The following are descriptions of just a few of the standard features of ProNest Nesting Software.

CAD/CAM Import

The CAD/CAM Import feature allows for easy importation of “ESSI” and “M&G” Code Files, DXF, DWG, IGES, DSTV and various other CAD formats. CAD layer(s) information is utilized to extract the desired data associated with various cutting, scribing and punching processes, plus Bill of Material and plotting information. Any errors in the CAD file are corrected automatically, or flagged for a simple edit.  Profile entity smoothing and reduction reduces multiple lines and arc segments from CAD files based on a user-defined smoothing tolerance to easily manage splines. The tool-paths for Profiles are generated on-the-fly, assigning cut direction, profile sequencing and leads upon import.

Variable Shape Profiles

The Variable Shape Profiles feature offers an easy way to create commonly-used geometric profiles within ProNest, without the need of a CAD file.  A simple interface allows users to specify dimensions for interior and exterior geometries. Any profile in the library may be used in combination with one another to create new geometries, thus providing an endless variety of profiles.

Advanced Edit

The Advanced Edit feature provides an interface that allows for the editing of profiles. From simple changes such as cut sequence, leads, tabs and loops, to more complex modifications including closing open profiles, text scribing, deleting entities and single profile CNC output; everything is just a mouse click away. Any updates to a profile may be saved for future use in subsequent nests, eliminating repeated editing.

Cut Sequence

The Cutting Techniques feature facilitates the ability to control ramping (up/down) requirements for corners and radii. Cutting speeds can be precisely regulated using a MS Excel spreadsheet. Users decide over how many increments, before and after a corner or radius, ramping is applied. In addition, the length of each increment and integral factors, such as cutting speed, may be defined.  Different factors may be applied to varying radii.

Interior/Exterior Leads

The Manual Nesting feature allows profiles to be added on to a plate of user-defined dimensions. Once on the plate, profiles can then be freely rotated and moved to the desired location. Furthermore, additional functions including copy, cluster, mirror, array, lead modification and many more, are included. Part, plate and pierce separation values are dynamically maintained during the nesting process. For situations where a manual override of the separation values is desirable, ProNest is equipped with profile interference detection, allowing for areas of conflict to be identified.

Process Parameters

The Process Parameter feature provides the necessary functionality to achieve unsurpassed control over the cutting process. When profile quality is of the utmost importance, users are provided with easy access to functions including cutting speed, kerf, quality, technology tables, cutting conditions and more.  These functions can be applied independently to exterior profiles, as well as interior profiles of varying sizes. The preliminary MS Excel spreadsheet containing this data is provided by MTC and may be edited by users to reflect their exclusive needs.

Cutting Techniques

The Cutting Techniques feature facilitates the ability to control ramping (up/down) requirements for corners and radii. Cutting speeds can be precisely regulated using a MS Excel spreadsheet. Users decide over how many increments, before and after a corner or radius, ramping is applied. In addition, the length of each increment and integral factors, such as cutting speed, may be defined.  Different factors may be applied to varying radii.

Manual Nesting

The Manual Nesting feature allows profiles to be added on to a plate of user-defined dimensions. Once on the plate, profiles can then be freely rotated and moved to the desired location. Furthermore, additional functions including copy, cluster, mirror, array, lead modification and many more, are included. Part, plate and pierce separation values are dynamically maintained during the nesting process. For situations where a manual override of the separation values is desirable, ProNest is equipped with profile interference detection, allowing for areas of conflict to be identified.

Multi-Head

The Multi-Head feature provides support for machines utilizing two or more cutting heads. Rules governing the number of heads, head spacing and minimum head spacing may be established based upon specific job requirements. To optimize plate utilization for profiles of different sizes, users have the ability to change the number of heads and the head spacing within the same nest.

Costing

The Costing feature offers the ability to accurately develop cost and time estimates related to profiles, nests or jobs.  Estimates associated with material, machine, labor and process may be determined from user-defined variables established within default settings and/or MS Excel spreadsheets.

Reporting

The Reporting feature offers the ability to create fast, detailed reports about the job, a specific nest, cut sequence, inventory, etc. A report editor is also included allowing users to create custom reports to meet their specific requirements.

CNC Output

The CNC Output feature converts nested data in to various machine code formats for export to different CNC controls and machines.  Post processors for all applications are configurable with ProNest, some of which are made available as standard.

DNC Communications

The DNC Communications feature allows CNC code to be transferred between a PC and the designated CNC control. All necessary communication parameters (port, baud rat, data bits, parity, stop bits, protocol) may be set up to match the specifications of the CNC control.