Chapter 1: Introduction to ProNest 8.0 ... 1
Introduction ... 1
ProNest Features and Options ... 1
ProNest Standard Features ...1
ProNest Optional Features...2
Installing ProNest ... 3
Installation Procedure ...3
Starting ProNest...4
Chapter 2: Quick Start Procedures ... 5
Install, Start and Authorize ProNest 8... 5
Settings ... 6 Chapter 3: Preferences... 14 General... 14 Miscellaneous ... 15 Regional ... 16 Settings ... 17 Bevel ... 18
Chapter 4: ProNest Basics... 19
Starting a New Job... 19
Add Parts... 19
Explorer View...20
Adding to Your Parts List ...20
Preview ...21
Add VSP (Variable Shape Part) Part to Part List... 22
Add VSP Part to Current Nest...22
Add Pipe Part to Part List... 26
Add Pipe Part to Current Nest...27
Add Tee... 29
Saving/Loading Pipe Part... 29
Add Plates... 30
User Defined ...30
Inventory ...30
Interactive Nesting ... 30
Starting a New Nest ...30
Adding Parts to the Nest ...31
Matching Material...31
Zooming In and Out ...33
Working With Selected Parts ... 34
Multiple Torches... 36
Move Lead In/Out Locations ... 37
Cut Sequence ... 37
Cut Simulation... 39
Cropping the Plate ... 40
Measure Mode ... 40
Advance to a New Plate... 41
Reports... 43
Automatic Nesting (Optional Feature)... 44
Rectangular vs True Shape Automatic Nesting ...44
Multiple Torches...45
Using Both Automatic and Interactive Nesting ...45
Material Database ... 45
Customer Database ... 46
Advanced Edit ... 46
Additional Utilities of Advanced Edit ... 48
Saving Changes... 50
Properties... 50
Chapter 5: ProNest Options... 53
Plate Inventory Database... 53
To open the Plate Inventory Database...53
Part Inventory Database ... 55
Custom Remnants ... 57
Assembly Database ... 58
Chain and Bridge Cutting ... 59
Chain Cutting Settings ...60
Bridge Cutting Settings ...60
Using Chain Cutting ...61
Using Bridge Cutting ...62
Common Line Cutting ... 63
Common Line Cut Settings ...64
Using Common Line Cutting ...65
Quad CLC (Common Line Cut)...65
Common Line Cut Array... 67
Creating a CLC Array...67
Multi Part Common Line Cut... 69
Working CLC Clusters ...71
Multi-Part CLC Parts ...72
Safety Cuts ...73
Torch path editing ...76
Plate Edge Common Line Cut...78
Collision Avoidance... 79
Skeleton Cut Up ... 79
Pattern Array ... 80
Part Cut Up ... 81
Chapter 6: Menu and Toolbar Reference... 83
Menu Reference... 83 File Menu ...83 Edit Menu...83 View Menu ...84 Job Menu ...84 Nest Menu...85 Part Menu ...86
Help Menu...87
Toolbars Reference... 87
Customizing ProNest Desktop ... 91
Chapter 7: ProNest Settings References... 94
What are ProNest Settings?... 94
How are settings saved?... 94
What is a ProNest machine?... 95
Using the settings dialog ... 96
Creating a new machine ... 98
Editing a machine's settings... 98
Settings tables (Spreadsheets)... 99
Saving your machine settings ... 99
Machine...100
Add or Remove Processes ...101
Select a Post Processor (CFF) ...102
Reuse Existing Settings ...103
Importing Parts...104
Importing Parts (Advanced) ...111
Bevel ...113
Bevel - Pass Profiles ...115
Standard Plate Sizes...117
Torches ...119
Work Zones...121
Nesting ...125
AutoNest...127
Pattern Array Strategies...130
AutoNest Strategies ...132
AutoNest Strategies - Rectangular Optimization ...133
AutoNest Strategies - True Shape ...135
Optimization ...138
Cut Sequence ...141
Cut Sequence - Interior Profile...144
Cut Sequence Rules ...147
Editing a cut sequence rule...148
Collision Avoidance...152
Collision Avoidance (Advanced) ...155
Edge Pierce...156
Skeleton Cut-Up...157
Skeleton Cut-Up - Skeleton Grid...161
Skeleton Cut-Up - Cut Sequence...162
Crop...163
Costing ...166
CNC Output...168
CNC Output - Pre-Pierces...176
CNC Output - Auto Height Control...177
CNC Output - Step and Repeat ...179
CNC Output - Output Axis...179
CNC Output - Subroutines ...180
CNC Output - Microjoint / Plate Handler ...182
CNC Output - DXF Output ...184
Editing process settings ...185
Process Parameters...186
Interior/Exterior Leads...187
Cutting Techniques ...189
Common Line Cut ...190
Common Line Cut - Plate Edge ...194
Common Line Cut - Array ...195
Common Line Cut - Safety Cuts ...197
AutoTab...201
Chapter 8: AutoNesting ...206
Start AutoNest... (Yellow Icon)...206
AutoNest Settings ...206
How should ProNest create new nests? ...206
Use a custom plate ...207
Torch settings...207
Start AutoNest (Green Icon)...208
Part Properties (for all selected parts) ...208
Part Properties (for one selected part)...209
Part Properties (for one part in the Part List) ...209
Chapter 9: Process Parameters...211
Default Process Parameters ...211
Process Parameters XLS Table...211
Using Part, Plate and Pierce Separations with Multiple Processes...213
Using a Process Parameters XLS Table vs. Using Default Process Parameters ...214
Troubleshooting ...215
Chapter 10: XLS Table Overview...216
XLS Table Types...216
Using XLS Tables ...216
General XLS Table Format ...217
Using Wildcards ...219
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using XLS Tables...220
Chapter 11: Pipe Settings and Fitting Descriptions ...221
Pipe Settings ...221 Fitting Descriptions...223 Offset Cone...223 Reducing Elbow ...225 ID_OD Ellipse ...227 Ellipse in Rectangle ...228 Flange...229 Angled Pipe...230 Straight Pipe ...231 Offset Pipe ...232 Rectangle to Round ...234 Segmented Elbow...236
Tee Into Partial Pipe ...238
Y-Joint...239
Trapezoid to Round ...241
Chapter 12: Costing ...244
Advanced Costing...245
Required column headers in the costing XLS table ...246
Chapter 13: Cutting Techniques...247
General Description ...247
Available Types of Cutting Techniques...247
Record Matching ...249
The Base Condition ...249
Interaction with Process Parameters ...251
Interaction with CFF ...251
Putting It All Together...252
Profile Area ...254
Profile Type ...255
Multiple Materials ...255
Troubleshooting ...255
Chapter 14: Lead Style Settings ...258
Default Lead Style Settings...258
Record Matching ...260
Units Conversion...261
The Default Lead Style Settings Record ...262
Multiple Process Considerations...262
Material/Thickness ...263
Settings saved with a job ...263
Troubleshooting: ...264
Chapter 15: Database Filtering ...265
Chapter 16: Summary of Key Strokes...266
Chapter 1: Introduction to ProNest 8.0
Introduction
The ProNest system has been specifically designed to meet the most demanding requirements of 2-axis profile cutting applications including Laser, Plasma, Oxy-fuel, Waterjet Routers and Combination Plasma-Punch/Laser-Punch. ProNest fully automates the import of part geometry from popular CAD systems as well as from existing CNC files. The combination of best-of-class material utilization, powerful, easy to use editing and productivity tools, and uniquely flexible control over cutting techniques, cutting parameters and CNC output make ProNest the ideal solution for any manufacturer or fabricator.
ProNest Features and Options
ProNest Standard Features
• Automatic CAD (including DWG, DXF, IGES, DSTV) and CNC Import • Assign B.O.M. Properties (Quantity, Material, Thickness) from CAD
drawing
• Material-Based Automatic Lead In/Out Style and Size Definition • Variable (Parametric) Shape Part Creation
• Advanced “Drag and Drop” Nesting • Part Interference Detection and “Bumping”
• “Tool Tips”, “Fly by Help”, and Right-Click Pop-Up Context Menus • Independent Part, Plate and Pierce Separation Control
• Interactive and Automatic Plate Cropping • Basic Multi-Torch Support
• Safe Zones for Material Clamping Applications • Automatic and Interactive Process Sequencing • Auto-Shift Lead In/Out Locations
• Edit Lead In/Out Position/Style/Size, Corner Loops, Tabs
• Edit Entity Quality, Delete Entities and Profiles, Close Open Profiles • Animated Cutting Sequence Simulation Standard and Customizable Shop
Reports
• Spreadsheet-Based, Process Parameters with Quality Support
• Material-Based Cutting Techniques (Corner, Lead In/Out Ramp Up/Down etc.)
• User Configurable CNC Post-Processor • Basic Serial RS-232 DNC Download Capability
ProNest Optional Features
Automatic Nesting Modules
• Pattern Array
• Advanced Rectangular Nesting • Advanced True Shape Nesting
Productivity Modules
• Common Line Cutting
• Advanced Common Line Cutting • Chain Cutting
• Bridge Cutting • Collision Avoidance • Variable Multi-Head Cutting • Skeleton Cut-Up
• Work Zones
• Entity Smoothing and Reduction • Part Cut-Up
Material and Inventory Optimization Modules
• Plate Inventory
• Part Inventory and Assembly • Custom Remnants
• Nest Background Image • Nesting System Optimization
System Interface Modules
• PIPE – Parametric Fitting Module • Punch/Plasma or Punch/Laser • Rotary Bevel
• Rotary Axis
• Manufacturing System Interface
3D CAD Interface Modules
• SolidWorks Interface
• AutoCAD Inventor Interface • Pro/Engineer Interface
Installing ProNest
Recommended System Requirements
For successful installation of ProNest, your computer should meet the following minimum system requirements:
•
Microsoft® Windows® XP (recommended) or Windows 2000 (recommended) with Service Pack 4.• Intel Pentium® based computers • Internet Explorer 5.5 or later
• Administrative privileges on the system • 512 megabytes of RAM or greater
• Super VGA monitor (with the screen set to at least 800 x 600 and 256 colors)
Installation Procedure
1. Close all programs.
2. Insert the CD labeled ProNest into the CD-ROM drive.
3. The Setup program should start automatically, if it does proceed to step 5. 4. From the Taskbar Start menu, choose Run.
5. Type D:\setup (substitute the appropriate letter of your CD drive for D).
6. Follow the on-screen instructions.
By default, ProNest is installed in the following location: C:\Program Files\MTC\ProNest 8
Starting ProNest
To run ProNest, simply double-click on the ProNest icon displayed on your desktop or click on Start from the WINDOWS taskbar, click on Programs and highlight MTC
Products. This will display all current MTC products installed, click to open the ProNest
sub-folder and then on the ProNest program icon.
After the program is first installed on your computer, it must be authorized before you can use it. Click on the ‘Request Authorization Code’ button prompting you with an authorization request window. After filling in the requested information, click on Submit to quickly and easily request an authorization code. The site code shown above is for demonstration purposes only. You may use any of the alternative methods shown below to contact MTC and obtain your authorization:
Phone: (716) 434-3755 Fax: (716) 434-3711
E-Mail: [email protected]
After entering the authorization code that we provide to you, click on OK to begin running ProNest.
Chapter 2: Quick Start Procedures
This chapter is designed as a quick reference in beginning to use ProNest 8. As always, any questions may be directed to MTC’s technical support staff, which can be reached at
[email protected] or 716-434-3755.
Install, Start and Authorize ProNest 8
Install
As mentioned in Chapter 1, the installation procedures are: 1. Close all programs.
2. Insert the CD labeled ProNest into the CD-ROM drive.
3. The Setup program should start automatically, if it does proceed to step 5. 4. From the Taskbar Start menu, choose Run.
5. Type D:\setup (substitute the appropriate letter of your CD drive for D).
6. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Start
To run ProNest, simply double-click on the ProNest icon displayed on your desktop or click on Start from the WINDOWS taskbar, click on Programs and highlight MTC
Products. This will display all current MTC products installed, click to open the ProNest
sub-folder and then on the ProNest program icon.
Authorize
To Authorize ProNest 8, click on the e-mail link in the License Configuration screen and paste the Site Code into the appropriate field or call the phone number provided.
Settings
GO TO JOB=>SETTINGS
The ProNest Settings window opens.
• Click on “Add or Remove Processes…” to open the ProNest Machine Wizard.
• Assign the correct controller (cff) file and select the processes that are available on your machine and click “Next”.
• You can map previous process settings as a starting point for any process or simply select “New Process” and default settings will be used. Click on “Finished” to exit the wizard.
• Click on the “CNC Output” page and then on the “Output Files” tab and assign the appropriate CNC File Extension.
• Click on “Nesting” page and assign the init point of the nest. Click on “Save” and then “OK” to exit the Settings.
GO TO JOB=>EDIT PART LIST
• Navigate to the folder where the CAD files are stored.
• Add part(s) to the Part List by double clicking, dragging, or multiple selecting the file name then clicking on the “Add Parts” icon.
• Change the material/thickness in the Part List by clicking on the down arrow in the Material field.
• Assign the correct quantity to each part. • Click on “Return to Nesting”.
GO TO JOB=>EDIT PLATE LIST
• Click on the Rectangular plate icon and specify the plate sizes you want to use.
• Click on “Add”, then “Close”. • Click on “Return to Nesting”.
MAIN PRONEST WINDOW
To Auto-nest:
• Click on the green Auto-nest icon in the top row of icons to use the default settings.
OR
• For a settings dialog window, click on the yellow Auto-nest icon and make any changes necessary.
To Manually nest
• Click on the “New Nest” icon in the top row of icons.
Specify the plate sizes/materials, their location, and the safe zone scheme and click “OK”.
• Drag the part from the Part Bin to the plate.
• Use the handles in the center to bump or drag. • Click and drag the part into place.
• The arrow keys on the keyboard will bump the part as well. • Repeat until all parts are nested.
GO TO FILE=>SAVE JOB AS
• This saves the job file.
• This file can be saved to any drive or folder. • Name the file and click on “Save”.
GO TO FILE=>OUTPUT CNC
• This creates the machine code file (CNC file) to be sent to the cutting machine. • This file can be saved to any drive or folder.
Chapter 3: Preferences
Preferences are basic settings used to tailor ProNest’s language, units of measure, modes of operation, and general appearance. These preferences remain in effect regardless of which settings files you are using.
General
Options
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Mouse Control
These values are in screen pixels that represent more or less physical distance depending on how much you are currently zoomed in or out.
Selection tolerance This represents the maximum distance from an item your mouse may be and still select it.
Corner snap distance This is used to determine whether you are selecting a corner when moving a lead in/out position for example. If your mouse is within the snap distance of a corner, the selected point will be the corner.
Miscellaneous
Options
Safe zone file Displays the safe zone file that is available in ProNest. Safe zone files contain a list of safe zones. Safe zones are defined regions of the plate where parts are not placed. For instance, if the cutting machine has work clamps to grip the material, an area around each clamp can be defined to prevent parts from being nested within those zones.
Inventory folder Displays the path where inventory files will be stored.
Warnings
ProNest can display warning messages to help prevent you from doing things like deleting all nests inadvertently. You can select the warnings for different actions that you do, or do not want to see by checking or un-checking the appropriate checkbox on the Warnings Tab.
On each of warning message dialogs there is a check box not to display the warning message again. Checking this option will turn off the warning message for that action in your preferences. You can turn the optional warning back on from the Warnings Tab of Preferences.
Regional
Translation and Display Settings
Language Use this pull-down list to choose the language you wish to use. When you select a new language and click on OK, ProNest screens, menus and reports will be displayed in that language.
Display Units This value controls how numeric values are interpreted and displayed by ProNest. Choices are IPS (in., lb, s) and MMKS (mm, kg, s).
Font Allows the user to determine the fonts the application will be displayed in.
Decimal places
Precision determines how many decimal places are used by ProNest when displaying numeric values on the screen and in reports. Your current Windows locale settings also affect the appearance of numeric and currency values.
Length The number of digits after the decimal place for values representing lengths.
Weight The number of digits after the decimal place for values representing weight or mass.
Cost The number of digits after the decimal place for values representing currency.
Settings
The Settings tab shows the path where the machine information and each of the spreadsheet settings folders are stored, as well as the location of the inventory folder. These values will normally be set correctly upon installation, but may need to be changed for network-type installations.
Options
The Machine folder must point to the location on your computer or network where your machines settings are saved. If this folder is invalid or is empty, ProNest will not be able to run.
Once the machine folder is specified, select a machine to be your default machine when you start ProNest. If the ‘Prompt for machine at startup’ is checked, ProNest will prompt you for the desired machine when you start the program.
Select the folder where your CFF (Controller Format Files) are located.
Spreadsheet Settings Folders
ProNest uses spreadsheets (in .XLS format) to obtain information for process parameters, costing, lead in/out styles and cutting techniques. Select the folder ProNest should search to locate each of these types of files. To use Microsoft Excel spreadsheets to modify any of these settings, make sure the box is checked.
Bevel
Bevel Colors
Control the colors used by ProNest to draw bevel angles on a part. Simply click on the down arrow next to the screen elements and select the desired color for that item. Be careful not to select colors that will make it difficult to see your part, for example, selecting white for a bevel angle range will not work when your plate is also white.
Chapter 4: ProNest Basics
ProNest provides several ways to accomplish most tasks like starting a new job, deleting the selected parts, or using the array function. Most functions are available through the menus and toolbars, and in some cases by using a right-click pop-up menu.
Hints, or “fly-by-help” are displayed when you position the mouse cursor over a toolbar icon for a short period of time to help you understand and learn its meaning. ProNest also uses special mouse cursors when the pointer is over the nesting handles of a selected part or group of parts.
Starting a New Job
To start a new job, click on New Job in the File menu, or click on the New Job icon on your toolbar. The new job dialog screen will appear.
Enter a descriptive name for this job and select the appropriate machine by clicking on the down arrow of the combo box and clicking on the desired name. For the purposes of learning ProNest, select the same machine you did while reviewing settings in the Quick Start guide.
Click on OK to close the New Job dialog and the Add Parts window will appear.
Add Parts
We’ve provided sample CAD DXF files in both English and Metric in your ProNest 8\Examples folder. You can use these files while you learn ProNest, and they can serve as an example of how to properly layer your DXF or DWG drawing files.
These CAD files were drawn using specific layer names for different attributes such as profiles that are to be cut, scribe and punch marks, dimension information etc. By matching the layer name with the correct process, ProNest can distinguish the different aspects of the drawing and display (and output) the part properly.
Select “AutoCAD files” as your filter, and for now, use the “Look in” combo box and Explorer View to navigate to the \Program Files\MTC\ProNest 8\Examples folder just as you would in Windows Explorer. The sample DXF files should now appear in the window.
ProNest also accepts other types of files (MTC token files, and existing CNC format files). For now, however, we’ll focus on how to add CAD files to your part list.
Explorer View
The explorer view can be modified depending on personal preference. The diagram above shows detail view, which includes the part name, size and type of file along with the date last modified. If you prefer to view a list of files, or large or small icons, you can do so by clicking on the view menu icon to the right of the “Look In” combo box.
If there are several folders that you commonly pull files from, you may use the Favorites functionality to store them in a list. Navigate to the desired folder, click the Favorites button (the one with the star on it), and select Add to Favorites.” The currently visible folder will be added to your list of favorites. When you want to quickly switch to that folder, simply click on the Favorites button and select the folder from the list.
Adding to Your Parts List
There are several ways to add the parts in the Explorer view to your parts list. You can double-click on a part, select one or more parts (use the shift and control keys as you would in Windows Explorer) and then click on the Add icon, or by selecting one or more files and dragging them into the parts list.
A single click on the part name will provide a preview. Under the preview are drawing properties that can be modified prior to adding the part to the part list (Nest, CAD Import, and Lead information)
When a part is selected in the Part List it will also be displayed in the preview window. The properties of the part can also be viewed and changed in both the table view and the Properties window. Typically, you will at least need to change the quantity (Qty) for the part. Defining the material can be important if the job requires parts cut from different
materials or process parameters (feed rates, kerf values, etc.) need to be output. Select the appropriate material (click in the material field, then click on the arrow) from the material database. This ensures that parts will only be nested on plates sharing the same material record.
Preview
Messages
When a part is drawn incorrectly, the Messages tab at the bottom of the Explorer view window becomes active. Clicking on this tab provides a descriptive text of the problem. The two most common error messages are open profiles (gaps, overlaps, or untrimmed intersections) in the drawing and empty drawing file (the layers used on the CAD drawing do not match the layers ProNest expects to see, as defined in the CAD Import settings). Open profiles can be located in the preview window if the open profiles box is checked under the view menu.
An empty drawing file message will not display a preview of the part.
With a part in the list selected, you can use the preview window to edit the part. The toolbar above the Preview window allows you to select profiles, move lead in/out positions, zoom in and out, and enter advanced edit.
Select Mode This mode allows you to select cutting profiles so that you can review or change the lead in/out properties for that profile.
Move Leads Mode This mode allows you to select new locations for the lead in/out positions for your part just by clicking on a new location.
Area Zoom Clicking this icon allows you to zoom in on an area of your part by dragging out a box around the desired area. Select mode is restored after you have zoomed in.
Zoom Out Clicking this icon returns to the previous zoomed view.
No Zoom Clicking this icon returns to the full view of the part.
Maximize/Minimize Clicking this icon will maximize or minimize the preview and properties windows.
Advanced Edit Clicking on this icon will take you to an Advanced Edit feature of ProNest allowing the properties of the part to be further modified. (see the Advanced Edit section at the end of this chapter for more detail).
With the preview window maximized, it is easy to get a closer look at the part and it’s properties. This view makes editing the part lead in/out positions and/or it’s properties much easier. Close this window to restore the preview to its normal size.
When a part from the part list is selected, the part properties window allows changing Nest, Leads, and Cost information.
Add VSP (Variable Shape Part) Part to Part List
The variable shape definition feature allows you to easily define the geometry for common shapes just by entering a few dimensions. The context sensitive reference dimensions and input hints lead you through each step of the process. In seconds you have complete part geometry ready to nest.
The Variable Shape Program portion of ProNest displays a list of standard part shapes for selection with a part reference view for the currently selected shape. It will also display the part reference screen with a table of shape input values for part definition.
Add VSP Part to Current Nest
To add a VSP part to the current nest, click on Edit Part List from Job, or the Edit Part
List icon. Clicking on the VSP tab will display a window with a list of VSP parts provided
A VSP part can be selected by either highlighting the part desired and clicking on Add Part, or by double clicking on the part.
Define Part
The above window appears after clicking on Add Part. This is where the required part information is to be entered. The Input Value Table contains all of the dimension values
being defined in the left side column, with the input value editable fields in the column on the right side of the table. The values displayed have been edited to differ from the default values. As each value is selected, the reference window at the top right of the screen shows the dimension that is currently being defined and a descriptive prompt appears on the bottom of the screen. As the part is edited the preview window is updated. Any errors will be displayed and the preview will vanish.
Define Cut Process
After the part is set to the desired specifications, you may click on the Cut Process button to select the type of cutting to be done on this part. A pop up window appears allowing the cut process for the interior and exterior profiles to be determined, which is very useful for multi-process machines such as those utilizing plasma and hi-def plasma.
Part Name
The part name can remain unchanged, or ProNest will allow the VSP part to be re-named. Selecting OK will put the VSP part into the part list.
Define Interior Profile
VSP will allow interior profiles to be added to the VSP part in current view. From the Shape Reference windows, select Add Cut Out. A pop up window appears to allow the selection of the interior profile and the position of it’s start point.
The part list provided is the standard list of VSP parts. Highlight the desired part, and set the initial start point of the interior profile in the pull down box. In this case, we have chosen, Circle and Top, respectively. Click on OK to return to the shape reference window.
With the interior profile now visible, set the editable values in the same manner as the original part. Notice the part preview window reflects any changes that are made.
More than one interior profile may be entered in the same manner. The arrows in the top right corner of the screen will move you through the different profiles available for editing. In the example displayed below, Circle was the first interior profile added, with Sheave being the second. The values for both files were modified.
When the preview window displays the part you wish to create, click on OK. The Add Parts window will appear with the new part being previewed. When the properties for this part have been determined, and the quantity to be added to the current nest has been set, click on OK to return to the Variable Shape Parts window. At this point, you can add additional VSP parts.
Delete VSP part from Part List
Any defined VSP part being added to the nest will be listed in the Add Parts list. To remove a part from this list, right-click on the part(s), then click Remove Part. The part(s) will no longer be added to the current nest. As with CAD files, clicking on the remove part icon will also remove selected VSP parts.
Add Pipe Part to Part List
The Pipe parametric library for ProNest is designed to automatically generate CNC flat-plate developments for fabricated, welded, cylindrical pipe joints and transitions used in Blowpipe applications. By simply entering dimensions into the fill-in-the-blanks style form with context-sensitive reference dimensions and input hints, even an inexperienced user can develop complex fittings in only seconds.
The rigorous mathematical approach used by Pipe, combined with features like material thickness compensation, automatic part splitting, curve smoothing and line-to-arc conversion yield unsurpassed part fit-up, reducing both fabrication and finishing time. Optional forming and alignment marks can also be added to assist in down-stream manufacturing operations.
Each fitting is designed with flexibility in mind and includes powerful features like offsets, tilts, extensions and laps. Cylindrical, conical, rectangular and boot (take-off) tees can be added to Pipes, Cones, and the Angled Pipe.
Add Pipe Part to Current Nest
To add a Pipe part to the current nest, click on Edit/Part List from File. Clicking on the Pipe icon displays a window with a list of Pipe parts provided with ProNest, as shown in the window below.
A Pipe part can be selected by either double clicking on the diagram of the part, or clicking on the diagram and then click Add Part. A single click will display the shape in the preview window. Clicking on Add Part will enter Pipe where values can be defined.
Define Part
The above window appears after clicking on Add Part. This is where the required part information is to be entered. The Value Table has all dimension values to be defined in the left side column, with the editable input value fields in the column on the right side of the table. As each value is selected, the reference window to the right of the value table shows the dimension that is currently being defined and a descriptive prompt appears on the bottom of the screen. As the part is edited the preview window (below the reference screen) is updated, and errors will be displayed in the preview window (in lieu of the part). Right clicking on the preview window will allow you to zoom, unzoom or measure.
Define Cut Process
After the part is set to the desired specifications, you may click on the Cut Process button to select the type of cutting to be done on this part. A pop up window appears allowing the cut process for the interior and exterior profiles to be determined, which is very useful for multi-process machines such as those that utilize plasma and hi-def plasma.
Define Lead-In/Out
The default lead settings or the XLS leads are applied to pipe parts.
Part Name
The part name can remain unchanged, or ProNest will allow the Pipe part to be re-named.
Quantity
Settings
Clicking on Settings will allow you to view or modify the current Pipe settings. Refer to the Pipe Settings and Fitting Descriptions for complete descriptions of these settings.
View
By clicking on the 3D View tab above the layout view, Pipe will allow you to zoom in and/or out by right clicking the mouse and selecting ‘Zoom’. In addition to Zoom, you can choose to view the shape as either a solid or wire frame. Pipe will also allow you to rotate the part up, down, left or right to view the part from a different perspective by simply clicking on the appropriate arrow button.
Add Tee
Pipe allows tees to be added to certain Pipe parts. From the Shape Reference window, select Add Tee (if grayed out, the selected PIPE part does not allow the addition of tees). A pop up window appears to allow the selection of the tee to be added .
The list provided is the standard list of Pipe tees. Highlight the desired tee, after clicking
OK, set the values of the tee in the same manner the original part was defined. As each
value is selected, the reference window to the right of the value table shows the dimension that is currently being defined and a descriptive prompt appears on the bottom of the screen. As the part is edited, the preview window (below the reference) is updated, displaying any errors in the status bar. Tees can be deleted by clicking on
Delete Tee. The two arrows immediately left of the Add Tee button allow the user to
view the different profiles that have already been created. The two arrows above the reference window allow the user to view the dimensions input for each of the profiles. When the preview window displays the part you wish to create, click on OK. The Add Parts window will appear with the new part being previewed. When the properties for this part have been determined, another pipe part can be selected.
Saving/Loading Pipe Part
If the input values of this development need to be saved for future jobs or part verification, click on the Save… button. Select a path and name for the file. Clicking on Save will create a .PJB file.
Clicking on the Load… button allows the selection of any .PJB file, regardless what Pipe shape was previously selected, to be opened.
Delete Pipe part from Part List
Any defined Pipe parts to be added to the nest will be listed in the Part List. To remove a part from this list, highlight the part, then click on the Remove Part Icon. The part will no longer be added to the current nest.
Accepting the Part List
When all parts have been added to the part list with correct quantities, material and properties, close out of the Add Parts screen by clicking on the return to nesting button or the “x” in the upper right corner. This returns the user to the main nesting screen with the selected parts in the part bin to the left of the plate.
Add Plates
User Defined
Selecting Edit Plate List from File or clicking on the Edit Plate List icon brings up the Add Plate screen. The user can now define the material, size, and thickness of the plate(s) needed for the job, similar to the way the part list was created. The plate can be named and defined as either rectangular or circular (plate type). Custom remnants may also be defined and added. A quantity can be assigned, length and width can be defined and rotation angles can be determined (useful for remnants). Once defined, the plate can be added to the plate list on the bottom by clicking the Add Plate icon.
Inventory
If the part and plate inventory option is active, plates can be added from a list previously defined in the plate inventory database. These can include rectangular and circular plates, along with remnants (crops) and skeletons created in ProNest. Select 1 or multiple plates (using the shift or CTRL keys) then click on the Add Plate icon (or double click on the record) to add to the plate list. Single clicking on a record displays the plate in the preview window.
Deleting a Plate Record from the Plate List
A record can be removed from the plate list by selecting the record(s) then clicking on the remove plate icon.
Accepting the Plate List
When all plates have been added to the list, select close from the file menu, click on “X”, or click on Return to Nesting.
Interactive Nesting
Interactive Nesting allows you to place parts on the screen and position them where desired. You can interactively nest all of your parts, or it can be done before or after automatic nesting if you have that option.
Starting a New Nest
To start a new nest, click on the New Nest icon, or select New Nest… from the Nest Menu. Use New Nest to select a different plate size, or to continue nesting on a new plate when the current plate is full. When the New Nest dialog window appears, you can select from one of the plates you defined in your plate list, select a size defined in your
preferences, or enter the dimensions. When you click on OK, an empty plate will be displayed on your ProNest desktop.
Adding Parts to the Nest
Parts displayed in the part bar and matching the current plate material can be easily added to the nest by left clicking on the desired part and dragging it to the nesting area, by double clicking on the part in the Part Bar or by selecting a part and pressing the Enter key. Keep in mind that in the Settings | Nesting dialog, there is an option to ‘Use Auto-Bump’. If this option is checked, the part will be bumped in the directions defined in that setting when it is first placed on the plate. If the auto-bump option is not activated, the part will be placed wherever you release the mouse button.
Matching Material
If the material defined for the parts in the part bin match the material defining the current plate, a blue line should appear to the left of the part and the name and picture will be black. ProNest will allow these parts to be nested. (note: the current size and material is displayed above the plate).
If the material or thickness defined for the parts differs from that of the current plate, the line, filename, and picture of the part will be gray and ProNest will not allow these parts to be nested.
ProNest provides the capability of filtering the part list by material type through the filter by material box found immediately above the parts. If a filter is chosen, only parts that match the material description are shown in the part bin. The default is “No Filter” which allows the display of all parts.
Other options available include “Show Hints for Parts”, “Hide Depleted Parts”, and “Torch Settings”. If these options are not currently in view, click on the bar with the double arrows immediately above the top part in the list.
Selecting and Unselecting a Part
Only parts that appear on the plate can be selected. To select a part that has been nested, click on it with the left mouse button. To prevent choosing the wrong part, click within the interior of the desired part. This is especially helpful if the desired part is nested inside of, or in an interlocking manner with another part.
Once selected, the part (or parts) are drawn in the selected part color and the nesting handles appear at the corners and sides of the part region. The use of the nesting handles will be described later in this section.
To unselect a part, click anywhere outside of the part region. Clicking outside the plate is preferred, as it eliminates the possibility of picking another part by mistake. A selected part can be unselected by choosing another part. A selected part can also be unselected by pressing the Enter key.
Selecting and Unselecting a Group of Parts
Selected groups of parts are built and modified using shift select to toggle the selection state of individual parts. While picking a part unselects other parts, holding the Shift key down while choosing a part only affects the selection state of the individual part.
To add a part to the selected group, hold down the shift key and select the second part with the left mouse button, continuing this process until all of the desired parts appear in the selected state. To remove a part from the group, shift select that part. Once selected in this manner, the group is treated as one part and can be moved, duplicated, rotated, deleted, etc., just as a single part.
Area Select
You can also select one or more parts by dragging a rectangular window using the Right mouse key. To do this, position the mouse cursor at one corner of the desired area, hold
the right mouse button down and move the mouse to the opposite corner of the area and release the mouse button.
If you select the area by moving from the left to the right, all parts entirely contained in the selection area will become selected. If you select from right to left, all parts contained or whose region intersects the selection area will become selected.
If you hold the shift key down while using area select, the parts in the selection area will be added to the selected group.
Selecting or Unselecting all Parts
To select all parts on the current nest, choose the Select All menu item from the Edit menu. To unselect all parts, choose Unselect All.
Zooming In and Out
Zooming in allows you to examine smaller areas of your nest by magnifying them to fill the desktop area of ProNest. Zooming out means to return to a previous level of magnification.
Area Zoom
To zoom in on a selected (rectangular) area of the plate, click on the Area Zoom icon on your toolbar, or select the Area Zoom item from the View menu.
Zoom to Selected
To zoom in on a selected part or group of parts, click on the Zoom Selected icon on your toolbar, or select the Zoom Selected item from the View menu.
Dynamic Zoom
Dynamic zooming allows you to easily zoom in and out at any desired location on your nest. Just position the mouse cursor at the center of the area and press the Page Up or
Page Down keys. Each time you press the page up or down keys you will zoom in or out
more. Dynamic zooming is very useful when you are in a mode like Move Leads.
You may also dynamically zoom by using the mouse wheel, if your mouse is so equipped. Position the mouse pointer at the center of the zoom region. Rolling the mouse wheel up (away from you) will zoom in and rolling it down (towards you) will zoom out.
Zoom Out
To zoom out (return to the previous magnification level), click on the Zoom Out icon on your toolbar, or select the Zoom Out item from the View menu.
No Zoom
To return to a view of the entire plate, click on the No Zoom icon on your toolbar, or select the No Zoom item from the View menu.
Working With Selected Parts
During interactive nesting, all operations effect the selected parts. These parts are referred to as the selected group. The group is surrounded by eight “handles”, one at each corner and the center of each side. A part must be selected before most operations can be performed on it.
Moving (Dragging)
To move the selected group or part, click inside a part in the selected group and hold down the left mouse button. The selected parts are redrawn in the specified moving color. Only exterior profiles of these parts are visible while they are being moved, and the bump and rotation handles disappear. This is a dragging state. Still holding down the left mouse button, drag the group with the mouse until it is in the desired location. Releasing the left mouse button returns the selected group to a normal selected state in the new location.
Moving (Using Slide)
If you click and hold the mouse button down on one of the middle bump handles you can slide it horizontally or vertically without changing its position in the other direction. For example, if you slide the part using the left middle bump handle, the part can only be moved horizontally, not vertically.
Moving (Using Nudge)
The selected group can also be moved a pre-defined distance by using the shift key with arrow keys or the bump handles. To move up by the nudge distance, hold down the shift key and press the UP ARROW key (or click on the top-center bump handle), to move left, press the LEFT ARROW key, and so on. The selected group will move the amount given by the Nudge Distance setting in the Nesting tab of the Settings screen.
Bumping
In ProNest, bumping means to move a part in a desired direction until it is the specified separation from other parts or the plate edge.
To bump, click on the desired middle handle of the selected part or group. For example, to bump left, select the middle handle on the left side of the selected group. You can also bump by using the arrow keys, or selecting the desired bump direction under part. The selected group will move left until it is a specified separation away from another part or the plate edge. Parts that are completely off the plate will not bump. If the leading edge of a part (i.e., the left edge if bumping left) is already in conflict, it will not bump. The part, plate edge, and pierce separations used can be found in the process parameter settings for the chosen cut process (see chapter 7 settings overview).
Delete
To delete the selected group or part, press the Delete key or choose Delete from the edit menu.
Delete Nest
Delete All Nests
To delete all nests, select Delete All Nests from Nest, or select the Delete All Nests Icon. When this is done, all parts are free to be nested again.
Note: If a part or parts are selected when either delete nest function is used, they will remain selected on the plate, even though all other part are removed.
Duplicating
To duplicate the selected group or part, select Duplicate from the Parts pull down menu, or select the Duplicate Parts Icon. The selected group will be unselected, and a copy of it will be placed slightly offset from the original. If the selected group requires more of any of its parts than remain to be nested, the selected group will not be duplicated and the original part will remain selected.
Clustering
A cluster may be created by grouping multiple parts in the selected state, then clicking on
Cluster from the Parts menu, or clicking on the Cluster icon. These can be the same
part or different parts. Once a cluster is created, it can be treated as an individual part. It can be bumped, rotated, arrayed, duplicated, etc. Unselecting any individual part in the cluster unselects the entire cluster.
Clusters are also added to the part list and can then be used in automatic nesting, or can be added interactively to the nest.
Unclustering
When a cluster of parts is selected and the Uncluster Icon is clicked (or Uncluster is selected from the Parts menu), the parts in that cluster are no longer permanently grouped together. After Unclustering, the individual parts can again be unselected or selected individually, though the cluster still exists in the part bar and can be added to the plate at any time.
Mirroring
To mirror the selected group or part, select Mirror from Parts or select the Mirror Icon. The selected group is mirrored on a vertical axis, which runs through the center of the selected group’s region.
Reverse Cut Direction
The reverse cut direction feature is used to change the direction the selected part will be cut. Generally, ProNest will process parts so that the interior cuts are done in a counter-clockwise direction and exterior profiles in a counter-clockwise direction. Cutter kerf compensation left is also used as standard practice.
Sometimes it may be desirable to reverse the cutting direction; for example, in order to keep a part attached to the bulk of the plate as long as possible.
When the cut direction is reversed, interior profiles are cut clockwise and exterior profiles counter-clockwise, and kerf compensation right is used.
The direction of cut can be displayed on the plate if Cut Direction is checked under the
Arraying
To array, place the selected part or group in the desired start location and select Array from Nest, or select the Array Icon. The number of parts to place in the X and Y directions, and the part offset (X & Y spacing) are calculated. The number in the Y direction is maximized to cover the plate height. The part offset is calculated to place parts as close together as possible based on the part separation in your settings.
Pattern Array (Optional Feature)
To Pattern Array, place the selected part or group in the desired start location and select
Pattern Array from Nest, or select the Pattern Array icon. ProNest will then calculate
an optimal arrangement of that part or group to maximize the number of copies that can be nested.
Pattern Array will be discussed in detail in Chapter 5.
Rotating Parts or Part Groups
All rotations occur in relation to the center point of the selected part or group.
Rotating by Increment - To rotate the selected part or group by a set increment, click on
either the Incremental Rotation Icon, or the upper left handle. The selected group will rotate by the specified increment. The Incremental Rotate Angle setting in the Preferences screen under Manual Nesting is used for the icon, keyboard, and upper left handle rotations. If the “+” Incremental Rotation Icon or the upper left handle are used, the selected group rotates counter-clockwise. If the “-“ Incremental Rotation Icon is used, the selected group rotates clockwise.
Rotating to Next 90 - To rotate the selected part/group to the next 90 degree increment
greater than its current angle, starting from its initial angle, select the Rotate To Next
90 Icon, Press “Q” on the keyboard, or select the lower left handle. The current angle
of the selected part/group is the total rotation from its initial angle. If the selected part/group consists of one part, the initial angle of that part is used. If the part/group consists of multiple parts, the initial angle is set to zero each time a part is added or removed from the group.
Longest Straight Side – Clicking the Long Side Rotate Icon, pressing “S” on the
keyboard, or clicking the lower right “handle” will determine the selected part’s longest straight side and proceed to rotate that side to the next closest counter-clockwise horizontal or vertical position. For example, the hypotenuse of a right triangle will rotate to 90°, 180°, 270° or 360°.
Free Rotate - To “free” rotate the selected group, select the upper right handle and hold
down the left mouse button. The selected parts are redrawn in the moving color. Only exterior profiles of the parts are visible and the bump and rotate handles disappear. This is a dragging state. Still holding down the left mouse button, move the mouse. The part rotates with the mouse. To rotate quickly, stay closer to the center of the part or group. To rotate slowly, move farther away from the center. Releasing the left mouse button returns the selected group to a normal selected state.
Multiple Torches
If the cutting machine has multiple torches of one process, the torch settings feature allows ProNest to take advantage of this. In Torches, under Settings, set “Number of Torches” to match what the machine has.
Open the Torch Settings combo box under the part list and select 2 for number of torches to be used on this plate. Set the torch spacing field to 0, then click on OK. Drag a part
over to the plate. There should be two parts on the plate now, the master being the darker color and the slave being the lighter. The spacing between corresponding locations on the 2 parts is determined by the width of the plate divided by the number of torches. This can be modified by assigning a value for torch spacing.
As an option, MTC provides a variable multi-torch feature which can adjust both the number of torches and the spacing used automatically based on the size of the part being nested.
Even without the variable torch option, ProNest allows the user to manually modify the torch spacing and number of torches as different parts are nested. When the nest is output to the machine, a stop code and comments are included that tell the operator what torch settings to use, allowing him to set up the machine properly.
Move Lead In/Out Locations
In addition to being able to move lead in/out locations in the Preview window while you are building your parts list, you can also move them in the main nesting window.
To enter move leads mode, click on the Move Leads Mode icon in your toolbar or select the Move Leads Mode from the Edit menu.
To move the lead in/out for an interior or exterior profile of a part, simply click on the desired new location and the lead in/out will be automatically moved there. ProNest will change the style (according to your settings) when you move from a side location to a corner or from a corner to a side.
If you need to zoom in on a profile to select the location properly, it is usually best to use dynamic zooming. Just move the mouse cursor over the desired area and use the page up and down keys. Dynamic zooming will not cancel Move Leads Mode.
To return to normal Select Mode, you can click the Right mouse button, or click on the
Select Mode icon in your toolbar.
Note: Since moving leads will cause ProNest to generate a new cut sequence, it is best to move leads prior to setting a cut sequence.
Cut Sequence
When you nest parts in ProNest, either manually or automatically, the program generates a cutting sequence for those parts based on your current settings. After your nesting is complete, you can interactively change the cut sequence if desired. Click on the Cut
Sequence Icon in your toolbar, or select the Cut Sequence item from the Nest Menu;
ProNest will display the Cut Sequence Toolbar. This tool bar has special tools to help you change the cut sequence. Normally it appears as a floating toolbar on your workspace area, but like all other toolbars, it can be “docked”. The current cut sequence for each part on your nest will be displayed. You can now use the mouse to select parts and toggle them between sequenced and unsequenced mode by simply clicking on them. When a part is unsequenced, it will not have a sequence number displayed near the start point of the exterior profile and it will be drawn in the “unsequenced” color.
The cutting sequence determines the order in which individual parts on a nest will be cut. ProNest automatically calculates a sequence based on the current cut sequence settings. You can use the Cut Sequence toolbar to edit that sequence, or to define the entire sequence manually.
When the Cut Sequence toolbar is displayed, the cutting sequence is shown on the parts. A pop up window also appears allowing the user to modify the cut sequence. After selecting one of the icons, follow the prompts at the bottom of the taskbar to alter the cut sequencing.
View Cut Sequence Shows the order in which the parts will be cut.
Insert Unsequenced
Parts Before This allows you to move or insert the unsequenced part or parts into the cut sequence before an already sequenced part.
Append Unsequenced
Parts to the End Appends the unsequenced parts to the end of the cutting sequence.
Clear Cut Sequence From
Clears the cut sequence from a selected part to the end of the cutting sequence
Clear Cut Sequence Clears the entire cut sequence for the current nest.
Close Closes the cut sequence window and exits cut sequence mode.
Modifying the Cut Sequence
To change the sequence of a few parts on the nest, just click on each of those parts to unsequence them, and then click on those parts again to sequence them in the new order.
To place a part or group of parts in a specific spot in the cut sequence, select (and therefore unsequence) those parts in the desired order. Click the Insert Unsequenced
Parts Before icon on the Cut Sequence Toolbar, and then click on the sequenced part
the selected parts should immediately precede. The sequence numbers of all parts will be adjusted to show the new order.
To move a part or group of parts to the end of the cut sequence, select (and therefore unsequence) those parts in the desired order. Then Click the Append Unsequenced
Parts to End icon and those parts will be shifted to the end of the cutting sequence.
Set Cut Sequence
To explicitly set the cut sequence for all of the parts in the nest, you should first click on the Clear Cut Sequence icon to unsequence all of the parts. You can also click on the
Clear Cut Sequence From icon to clear the sequence for all parts starting with the part
you click on next. Then simply click on the parts in the new order to sequence them.
Exit Cut Sequence Mode
To exit from Cut Sequence mode, click on the Close button on the Cut Sequence toolbar. ProNest will automatically sequence any remaining unsequenced parts for you.
Cut Simulation
ProNest gives users the opportunity to view the path the machine takes as it performs its operations. By clicking on Cut Simulation from View or the cut simulation icon, the Cut Simulation tool bar will appear. After clicking on Play, an animated torch will appear on the plate, and will simulate the machine path used for the current nest. The speed of the torch can be increased or decreased.
When the Cut Simulation toolbar is displayed, the machine path is simulated on the plate. A pop up window appears allowing the user to start, pause, stop and change the speed of the simulation.
Play Begin the cut simulation process.
Pause Pauses the cut simulation process.
Stop Stops the cut simulation.
Speed Determines the speed of the cut simulation.
mode.
Cropping the Plate
In ProNest, cropping is used to cut a usable portion of the plate away from the skeleton created by cutting out the parts. When a crop is defined for a nest, the default sequence would place the crop at the end of the CNC file. This may be overridden by modifying your cut sequence rules.
AutoCrop
The Autocrop option (under the nest menu) will add a cropping cut beyond the nested parts. ProNest uses the settings on the Settings | Crop page to determine the best remnant that may be generated from the current nest.
Checking the Crop settings box for “Step 1: Find the best vertical crop” will result in a straight crop cut from the top to the bottom of the plate. The remnant plate created can then be easily used in ProNest by entering it as a custom plate size.
Interactive Cropping
Interactive cropping allows you to create the path for the cropping cut by defining a series of linear motions.
To interactively crop a nest, click on the Crop Mode icon on your toolbar, or select the
Crop item from the Nest menu.
Once in crop mode, a cross-hair cursor will be drawn across the plate. Start your crop by clicking below (or above) the plate edge. ProNest will automatically start the cut at the plate edge for you. You can then simply click on a series of points to define the cut path. Finish the crop by clicking above (or below) the opposite plate edge for the last crop motion. You can complete a crop at the right or left edge of the plate if desired.
An alternative to the single click method for defining the crop is to click down with the mouse button, drag out a line and then release the mouse button. This method allows you to see where each section of the crop cut will be before you release the mouse button. You can also hold the shift key down while using this method; this causes the
resulting crop line to "snap to" the nearest horizontal, vertical or 45 degree line.
While in the process of defining a crop, you may delete the most recently added crop point by pressing the Backspace key. Repeatedly pressing the Backspace key will erase all of the crop points in the active crop so that you may choose a new starting location for the crop.
To exit crop mode, click the right mouse button. ProNest will automatically trim or extend the last crop line to the plate edge.
Delete Crop
To delete an existing crop for a nest, select the Delete Crop item from the Nest menu.
Measure Mode
Measure mode is used to measure distances on your nest using the mouse cursor. For example, you could use this to check part separation or a dimension on a part. The accuracy of the measurement is limited by the distance represented by one pixel on the screen, and by how accurately you select the measurement points.
To enter measure mode, click on the Measure Mode icon on your toolbar, or select the
Measure Mode item from the Edit menu. While in measure mode, ProNest will display
cross-hairs across the desktop area and the mouse cursor will change to a measuring tape.
Once in measure mode, you can make a measurement by clicking down with the left mouse button, dragging out a line, and releasing the mouse button. The cursor will automatically “snap” to the edges of nested parts to make measuring from a part edge more exact. The results will be displayed in the status bar. For each measurement, the distance (with the known accuracy), the DX (delta, or change in X) and the DY (delta, or change in Y) are displayed. You can also hold the shift key down while using this method; this causes the resulting measurement line to “snap to” the nearest horizontal, vertical, or 45 degree line.
To exit from measure mode and return to normal Select Mode, you can click the Right mouse button, or click on the Select Mode icon in your toolbar.
Note: It is often helpful to zoom in on the area being measured.
Advance to a New Plate
When the current plate is full and there are additional parts to be nested, click on the New Nest icon (or select New Nest from the nest menu). A new plate can be selected and nesting can be continued.
CNC Output
After you have completed nesting your job, you will want to create the CNC files for each nest. These CNC files contain the instructions for your cutting machine to cut out the entire nest, and the cropping cut, if one is defined.
To create the CNC files for the job, click on the Output CNC icon on your toolbar or select the Output CNC item from the File menu.
When the Output CNC dialog box appears you can navigate to the desired folder to which the files should be written. The filename will default to the file name used when you saved your job, or “Untitled” if you have not yet saved it. You can change this filename if desired. Likewise, the filename will end with your default CNC extension from your settings. This too, can be changed. Click on Save to create the CNC files.
If you have more than one nest, and are using a default CNC extension, ProNest will append a number to the filename. For example, if you have two nests and you entered TEST.CNC as the filename, ProNest would create two nests named TEST01.CNC and TEST02.CNC.
If the option to “Use Long Filenames” is not checked in the CNC output section of your settings, ProNest will first truncate the filename so that the resulting name is not longer than eight characters.
If existing files will be overwritten and you have asked to be warned about overwriting CNC files in your Preferences (Miscellaneous), ProNest will display a warning dialog box. Click on OK to replace the existing files, or Cancel to exit without writing any CNC files.
Saving A Job/Opening A Job
When the nesting is done, the entire job can be saved by either clicking on the Save Job icon or selecting Save Job under the File menu. When the Save Job As… dialog appears, the desired folder to which the .NIF file is written can be selected. All aspects of the nest including part geometry, plate information, and settings are saved. This file can be opened at any time by clicking on the Open Job icon or selecting Open Job from the File menu. This restores the job as it was saved, should it need to be changed. At this time, the nest(s) can be modified in any way or the entire job can be unnested and renested in a different manner.
Creating Plate Inventory (optional feature)
With this option, you can save remnants and/or skeletons from nest material to a database for use in ProNest at a later time.
Creating a Remnant or Skeleton
A skeleton is the full plate minus the nested parts. Note that the plate does not need to be cropped in order to create the skeleton. After cropping the plate, the remnant (drop) may be saved to the plate inventory database by selecting Remnants and Skeletons… under Job. A list of all available remnants and skeletons that have been or may be created will appear in a list. You may right click on a particular nest to create remnants and skeletons just for that nest or you may create remnants and skeletons for all selected nests by clicking on the Save Remnants and Save Skeletons buttons on the bottom of the dialog.
Remnants and skeletons for any nest may be discarded in a similar fashion, either by right clicking on a nest in the list and choosing one of the Discard options or by clicking on the Discard Remnants and Discard Skeletons buttons on the bottom of the dialog. During the CNC output process, if any remnants and skeletons have been created, you will be given the option of updating them in your plate inventory database.
Custom Remnants
A custom remnant is a partial plate of material available in inventory. Custom remnants can be created in both the New Nest and Autonest setup screens. In each of these screens you have the Remnant option when selecting the custom plate drop-down menu.
Reports
ProNest can produce a variety of reports to assist your cutting machine operator and to provide you with detailed information about production times and costs for your parts and the complete job.
To view a report, select the Reports item from the File menu, a sub-menu with each report will be displayed. Simply click on the preview icon to the left of the desired report to preview it on your screen.
When the report preview window appears, you can use the icons in the toolbar to view each page, change your printer (or its properties), and of course, print the report.
Nest Plot This report shows an image of each nest, the plate size and material information and the cutting sequence number for each part.
Single-Head Nest
Detail This report shows an image of each nest, the plate size and material information, and the cutting sequence number for each part. A list of the nested parts in cut sequence order is also displayed.
Single Head Nest Sequence
This report shows an image of each nest, the plate size and material information, and the cutting sequence number for each part. A list of the nested parts in cut sequence order is also displayed.
Multi-Head Nest Detail This report shows an image of each nest, the plate size and material information, and the cutting sequence number for each part. A list of the nested parts in cut sequence order showing the number of torches used and the torch spacing for each part is also displayed.
Job Summary This report provides summaries of the utilizations, plates, and production cost information for each of the nexts in the job.
Part Detail Provides dimensions; material, weight, quantities, and additional information along with a part picture.