the machine. The
machine's typical feed rate, number of hours worked, and the machines utilization
rate.
The Operating Cost factors are usually operator's salary or wages, the number of
hours worked, and the financing costs of the machine.
The Piercing Cost is the cost per pierce.
Cost Formulas (See page 438) has additional information on calculating cost parameters. .
To add additional #Variables: Select the #variable item and edit the text box describing the var-
iable definition, then select the Value box to the right of the variable and enter the value. The new
variable is added to the global costing parameters. For example: #104.
Cost Model: In addition to setting the cost parameters, the Cost Model is also set at this level and
the costing model formulas are displayed for each of the calculated cost models.
True Cost: This is based on the net weight of the part. For example, if a part has cut
outs such as holes and internal contours, the true cost estimate would ignore the
cost of the dropout scrap. True shape cost is the absolute minimum cost and does
not allow for any scrap loss.
The net weight of the part is used for estimating the ship-
ping weight and heat treatment cost of parts
Rectangular Cost: This calculates the cost of the part, based on material consumed
equal to the smallest rectangle that can fully enclose the part. This usually provides
a conservative estimate of part cost.
True shape cost and rectangular costs are calculated automatically every time a part
object is created (refer to Geometry (See page 84) for information on part cre-
ation).
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Nested Cost: The cost of the part as it would appear in a nest. This takes things
like kerf and clearance into account. The scrap percentage, number of torches and
the true shape of a part are used in the calculation of the nested cost.
Scrap is allocated to each part in proportion to its area, thus increasing the material
component of the cost for each part. This formula is dependant on which type of vir-
tual crop line is selected in the SigmaNEST configuration menu, under System2 tab.
For details on the virtual crop line selection refer to virtual crop line.
To set the cost model select the machine in the left pane. Select one of the following costing mod-
els from the Cost Model drop-down list in the right pane. Selecting different cost models will dis-
play different variables in the formulas. Any additional variables that are defined in the cost
parameter list must be added to both the material and cutting cost formulas under each True, Rec-
tangular, and Nested formula sections for the values to be calculated. Cost Formulas (See page 438)
has additional information on calculating cost parameters.
User Setup model: User define model that permits a custom cost formula to be
defined for the true, rectangular, and nested costs. Use variables #104 to #108, to
define additional parameters.
Only Detail model: Makes use of the costs defined at the process level.
Only Machine model: Makes use of the costs defined at the machine level.
Only Global model: Makes use of overhead costs defined at the global level. This
is the simplest model that requires the definition of the fewest cost parameters.
Global + Machine model: Makes use of overhead and machine level cost param-
eters.
Global + Machine + Detail model: Makes use of overhead, machine, and process
costs. This is the most comprehensive model and requires the most cost param-
eters. This model produces the finest costing granularity.
Import: Selecting Import an explorer window for importing a production cost (.CST) file.
Export: Selecting export opens a dialog for saving a cost file to a different file type.
Process Costs
Process costs have the same parameters as global and machine costs, but they are defined by proc-
ess, material, and thickness. Different thickness materials will cost different when running the same
process.
Import: Imports existing cost files (.CST). An explorer window is displayed to navigate to a file loca-
tion. Select the file and select Open.
Export: Exports the file as a .CST file. An explorer window is displayed to navigate to a folder loca-
tion. Select the folder and select Save. The file is saved to the selected folder location.
Add: Displays the Production Cost dialog, with the Machine and Process type. Enter the values for
the new production costs for a material and its thickness.
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Material: Select the listing of material type for the machine and process.
Thickness: Enter the thickness of the material for the machine and process type.
Cutting Cost: Enter the cutting cost per unit of cutting length.
Running Cost: Enter the running cost of the process per unit of time (second).
Pierce Cost: Enter the cost of the pierce.
Cutting, Running, and Pierce cost values must be entered to display oper-
ating costs in part parameters.
Custom Cost Parameters: To add additional #Variables,select the #variable item and edit the text
box describing the variable definition, then select the Value box to the right of the variable and
enter the value. The new variable is added to the global costing parameters. For example: #104.
Edit: Select the material process parameter in the process listing to edit values.
Delete: Deletes the selected material process parameters in the listing.
Edit Material: Selecting Edit Material displays the Process Material Editor dialog. Materials listed in
the top portion of the dialog are existing materials used in the process. Materials listed in the bot-
tom portion of the dialog under Missing Materials are all materials used in all processes. Material
costing parameters are easily combined or split according to material.
Add Material: Displays the Add Material dialog for adding new material types.
Delete Material: Selecting the material and then selecting delete will remove the material from the
process listing, however the material will be added back to the Missing Materials listing.
Combine Material: Selecting materials from the Material list and selecting combine displays the
Master Selector dialog. Selecting the down arrow in the drop down box displays a list of the mate-
rials in the process. The Master Selector uses the values from the selected material as the global
parameters for the combined materials.
Split Material: Selecting any combined materials from the list, and selecting Split will separate the
materials and list them separately in the Material Listing.
Cancel: Selecting cancel closes the production cost dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Selecting OK closes the production cost dialog saving any changes.
Other Costs
Other Costs is used to define any additional costing associated to the part. There may be additional
handling, bending, or welding costs that the part may undergo. Select the Setup Other Costs button
and the Other Costs dialog is displayed. The dialog is separated into the following sections.
Other Costs is enabled under Configuration on the Work Space tab, on the
Default tab, under Part Defaults section, select Use Cost File.
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Tools & Help
Setup Cost Type: The costing type is a description of a cost type associated with the part. Costing
Types can be active or inactive.
Main Process: Select to enable the type as the main process. When a costing type is enabled as
main process, the costing type is active even when the active check box is not enabled.
Active: Select to make the cost type active. Uncheck Active to disable the costing type, so it will
not used to consider other costs.
To Add Costing Types
Plus symbol: Select to add a new costing type is added to the list. Select
the new costing type to edit the name.
Formula: Cost, Runtime, and Setup Time are reserved variables. Click the cursor in the formula win-
dow and directly enter the formula from the keyboard. Right mouse click displays a list box of Sig-
maNEST variables. Select the desired variable. If the variable is not listed create one in add
parameters, see next section.
Parameters and Table items are used in the formula for calculating the costing type. Add parameters
is used for defining variables to use in the formula. Add Tables provide the formula with variables,
from SigmaNEST, that can be assigned fixed result values.
Standard function script expressions are used for combining the parameters and table fields forming
the costing type formula. The following example uses a declared constant BendTime, a parameter
NumBends, table fields, T1_result, T2_result, T3_result, T4_result, and a SigmaNEST variable, Number
of Parts, selected from right mouse clicking in the formula window.
Add Parameters: Select the plus symbol to add a parameter. Use the minus symbol to delete a
parameter.
The parameter is a variable value that the user will enter. For example, when building a bending cost
formula the number of bends is different between parts. NumBends would be a variable parameter
to add.
Enter the following parameter fields.
Add Tables: Use Add Tables to create tables to define fixed values or values from SigmaNEST. Edit-
ing and creating tables is similar to parameters.
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Double click the row under the table name or select the plus symbol to add a table. Select the arrow
icon to edit a table. The Add/Edit Table for Cost dialog is displayed. Use the minus symbol to delete
a table.
The table is for obtaining parameters from SigmaNEST.
Populate Cost Type: To edit or create rows for the tables select Populate Cost Type button to dis-
play the Populate Table Data dialog.
Costing Type:
1. Select the costing type, from the left side of the dialog.The table tabs are displayed along
the top of the dialog.
2. Select the table tab to edit or create the table rows of the table.
3. Select the plus symbol, at the bottom of the populate data table dialog and a new row is
added. Enter the values for the table row.
4. Select the minus symbol to delete a row from the list.
5. Enter the value in each row of each column.
Cancel: Select to close the Other Costs dialog without saving changes.
OK: Select to close the Other Costs dialog saving all changes.
Cost Formulas
Cost formulas are for example purposes. Additional variables, not listed in the formulas, may have to
be added for more accurate costing values.
Cutting Cost: Cutting cost covers gas, maintenance and other consumable materials and is
expressed as a monetary value per unit of cutting length, estimated as follows:
Cutting cost per inch = NT x Cgnm / (F x H x U x 60 seconds)
Where:
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The result must be a value per second. If cutting cost is used, it is the sum of all overhead costs for
a period, divided by the typical cutting distance in that period.
Running Cost: Expressed as a monetary value per unit of time, $/inches for imperial units and $/m-
illimeters for metric units.
Running cost covers operator salary, floor space rent, capital cost of machine, etc. Estimated as fol-
lows:
Running cost per hour = S + (R / (Nm x H)) + Cm x (I + 1 / Ny) / (12 x H)
Operating cost per second = Operating cost per hour / 3600
Where:
Piercing Cost: Expressed as a monetary value per pierce, e.g. $0.05 per pierce. The piercing cost cal-
culates the per pierce cost by dividing the number of pierces of the nozzle, by the cost of the noz-
zle.
Piercing Cost = cost in units of currency per pierce.
Piercing Cost = Cost of Nozzle / number of pierces nozzle can make.
Cost Model Formulas: The cost models pertain to True, Rectangular, and Nested models. The True
cost model defines the cost as the actual material used for the parts, not taking into consideration
any scrap. The Rectangular cost defines the part cost including smallest rectangular area of scrap
around the part. The Nested cost model defines the part cost including the scrap of the nested
parts.
Each of the Cost models consist of a material and cutting cost formula for the parts. The material and
cutting cost formulas are defined when the machine is selected under the Production Cost dialog in
Technology Setup.
True cost: Material Cost = ([weight] * [MatCost])
Cutting Cost =
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Tools & Help
To add additional #Variables, example: #104, the Cost Model User Setup
must be selected. Select the #variable item and edit the text box describing the var-
iable definition, then select the Value box to the right of the variable and enter the
value. For example: with Cost Model User Setup selected, add to the material cost for-
mula + #104, so it is displayed as, ([weight]*[MatCost]) + #104. The above True Cost
Formula shows the example.
Rectangular Cost
Material Cost = ([rectWeight]*[MatCost])
Cutting Cost =
l When Detail is selected the cutting cost is defined as:
([CostParam1]*[CutLength])+([CostParam2]*[TotalTime])+([CostParam3]*[PierceCount])
l When Machine is selected the cutting cost is defined as:
([MachineCostParam1]*[CutLength])+([MachineCostParam2]*[TotalTime])+ ([Machine-
CostParam3]*[PierceCount])
l When Global is selected the cutting cost is defined as:
([GlobalCostParam1]*[CutLength])+([GlobalCostParam2]*[TotalTime])+ ([Glob-
alCostParam3]*[PierceCount])
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Tools & Help
l When Global + Machine are selected the cutting cost is defined as:
(([MachineCostParam1]+[GlobalCostParam1])*[CutLength])+(([MachineCostParam2]+
[Glob-
alCostParam2])*[TotalTime])+(([MachineCostParam3]+[GlobalCostParam3])*[PierceCount])
l When Global + Machine + Detail are selected the cutting cost is defined as:
(([CostParam1]+[MachineCostParam1]+[GlobalCostParam1])*[CutLength])+(([CostParam2]+
[MachinCostParam2]+[GlobalCostParam2])*[TotalTime])+(([CostParam3]+[MachineCostParam3]
+[GlobalCostParam3])*[PierceCount])
Nested Cost: Material Cost = [MatCost]*([weight]/(1-[scrap]))
Cutting Cost =
l When Detail is selected the cutting cost is defined as:
(([CostParam1]*[NumParts]*[CutLength])+([CostParam2]*[TotalTime]*[NumMasterParts])+
([CostParam3]*[PierceCount]*[NumParts]))/([NumParts])
l When Machine is selected the cutting cost is defined as:
(([Machine-
Cost-
Param1]*[NumParts]*[CutLength])+([MachineCostParam2]*[TotalTime]*[NumMasterParts])+
(([MachineCostParam3]*[PierceCount]*[NumParts]))/([NumParts])
l When Global is selected the cutting cost is defined as:
(([Gloal-
CostParam1]*[NumParts]*[CutLength])+([GlobalCostParam2]*[TotalTime]*[NumMasterParts])
+([GlobalCostParam3]*[PierceCount]*[NumParts]))/([NumParts])
l When Global + Machine are selected the cutting cost is defined as:
l ((([MachineCostParam1]+[GlobalCostParam1])*[NumParts]*[CutLength])+
(([MachineCostParam2]+[GlobalCostParam2])*[TotalTime]
*[NumMasterParts])+([MachineCostParam3]+[GlobalCostParam3])*[PierceCount]
*[NumParts]))/([NumParts])
l When Global + Machine + Detail are selected the cutting cost is defined as:
((([CostParam1]+[MachineCostParam1]+[GlobalCostParam1]) *[N-
umParts]*[CutLength])+(([CostParam2]+[MachineCostParam2]+[GlobalCostParam2]) *[Tot-
alTime]*[NumMasterParts])+(([CostParam3]+[MachineCostParam3]+
[GlobalCostParam3])*[PierceCount]*[NumParts]))/([NumParts])
Scrap / Yield Calculations
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Tools & Help
Machine Tab
Machine Parameters tab, under Technology Setup machine displays machine information, including
the post and technology file names. The machines are listed in the panel on the left side of the dia-
logue. Under each machine is the following tabs, each displaying different sets of parameter tables
that can be added to or edited.
Task Parameters (See page 442)
Technology Set-up (See page 443)
Lead- in Lookup (See page 444)
Tabbing Look-up (See page 447)
Interference Look-up (See page 450)
1. Select the machine from the list to display the current information and
image.
2. Right-click the machine image window and select Edit machine to display
an Edit machine dialog.
3. Select the machine type and model from the drop down menu.
4. Select image to open a browser in which to search for an image.
5. Select Ok to save the changes and close the dialog or Cancel to close with-
out saving changes.
Task Parameters
Task Parameters tab displays a table of tasks assigned to a selected machine. The fields in the table
will vary depending on the machine.
Add: Select Add to display the Lead-in Editor dialog. Enter the appropriate information in the fields
below.Select Ok to save the changes and close the dialog or Cancel to close without saving
changes.
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Tools & Help
Edge Distance: The edge distance is a border around the sheet in which no parts
are nested. If a dead zone is specified in the machine setup, then the top or bottom
takes the larger of the two values, depending upon where the zero position is set.
Pre- pierce Diameter: Pre Pierce Diameter is available only when Yes is selected in
the Check Pre Pierce Box. Punch tool or drill size.
Edit: To edit a row, double-click on row or highlight the row and select the Edit button to open the
task parameters dialog. The fields listed above, under Add, can be edited, with the exception of the
material.
Delete: Select to delete highlighted row.
Edit Material: Select Edit Materials to open the task parameters' Material Editor.
Select Ok to save the changes and close the dialog or Cancel to close without saving changes.
Technology Set-up
The Technology Set-up section of the Machine tab displays the Material table.The fields in the table
will vary depending on the machine.
Add: Select Add to display the Lead-in Editor dialog.
Edit: To edit a row, double-click on row or highlight the row and select the Edit button to open the
task parameters dialog. The fields listed above, under Add, can be edited, with the exception of the
material.
Delete: Select to delete highlighted row.
Edit Material: Select Edit Materials to open the task parameters' Material Editor.
Select Ok to save the changes and close the dialog or Cancel to close without saving changes.
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Tools & Help
Lead- in Lookup
The Lead-in Lookup displays the table is used to define the parameters for the lead-in and lead-out
of parts for a machine process. The fields in the table will vary depending on the machine.
Add: Select Add to display the Lead-in Editor dialog.
Edit: Select to display the Lead-in Editor (See page 444) and edit highlighted row. HDX lead-ins can
also be created and edited in the Lead-in Editor.
Edit: To edit a row, double-click on row or highlight the row and select the Edit button to open the
task parameters dialog. The fields listed above, under Add, can be edited, with the exception of the
material.
Delete: Select to delete highlighted row.
Edit Material: Select Edit Materials to open the task parameters' Material Editor.
Select Ok to save the changes and close the dialog or Cancel to close without saving changes.
Select Ok to save the changes and close the dialog or Cancel to close without saving changes.
Lead-in Editor
Main Tab: The lead-in fields below can be edited under this tab.
Side Panel: The side panel listed info on the machine, process name, material and, thickness.
Lead-in Settings: The fields below for the lead-in settings for the internal and external edge lead-
ins and the internal and external center lead-ins can be edited under this tab.
Gap Size: Enter the gap size, path distance, between the lead-in and lead-out. A
negative gap size crosses over the lead-in position, creating overlap cutting. A pos-
itive gap size causes the lead-out to occur before the lead-in position. This can
help to avoid an undercut "nick" in the part, as may occur with plasma cutters.
Lead-in Position: The default lead-in position is "Do not Change". Once a position
is selected the next time lead-in parameters dialog is opened the lead-in position
is set to the default. The lead-in position may have one of the following values:
Right Bottom: Places the lead-in at the bottom of the right most
protrusion of the part.
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Tools & Help
Right Middle: Places the lead-in at the middle of the right most
protrusion of the part.
Right Top: Places the lead-in at the top of the right most pro-
trusion of the part.
Left Bottom: Places the lead-in at the bottom of the left most pro-
trusion of the part.
Left Middle: Places the lead-in at the middle of the left most pro-
trusion of the part.
Left Top: Places the lead-in at the top of the left most protrusion
of the part.
Bottom Right: Places the lead-in at the right of the bottom most
protrusion of the part.
Bottom Middle: Places the lead-in at the middle of the bottom
most protrusion of the part.
Bottom Left: Places the lead-in at the bottom of the left most pro-
trusion of the part.
Top Right: Places the lead-in at the right of the topmost pro-
trusion of the part.
Top Middle: Places the lead-in at the middle of the topmost pro-
trusion of the part.
Top Left: Places the lead-in at the left of the topmost protrusion
of the part.
Longest: Places the lead-in on the longest entity of the part.
Auto Select: Places the lead-in at the best possible position.
Lead-in
Lead-out
Center Lead-in
Center Lead-out
HDX Tab: The fields below for the internal HDX lead-in can be edited under this tab.
Gap Size: Enter the gap size, path distance, between the lead-in and lead-out. A
negative gap size crosses over the lead-in position, creating overlap cutting. A pos-
itive gap size causes the lead-out to occur before the lead-in position. This can
help to avoid an undercut "nick" in the part, as may occur with plasma cutters.
Diameter
Center Lead-in
Center Lead-out
Cancel (HDX): Select to close the HDX tab without saving changes
Add: Select to add the HDX lead-in.
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Tools & Help
HDX
HDX manipulates the cutting parameters and lead-ins/outs to create small hole sin Carbon steel
(MS,A36..) 0.25, 0.375, 0.5 , 0.75 & 1 plate. HDX requires SigmaNEST, version 9.1 or later, an advanced
Plasma post, a Burny controller with an Auto Gas console, INova Height Control and Advance Com-
mand messaging.
Lead-ins: HDX lead-ins are applied automatically to qualifying contours if the HDX check box on the
part dialog is checked. HDX lead-ins are defined by a diameter and lead-in / out values. The diameter
refers to the hole size that this lead-in can be applied to.
For example:
If there are two HDX lead-ins defined as 0.25 and 0.5 diameter, all
holes up to a 0.499 diameter will have a 0.25 diameter HDX lead-
in; holes between 0.5 and 1.5 diameter will have a 0.5 HDX lead-in.
Import Lead-ins as a batch: HDX lead-ins can be created by importing a CVS file, with the required
settings as a batch.
1. Open Technology Set-up, located on the Tools ribbon.
2. Select the machine from the list in the left side panel.
3. Select Lead-in Look-up.
4. Select Import HDX.
5. Select the file to import.
HDX lead-ins cannot be changed in the Edit Part dialog. It must be done in
technology setup.
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Tools & Help
Tabbing Look-up
The Tabbing Lookup table defines tabs for the process type. The following parameters are obtained
from the post file. Tabbing parameters can be edited from this table dialog.The fields in the table
will vary depending on the machine.
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Tools & Help
For example, if the tab spacing parameter specifies that tabs should be placed 50
units apart and the search percentage is 50 percent, then the tab placement algo-
rithm will use any good tab position between 25 and 75 units from the previous
tab.
The tab placing algorithm has more flexibility when the tab search percentage is
large.
Min Internal Tab Area: This value determines if any tabs will be placed on the
inside perimeter of an entity where the inside area is greater than the value spec-
ified.
Min External Tab Area: This value determines if any tabs will be placed on the out-
side perimeter of an entity where the outside area is greater than the value spec-
ified.
Tab Part Ends: If this parameter is set to yes then tabs are placed on the ends of
the entity according to the Part/Width Length Ratio value.
Part Length/Width Ratio: This parameter is active and can be set when the Tab
Part Ends parameter is set to yes. Specifying a length/width ratio allows a tab to be
placed on the part end.
Tab Lines: This parameter allows the tabs to be placed on specific line types. One
of the following 4 options may be selected.
All lines: This option allows tabs to be placed on all of the line
types according to the Tab Type and Spacing selected.
Only horizontal: The horizontal option places the tabs along hor-
izontal sides of the part according to the Tab Type and Spacing
selected.
Only vertical: The vertical option places the tabs along vertical
sides of the part according to the Tab Type and Spacing selected.
Only horizontal and vertical:This option places tabs along the hor-
izontal and vertical sides of the parts only according to the Tab
Type and Spacing selected.
Exclude Open Contours: When this parameter is selected tabs are not placed on
open line contours.
Tab Arcs: Tab Arcs This option places tabs along the arcs according to the specified
spacing.
Remove Tabs
Do not remove tabs: Tabs will remain.
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Tools & Help
Depth:If the normal tab spacing algorithm places a tab right next to a corner, the
selection of this attribute equalizes the spacing between the tabs, on this edge, to
move it away from the corner.
Tab moves are head-down moves : Select this for tab moves to be head-down
moves.
Lead-in Length
Lead-in Angle
Lead-out
Lead-out Length
Lead-out Angle
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Tools & Help
Select Ok to save the changes and close the dialog or Cancel to close without saving changes.
Interference Look-up
SQL Manager
Select SQL Manager to perform database maintenance. Once the SQL Manager icon is selected a
connection dialog is displayed, see the following Connect topic for connecting to the database.
Connect: Select to connect to open the SQL Server (See page 451) dialog and a selected data-
base.
Export: Select to export tables and archives to a folder location. A navigator window is dis-
played to select a location or create a new folder location to export the tables and archives.
Import: Select to import a database. A navigator window is displayed to select a database file-
name to import. Select the file and select open.
Execute T-SQL File: Select to execute a SQL query file. A navigator window is displayed to
select the SQL file to run.
Options: Select to display a options dialog for backing up the database or for importing or
exporting as a CSV (Comma Separated Value) file. Select the location and select OK.
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Tools & Help
Empty: Select to empty selected or all tables of the selected database. The database can also
be emptied.
Delete Selected Databases: Select the database and select Delete Selected Database to
remove the database from the server.
SQL Server
Select Connect to display the server login information, server name, database, user login. A test con-
nect button is available to allow testing of the connection to the database. The List of SQL Servers is
available from the drop down box or can be browsed with the server icon .
Database: The List of Databases is available from the drop down box or can be browsed with the
database icon . Security settings are available along with a default user button to set the
login and password to the SigmaNEST default user.
Security: The login section allows the user to use a user name and password or their windows pro-
file.
Test Connection: Select to test the connection to the database. If the test connection fails contact
your Network Administrator.
Cancel: Select to close the SQL Server Login dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Select to close the SQL Server Login dialog saving all changes.
User Set-up
Select User Setup to add, edit, remove, and or setup login options. Existing users are listed in the
upper left window of the User Setup dialog.
The User Setup can be used to define multiple profiles for different machine types.
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Tools & Help
Add User: Selecting Add User displays the User Setup dialog. Enter the User Name, Full Name, and
check the box for Profile by User Name. Select OK to save the new user or select Cancel to close
the Add User dialog without saving any changes. .
Edit User: Select Edit User to change user information. OK saves any changes and Cancel closes the
dialog without saving any changes.
Remove User: Selecting Remove User removes the user from the list. Select OK to permanently
remove the user or select Cancel to cancel the user removal.
Login As: Select the user from the list and select Login As to change to the selected user login.
Login Options: Select from the drop down menu a login option for the user.
Use Windows User: Selecting Use Windows User allows SigmaNEST to open up
with the window's user login.
Ask User Name: This option enables SigmaNEST to prompt for a user login name
on startup. Selecting Ask User Name displays a User Login dialog. Select the User
Name from the drop down box and select OK.
Login as User: Selecting Login as user activates the User Name drop down box.
Also select the User name from the list. SigmaNEST opens up in the selected user's
login.
User Name: Select the User Name when using the above Login as User option, under the Login
Options.
Cancel: Selecting Cancel closes the User Setup dialog without saving any changes.
OK: Selecting OK closes the User Setup dialog saving any changes.
Digitizer
Select Digitizer to display the Digiview dialog. Digiview allows the user to draw geometry for parts
from a digitizer device and save the file for importing into SigmaNEST.
File Manager
Select File Manager to open folders to perform file management.
Post Folder: Select to open the Post folder to view and handle post files.
NC: Select to open the NC folder to view and handle NC files.
INI: Select to open the INI folder for to view and handle .INI files.
SNDATA Folder: Select to open the SNDATA folder to view and handle program files.
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Tools & Help
Comms
Comms is used to communicate from SigmaNEST to the cutting machine controller. After selecting
Comms, SigmaNEST invokes communication software that allows communication with the machine.
SigmaNEST uses the ShopCOMMII.exe program for this purpose. The software name on the System
tab, under Config configuration on the Tools & Help ribbon. Different communication software can
be used. Depending on the communication software selected, the machine communicates directly
or by use of other methods of data transfer, such as PSION organizers.
Verify the communication parameters such as baud rate, parity, etc., in the communications program
to match the machine communication settings.
Help
Live Update: Live Update is used to update an existing SigmaNEST install. The SIM must be
in place during the update procedure.
The following steps through the Live Update procedure.
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Tools & Help
Corporate and company firewalls may prevent using live update through the
Internet. Check with your system administrator to allow updates over the Internet.
1. Select Live Update from the Tools tab. The SigmaNEST Live Update dialog is displayed with
a list of any SigmaNEST installs.
2. Select the SigmaNEST install version to update and select Install Updates.
3. An Upgrade Install Wizard is displayed. Select Next to continue the update. A feature list is
displayed along with the file sizes.
4. The files are all selected by default. Update files can be deselected. Verify the disk space
needed for the files, at the lower right of the dialog. Select the files to update and select
Next.
5. Select Next to Install the updates. A status bar is displayed indicating the progress of the
live update. When the live update is complete the dialog is closed.
SigmaNEST Home Page: Selecting this option will open the Sig-
maNEST.com website.
Web Meeting: Selecting this option will open Ilinc. Technical Support tech-
nician will instruct users on this feature when a web meeting has been arranged.
Help Contents: Select to open the help file or click on the arrow to select the Help Contents,
Help Index or Tutorials
About: Selecting this option will open a box with information on the version of SigmaNEST
currently installed, as well as the available modules and memory being used.
Welcome Screen: Selecting this option will open up the initial SigmaNEST Welcome screen
Latest News: Selecting this option will open up the news section of SigmaNEST.com.
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Tools & Help
System Report: The System report displays the details about the computer as well as the
installation of SigmaNEST. This can be useful when trouble shooting an issue in SigmaNEST.
Crop Sheet (See page 303)
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