13.07.2015 Views

Nesting Manual - BobCAD-CAM

Nesting Manual - BobCAD-CAM

Nesting Manual - BobCAD-CAM

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>8Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing 9


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>While a part is highlighted there are four properties that can be altered:Part Properties:o Part Type: This option allows the user to specify whether a part is to be used as a PartIn Part (PIP) or a Primary part.• Primary: This is the default option for a part.• PIP: Parts using this setting will only be nested inside of the primary shapes. Ifno space exists for the PIP to be nested, they will be omitted from the nestedresults.o Priority: This field allows the user to assign a numeric priority value to the part. Thesmaller the value the more important the part is to the nesting engine.o Quantity: This is the number of highlighted parts that you wish to nest.o Active: If you un-check this option the highlighted part will not be considered fornesting. The part will remain assigned to the nesting feature, allowing you to make itactive later.o Remove: Clicking this button will remove the highlighted part from the list of partsassigned to the nesting feature.Select Sheets PageThe Select Sheets page of the nesting wizard is used to defined the size and quantity of sheets to beused within the nesting feature. The system will nest the parts inside of the defined stocks.Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing 13


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>Stock List: A list of the stocks assigned to the nesting feature will be listed inside of this box.By default, a single sheet will already be created and ready for editing. The user can selectany sheet in this list and modify the parameters for the selected sheet using any of the fieldsinside of the dialog. Sheets can also be added or removed by using the Add Sheet or RemoveSheet buttons on the bottom of this page.o Stock Source: This lists the source of the stock. Currently System will be the onlyoption.o Stock ID: This is the ID number for the sheet. This is merely for a reference for whenthe sheets will added to the <strong>CAM</strong> tree after completion of the <strong>Nesting</strong> Wizard.o Length: The length, in the X direction, entered for the stock will be displayed.o Width: The width, in the Y direction, entered for the stock will be displayed.o Height: The height, in the Z direction, entered for the stock will be displayed.o Material: Displays the specified material for the stock.o Active: Displays whether or not the sheet will used in the nesting operation.Stock Properties: When a user selects a Sheet from the stock list, the parameters for thissheet can be edited here. The user can edit the size and tell the system whether to use thissheet for the nesting feature.o Material: The user can specify a material for this sheet by selecting a value from thisdrop down menu.o Length (X): The value entered here will be the length of the sheet along the X axis.o Width (Y): The value entered here will be the width of the sheet along the Y axis.o Height (Z): The value entered here will the height or thickness of the sheet in the Zaxis.o Active: Un-checking this box will cause the stock to be ignored in the nestingcalculations.Reference Point:o Radio Buttons: The four radio buttons allow the user to select the reference locationfor a corner of the stock.o X: The value entered here will be the X coordinate location for the corner of the stockselected.o Y: The value entered here will be the Y coordinate location for the corner of the stockselected.o Z: The value entered here will be the Z coordinate location for the corner of the stockselected.Add Sheet: Clicking this button will add another sheet of material to the list. An importantthing to note is that when the new sheet is created, the values of the currently selected sheetin the list will be used. Therefore, if a 96 x 48 x 1 sheet is selected in the sheet list and theAdd Sheet button is clicked, a new 96 x 48 x 1 sheet will be created.Remove Sheet: Clicking this button will remove the selected sheet from the sheet list.Important Notes on Stock:The software will not create any extra stock sheets in order to nest leftover parts. For example, if onlyone stock sheet is defined, that is all that will be used even if there are more parts to nest. Thesheets are used in the order they are created, meaning if you have multiple sheets, parts will benested to the first sheet defined in the list before moving on.14 Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong><strong>Nesting</strong> Parameters PageThis <strong>Nesting</strong> Parameters page contains options which allow the user to control the order and directionof the nesting results, the distance between each part, the distance between parts and the edge ofthe material, the orientation of the nested parts and the way part priorities are used.Toolpath Generationo Generate toolpath before nesting: When this option is checked BobNEST willgenerate and nest the toolpath of the parts that have been selected. When this optionis not checked the software will nest the actual parts using the values the user hasinput.o Cutting Direction: The user can select either a climb milling cutting direction, or aconventional mill cutting direction.o Start/Direction: These options allow the user to control the starting position andcutting direction of the nested results in relation to the nested sheet.o Toolpath Pattern: This option controls the order in which the parts are machined.Parallel indicates that all rows/columns will be cut in the same direction. Zigzagindicates that the rows/columns will be cut in opposite directions.o Machining Order: If the nesting feature contains drilling and dado operations, the usercan choose which operation will be posted in the G-code program first.Cutting Order: This option allows the user to choose the sheet cutting strategy regardingcutting inside shapes and outside shapes.Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing 15


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>o By Part: When this option is selected, the cutting strategy will cut the inner profiles ofthe first part, and then immediately cut the outer profile of that part, before moving ontothe next part.o By Sheet: When this option is select, the cutting strategy will cut all of the inner profilesfor the entire sheet, and then return to begin cutting the outer profile of the parts.Parameterso Priority Part Use• Nest Quantity Before Proceeding: Parts with a lower priority are only nestedwhen all parts with a higher priority have been nested.• Use Lower Priority Parts To Increase Efficiency: Parts with a lower priorityare considered even if not all higher priority parts have been nested in order tomaximize material utilization.Rotate: When this option is checked BobNEST will rotate the parts if necessary to optimizethe sheet usage. The maximum amount of rotation is indicated by the value in the Intervalfield. If this option is not checked the parts will not be rotated, that is they will be in the sameposition on the nested sheet as they were in the workspace.o Interval: This value entered here is used for the rotation interval for the nesting engineto use when trying to fit parts onto the sheet. As the rotation interval is reduced partswill be fit more efficiently, but the nesting results will take longer to calculate.Bridge Distance: This option deals with part separation. The value input into this fieldindicates the extra distance between each part or toolpath in the nested sheet.Stock Margin: This option allows the user to create a distance or margin of un-nested spacearound the perimeter of the sheet. The value input into this field indicates the distancebetween the nested parts or outside edge of the defined tool, when toolpath is beinggenerated, and the edge of the work-piece.Fill Sheet From: This option allows the user to choose the order in which the parts are laidout on the sheet.o Bottom: Left To Right: This will cause the <strong>Nesting</strong> engine to create the rows from leftto right starting at the bottom of the sheet.o Left: Bottom To Top: This will cause the <strong>Nesting</strong> engine to create columns from thebottom of the sheet to the top starting on the left hand side of the sheet.16 Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>Select Tools PageThe Select Tools Page of the <strong>Nesting</strong> Wizard allows the user to specify their tool sizes, depths ofcuts, and lead in and lead out types to be used in the default tool path operations. The valuesentered on this page will automatically be loaded into the machining features that are created uponcompletion of the <strong>Nesting</strong> Wizard. If you have chosen to NOT generate toolpath in the <strong>Nesting</strong>Parameters page, the Select Tools page will not be available.Profiling Tool: This by default will be the tool used to cut the outer and inner profiles of theselected parts. Users can set up their initial tool diameter, depth of cut, and if they wish toleave any stock at the bottom of their nested sheet for removal later.o Tool Diameter: Enter the diameter of the tool used to cut the outer and inner profiles ofthe parts.o Depth: Enter the final depth of cut in this field. If multiple passes are needed this canbe achieved through clicking the Edit Advanced button.o Bottom Leftover: This is the amount of material to be left on the bottom of the partafter the primary profiling operation.o Lead In: The user can select different strategies to approach the cut.• Vertical: This option will force a vertical plunge feed move at the start point ofthe profile cut.• Parallel: This option allows the user to specify a distance away from the startpoint of the cut to plunge the tool parallel to the first cut.Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing 17


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>• Right Angle: This option allows the user to specify a distance away from thestart point of the cut to plunge the tool perpendicular to the first cut.• Circular: When this option is selected the system will generate a radial moveinto the profile and the Radius field will appear for user input. Length: Used with the Vertical, Parallel and Right Angle lead options, thisfield indicates the distance of travel the system will generate before thecutter reaches the defined edge.Radius: Used with the Circular lead option, this field indicates the radiusof the approach into the profile.o Lead Out:• Vertical: This option will force a vertical retract at the end of the profile cut• Parallel: This option allows the user to specify a distance away from the end ofthe cut to plunge the tool parallel to the last cut.• Right Angle: This option allows the user to specify a distance away from theend of the cut to plunge the tool perpendicular to the last cut.• Circular: When this option is selected the system will generate a radial moveout of the profile and the Radius field will appear for user input.Length: Used with the Vertical, Parallel and Right Angle lead options, thisfield indicates the distance of travel the system will generate before thecutter reaches the defined edge. Radius: Used with the Circular lead option, this field indicates the radiusof the approach into the profile.• Edit Advanced: Clicking this button will cause the Profile Dialog to appear sothe user can edit all of the settings of the Default Profile feature.Dado Tool:o Tool Diameter: Enter the diameter of the tool used to cut the dado shapes of the parts.o Depth: Enter the final depth of cut in this field. If multiple passes are needed this canbe achieved through clicking the Edit Advanced button.o Edit Advanced: Clicking this button will cause the Profile Dialog to appear so the usercan edit all of the settings of the Default Dado feature.Drilling Tool:o Tool Diameter: Enter the diameter of the drill used to cut the assigned holes for theparts. (Note: If multiple drill sizes are needed, more drilling features may be added at alater time.)o Depth: Enter the final depth of cut in this field. If multiple passes are needed this canbe achieved through clicking the Edit Advanced button.o Edit Advanced: Clicking this button will cause the Drill Hole Dialog to appear so theuser can edit all of the settings of the Default Hole feature.Now that you understand the fundamentals of the <strong>Nesting</strong> Wizard it is important to learn about the<strong>Nesting</strong> Feature and the <strong>CAM</strong> Tree in order to edit features and create the nested sheets.18 Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>2.3 The BobNEST FeatureAfter completing the <strong>Nesting</strong> Wizard, a <strong>Nesting</strong> Feature will be created inside of the <strong>CAM</strong> Tree forfurther edits that need to be made to the nesting result. When the <strong>Nesting</strong> Feature is loaded into the<strong>CAM</strong> Tree it will look similar to the image below. Fundamentally, the first item in the tree is going tobe the sheets with the ability to editing sheets, add or remove them as well. Next you will always seethe default operations which will list what machining strategies you have chosen. Each of thesestrategies can be edited as well. Lastly, you will see the parts to be nested listed. There are specificfeatures that are available under each part in the tree as well.Let’s go ahead and break down the tree items individually.Sheets: Right click on this item in the <strong>CAM</strong> tree to produce a pop-up menu with five optionsfor the user to choose from.Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing 19


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>Add Sheet: Choosing this option will automatically add a new sheet to be used within thenesting operation. A new Sheet item will be added to the <strong>Nesting</strong> feature for processing.Blank All Sheets: Choosing this option will show or hide the entire nesting result in theworkspace.Show Summary: After computing a <strong>Nesting</strong> Feature, a complete summary of the nested jobis available. This information can be found by right clicking on the Sheets item in the <strong>Nesting</strong>Feature and choosing <strong>Nesting</strong> Summary.If the nesting results require more then one sheet you may select the next sheet from theSelect Stock drop down item. The information will update to reflect the results for that sheet.Show Leftover: The Leftover Parts and Stocks dialog can be accessed by right clicking onthe Sheets item inside the <strong>Nesting</strong> feature. This dialog is used to display any parts or sheetsthat were defined, and not used, after the nesting calculation was complete. In the event thatthere is not enough space on the defined sheets to fit all of the parts defined in the <strong>Nesting</strong>Parts page, the remaining parts will be listed inside of this dialog. Also, if more sheets weredefined than needed, the sheets that were not utilized will be listed in this dialog.20 Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>Export All Sheets to DXF: Clicking this option allows the user to export all of their nestedsheets to separate DXF files. A series of Save As dialogs will appear allowing the user tospecify a file name and location for each DXF file per sheet.o Sheet: For each sheet associated to the nesting feature, a sheet will be listed. Theuser has controls for each specific sheet and by right clicking on any available sheet thefollowing options will be available.• Edit: Clicking on this option produces the <strong>Nesting</strong> Sheet Definition dialogallowing the user to edit the size of the sheet.• Remove: Clicking on this option deletes the selected sheet from the nestingfeature.• Blank Sheet: Clicking on this option hides the visible stock in the workspace.• Blank Nested Parts: Clicking on this option hides the nested part geometry inthe workspace.• Export Sheet to DXF: Clicking this option allows the user to export the nestedtoolpath or the nested parts to a DXF file. A Save As dialog will appearallowing the user to specify a file name and location as to where to save thefile. The file will automatically be opened inside of the <strong>BobCAD</strong> software forviewing and/or editing.• Verify: Clicking this item will cause this sheet to be simulated using thestandard internal simulation engine.• Virtual CNC: Clicking this item will launch the Predator Virtual CNC to allowfor more advanced simulation.• Post Sheet: The posted G-code program will contain only the code for thisspecific sheet.Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing 21


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>Default Operations: Below this tree item in the tree will be all of the default machiningfeatures created by the <strong>Nesting</strong> Wizard. Note: If no holes and/or dado layer is present at thetime of selection, the Default Drill and/or Default Dado operation will not be present in the tree.o Default Profile: This tree item displays the default profile operation used within thenesting engine. The lead in and lead out as well as tool sizes will be set by informationgathered from the nesting wizard.• Profile: This is the default profile feature. Right clicking on this tree item gives thefollowing options:Edit: Clicking on this option allows the user to edit their Profile feature. TheProfile dialog will be displayed.o Default Drill: This tree item displays the default drill operation used within the nestingengine. Any geometry that is placed on the HOLES layer will be associated to thisfeature. The tool sizes will be set by information gathered from the nesting wizard.• Drill Hole: This is the default Drill Hole feature. Right clicking on this tree itemgives the following options:Edit: Clicking on this option allows the user to edit their Drill Hole feature. TheDrill Hole dialog will be displayed.o Default Dado: This tree item displays the default profile operation associated to thedadoes used within the nesting engine. Any geometry placed on the DADO layer will beassociated to this feature. The tool sizes will be set by information gathered from thenesting wizard.• Profile: This is the default profile feature associated to the assigned dadoes. Rightclicking on this tree item gives the following options:Edit: Clicking on this option allows the user to edit their default Profile featureassociated to the dado geometry. Then the Profile dialog will be displayed.22 Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>Nest Parts: Each part selected will have it's own tree item below this tree item. These partscan then be used to assign separate machining operations beyond the scope of the defaultmachining operations created by the nesting wizard. Users can right click on this tree item toget multiple options for editing their nesting feature:o Re/Select Geometry: Clicking this item places the user into selection mode allowingthem to select contours or shapes to be used within the nesting feature.o Load Parts from Files: Clicking this item will display an Open dialog allowing the userto select other files containing parts or geometry for use within the nesting feature. Theuser can load the files directly into the nesting feature without having to merge the CADgeometry into the existing file. Users can load files with a .dxf, .bbcd, as well as .cad fileextensions.o Edit: Clicking this item displays the <strong>Nesting</strong> Edit dialog box which will allow the user tomodify settings such as rapid planes, number of parts, and nesting parameters.o Compute Toolpath: Clicking this option will begin the calculating the nesting featureand will produce the nested parts and toolpath inside of the workspace.o Post Yes/No: This option allows the user to have the <strong>Nesting</strong> Feature ignored whenposting the program.Part #: This tree item will be available for each part associated to the nesting feature. Clickingon this tree item will highlight the associated part in the workspace.o Hole #: If the part contains any of the geometry from the HOLES layer, it will be listedhere. Clicking on this tree item in the tree will highlight the corresponding geometry inthe workspace. The user can right click on this option and add any available drillingfeature to the associated geometry for this hole inside the nesting feature. Eachseparate hole size will be listed in their own tree item. If more than one hole size islocated in the part, it will be necessary to add drilling features and set up their tools tothe corresponding hole item. The Default Drill operation only handles one drill size.o Dado #: If the part contains any of the geometry from the DADO layer, it will be listedhere. Clicking on this tree item in the tree will highlight the corresponding geometry inthe workspace. The user can right click on this option and add a separate profilingfeature to the associated geometry for this dado inside the nesting feature. Eachseparate dado or open shape will be listed in their own tree item.o Inner Profile: Each internal shape not contained on a HOLES or DADO layer willo Outer Profile: This tree item will contain the geometry that describes the outsideperimeter of the part. Clicking on this tree item in the tree will highlight thecorresponding geometry in the workspace. The user can right click on this option andadd an additional machining feature to the associated geometry for the outer profile ofthis part.Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing 23


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>2.4 Dadoes & Hole DrillingYou may have parts you need to nest that include dadoes. In order to effectively prevent theseDadoes from being assigned an inside profile, an outside profile or being omitted completely youmust first save the geometry to a specific layer and name the layer, “Dado.” Any open shape that isrequired inside of the part must be placed on a layer named "Dado"BobNEST supports 3 types of dadoes: Inside Dado: This type of dado remains inside of the part, nor does it intersect any part of theoutside profile.Single Intersect Dado: This type of dado extends to and intersects the outside profile on oneside but does not go past the outside profile.Double Intersect Dado: This type of dado extends to the outside boundary and intersects itin two locations, but does not go past the outside profile.24 Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>Dado SetupHere is a simple rectangle with a width of 5 inches, a height of 5 inches and .25 radii on each corner.There are also two lines on the inside of the rectangle that we will use as Dado geometry.1. First a layer named Dado must be created in the Layer-UCS-Post manager.2. Next to add the geometry defining the dado geometry to this layer, the software must beplaced into selection mode, and select the 2 lines shown in green. Then a simple right click inthe CAD window allows the user to choose Modify Attributes and choose Layer.Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing 25


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>3. A dialog will be shown displaying the current layers in the drawing. Choose the dado layer andclick OK to move the geometry to the dado layer.NOTE: All dado geometry, no matter their depths or orientation, that are intended to be cutduring nesting need to be placed on the Dado layer. <strong>BobCAD</strong>-<strong>CAM</strong> is not case sensitive so donot be concerned on matching the exact format of the term Dado shown above. (ie. DADO,dado, dAdO are all acceptable for the Dado layer name). Also important to note is that if thereis an open geometry chained assigned to the <strong>Nesting</strong> Feature, and it is not located on thedado layer, it will be ignored.4. Now when selecting geometry for the <strong>Nesting</strong> Feature, all of the geometry placed on the Dadolayer will be recognized as dadoes, and a Default Dado operation will be added. A dadooperation is simply a Profile Feature, with the default offset strategy set to None for center linecutting.Hole SetupYou may have parts you need to nest that include drill holes. In order to effectively prevent these drillholes from being assigned an inside profile you must first save the holes to a specific layer and namethe layer, “Holes.” Let's take a closer look at drilling the holes inside of the part shown below whichwe wish to nest.26 Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>1. First a layer named Holes must be created in the Layer-UCS-Post manager.2. Next to add the geometry defining the holes to this layer, the software must be placed intoselection mode, and select the 4 holes shown in green. Then a simple right click in the CADwindow allows the user to choose Modify Attributes and choose Layer.3. A dialog will be shown displaying the current layers in the drawing. Choose the Holes layerand click OK to move the geometry to the Holes layer.NOTE: All holes, no matter their diameter or depth, that are intended to be drilled duringnesting need to be placed on the Holes layer. <strong>BobCAD</strong>-<strong>CAM</strong> is not case sensitive so do notbe concerned on matching the exact format of the term Holes shown above. (ie. HOLES,holes, hOLes are all acceptable for the Holes layer name).Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing 27


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>4. Now when selecting geometry for the <strong>Nesting</strong> Feature, all of the geometry placed on the Holeslayer will be recognized as drill holes, and a Default Drill operation will be added. Please notethat it will be the users responsibility to set up the drill sizes inside of either the <strong>Nesting</strong> Wizard,or the Default Drill feature provided in the <strong>Nesting</strong> Feature.Please note that if the part that is being used in the <strong>Nesting</strong> Feature contains multiple hole sizes, theuser must add a Hole Feature to the part in the <strong>CAM</strong> tree. The following will show this process afterthe <strong>Nesting</strong> Feature has been created:1. Using the part shown above, we have went through the <strong>Nesting</strong> Wizard and chose a .5diameter drill in the <strong>Nesting</strong> Wizard for the Default Drill operation. We do not want to drill thesmaller .25 diameter holes with this .5 drill so we will need to add another drilling operation.Shown below is the <strong>Nesting</strong> Feature after the wizard has been completed.2. Again, remember that the Default Drill feature has been set up to use the 0.5 diameter drill, sowe will not need to add another drill feature for the 0.5 holes. We will only need to add anotherdrilling operation to the 0.25 holes. This can be accomplished by right clicking on Hole 1, andchoosing Insert Hole. Please note that any drilling feature can be used, but for this examplewe will show the Hole Feature.28 Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>3. The 0.25 diameter holes will be removed from the Default Drill operation, and will be assignedto the new Drill Hole feature shown under the Hole 1 item.4. Now this feature can be edited as any other machining feature in the <strong>BobCAD</strong>-<strong>CAM</strong> system. Itwill be necessary to modify the hole size, depth, and other various parameters to match thedesired machining output.5. After adding any machining operations it will be necessary to right click on Nest Parts and clickCompute Toolpath to refresh the <strong>Nesting</strong> result.2.5 The <strong>Nesting</strong> Edit DialogThe <strong>Nesting</strong> Edit dialog is used to edit the parameters of a nesting feature to achieve the desiredresult. Once you have nested your parts you can right-click on Nest Parts in the tree and access theEdit dialog.The <strong>Nesting</strong> Edit dialog contains three pages for adjusting the approach and entry to the material, thenumber and priority of parts, as well as the main parameters for the nesting operation.Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing 29


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>Approach & Entry PageMaterial Approacho Top of Part: This is the face of the material that is to be machined in relation to thework coordinate zero position.o Rapid Plane: The height at which the tool can rapid safely from operation to operation.Parts Page30 Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>Parts List: Each part assigned to the nesting feature will be listed inside of this list box.Information such as the Part ID number, length, width, quantity of parts, part type, part priority,and active setting will be displayed for each part. The user can click on a specific part in orderto edit the part type, priority, quantity, and as well as whether or not that specific part will beused in the nesting feature. After clicking on the part, a preview of this part will be shown inthe preview window.While a part is highlighted there are four properties that can be altered:Part Properties Part Type: This option allows the user to specify whether a part is to be used as a PartIn Part (PIP) or a Primary part.Primary: This is the default option for a part.PIP: (part in part): Parts using this setting will only be nested inside of theprimary shapes. If no space exists for the PIP to be nested, they will be omittedfrom the nested results.Priority: This field allows the user to assign a numeric priority value to the part. Thesmaller the value the more important the part is to the nesting engine.Quantity: This is the number of highlighted parts that you wish to nest.Active: If you un-check this option the highlighted part will not be considered fornesting. The part will remain assigned to the nesting feature, allowing you to make itactive later.Remove: Clicking this button will remove the highlighted part from the list of partsassigned to the nesting feature.Parameters PageReal Solutions for Global Manufacturing 31


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>Toolpath Generation Generate toolpath before nesting: When this option is checked BobNEST willgenerate and nest the toolpath of the parts that have been selected. When this optionis not checked the software will nest the actual parts using the values the user hasinput. Cutting Direction: The user can select either a climb milling cutting direction, or aconventional mill cutting direction. Start/Direction: These options allow the user to control the starting position andcutting direction of the nested results. Pattern: This option controls the order in which the parts are machined. Parallel: This indicates that all rows/columns will be cut in the same direction. Zigzag: This indicates that the rows/columns will be cut in opposite directions.Parameters Rotate: When this option is checked BobNEST will rotate the parts if necessary tooptimize the sheet usage. The maximum amount of rotation is indicated by the value inthe Interval field. If this option is not checked the parts will not be rotated, that is theywill be in the same position on the nested sheet as they were in the workspace. Interval: This value entered here is used for the rotation interval for the nestingengine to use when trying to fit parts onto the sheet. As the rotation interval isreduced parts will be fit more efficiently, but the nesting results will take longer tocalculate. Bridge Distance: This option deals with part separation. The value input into this fieldindicates the extra distance between each part or toolpath in the nested sheet. Stock Margin: This option allows the user to create a distance or margin of un-nestedspace around the perimeter of the sheet. The value input into this field indicates thedistance between the nested parts or outside edge of the defined tool, when toolpath isbeing generated, and the edge of the work-piece. Fill Sheet From: This option allows the user to choose the order in which the parts arelaid out on the sheet. Bottom: Left To Right: This will cause the <strong>Nesting</strong> engine to create the rowsfrom left to right starting at the bottom of the sheet. Left: Bottom To Top: This will cause the <strong>Nesting</strong> engine to create columnsfrom the bottom of the sheet to the top starting on the left hand side of the sheet.Priority Part Use Nest Quantity Before Proceeding: Parts with a lower priority are only nested when allparts with a higher priority have been nested. Use Lower Priority Parts To Increase Efficiency: Parts with a lower priority areconsidered even if not all higher priority parts have been nested in order to maximizematerial utilization.Posting Order By Part: The cut order with this option selected will cut the internal shapes of a part,then directly cut the outside shape of the part, before moving onto the next part. By Sheet: All internal shapes will be cut on all parts in the sheet before beginningcutting the outside shapes of the parts in the nested sheet.32 Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>2.6 Laser, WaterJet or Plasma PostingChanging your machine configuration to a Laser, Waterjet or Plasma machine is simple. Here is howto do this:1. Click the <strong>CAM</strong> Tree tab of the Data-<strong>CAM</strong> Tree-Manager to access the <strong>CAM</strong> tree.2. Now click the small plus (+) symbol next to <strong>CAM</strong> Part at the top of the tree. Now you will seeMilling Tools listed under <strong>CAM</strong> PART.3. Place your cursor on Milling Tools and right-click your mouse and choose Current Settingsfrom the pop-up menu.4. This brings up the Milling Settings dialog.Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing 33


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>The options in the left side of the box are Machine, Machine Parameters, Posting andComments. Make sure you select “Machine” at the top. You will see the word “Make” in theMachine category. Click the drop down menu and choose Plasma or Laser or Waterjet,whichever you need from the drop down menu and then you can click the OK button to set thesoftware machining feature dialog boxes for that type of machine.5. Now when you select Plasma as an example, the only 2 Axis option that you will find in thetree will be Profile. The Profile Edit dialog will give you the available parameters you needwhen you are ready to edit the profile operation when loaded into the tree.34 Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing 35


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>3.1 BobNEST Tutorial 1This tutorial is designed to highlight some of the key areas of the <strong>BobCAD</strong>-<strong>CAM</strong> V23’s BobNESTmodule. In this example, we will be simply profile cutting the parts from the sheet.1. Open the <strong>Nesting</strong>_Tutorial1.bbcd from your <strong>BobCAD</strong>-<strong>CAM</strong> V23\Examples folder. Note thatwhen creating a nest, the original location of the parts is not important. The parts in this filehave been moved off to left because our nesting result will be in the top right quadrant.2. First, click on the <strong>CAM</strong> tree tab in the Data-<strong>CAM</strong> Manager.3. Right click on Milling Stock and choose Nest and then <strong>Nesting</strong>. This will display the initial<strong>Nesting</strong> Wizard.36 Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>4. The first page of the <strong>Nesting</strong> Wizard allows the user to associate their parts to the <strong>Nesting</strong>Feature. In this example, all of the parts to be nested are contained in the original part file, sowe will simply be selecting them using the Pick Geometry option. If the parts that are to benested are all contained in separate part files, the user can choose the Browse option to findthe folder location and add the separate part files to the <strong>Nesting</strong> Feature.5. Click the Pick Geometry button. The <strong>Nesting</strong> Wizard will disappear, and the software will beplaced into selection mode for selecting the parts.6. Click and drag a window around all of the parts in the workspace.Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing 37


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>7. Once all of the parts are highlighted, right click in the workspace and choose OK to completethe part selection.8. The <strong>Nesting</strong> Wizard will reappear, and the four separate parts will be listed in the SelectedParts and Files area of the dialog as shown below.38 Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>9. Now that the parts are associated with the <strong>Nesting</strong> Feature, click the Next button to move tothe Parts Parameters page.Notice that each part selected is listed with information regarding the part. The user can clickon each part to set the part type, priority, and quantity of each part.10. For Part 1 change the Priority to 2 so that we will guarantee all the other parts will be fit into thesheet first (Lower numbered priority levels are used first). This part will be used just to fill upthe extra area of the sheet after the other parts are nested. Change the quantity to 200.Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing 39


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>11. Click on Part 2 in the part list, and change the quantity to 35. Repeat this step setting thequantity for Part 3 to 32 and Part 4 to 24.12. Now that the number of each part has been defined, click the Next button to move to theSelect Sheets page.40 Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>13. For this example we are going to be using one 48 x 36 sheet. Simply change the length to 48and the width to 36. The reference point can be left alone.14. Now that the sheet is defined, click the Next button to move to the <strong>Nesting</strong> Parameters page.Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing 41


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>15. In this example, we will want to leave Generate tool path before nesting checked, since we dowant to create the tool path for this nested result. Otherwise the nesting system will only nestthe parts and will not generate any tool path.The Cutting Direction, Start/Direction, and Toolpath Pattern can be left at the defaults.16. The Machining Order group can be ignored since we are simply profiling in this example, aswe have no holes or Dadoes.17. The Cutting Order can be left to By Part, meaning each part will be completely cut from thestock before moving to the next part. Inner profiles will also be cut before the outer profile ofthe part. If we were to switch to By Sheet, then all of the inner profiles will be cut for the entiresheet, before returning to cut the outside profiles of each part.18. For this example we will leave the Bridge Distance set to 0, because we want to nest theseparts as closely together as we can.19. Set the Stock Margin to 0.5000 to leave a margin around the outside of the sheet.20. Now that our <strong>Nesting</strong> Parameters are complete, click the Next button to move to the tooldefinition page.42 Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>21. In this example we are going to use a 0.125 profiling tool. This would be applicable toLaser/Plasma/Waterjet machining. The user can click the Edit Advanced button to display thenormal Profile machining dialog where they can edit things such as further tool information,feeds and speeds, etc. Seeing that we have no Dadoes or drilling occurring (common to routernesting), we can simply ignore these fields.22. Simply change the Tool Diameter to 0.125 and click Finish.Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing 43


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>23. The <strong>Nesting</strong> Feature will be added to the <strong>CAM</strong> tree. (Shown expanded below)24. Right click on the Nest Parts item in the tree to compute the nesting result.25. The nested result is created.44 Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>26. At this point the program can be simulated by right clicking on the individual sheet in the <strong>CAM</strong>tree, and choosing Verify to use the internal simulation. If the higher level simulation has beenpurchased, the user can choose Virtual CNC to launch the simulation of each sheet inside ofthe Predator Virtual CNC software.Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing 45


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>27. The simulated sheet will looks as follows after being processed.Understanding the <strong>Nesting</strong> FeatureAfter working through the <strong>Nesting</strong> Wizard, if any changes are to be made to the nesting result, the<strong>Nesting</strong> Feature will need to be edited. The following steps will walk through the most common editsthat will need to be made.1. First right click on the Nest Parts item of the <strong>CAM</strong> tree and click Edit.46 Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>2. The <strong>Nesting</strong> Edit dialog will appear which will allow things such as default approach and entryparameters, number of parts, part priority, as well as the other nesting parameters.3. Click OK on this dialog, as we do not wish to make any changes at this time. Next right clickon the Sheets item and choose Show Leftover.4. The Leftover dialog will be displayed. Notice that we have 111 of the small triangular partsthat did not fit on the nested sheet.Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing 47


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>5. In order to have all of our parts nested we will need to add another sheet. This can beaccomplished by right clicking on the Sheets item and choosing Add Sheet.6. A new sheet will be added to the <strong>CAM</strong> tree. The new sheet added will match the dimensionsof the previous sheet in the sheet list. If the sheet size needs to be modified, the user cansimply right click on the sheet item and choose edit.48 Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>7. Next simply re-compute the Nest in order to utilize the newly added sheet by right clicking onNest Parts and choosing Compute Toolpath.The <strong>Nesting</strong> Result:8. Since the two sheets are overlapping, next we will blank the first sheet to see the result of thesecond sheet. To do this, right click on Sheet 1 and choose Blank Sheet.Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing 49


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>9. Now the second sheet is the only one being displayed, and we can see that the other 111parts have now been nested on a new sheet.10. For this example we only want to work with one sheet, so right click on Sheet 2 and clickRemove.50 Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>11. After removing a sheet it is always a good idea to re-compute the nesting result. Sheet 1 willalso need to be un-blanked by right clicking on the Sheet 1 item and clicking Blank Sheet onceagain. Go ahead and perform these steps, and the <strong>Nesting</strong> result in the CAD window shouldlook as follows:12. The final step after any tool path creation process is to create the G-Code for the machine.The user can post the program by right clicking on Milling Tools located under the <strong>CAM</strong> Partitem, or by right clicking on an individual sheet to post the program for the just the sheet. Oneimportant thing to note is that when clicking Post under the Milling Tools item, the entireprogram for all sheets will be posted in one large program. Since in this example we onlyhave one sheet, it makes no difference which method is chosen.That concludes this tutorial.Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing 51


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>3.2 BobNEST Tutorial 2In this tutorial we will cover the more advanced features of the <strong>BobCAD</strong>-<strong>CAM</strong> V23 <strong>Nesting</strong> modulesuch as creating holes, dadoes, and adding machining operations such as pockets and chamfers.1. First go to File and click Open and locate the Examples folder under the <strong>BobCAD</strong>-<strong>CAM</strong> V23directory. This is commonly found in the C:\Program Files\<strong>BobCAD</strong>-<strong>CAM</strong>\<strong>BobCAD</strong>-<strong>CAM</strong> V23\folder. Open the file named <strong>Nesting</strong>_Tutorial2.bbcd.2. One of the most important things to notice about this file is the use of the CAD layers. Noticein the Layer manager, that this file contains 2 special layers used in <strong>Nesting</strong>; a layer namedHoles, and a layer named Dado.3. By blanking each individual layer, it should be noticed that the 4 outer holes (shown in green)in the part have been placed on the Holes layer, and the 2 open shapes (shown in orange) ateach outer edge of the part have been placed on the Dado layer. Any open shapes that wishto be added to the <strong>Nesting</strong> must be located on the Dado layer. If help is needed for creatingand naming layers, please refer to the <strong>BobCAD</strong>-<strong>CAM</strong> V23 Help System. Note that colorsmake no difference in the nesting result.52 Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>4. Begin by right clicking on Milling Stock and choosing Nest and then clicking <strong>Nesting</strong>.5. The <strong>Nesting</strong> Wizard will be displayed. On the first page choose the Pick Geometry button andclick and drag a window around the part to be nested. When the part is highlighted, right clickin the CAD window and choose OK, or simply press the space bar to complete the selection.After this is completed the <strong>Nesting</strong> Wizard will return displaying one part in the Part list.6. Click the Next button to move to the Parts Parameters page. Change the number of parts to45.Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing 53


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>7. Click the Next button again to move to the Select Sheets page. Nothing is to be changed here,so click the Next button again to move to the <strong>Nesting</strong> Parameters page. The areas we areconcerned about here are the Machining Order and the Cutting Order. Leave Holes firstselected so all of the drilling will occur first, and change the Cutting Order to By Sheet, so all ofthe holes in the sheet will be drilled prior to moving to another machining operation. ChoosingBy Sheet minimizes tool changes by using that tool over the entire sheet before moving on tothe next machining operation. Also change the Bridge Distance to 1.000.54 Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>8. Click the Next button again to move to the Select Tools page. For this example, change thevalues to match the following image:Notice we have modified the depths and diameters for different machining operation. Thingssuch as feeds and speeds, lead types, and depths of cut can be modified further by clickingthe Edit Advanced button under each category. Click the Finish button to create the <strong>Nesting</strong>Feature.Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing 55


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>9. Notice that because of the different layers, we now have 3 default operations; Default Profile,Default Drill, and Default Dado. The machining options can be edited by right clicking on theseitems. For example, expand the Default Drill item, and right click on Drill Hole and click Edit.10. The Drill Hole edit dialog will appear. Click on the Parameters item and choose Peck to havethe drill perform a pecking cycle. Note that all drill parameters and tools can be set in thisdialog.11. Click OK to close the dialog.12. Now let’s look at adding different types of machining features to the inner shapes of thenesting part. Start by expanding Part 1 under the Nest Parts item. Each shape will be listedseparately under each part in the <strong>Nesting</strong> Feature.56 Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>13. Click on Inner Profile 1 and notice that the corresponding geometry highlights in the CADwindow.14. Next right click on Inner Profile 1 and choose Insert Pocketing. This will assign that shape to aPocket Feature, and also remove the geometry from the Default Profile Feature inside of the<strong>Nesting</strong> Feature.Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing 57


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>15. In order to modify the pocketing parameters right click on the Pocket item and click Edit tobegin editing the Pocket Feature parameters. The Pocket dialog will be displayed. For thistutorial, we can leave the defaults, so editing the feature is not necessary.16. Right click on Inner Profile 3 and add another Pocket Feature to this shape, so that eachshape will be cleared out.17. Now that we have added our pocketing features, we can now re-compute the nesting result.Do so by right clicking on the Nest Parts item and clicking Compute Toolpath.18. Notice that now the nesting result contains pocketing toolpath for each shape.58 Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>It is important to note that each type of shape has different available machining features that can beadded. Right clicking on a Dado item under a part allows for adding a custom profile feature, anengrave feature, or a chamfer feature. All of the available hole drilling operations are available whenselecting a Hole shape. Inner Profile items can be assigned Profile Features, Pocketing Features,HS Pocketing Features, Engraving Features, and Chamfer Features.19. Right click on Sheet 1 and click Verify to see the simulation of the nested result.That concludes this tutorial.Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing 59


BobNEST Software User <strong>Manual</strong>IndexDadoSet Up, 25Dadoes, 24EditThe <strong>Nesting</strong> edit Dialog, 29FeatureThe BobNEST Feature, 19Help, 7HolesSet Up, 26OperationsDefault Operations, 22ParametersThe <strong>Nesting</strong> Parameters Page, 15PartsNest Parts in the Tree, 23PostingLaser, WaterJet & Plasma, 33SheetAdding Sheets, 19Summary<strong>Nesting</strong> Summary, 20System Requirements, 6ToolsThe Select Tools Page, 17WizardThe BobNEST Wizard, 1060 Real Solutions for Global Manufacturing

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!