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

a. Open the Nest dialog and select the Plate list.
b. Choose ‘Use smallest’ from Plate utilization and Click OK.
The smaller plate was selected because the largest part (AutotoolSA.cp) was
large enough to fit on the smallest plate listed- 80”x40” (2000mmx1000mm).
To utilize Use smallest when nesting with multiple plates listed will allow the
nest engine to find the suitable plate size for scheduled parts, but sometimes will
not find the ideal plate size needed. Use smallest is typically used when nesting
large parts mixed with small parts.
5.7 Common Line Nesting (Punch Tooling only)
The meaning of common line nesting is simple; a part that shares the same
symmetrical shape will overlap external tooling within the plate when nested.
Basically, when the part is nested similar sides will nest tooling directly on top of
each other following a common line (using spacing entered- Part Separation).
Common line allows for tighter part nesting and less punch hits, thus, saving time at
the machine. Not all parts are capable of being common line nested automatically
within NC Express.
5.7.1 Types of Parts
AutotoolSA.cp part from Autotool exercise is an example of a part that will not
automatically common line. This is because the notch is not able to match up with
any of the rotations. This type of part can be common lined, but requires editing
with Grid Parts within the Drawing menu. Parts that are rectangular or square with
symmetrical notches in the corners or edges are capable of common lining.
5.7.2 Activating Common Line
There are two options to enable to allow Common Line- Part Properties and Nest
dialog. Within the part properties dialog is the option to enable common line for a
part. Enabling this option activates common line capability for a part within the
nest. Allowing this option to be activated for all parts does not mean that all parts
capable of being common lined. It is important to remember that the nest engine
will only common line the same part only that shares symmetrical geometric
entities.
The other option to activate common line is within the nest dialog. When common
line is activated in the nest dialog only the same parts will be nested common lined
with each other. Not all parts will be nested sharing tooled edges. When a part has
common line active, the nest engine will recognize this and only nest the
symmetrical parts. If a part that is not symmetrical and has common line active
within the part properties, the part will not be common lined. Other parts scheduled
within the nest’s part list that do not have common line enabled will not be common
lined either.
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