Stand-Alone Punch machine user manual - Finn-Power International ...

5 NESTING
Proper nesting yields savings in material. NC Express’ nesting engine will
automatically layout the most complex part onto a defined plate in the most efficient
manner possible by means of True Shape Nesting. Plate information, such as
dimensions, material type and thickness are defined; once the properties are setup the
plate definitions are defined to then create a nest. NC Express will automatically
determine the optimum placement of a part, or multiple parts, within the defined
plate.
NC Express’ goal of nesting is to automatically provide an efficient arrangement of
shapes within the context of the machine on which a part is to be produced according
to the parameters specified by the user. Parameters are available within the nesting
engine to assist the user in modifying the nest result. Varying these parameters will
significantly affect the outcome of the plate, allowing a user to conform to certain
nest situations. Along with parameters set, when nesting there are automatic features
of the nest engine that will check for proper tool usage and placement within the
machines working area. In unison, once properties are setup and parameters are
chosen nesting parts should be a very efficient process.
Within the following section many features, either automatic or parameters to set, will
be covered to understand how to attain automation when creating machine efficient
nests.
5.1 NC Express Nesting Theory
Plate size, material type and thickness, and plate definitions are the main items
required to create a nest. NC Express gives the ability to store this information to be
retrieved automatically when nesting. NC Express, in its entirety, is solely based on
material type and thickness from start (part creation) to finish (NC file). Multiple
plate sizes (raw material) are defined within a database for each material type and
thickness setup within NC Express; in addition to plates defined, parts are stored
within a parts database. When nesting, parts and plates that have been defined with a
specific material type and thickness are only available within the current nest
according to the nest properties. Plate definitions (clamp information and plate
margins) are set accordingly to create a working area within a given plate.
Overall, the ultimate goal is to allow easy setup when creating a nest. The following
three sections will explain the application of features within NC Express to produce
an optimal level of efficiency during the nesting process.
5.1.1 Plates Database
Before nesting, plate information can be stored within a database to be retrieved
when creating nests. Stored plate information, within the Plates Database, is the
actual raw material on hand. Within the Plates Database, a plate is setup according
to dimensions, quantity on hand, material type and thickness, priority as well as
more useful information. When a nest is created, NC Express searches the Plates
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