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User Manual
NMMNL - 0001 | Revision 1 | English
COPYRIGHTS
2014 Hypertherm, Inc. All rights reserved.
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 system, or transmitted in any form or any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording for any purpose other
than the purchasers 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. Microsoft, 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
Welcome to NestMaster
What's new in this release
1
1
2
8
8
8
9
3. SETTINGS
What are NestMaster settings?
Using the settings dialog
Interior/Exterior Leads settings
Editing process settings
Add or Remove Processes
Select a Post Processor (CFF)
Reuse Existing Settings
Machine settings
Importing Parts settings
Importing Parts (Advanced) settings
Standard Plate Sizes settings
Nesting settings
Export DXF settings
CNC Output settings
CNC Output - Output Axis settings
CNC Output - Step and Repeat settings
CNC Output - DXF Output settings
10
10
11
13
16
18
19
20
21
22
25
26
27
29
30
36
38
39
4. PREFERENCES
What are preferences?
General preferences
Regional preferences
Check for Updates
Warnings preferences
40
40
42
44
46
47
5. JOBS
What is a job?
Creating jobs
Opening jobs
Saving jobs
48
48
49
50
51
6. PART LIST
What is the part list?
The Part List task pane
Exporting a part to DXF file
About the Edit Part List window
Preview
Part properties
About CAD files
Adding CAD files to the part list
CAD Import properties
What is a VSP part?
Adding VSP parts
52
52
53
55
56
58
59
60
61
62
65
66
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Adding a cut-out
Assigning cut processes to VSP parts
VSP Shape Reference
67
68
69
7. NESTING
What is a nest?
Creating a new nest
Deleting or clearing a nest
Adding parts to the nest manually
Removing parts from the nest
Moving and rotating parts
Nested vs. selected parts
Mirror
Cut direction
Managing nests using nest tabs
Exporting a nest to DXF file
Why do parts appear in conflict?
Checking nests for conflicts
Separations task pane
How to start automatic nesting
Setting up AutoNest
Stopping AutoNest
72
72
73
75
76
78
79
81
82
83
84
86
87
88
89
91
92
93
8. MODES OF OPERATION
What are modes of operation?
Cut Simulation mode
Measure mode
Modify Leads mode
Pan mode
Select mode
Zoom
94
94
95
96
97
98
99
101
9. ARRAYING PARTS
About Array
How to array parts
Stopping an array
102
102
105
106
10. LEADS
How are leads applied in NestMaster?
107
107
108
108
12. OUTPUT
Creating CNC output
The CNC Output dialog
How does CNC file naming work?
The Output Progress dialog
Single part output
109
109
110
112
114
115
13. REPORTS
NestMaster reports
116
117
14. VIEWS
How to use grids
Color Legend
120
121
123
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124
127
15. CONTACT US
Locations
Technical Support
Sales
131
132
134
135
INDEX
136
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-1-
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
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-3-
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Performance
Multithreading
Implementation of multithreading has improved NestMasters performance on computers with multiple cores/processors. Benchmark testing identified significant speed improvements when adding leads during 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.
Jobs
-5-
Feature Enhancements
Importing Parts
NestMaster can now import a CAD drawing that contains multiple parts. You can import the 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 the Output dialog
l Control which nests should be output, and which should not
l File naming has been refined
l A progress screen displays 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 the Nest Plot report in 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. The Machine Home represents the corner of the table on your realworld machine where cutting begins, whereas the Nesting Home is 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 necessary control in this situation.
Preferences
Two new preferences have been added:
l Allow parts in the Part List to be renamed
l After output, save the current job
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-7-
Windows Vista (SP2, 32 or 64-bit), Windows 7 (SP1, 32 or 64-bit), Windows 8 (32 or 64-bit), or later
Hardware
l
1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended)
VGA display with at least 256 colors and a resolution of 1024 x 768
Installing NestMaster
Important:
Before installing NestMaster, be sure that you have logged in as the system administrator. Otherwise, NestMaster
cannot install properly.
-8-
Licensing
Your copy of NestMaster came with a removable HASP hardware key (
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.
Important:
Be sure to keep your HASP key in a safe place. If lost or stolen, a replacement fee will be required.
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3. SETTINGS
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
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.
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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.
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This will expand the tree-view to show all the sub-items directly underneath the item.
The Buttons
There are three buttons at the bottom of the settings dialog:
Button
Save
Saves all of your settings changes. Until settings are explicitly saved, all
changes are temporary.
Keeps your settings changes and closes the settings dialog.
Discards your settings changes and closes the settings dialog.
OK
Cancel
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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: 0.0 to 100.0 in.
Recommended Value: 0.5 in. for a lead-in, 0.25 in. 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. Leadout angles are defined in a similar fashion with a 0 lead-out extending straight out of the last cut. Positive 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: -360.0 to 360.0
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 interior profile).
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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: 0.0 to 100.0 in.
Recommended Value: 0.0 in.
Example:
The following parts have different Extension values. The arrows along the part profiles indicate cut direction.
Figure 1
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 cutting the lead-out. If this value is negative (undertravel), then the torch/head will begin cutting the lead-out before reaching the start
point.
Units: Distance
Range: -100.0 to 100.0 in.
- 14 -
Example:
The following parts have different Over/Under travel values. The arrows along the part profiles indicate cut direction.
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
The part displayed in Figure 3 has two exterior, arc-style leads with an Over/Under
travel value of 0.0 in. The start point
(where the lead-in intersects the part profile) and end point (where the lead-out
intersects the part profile) are the same.
The part displayed in Figure 5 has two exterior, 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.
Settings
> double-click the cut process > click Interior or Exterior Leads
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To view the cut process settings, click the process once; the settings will appear on the right-hand side of the settings window. These settings 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: -10,000.0 to 10,000.0 in.
Recommended Value: 0.1 in.
Feedrate
Feedrate to use in CNC output.
Units: Speed
Range: 0.0 to 10,000.0 in./min
Recommended Value: 100.0 in./min
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.
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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 Processor (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 aren'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
Back
Next
Finished
Cancel
Help
- 18 -
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
Important:
Note:
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 making any changes to the settings on this page and be sure to visit the next page in the wizard: Reuse existing
settings.
You must select at least one cut process or the Next and Finished buttons will become disabled.
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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. Currently, 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 re-configures 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 intention 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.
- 20 -
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 configuration. It also provides a controlled means of editing this configuration.
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 realworld 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's tree-view (the expandable/collapsible list of settings pages on the left-hand side of the settings window) as subitems 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, click Add 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: 0 to 10,000 in./min
Recommended Value: 600 in./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 (
home and Machine home will be displayed in the nesting area.
Open Settings
- 21 -
CADImport 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)
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:
- 22 -
Example:
If the machine supported a single scribe process called "Scribe-G", then there would be one row here:
Scribe - [Scribe-G]
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.
Smooth entities
Select this setting to convert curves made from line segments (approximated curves) into true arcs whenever possible.
- 23 -
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 the Importing Parts (Advanced) settings page.
Settings
- 24 -
Units: Distance
Range: 0.001 to 1.0 in.
Recommended Value: 0.01 in.
Settings
- 25 -
l
l
The Remove button will be inactive when there is only one defined plate size.
If you delete a plate size that is marked as the default plate, one of the remaining plates will become the new default
plate.
Settings
- 26 -
Nesting settings
General Settings
Nest resolution
This setting controls many aspects of nesting (positioning parts, conflict checking, ...) because it specifies how accurate you want NestMaster 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: 0.01 to 1.0 in.
Recommended Value: 0.1 in.
Nesting home
This setting represents the point of origin used for automatic nesting. All nesting strategies will begin nesting from this point. The location 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:
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
This is the first direction a part is bumped during AutoBump.
- 27 -
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
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.
Settings
- 28 -
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, NestMaster will remember the new folder and use it next time DXF files are exported.
Note:
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 output DXF files as individual DXF entities (arcs and lines).
Export leads
Select this setting to export existing lead-ins and lead-outs on profiles when exporting DXF files. Otherwise, leads are removed.
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
Related articles
n Exporting a part to DXF
n Exporting a nest to DXF file
- 29 -
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)
- 30 -
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 "%".
Start of Part
Line numbers are inserted before the start of each part or profile - as determined by the CFF.
Example:
Setting the increment to 1 will number the lines 1, 2, 3, ...
- 31 -
%
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)".
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.
Example 3:
- 32 -
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 processed 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.
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.
- 34 -
Settings
- 35 -
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.
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.
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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.
Settings
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Offset
Each repeated row or column will be offset this distance from the previous row or column.
Units: Distance
Range: 0.0 to 10,000.0 in.
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 machines programming manual and contact Hypertherm in the event that changes are required to your post processor (CFF).
Settings
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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 originally a CAD file, then the default layer information will be used (this comes from either the post processor or the Process Parameters settings table).
Settings
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4. PREFERENCES
What are preferences?
Preferences provide a way to customize the general behavior of NestMaster.
To edit NestMaster preferences, open the Preferences dialog:
l
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 Buttons
There are two buttons at the bottom of the preferences dialog:
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Button
OK
Cancel
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General preferences
Options
Job 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.
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:
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.
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.
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Tip:
A test area is provided to test your selection tolerance and corner snap distance. Selection of the part in the test area is controlled by the selection tolerance. An
will appear on the corner of the part if you click within the corner snap distance from
that corner.
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Regional preferences
Translation and Display Units
Language
NestMasterhas been translated into many languages. To change the current language, select a different language from the Language
box.
Note: NestMasterwill switch to the selected language after you click OK.
Display units
NestMaster can display values in either IPS units (inch, pound, second) or MMKS units (millimeter, kilogram, second).
Precision: Length
This preference defines the number of digits that should appear to the right of the decimal separator for length-type values. This preference is used only for display purposes - meaning that actual values are maintained even if they are not displayed with their full accuracy.
Precision: Weight
This preference defines the number of digits that should appear to the right of the decimal separator for weight-type values. This preference is used only for display purposes - meaning that actual values are maintained even if they are not displayed with their full accuracy.
Precision: Cost
This preference defines the number of digits that should appear to the right of the decimal separator for currency-type values. This preference is used only for display purposes - meaning that actual values are maintained even if they are not displayed with their full accuracy.
Note:
The preferences that control decimal places are used throughout NestMaster. The examples on the right-hand side will show
the effect of your changes.
Size format
You can customize how length and width dimensions for plates and parts are displayed in NestMaster. This preference is used only for display purposes, it doesn't have any impact on the actual dimension values of parts or plates.
Choices: Length Width or Width Length
Example:
A plate with a Length of 96 in. and a Width of 48 in. can be shown as either "96 48" or "48 96" using this preference.
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Choices: Every day, Once a week, Every other week, Once a month, Never (this will turn off Automatic Check for
Updates)
4. If you want NestMaster to also notify you when new version upgrades are available, select In addition to updates, also check for
version upgrades.
When NestMaster is running, it will automatically check for updates and upgrades on the schedule that you have assigned.
Important:
The Check for Updates feature can always be used to see if a more recent version of NestMaster is available. However,
downloading an update or version upgrade is only available with an active software subscription.
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Warnings preferences
Warnings
All of these preferences control the visibility of certain warnings in NestMaster. By default, all of the preferences in this section are
selected - meaning that their associated warning dialog would appear. Each of these warning dialogs contains a "Do not show me this
again" check box. Selecting this check box would clear the associated preference in this section.
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5. JOBS
What is a job?
NestMaster jobs provide you with an easy and powerful way of organizing your work by storing your settings, part list, and nesting information in a single file. Jobs have many different uses and applications. You can save unfinished work and return to it at a later time, store
completed jobs for archival purposes, modify old jobs, or use multiple jobs to store different settings configurations for a single machine.
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Creating jobs
NestMaster always has a current job. When you open NestMaster, a job is automatically started for you using your default settings.
Note that until a job is explicitly saved with its own name, it has not been fully created. To learn more about saving your jobs, see "Saving
jobs" on page 51.
Tip:
The name of the current job is listed in the title bar at the top of the main NestMaster window.
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Opening jobs
Open a job
1. On the File tab, click Open.
The Open dialog will appear. With the Files of type box set to NestMaster Job (*.nif), browse to the folder containing the job you
want to open.
2. Select the job file you want to open.
3. Click Open.
Tip:
On the right-hand side of the Open Job dialog is a box containing job information. Displayed in this box are the jobs file name
and extension, date created, date modified, and the version of NestMaster last used to save the job.
Opening a PNL
You can also use the Open dialog to open a NestMaster PNL (Part Nest List) file. This gives you a quick way to create a job around an
existing part list.
To open a PNL using the Open dialog:
1. On the File tab, click Open.
2. Set the Files of Type box to NestMaster Part List (*.pnl) and browse to the folder containing the PNL you want to open.
3. Select the PNL you want to open.
4. Click Open.
The contents of the part list will be replaced with parts from the PNL file that was opened. The plate list and all existing
nests will be deleted, and your current job will be renamed to match the name of the PNL file. Note that your settings configuration will not be affected.
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Saving jobs
Often you will want to save your work so you can return to it at a later time. The exact state of your job can be saved in a job file. NestMaster jobs have an .nif extension.
Save a job
1. On the File tab, click Save.
If the job hasn't been saved previously, the Save As dialog will appear.
2. Browse to the appropriate folder for your job.
3. In the File name box, type the name for your job file.
4. Click Save.
The current job will be saved with the name you specified.
Nests. The exact state of all nests in your job are saved.
Part List. All of the parts that have been added to your part list are saved.
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6. PART LIST
What is the part list?
The NestMaster part list contains all of the parts that you have added to your job. When you import part files into your job from a part
source, NestMaster processes these files and then adds them to the part list. Added parts contain all of the information from the source
file as well as the nesting information that was added when the part was imported.
To learn more about using the part list, see "The Part List task pane" on page 53.
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By right-clicking a part in the part list you can view or edit part properties, export the part to DXF, output NC code for the part,
or delete the part from the part list.
Note: By default, parts in the Part List are listed from largest to smallest, with the largest part appearing at the top.
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Any changes that you make to the above Part List settings will be stored when you save your job.
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).
2. In the Part List grid, select the parts that you want to export.
l
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2D CAD Program
NestMaster 2015 includes a 2D CAD editor that provides all of the basic features needed to create or edit a detailed CAD drawing.
l
You can open 2D CAD at any time while using NestMaster by clicking the
the Edit Part List window.
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) and VSP (
).
Part List
The lower-left contains the jobs part list. All parts that have been added will appear here. The nesting properties for each part in the part
list are displayed next to the part name. You can modify these nesting properties by clicking on a field and entering the value you want.
Preview
The upper-right contains a tool window called Preview. The currently selected part is displayed here. If the selected part is from one of
the part sources, then this preview is showing a pre-processed view of the selected part file. If the selected part is in the part list, then the
preview displays the part exactly as it would nest on a plate.
Properties
The lower-right contains a tool window called Properties. Properties for the currently selected part source file are displayed here. Changing these values will affect the selected part and any subsequent parts that are added to the part list. If the selected part is from the part
list, however, the properties reflect the actual properties of that part only.
Tip:
You can configure NestMaster to open the Edit Part List window automatically when you start a new job:
l
From the main NestMaster window, on the File tab, click Preferences, then on the General page under Job Preferences,
select "Automatically open the Edit Part List dialog after starting a new job".
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Preview
You can look at a preview of a selected part in the upper left section of Edit Part List window. After a selected part has been added to the
part list, you can use the Preview window to edit the part.
Preview button
Description
Select Mode
After a part has been added to the part list, you can select cutting
profiles and review or change the lead-in/out properties for that
profile.
Modify Leads
You can select new locations for the lead in/out positions for your
part by simply clicking on a new location. This button will be inactive until a part is added to the part list.
Zoom Window
Zoom In
Zoom Out
Zoom Extents
Maximize
Notice that when you select a part in the Part Sources section, the preview will display a pre-processed view of the part. Leads or part
properties are not yet applied to the part. However, after a part has been added to the part list, the preview will display a processed view
of that part (which will include leads).
Tip:
While in Select Mode, you can using your mouse wheel to zoom in or out on a part in the Preview window.
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Part properties
To view and edit part properties from the main NestMaster window:
l
Right-click a part in the Part List task pane and select Properties.
The Properties pane will open, showing properties for the part that is currently selected in the part list.
Quantity
Required
The required quantity of the selected part can be modified in this box.
Range: 1 to 10,000
Attributes
Name
The name of the selected part can be modified in this box.
Note:
The Allow parts in the Part List to be renamed preference (File > Preferences > General tab) must be selected in order to
edit a part name.
File name
The full path of the part's source file.
Size
Length width of the selected part, including leads and extensions.
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) will display a list of recently accessed folders for CAD source files.
The following types of CAD files can be added to the part list in NestMaster:
l
Filter
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.
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You can select multiple CADfiles in the Part Sources explorer by holding the SHIFT key and clicking part names. This can be useful if you want to apply custom properties to a group of parts before they are added.
Your part will be added to the part list. You can now modify leads for your part if needed.
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Required
This defines the quantity of the selected part.
Range: 1 to 10,000
General
File units
This is used when importing CAD files. The file itself was saved using a particular length unit. The value of this property should match
with the length unit that most of your files are saved with.
Choices: Inch (in.), Millimeter (mm)
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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 process called "Gas" and you wanted to assign "0" and "CUT" CAD layers to that process, you would enter:
Example:
If the machine supported a single scribe process called "Scribe-G", then there would be one row here:
Scribe - [Scribe-G]
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".
Options
Scribe first
If selected, the machine will complete all scribing on the part 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
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Smooth entities
Select this setting to convert curves made from line segments (approximated curves) into true arcs whenever possible.
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 the Importing Parts (Advanced) settings page.
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From the Edit Part List window, in the Part Sources explorer, click the VSP tab.
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Adding a cut-out
Cut-outs can be added to any VSP part that does not already have an interior profile.
To add an interior profile to your part:
1. In the VSP Shape Reference, click the Add Cut Out button.
A pop-up dialog will appear prompting you to enter a shape and position for your cut-out. The left column contains a list of 36
different shapes to choose from.
2. Select a shape for your cut-out.
3. Select an Initial start point for your cut-out. This describes where your cut-out will initially be placed on the part.
4. Click OK.
Once added, the size, shape, and placement of a cut-out can be modified using the Dimensions grid. Cut-out placement can be adjusted
using the X Offset and Y Offset fields. You can view a complete picture of your VSP part and cut-out in the VSP Preview.
You can use the arrows (
) above the reference diagram to select either the VSP part profile or any added cut-outs. Note that a part
or cut-out must be selected in order to be modified.
Important: Be sure to adjust your cut-out so that it is not in conflict with the profile of your VSP part. NestMaster will not prevent
you from adding a cut-out that overlaps with the part profile or another cut-out.
To delete a cut out:
1. Select a cut-out using the arrows above the reference diagram.
2. Click the Delete Cut Out button.
Note: Any added cut-outs will be applied to your current VSP part only. Unlike VSP part dimensions, added cut-outs are not saved for
use with future VSP parts.
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Example 1:
1. Open the VSP Shape Reference for the VSP part Notched Rectangle.
2. In the Dimensions grid, click Width.
The Width field will become active and the reference diagram will change.
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The blue line in the reference diagram for Notched Rectangle shows the part's width.
3. In Dimensions grid, in the Width field, type 15.
4. Press ENTER.
Notice that the shape of the image shown in reference diagram will not change, whereas the VSP Preview will reflect the
changes made to your VSP part.
5. Click Cancel.
The VSP Shape Reference will close and NestMaster will not store the changes made to Notched Rectangle.
Example 2:
In certain instances, you can enter negative dimension values for concave or convex entities to manipulate a VSP part. This is only
works with specific types of entities.
Figure 1
The VSP Preview for Notched Rectangle is shown in Figure 1. All radii for this part have a value of 1. Note that all four arc-shaped
entities are concave.
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Figure 2
The VSP Preview for a modified Notched Rectangle is shown in Figure 2. This part is identical to the part in Figure 1 except that the
value for Radius 2 has been changed to -1. Because this value is negative, the upper arc-shaped entity has become inverted, and is
now convex.
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7. NESTING
What is a nest?
Nests are comprised of parts that have been positioned on a plate in a particular orientation. In order to create output for a nest in NestMaster, a nest must have at least one part added to it.
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Insert a nest
With insert nest, you can create a new nest and specify where it should be inserted in the nest order in the job. For instance, if there are 5
nests in the job, you could insert a nest between nests 2 and 3. The inserted nest would become nest 3 in the job.
1. Right-click the nest tab (
2. Select Insert.
The Insert Nest dialog will appear.
3. Select the plate that you want to use.
4. Click OK.
If you have added plates to your plate list, you can use one of those plates for your new nest. If there are no plates in your plate list, this
will be inactive.
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Notes:
Selecting Reset will use default plate and nest values from your settings.
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In this article...
Delete a single nest
Delete all nests in your job
Delete all empty nests
Clear a single nest
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On the Home tab, in the Nests group, click Delete All Nests.
Note: NestMaster always has a current nest even if you delete all nests or if you delete the only nest in the job. If you delete the last
remaining nest in the job (referred to as Nest 1 of 1), the end result will be similar to selecting all the parts on this nest and then
deleting them. Similarly, if you delete all nests, the end result will be similar to deleting every nest past the first nest and then
clearing the first nest.
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)affect how parts are initially positioned when they are manually nested.
The part will initially be placed in the region specified in the AutoDrop zone setting.
Example:
If you have AutoDrop zone set to "Upper Right" and AutoBump is off, your part will automatically be placed in the upper right area
of the nest.
If you have AutoDrop zone set to "Upper Right" and AutoBump is active with directions set to "Down" and "Left", the part would initially be placed in the upper right and then would be automatically bumped up and then left.
Click and drag the part from the part list onto the nest.
The part will initially be placed where you release the cursor.
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Example:
Because the click and drag method doesn't use AutoDrop zone, as long as AutoBump is off, your part will automatically be placed
on the nest where you release the cursor.
If AutoBump is active, the part will be moved from where you release the cursor in the AutoBump direction specified in settings.
These settings only control the initial positioning of manually nested parts. Once parts have been nested, you can move them around
freely on the nest.
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Click and drag the part from the nest back onto the Part List task pane.
or
When a part is removed from the nest, it is returned to the part list.
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As you point to each bump handle, the pointer will change to an arrow indicating the bump direction.
l
Normal bump: Click a bump handle. This moves a part until it comes in contact with either another part or the plate edge and will
leave the part a normal separation distance from other parts or from the plate edge.
Nudge: While holding SHIFT, click a bump handle. The part will move a small distance in the specified direction. The distance is
defined in settings.
Tip:
You can also use the arrow keys to bump parts. Pressing the UP ARROW key, for example, acts just like clicking the top bump
handle. Like the bump handles, the arrow keys can be combined with SHIFT to perform nudges.
The angle specified in the Rotation Increment box determines the amount of rotation applied to a part selection when either the Rotate
Left or Rotate Right buttons are clicked.
To rotate a part selection by the "Rotation Increment" angle:
l
Click the upper-left rotate handle . This will rotate the part counter-clockwise.
Press CTRL + Z.
After a move is undone, it can be redone by selecting Redo from the Parts tab or by pressing CTRL+ Y.
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Nested part
Selected part
Technically, if a part has been added to the nest, but is currently selected, it will not be considered nested. Parts can be selected while in
Select Parts mode.
Click anywhere in the nesting area away from the part. The part will appear green and will now be considered part of the nest.
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Mirror
You can convert a part to a mirror image of itself.
Part mirrored over horizontal axis, which runs through the center of the
part.
Mirror a part
1. Select a part.
2. On the Parts tab, in the Arrange group, click the arrow next to Mirror.
3. Select either Horizontal or Vertical.
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Cut direction
Generally, NestMaster will process parts so that interior profiles are cut in a counter-clockwise direction and exterior profiles are cut in a
clockwise direction. You can change the direction in which a part is cut after it has been nested.
Tip:
Before changing the cut direction of a part, it may be useful to activate the cut direction view in order to see changes to your
parts.
On the View tab, click Nest Image Objects and then select Cut Direction.
Arrows will appear along the profiles of your nested parts, indicating cut direction.
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You can click any nest tab to make that nest current. The navigation arrows on the left (
tabs.
Inserting a nest
Create a new nest after the last nest in the job:
l
Click and drag a nest's tab to a new location on the navigation bar. The arrow indicators (
1. Select one or more parts on the first nest. You can select all parts on a nest by pressing CTRL + A.
2. Click the tab for the nest that you want to move the parts to.
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The part shown here appears in conflict because its profile overlaps the plate edge
These parts do not overlap, but are nested too close together - creating a conflict
Note:
Parts in conflict will appear in the color assigned in the Color Legend pane on the main window. By default, the assigned
color is red.
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The Part to part, Part to pierce, and Part to plate separations in your job are listed in the Separations window. By default, the separations
listed will match the values found in your Process Parameters settings.
Effect on nesting
l
All nests in your job will use the separation values specified in the Separations task pane. Parts placed on the nest will automatically use the separation values in the Separations window.
Parts that are already nested when their separation values are changed will not be repositioned on the nest. If the position of the
nested part violates the new separation value entered, the part will be shown in conflict.
).
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Important:
Any changes made to separation values in the Separations task pane are not saved in the job (.nif).
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In NestMaster, you can utilize both automatic and interactive nesting on the same job. Place a few parts on the plate manually in
the manner desired then click AutoNest to complete the plate. Likewise, you can AutoNest first and then manually rearrange
nested parts to enhance the utilization of the plate.
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Setting up AutoNest
When you click AutoNest (
), you will be prompted with the AutoNest Setup dialog before nesting begins. Using this dialog, you can
make last-minute changes to things like where nesting should begin and the types and sizes of plates to use.
Notes:
Selecting Default will use default plate and nest values from your settings.
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Stopping AutoNest
You can stop automatic nesting that is in progress. When AutoNest is stopped, parts that are already nested will stay on the nest; any
parts that have not yet been nested will remain in the part list.
Stop AutoNest
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8. MODES OF OPERATION
What are modes of operation?
NestMaster has many different modes of operation, each with its own function. Click the following links to explore modes of operation:
l "Select mode" on page 99
l "Zoom" on page 101
l "Measure mode" on page 96
l "Cut Simulation mode" on page 95
l "Modify Leads mode" on page 97
l "Pan mode" on page 98
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When you enter Cut Simulation mode, the parts on the nest will be drawn in the Uncut color from the Color Legend. Also, the Cut Simulation controls will appear in the ribbon.
When cut simulation starts, a small image of a cutting head will appear at the machine home of the nest. The cutting head will then move
around the nest, cutting and scribing the nest in the same order as CNC output would instruct the machine.
Tips:
The speed of the cut simulation can be controlled by moving the Speed slider. Move the slider to the left for a slower simulation. Move the slider to the right for a faster simulation.
You can advance or rewind the simulation by clicking on any profile in the nest.
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Measure mode
In measure mode, you can measure distances on your nest using your mouse. 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.
NestMaster will display cross-hairs across the nesting area and the mouse cursor will change to a measuring tape.
Make a measurement
1. While in measure mode, click and drag a measurement line anywhere on the nest.
2. Release the mouse button.
The cursor will automatically snap to the edges of nested parts to make measuring from a part edge more exact. Your measurement will
be displayed in the bottom left of the status bar. For each measurement, the distance, the DX (delta, or change in X) and the DY (delta, or
change in Y) are displayed.
Note: Holding the SHIFT key while making a measurement will cause the measurement line to snap to the nearest horizontal, vertical, or 45 degree line.
Tip:
Press ESC.
It is often helpful to zoom in on the area being measured.
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) you can click any location along a given profile and the lead will be moved there.
When leads are moved between a side location and a corner location, NestMaster will apply the lead style as specified in your settings.
Tip:
If you need to zoom in or out on a profile while in Modify Leads mode, it is best to use your mouse wheel or the Page Up
and Page Down keys to do so. This type of zooming will not cancel Modify Leads mode.
The Modify Leads dialog will open, displaying the properties for the selected lead.
2. Change the properties (Style, Size, Angle, etc.) for the leads.
3. Click Apply and then click OK to keep your changes.
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Pan mode
You can use Pan mode to grab and drag an entire nest.
Using the mouse wheel, click and drag in the nesting area.
-orl
Using the hand cursor, you can click and drag anywhere in the nesting area.
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Select mode
Select mode is the default mode of operation in NestMaster. Select mode is used while manually nesting parts; selecting, moving and
rotating nested parts; and generally as the base mode of operation on the main NestMaster window. Often, you will enter Select mode as
a way of exiting another mode of operation.
To enter Select mode:
l
Once you have added parts to the nest, you are free to modify the nest in any way. You can delete parts from the nest, add more parts,
rotate and move parts around, and perform more advanced functions such as clustering. This section of the guide will showcase several
ways of working with parts on a nest.
Once you have added parts to the nest, you are free to modify the nest in any way. You can delete parts from the nest, add more parts,
rotate parts, and move parts around. This section of the guide will showcase several ways of working with parts on a nest.
Selecting parts
Nested parts cannot be moved or rotated until they are selected.
To select a single part:
l
Press CTRL + A
Tip:
Right-click and drag a rectangular area to surround the parts that should be selected. As you drag, the selection area will be
drawn as a box with dotted lines.
The direction of an area-select drag changes how parts are selected. If the selection area is created by dragging to the right, then
parts will be selected only if they are fully contained by the selection area. If the selection area is created by dragging to the left,
then parts will be selected if they are fully contained by the selection area or if they come in contact with the border of the selection area.
When a part (or group of parts) is selected, it will turn blue and will be surrounded by a selection box. The selection box surrounds the
entire selection and features bump and rotate handles. These handles provide specialized ways to move and rotate the selection. See
"Moving and rotating selected parts" for more information about using the selection box handles.
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Unselecting parts
When parts are selected, they are not truly nested. It is more correct to think of selected parts as a floating group of parts. To nest a selection, unselect it.
To unselect all parts:
l
Click anywhere in the nesting area that is not inside any part.
Note: As you select and unselect nested parts, you may have noticed changes in the Part List. Sometimes the reported nested quantity appears like this:
2 of 5 nested [1]
This means that 2 out of 5 parts are nested and that 1 part is selected. If the selected part were then unselected, the quantities
would appear like this:
3 of 5 nested
Press DELETE.
-or-
Drag the part from the nesting area into the Part List task pane.
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Zoom
With NestMaster, you can zoom in and out on a nest in a number of different ways. Zoom functions are found on the View tab in the
Zoom group and in selected modes.
Zoom Function
Ribbon
Control
Usage
Zoom Window
Zoom In
Zoom Out
Zoom Selection
Zoom Extents
Tip:
You can also easily zoom in and out at any desired location on your nest using the mouse wheel. Rotating the mouse wheel forward will zoom in, rotating it backward will zoom out. Another way of doing this is to position the mouse cursor on an area of
the nest and press the PAGEUP or PAGEDOWN key.
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9. ARRAYING PARTS
About Array
Using the array feature, you can automatically place multiple copies of a part or group of parts onto a plate, in a specific arrangement.
Arrayed parts are placed as close as possible to one another, based on the part separation value in your settings, in order to maximize
material utilization.
In the following diagram, a single part has been arrayed on a plate:
Example 1:
Parts are arrayed based on the orientation of the master part.
Figure 1
- 102 -
The nest in Figure 1 contains a rectangular part that is positioned diagonally on the plate. For the purposes of arraying, this is the
master part.
Figure 2
Figure 2 shows the nest in Figure 1 after the rectangular part has been arrayed. Notice that the position of the arrayed parts are that
same as the master part.
Example 2:
Groups of dissimilar parts can also be arrayed.
Figure 3
- 103 -
The nest in Figure 3 contains three master parts, which are all currently selected.
Figure 4
Figure 4 shows the same nest in Figure 3 after the selected parts have been arrayed.
- 104 -
).
2. Make sure that the parts you want to array are selected.
3. On the Parts tab, in the Array group, click Array.
The required quantity of your parts will be arrayed on the nest.
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Stopping an array
You can stop any array that is in progress:
l
- 106 -
10. LEADS
How are leads applied in NestMaster?
Leads are initially applied to parts in NestMaster when the part files are added to the part list. The style of lead that is applied depends on
the geometry of the part. There are several styles of leads that can be used, but the most common are linear leads and arc leads.
Linear leads
Arc leads
Typically, linear leads are applied at the corner of a profile, so that the lead-in forms a straight line into the cut profile. In cases where
there is no corner to place the lead, arc style leads are applied on the side of a profile, to gradually get the cutting head moving in the
direction of the cut profile.
When a part is imported, leads are applied based on your Interior and Exterior Leads settings or the custom leads properties that
you specify in the Edit Part List window.
l Interior/Exterior Leads settings
l Leads properties (in the Edit Part List window)
- 107 -
Once you are in Cut Sequence mode, you can modify the cut sequence for your nest, or delete the current sequence entirely and define a
new sequence manually.
12. OUTPUT
Creating CNC output
After nesting is complete, CNC output can be created for your job. During output, NestMaster creates separate CNC files for each nest in
your job. Each CNC file contains coded instructions for your cutting machine to cut an entire nest.
You can also create single post CNC output for an individual part. Click the following link to learn more:
l
- 109 -
On the Home tab, click the arrow next to Output, then click Output NC.
Output folder
By default, this will be set to the location specified in your CNCOutput settings.
File name
You can insert a file name for your output files here. If you have more than one nest, NestMaster will insert your file name and then
append it with a different number for each CNC file. By default this box will contain the name of your current job.
Example:
If you have two nests and you entered "TEST" in the File name box, NestMaster would create two output files named "TEST01.CNC"
and "TEST02.CNC".
Note: If the Use long file names option is not selected in your CNC Output settings, NestMaster will truncate the filename so that it
does not exceed eight characters.
To learn more about how output files are named, see "How does CNC file naming work?" on page 112
- 110 -
Tools
Output Settings
Clicking this link will take you directly to the CNC Output page of your settings. From there, you can make changes to your output settings on the fly and apply those changes to your current job without closing the CNCOutput dialog.
Browse Folders
This will open an explorer view of your output file path.
) shows the output status of a nest. Nests that have not yet been output have an inactive icon (
).
), which you can click to view the NC code created for that nest.
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File extensions
The default file extension for output files is .cnc. This can be changed to any three-character extension using the CNC file extension setting, found on the CNC Output page of your NestMaster settings. If this settings value is left blank and a job has more than one nest, the
extension will automatically be added as follows: .N1, .N2, .N3, etc.
Example 1:
CNC file extension = cnc
Output a single nest with the name: MyJob.cnc
Output file: MyJob.cnc
Example 2:
- 112 -
- 113 -
Tip:
You can open any CNCoutput file directly from the Output Progress dialog by clicking the file name, as shown in the above diagram.
Status
The status of your output file will be displayed upon output.
Warning
CNC file was created, but there are issues that may require attention.
Error
Conflicts in your job must be addressed before viable output can be created
Cancelled
- 114 -
To select multiple parts, hold CTRL as you click the parts. To select all parts in the part list, click Select All on the Edit menu.
4. Click the Output Part button in the Part List.
The CNC Output dialog will open. All selected parts in your part list will be listed, with a checkbox next to each part.
By default, the name of your parts' output file will match the part name. If you want, you can rename parts individually or enter a
root file name for all parts using the File name box (for more information, see "How does CNC file naming work?" on page 112).
5. Select a Home Position for your part. By default, this will match the Part home from your CNC Output settings.
6. Click Output.
Your output file will be created in the specified location.
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13. REPORTS
- 116 -
NestMaster reports
NestMaster offers two different reports: Nest Plot Report and HVAC Labels (for Design2Fab users only).
A preview of the report will appear. From the report preview screen, you can save and/or print the selected preview.
Nest Plot report fields
Plate dimension
The dimensions of a given nest's plate, expressed as Length Width. Length is the horizontal distance along the X axis (1). Width is the
vertical distance along the Y axis (2).
Nest dimension
The minimum rectangular space occupied by parts on a given nest, expressed as Length Width. Length is the horizontal distance along
the X axis (1). Width is the vertical distance along the Y axis (2).
- 117 -
Processes used
The cut and/or scribe processes used on a given nest.
Nest
The number of the current nest out of the total number of nests in the job. (For example, "Nest #: 3 of 6" would indicate that the current
nest is the third out of six total nests in the job.)
Times cut
The number of times the nest should be cut.
Base feedrate
The torch feedrate for the nest, expressed in inches per minute.
Base kerf
The kerf width for all cuts on the nest.
Total pierces
The total number of pierces for a given nest.
True utilization
This is the ratio of the true area of all nested parts relative to the total plate area.
True utilization % = (True area of all nested parts Total plate area) 100
Note that if a part has an interior profile, the surface area of the cut-out will not be considered a portion of that part.
Example:
- 118 -
Figure 1
The nest shown in Figure 1 has a true utilization of 6.58%. The true area of the part appears light blue, the plate area is outlined in
red.
HVAC Labels
If you are using Design2Fab software, you can print Avery 5164 labels for your HVAC parts.
To preview printable HVAC labels for your parts:
l
On the File tab, click Print HVAC Labels. A preview of the report will appear.
From the report preview screen, you can save and/or print the selected preview.
- 119 -
14. VIEWS
- 120 -
Click the column header until the triangular icon indicates smallest to largest (
).
Note:
Click the column header until the triangular icon indicates largest to smallest (
).
Holding CTRL + clicking a column header will disable sorting for that column.
Field chooser
Using the field chooser, you can control which fields (columns) are visible on the column header row of a grid.
To add a field to the column header row:
1. Right-click the column header row.
2. Select Field Chooser.
A list of available fields will be displayed.
3. From the Field Chooser list, drag the field that you want to add onto the column header row.
The arrows (
Group by box
Group by box enables you to organize data in the grid by category (column header).
To use Group By Box:
- 121 -
- 122 -
Color Legend
The color legend allows the you to control the colors of features on a nest and elsewhere in NestMaster.
- 123 -
Keyboard Shortcut
New
CTRL + N
Open
CTRL + O
Save
CTRL + S
SHIFT + F12
Save As
F12
CTRL + F11
Help
F1
AutoNest
F2
F3
Output NC
F7
F9
Show/Hide keytips
F10
ALT
Edit Part List (to open from the main window) F11
Delete selected
DELETE
CTRL + A
CTRL + Z
Redo move
CTRL + Y
Zoom In
PAGE UP
Zoom Out
PAGE DOWN
Zoom Extents
SHIFT + Z
Zoom Window
CTRL + W
New Nest
CTRL + SHIFT + N
SHIFT + F2
Clear Nest
Delete Nest
CTRL + DELETE
SHIFT + DELETE
CTRL + SHIFT + F7
- 124 -
NestMaster Command
Keyboard Shortcut
1
2
3
4
5
Bump
UP ARROW
DOWNARROW
LEFT ARROW
RIGHT ARROW
SHIFT + UP ARROW
SHIFT + DOWNARROW
SHIFT + LEFT ARROW
SHIFT + RIGHT ARROW
CTRL + PAGE UP
CTRL + PAGEDOWN
CTRL + HOME
CTRL + END
SHIFT + F9
CTRL + SHIFT + F9
Measure mode
CTRL + F9
CTRL + F10
Minimize/Restore ribbon
CTRL + F1
ALT + SPACEBAR
ESC
Close program
ALT + F4
Key tips
NestMaster also contains key tips that enable you to access any control on the ribbon using the keyboard.
- 125 -
- 126 -
File Menu
NestMaster 2012
NestMaster 2015
Function
Menu Path
Toolbar Button
Ribbon
Image
New Job
Open Job
Save Job
Save As
Home tab > Edit Part List > Import Part List
Output CNC
Preferences
Exit NestMaster
Edit Menu
NestMaster 2012
NestMaster 2015
Function
Menu Path
Toolbar Button
Undo
Redo
Select All
Unselect All
n/a
Delete
Select Mode
Measure Mode
Modify Leads
- 127 -
Ribbon
Image
View Menu
NestMaster 2012
NestMaster 2015
Function
Menu
Toolbar Button
Ribbon
Image
Toolbars
Part List
Color Legend
Separations
Rulers
Zoom Window
Zoom Selection
Zoom In
Zoom Out
Zoom Extents
Pan
Cut Direction
Pierces
Open Profiles
Job Menu
NestMaster 2012
Function
Menu
NestMaster 2015
Toolbar Button
Ribbon
Home tab > Parts > Edit Part List
- 128 -
Image
Settings
Job Information
Nest Menu
NestMaster 2012
NestMaster 2015
Function
Menu Path
Toolbar Button
Ribbon
Image
New Nest
Delete Nest
Cut Sequence
Cut Simulation
AutoNest
Array
Nest >Array
Stop AutoNest
Part Menu
NestMaster 2012
NestMaster 2015
Function
Menu Path
Toolbar Button
Mirror
Duplicate
- 129 -
Ribbon
Image
Rotate to Next 90
Increment Angle
Decrement Angle
Bump Up
Bump Down
Bump Left
Bump Right
Help Menu
NestMaster 2012
NestMaster 2015
Function
Menu Path
Ribbon
Help
License Information
About NestMaster
Navigation Toolbar
NestMaster 2012
NestMaster 2015
First Nest
Previous Nest
Next Nest
Last Nest
- 130 -
Image
15. CONTACT US
- 131 -
Locations
CAD/CAM Software
Americas
United States
22 West Main Street
Lockport, NY 14094 USA
+1 (716) 434-3755 Tel
+1 (716) 434-3711 Fax
NA@hyperthermCAM.com
Asia Pacific
China
301, South Building
495 ShangZhong Road
Shanghai 200231, PR China
+86-21- 60740003 Tel
+86-21- 60740393 Fax
ASIA@hyperthermCAM.com
Mexico
Av. Toluca No. 444, Anexo 1
Col. Olivar de los Padres
Del. lvaro Obregn
D.F. C.P. 01780, Mexico
+52 55 5681 8109 Tel
+52 55 5683 2127 Fax
MX@hyperthermCAM.com
Singapore
82 Genting Lane
Media Centre Annexe Block #A01-01
Singapore 349567
+65 6841 2489 Tel
+65 6841 2490 Fax
ASIA@hyperthermCAM.com
Brazil
Rua Brs Cubas
231 - Jardim Maia
CEP 07115-030
Guarulhos, SP - Brasil
+55 11 2409 2636 Tel
+55 11 2408 0462 Fax
SA@hyperthermCAM.com
Japan
801 Samty Will Building
2-40 MNiyahara 1-Chrom
Yodogawa-ku
Osaka, 532-0003, Japan
+81 (6) 6170-2020 Tel
+81 (6) 6170-2015 Fax
ASIA@hyperthermCAM.com
Korea
#3904 Centum Leaders Mark B/D
1514 Woo-Dong
Haeundae Gu
Busan, Korea 612-889
+82-51-747-0358 Tel
ASIA@hyperthermCAM.com
India
New No. 83, Old No. 52
Bazullah Road, T. Nagar
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
India 600 017
South/East: +91 99 4068 1650 Tel
North/West: +91 99 5844 4984 Tel
+91 (0) 44 2834 5362 Fax
ASIA@hyperthermCAM.com
- 132 -
Oceania
+61 (3) 93751455 Tel
+61 (3) 93751499 Fax
- 133 -
Technical Support
Hypertherm CAM software is committed to providing you with the best overall product experience. This includes intuitive technical products and flexible options to fit your support needs. Our products are designed with superior quality and ease of use in mind, but we
understand that issues do arise from time to time that need the backing of our support resources.
For details about all support offerings, please visit our website:
www.hyperthermCAM.com
For technical support, contact your nearest Hypertherm CAM support representative.
- 134 -
Sales
Contact your account representative for information about the latest Hypertherm CAM products, the Subscription Services program,
upgrade options and prices, and more. For a list of our US and worldwide offices, please refer to Locations. If you have a technical question or problem, please contact Technical Support.
- 135 -
INDEX
2
2D CAD
56
A
79
79
79
79
79
C
CAD Editor
CAD files
importing
CFF
CFG
Check for Conflict
Check for updates
CIF files
Clear Nest
CNC file extension
CNC file naming
CNC Output
DXF Output
file naming
Output Axis
output dialog
56
25, 60
25, 62
19, 30
48
87-88
46
25
75
32, 112
112
30, 42, 109
39
112
36
110
- 136 -
progress
Step and Repeat
CNC Output dialog
Color Legend
Color scheme
Columns
adding to grid
Common Line Cutting (CLC)
Conflicts
Contact us
Sales
Technical Support
Contains multiple parts
Corner snap distance
Cut - [Cut Process]
Cut # of times
Cut all layers with [Cut Process]
Cut Direction
reversing
Cut Simulation
playing
114
38
110
123
42
121
22
87-88
132, 134-135
135
134
22
43
22
118
22
83
83
95
95
D
Data file location
Decimal places
Default export folder
Default output folder
Default Plate
Delete All Empty Nests
Delete Nest
Delete overlapped entities
Direction
Display Only
Display Units
Do not show me this again
Draw color-filled parts
DXF export
DXF Output
30
44
29
33
26
75
75
22
38
22
44
47
123
55, 86
39
E
22, 56
58
30
88
22
29, 55, 86
29
29
13
13
F
Feedrate
Field Chooser
16
121
32
22
60
G
30
30
91
121
121
H
Hotkeys
124
Machine home
Map to CAD color numbers
Maximum controller arc radius
Measure mode
Measurement lines
Menus
Mirror
Mode
Modes of operation
Cut Simulation
Measure
Modify Leads
Pan
Select
Zoom
Modify Leads
Moving parts
I
Icon legend
Ignore for output
Importing Parts
Importing Parts (Advanced)
Include machine parameters in output
Increment angle
Init point
Initialization point
Insert Nest
Insert part name as comment
Interior Leads
N
127
30
22
25
30
80
21
21
84
30
13
J
Jobs
new
opening
Preferences
saving
48-49
49
50
42
51
K
Kerf width
Key tips
Keyboard shortcuts
L
44
97
22
30
32
132
M
Machine
configuration
Nest
export to DXF
thumbnail
Nest #
Nest dimension
Nest resolution
Nest tabs
Nesting
settings
Nesting home
Nests
creating new
deleting
inserting
managing
New process
NIF
Nudge
86
84
118
117
27
84
27
27
73
75
84
84
20
48, 51
79
O
16
125
124
Language
Leads
modifying
Leads origin
Line number increment
Line numbers in CNC
Locations
21, 36
23, 63
25
96
96
127
82
30
94
95
96
97
98
99
101
97
79
19, 21
18, 21
- 137 -
Offset
Open Job
Open profile tolerance
Order cuts by process
Order punches by process
Order scribes by process
Output
Progress
single parts
single post
Output Axis
Output file extension
Output folder
Output leads
Output original layer names whenever possible
Output parts
38
50
22
30
30
30
109-110
114
115
115
36
32
33
39
39
115
39
114
114
39
39
13
13
P
Pan mode
Part - part separation
Part - pierce separation
Part - plate edge separation
Part List
options
Part Sources
Filter
Parts
clustering
creating output for
exporting to DXF
moving
rotating
selecting
unselecting
Physical location
Pierce - pierce separation
Pierce - plate edge separation
Plate dimension
polylines
Post Processor
Precision
Preferences
color scheme
Preferences dialog
Preview
Print HVAC Labels
Priority
Processes
adding or removing
Properties
CAD import
Punch - [Punch Process]
Punch/Scribe first
98
89
89
89
52-53, 56
53
57
60
99
99
115
55
79, 99
79, 99
99
100
21
17
17
117
29, 39
19, 21
30, 44
40
42
40
58
119
22
19-21
19
62
22
22
Q
Quantity
22
R
Rapid rate
Redo Move
Reports
HVAC Labels
Nest Plot
Required
21
80
117
119
117
59, 62
- 138 -
22
30
20
83
22
127
79
80
79
79
79
79
S
25
51
22
81, 99
19
81, 99
42
89
89
10-11
11
11
11
124
115
115
13
42
22
22
26
91
38
33
33
30
13
8
T
Technical Support
Thumbnail
Token file
generate during output
Toolbar
Total cut length
Total pierces
Translation
True Shape Nesting
True utilization
134
84
34
127
118
118
44
91-92
118
80
30
100
46
27
13
13
30
39
20
38
25
22
V
Validate plate size
Versions
checking for new
VSP
adding
assigning cut processes
shape reference
30
46
65
66-67
68
69
W
Warnings
Whats new
47
2
Y
91
Z
79
101
- 139 -