NestMaster
Nesting Software | 2015
User Manual
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement or nondisclosure agreement. The software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of those agreements. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval sys-tem, or transmitted in any form or any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording for any purpose other than the purchaser’s personal use without the written permission of Hypertherm, Inc.
Hypertherm 22 West Main Street Lockport, NY 14094 U.S.A.
www.hyperthermCAM.com
TRADEMARKS
Hypertherm and NestMaster are trademarks of Hypertherm, Inc. and may be registered in the United States and/or other countries. Micro-soft, Windows, and Internet Explorer are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Adobe and Adobe Reader are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. HASP is a registered trademark of Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd. in the United States and/or other countries. Rev-02/14.
Table of Contents
1. WELCOME AND WHAT'S NEW 1
Welcome to NestMaster 1
What's new in this release 2
2. INSTALLATION AND LICENSING 8
System requirements 8
Installing NestMaster 8
Licensing 9
3. SETTINGS 10
What are NestMaster settings? 10
Using the settings dialog 11
Interior/Exterior Leads settings 13
Editing process settings 16
Add or Remove Processes 18
Select a Post Processor (CFF) 19
Reuse Existing Settings 20
Machine settings 21
Importing Parts settings 22
Importing Parts (Advanced) settings 25
Standard Plate Sizes settings 26
Nesting settings 27
Export DXF settings 29
CNC Output settings 30
CNC Output - Output Axis settings 36
CNC Output - Step and Repeat settings 38
CNC Output - DXF Output settings 39
4. PREFERENCES 40
What are preferences? 40
General preferences 42
Regional preferences 44
Check for Updates 46
Warnings preferences 47 5. JOBS 48 What is a job? 48 Creating jobs 49 Opening jobs 50 Saving jobs 51 6. PART LIST 52
What is the part list? 52
The Part List task pane 53
Exporting a part to DXF file 55
About the Edit Part List window 56
Preview 58
Part properties 59
About CAD files 60
Adding CAD files to the part list 61
CAD Import properties 62
What is a VSP part? 65
Adding a cut-out 67 Assigning cut processes to VSP parts 68
VSP Shape Reference 69
7. NESTING 72
What is a nest? 72
Creating a new nest 73
Deleting or clearing a nest 75
Adding parts to the nest manually 76
Removing parts from the nest 78
Moving and rotating parts 79
Nested vs. selected parts 81
Mirror 82
Cut direction 83
Managing nests using nest tabs 84
Exporting a nest to DXF file 86
Why do parts appear in conflict? 87
Checking nests for conflicts 88
Separations task pane 89
How to start automatic nesting 91
Setting up AutoNest 92
Stopping AutoNest 93
8. MODES OF OPERATION 94
What are modes of operation? 94
Cut Simulation mode 95
Measure mode 96
Modify Leads mode 97
Pan mode 98
Select mode 99
Zoom 101
9. ARRAYING PARTS 102
About Array 102
How to array parts 105
Stopping an array 106
10. LEADS 107
How are leads applied in NestMaster? 107
11. CUT SEQUENCE 108
About Cut Sequence 108
12. OUTPUT 109
Creating CNC output 109
The CNC Output dialog 110
How does CNC file naming work? 112
The Output Progress dialog 114
Single part output 115
13. REPORTS 116
NestMaster reports 117
14. VIEWS 120
How to use grids 121
Shortcuts and key tips 124
Menu and toolbar legacy reference 127
15. CONTACT US 131
Locations 132
Technical Support 134
Sales 135
1. W
ELCOME AND
W
HAT
'
S
N
EW
Welcome to NestMaster
NestMaster™ is Hypertherm's entry-level nesting software solution. It reflects our commitment to software solutions that are not only powerful, but also easy to learn and use. NestMaster's intuitive interface allows even the most inexperienced user to navigate the appli-cation with ease. Operational readiness is typically reached within the hour; a fraction of the time it takes to learn alternative nesting sys-tems.
NestMaster can easily manage basic plasma and oxyfuel applications, performing all of the necessary steps to automatically convert your CAD files into CNC-ready programs.
l Seewhat's newin this release of NestMaster l Explore NestMastersettings
l Explore NestMasterpreferences l Explore thepart list
What's new in this release
NestMaster 2015 includes powerful new features and enhancements that improve the quality and efficiency of your output, while keep-ing the user interface simple and easy to use. Click the link at the top to read what's new in this release, or select another link to view enhancements from previous versions.
Current version: NestMaster 2015 v11.0 Previous versions: NestMaster 2012 v10.1 NestMaster 2012 v10.0 NestMaster 2010 v9.2 NestMaster 2010 v9.1 NestMaster 2010 v9.0
NestMaster 2015 v11.0
RibbonNestMaster 2015 includes a new ribbon interface, which is designed to help you quickly find the NestMaster commands that you need by including bigger, more visible controls with text labels that are organized in logical groups. Benefits include:
l Simplified access making NestMaster features easier to find. l Mode-sensitive ribbon that shows only relevant controls.
l Each control in the ribbon has hint text containing a short description of the item.
l A Quick Access toolbar at the top of the main window contains commonly used items that can be accessed with a single click.
Across referenceof NestMaster 2015 menus and toolbars is available to help you get familiar with the interface.
Nest Tabs
In the main window,each nest now has its own tabwhich displays nest name. Using tabs, you can:
l Easily navigate the nests in the job.
l Reorder nests by clicking and dragging tabs to the desired location. For instance, if you want to move a nest that is currently nest
3 of 3 so that it is nest 2 of 3, simply drag the nest tab to the desired position.
l Insert a new nest before or after any existing nest in the job.
l Hover over the tab of a non-active nest to show a thumbnail image of that nest.
DXF Export for Parts and Nests
Partsandsingle nestscan now be exported directly to DXF file, without installing a special DXF Polyline setup or changing machines.
Check for Conflicts
A new control enables you to check the nests in your job for conflicts. You can repeatedly click theCheck for Conflictsbutton to cycle through all the conflicts that are found.
Recent Jobs
In the backstage view of the new ribbon interface (on the File tab), a Recent jobs page has been added. This page contains an expanded list of recent NestMaster jobs, as well as recent folder paths for job files.
You can now remove all parts from a nest while leaving the blank plate behind as anempty nest. The empty nest will remain in the main window for future nesting.
CAD Import: Recent Places
A new button on the CAD tab of the Edit Part List shows recent folders that CAD files were added from. This can help you quickly find frequently used folders when adding parts.
Shortcuts
Extensivekeyboard shortcutsand keytips (visible by pressing the ALT key) are now available in major areas in the application.
Size Format for Parts and Plates
You can now change how length and width dimensions for plates and parts are displayed in NestMaster. Using the newSize format pref-erence, part and plate dimensions can be shown as either "Length × Width" or "Width × Length".
News Feed in NestMaster
News related to NestMaster and Hypertherm CAD/CAM software is now available directly in NestMaster. A notification button on the status bar indicates when news is available and can be clicked to open a reading pane where you can browse articles.
Customer Experience Improvement Program
The program collects information about how you use NestMaster. This helps Hypertherm identify which NestMaster features to improve. No information collected is used to identify or contact you. The CEIP program runs in the background as you use NestMaster, without interrupting you. You can opt in to the improvement program using a new Privacy preferences page.
AutoNest: Fill Interiors First
During automatic nesting, NestMaster will attempt to nest smaller parts inside the interior profiles of larger nested parts before filling other areas of the nest. This can be useful if your parts contain large cut-outs that can be nested on.
NestMaster 2012 v10.1
CAD FontsNestMaster now supports native AutoCAD fonts (SHX) and Windows® system fonts (TrueType, OpenType, PostScript) for CAD drawings that contain text. When a CAD file with text is imported, the font referenced in the file can now be used in NestMaster. Using the new CAD Font preferences page, you can choose to use text fonts found in the CAD file or specify a default AutoCAD or system font for CAD text.
2D CAD Improvements
l Multi-drawing support
Multiple drawings can be open simultaneously in 2D CAD. Each open drawing is displayed on its own tab in the main 2D CAD win-dow; you can toggle between the drawings by simply clicking a tab.
l Control points
Any entity can now be moved or modified using control points. Control points appear at the start, center, and end points of a selected entity, enabling you to move the entity while preserving its size and orientation or resize the entity around a pivot point.
CNC File Extension Setting: N#
On theCNC Output settings page, entering "N#" as the CNC file extension will ensure unique extensions are applied to all nests. Creating output for a single nest will apply a .N1 extension to the CNC file; outputting more than one nest will apply extensions incrementally (.N1, .N2, .N3, etc.).
2D CAD Program
NestMaster's 2D CAD application provides all of the basic features needed to create or edit a detailed CAD drawing. With the CAD pro-gram, you can:
l Add, edit and delete simple and complex geometry l Insert pre-defined shapes such as rectangles, ellipses, etc. l Add chamfer, fillet, notches, or folds
l Manage layers and colors
l Save drawings as DWG or DXF files
2D CAD is a standard feature that is included with the NestMaster installation. It can be opened directly from theEdit Part List windowin NestMaster.
Part List Improvements
ThePart List task panehas been redesigned with an updated look and feel that gives you greater flexibility and control over parts from the main NestMaster window. Improvements include:
l Editing part properties
A newProperties panecan be opened directly in the main NestMaster window (right-click any part and select Properties). All part information that can be viewed and edited in the Edit Part List window is now editable in this new pane.
l Sorting parts
Parts can be listedalphabetically or by nesting order(by size).
l Easily access the Edit Part List, importing PNLs
A new button in the Part List provides easy access to the Edit Part List. You can also quickly import a PNL directly from the part list.
Modules and Standard Features
l TheDXF Outputmodule is now offered as a standard feature at no additional charge. For more information on acquiring this
setup, please contact your regional representative.
Miscellaneous
l The file path of an added part's source file is now shown in the Edit Part List window (in the Properties pane) as well as the
Prop-erties pane in the main NestMaster window.
l Clicking the mouse wheel button will now activate Pan mode.
NestMaster 2010 v9.2
Color-Filled Parts
Parts are now filled with a solid color, in addition to the outline that is drawn normally. Color-filling provides improved visibility and con-trast between parts, interior holes, and the plate.
Color-filling can be turned on or off in the color legend using the "Draw color-filled parts" setting.
Separations Editor
A new task pane in the main nesting window has been added, allowing you to view and edit the current separation values in your job. This provides a way of editing separations on an as-needed basis without having to change anything in your NestMaster settings. Part, Pierce, and Plate separations can be edited for each material/thickness in the job.
Check for Updates
The newCheck for Updatesfeature allows NestMaster to notify you when software updates are available. This will help ensure that your software is up-to-date and contains the latest features, enhancements, and bug fixes. Your PC must be connected to the Internet to use this feature.
In the Part Sources section of the Edit Part List, a newFilterbox has been added. You can use the Filter box to filter the contents of the current folder by CAD file name. When text is entered into the Filter box, CAD file names that contain some or all of the entered text will be shown, all others will be hidden.
Variable Cut Sequence Zones
NestMaster now takes into account the size and position of parts on the nest when calculating the nest's cut sequence. This can result in a better overall cut sequence and shorter traverse motions between cuts.
NestMaster 2010 v9.1
Enhancements
Automatic Nesting
Automatic nesting is now more efficient and powerful, resulting in betters nests with greater material utilization. During automatic nest-ing, more orientations are attempted for better material utilization and NestMaster will yield a better result when nesting multiple copies of the same part due to the use of pattern array.
Performance
Multithreading
Implementation of multithreading has improved NestMaster’s performance on computers with multiple cores/processors. Benchmark test-ing identified significant speed improvements when addtest-ing leads durtest-ing part import.
Also, the user interface is more responsive to user input while an operation (such as automatic nesting, pattern array, etc.) is in progress. User input may include stopping an operation, mouse movements, or window resizing.
Lastly, multithreading is designed to maximize all available cores/processors. NestMaster will perform better on a PC with more cores/processors than on a PC with fewer cores/processors.
Unicode
NestMaster now supports Unicode, benefiting users in multilingual environments:
l A new XML-based dictionary format (XLF) allows Unicode support for translations.
l When switching between languages, users no longer need to change the system locale of their PC.
l Help, Tip of the Day, and Reports automatically match the selected language; there is no longer any need to copy language files
manually from between folders.
l Data entry can mix and match text from different languages.
Settings and other developments
Output
The output status of a nest is now indicated in the CNC Output dialog. Nests that have already been output now have an icon next to them; this icon is grayed out for nests that have not yet been output.
Reports
NestMaster now uses the Unicode-based FasReport® generator instead of Rave reports.
Cut Sequence
Cut sequence numbers displayed on nested parts are now positioned on the "meat" of the part, away from the exterior edges or any inte-rior profiles. Previously the cut sequence number boxes were positioned at the lower left of the part - which sometimes obscured the part geometry behind the box and often caused sequence numbers for two parts to overlap.
Preferences
Anew preferencecontrols whether the Output Progress dialog should be closed automatically after output.
Job files (.nif) from version 9.1 onward will be forward compatible with future versions of NestMaster. For example, an NIF created in Nest-Master v9.2 will be able to be opened safely in NestNest-Master v9.1.
NestMaster 2010 v9.0
New Features
Single Part Output
You can now create machine-readyCNC output for a single partusing NestMaster. Output for a part or group of parts can be created directly from the part list. A new output setting,Part Home, lets you set the home point to use during single part output.
Step and Repeat
If there is a segment of a nest that can be repeated, you can use the newStep and Repeatoutput settings to reduce CNC file size. With Step and Repeat, the machine will be instructed to repeatedly execute the same NC code along the length or width of the plate.
Feature Enhancements
Importing Parts
NestMaster can now import a CAD drawing that contains multiple parts. You canimportthe multi-part drawing as a single unit or break it up into separate parts for individual nesting.
Output
A new CNC output interface has been implemented, offering the following improvements:
l Output settings can be adjusted directly from theOutput dialog l Control which nests should be output, and which should not l File naminghas been refined
l Aprogress screendisplays the status of your output
l Newly-created output files can be accessed directly from the progress screen
Reports
The following fields have been added to theNest Plot reportin NestMaster: Total Cut Length, Total Pierces.
Additional Developments
CAD Import
The following enhancements have been made:
l CAM files (.cam) can now be imported l AutoCAD 2010 is supported
Help
The online help system has been expanded significantly to provide you with a better understanding of each feature and to help you get the most out of NestMaster. Context-sensitive help (F1) is now available in many areas of the application.
Home Positions
You can now specify separate Machine and Nesting Home positions. TheMachine Homerepresents the corner of the table on your real-world machine where cutting begins, whereas theNesting Homeis the point from which nesting strategies should begin. This is useful for machines that use clamps to hold material in place and begin cutting immediately next to those clamps. In these cases, the best option is often to begin nesting on a point away from the clamps. Independent Machine and Nesting Home points give you the nec-essary control in this situation.
Preferences
Two newpreferenceshave been added:
l Allow parts in the Part List to be renamed l After output, save the current job
Zooming/Panning
Severalzoomfunctions have been added:
l Zoom Real Time allows you to click and drag up/down to quickly zoom in/out on a nest. l Panallows you to grab and pull nest to the desired view.
l Zoom In is now available, both as a menu and a toolbar item. l Zoom Extents lets you return to a view of the entire nest.
Tip of the Day
2. I
NSTALLATION AND
L
ICENSING
System requirements
Software
l Windows Vista®(SP2, 32 or 64-bit), Windows®7 (SP1, 32 or 64-bit), Windows®8 (32 or 64-bit), or later l Microsoft Internet Explorer®6.0 or later
Hardware
l 1 GHz processor or faster (3 GHz recommended) l 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended)
l VGA display with at least 256 colors and a resolution of 1024 x 768 l 200 MB available disk space
Installing NestMaster
Important: l Before installing NestMaster, be sure that you have logged in as the system administrator. Otherwise, NestMaster
cannot install properly.
l Do not plug the HASP hardware key ( ) into your computer until after you have installed NestMaster.
To install NestMaster from a download link:
1. Download setup.exe for NestMaster. The download link would be provided by Hypertherm. 2. Close all programs.
3. Run the executable file.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.
To install NestMaster from a disc:
1. Close all programs.
2. Insert the disc labeled NestMaster into your DVD drive. If Autorun is enabled on your system, the installation starts automatically and you can skip steps 3 and 4.
3. From the Start menu, select Run.
4. Type D:\setup (substitute the appropriate letter of your CD-ROM drive for D). 5. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.
Licensing
Your copy of NestMaster came with a removable HASP hardware key ( ). This security key contains your license information and must be plugged in for NestMaster to work.
1. Insert the HASP security key into your computer's USB port. 2. Launch NestMaster.
NestMaster can now be run on your PC, as long as the HASP key remains plugged in.
3. S
ETTINGS
What are NestMaster settings?
NestMaster settings control almost every aspect of nesting - from importing parts to nesting to generating CNC output. Settings can be configured to automatically adjust for different processes as parts are imported and nested.
To edit machine settings, open the Settings dialog:
l In the Quick Access toolbar, click Settings.
-or-1. On the File tab, click Info. 2. Click Machine then click Settings.
-or-l Click the machine in the status bar and then click Settings.
Once you have opened the Settings dialog, you can make any kind of settings change you want. After you are done making changes, click OK to accept your changes and return to the main window. Click Cancel to discard your changes and return to the main window. Clicking Save in the Settings dialog will save the current settings configuration. These saved settings will be loaded every time you start NestMaster.
Using the settings dialog
To open the Settings dialog:
l In the Quick Access toolbar, click Settings.
-or-1. On the File menu, click Info. 2. Click Machine, then click Settings.
-or-l Click the machine in the status bar and then click Settings.
General Layout
The settings dialog is split into two main sections: the tree-view and the settings page.
Settings pages are presented as items in the tree-view on the left-hand side of the dialog. To view and edit the settings for a particular page, find the item in the tree-view and click it.
Using the Tree-view
Every settings page is listed in the tree-view. Some pages in the tree-view are not always visible because they are contained underneath other pages as sub-items. You can expand the list of sub-items by double-clicking an item.
This will expand the tree-view to show all the sub-items directly underneath the item.
Double-click the item again to hide the sub-items.
The Buttons
There are three buttons at the bottom of the settings dialog:
Button Action when clicked
Save Saves all of your settings changes. Until settings are explicitly saved, all changes are temporary.
OK Keeps your settings changes and closes the settings dialog. Cancel Discards your settings changes and closes the settings dialog.
Interior/Exterior Leads settings
The cut process has one settings page for interior leads and another for exterior leads.
Default Settings
Default lead settings for both corner and side leads are specified here. A lead is defined by its style, size, angle, and extension. Lead-outs also have an overtravel setting. These five aspects of a lead are defined here.
Style
The style of a lead defines its basic shape.
Choices for Lead In:(None), Arc, Linear Choices for Lead Out:(None), Arc, Linear To change a lead style:
1. In the Style column, click the box for the lead type you want to change. 2. Click the down arrow and select a new style from the list.
3. Click OK.
Size
For the linear style, Size specifies the length of the lead. For the arc style, Size specifies the radius of the arc. For all other lead styles, Size controls the scale of the lead.
Units: Distance Range:0.0to100.0in.
Recommended Value:0.5in. for a lead-in,0.25in. for a lead-out
Angle
For linear leads, the angle of a lead-in is defined with respect to the first motion after the lead. A 0° lead-in will lead straight into the first cut. Positive lead-in angles are defined clockwise from the 0° position, so a 90° lead-in will cause a sharp left-turn into the first cut. Lead-out angles are defined in a similar fashion with a 0° lead-Lead-out extending straight Lead-out of the last cut. Positive lead-Lead-out angles are defined counter-clockwise from the 0° position, so a 90° lead-out will cause a sharp left-turn out of the last cut.
For arc leads, angle defines the distance the lead will extend around a circle. A 90° lead would extend one quarter of the way around, whereas a 180° lead would extend half way around - forming a semicircle.
Units: Degrees Range:-360.0to360.0°
Recommended Value:0.0° for corner leads,180.0° for a side lead-in,90.0° for a side lead-out
Example:
The following part has two sets of leads: a pair of linear corner leads (on the exterior profile) and a pair of arc side leads (on the inte-rior profile).
The Angle of both corner leads is set to 0°. The side lead-in has Angle of 180°, the side lead-out has an Angle of 90°.
Extension
The tip of the lead-in (or lead-out) will be extended by this distance.
Units: Distance Range:0.0to100.0in.
Recommended Value:0.0in.
Example:
The following parts have different Extension values. The arrows along the part profiles indicate cut direction.
Figure 1
The part displayed in Figure 1 has two exterior arc-style leads. The Extension for both the lead-in and lead-out is
0.0 in.
Figure 2
The part displayed in Figure 2 also has two exterior arc-style leads. The lead-in has an Extension of 1.0 in. and the lead-out has an Extension of
0.0 in. Notice that the lead-in for this part is longer than the lead-in of the
part from Figure 1.
Overtravel
This value applies only to the lead-out. If this value is positive (overtravel), then the torch/head will travel past the start point before cut-ting the lead-out. If this value is negative (undertravel), then the torch/head will begin cutcut-ting the lead-out before reaching the start point.
Units: Distance
Recommended Value:0.0in.
Example:
The following parts have different Over/Under travel values. The arrows along the part profiles indicate cut direction.
Figure 3
The part displayed in Figure 3 has two exte-rior, arc-style leads with an Over/Under
travel value of 0.0 in. The start point
(where the lead-in intersects the part pro-file) and end point (where the lead-out intersects the part profile) are the same.
Figure 4
The part displayed in Figure 4 also has two exterior, arc-style leads with a positive
Over/Under travel value of 1.0 in. The
dis-tance between the start point and end point of this part is 1.0 in. The portion of part profile that is highlighted in yellow rep-resents the overtravel, which will be cut twice by the torch.
Figure 5
The part displayed in Figure 5 has two exte-rior, arc-style leads with a negative
Over/Under travel value of -1.0 in. This
part exhibits undertravel. The lead-out occurs before the torch finishes cutting the entire profile. As a result, the part in Figure 5 will be connected to the plate by a 1.0 in. wide strip of material after it is cut.
How do I get here in NestMaster?
Editing process settings
Cut ProcessThe cut process supported by the machine will have its own settings page directly under theMachinepage.
To view the cut process settings, click the process once; the settings will appear on the right-hand side of the settings window. These set-tings specify the default process parameters that will be used by NestMaster.
Kerf width
This defines the width of the torch cutting path. With a proper kerf value, NestMaster will make the necessary adjustments to ensure that CNC output is accurate and that your part profiles are cut correctly.
Units: Distance
Range:-10,000.0to10,000.0in.
Recommended Value:0.1in.
Feedrate
Feedrate to use in CNC output.
Units: Speed
Range:0.0to10,000.0in./min
Recommended Value:100.0in./min
Part - part separation
The minimum separation allowed between two nested parts. Nested parts that are closer together will be shown in conflict.
Units: Distance Range:0.0to100.0in.
Recommended Value:0.5in.
Part - plate edge separation
The minimum separation allowed between a nested part and a plate edge. Nested parts that are closer to the plate edge will be shown in conflict.
Units: Distance Range:0.0to100.0in.
Recommended Value:0.5in.
Part - pierce separation
The minimum separation allowed between a nested part and the pierce point of another nested part. Nested parts that are closer to a pierce point will be shown in conflict.
Units: Distance Range:0.0to100.0in.
Recommended Value:0.5in.
The following values are calculated and appear for information purposes only:
Pierce - pierce separation
value = (2 *Part - pierce separation) –Part - part separation
Pierce - plate edge separation
value =Part - pierce separation+Part - plate separation–Part - part separation
Note: In addition to the main cut process settings page, cut processes contain the settings pages for both interior and exterior leads.
To view these settings pages, double-click the cut process name (e.g. "Plasma"). This will expand the tree-view to show the set-tings pages for both interior and exterior leads. For more information, see"Interior/Exterior Leads settings" on page 13.
Scribe Process
If a scribe process is supported by the machine, it will appear directly beneath the cut process name in the left hand side of the settings window. As the process settings for scribe are not modifiable, this process does not contain any settings pages.
Add or Remove Processes
The Add or Remove Processes wizard provides a controlled way to change the fundamental configuration of a NestMaster machine.
To access this wizard:
On the Machine settings page, click Add or Remove Processes.
Wizard Pages
The first page of this wizard is called "Select a Post Processor (CFF)." The purpose of this page is to allow changes to the post processor and/or to the processes that should be used by the NestMaster machine. For more information about this page, see"Select a Post Proc-essor (CFF)" on page 19.
The second page of this wizard is called "Reuse Existing Settings." The purpose of this page is to ensure that existing process settings are-n't lost simply because changes were made on the previous page: "Select a Post Processor (CFF)." For more information about this page, see"Reuse Existing Settings" on page 20.
Navigation Buttons
Along the bottom of the Add or Remove Processes wizard are the following buttons:
Button Action when clicked
Back Go to the previous wizard page. Next Go to the next wizard page.
Finished Accept your changes and exit the wizard. Cancel Discard your changes and exit the wizard. Help Opens help for the current wizard page.
Select a Post Processor (CFF)
This is the first page in theAdd or Remove Processeswizard. The purpose of this page is to allow changes to the post processor and/or to the processes that should be used by the NestMaster machine.
Post Processor
The post processor is the core of the NestMaster machine. This file is usually tailored to match a specific real-world machine controller and will generally be named accordingly. While most of the contents of a post processor are specific to output, there is some information that helps to configure the settings for the NestMaster machine that makes use of it.
This section contains a combo box of available post processors found on your computer.
To change your post processor:
l Select the post processor name in the box.
Every process supported by the selected post processor is listed in this section. As the post processor changes, the proc-esses listed will update.
To add a process to the machine:
l Select the process' associated check box.
To remove a process from the machine:
l Clear the process' associated check box.
Important: Adding and removing processes from the NestMaster machine is considered an advanced type of change. Changes of this nature are usually done once while setting up the machine for the first time. This is because the NestMaster machine is intended to mirror a real-world machine and the abilities of a specific real-world machine do not change often. Adding a new process will introduce a new set of process settings that must be edited before any meaningful output can be expected. Likewise, removing a process will destroy its existing settings. Exercise caution when mak-ing any changes to the settmak-ings on this page and be sure to visit the next page in the wizard:Reuse existing settings.
Reuse Existing Settings
This is the second page in theAdd or Remove Processeswizard. The purpose of this page is to ensure that existing process settings aren't lost simply because changes were made on the previous page:Select a Post Processor (CFF).
Selected Processes
All processes that have been selected on the previous wizard page will appear in a box in this section. For each process, the following options are available:
New process
If this is chosen when Finished is clicked, then the process will be given new default settings. These default settings should then be edited to better suit the needs of the new process.
Use settings from existing '<process name>' process
If this is chosen when Finished is clicked, then the process will inherit all the settings from the existing process.
Example:
Let's say that the settings for the NestMaster machine are perfect, but you need to switch the post processor to something else. Cur-rently, the only cut process defined is called 'Plasma'. On the Machine page, you click Add or Remove Processes. Then, on the first page of this wizard you select the new post processor.
At this point, the list of processes changes and you notice that the new post processor doesn't have a 'Plasma' process. Instead, it has a cut process called 'SuperPlasma'. So on the first page of the wizard, you select the 'SuperPlasma' process and click Finished. What happens:
When you click Finished, NestMaster reconfigures your machine. The old 'Plasma' process is removed along with all its settings -and a new 'SuperPlasma' process is added with default settings. This may be a valid result for some cases, but let's say that your inten-tion was to use your old 'Plasma' settings with the new 'SuperPlasma' process. How would you transfer these settings?
Transferring settings from one process to another:
Instead of clicking Finished on the "Select a Post Processor (CFF)" page, click Next to advance to the "Reuse Existing Settings" page. On this page you can now see what is happening. The 'SuperPlasma' process is defined as a 'New process'. Also, there is a warning below the process box telling you that the settings for the 'Plasma' process will be deleted.
To use the old 'Plasma' settings for your new 'SuperPlasma' process do the following:
1. For 'SuperPlasma', click where it says 'New process' and a down arrow will appear. 2. Click the down arrow and select Use settings from existing 'Plasma' process.
What happens:
Now when you click Finished, NestMaster copies the 'Plasma' settings into your new 'SuperPlasma' process before it removes the 'Plasma' process.
Machine settings
This is the main settings page. While there is only one editable setting on this page, it serves as a description of the machine's basic con-figuration. It also provides a controlled means of editing this concon-figuration.
Processes
Displayed under Processes is the name of the post processor (CFF file) and the processes that this machine is currently using. The post processor is essential to generating the correct output for your machine. This file is usually tailored to match a specific real-world machine controller and will generally be named accordingly. While most of the contents of a post processor are specific to output, there is some information that helps to configure machine settings.
One set of information in the post processor is a list of available processes. The processes that the machine can have is limited to the list of processes described in the post processor. The machine page shows the names of all processes listed in the post processor organized by process class (cut and scribe). Processes that are used by the machine will appear as normal text. These processes will also appear in the Settings dialog'stree-view (the expandable/collapsible list of settings pages on the left-hand side of the settings window) as sub-items of the Machine settings page. Processes that are not used will appear disabled and will have the phrase '<not used>' next to them.
Advanced: The settings in the Processes section are not directly editable on this page. To change the post processor or to modify
which processes are used, clickAdd or Remove Processes.
Machine Settings
It is often advisable to create one NestMaster machine for every physical machine you have. This setting is informational only and simply provides an indication of where the real-world machine is located.
Rapid rate
This setting describes the machine's maximum traverse speed while the torch/head is off.
Units: Length per minute Range:0to10,000in./min
Recommended Value:600in./min
Note: This setting is used only for generating costing figures - it is not included in any NC output code. The actual rapid rate used by your real-world machine must be set at the machine itself.
Machine home
This setting defines the corner of the nesting area where cutting begins. Generally, this should be equivalent to the home position of your real world machine. The Machine home will be displayed in the nesting area as a yellow target symbol.
Choices:Lower Left, Upper Left, Upper Right, Lower Right
Note: When Nesting home is set to "Same as Machine Home", a blue and yellow target symbol ( ) representing both the Nesting home and Machine home will be displayed in the nesting area.
How do I get here in NestMaster?
Importing Parts settings
Default Values for Importing PartsWhen parts are added to the part list, they are assigned certain properties (such as quantity). These properties are found in the Drawing
Properties section of the Edit Part List window. Each of the settings on this page provides a default value for the drawing properties.
Changing a property value in the Edit Part List window has no effect on the setting that provides its default value.
CAD Import tab
General
File units
This is used when importing CAD files. The file itself was saved using a particular length unit. The value of this setting should match with the length unit that most of your files are saved with.
Choices:Inch (in.), Millimeter (mm) Open profile tolerance
This setting specifies the maximum distance allowed for joining line and arc entities. In other words, if Open profile tolerance is set to 0.005 in., gaps that are 0.005 in. or smaller will be closed - helping to prevent open profiles.
Units: Distance Range:0.001to1.0in.
Recommended Value:0.005in.
CAD Layers
The following settings apply only to CAD files:
Cut all layers with [Cut Process]
This setting is automatically named according to the cut process used by the machine. For example, if the cut process was called "Plasma", then this setting would appear as "Cut all layers with [Plasma]".Select this check box if all layers found in a CAD file should be cut by the process shown. Most applications will require that this checkbox be cleared.
Cut - [Cut Process]
Defines the CAD layers that should be mapped to a particular cut process.
Example 1:
If the machine supported a single cut process called "Gas", then there would be one row here: Cut - [Gas]
Example 2:
If your machine supported a cut process called "Gas" and you wanted to assign "0" and "CUT" CAD layers to that process, you would enter:
Cut - [Gas]0;CUT
Scribe - [Scribe Process]
Defines the CAD layers that should be mapped to a particular scribe process.
Example:
If the machine supported a single scribe process called "Scribe-G", then there would be one row here: Scribe - [Scribe-G]
Map to CAD color numbers
Select this setting to allow importing parts by CAD color number instead of by layer name.
Example:
A part file defines a part in one layer: "CUT". The part is a simple rectangle with a hole in it. The exterior profile of the part has a color number of 1, but the interior hole has a color number of 2.
If Map to CAD color numbers is cleared, then a cut process must be mapped to "CUT" in order to import the part properly. Importing the part in this way will cause the same cut process to cut both the interior and exterior profiles.
If Map to CAD color numbers is selected, then the cut process must be mapped to both "1" and "2".
Note: If you have more than one CAD layer for a single process, separate the layers with a semicolon (;) and do not include a space (for example, "0;CUT").
Options
Scribe first
If selected, the machine will complete all scribing on a nest before any cutting is done. If you are cutting with underwater plasma, you should select this option. Normally, when processing very light metal, "Scribe first" should not be selected to avoid problems with metal movement.
Reverse direction and kerf
Select this to import parts with a reversed cut direction. Interior profiles will be cut clockwise and exterior profiles will be cut counter-clockwise. Right-handed kerf compensation is also used.
Contains multiple parts
If there is more than one part on your drawing, select this setting.
Explode multiple parts
Select this setting if there is more than one part on your drawing and you want to separate them as they are imported.
Note: This setting is active only when Contains multiple parts is selected.
Smooth entities
Smooth tolerance
When converting a set of line segments into a curve, it is important to define how accurate the curve must be. The Smooth tolerance value specifies a maximum distance from the approximated curve in which an arc can be formed. A large tolerance will likely cause more smoothing to occur at the expense of a less accurate curve.
This tolerance value is opposite, but similar, to Arc radius tolerance found on theImporting Parts (Advanced)settings page.
How do I get here in NestMaster?
Importing Parts (Advanced) settings
Importing CAD FilesMaximum controller arc radius
CNC Controllers may have limitations on the size of allowable radii. You may specify a maximum arc radius if your controller is limited to a certain size. Any arc greater than this value will be broken into line segments.
Units: Distance
Range:0.0to75000.0in.
Recommended Value:75000.0in.
Advanced: If Maximum controlled arc radius is set to 0 in., all arc motions will be processed as a set of straight line segments.
Arc radius tolerance
When the radius of an arc motion exceeds the Maximum controller arc radius it is processed as a set of line segments. Arc radius
tol-erance determines the accuracy of this approximation. A large toltol-erance value will result in fewer line segments as it creates a crude
approximation of the arc. A smaller tolerance value will increase the number of line segments, creating a smoother approximation.
Units: Distance Range:0.001to1.0in.
Recommended Value:0.01in.
How do I get here in NestMaster?
Standard Plate Sizes settings
Defined Plate SizesThis settings page contains a list of standard plates sizes. The machine can have any number of standard plates sizes: there is no upper limit. However, the machine must always have at least one standard plate size.
All standard plate sizes are rectangular and are listed in "Length x Width" format. For example: 120.000 x 60.000 in.
Add a new plate size
1. Click Add. The "Add Standard Plate Size" dialog will appear.
2. Fill in the values for Length and Width. 3. Click OK.
Edit a plate size
1. Select a plate size in the Defined Plate Sizes box.
2. Click Edit. The "Add Standard Plate Size" dialog will appear.
3. Change the values for Length and/or Width. 4. Click OK.
Delete a plate size
1. Select a plate size in the Defined Plate Sizes box. 2. Click Remove.
Notes: l The Remove button will be inactive when there is only one defined plate size.
l If you delete a plate size that is marked as the default plate, one of the remaining plates will become the new default
plate.
The Default Plate
The machine must have a "default plate". It is this plate that is immediately available for nesting whenever you create a new job. Also, it is the default choice for new nests created either through the New Nest Setup dialog (manual nesting) or the AutoNest Setup dialog (automatic nesting). In the Defined Plate Sizes box, the default plate appears with a checkmark next to it.
To set a plate size as the default plate:
1. Select a plate size in the Defined Plate Sizes box. 2. Click Set as Default Plate.
How do I get here in NestMaster?
Nesting settings
General SettingsNest resolution
This setting controls many aspects of nesting (positioning parts, conflict checking, ...) because it specifies how accurate you want Nest-Master to be. There is a trade-off between accuracy and speed. Smaller nest resolutions can result in tighter nests and better conflict checking but will cause most operations to run slower.
Units: Distance Range:0.01to1.0in.
Recommended Value:0.1in.
Nesting home
This setting represents the point of origin used for automatic nesting. All nesting strategies will begin nesting from this point. The loca-tion specified can be interpreted as coordinate (0, 0) and will be displayed in the nesting area with a blue target symbol.
Choices:Lower Left, Upper Left, Upper Right, Lower Right, Same as Machine Home
Note: When Same as Machine Home is selected, a blue and yellow target ( ) symbol representing both the Nesting Home and
Machine home will be displayed in the nesting area.
Interactive (Manual) Nesting
Parts can be manually nested in two different ways:
1. Parts can be dragged from the Part List task pane onto the nest.
2. Using AutoDrop, parts in the Part List task pane can be added to the nest in the same relative spot. This type of manual nesting is most useful when used together with AutoBump.
To AutoDrop a part onto the nest:
l Double-click a part in the Part List task pane
l Select a part in the Part List task pane and press ENTER.
AutoDrop zone
Defines the area of the nest where AutoDrop will place parts.
Choices:Upper Left, Upper Right, Center, Lower Left, Lower Right
AutoBump is a manual nesting feature that is performed when a part is manually added to a nest. It happens after a part is dragged onto the nest from the Part List toolbar or after an AutoDrop. The AutoBump settings define up to two bump directions that are applied in order. The result is exactly the same as nesting a part manually and then using the bump handles to "simulate" an AutoBump.
Use AutoBump
Select this check box to use AutoBump during manual nesting.
AutoBump direction #1
Choices:Up, Down, Left, Right, (None) AutoBump direction #2
This is the second direction a part is bumped during AutoBump.
Choices:Up, Down, Left, Right, (None)
Example:
To manually nest parts along the bottom of the nest:
l In the AutoDrop zone box select Upper Right. l Select the Use AutoBump check box.
l In the AutoBump direction #1 box, select Down. l In the AutoBump direction #2 box, select Left.
The effect of these settings is that parts added manually to a nest will be bumped towards the lower-left corner. When a part is dragged onto the nest, the AutoBump settings will bump the part down and then left from the location where the part was dropped.
After an AutoDrop (like when a part in the Part List task pane is double-clicked) the part will first be placed in the AutoDrop zone. Then, the part will be bumped down and left.
How do I get here in NestMaster?
Export DXF settings
This settings page controls how DXF files are created when a single part or nest is exported to DXF.
General Settings Export folder
NestMaster will save DXF files in the folder defined here.
Before NestMaster creates the DXF file, it will prompt for a file name in the Export dialog. Initially, the folder will be the Default export
folder, but the Export dialog allows you to browse to any folder. If the file is saved to a folder other than the default output folder,
Nest-Master will remember the new folder and use it next time DXF files are exported.
Note: If the specified folder does not exist, a yellow warning symbol ( ) will appear to the left of the field.
Export polylines
Select this setting to export DXF files using polylines. Each profile would be generated as a single polyline entity. Clear this setting to out-put DXF files as individual DXF entities (arcs and lines).
Export plate geometry
Select this setting to include plate geometry (edges) in the DXF file. Applies to nests only.
Export leads
Select this setting to export existing lead-ins and lead-outs on profiles when exporting DXF files. Otherwise, leads are removed.
Export original layer names whenever possible
Select this setting to include the original CAD layer names as the entity layer names in the DXF file. If the profile being exported was not originally a CAD file, then the default layer information will be used
Process Settings
In this section, you can map the available processes in the your machine to layers that will be created in the CAD file. You can export all geometry to a single layer or specify a different layer for each process.
The Name column on the left shows available processes on your NestMaster machine. For each process, you can enter a layer name that will be created in the CAD file. Geometry assigned to that process in NestMaster will be placed on the specified layer in the CAD file. Display only information on parts or nests is not included when DXF files are exported.
How do I get here in NestMaster?
l Settings > click Export DXF
Related articles
n Exporting a part to DXF n Exporting a nest to DXF file
CNC Output settings
Code Format tabMode
Defines how motions are output.
Choices:Absolute, Incremental Absolute
All motions are defined with respect to the initialization (home) point.
Incremental
All motions are defined with respect to the controller's current position.
Precision
This setting governs the number of decimal places output for many floating point values in the CNC file, including coordinates, kerf values, and feedrates. The actual number of decimal places is governed by the CFF itself.
Choices:Normal, Extra Normal
Output with reduced precision: usually 2 or 3 decimal places.
Extra
Output with enhanced precision: usually 3 or more decimal places.
Example:
If a raw value is 12.34567, it might be output as:
12.35(Normal precision)
12.346(Extra precision)
Units
This setting controls the units used to output the CNC file. Generally speaking, if outputting in "Inches", no conversion value is applied to the output coordinates.
Choices:Inches (in.), Millimeters (mm) Line numbers in CNC
Defines how line numbers are added to output files.
Choices:(None), Every Line, Start of Part (None)
Example: (None) % G70 G91 G00X0.7Y0.51 G41 M21 G01Y0.75 ... Every Line
Line numbers are added to every line of output. Exceptions include comments and the start/end line - containing a single "%".
Example: Every Line
% N1G70 N2G91 N3G00X0.7Y0.51 N4G41 N5M21 N6G01Y0.75 ... Start of Part
Line numbers are inserted before the start of each part or profile - as determined by the CFF.
Example: Start of Part
% G70 G91 N1 G00X0.7Y0.51 G41 M21 G01Y0.75 ...
Line number increment
Defines the increment for line numbers added to output files.
Range:1to100
Recommended Value:1
Example:
% N1G70 N2G91 N3G00X0.7Y0.51 N4G41 N5M21 N6G01Y0.75 ...
Setting the increment to 5 will number the lines 5, 10, 15, ... % N5G70 N10G91 N15G00X0.7Y0.51 N20G41 N25M21 N30G01Y0.75 ...
Note: This setting is active only if Line numbers in CNC is set to something other than "(None)".
Output Files tab CNC file extension
Defines the file extension for CNC files generated by Output CNC.
Before NestMaster begins generating output, it will prompt for a file name in the Output CNC dialog. This dialog provides a default file name that uses the CNC file extension. If multiple nests are output, unique file names will be created automatically.
Example 1:
CNC file extension = cnc
Output a single nest with the name: MyJob.cnc
Output file: MyJob.cnc
Output three nests with the name: MyJob.cnc
Output files: MyJob01.cnc, MyJob02.cnc, MyJob03.cnc
Clear this setting and NestMaster will generate an output file that has no extension. If multiple nests are output, unique file names will be created automatically.
Example 2:
Clear the CNC file extension setting Output a single nest with the name: MyJob
Output file: MyJob
Output three nests with the name: MyJob
Output files: MyJob.N1, MyJob.N2, MyJob.N3
The N# file extension will ensure unique extensions are applied to all nests.
CNC file extension = N#
Output a single nest with the name: MyJob
Output file: MyJob.N1
Output three nests with the name: My Job
Output files: MyJob.N1, MyJob.N2, MyJob.N3
Default output folder
NestMaster will save output files in the folder defined here.
Before NestMaster begins generating output, it will prompt for a file name in the Output CNC dialog. Initially, the output folder will be the Default output folder, but the Output CNC dialog allows you to browse to any folder. If output is saved to a folder other than the default output folder, NestMaster will remember the new folder and use it next time CNC output is generated.
Note: If the specified folder does not exist, a yellow warning symbol ( ) will appear to the left of the field.
Use long file names
Select this setting to allow NestMaster to generate long file names for CNC output files. Clear this setting to limit output file names to 8 characters (commonly known as the DOS 8.3 file naming convention).
Options tab
Include machine parameters in output
Check this setting to enable machine parameters (such as kerf and feed rate) to be inserted into the CNC files as they are output. These parameter values may be specified through the settings page for the cut process.
Scribe first
If this setting is selected, then each nest will be processed in the following order: 1. Complete all scribe profiles on the nest
2. Complete all cut profiles on the nest
If this setting is cleared, then each part on the nest will be fully processed before the next part is started. Profiles within each part are proc-essed in their natural order.
Note: This setting should be selected when cutting with underwater plasma. Normally, very light metal should not have scribing done first - to avoid problems with metal movement.
Stop before scribing
If this setting is selected, code will be inserted to cause the machine to stop before scribing begins.
Note: This setting is activated only when Scribe first is selected.
Stop before cutting
If this setting is selected, code will be inserted to cause the machine to stop before cutting begins.
Return to machine home
When this setting is selected, NestMaster will return the torch to the machine's home point at the end of each nest. If this setting is cleared, the torch will remain in its position at the end of each nest.
Insert part name as comment
Select this setting if a comment should be output in the CNC file before the first profile of each part. This comment typically gives the sequence number of the part and the part name.
Single Part Output tab Part home
When creating output for a single part, this is the home point (or initialization point) that the cutting head starts at before traversing to the first cut, scribe, or punch on that part.
Choices:Same as Machine Home, Lower Left, Upper Left, Lower Right, Upper Right, Center of Region, CAD Origin
The Machine Home is set in the"Machine settings" on page 21or Output Axis pages of your settings. CAD Origin refers to the point of origin set when the CAD file was created.
All choices (except CAD Origin) are set in terms of the rectangular box surrounding the part (including any leads or extensions).
Generate token files during output
If this setting is selected, an MTC token file version of the part will be output to the same location as the CNC file.
Important: CNC Output settings and the Post Processor (CFF)
Certain CNC Output Settings require specific capabilities to be present in the CFF in order to function properly. While many CFFs are already set up for this functionality, it is possible that you may require changes to your CFF before it will work correctly. Please contact Hypertherm for further assistance if you feel you have one of these CFFs.
The settings which activate functionality resident in the CFF are:
l Include machine parameters in output l Line numbers in CNC
l Return to machine home l Insert part name as comment
CFFs may override the values of Mode, Precision, and Units. In addition, the CFF may override the settings in the above list. For example, a CFF may be configured to always output in incremental mode or without the ability to output machine parameters in the CNC file.
CNC Output - Output Axis settings
The Output Axis settings page allows you to modify your machine home and to define the output axis that will be used to generate CNC files.
This screen shows a simplified view of a rectangular plate.
One corner of the plate will be highlighted and will have two arrows coming out of it - representing the output axis. In the center of the plate are 3 buttons which allow you to modify the output axis.
Changing the Machine Home
To change your machine home:
1. Hover the mouse over one of the corners of the plate. This will cause the corner to become temporarily highlighted. 2. Click the left mouse button to select the new machine home.
As you change the machine home, the output axis will remain the same.
Example:
With a machine home in the lower-left corner, the arrow pointing up is labeled as the +Y axis and the arrow pointing right is labeled as the +X axis. If the machine home was then changed to the upper-left corner, there would be a down arrow labeled as the -Y axis. Notice that the output axis hasn't changed: up is still +Y and right is still +X.
Changing the Output Axis
Some machines have the plate loaded with the long side on the bottom, but as far as the machine is concerned this is the right-hand side of the plate. These machines assume a lower-right machine home. Presenting this vertical plate correctly in NestMaster would result in a much smaller view of the nest (because most monitors are wider than they are tall). To provide the best view of the nest and to also allow for correct output you would select a lower left machine home, but rotate the axes 90 degrees clockwise. During output, this has the effect of changing the nest to one with a lower-right machine home and with its long side on the right, rather than the bottom.
Note: Changes to the output axis will only affect CNC output.
l The first button ( ) will rotate the output axis clockwise by 90°. l The middle button ( ) will flip the output axis vertically. l The last button ( ) will flip the output axis horizontally.
Click Default to restore the default output axis with +Y in the up direction and +X in the right direction.
Example:
With a machine home in the lower-left corner, the arrow pointing up is labeled as the +Y axis and the arrow pointing right is labeled as the +X axis. Click the rotate button once and the up-arrow will become -X while the right-arrow changes to +Y. Click the flip axis vertically button and the up-arrow will become +X while the right-arrow remains the same as +Y.
How do I get here in NestMaster?
CNC Output - Step and Repeat settings
Step and Repeat allows the CNC file to be repeated along the length or width of the plate. This has the same effect as arraying a row or column of parts, except that the CNC file is much smaller.
Step and Repeat Settings Use step and repeat
Select this setting if you wish to use step and repeat mode during output.
Offset
Each repeated row or column will be offset this distance from the previous row or column.
Units: Distance
Range:0.0to10,000.0in.
Direction
Repeated rows (or columns) will be offset in the direction selected here.
Choices:Left, Up, Right, Down
When repeating horizontally nested parts (rows), this setting should be set to either Up or Down. Likewise, when repeating vertically nested parts (columns), this setting should be set to Left or Right.
Advanced: Since some details of step and repeat are machine specific, please refer to your machine’s programming manual and
con-tact Hypertherm in the event that changes are required to your post processor (CFF).
How do I get here in NestMaster?
CNC Output - DXF Output settings
For DXF output, layer and color information is normally stored in the post processor. Some of the settings on this page allow this behav-ior to be overridden. The DXF files produced during output should be readable by NestMaster or any CAD system that understands DXF files.
Important: A specialized section in the post processor governs whether this settings page is available. It also controls which DXF
Out-put settings are available. Usually this section is not used. If you need DXF OutOut-put support, contact Hypertherm.
DXF Output Settings Output polylines
Select this setting to output DXF files using polylines. Each profile would be generated as a single polyline entity. Clear this setting to out-put DXF files as individual DXF entities (arcs and lines).
Output plate geometry
Select this setting to output the plate geometry (edges) into the DXF file. Applies to nests only.
Output safe zones
Select this setting to output the safe zone geometry into the DXF file. Applies to nests only.
Output leads
Select this setting to output existing lead-ins and lead-outs on profiles when outputting DXF files. Otherwise, leads are removed.
Layer Names
Output original layer names whenever possible
Select this setting to output the original CAD layer names as the entity layer names in the DXF file. If the profile being output was not orig-inally a CAD file, then the default layer information will be used (this comes from either the post processor or the Process Parameters set-tings table).
How do I get here in NestMaster?
4. P
REFERENCES
What are preferences?
Preferences provide a way to customize the general behavior of NestMaster. To edit NestMaster preferences, open the Preferences dialog:
l On the File tab, click Preferences.
Once you have opened the Preferences dialog, you can make any kind of preference change you want. After you are done making changes, click OK to accept your changes and return to the main window. Click Cancel to discard your changes and return to the main window.
The Preferences dialog General Layout
The preferences dialog is presented as a collection of pages. Each page can be accessed by clicking the corresponding item on the left pane.
The Buttons
Button Action when clicked
OK Keeps your changes and closes the preferences dialog. Cancel Discards your changes and closes the preferences dialog.
General preferences
OptionsJob Preferences:
Automatically open the Edit Part List window after starting a new job
When this preference is selected, the Edit Part List window will be opened automatically after each new job is started.
Part List Preferences:
Allow parts in the Part List to be renamed
When selected, you can rename an added part in the Edit Part List window by clicking the part name.
Keep file extension in the part name when parts are added
When this preference is selected, parts will retain the file extension from the part's source file when they are added to the part list. When cleared, the file extension will be removed when parts are added.
CNC Output:
After output, save the current job
NestMaster will automatically save the current job after creating CNC output.
Close progress window on successful completion
Select this preference to hide the Output Progress window after CNC output is successfully created. You will still be able to see any warn-ing or error messages that may occur durwarn-ing output.
Color scheme
This preference enables you to change the skin of the application. Skins affect the look and coloring of the entire NestMaster graphical user interface.
Mouse Control Selection tolerance
This preference determines how accurate you have to be to select parts, profiles, leads, and other items on the nest.
Corner snap distance
This preference determines how accurate you have to be to select part corners.
Both preferences in this section are controlled by a slider that affects a small cross-hair diagram on its right.
The orange circle in the cross-hair diagram represents the size of the preference value being edited. Move the slider all the way to the left and the orange circle will shrink to a single point. For the selection tolerance preference, this would mean that selection of anything on the nest would require clicking exactly on that item. Move the slider all the way to the right and the orange circle will grow to a very large size. For the selection tolerance preference, this would mean that selection of anything on the nest would not require much accuracy at all.
Tip: A test area is provided to test your selection tolerance and corner snap distance. Selection of the part in the test area is con-trolled by the selection tolerance. An will appear on the corner of the part if you click within the corner snap distance from that corner.
How do I get here in NestMaster?