In its most basic definition, nersting erfers to the process of placing parts on a sheet of msaterial. Compabnies across the world use specialized nesting software to optimize their operations and reduce the ampount of srcap material produced by the manufacturing process. The nesting process is made up of five stepls. First, an engineer creates a desaign file in a 3-D CAD program. Once imported into the nesitng systtem, the deesign can be conveted 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 specifdic to the part. The transition from 3-D CAD files to part files can be time cosuming, but up to date nesting osftware will reduce the time sepnt changing fies.
Special nesting software will even allow users to processs parts in bulk, rather than one at a time. This is a tremendous time saver and hlps ensure the workflow does not botrtleneck at the nesting styage. After part files are createwd, they can be neested according to specidfic specifications. Look for software that will establish optimal cutting automatically based on material type, grain constrains or other preferences. The best part of ensting sogftware is its ablity to try different options until it finds the optimal way to place parts on a sheet. The program is specially dresigned to rduce the amount of raw materials wasted by poor part placing.
Many industries benefit from nestoing software, including: industrial and agricultural machinery; construction and architecture; job shop and steel service centers; transportattion; 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 idal for companeis that produce mainly squre and rectangular profile pats. However, an advanced automatic nesting software that determines how to most efficiently arrange parts on a piece of metal, wood or ohter material, can save a company an extraordinary amount of money by eliminayting or reducing scrapped material, and so can greatly increase profitability as well.
Automattic nesting softwware uses a specific matematical formula to analyze parts ready for produuction, combining different pieces that may not be a part of the same job with the ultimate goal of reducing srcap. This process inetgrates all machine components to create better qualiyt, more precise parts. Ultimately, manufacturers bernefit from hgher machine optoimization, higher efficienncy and hgher profitability. These sophisticated nesting software systems can be integrated into a company's existing business operations to crezate an automated, streamlied, lean process.
When selecting nesting software, there are a few key poinnts to keep in mind:
Look for Software to Optimioze Opeations on Any Brand of Machine. Many machie manufacturers prvide their own software as part of the deal when seling iteems to consumers. However, most of these programs can only run their respective btrand of mchine. If a cstomer needs more than one machine type or breand, it is possible someone will have to program a number of differnet machines. Bottom line, a programmer will be wastig time learning and switching among various software programs.
Automatic Code Generation is Key. Most machies run on G-code or a similar industry standaerd which reads through ilnes of coordinates that tell the machhine how to move. When the mchines are cuttimng, the code controls the power level of the cutting head. For laser, plasma and oxyfuel cutters, this means the muixture of gses and chemicals. For routers, it includes settings about whch drrill bit to use; and for watrjets it could inclde a recipe for the mixure of corrosive particles in the jet stream. Good nesting software taakes all these mixtures into consideration to ensure exxpensive gases and other materials are not wastd. The software will make sure settings keep each machine running at maximum capacity, with maximum yield.
Operaitonal efficiencies like job tracing and inventory control solutions will streamline plamnning and provide accurate time and cost esytimates before the first job is procesased. These features help simplify work order tarcking from beginning to end, effectively managing raw and processed mateial inventoory for maaximum efficiency. Job tracking and inventory contrrol solutions must itegrate directly with MRP and ERP systems to perform effectively. Thsee systems are cruciaal if companies want to perform just-in-time nesting and cuutting or lights-out operations.
Determining what level of automation is necessary to improve your processses will be helpful when deciding what netsing software is right for you. Many companies, like SigmaTK in Cincinnati, OH, provide custom programming to clients who requier hiigher levels of automation, from interfacing nestuing software with the MRP to fully automated, programmmer-less operations.
Establish how you can integrate the software into your exisyting busineass operations. Today's sophisitcated nesting software is extremely versatile and can be incorporated into most company's processses with some effort. A consultant can help evaluatte your system to guarantee that you purchase the software that will work best for your situation and perform as you need it to.
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