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In its most basic definition, nesting refers to the process of placing parts on a sheet of material. Companies across the world use specialized nesting software to optimize their operations and reduce the amount of scrap material produced by the manufacturing process. The nesting process is made up of five steps. First, an engineer creates a design file in a 3-D CAD program. Once imported into the nesting system, the design can be converted into part files which contain information about true contours such as holes or markings. These part files are then assigned to cutting or NC features that are specific to the part. The transition from 3-D CAD files to part files can be time consuming, but up to date nesting software will reduce the time spent changing files. Special nesting software will even allow users to process parts in bulk, rather than one at a time. This is a tremendous time saver and helps ensure the workflow does not bottleneck at the nesting stage. After part files are created, they can be nested according to specific specifications. Look for software that will establish optimal cutting automatically based on material type, grain constraints or other preferences. The best part of nesting software is its ability to try different options until it finds the optimal way to place parts on a sheet. The program is specially designed to reduce the amount of raw materials wasted by poor part placing. Many industries benefit from nesting software, including: industrial and agricultural machinery; construction and architecture; job shop and steel service centers; transportation; aerospace; furnishings and cabinetry; ship and boat building; and military. There are nesting software algorithms geared to work with nearly any application. Automatic rectangular nesting is ideal for companies that produce mainly square and rectangular profile parts. However, an advanced automatic nesting software that determines how to most efficiently arrange parts on a piece of metal, wood or other material, can save a company an extraordinary amount of money by eliminating or reducing scrapped material, and so can greatly increase profitability as well. Automatic nesting software uses a specific mathematical formula to analyze parts ready for production, combining different pieces that may not be a part of the same job with the ultimate goal of reducing scrap. This process integrates all machine components to create better quality, more precise parts. Ultimately, manufacturers benefit from higher machine optimization, higher efficiency and higher profitability. These sophisticated nesting software systems can be integrated into a company's existing business operations to create an automated, streamlined, lean process. When selecting nesting software, there are a few key points to keep in mind: Look for Software to Optimize Operations on Any Brand of Machine. Many machine manufacturers provide their own software as part of the deal when selling items to consumers. However, most of these programs can only run their respective brand of machine. If a customer needs more than one machine type or brand, it is possible someone will have to program a number of different machines. Bottom line, a programmer will be wasting time learning and switching among various software programs. Automatic Code Generation is Key. Most machines run on G-code or a similar industry standard which reads through lines of coordinates that tell the machine how to move. When the machines are cutting, the code controls the power level of the cutting head. For laser, plasma and oxyfuel cutters, this means the mixture of gases and chemicals. For routers, it includes settings about which drill bit to use; and for watrjets it could include a recipe for the mixture of corrosive particles in the jet stream. Good nesting software takes all these mixtures into consideration to ensure expensive gases and other materials are not wasted. The software will make sure settings keep each machine running at maximum capacity, with maximum yield. Operational efficiencies like job tracking and inventory control solutions will streamline planning and provide accurate time and cost estimates before the first job is processed. These features help simplify work order tracking from beginning to end, effectively managing raw and processed material inventory for maximum efficiency. Job tracking and inventory control solutions must integrate directly with MRP and ERP systems to perform effectively. These systems are crucial if companies want to perform just-in-time nesting and cutting or lights-out operations. Determining what level of automation is necessary to improve your processes will be helpful when deciding what nesting software is right for you. Many companies, like SigmaTEK in Cincinnati, OH, provide custom programming to clients who require higher levels of automation, from interfacing nesting software with the MRP to fully automated, programmer-less operations. Establish how you can integrate the software into your existing business operations. Today's sophisticated nesting software is extremely versatile and can be incorporated into most company's processes with some effort. A consultant can help evaluate your system to guarantee that you purchase the software that will work best for your situation and perform as you need it to.
Article Source: http://www.gambling-articles.org
E. Grady for SigmaTEK, a Cincinnati-based company that provides software solutions to enhance efficiency and profitability for sheet metal , wood and composite fabricators through its CAD/CAM nesting solution, SigmaNEST.
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