Chapter 1: Introduction to ProNest 6.0 ....................................................................................................

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 1
ProNest Features and Options ..................................................................................................................... 1
ProNest Standard Features ....................................................................................................................................1
ProNest Optional Features......................................................................................................................................2
Installing ProNest .......................................................................................................................................... 2
Installation Procedure .............................................................................................................................................3
Starting ProNest......................................................................................................................................................3
Licenses..................................................................................................................................................................3

Chapter 2: Preferences............................................................................................................................... 5

General.......................................................................................................................................................... 5
Standard Plate Sizes..................................................................................................................................... 6
Manual Nesting ............................................................................................................................................. 7
Environment .................................................................................................................................................. 8
Part Appearance ........................................................................................................................................... 8
Warnings ....................................................................................................................................................... 9
Settings ....................................................................................................................................................... 10
Miscellaneous ............................................................................................................................................. 11

Chapter 3: Settings Overview .................................................................................................................. 12

Overview ..................................................................................................................................................... 12
ProNest Machine Wizard ............................................................................................................................ 12
Basic Machine Information....................................................................................................................................13
Assign a CFF ........................................................................................................................................................14
Cut Process Mappings ..........................................................................................................................................15
Process Settings ......................................................................................................................................... 18
Settings Tree-View...................................................................................................................................... 21

Chapter 4: ProNest Basics ...................................................................................................................... 28

Starting a New Job...................................................................................................................................... 28

Add Parts..................................................................................................................................................... 28
Explorer View........................................................................................................................................................29
Adding to Your Parts List ......................................................................................................................................29
Preview .................................................................................................................................................................30
Add VSP (Variable Shape Part) Part to Part List........................................................................................ 31
Add VSP Part to Current Nest...............................................................................................................................31
Add Pipe Part to Part List............................................................................................................................ 35
Add Pipe Part to Current Nest...............................................................................................................................36
Add Tee....................................................................................................................................................... 37
Saving/Loading Pipe Part............................................................................................................................ 38
Add Plates ................................................................................................................................................... 39
User Defined .........................................................................................................................................................39
Inventory ...............................................................................................................................................................39
Interactive Nesting ...................................................................................................................................... 39
Starting a New Nest ..............................................................................................................................................39
Adding Parts to the Nest .......................................................................................................................................39
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Matching Material..................................................................................................................................................40
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 Zooming In and Out ..............................................................................................................................................42
Working With Selected Parts ...................................................................................................................... 42
Multiple Torches.......................................................................................................................................... 45
Move Lead In/Out Locations ....................................................................................................................... 45
Cut Sequence ............................................................................................................................................. 46
Cut Simulation............................................................................................................................................. 47
Cropping the Plate ...................................................................................................................................... 47
Measure Mode ............................................................................................................................................ 48
Advance to a New Plate.............................................................................................................................. 48
CNC Output................................................................................................................................................. 48
Saving A Job/Opening A Job ...................................................................................................................... 49
Reports........................................................................................................................................................ 49
Automatic Nesting (Optional Feature)......................................................................................................... 50
Rectangular vs True Shape Automatic Nesting ....................................................................................................50
Multiple Torches....................................................................................................................................................51
Using Both Automatic and Interactive Nesting ......................................................................................................51
Material Database ....................................................................................................................................... 51
Customer Database .................................................................................................................................... 52
Advanced Edit ............................................................................................................................................. 52
Properties..............................................................................................................................................................55

Chapter 5: ProNest Options ..................................................................................................................... 57

Plate Inventory Database............................................................................................................................ 57

To open the Plate Inventory Database..................................................................................................................57
Part Inventory Database ............................................................................................................................. 58
Assembly Database .................................................................................................................................... 60
Chain and Bridge Cutting ............................................................................................................................ 61
Chain Cutting Settings ..........................................................................................................................................61
Bridge Cutting Settings .........................................................................................................................................62
Using Chain Cutting ..............................................................................................................................................63
Using Bridge Cutting .............................................................................................................................................64
Common Line Cutting ................................................................................................................................. 65
Common Line Cut Settings ...................................................................................................................................65
Using Common Line Cutting .................................................................................................................................67

Chapter 6: Menu and Toolbar Reference............................................................................................... 68

Menu Reference.......................................................................................................................................... 68
File Menu ..............................................................................................................................................................68
Edit Menu..............................................................................................................................................................68
View Menu ............................................................................................................................................................69
Nest Menu.............................................................................................................................................................69
Part Menu .............................................................................................................................................................70
Help Menu.............................................................................................................................................................71
Toolbars Reference..................................................................................................................................... 72
Customizing ProNest Desktop .................................................................................................................... 76

Chapter 7: ProNest Settings References............................................................................................... 79

ProNest Machine Wizard Settings .............................................................................................................. 79

Assign a CFF ........................................................................................................................................................80
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Cut Process Mappings ..........................................................................................................................................81
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 Scribe Process Mappings .....................................................................................................................................81
Punch Process Mappings .....................................................................................................................................82
Other CAD Mappings ............................................................................................................................................82
Gas Process Settings ...........................................................................................................................................83
Plasma Process Settings ......................................................................................................................................83
Scribe-G Process Settings ....................................................................................................................................84
Scribe-P Process Settings ....................................................................................................................................84
General Settings ......................................................................................................................................... 85
AutoNest...................................................................................................................................................... 86
Default Plate................................................................................................................................................ 87
Cut Sequence ............................................................................................................................................. 88
Parts ............................................................................................................................................................ 89
Torches ....................................................................................................................................................... 91
CAD Import.................................................................................................................................................. 92
CNC Output................................................................................................................................................. 94
Advanced CNC Output .........................................................................................................................................95
Collision Avoidance..................................................................................................................................... 97
Optimization ................................................................................................................................................ 98
Skeleton Cut Up ........................................................................................................................................ 100

Chapter 8: AutoNesting ......................................................................................................................... 101

Start AutoNest... (Yellow Icon) .................................................................................................................. 101

AutoNest Settings ..................................................................................................................................... 101
How should ProNest create new nests? .............................................................................................................101
Use a custom plate ................................................................................................................................... 101
Torch settings............................................................................................................................................ 102
Start AutoNest (Green Icon)...................................................................................................................... 103
Part Properties (for all selected parts) ...................................................................................................... 103
Part Properties (for one selected part)...................................................................................................... 104
Part Properties (for one part in the Part List) ............................................................................................ 104

Chapter 9: Process Parameters............................................................................................................ 105

Default Process Parameters ..................................................................................................................... 105

Process Parameters XLS Table..........................................................................................................................105
Using Part, Plate and Pierce Separations with Multiple Processes.......................................................... 107
Using a Process Parameters XLS Table vs. Using Default Process Parameters .................................... 108
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................................ 109

Chapter 10: XLS Table Overview .......................................................................................................... 110

XLS Table Types....................................................................................................................................... 110

Using XLS Tables ...............................................................................................................................................110
General XLS Table Format .................................................................................................................................111
Using Wildcards ..................................................................................................................................................113
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using XLS Tables.................................................................................113

Chapter 11: Pipe Settings and Fitting Descriptions ........................................................................... 115

Pipe Settings ............................................................................................................................................. 115

Fitting Descriptions.................................................................................................................................... 118
Offset Cone.........................................................................................................................................................118
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Reducing Elbow ..................................................................................................................................................119
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 ID_OD Ellipse .....................................................................................................................................................121
Ellipse in Rectangle ............................................................................................................................................122
Flange .................................................................................................................................................................123
Angled Pipe.........................................................................................................................................................124
Straight Pipe .......................................................................................................................................................125
Offset Pipe ..........................................................................................................................................................126
Rectangle to Round ............................................................................................................................................128
Segmented Elbow...............................................................................................................................................130
Tee Into Partial Pipe ...........................................................................................................................................132
Y-JOINT ..............................................................................................................................................................133

Chapter 12: Costing ............................................................................................................................... 135

Costing Settings ........................................................................................................................................ 135

Advanced Costing...............................................................................................................................................136
Required column headers in the costing XLS table ............................................................................................137

Chapter 13: Cutting Techniques........................................................................................................... 138

General Description .................................................................................................................................. 138

Available Types of Cutting Techniques ...............................................................................................................138
Record Matching ....................................................................................................................................... 139
The Base Condition ............................................................................................................................................140
Interaction with Process Parameters ........................................................................................................ 141
Interaction with CFF .................................................................................................................................. 141
Putting It All Together................................................................................................................................ 142
Profile Area ............................................................................................................................................... 144
Profile Type ............................................................................................................................................... 145
Multiple Materials ...................................................................................................................................... 145
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................................ 145

Chapter 14: Lead Style Settings ........................................................................................................... 148

Default Lead Style Settings.................................................................................................................................148

Record Matching ....................................................................................................................................... 150
Units Conversion....................................................................................................................................... 151
The Default Lead Style Settings Record .............................................................................................................151
Multiple Process Considerations.........................................................................................................................152
Material/Thickness ..............................................................................................................................................153
Settings saved with a job ....................................................................................................................................153
Troubleshooting: ....................................................................................................................................... 153

Chapter 15: Database Filtering ............................................................................................................. 155

Chapter 16: Summary of Key Strokes.................................................................................................. 156

Chapter 17: Technical Support............................................................................................................. 157

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 1

Chapter 1: Introduction to ProNest 6.0

Introduction
The ProNest system has been specifically designed to meet the most demanding
requirements of 2-axis profile cutting applications including Laser, Plasma, Oxy-fuel,
Waterjet Routers and Combination Plasma-Punch/Laser-Punch. ProNest fully automates
the import of part geometry from popular CAD systems as well as from existing CNC
files. The combination of best-of-class material utilization, powerful, easy to use editing
and productivity tools, and uniquely flexible control over cutting techniques, cutting
parameters and CNC output make ProNest the ideal solution for any manufacturer or
fabricator.

ProNest Features and Options

ProNest Standard Features
• Automatic CAD (including DWG, DXF, IGES) and CNC Import
• Assign B.O.M. Properties (Quantity, Material, Thickness) From CAD
drawing
• Material-Based Automatic Lead In/Out style and size definition
• Variable (Parametric Shape Part Creation
• Advanced “Drag and Drop Nesting
• Part Interference Detection and “Bumping”
• “Tool Tips”, “Fly by Help:, and Right-Click Pop-Up Context Menus
• Independent Part, Plate and Pierce Separation Control
• Interactive and Automatic Plate Cropping
• Basic Multi-Torch Support
• Safe Zones for Material Clamping Applications
• Automatic and Interactive Process Sequencing
• Auto-Shift Lead In/Out Locations
• Edit Lead In/Out Position/Style/Size, Corner Loops Tabs
• Edit Entity Quality, Delete Entities and Profiles, Close Open Profiles
• Animated Cutting Sequence Simulation
• Standard and Customizable Shop Reports
• Spreadsheet-Based, Process Parameters with Quality Support
• Material-Based Cutting Techniques (Corner, Lead In/Out Ramp Up/Down,
etc..)
• User Configurable CNC Post-Processor
• Basic Serial RS-232 DNC Download Capability

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 ProNest Optional Features

Automatic Nesting
• Block (blank area)
• Optimized Rectangular
• True-Shape Nesting with “Part-in-Part” and Void Filling
• Pattern Array
• Plate and Nesting Strategy Selection Optimization
• Variable Multi-Torch Support

Productivity Tools
• Common-Line Cutting
• Chain Cutting
• Bridge Cutting
• Collision Avoidance (Head-Down) Tool Pathing (Automatic and
Interactive)
• Skeleton Cut-Up
• Part Cut-Up
• Part Entity Smoothing and Reduction

Database and System Integration

• Part and Plate Inventory (Including Remnant Tracking)
• MRP and Manufacturing System Interface

Parametric Libraries and Specialized Post-Processors

• PIPE – Cylindrical Pipe Fittings and Transitions
• HVAC Fittting Package
• Artistic Bitmap to Vector Package
• Plasma-Punch and Laser-Punch Support

Installing ProNest
Recommended System Requirements

For successful installation of ProNest, your computer should meet the following
recommended system requirements:

♦ Windows 98, Windows Me, NT 4.0 (Intel) with Service Pack 4 installed, Windows
2000, or Windows XP
♦ Administrative privileges on the system
♦ Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher
♦ Pentium III-class PC (300 MHz or higher recommended)
♦ 128 megabytes of RAM or greater
♦ Super VGA monitor (with the screen resolution set to at least 800 x 600 and 256
colors)
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 3

Installation Procedure
Windows 98/2000/XP or Windows NT 4.0 or higher
1. Insert the CD into the CD-ROM drive.
2. The Setup program should start automatically, if it does proceed to step 5.
3. From the Taskbar Start menu, choose Run.
4. Type the drive letter for your CD drive followed by :\setup (e.g. d:\setup); click OK or
press ENTER.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Starting ProNest
To run ProNest, click on Start from the WINDOWS taskbar, click on Programs and
highlight MTC Products. This will display all current MTC products installed, click to
open the ProNest sub-folder and then on the ProNest program icon. Or simply double-
click on the ProNest icon displayed on your desktop.

After the program is first installed on your computer, it must be authorized before you can
use it. Click on Authorize to display the Site Code information for ProNest, contact MTC
with the site code to activate ProNest and any optional features you purchased. You
may use any of the following methods of contacting MTC to obtain your authorization:

Phone: (716) 772-7722

Fax: (716) 772-5222
E-Mail: [email protected]

Licenses
Each ProNest is a non-transferable, single-user, right-to-use license granted by MTC to
the licensee for use at a single geographic location. This means that the licensed
software can not be used by more than one person at that site at the same time.
Additional licenses for the same geographic site (within 1 mile or 1.6 kilometer) of the
original license must be purchased by the licensee.

Fixed Licenses

Each purchase of ProNest comes with a single user, also known as ‘fixed’ license. A
fixed license allows the software to be run by one computer at the company’s location.
Additional fixed licenses for the same geographic site of the original license can be
purchased, allowing ProNest to be run from multiple work stations at the same location,
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 Floating Licenses

A floating license allows ProNest to be installed on a network and used by the same
number of stations as licenses purchased. For example, if one floating license is
purchased, then ProNest is restricted to being used on one station at a time, even though
it may not be the same station all of the time. If two floating licenses are purchased, then
ProNest can be run from 2 separate stations at the same time.

Updating Licenses

The intent of updating a license is to allow users to make changes to their current license.
For example, if an option is purchased after the original license has been authorized, the
license needs to be updated to activate the additional option. Click on Help Î About Î
Update… The authorization screen will pop up with a new site code. Contact MTC with
the new site code to generate a new authorization code, allowing you to continue using
ProNest.

Killing Licenses

Please contact MTC before you attempt to uninstall ProNest or move it to a different
computer.

To keep the records accurate regarding the number of licenses your company is using,
you need to kill any/all licenses on work stations that you do not intend to continue using
ProNest.

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 5

Chapter 2: Preferences
Preferences are basic settings used to tailor ProNest’s language, units of measure,
modes of operation, and general appearance. These preferences remain in effect
regardless of which settings files you are using.

General

Company Information

The company name entered in preferences is for informational purposes only.

Translation and Display Settings

Dictionary The dictionary file contains the translated text for all
languages supported by ProNest. Normally you will not
need to change the default file
Language Use this pull-down list to choose the language you wish to
use. When you select a new language and click on OK,
ProNest screens, menus and reports will be displayed in
that language.
Display Units This value controls how numeric values are interpreted and
displayed by ProNest. Choices are English (in.) and Metric
(mm).
Application Fonts Allows the user to determine the fonts the application will
be displayed in.
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 Numerical Precision

Precision determines how many decimal places are used by ProNest when displaying
numeric values on the screen and in reports. Your current Windows locale settings also
affect the appearance of numeric and currency values.

Length values The number of digits after the decimal place for values
representing lengths.
Weight values The number of digits after the decimal place for values
representing weight or mass.
Cost values The number of digits after the decimal place for values
representing currency.

Standard Plate Sizes

Plate Size Definitions

ProNest allows you to predefine the size of the plates most commonly used. Enter the
length and width values at this window. Enter a 0 in both length and width if you do not
want to use all six possible default plates.

Note: When ProNest begins a nest, a pop up window will appear with these plate sizes
to select, the first plate size entered will be selected by default.

Clear All

Clicking this button clears all of the pre-set plate sizes so that new values can be entered.

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 7

Safe Zone Schemes

Safe Zone Schemes are a set of safe zones that are defined regions of the plate where
parts are not placed. For instance, if the cutting machine has work clamps to grip the
material, an area around each clamp can be defined to prevent parts from being nested
within those zones.

Stored in File Displays the path where the safe zone files are
saved/loaded.

Manual Nesting
Manual Nesting allows the user to place parts on the screen and manually position them
where desired. This can be done before or after automatic nesting. The settings
determine where manually nested parts will be placed on the plate, and the effects that
bumping will have on the position of the parts.

Auto-Drop Zone

The Auto-Drop Zone is used when you double-click on a part in the Part Bar, or press
enter when a part is selected in the Part Bar. ProNest will position the part in the
designated location on the plate. Choices are Upper Right, Lower Right, Center, Upper
Left, and Lower Left. Auto-Drop is most effective when used with Auto-Bump.

Use Auto-Bump

If selected, ProNest will begin with the part on the plate in the desired position, as
assigned in the auto-drop zone or where it was dropped after dragging it from the Part
Bar. It will then bump the part in the assigned direction #1, then the assigned direction
#2.

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 For example, using the settings in the window shown above, ProNest would start by
placing the part in the upper-right corner of the sheet, and then bump it to the left and
then down. The part would end up in the lower left corner of the plate.

Nudge Distance

The Nudge Distance represents the incremental distance a part will be moved when one
of the four bump handles (up, down, right, left) are clicked while holding down the shift
key. This option is most often used to move the part in small increments. Normally this
value might be set to 0.1 inch or 2 mm.

Increment Angle

This specifies the angular degree by which the selected part, or group of parts, will be
rotated each time the incremental rotate handle or incremental rotate icon is clicked, or
for each step of the mouse-wheel rotation.

Tolerance

These values are in screen pixels that represent more or less physical distance
depending on how much you are currently zoomed in or out. The selection tolerance
represents the maximum distance from an item your mouse may be and still select it.
The corner snap distance is used to determine whether you are selecting a corner when
moving a lead in/out position for example. If your mouse is within the snap distance of a
corner, the selected point will be the corner.

Environment
Options

The colors used by ProNest to draw the work area, plate, plate shadow and safe zones
can be can be customized. Simply click on the down arrow next to the screen elements
and select the desired color for that item.

Reports

You can control the width of the lines used to draw parts, plates or nests on your reports.
The Plot Line Width is used to draw all plates and master parts. The Slave Line Width is
used to draw all slave parts (parts cut with slave torches).

The Plot Text Size is used to size the font used to draw the sequence numbers and
dimension text on reports. This font size is similar to the font size you would pick in Word
for example.

Part Appearance
Colors

The colors used by ProNest to draw the different processes of the part, like cutting and
marking, as well as the color when the part is selected or being moved can be easily
customized. Simply click on the down arrow next to the screen elements and select the
desired color for that item. Be careful not to select colors that will make it difficult to see
your part, for example, selecting white for the cutting process will not work when your
plate is also white.
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 9

Show Pierces

When checked, this option will cause ProNest to draw a small solid circle at the pierce
point of each cutting profile.

Show Open Profiles

When checked, this option will cause ProNest to draw a small square at both ends of an
open (non-closed) cutting profile.

Show Cut Direction

When checked, this option will cause ProNest to draw a small arrow at the mid point of
each line and arc of each cutting profile indicating the cutting direction.

Show Plot Layer

When checked, ProNest will display the information that was placed on the plot layer.

Warnings
ProNest can display warning messages to help prevent you from doing things like
deleting all nests inadvertently. You can select the warnings for different actions that you
do, or do not want to see by checking or un-checking the appropriate checkbox on the
Warnings Tab.

On each of warning message dialogs there is a check box not to display the warning
message again. Checking this option will turn off the warning message for that action in
your preferences. You can turn the optional warning back on from the Warnings Tab of
Preferences.

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 Settings

The Settings tab shows the path where the machine information and each of the
spreadsheet settings folders are stored, as well as the location of the inventory folder.
These values will normally be set correctly upon installation, but may need to be changed
for network-type installations.

Options

The Machine folder must point to the location on your computer or network where your
machines settings are saved. If this folder is invalid or is empty, ProNest will not be able
to run.

Once the machine folder is specified, select a machine to be your default machine when
you start ProNest. If the ‘Prompt for machine at startup’ is checked, ProNest will prompt
you for the desired machine when you start the program.

Select the folder where your CFF (Controller Format Files) are located.

Spreadsheet Settings Folders

ProNest uses spreadsheets (in .XLS format) to obtain information for process
parameters, costing, lead in/out styles and cutting techniques. Select the folder ProNest
should search to locate each of these types of files. To use Microsoft Excel
spreadsheets to modify any of these settings, make sure the box is checked.

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 11

Miscellaneous

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 Chapter 3: Settings Overview
ProNest organizes settings by “Machine”. The machine settings include information
about the actual machine and its processes, CAD import, nesting preferences, and CNC
output. Settings for things like process parameters, cutting techniques, costing and lead
in/out styles that cover a range of material grade and thickness are associated to the
machine through spreadsheet XLS files. In this way, a single machine-setting
configuration can be used for the whole range of cutting applications on a given machine.

Settings files are a simple, yet powerful way to quickly configure ProNest for the task at
hand.

Overview
Clicking on the Settings Icon will bring the settings window to the forefront of your screen.
As you can see, the settings for a sample Plasma machine are displayed, similar to the
way folders and files are displayed in Windows Explorer.

Note: A complete settings reference can be found Chapter 7 of this manual.

Before you can start using ProNest for production, you must establish proper settings for
each machine you will use with ProNest.

ProNest Machine Wizard

The ProNest Machine Wizard was designed to assist you in setting your machine
parameters. Even though the ProNest Machine Wizard has simplified this process, we
still suggest that you call MTC for a personal walk-through with these settings. Not only
will this make the process faster, it will give us the opportunity to explain features of
ProNest of which you might be unaware.

In this example, we’ll be using a typical Plasma machine. Your machine might have
different processes (or even multiple cutting processes) but the basic configuration
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 13

In the settings editor, you always work with a current machine. To create a new machine,
you simply start with an existing machine like the Machine1 supplied with ProNest and
modify it as required. In this way you always have valid settings and need only change
those things that are different for the particular machine you are configuring. When you
are done with your modifications, click on the Save As button to save the machine
configuration as your new machine.

Click on button in the upper-right corner of the settings screen to launch

the ProNest Machine Wizard. The wizard will lead you through each step of the process
of defining the basic machine information, selecting a CFF file, mapping your CAD layers
to specific machine processes and selection of the necessary parameter files required for
each process.

Basic Machine Information

Output DLL

The Output DLL is used to specify the CNC output routines that will produce the CNC
program for your cutting machine. You would change this value only if you are utilizing a
specialized post-processor supplied by MTC.

Operating Costs

This information is used to calculate the labor and machine costs for your jobs. You can
specify the cost of labor per hour, or by the weight of the plate, or both. The cost for the
used of the machine is specified in Cost Per Hour. You can also specify a cost
associated with Plate Loading (and unloading).

Location

Location is an informational field for your reference and is not used by the Program.

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 Assign a CFF

CFF Filename

Use the combo box to choose a CFF (CNC Format File) that matches your machines
controller. This is a very important setting. Contact MTC if you are unsure of which
CFF file you should use.

Contents

Once a CFF filename has been selected, the wizard will display all of the possible
process that have been defined, grouped by Cut Process, Scribe Processes and Punch
(point) process. Processes can only be defined in the CFF file.

CFF Process Mapping

ProNest normally uses CAD layer information to extract your part geometry. You can
choose to use the colors in your CAD drawings instead by simply checking the option:

Map CFF processes to CAD colors instead of CAD layers.

Normally this option is not checked.

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 15

Cut Process Mappings

You can map one or more layer names (or color number) to each of the cut processes
defined by the CFF file. In this example we are configuring a plasma only machine so we
have just mapped our CUT layer to the Plasma Process. Processes that have no layers
mapped to them will not be displayed in the tree view, since they will not be used.

Scribe Process Mappings

The Scribe (or marker) process mappings are used to assign CAD layers (or colors) to
each of the available Scribe processes. In this example, we have only assigned a layer
name to the Scribe device associated with Plasma, called Scribe-P.
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 Punch Process

The Punch (or other point-type processes) mappings are used to assign CAD layers (or
colors) to each of the available Punch processes. In this example, we have only
assigned a layer name to the Punch device associated with Plasma, called Punch-P.

Other CAD Mappings

ProNest uses these settings to extract other information out of your CAD drawings.

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 17

Plot

ProNest can extract entities (lines, arc, etc.) and text on specific layers of your drawing
for “Display Only” information. This information will appear on the part as drawn on your
ProNest screen, and will also appear in plots.

Base

The Base Layer searched for Cutting entities if no entities are found on the specified
layers associated with your cut processes.

Turret

The turret layer mapping is used to identify turret punch information that is used with
MTC’s PlasmaPunch Post-processor.

Bill-Of-Material

The Bill-Of-Material (BOM) layer is used to specify the drawing layer that contains part
information like material grade, thickness and quantity. If you include information on the
BOM layer, ProNest will automatically use that information as the part is added to your
part list. BOM information must be in the form of text entities on the BOM layer and must
contain specific keywords to specify the part properties.

Keywords are case sensitive and the spelling must match exactly. Do not include spaces
between the keyword and the “=” sign or between the “=” sign and the property value

Note: MATERIAL, THICKNESS and CUSTOMER keys are searched for in the material
and customer databases. If there is no match found, the keys will be ignored.

Key Description Type

QUANTITY Quantity Integer (Range: 0..9999)

PART_NAME Part Name String (Size: 40)

MATERIAL Material String (Size: 40)

THICKNESS Thickness Float (Range: 0..9999)

INIT_ROTATION Initial Rotation Float (Range: 0..360)

ROTATION Rotation Restriction Float (Range: 0..360)

PRIORITY Priority Integer (Range: 0..99)

MIRROR Mirror Integer (Range: 0..2)

CLUSTER Auto Cluster Integer (Range: 0..1)

CLC Auto Common Line Integer (Range: 0..1)

REFERENCE Reference String (Size: 60)

CUSTOMER Customer String (Size: 50)

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EMail:[email protected] String (Size: 60)
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 MISC1 Miscellaneous 1 String (Size: 60)

MISC2 Miscellaneous 2 String (Size: 60)

MISC3 Miscellaneous 3 String (Size: 60)

Example Result

QUANTITY=12 12

PART_NAME=My Part My Part

MATERIAL=SS 304 SS 304

THICKNESS=0.25 0.25

INIT_ROTATION=0.0 0.0

ROTATION=90.0 90.0

PRIORITY=7 7

MIRROR=0 No

CLUSTER=0 No

CLC=1 Yes

REFERENCE=45678 45678

CUSTOMER=Acme Co. Acme Co.

REMARKS=My Remarks My Remarks

MISC1=Notes1 Notes1

MISC2=Notes2 Notes2

MISC3=Notes3 Notes3

Process Settings
For each of the Cut, Scribe and Punch processes that you have mapped CAD layers to
the Wizard will present a settings screen. These screens are used to assign settings
tables to each process.

Cut processes can have settings tables assigned for Process Parameters, Costing,
Interior Leads, Exterior Leads, and Cutting Techniques.

Scribe and Punch processes can have settings tables assigned for Process Parameters
and Costing.

ProNest is very flexible, and can be used for simple, straightforward applications, or with
the most complex and advanced plate processing machines. Your particular application
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 19

Process parameter tables are used to extract information like feedrate and kerf for each
grade and thickness of material you have in your job. Even if you don’t choose to insert
this process information into your CNC files, you should specify process parameters for
cutting and scribing processes. This will allow ProNest to accurately calculate production
times based on your feedrate information.

If you want to have ProNest calculate production costs for your jobs, you should assign
costing tables that will provide activation time, activation cost and operation costs for
each of your processes.

Cut processes used the Interior and Exterior Leads tables to define the proper lead in/out
style for each grade and thickness of material in your job.

Cutting Technique tables are used for advanced process control for cutting situations like
lead, corner and radius-based ramp up and down. Using cutting techniques is always
optional.

You can view and edit the contents of any of the settings tables by clicking on the edit
icon next to the field. The format and specifications for the settings files can be found in
the appendix.

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 Here are the Process Settings screens in our example Plasma Machine.

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 21

Settings Tree-View
The settings tree-view gives you easy access to all of the settings for your machine. Use
the Explorer-like view to navigate to the settings page you are interested in. Click on the
+ sign next to a folder to expand it, and on the – sign to collapse it.

Remember that there is complete referenced on all of the settings screens in Chapter 7.
We will only touch upon a few of the important settings now.

Processes and Layers

To revise any of this information, click on the Edit icon to display a spreadsheet
containing all of the information for that particular setting. For example, click on the edit
icon next to Process parameters. You can easily see the properties for this process. If
you modify the settings or add additional information, save the file and close it, returning
to the process settings screen. You can configure your ProNest preferences to used
Microsoft Excel to edit your settings spreadsheets, or you can use the simple XLS Editor
supplied with ProNest if you do not have Excel.

To view additional settings for any of the process types, select the process in the tree
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 General

The General Tab contains values that control part separations and other settings that
effect both manual and automatic nesting. The number of AutoCrop zones is also
specified here.

AutoNest

An important setting here is the Plate Initialization Point. Generally, you will choose
“Upper Left” for a Left hand controller location or “Lower Left” for a Right hand controller
location. To determine if you have a right or left hand configuration, stand at the end of
your cutting table where the controller is located when in the home position and look
down the length of the table (parallel to the rails) of your cutting machine. If the controller
is on your left side, you have a left hand configuration and should choose “Upper Left”,
other wise it is right hand and you should choose “Lower Left”.

You would normally choose the same Initialization point for your Cut Sequence setting.

Click on the Edit Strategies button to display a window allowing you to modify each of the
nesting strategies.

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 23

Default Plate

The default plate information is used as the default values when you select AutoNest
from the Nest menu. You can choose one of the default plate size you defined in your
preferences, or you can define a custom plate size.

You can also specify if you wish to use one of the safe zone schemes defined in your
preferences.

The plate size and safe zones for an AutoNest session can be easily changed in the
AutoNest dialog.

Cut Sequence

The cut sequence settings govern the technique ProNest uses to automatically determine
the order in which parts on your nest are cut. In all cases, ProNest ensures that parts cut
from the interior regions of other parts are cut before the parts that contain them.

Cut Sequence Types

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 Vertical A meandering pattern alternating
between cutting up one vertical range
band and down the next, working down
the length of the plate away from the
initialization point.

Horizontal A meandering pattern alternating

between cutting across one horizontal
range band and back the next, working
across the width of the plate away from
the initialization point.

By Number of A variation of the Vertical pattern

Torches where all parts cut with the same
number of torches are cut before parts
with fewer number of torches. For
example, 4 then 3 then 2 then 1.
By Torch A variation of the Vertical pattern
Spacing where all parts cut with the same torch
spacing are cut before parts with a
smaller torch spacing. For example,
20.0 then 15.5 then 12.75.
By Sequence When this type is selected, the parts
are cut in the order the parts were
nested.
Heat The heat dissipation cut sequence is
Dissipation used to distribute the heat input into
each area of the plate to avoid
overheating. This results in a
randomized cutting sequence.
One Way A pattern cutting across each vertical
Vertical range, working down the length of the
plate away from the initialization point.

Init Point -The corner of the plate where the cutting sequence will start. This would
normally be the same as the plate initialization point.

Sort Point - The sort point is used to calculate which sort range a part belongs to in
determining its cut sequence. The options are the pierce point of the exterior profile, or
the geometric center of the part.

Range – The number of ranges (or bands) that the plate is divided into. For example, if
the plate is 120 inches long and the range setting is 10, then each range band will be 12
inches wide.

X Grid Spacing – The X grid spacing is used to determine the heat dissipation grid size
along the length of the plate.

Y Grid Spacing – The Y grid spacing is used to determine the heat dissipation grid size
along the width of the plate.

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 25

Minimum Distance – The minimum distance setting is used to determine which heat
dissipation heat zone will be cut next. If the next part to be cut is less than the minimum
distance setting from the current part, another part further away will be cut next if
possible.

Parts

Part settings determine how the part is processed when it is first added to the part list and
when the part is mirrored during nesting.

Tab auto-recognition Size – This setting is used when reading existing CNC part
programs to determine if a gap in a cutting profile is a tab (or stitch). If the distance
between the torch on and off is less than this size, the gap will be labeled as a tab. If it is
greater than this distance, it will be recognized as a different profile.

AutoCluster fit ratio – This setting is used to evaluate if a part which has been
AutoClustered (paired with itself) results in a desirable cluster. If the area of the cluster is
less than the area of the two parts times the fit ratio, then the result the cluster is
accepted, otherwise it is rejected. In this example, the cluster region must be less than
90% of the combined part area to be accepted as an acceptable cluster.

Rotation Granularity – The rotation granularity is used to determine how many

orientations of the part will be evaluated during the AutoCluster process. If the setting is
90, then 3 different orientations will be tried (0, 180 and 270).

Reverse Cut Direction on Mirror – This setting controls how the profiles of a part that is
mirrored during the nesting process will be cut. If it not checked, the profiles of the
mirrored part will be cut with non-standard directions (interiors cut clockwise and exteriors
counter-clockwise, both with kerf right). If the option is checked, the cutting direction of
the profile will be reversed so that the mirrored part is cut with the standard directions
(interiors cut counter-clockwise and exteriors clockwise, both with kerf left).

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 Torches

This is where torch information is entered. If you are not using multiple torches, this
section will be grayed out.

CAD Import

These settings effect how ProNest reads your CAD files. We’ll leave them as is for now
so that we can use the example files supplied with ProNest.

One important setting is the CAD units. ProNest needs to know if your drawings were
created using English (inch) or Metric (mm) units.

The CAD layer settings are also very important. ProNest uses these settings to
automatically process your drawing files by looking for information on specific layers. In
this way, ProNest can find the drawing entities (arcs and lines) for cut, mark and punch
processes and automatically ignore everything else.

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 27

CNC Output

These settings control the format of the nest CNC files created by ProNest for your
cutting machine. The critical settings here are Units and Controller.

For the units, you can select either English (inch) or Metric (mm) format.

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 Chapter 4: ProNest Basics
ProNest provides several ways to accomplish most tasks like starting a new job, deleting
the selected parts, or using the array function. Most functions are available through the
menus and toolbars, and in some cases by using a right-click pop-up menu.

Hints, or “fly-by-help” are displayed when you position the mouse cursor over a toolbar
icon for a short period of time to help you understand and learn its meaning. ProNest
also uses special mouse cursors when the pointer is over the nesting handles of a
selected part or group of parts.

Starting a New Job

To start a new job, click on New Job in the File menu, or click on the New Job icon on
you toolbar. The new job dialog screen will appear.

Enter a descriptive name for this job and select the appropriate machine by clicking on
the down arrow of the combo box and clicking on the desired name. For the purposes of
learning ProNest, select the same machine you did while reviewing settings in chapter 3.

Click on OK to close the New Job dialog and the Add Parts window will appear.

Add Parts
We’ve provided sample CAD DXF files in both English and Metric in your
ProNest\Examples folder. You can use these files while you learn ProNest, and they can
serve as an example of how to properly layer your DXF or DWG drawing files.

These CAD files were drawn using specific layer names for different attributes such as
profiles that are to be cut, scribe and punch marks, dimension information etc. By
matching the layer name with the correct process, ProNest can distinguish the different
aspects of the drawing and display (and output) the part properly.

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 29

Select “CAD files” as your filter, and for now, use the “Look in” combo box and Explorer
View to navigate to the \Program Files\MTC\ProNest6\Examples folder just as you would
in Windows Explorer. The sample DXF files should now appear in the window.

ProNest also accepts other types of files (MTC token files, and existing CNC format files).
For now, however, we’ll focus on how to add CAD files to your part list.

Explorer View
The explorer view can be modified depending on personal preference. The diagram
above shows detail view, which includes the part name, size and type of file along with
the date last modified. If you prefer to view a list of files, or large or small icons, you can
do so by clicking on the view menu icon to the right of the “Look In” combo box.

Adding to Your Parts List

There are several ways to add the parts in the Explorer view to your parts list. You can
double-click on a part, select one or more parts (use the shift and control keys as you
would in Windows Explorer) and then click on the Add icon, or by selecting one or more
files and dragging them into the parts list.

A single click on the part name will provide a preview. Under the preview are drawing
properties that can be modified prior to adding the part to the part list (Nest, CAD Import,
and Lead information)

When a part is selected in the Part List it will also be displayed in the preview window.
The properties of the part can also be viewed and changed in both the table view and the
Properties window. Typically, you will at least need to change the quantity (Qty) for the
part. Defining the material can be important if the job requires parts cut from different
materials or process parameters (feed rates, kerf values, etc.) need to be output. Select
the appropriate material (click in the material field, then click on the arrow) from the
material databse. This ensures that parts will only be nested on plates sharing the same
material record.

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 Preview

Messages

When a part is drawn incorrectly, a messages button appears at the end of the part list
box. Clicking on this button provides a descriptive text of the problem. The two most
common error messages are open profiles (gaps, overlaps, or untrimmed intersections)
in the drawing and empty drawing file (the layers used on the CAD drawing do not
match the layers ProNest expects to see, as defined in the ProNest machine wizard).
Open profiles can be located in the preview window if the open profiles box is checked
under the view menu.

An empty drawing file message will not display a preview of the part.

With a part in the list selected, you can use the preview window to edit the part. The
toolbar above the Preview window allows you to select profiles, move lead in/out
positions, zoom in and out, and enter advanced edit.

Select Mode This mode allows you to select cutting profiles so that you
can review or change the lead in/out properties for that
profile.
Move Leads Mode This mode allows you to select new locations for the lead
in/out positions for your part just by clicking on a new
location.
Area Zoom Clicking this icon allows you to zoom in on an area of your
part by dragging out a box around the desired area. Select
mode is restored after you have zoomed in.
Zoom Out Clicking this icon returns to the previous zoomed view.
No Zoom Clicking this icon to returns to the full view of the part.
Maximize/Minimize Clicking this icon will maximize or minimize the preview
and properties windows.
Advanced Edit Clicking on this icon will take you to an Advanced Edit
feature of ProNest allowing the properties of the part to be
further modified. (see the Advanced Edit section at the
end of this chapter for more detail).

With the preview window maximized, it is easy to get a closer look at the part and it’s
properties. This view makes editing the part lead in/out positions and/or it’s properties
much easier. Close this window to restore the preview to its normal size.

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 31

When a part from the part list is selected, the part properties window allows changing
Nest, Leads, and Cost information.

Add VSP (Variable Shape Part) Part to Part List

The variable shape definition feature allows you to easily define the geometry for
common shapes just by entering a few dimensions. The context sensitive reference
dimensions and input hints lead you through each step of the process. In seconds you
have complete part geometry ready to nest.

The Variable Shape Program portion of ProNest displays a list of standard part shapes
for selection with a part reference view for the currently selected shape. It will also
display the part reference screen with a table of shape input values for part definition.

Add VSP Part to Current Nest

To add a VSP part to the current nest, click on Edit/Part List from File, or the Edit Part
List icon. This will display a window with a list of VSP parts provided with ProNest, as
shown in the window below.

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 A VSP part can be selected by either highlighting the part desired and clicking on Add
Part, or by double clicking on the part.

Define Part

The above window appears after clicking on Add Part. This is where the required part
information is to be entered. The Input Value Table contains all of the dimension values
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 33

default values. As each value is selected, the reference window at the top right of the
screen shows the dimension that is currently being defined and a descriptive prompt
appears on the bottom of the screen. As the part is edited the preview window is
updated. Any errors will be displayed and the preview will vanish.

The bottom section of the input value table allows you to define your leads style, size,
angle, and extension for the various profiles of the selected part.

Define Cut Process

After the part is set to the desired specifications, you may click on the Cut Process button
to select the type of cutting to be done on this part. A pop up window appears allowing
the cut process for the interior and exterior profiles to be determined, which is very useful
for multi-process machines such as those that utilize plasma and hi-def plasma.

Part Name

The part name can remain unchanged, or ProNest will allow the VSP part to be re-
named. Selecting OK will put the VSP part into the part list.

Define Interior Profile

VSP will allow interior profiles to be added to the VSP part in current view. From the
Shape Reference windows, select Add Cut Out. A pop up window appears to allow the
selection of the interior profile and the position of it’s start point.

The part list provided is the standard list of VSP parts. Highlight the desired part, and set
the initial start point of the interior profile in the pull down box. In this case, we have
chosen, Circle and Top, respectively. Click on OK to return to the shape reference
window.

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 With the interior profile now visible, set the editable values in the same manner as the
original part. Notice the part preview window reflects any changes that are made.

More than one interior profile may be entered in the same manner. The arrow keys to the
left of the Add Cut Out/Delete Cut Out buttons allow the user to select different profiles
for editing. In the example displayed below, Circle was the first interior profile added,
with Sheave being the second. The values for both files were modified.

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 35

When the preview window displays the part you wish to create, click on OK. The Add
Parts window will appear with the new part being previewed. When the properties for this
part have been determined, and the quantity to be added to the current nest has been
set, click on Done to return to the Variable Shape Parts window. At this point, you can
add additional VSP parts.

Delete VSP part from Part List

Any defined VSP part being added to the nest will be listed in the Add Parts list. To
remove a part from this list, right-click on the part(s), then click Remove Part. The part(s)
will no longer be added to the current nest. As with CAD files, pressing the delete key or
clicking on the remove part icon, will also remove selected VSP parts.

Add Pipe Part to Part List

The Pipe parametric library for ProNest is designed to automatically generate CNC flat-
plate developments for fabricated, welded, cylindrical pipe joints and transitions used in
Blowpipe applications. By simply entering dimensions into the fill-in-the-blanks style form
with context-sensitive reference dimensions and input hints, even an inexperienced user
can develop complex fittings in only seconds.

The rigorous mathematical approach used by Pipe, combined with features like material
thickness compensation, automatic part splitting, curve smoothing and line-to-arc
conversion yield unsurpassed part fit-up, reducing both fabrication and finishing time.
Optional forming and alignment marks can also be added to assist in down-stream
manufacturing operations.

The Pipe parametric library is divided into six fitting groups that can be purchased
individually, or as a complete package. Each fitting is designed with flexibility in mind and
includes powerful features like offsets, tilts, extensions and laps. The fitting groups are:
Cylindrical Pipes (with tees), Cones (with tees), Elbows, Transitions, Y-Joints, and
Flanges. Cylindrical, conical, rectangular and boot (take-off) tees can be added to Pipes
or Cones.
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 Add Pipe Part to Current Nest
To add a Pipe part to the current nest, click on Edit/Part List from File. Clicking on the
Pipe icon displays a window with a list of Pipe parts provided with ProNest, as shown in
the window below.

A Pipe part can be selected by either double clicking on the diagram of the part. A single
click will display the shape in the preview window. Clicking on Add Part will enter Pipe
where values can be defined.

Define Part

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 37

the left side column, with the editable input value fields in the column on the right side of
the table. As each value is selected, the reference window to the right of the value table
shows the dimension that is currently being defined and a descriptive prompt appears on
the bottom of the screen. As the part is edited the preview window (below the reference
screen) is updated, and errors will be displayed in the preview window (in lieu of the part).
Right clicking on the preview window will allow you to zoom, unzoom or measure.

Define Cut Process

After the part is set to the desired specifications, you may click on the Cut Process button
to select the type of cutting to be done on this part. A pop up window appears allowing
the cut process for the interior and exterior profiles to be determined, which is very useful
for multi-process machines such as those that utilize plasma and hi-def plasma.

Define Lead-In/Out

To view and or change the lead-in/out properties, scroll down the value table or click on
the “-“ to the left of dimensions.

Part Name

The part name can remain unchanged, or ProNest will allow the Pipe part to be re-
named. Selecting OK will put the Pipe part into the part nest list.

Quantity

Enter the desired number of the current part to be added to the nest.

Settings

Clicking on Settings will allow you to view or modify the current Pipe settings. Refer to
the Pipe Settings and Fitting Descriptions for complete descriptions of these settings.

View

By placing a check in the box marked ‘Display 3D’, Pipe will allow you to zoom in and/or
out by clicking on the respective buttons. Pipe will also allow you to rotate the part up,
down, left or right to view the part from a different perspective by simply clicking on the
appropriate arrow button.

Add Tee
Pipe allows tees to be added to certain Pipe parts. From the Shape Reference window,
select Add Tee (if grayed out, the selected PIPE part does not allow the addition of tees).
A pop up window appears to allow the selection of the tee to be added .

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 The list provided is the standard list of Pipe tees. Highlight the desired tee, after clicking
OK, set the values of the tee in the same manner the original part was defined. As each
value is selected, the reference window to the right of the value table shows the
dimension that is currently being defined and a descriptive prompt appears on the bottom
of the screen. As the part is edited, the preview window (below the reference) is
updated, displaying any errors in the status bar. Tees can be deleted by clicking on
Delete Tee. The preview window < Prev. button immediately below the Add Tee button
allows the user to return to previous profiles that have already been created. The next >
button (below the delete tee button) advances to profiles created after the current view.

When the preview window displays the part you wish to create, click on OK. The Add
Parts window will appear with the new part being previewed. When the properties for this
part have been determined, another pipe part can be selected.

Saving/Loading Pipe Part

If the input values of this development needs to be saved for future jobs or part
verification, click on the Save… button. Select a path and name for the file. Clicking on
Save will create a .PJB file.

Clicking on the Load… button allows the selection of any .PJB file, regardless what Pipe
shape was previously selected, to be opened.

Delete Pipe part from Part List

Any defined Pipe parts to be added to the nest will be listed in the Part List. To remove a
part from this list, highlight the part, then click on the Delete button. The part will no
longer be added to the current nest.

Accepting the Part List

When all parts have been added to the part list with correct quantities, material, and
properties, close out of the Add Parts screen. This returns the user to the main nesting
screen with the selected parts in the part bin to the left of the plate.

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 39

Add Plates
User Defined
Selecting Edit Plate List from File or clicking on the Edit Plate List icon brings up the Add
Plate screen. The user can now define the material, size, and thickness of the plate(s)
needed for the job, similar to the way the part list was created. The plate can be named
and defined as either rectangular or circular (plate type). A quantity can be assigned,
and rotation angles can be determined (useful for remnants). Once defined, the plate
can be added to the plate list on the bottom by clicking the Add Plate icon.

Inventory
If the part and plate inventory option is active, plates can be added from a list previously
defined in the plate inventory database. These can include rectangular and circular
plates, along with remnants (crops) and skeletons created in ProNest. Select 1 or
multiple plates (using the shift or CTRL keys) then click on the Add Plate icon (or double
click on the record) to add to the plate list. Single clicking on a record displays the plate
in the preview window.

Deleting a Plate Record from the Plate List

A record can be removed from the plate list by selecting the record(s) then pressing the
delete key or clicking on the remove plate icon.

Accepting the Plate List

When all plates have been added to the list, select close from the file menu or click on
“X”.

Interactive Nesting
Interactive Nesting allows you to place parts on the screen and position them where
desired. You can interactively nest all of your parts, or it can be done before or after
automatic nesting if you have that option.

Starting a New Nest

To start a new nest, click on the New Nest icon, or select New Nest… from the Nest
Menu. Use New Nest to select a different plate size, or to continue nesting on a new
plate when the current plate is full. When the New Nest dialog window appears, you can
select from one of the standard plate sizes you defined in your preferences, or select a
custom plate size and enter the dimensions. When you click on OK, an empty plate will
be displayed on your ProNest desktop.

Adding Parts to the Nest

Parts displayed in the part bar and matching the current plate material can be easily
added to the nest by left clicking on the desired part and dragging it to the nesting area,
by double clicking on the part in the Part Bar or by selecting a part and pressing the Enter
key. Keep in mind that in the Preferences window, Manual Nesting tab, there is an option
to ‘Use Auto-Bump’. If this option is checked, the part will be bumped in the directions
defined in that setting when it is first placed on the plate. If the auto-bump option is not
activated, the part will be placed wherever you release the mouse button.

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 Matching Material
If the material defined for the parts in the part bin match the material defining the current
plate, a blue line should appear to the left of the part and the name and picture will be
black. ProNest will allow these parts to be nested. (note: the current size and material is
displayed above the plate).

If the material defined for the parts differs from that of the current plate, the line, filename,
and picture of the part will be bray and ProNest will not allow these parts to be nested.

ProNest provides the capability of filtering the part list by material type. On the right of
the part section immediately above the parts, is where various filters can be set. If a filter
is chosen, only parts that match the material description are shown in the part bin. The
default is “No Filter” which allows the display of all parts.

Other options available include “Show Hints for Parts”, “Hide Depleted Parts”, and “Torch
Settings”.

Selecting and Unselecting a Part

Only parts that appear on the plate can be selected. To select a part that has been
nested, click on it with the left mouse button. To prevent choosing the wrong part, click
within the interior of the desired part. This is especially helpful if the desired part is
nested inside of, or in an interlocking manner with another part.

Once selected, the part (or parts) are drawn in the selected part color and the nesting
handles appear at the corners and sides of the part region. The use of the nesting
handles will be described later in this section.

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 41

To unselect a part, click anywhere outside of the part region. Clicking outside the plate is
preferred, as it eliminates the possibility of picking another part by mistake. A selected
part can be unselected by choosing another part. A selected part can also be unselected
by pressing the Enter key.

Selecting and Unselecting a Group of Parts

Selected groups of parts are built and modified using shift select to toggle the selection
state of individual parts. While picking a part unselects other parts, holding the Shift key
down while choosing a part only affects the selection state of the individual part.

To add a part to the selected group, hold down the shift key and select the second part
with the left mouse button, continuing this process until all of the desired parts appear in
the selected state. To remove a part from the group, shift select that part. Once
selected in this manner, the group is treated as one part and can be moved, duplicated,
rotated, deleted, etc., just as a single part.

Area Select

You can also select one or more parts by dragging a rectangular window using the Right
mouse key. To do this, position the mouse cursor at one corner of the desired area, hold
the right mouse button down and move the mouse to the opposite corner of the area and
release the mouse button.

If you select the area by moving from the left to the right, all parts entirely contained in the
selection area will become selected. If you select from right to left, all parts contained or
whose region intersects the selection area will become selected.

If you hold the shift key down while using area select, the parts in the selection area will
be added to the selected group.

Selecting or Unselecting all Parts

To select all parts on the current nest, choose the Select All menu item from the Edit
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 Zooming In and Out
Zooming in allows you to examine smaller areas of your nest by magnifying them to fill
the desktop area of ProNest. Zooming out means to return to a previous level of
magnification.

Area Zoom

To zoom in on a selected (rectangular) area of the plate, click on the Area Zoom icon on
your toolbar, or select the Area Zoom item from the View menu.

Zoom to Selected

To zoom in on a selected part or group of parts, click on the Zoom Selected icon on your
toolbar, or select the Zoom Selected item from the View menu.

Dynamic Zoom

Dynamic zooming allows you to easily zoom in and out at any desired location on your
nest. Just position the mouse cursor at the center of the area and press the Page Up or
Page Down keys. Each time you press the page up or down keys you will zoom in or out
more. Dynamic zooming is very useful when you are in a mode like Move Leads.

Zoom Out

To zoom out (return to the previous magnification level), click on the Zoom Out icon on
your toolbar, or select the Zoom Out item from the View menu.

No Zoom

To return to a view of the entire plate, click on the No Zoom icon on your toolbar, or
select the No Zoom item from the View menu.

Working With Selected Parts

During interactive nesting, all operations effect the selected parts. These parts are
referred to as the selected group. The group is surrounded by eight “handles”, one at
each corner and side. A part must be selected before any operation can be performed
on it.

Moving (Dragging)

To move the selected group or part, click inside a part in the selected group and hold
down the left mouse button. The handles disappear, and the selected parts are redrawn
in specified moving color. Only exterior profiles of these parts are visible while they are
being moved. This is a dragging state. Still holding down the left mouse button, drag the
group with the mouse until it is in the desired location.

Releasing the left mouse button returns the selected group to a normal selected state in
the new location.

Moving (Using Slide)

If you click and hold the mouse button down on one of the middle bump handles you can
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 43

example, if you slide the part using the left middle bump handle, the part can only be
moved horizontally, not vertically.

Moving (Using Nudge)

The selected group can also be moved a pre-defined distance by using the shift key with
arrow keys or the bump handles. To move up by the nudge distance, hold down the shift
key and press the UP ARROW key (or click on the top-center bump handle), to move left,
press the LEFT ARROW key, and so on. The selected group will move the amount given
by the Nudge Distance setting in the Manual Nesting tab of the Preferences screen.

Bumping

In ProNest, bumping means to move a part in a desired direction until it is the specified
separation from other parts or the plate edge.

To bump, click on the desired middle handle of the selected part or group. For example,
to bump left, select the middle handle on the left side of the selected group. You can also
bump by using the arrow keys, or the bump icons on the toolbar. The selected group will
move left until it is a specified separation away from another part or the plate edge. Parts
that are completely off the plate will not bump. If the leading edge of a part (i.e., the left
edge if bumping left) is already in conflict, it will not bump. The part, plate edge, and
pierce separations used can be found in the process parameter settings for the chosen
cut process (see chapter 3 settings overview).

Delete

To delete the selected group or part, press the Delete key or the Delete Selected icon.

Delete Nest

To delete the current nest, select Delete Nest from Nest, or select the Delete Nest Icon.

Delete All Nests

To delete all nests, select Delete All Nests from Nest, or select the Delete All Nests
Icon. When this is done, all parts are free to be nested again.

Note: If a part or parts are selected when either delete nest function is used, they will
remain selected on the plate, even though all other part are removed.

Duplicating

To duplicate the selected group or part, select Duplicate from the Parts pull down menu,
or select the Duplicate Parts Icon. The selected group will be unselected, and a copy of
it will be placed slightly offset from the original. If the selected group requires more of
any of its parts than remain to be nested, the selected group will not be duplicated.

Clustering

A cluster may be created by grouping multiple parts in the selected state, then clicking on
Cluster from the Parts menu, or clicking on the Cluster icon. These can be the same
part or different parts. Once a cluster is created, it can be treated as an individual part. It
can be bumped, rotated, arrayed, duplicated, etc. Unselecting any individual part in the
cluster unselects the entire cluster.
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 Clusters are also added to the part bar and can then be used in automatic nesting, or can
be added interactively to the nest.

Unclustering

When a cluster of parts is selected and the Uncluster Icon is clicked (or Uncluster is
selected from the Parts menu), the parts in that cluster are no longer permanently
grouped together. After Unclustering, the individual parts can again be unselected or
selected individually, though the cluster still exists in the part bar and can be added to the
plate at any time.

Mirroring

To mirror the selected group or part, select Mirror from Parts or select the Mirror Icon.
The selected group is mirrored on a vertical axis, which runs through the center of the
selected group region.

Reverse Cut Direction

The reverse cut direction feature is used to change the direction the selected part will be
cut. Generally, ProNest will process parts so that the interior cuts are done in a counter-
clockwise direction and exterior profiles in a clockwise direction. Cutter kerf
compensation left is also used as standard practice.

Sometimes it may be desirable to reverse the cutting direction; for example, in order to
keep a part attached to the bulk of the plate as long as possible.

When the cut direction is reversed, interior profiles are cut clockwise and exterior profiles
counter-clockwise, and kerf compensation right is used.

The direction of cut can be displayed on the plate if cut direction is checked under the
view menu.

Arraying

To array, place the selected part or group in the desired start location and select Array
from Nest, or select the Array Icon. The number of parts to place in the X and Y
directions, and the part offset (X & Y spacing) are calculated. The number in the Y
direction is maximized to cover the plate height. The part offset is calculated to place
parts as close together as possible based on the part separation in your settings.

Pattern Array (Optional Feature)

To Pattern Array, place the selected part or group in the desired start location and select
Pattern Array from Nest, or select the Pattern Array icon. ProNest will then calculate
an optimal arrangement of that part or group to maximize the number of copies that can
be nested.

Pattern Array will be discussed in detail in Chapter 5.

Rotating Parts or Part Groups

All rotations occur in relation to the center point of the selected part or group.

Rotating by Increment - To rotate the selected part or group by a set increment, click on
either the Incremental Rotation Icon, or the upper left handle. This can also be
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 45

done by pressing the PLUS (“+”) or MINUS (“-“) keys on the keyboard. The selected
group will rotate by the specified increment. The Incremental Rotate Angle setting in
the Preferences screen under Manual Nesting is used for the icon, keyboard, and
upper left handle rotations. If the “+” Incremental Rotation Icon, the upper left handle
or the PLUS key are used, the selected group rotates counter-clockwise. If the “-“
Incremental Rotation Icon or the MINUS key is used, the selected group rotates
clockwise. If your mouse has a “wheel”, you can also use it to rotate the selected
groups.
Rotating to Next 90 - To rotate the selected part/group to the next 90 degree increment
greater than its current angle, starting from its initial angle, select the Rotate To Next
90 Icon, Press “Q” on the keyboard, or select the lower left handle. The current angle
of the selected part/group is the total rotation from its initial angle. If the selected
part/group consists of one part, the initial angle of that part is used. If the part/group
consists of multiple parts, the initial angle is set to zero each time a part is added or
removed from the group.
Longest Straight Side – Clicking the Long Side Rotate Icon, pressing “S” on the
keyboard, or clicking the lower right “handle” will determine the selected part’s
longest straight side and proceed to rotate that side to the next closest counter-
clockwise horizontal or vertical position. For example, the hypotenuse of a right
triangle will rotate to 90°, 180°, 270° or 360°.
Free Rotate - To “free” rotate the selected group, select the upper right handle and hold
down the left mouse button. The handles disappear, and the selected parts are
redrawn in the moving color. Only exterior profiles of the parts are visible. This is a
dragging state. Still holding down the left mouse button, move the mouse. The part
rotates with the mouse. To rotate quickly, stay closer to the center of the part or
group. To rotate slowly, move farther away from the center. Releasing the left
mouse button returns the selected group to a normal selected state.

Multiple Torches
If the cutting machine has multiple torches of one process, the torch settings feature
allows ProNest to take advantage of this. In torches, under settings, set “Number of
Torches” to match what the machine has.

Open the Torch Settings combo box under the part list and select 2 for number of torches
to be used on this plate. Set the torch spacing field to 0, then click on OK. Drag a part
over to the plate. There should be two parts on the plate now, the master being the
darker color and the slave being the lighter. The spacing between corresponding spots
on the 2 parts is determined by the width of the plate divided by the number of torches.
This can be modified by assigning a value for torch spacing.

As an option, MTC provides a variable multi-torch feature which can adjust both the
number of torches and the spacing used automatically based on the size of the part being
nested.

Even without the variable torch option, ProNest allows the user to manually modify the
torch spacing and number of torches as different parts are nested. When the nest is
output to the machine, a stop code and comments are included that tell the operator what
torch settings to use, allowing him to set up the machine properly.

Move Lead In/Out Locations

In addition to being able to move lead in/out locations in the Preview window while you
are building your parts list, you can also move them in the main nesting window.

To enter move leads mode, click on the Move Leads Mode icon in your toolbar or select
the Move Leads Mode from the Edit menu.
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 To move the lead in/out for an interior or exterior profile of a part, simply click on the
desired new location and the lead in/out will be automatically moved there. ProNest will
change the style (according to your settings) when you move from a side location to a
corner or from a corner to a side.

If you need to zoom in on a profile to select the location properly, it is usually best to use
dynamic zooming. Just move the mouse cursor over the desired area and use the page
up and down keys. Dynamic zooming will not cancel Move Leads Mode.

To return to normal Select Mode, you can click the Right mouse button, or click on the
Select Mode icon in your toolbar.

Note: Since moving leads will cause ProNest to generate a new cut sequence, it is best
to move leads prior to setting a cut sequence.

Cut Sequence
When you nest parts in ProNest, either manually or automatically, the program generates
a cutting sequence for those parts based on your current settings. After your nesting is
complete, you can interactively change the cut sequence if desired. Click on the Cut
Sequence Icon in your toolbar, or select the Cut Sequence item from the Nest Menu;
ProNest will display the Cut Sequence Toolbar. This tool bar has special tools to help
you change the cut sequence. Normally it appears as a floating toolbar on your
workspace area, but like all other toolbars, it can be “docked”. The current cut sequence
for each part on your nest will be displayed. You can now use the mouse to select parts
and toggle them between sequenced and unsequenced mode by simply clicking on them.
When a part is unsequenced, it will not have a sequence number displayed near the start
point of the exterior profile.

Modifying the Cut Sequence

To change the sequence of a few parts on the nest, just click on each of those parts to
unsequence them, and then click on those parts again to sequence them in the new
order.

To place a part or group of parts in a specific spot in the cut sequence, select (and
therefore unsequence) those parts in the desired order. Click the Insert Unsequenced
Parts Before icon on the Cut Sequence Toolbar, and then click on the sequenced part.
The selected parts should immediately precede. The sequence numbers of all parts will
be adjusted to show the new order.

To move a part or group of parts to the end of the cut sequence, select (and therefore
unsequence) those parts in the desired order. Then Click the Append Unsequenced
Parts to End icon and those parts will be shifted to the end of the cutting sequence.

Set Cut Sequence

To explicitly set the cut sequence for all of the parts in the nest, you should first click on
the Clear Cut Sequence icon to unsequence all of the parts. You can also click on the
Clear Cut Sequence From icon to clear the sequence for all parts starting with the part
you click on next. Then simply click on the parts in the new order to sequence them.

Exit Cut Sequence Mode

To exit from Cut Sequence mode, click on the Close button on the Cut Sequence toolbar.
ProNest will automatically sequence any remaining unsequenced parts for you.
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 47

Cut Simulation
ProNest gives users the opportunity to view the path the machine takes as it performs its
operations. By clicking on Cut Simulation from View or the cut simulation icon, the Cut
Simulation tool bar will appear. After clicking on Play, an animated torch will appear on
the plate, and will simulate the machine path used for the current nest. The speed of the
torch is based on the feedrate settings found in the Material and Costing Settings tab,
and can be increased or decreased.

Cropping the Plate

In ProNest, cropping is used to cut a usable portion of the plate away from the skeleton
created by cutting out the parts. When a crop is defined for a nest, the CNC program will
include instructions for the cutting machine to make this crop cut after all parts have been
cut out.

AutoCrop

The Autocrop option (under the nest menu) will add a cropping cut to the right of the
nested parts. ProNest divides the plate into zones from top to bottom based on your
setting for Autocrop Zones in General under processes and layers.. A crop line for each
zone is then defined on the side of the parts in that zone, opposite the origin.

Using 1 for the number of Autocrop Zones will result in a straight crop cut from the top to
the bottom of the plate. The remnant plate created can then be easily used in ProNest by
entering it as a custom plate size.

Interactive Cropping

Interactive cropping allows you to create the path for the cropping cut by defining a series
of linear motions.

To interactively crop a nest, click on the Crop Mode icon on your toolbar, or select the
Crop item from the Nest menu.

Once in crop mode, a cross-hair cursor will be drawn across the plate. Start your crop by
clicking below (or above) the plate edge. ProNest will automatically start the cut at the
plate edge for you. You can then simply click on a series of points to define the cut path.
Finish the crop by clicking above (or below) the opposite plate edge for the last crop
motion. You can complete a crop at the right or left edge of the plate if desired.

An alternative to the single click method for defining the crop is to click down with the
mouse button, drag out a line and then release the mouse button. This method allows
you to see where each section of the crop cut will be before you release the mouse
button. You can also use the shift key down while using this method; this causes the
resulting crop line to "snap to" the nearest horizontal, vertical or 45 degree line.

To exit crop mode, click the right mouse button. ProNest will automatically trim or extend
the last crop line to the plate edge.

Delete Crop

To delete an existing crop for a nest, select the Delete Crop item from the Nest menu.

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 Measure Mode
Measure mode is used to measure distances on your nest using the mouse cursor. For
example, you could use this to check part separation or a dimension on a part. The
accuracy of the measurement is limited by the distance represented by one pixel on the
screen, and by how accurately you select the measurement points.

To enter measure mode, click on the Measure Mode icon on your toolbar, or select the
Measure Mode item from the Edit menu. While in measure mode, ProNest will display
cross-hairs across the desktop area and the mouse cursor will change to a measuring
tape.

Once in measure mode, you can make a measurement by clicking down with the left
mouse button, dragging out a line, and releasing the mouse button. The results will be
displayed in the status bar. For each measurement, the distance (with the known
accuracy), the DX (delta, or change in X) and the DY (delta, or change in Y) are
displayed.

To exit from measure mode and return to normal Select Mode, you can click the Right
mouse button, or click on the Select Mode icon in your toolbar.

Note: It is often helpful to zoom in on the area being measured.

Advance to a New Plate

When the current plate is full and there are additional parts to be nested, click on the New
Nest icon (or select New Nest from the nest menu). A new plate can be selected and
nesting can be continued.

CNC Output
After you have completed nesting your job, you will want to create the CNC files for each
nest. These CNC files contain the instructions for your cutting machine to cut out the
entire nest, and the cropping cut, if one is defined.

To create the CNC files for the job, click on the Output CNC icon on your toolbar or
select the Output CNC item from the File menu. When the Output CNC dialog box
appears you can navigate to the desired folder to which the files should be written. The
filename will default to the file name used when you saved your job, or “Untitled” if you
have not yet saved it. You can change this filename if desired. Likewise, the filename
will end with your default CNC extension from your settings. This too, can be changed.
Click on OK to create the CNC files.

If you have more than one nest, and are using a default CNC extension, ProNest will
append a number to the filename. For example, if you have two nests and you entered
TEST.CNC as the filename, ProNest would create two nests named TEST01.CNC and
TEST02.CNC.

If the option to “Use Long Filenames” is not checked in the CNC output section of your
settings, ProNest will first truncate the filename so that the resulting name is not longer
than eight characters.

If existing files will be overwritten and you have asked to be warned about overwriting
CNC files in your Preferences (Warnings), ProNest will display a warning dialog box.
Click on OK to replace the existing files, or no to exit without writing any CNC files.

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 49

Saving A Job/Opening A Job

When the nesting is done, the entire job can be saved by either clicking on the Save Job
icon or selecting Save Job under File. When the Save Job As… dialog appears, the
desired folder to which the .NIF file is written can be selected. All aspects of the nest
including part geometry, plate information, and settings are saved. This file can be
opened at any time by clicking on the Open Job icon or selecting Open Job from File.
This restores the job as it was saved, should it need to be changed. At this time, the
nest(s) can be modified in any way or the entire job can be unnested and renested in a
different manner.

Creating Plate Inventory (optional feature)

With this option, you can save remnants and/or skeletons from nest material to a
database for use in ProNest at a later time.

Creating a Remnant

After cropping the plate, the remnant (drop) may be saved to the plate inventory
database by selecting Create Remnants and Skeletons… under Nest. The default name
may be used or a descriptive name entered. If a new name is given, click on Update
Names, then click on Create Remnants. Clicking on Update Inventory will add the
remnant to the plate inventory database.

Creating a Skeleton

A skeleton is the full plate minus the nested parts. The procedure to create a skeleton is
the same as a remnant. Select Create Remnants and Skeletons… under Nest. Choose
a name (or use the default name), click on Create Skeletons, then Update Inventory,
adding the skeleton to the plate inventory database.

Reports
ProNest can produce a variety of reports to assist your cutting machine operator and to
provide you with detailed information about production times and costs for your parts and
the complete job.

To view a report, select the Reports item from the File menu, a sub-menu with each
report will be displayed. Simply click on the preview icon to the left of the desired report
to preview it on your screen.

When the report preview window appears, you can use the icons in the toolbar to view
each page, change your printer (or its properties), and of course, print the report.

Nest Summary This report displays information about the amount of plate
used and utilizations (nesting efficiency) for all of the nests
in your job.
Cut Sequence This report shows an image of each nest, the plate size
and material information and the cutting sequence number
for each part.
Cost and Time Detail If you use the reference field (like order number or
customer name) when you added parts to your list, you can
use this report to get detailed information about the part
size, production time and cost, material cost, and total cost
for each part, grouped by the reference value.
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Summary Accounts for inventory plates used in the job
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 Inventory Detail Provides dimensional information on the inventory plates
used.
Part List The Part List report contains the filenames (including path),
quantity required, quantity nested, priority, restriction angle,
initial rotation and reference value for each part in the job.
Part Detail Provides dimensions; material, weight, quantities, and
additional information along with a part picture.

In addition to the above, several additional formats can be found under custom reports in
the lower half of the report selection window, which may satisfy needs not addressed in
the primary reports.

Automatic Nesting (Optional Feature)

Rectangular vs True Shape Automatic Nesting
Automatic nesting can be performed in two different styles, depending on the options
chosen when ProNest was purchased. Rectangular nesting (often called Block nesting)
places an imaginary rectangular border around each part. The parts are then placed on
the plate in such a way that no part infringes inside the rectangular border of another.
True Shape nesting allows parts to be placed on the plate based on their actual shape,
not a rectangular border. This allows parts to be interlocked or placed inside profiles of
other parts. Since, in general, both styles follow the same procedures and rules, we will
concentrate on True Shape nesting.

Factors Which Influence Nesting

After developing a list of parts and plates (as discussed earlier in this chapter), rather
than manually placing parts, click on the Start Autonest icon. If the parts are defined to
match the plate material, they will automatically be placed on the plate, starting from the
corner specified as the Init Point (defined in the Autonest section under Processes and
Layers in Settings).

Also found on this page is a Strategy combo box- the strategy chosen will dictate the
way ProNest places the parts on the plate. Each strategy may give different results and
take varying amounts of time, based on its complexity. Once the parts are nested, the
plate(s) can be unnested and another strategy can be selected, if desired.

An important aspect of autonesting (as mentioned earlier) is the separations between

other parts, the edge of the plate, and the pierces (blow-through points). These can be
set as defaults (Settings => Processes and Layers => Plasma, Gas, Laser, etc- (Choose
the appropriate process) => Process Parameters) or based on individual material records
in conjunction with the appropriate Process Parameter database record (discussed
elsewhere in this manual).

The Parts section (under Processes and Layers in Settings) has parameters which affect
the rotation angles ProNest tries before placing the parts on the plate and the order
(Priority) they are added. These are discussed in Chapter 3.

It is important to know that ProNest normally will nest the largest part first, until either the
quantity is exhausted or no more can be fit on the plate. Then it will try the next largest
part and so on. The priority allows the user to dictate which part should be nested first.
The lower the number, the sooner it will be nested. These values are applied to all parts
but ProNest allows the user to modify individual parts by changing the part record field on
the Add Parts screen under the Part List bar. The part bin is ordered by size (largest part
on top). If the priority is changed, the order the parts appear in the part bin changes also.
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 51

Multiple Torches
As in interactive nesting, multiple torches can be used. Set the Number of Torches in the
Torches section in Settings to the maximum number of torches (of the same process)
used by the cutting machine. If the optional variable features are used, ProNest will not
only vary the spacing between parts but also change the number of torches used, based
on the space available.

If fixed number of torches and spacing is used and the parts are too large to fit on the
plate, a “Not all parts were nested” message will be displayed. Change the number of
torches and try again. This message also occurs if there are parts remaining and all
plates are full. Click on Ok, then the New Nest icon and select a new plate or add another
plate from the Add Plates icon.

Using Both Automatic and Interactive Nesting

A very useful feature of ProNest is the ability to utilize both automatic and interactive
nesting on the same job. Place a few parts on the plate manually in the manner desired
then click on the Start Autonest icon to complete the plate. Likewise, autonesting can be
used first followed by manual rearranging of parts to enhance the utilization of the plate.
The autonest function can be stopped at any time by clicking on the Stop Autonest icon.

Once the parts are nested, the features discussed earlier in the Interactive Nesting
section are all available to the user. Parts can be moved, rotated, duplicated, or mirrored.
The cut direction can be changed on individual parts. The plate can be cropped and the
cutting sequence, which is automatically developed by ProNest, can be modified. When
all modifications have been made, the nest can be saved and/or output as a CNC file.

Material Database
The Material Database stores a list of all the different material type and thickness that
you might want to eventually nest on. Once this list is created, it will be available within
ProNest and you will be able to assign a material type and thickness for each part and
plate. By providing this information, ProNest will be able to calculate costs and weights
for every part and plate.

To open the Material Database

♦ To open the Material Database from within the Add Parts window, on the
Database menu, select Material….
♦ To open the Material Database from the Windows Start menu, click Start, click
All Programs, click MTC Products, click ProNest 6 Nesting System, and then
click Material Database.

To add a material to your Material Database

1. On the Material Database toolbar, click New.
2. On the General tab, type at least the material name and thickness of the material.
3. To save the material, click OK.
Notes:

♦ The density and thickness are used to calculate part and plate weight.
♦ The unit price is used to calculate the part and plate material cost.
♦ The scrap value is used to calculate the nest’s scrap value.

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 To delete a material from your Material Database

♦ In the list of materials, click the one you want to delete, and then click Delete on
the toolbar.

To change material information in your Material Database

♦ In the list of materials, locate and double-click the material you want, and then
change the information as needed.

Customer Database
The Customer Database stores a list of all your company’s clients. Once this list is
created, it will be available within ProNest and you will be able to assign a customer for
each part. By providing this information, ProNest will be able to provide reports itemized
by customer.

To open the Customer Database

♦ To open the Material Database from within the Add Parts window, on the
Database menu, select Customer….
♦ To open the Customer Database from the Windows Start menu, click Start, click
All Programs, click MTC Products, click ProNest 6 Nesting System, and then
click Customer Database.

To add a customer to your Customer Database

1. On the Customer Database toolbar, click New.
2. On the General tab, type at least the customer name.
3. On the other tab, add any information you would like to include.
4. To save the customer, click OK.

To delete a customer from your Customer Database

♦ In the list of customers, click the one you want to delete, and then click Delete on
the toolbar.

To change customer information in your Customer Database

♦ In the list of customers, locate and double-click the customer you want, and then
change the information as needed.

Advanced Edit
When a part in the Part List is highlighted in the Add Parts window, the Advanced Edit
icon becomes visible on the Preview screen. This program allows the user to make
significant changes to the selected part. Advanced edit allows the selection of points,
entities, or profiles. If the entire profile highlights when selected with the left mouse key,
Advanced Edit is in profile mode. If editing entities or points is desired, click on Select
Profiles under the Select menu to disable profile mode. Likewise, if only individual
entities are being highlighted, click on Select Profiles to activate profile mode.

Point Mode

With Intersection Points selected, left click on a point (one of the dots on the profile). To
the right of the part display, an Intersection Point Properties box appears giving the
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Properties, which allow the addition of loops. Looping is a method to ensure a sharp
corner on a part. The torch passes straight through and beyond the corner, then loops
around to enter the corner again at a zero degree angle relative to the next line to be cut.
This prevents rounding of the corner but, since it adds to the profile, also takes up more
material when nested. The scale controls the size of the loop and the remaining
parameters refer to CNC output and may or may not be applicable to the cutting
machine.

Right clicking on a point allows the user to make it a Start Point or choose Quick Loop,
using whatever loop values were previously used in this session of Advanced Edit. When
Make Start Point is selected, the default leads from ProNest are used in conjunction with
the style already used for the part. In other words, if moving the leads from corner to
corner, the style and dimension will not change. If the leads are moved from corner to
side (or vice versa), the leads will be set to the ProNest default values.

Right clicking on an existing lead allows it to be deleted by clicking on Delete LILO or

flipped (either from outside the profile to inside or vice versa) by clicking on Flip LILO.
However, if the leads appear on the wrong side of the profile, there are most likely
problems with the drawing that should be explored. MTC Technical Support will be happy
to explain some possible reasons and solutions should this occur.

Entity Mode

Selecting an entity (line or arc) with the left mouse key opens the Entity Properties box to
the right of the part display. This provides pertinent information about the entity such as
start, end, and center point (if applicable) coordinates, length or radius, and output
parameters.

Right clicking on an entity allows the user to Delete the entity, make the point where he
clicked the start point (Make Start Point), or split the entity at the point he clicked (Split
Entity). Tabs can also be added at the point of the mouse click. Selecting Add Tab
opens the Tab Properties box on the right of the part display screen. A tab is a bridge or
stitch cut that leaves the part still connected to the plate. At the spot of the tab, the torch
will shut off, move to the end of the tab or the leadin to the tab, then begin cutting again.
The properties allow definition of the leadin (if desired), the length of the tab, and CNC
output values. After adding the tab, right clicking on another entity and selecting Quick
Tab will create a duplicate tab at the new location.

Profile Mode

If the user has been modifying points and entities and now wants to change features of a
profile, he would need to choose Select Profile from the View Menu. A left click on a
profile opens the Profile Properties box, allowing the user to change the cut process, the
kerf offset direction, the cut direction, and the cut sequence routine.

Right clicking on a profile allows the user to Delete it.

Additional Edit Utilities

In addition to those discussed earlier, the Edit menu allows other helpful routines:

Close Open Profiles allows the user to close a gap in the profile (Note- This is not
designed to correct other types of open profiles like overlapping entities or improperly
trimmed intersections). Open profiles are indicated between two diamonds.

Cut Sequence allows the user to change the order that profiles are cut simply by clicking
on the profiles in the order he wants.
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 Scale, when selected will change the dimensions of the entire part by a factor defined by
the user. After clicking on Scale, a crosshair appears. Click and drag the mouse (where
or how far the mouse is moved makes no difference) and a Scale window appears. Enter
a percentage value for the scale (200 will double the size, 50 will cut it in half), then click
on OK. The display will not appear different but measuring (Measure from the Tools
menu) will indicate the difference.

Additional Selection Techniques

In addition to the selection method we used to pick points, entities, and profiles the Select
menu provides a couple other tools.

Select All allows mass editing of multiple points, entities, or profiles. For example, if a
lead was selected anywhere on the part and Select All was clicked, all the leads would be
highlighted and could be modified by changing the properties as we did with a single
lead. When applied, all the leads should change.

Unselect All will unselect everything, as will clicking off the part.

Area Select (not listed in the Select menu) fine tunes the Select All function by allowing
the user to open a window around the items he wants to select. This works in an identical
manner to ProNest- right click then drag the mouse from left to right, opening a window
around a given area. If a point is selected, all points falling within this window will also
become selected. Likewise, if an entity is selected prior to opening a window, all entities
completely inside the area will be selected. The same holds true for profiles. When the
Area Select window is opened from right to left, the entity or profile only needs to be
partially in the box to be selected.

Using the Ctrl Key Multiple (but similar) items can also be selected by holding the Ctrl
key while selecting. All the items that are clicked will be selected.

Using the Shift Key Multiple (but similar) items can also be selected by holding the Shift
key while selecting. If an item is selected and an item on the other side of the part is
clicked with the Shift key, not only the two items will be highlighted but all similar items in
between.

View Menu

Toolbars may be selected for display and customized.

Properties Toolbar will either display the various properties toolbars to the right of the
part display or not.

The following are some useful features found in the View menu that aid in verifying
whether or not the part is ready to nest.

Zoom features are identical to those found in ProNest and were discussed earlier in this
chapter.

Index traces the path of the torch as it rapid travels (torch off motions) from profile to
profile.

Cut Sequence assigns a number for each profile in the order the part will be cut.

Cut Direction displays arrows pointing the direction the torch will travel around each
profile.

Intersection Points show the start and end points of each entity.
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 55

Open Profiles, when selected, displays diamonds at points where ProNest finds
problems in the cad drawing.

Display Only shows any information that is on a cad drawing layer that matches the
ProNest Plot layer name. Part names, heat #’s, dimensions, and other items of interest
can be displayed if selected.

Tools Menu

Measure the distance between two points by clicking on the measure icon or menu item.
Move the crosshairs to one spot, click and hold the left key, dragging the mouse to the
next spot. Release the mouse key and the information will be displayed on the status bar
at the bottom of the screen.

Preferences allow the user to configure his viewing options. Cut Seq # Position places
the numbers that appear when viewing the cut sequence, in a specified location in
reference to a part profile. The Pick Point Tolerance determines how close the pointer
has to be to an item to make a selection.

Color Selection will allow the user to modify the color schemes used by Advanced Edit.

Move Init Pt allows the user to select a new init (0,0) point for the part. The spot at which
the mouse is clicked can become the new init point or X,Y coordinate values can be
entered. The + sign representing the init point will be moved to that location.

Recalc Init Pt locates the (0,0) point to a specified location in reference to the part.

File Menu

When all changes are made to the part, the following options may be useful:

Open allows generic MTC .tok files to be brought into Advanced Edit. This will eliminate
the part currently displayed so usage of this option will probably be rare.

Output generates the CNC code that operates the cutting machine. Normally, this would
not be used since ProNest outputs the code for the entire nest. Sometimes however, the
output of only a single part is needed and this is a quick way to do it.

Update saves and carries over the part changes into ProNest upon exiting Advanced
Edit. The changes can also be saved when the “x” in the upper right corner is clicked.

Reload restores the part to the last saved condition (either the way the part was originally
brought in or the way it was after Updating), eliminating any changes made.

Properties
The following properties can be modified at the properties window (under Preview)
depending on whether a part is selected in the explorer view or the part list. See Chapter
7 for a complete description of the settings. The following chart briefly explains what
each category contains.

Nest Section Properties such as Quantity, Material, Priority, Initial

Rotation, Rotation Restriction, and Reference can be
changed. Note that the Reference is simply a field that
can accept alpha/numeric data for your reference. This
reference can be a customer name, a P.O. number, etc.
This is displayed in the reports as well.
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 tolerance.
CAD Import All of your cutting, scribing and punching processes must
be on individual layers in your CAD drawing for ProNest to
extract them. ProNest searches the CAD drawing for the
layer names specified. When it finds a match, it extracts
the information and assigns it to the appropriate process.
Options include but aren’t limited to selecting an origin
corner, reversing the cut direction, exploding multiple parts
and using pre-drawn leads.
Lead-ins/outs All of the lead-in/out information can be viewed and/or
modified. See Chapter 7 for a complete description of
each of these settings.
Cost Displays information such as width, height, cut length,
area, and weight of the selected part. If additional cost
information is available, time and cost to produce the part
will be calculated.

Once selected to the part list, a part(s) may be deleted by selected it (them) and clicking
on the remove part icon or by pressing the delete key on the keyboard.

After entering all of the part files for the current job, close the Part List window by
selecting the Close item from the File menu, or by clicking on the X in the upper-right
corner of the window. You will be returned to the main screen of ProNest.

The parts now appear in the part bar located at the left of the main ProNest window.

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Chapter 5: ProNest Options

Plate Inventory Database

The Plate Inventory Database stores a list of all the plates one has stored at his facility.
Once this list is created, it can be accessed within ProNest so that a user can easily see
what he has available to him to nest on. Plate Inventory is also the location where the
unnested portion of a plate is stored as a remnant or skeleton.

To open the Plate Inventory Database

♦ To open the Plate Inventory Database from within the Add Plates window, on the
Database menu, select Plate Inventory….
♦ To open the Plate Inventory Database from the Windows Start menu, click Start,
click All Programs, click MTC Products, click ProNest 6 Nesting System, and
then click Plate Inventory Database.
To add a material to your Plate Inventory Database
1. On the Plate Inventory Database toolbar, click New.

Select the type of plate. Rectangular, circular, remnant, or skeleton can be selected.

Enter in the required fields:

The required fields for a Rectangular

♦ X Dimension - Length of plate

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 ♦ Y Dimension - Width of plate
♦ Material - Type of material the plate is made of

The required fields for Remnants and Skeletons

♦ Filename - If manually entered, this field need to be filled in

♦ Material - Type of material the plate is made of

The required fields for a Circle

♦ Diameter
♦ Material

The important fields for each type of plate:

♦ Material
♦ Date
♦ Rotation Angle of the plate
♦ Quantity Available for plate
♦ Reorder Quantity for plate
♦ Reorder Limit - number of times order can be duplicated
Click Calculate. This will automatically calculate the area, weight, total weight, value,
and total value. If the plate is type remnant or skeleton the length and width will also be
calculated.

To save the plate, click OK.

Notes:

♦ The plate’s unit price will be initialized to the material’s unit price.
♦ The unit price is used to calculate the plate’s value.

To delete a plate from your Plate Inventory Database

♦ In the list of plates, click the one you want to delete, and then click Delete on the
toolbar.

To change plate information in your Plate Inventory Database

♦ In the list of plates, locate and double-click the plate you want, and then change
the information as needed.

Part Inventory Database

The Part Inventory Database stores a list of parts that need to be cut more than once.
This list could be used for assemblies or for repeat orders for a customer. Once this list
is created, it can be accessed within ProNest when creating your part lists.

To open the Part Inventory Database

♦ To open the Part Inventory Database from within the Add Parts window, on the
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♦ To open the Part Inventory Database from the Windows Start menu, click Start,
click All Programs, click MTC Products, click ProNest 6 Nesting System, and
then click Part Inventory Database.

To add a part to your Part Inventory Database

1. On the Part Inventory Database toolbar, click New, then select the part(s) from the
Add CAD/CNC/TOK files screen. When selected, click on OK. (Note: Multiple
selections can be made by using the shift or CTRL key)

2. Enter in the required fields:

♦ Part Name - The name of the part being added to inventory
♦ Part Path - Where the part file is located
♦ Quantity - Quantity of part required
♦ Material - Type of material used
♦ Customer - Who the part is being processed for
♦ Priority - Order in which part to be nested
♦ Init. Rotation - Initial rotation of the part before nesting
♦ Rotation - Increment of rotation of part to be nested
♦ Mirror - Determine whether the part will be mirrored or not
♦ Cluster - Determine whether the part will be clustered or not
♦ Common Line - Determine whether the part will be common line cut or not

3. Click Calculate. This will automatically calculate the length, width, true area, true
weight, rectangular area and rectangular weight.
4. To save the part, click OK.

To delete a part from your Part Inventory Database

♦ In the list of parts, click the one you want to delete, and then click Delete on the
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 To change part information in your Part Inventory Database

♦ In the list of parts, locate and double-click the part you want, and then change the
information as needed.

Assembly Database
The Assembly Database stores a list of assemblies, which contain a list of parts that are
needed to create them. Once this list is created, it can be accessed within ProNest
when creating your part lists.

To open the Assembly Database

♦ To open the Assembly Database from within the Add Parts window, on the
Database menu, select Assemblies….
♦ To open the Assembly Database from the Windows Start menu, click Start, click
All Programs, click MTC Products, click ProNest 6 Nesting System, and then
click Assembly Database.

To add an assembly to your Assembly Database

1. On the Assembly Database toolbar, click New.

2. Type in at least the assembly name.
3. To save the assembly, click OK.

To add an parts to your assembly in the Assembly Database

1. Select the assembly on the left column and select Add Parts.
2. Select all the parts that you want to add to the assembly and select Add.

3. Modify the quantities for each part in the assembly by clicking in the quantity field.

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Notes:

♦ Only inventory parts can be added to an assembly.

To delete an assembly from your Assembly Database

♦ In the list of assemblies, click the one you want to delete, and then click Delete
on the toolbar.

To delete parts from an assembly in your Assembly Database

♦ In the list of parts for an assembly, click the one you want to delete, and then
click Delete on the toolbar.

To change assembly information in your Assembly Database

♦ In the list of assemblies, locate and double-click the assembly you want, and
then change the information as needed.

Chain and Bridge Cutting

Chain Cutting

Chain Cutting adds advanced interactive chaining of cut profiles into continuous cutting
paths, eliminating costly pierce cycles and improving productivity. The dynamic lead
in/out movement makes the process easy and intuitive.

Bridge Cutting

Bridge cutting allows temporary bridges to be created, connecting parts together. Two
parallel cutting lines form a “bridge” between two parts. When the torch is following the
contour of the first part and gets to the first line of the bridge, it crosses to the second
part. The torch will then follow the profile until it gets to either the second line of the
original bridge, or the first line of another bridge. There is no limit to the number of
bridges that can be created.

Chain Cutting Settings

To view or edit the Chain Cutting Settings, click on the Chaining tab in the cut process
(Gas, in the example shown below) settings window accessed by selecting Settings from
the File pull down menu.
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 Chain Cutting
Part – Chain Chain separation plus half the part separation provides the
Separation distance between the chain and the part.
Disable height If selected, will disable the height control in chain motions.
control during
lead-out
Chain Array
Lead-In The length of a linear extension added to the start of the lead-
extension in. This will only be applied to the 1st lead-in of the chain to
allow for a longer cut without affecting the following cuts.
Allow cut to Allows the crossing of a path already cut to link to the next
cross kerf part.
Chain parts in Reverses the direction of the cut if the part leads are on the
reverse order wrong side.
Use “Not- In a “Not-Crossing” lead-in/lead-out, the leads are angled such
Crossing” lead- that the torch never crosses a previously cut section of the
in/lead-out profile. It is required for processes such as Oxy-Fuel which
are unable to cross a previously cut section of material.

Bridge Cutting Settings

To view or edit the Bridge Cutting Settings, click on the Bridging tab in the cut process
(Gas, in the example shown below) settings window accessed by selecting Settings from
the File pull down menu.

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Bridge Cutting
Bridge Width Determines the width of the bridge connecting the parts. A
negative width can be used to “crossover” bridges. A bridge
radius is usually used in conjunction with a negative bridge
width.
Bridge Radius Radius applied at the intersections of the bridge and part
profile.
Maximum Corner Defines a corner’s maximum angle (in degrees) between two
Angle adjoining line/arc entities.
Preview Displays a preview of the defined bridge.

Tolerance
End Point Snap This is a measurement set in screen pixels. When the end
Distance point is selected on the plate, ProNest will exert a magnet-like
pull automatically placing the end point at the nearest snap
point.

Using Chain Cutting

Chain Cutting is an optional feature of ProNest that is activated by the authorization
process, and gives the user the option of linking the profiles together so that they are cut
with a continuous, non-stop cutting path. To begin chaining parts together, place the
parts on the plate that you wish to chain together. Then making sure no parts are still
selected, enter chaining mode by clicking on the Chaining icon.

Adding Profiles to the Current Chain

While you are in Chaining mode, the Chaining toolbar will be displayed. This toolbar can
“float” above your work area, or be “docked” with your other toolbars. Begin chaining
parts together by selecting (using the left mouse button) the first profile at the location
where you wish the lead-in of the chain to be, ProNest will automatically move the lead-in
to that location. A rubber band line will be drawn from the lead-out of the selected profile
to the pointer. Select additional points to define a non-direct path if desired, or simply
select the next profile, remembering that the lead-in/out of that profile will be moved to
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 the torch path between the two profiles. The final chain motion will end at the lead-out of
the second profile selected. Repeat the steps above to add more profiles to the chain, or
click the right mouse button or press the Esc key to complete a chain.

After the selected profiles have been chained together, they become a single profile. The
start point of the first profile in the chain becomes the start point for the chain. The chain
retains the lead-in of the first profile, and the lead-out of the last profile.

To undo the links, click on the ‘Back-up’ icon (clicking the icon a second time will back up
2 steps, and so on) or by pressing the Backspace key. Click on the ‘X’ to cancel the
chain and remove it. To complete the chain, click on ‘!’, then accept the chain by clicking
on the check mark. When finished, click on Close to exit chaining mode.

Breaking Chains

A chain can be deleted (broken) by simply selecting the parts that are chained together,
then click on either the Break icon, or right click on the part and select Break. This will
remove all chains in the selected parts.

Using Bridge Cutting

Bridge Cutting is an optional feature of ProNest that is activated by the authorization
process. Bridging allows the user to create bridges that connect parts together.

Assigning Bridges

To bridge parts together, place the desired parts on the plate, make sure none of the
parts are selected, and then click on the bridging icon. Note: If one or more parts are
selected, ProNest will not allow you to enter bridging mode.

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After clicking on the bridging icon, the Bridging toolbar will appear (the values will be
initially grayed out). To define a bridge, position the mouse, click down with the left
mouse button, drag out a line, and release the button. You can define multiple bridges by
dragging a line across several parts. ProNest will then add the bridges at all valid
locations. After bridges are defined, they become selected. You can add more bridges
to the selection using the Ctrl-select method or area select using the right mouse button.
Once selected, the properties of the bridge (width and radius) are displayed in the
toolbar. You can change the properties of the selected bridges by editing the values.

When finished, click on the check mark to accept these bridges, to cancel them, click on
the ‘X’. Click on Close to exit from bridging mode.

Breaking Bridges

Bridges can be deleted (broken) after they have been accepted, by selecting the parts
that are bridged together and then clicking on the Break icon, or by right clicking on the
parts and selecting Break from the pop-up menu. This will remove all of the bridges in
the selected parts.

Common Line Cutting

Common Line Cutting is an optional feature of ProNest that is activated by the
authorization process, and allows two parts to be cut in such a way that they share a
common line with each other. This reduces the cutting length required and eliminates a
pierce for the common cut parts.

Common Line Cut Settings

To view or edit the Common Line Cut Settings, click on the Common Line Cut tab on the
cut process (Gas, in the example shown below) settings window accessed by selecting
Settings from the File pull down menu.

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 Common Line Cutting
Lead-in Length Length of lead-in at the start of the common line cut
path.
Lead-out Length Length of lead-out (this should be smaller than the
kerf width)
Kerf Width The width of the torch. This is used to determine the
proper part separation so the common line does not
infringe on either part.
Minimum Shared Length Minimum acceptable length of the line to be common
cut.
Maximum Alignment Maximum angle a part can be rotated to align the
Rotation common lines. A large angle allows greater flexibility
for placement of a common cut. Keep in mind that a
larger angle could rotate a part to a position where a
side other than desired one is aligned.
Maximum Area Increase Maximum percent of increased area that ProNest will
(%) allow the two parts to take up when common line cut.
Generally, 200% represents the area taken up by
two parts. However in some cases, due to part
shape or orientation, the area occupied by the
common cut parts may exceed 200% and not
accepted for common line cutting. In these cases,
try increasing the value.
Torch Path Style Choose either a Crossing or Not Crossing torch path
as required by your application and process.
Transition Slowdown This setting determines how far from the transition
Distance (crossover from one part to the other) the torch
should be when it slows down. Enter 0 for this
distance if no slowdown is desired. (Note: This is
only active when “Not Crossing” is the torch path
style).
Transition Feedrate This setting defines the percentage of the default
Reduction (%) feedrate to be used during the pre-transition
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 67

Crossing” is the torch path style).

Tolerance (In screen pixels)
End Point Snap Distance This is a measurement set in screen pixels. When
the end point is selected on the plate, ProNest will
exert a magnet-like pull automatically placing the end
point at the nearest snap point.

Using Common Line Cutting

Common Line Cutting is applied to parts already on the nest. With the part in the selected
state, click on the Common Line Cut icon, or click on Common Line Cut from the Part pull
down menu. Two parts (they don’t have to be the same) can also be positioned on the
plate with the edges to be common cut facing each other. Hold the shift key and select
both parts so they are both highlighted, then click on the Common Line Cut icon. The
common lined part can now be added to the part bin by clicking on the cluster icon.

Breaking Common Lines

A common line cut can be deleted (broken) by simply selecting the parts that are sharing
the common line, then click on either the Break icon, or right click on the part and select
Break from the pop-up menu. This will remove the common line cut status, but the parts
will be in conflict, so at least one of the parts needs to be repositioned or deleted.

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 Chapter 6: Menu and Toolbar Reference

Menu Reference

File Menu
New Job… Creates a new (empty) job
Open Job… Opens a previously saved job
Save Job Saves the current job with the current job name
Save Job As… Saves the current job with a new name or into a different
folder
Edit Part List… Displays the Part List Editor which allows the user to add
parts to the job part list or change the properties of existing
parts
Edit Plate List… Displays the Plate List Editor which allows the user to add
plates to the job plate list or change the properties of
existing plates.
Settings… Allows the user to view or edit the current ProNest settings
Open Settings… Opens a previously saved settings file.
Save Settings Saves the current settings with the current name
Save Settings As… Saves the current settings with a new name
Output CNC Displays the Output CNC dialog used to specify the name
and folder used to output the CNC files for each nest in the
job
Reports f Click on the Report item to display a submenu with the
ProNest reports: Cut Sequence, Nest Summary, Cost by
Reference, Part Cost, Part List and Production Summary.
Click on the desired report to preview and/or print that
report.
Preferences… Displays the ProNest Preferences dialog window.
Job Information… Displays a dialog window showing the path, description
and summary information for the current job.
Exit Closes the program.

Edit Menu
Undo Move While a part or group of parts is selected, click on this icon
to “undo” the previous movement or change in orientation.
If there are no moves that can be undone, the icon will be
grayed out and the hint will be “Can’t Undo”.
Redo Move While a part or group of parts is selected, click on this icon
to “redo” the previous movement or change in orientation.
If there are no moves that can be redone, the icon will be
grayed out and the hint will be “Can’t Redo”.
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All Selects all parts on the current nest
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Unselect All Unselects (nests) all selected parts

Delete Selected Deletes all selected parts
Select Mode Switches to Part Selection mode
Measure Mode Switches to Measurement mode
Move Leads Mode Switches to Move Leads mode

View Menu
Toolbars f Clicking on the Toolbars item displays a submenu
containing a list of the possible toolbars that can be
displayed. Click on any of the toolbar items (Edit,
Navigation, Location, Standard, Status Bar, Cut Sequence
and Nest) to check (display), or uncheck (hide) a toolbar.
You can also customize your toolbars and menus by
clicking on the Customize… option.
Part List This displays (when checked) or hides (when unchecked)
the Part Toolbar with the list of parts available to be nested
for the current job.
Rulers When display, this displays rulers vertically on the left and
horizontally on the right of the plate.
Area Zoom Used to zoom in on a selected, rectangular region of the
nest.
Zoom Selected Used to zoom in on the region of the selected parts on the
plate.
Zoom Out Reverts to the previous zoom level.
No Zoom Returns to a view of the entire plate.
Cut Direction When checked, this option will cause ProNest to draw a
small arrow at the mid point of each line and arc of each
cutting profile indicating the cutting direction.
Pierces When checked, this option will cause ProNest to draw a
small solid circle at the pierce point of each cutting profile.
Open Profiles When checked, this option will cause ProNest to draw a
small square at both ends of an open (non-closed) cutting
profile.
Plot Layer This is for view purposes only, allowing the user to view or
plot a specific layer of the CAD file.

Nest Menu
New Nest… Displays the New Nest dialog window, used to add a new,
empty plate on which to nest parts.
Create Remnants and Will create a remnant (drop) if the nested palate is
Skeletons cropped. A skeleton (the entire plate less the cut parts)
can also be created. Either a remnant, a skeleton, or both
can be saved to plate inventory for future use in nesting.
Delete Nest Deletes the current nest.
Delete All Nests Deletes all nests in the job
Cut Sequence Used to view or change the cut sequence for the current
nest.
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Simulation Used to view the path the machine takes as it performs its
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 operations for the current nest.
Crop Used to interactively define a crop cut to the nest to
remove unused material from the skeleton created by
cutting the parts.
AutoCrop Automatically crops the nest using the number of autocrop
zones specified on the general tab of settings.
Delete Crop Removes the crop from the current nest.
Start AutoNest Displays the Autonest dialog window used to specify the
options for ProNest autonesting.
Array Determines the spacing and number of the selected part or
group that can be placed in a rectangular grid arrangement
and then automatically arrays the parts.
Pattern Array Uses advanced techniques to calculate an optimal pattern
of the selected part or group, including spacing and
orientation and then automatically arrays the parts.
Nest Properties… Displays the properties of the current nest, including the
plate size, cut time, utilizations as well as estimates of
production and material cost, and production time.

Part Menu
Cluster Groups the selected parts together so that they can be a
single unit and adds that cluster to the part toolbar.
Uncluster Ungroups the selected cluster of parts, allowing the parts
to be treated individually.
Common Line Cut Will common line a selected part.
Chain Will put ProNest in chaining mode (see Chapter 5 for more
details).
Bridge Will put ProNest in bridging mode (see Chapter 5 for more
details).
Break Will break any selected chained, bridged, or common lined
part.
Mirror Mirrors the selected part or group of parts about the
vertical axis running through the center of the selected
group region.
Duplicate Nests the selected part or group and then places a copy of
it placed slightly offset from the original in the selected
state.
Reverse Cut Direction Reverses the direction in which the part is will be cut.
Rotate to Next 90 This rotates the selected part or group of parts to the next
90 degrees from its initial angle.
Rotate Long Side This will determine the selected part’s longest straight side
and proceed to rotate that side to the next closes counter-
clockwise horizontal or vertical position.
Increment Angle Rotates the part or group of parts counter-clockwise by the
increment angle.
Decrement Angle Rotates the part or group of parts clockwise by the
increment angle.

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separation from other parts or the plate edge.

Bump Down Bumps the part(s) down on the plate to the specified
separation from other parts or the plate edge.
Bump Left Bumps the part(s) left on the plate to the specified
separation from other parts or the plate edge.
Bump Right Bumps the part(s) right on the plate to the specified
separation from other parts or the plate edge.

Help Menu
ProNest Help Accesses the help file for ProNest.
MTC Home Page A link to the MTC web site
About Displays the About ProNest dialog window with current
license information and buttons used to update or transfer
the current ProNest license.

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 Toolbars Reference
Clicking on the Toolbars f item in the View menu will display a sub-menu with all of the
possible ProNest Toolbars. Those toolbars with a check before the name will be
displayed on the ProNest desktop. You can toggle the checkmark by clicking on any item
in the sub-menu. These toolbars can be docked at the top, bottom, right or left edges of
the ProNest screen, or can also be “floating” toolbar windows.

♦ Edit

Undo Move While a part or group of parts is selected, click on this icon
to “undo” the previous movement or change in orientation.
If there are no moves that can be undone, the icon will be
grayed out and the hint will be “Can’t Undo”.
Redo Move While a part or group of parts is selected, click on this icon
to “redo” the previous movement or change in orientation.
If there are no moves that can be redone, the icon will be
grayed out and the hint will be “Can’t Redo”.
Cluster Groups the selected parts together so that they can be
single unit and adds that cluster to the part toolbar.
Uncluster Ungroups the selected cluster of parts, allowing the parts
to be treated individually.
Move Leads Mode This mode allows you to select new
locations for the lead in/out positions for
your part just by clicking on a new location.
Common Line Cut Will common line cut a selected part.
Chain Will put ProNest in chaining mode.
Bridge Will put ProNest in bridging mode.
Break Will break any selected chained, bridged, or common lined
part.
Mirror Mirrors the selected part or group of parts about the
vertical axis running through the center of the selected
group region.
Duplicate Nests the selected part or group and then places a copy
placed slightly offset from the original in the selected state.
Reverse Cut Direction Reverses the direction in which the part is will be cut.
Number of Torches Displays the number of torches being used in the current
nest.
Torch Spacing Shows the distance between the torches.
Rotate to Next 90 This rotates the selected part or group of parts to the next
90 degrees from its initial angle.
Rotate Long Side This will determine the selected part’s longest straight side
and proceed to rotate that side to the next closes counter-
clockwise horizontal or vertical position.
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Angle Rotates the part or group of parts counter-clockwise by the
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increment angle.
Decremental Angle Rotates the part or group of parts clockwise by the
increment angle.
Angle Increment Determines the degree of the angle that the part will be
rotated.

♦ Navigation

First Allows the user to go to the first nested plate.

Previous Allows the user to go to the previously nested plate.
Current Nest Sheet Displays the number of the current nest and the number of
times it is cut.
Next Allows the user to go to the next nested plate.
Last Allows the user to go to the last nested plate.
Size This displays the dimensions of the current plate.

♦ Location

X: The X value of the current mouse position.

Y: The Y value of the current mouse position.
View Scale: Displays the current view scale factor in pixels per inch or
pixels per mm.
Distance: This field is used to display the distance represented by the
line drawn while in measurement mode.
DX: This field is used to display the delta X (change in X
position) represented by the line drawn while in
measurement mode.
DY: This field is used to display the delta Y (change in Y
position) represented by the line drawn while in
measurement mode.

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 ♦ Standard

New Job Creates a new (empty) job

Open Job Opens a previously saved job
Save Job Saves the current job with the current job name
Output CNC Displays the Output CNC dialog used to specify the name
and folder used to output the CNC files for each nest in the
job
Edit Part List Displays the Part List Editor which allows the user to add
parts to the job part list or change the properties of existing
parts
Edit Plate List
Settings Allows the user to view or edit the current ProNest settings
Select Mode This mode allows nested parts to be selected or
unselected so that they can be moved, rotated, deleted,
etc.
Measure Mode This mode allows measurements to be made by dragging
out a line on the current nest with the mouse cursor.
Area Zoom Used to zoom in on a selected, rectangular region of the
nest.
Zoom Selected Used to zoom in on the region of the selected parts on the
plate.
Zoom Out Reverts to the previous zoom level.
No Zoom Returns to a view of the entire plate.

♦ Status Bar

This portion of the ProNest window displays what function is presently being performed.
For example, if you are modifying the cut sequence, the prompts in the status bar will
change assisting in the process.

♦ Cut Sequence
The cutting sequence determines the order in which individual parts on a nest will be cut.
ProNest automatically calculates a sequence based on the current cut sequence settings.
You can use the Cut Sequence toolbar to edit that sequence, or to define the entire
sequence manually.

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 75

When the Cut Sequence toolbar is displayed, the cutting sequence is shown on the parts.
A pop up window also appears allowing the user to modify the cut sequence. After
selecting one of the icons, follow the prompts at the bottom of the taskbar to alter the cut
sequencing.

View Cut Sequence Shows the order in which the parts will be cut.
Insert Unsequenced This allows you to move or insert the unsequenced part or
Parts Before parts into the cut sequence before an already sequenced
part.
Append Unsequenced Appends the unsequenced parts to the end of the cutting
Parts to the End sequence.
Clear Cut Sequence Clears the cut sequence from a selected part to the end of
From the cutting sequence
Clear Cut Sequence Clears the entire cut sequence for the current nest.
Close Closes the cut sequence window and exits cut sequence
mode.

♦ Cut Simulation
When the Cut Simulation toolbar is displayed, the machine path is simulated on the plate.
A pop up window appears allowing the user to start, pause, stop and increase the speed
of the simulation. The speed of simulation is based on the feedrate setting found in the
Material and Costing Settings.

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 Play Begin the cut simulation process.
Pause Pauses the cut simulation process.
Stop Stops the cut simulation.
Speed Determines the speed of the cut simulation, which is based
on the Feedrate setting found in the Material and Costing
Settings.
Close Closes the cut simulation window and exits cut simulation
mode.

♦ Nest

New Nest Displays the New Nest dialog window, used to add a new,
empty plate on which to nest parts.
Delete Nest Deletes the current nest.
Delete All Nests Deletes all nests in the job
Cut Sequence Used to view or change the cut sequence for the current
nest.
Crop Used to interactively define a crop cut to the nest to
remove unused material from the skeleton created by
cutting the parts.
Start Autonesting Begins automatically nesting the parts listed in the part bar.
Array Determines the spacing and number of the selected part or
group that can be placed in a rectangular grid arrangement
and then automatically arrays the parts.
Pattern Array Uses advanced techniques to calculate an optimal pattern
of the selected part or group, including spacing and
orientation and then automatically arrays the parts.

Customizing ProNest Desktop

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With floating or “dockable” toolbars and menus, you can configure the ProNest desktop to
suit your individual preferences.

Each toolbar and menu is really a small “mini-window” that can be “docked” at a screen
edge, or “float” as a small window on your desktop. To move a toolbar or menu, simply
click on the gray bar to either the left of the toolbar (if it is docked) or the title bar of the
window (if it is floating) and drag it to the desired location on the screen. Release the
mouse button, and the window will appear with the toolbar in the new location. ProNest
remembers the layout of the desktop and will return to this layout the next time you enter
the program.

Toolbars

To control which toolbars are displayed, simply click on Customize from View. All
possible toolbars are listed with a checkbox next to it. To remove the icons from the
ProNest desktop, remove the check (as shown below with Cut Sequence), to add a menu
or toolbar, simply check the box.

Options

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 Menus show recently ProNest menus can remember which menu items you use
used commands first most frequently and display those first. You can then see
all menu items by clicking on the down arrows at the
bottom of the menu. If this option is not checked, all menu
items will be displayed.
Show full menus after a This option is used in conjunction with the option above. If
short delay checked, the full menus will be displayed after a short
delay.
Reset my usage data This button is used to clear the frequency data that is used
to decide which menu items are first displayed. Click this
button to reset your frequency data.
Large Icons When checked, the ProNest toolbar icons are drawn
magnified.
Show ToolTips on When checked, ProNest will display descriptive hints when
toolbars the cursor is positioned over an icon for a short period of
time.
Show shortcut keys in Displays shortcut keys for icons (if defined) with the
ToolTips ToolTips.
Menu Animations Controls the way menus appear when selected.

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 79

Chapter 7: ProNest Settings References

This chapter is dedicated to giving descriptions of the settings for ProNest.

ProNest Machine Wizard Settings

Basic Machine Information

Output DLL

The Output DLL is used to specify the CNC output routines that will produce the CNC
program for your cutting machine. You would change this value only if you are utilizing a
specialized post-processor supplied by MTC.

Operating Costs

This information is used to calculate the labor and machine costs for your jobs. You can
specify the cost of labor per hour, or by the weight of the plate, or both. The cost for the
used of the machine is specified in Cost Per Hour. You can also specify a cost
associated with Plate Loading (and unloading).

Location

Location is an informational field for your reference and is not used by the Program.

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 Assign a CFF

CFF Filename

Use the combo box to choose a CFF (CNC Format File) that matches your machines
controller. This is a very important setting. Contact MTC if you are unsure of which
CFF file you should use.

Contents

Once a CFF filename has been selected, the wizard will display all of the possible
process that have been defined, grouped by Cut Process, Scribe Processes and Punch
(point) process. Processes can only be defined in the CFF file.

CFF Process Mapping

ProNest normally uses CAD layer information to extract your part geometry. You can
choose to use the colors in your CAD drawings instead by simply checking the option:

Map CFF processes to CAD colors instead of CAD layers.

Normally this option is not checked.

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Cut Process Mappings

You can map one or more layer names (or color number) to each of the cut processes
defined by the CFF file. In this example we are configuring a plasma only machine so we
have just mapped our CUT layer to the Plasma Process. Processes that have no layers
mapped to them will not be displayed in the tree view, since they will not be used.

Scribe Process Mappings

The Scribe (or marker) process mappings are used to assign CAD layers (or colors) to
each of the available Scribe processes. In this example, we have only assigned a layer
name to the Scribe device associated with Plasma, called Scribe-P.
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 Punch Process Mappings

The Punch (or other point-type processes) mappings are used to assign CAD layers (or
colors) to each of the available Punch processes. In this example, we have only
assigned a layer name to the Punch device associated with Plasma, called Punch-P.

Other CAD Mappings

ProNest uses these settings to extract other information out of your CAD drawings.

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 83

Gas Process Settings

Plasma Process Settings

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 Scribe-G Process Settings

Scribe-P Process Settings

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General Settings

Nest Resolution This specifies the granularity of automatic nesting.

Smaller values can result in better filling and tighter
nests, but increased nesting time.
Rapid Rate (in./min.) The rate the torch moves from point to point when
not cutting.
Straight edge factor This is a percentage number used in estimating the
(%) area needed on the last plate of a nest, which tries
to create a straight edge of parts for cropping. The
range is from 0-100 percent; the higher the
estimated utilization, the higher the number. (i.e.,
Rectangles nest easily and neatly, therefore the
straight edge factor would be higher than a nest of
odd shaped parts.
Default pattern array Uses advanced techniques to calculate an optimal
strategy pattern of the selected part or group, including
spacing and orientation and then automatically
arrays the parts.

Ignore part lead-in/lead-out

By selecting this option, ProNest ignores lead-ins and lead-outs when determining part
separation. This allows ProNest to create a tighter nest but will most likely require
movement of the leads to new locations where they avoid neighboring profiles.

Crop

The Autocrop option will add a cropping cut to the right of the nested parts. ProNest
divides the plate into zones from top to bottom based on your setting for Autocrop Zones
in the Nesting Defaults section on the General tab of your Settings. A crop line for each
zone is then defined to the right of the parts in that zone.

Auto-Crop Zones This specifies the number of horizontal zones used when a
crop is automatically generated. For each zone, a vertical
crop line is generated. The distance from the already
nested parts is calculated to minimize plate waste. Then
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 lines, producing the complete crop cut. For example, if the
number of Autocrop Zones is two, the plate is divided into
top and bottom halves. A vertical crop line is generated for
each half. A horizontal crop line is then generated to join
them.
Extension (in.)

AutoNest

Strategy The nesting strategies work by generating

prospective fits, and choosing between them. For
each orientation, the part may be mirrored or not
mirrored. For each of these combinations, the
algorithm finds two placements, one limited to
inside the region of already nested parts (adjusted
by the nested region factor), and one anywhere
inside the plate. Therefore, up to sixteen fits may
be found per attempt to place a part.
Edit Strategies Each strategy has unique setting that can be edited
to accommodate the user’s needs.
Start Nesting From This is a choice list. The choices are First Nest,
Current Nest or New Nest.
Init Point This allows the user to set the desired point of
origin (0,0). This point is where the torch from the
cutting machine starts on the plate, and becomes
the home position.

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 87

Default Plate

Dimensions This measurement reflects the size of the plate.

Length This shows the length of the plate in inches.
Width This is the width of the plate in inches.
Safe Zones Safe zones are defined regions of the plate where parts are
not placed. For instance, if the cutting machine has work
clamps to grip the material, an area around each clamp can
be defined to prevent a part from being nested too close.
Scheme Safe Zone Schemes are a set of safe zones that are defined
regions of the plate where parts are not placed. For instance,
if the cutting machine has work clamps to grip the material,
an area around each clamp can be defined to prevent a part
from being nested within that area.
Preview This window will display a plate with the safe zone shown in a
different color.

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 Cut Sequence

Type This specifies the manner in which the

cutting sequence is automatically
generated. Selections are Vertical,
Horizontal, by Num Torches, by Torch
Spacing, by Sequence, by Heat Dissipation
and 1 Way Vertical. If Vertical is selected,
parts are sequenced in vertical zones (see
‘Num Cut Sequence Range’ below). If
Horizontal is selected, parts are sequenced
in horizontal zones. If By Num Torches is
selected, all parts using the same number
of torches are cut before parts using fewer
torches. If By Torch Spacing is selected,
all parts that have the same torch spacing
are cut before parts with other torch
spacing. When by sequence is selected,
the parts will be cut in the order they were
placed on the nest. For all sections,
sequencing starts at the initialization point,
and interior parts are cut before the parts
that contain them
Sort point A plate is divided into several ranges in
determining the cutting sequence. A part
may be contained in more than one range.
Depending on the chosen setting, ProNest
will sort the parts according to which zone
contains either their start point or their
center point.
Init point This is a choice list. The choices are Lower
Left, Upper Left, Lower Right, and Upper
Right. This will determine where ProNest
begins it’s cutting sequence
Range This number represents the number of
strips a plate is divided into to determine
the cutting sequence. All parts would be
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 89

the sort point location determines which

strip it is in.
Heat Dissipation Used to assign a random cutting order
based on a part being a minimum distance
from the previous part, allowing the plate to
cool.
X grid spacing Width of the grid in the X direction
Y grid spacing Width of the grid in the Y direction
Minimum distance Minimum distance of the next cut (a cut will
be no closer than this measurement, if
possible)

Parts

Parts Settings
Tab auto-recognition Allows you to nest parts that have tabs (stitch
size burns) which would normally be considered open
profiles. This value should be larger than the
width of the tab.
AutoCluster fit ratio When ProNest autoclusters, it finds the best way
to nest two of a particular part. The autocluster fit
ratio tells ProNest to place the parts in a cluster if
a given percentage of rectangular space is saved.
For example, if the default setting is .90, ProNest
will only put the parts into a cluster if the space
saved is more than 10 percent. When the default
setting changes so does the percent of desired
space saved (i.e. setting = .70, percent of space
saved = 30). If a part is autoclustered, the cluster
will appear as a part in the part icon bar.
Rotation granularity This is the lower limit of the size of the angle
ProNest can rotate a part.
If this is checked, the cut direction is reversed,
Reverse cut direction
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 right is used.
File/controller These settings allow the processing of CNC files
associations: when previewing or adding them to your part list.
ProNest needs to know what controller format they
are, otherwise it may translate them incorrectly.
Part List Defaults
Quantity Allows the user to change the default quantity of a
specific part brought into the work order.
Priority Allows the user to change the order in which
ProNest tries to nest the part. The setting range is
1-99, with a higher priority being placed on one.
ProNest nests the largest parts first if all of the
priorities are the same.
Initial rotation angle Allows the user to change the initial rotation of the
part to be nested. For example, a horizontal part
with a 90 degree initial rotation angle will appear in
the part bin as vertical. A zero degree rotation
leaves the part as it was originally drawn.
Mirror This is a choice list. The options are No Mirror,
Mirror Only, or Either.
Rotation restriction This setting is commonly used with parts that have
angle grain restraints (have to run parallel to the grain of
the material). Setting this to 180 restricts rotation
to 180° and 360 restricts all rotation. A setting of
0 will use the default rotation angle. Rotation
restriction can be used in conjunction with the
initial rotation angle to first rotate a part then lock it
in to a 180 or 360 rotation.
Units This is the unit in which ProNest will read in the
parts. Choices are Inch and Millimeters.
Automatically common If this box is checked, ProNest will attempt to Auto
line Common Line Cut the parts in the list.
Automatically cluster If this box is checked, ProNest will attempt to
Auto-Cluster the parts in the list.

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Torches

Torch Settings:
Number of torches This specifies the highest number of torches to be
used for a particular nest. The nest may not allow
all of the torches, but will allow ProNest to use
them whenever possible.
Master torch number Identifies which torch is the master torch in a multi-
torch application.
Torch selection The torch selection box is only active when number
of torches is greater than 1. There are three ways
to nest with multiple torches.
Fixed ProNest Attempts to nest all of the parts using the
maximum number of torches. The plate is divided
into equal horizontal strips based on the number of
torches. If a part is too large to fit in a strip, it will
not be nested. Also, if the number of parts is not a
multiple of the number of torches, the extras will not
be nested. I.e. 28 parts nested with 5 torches will
leave 3 parts unnested.
Fixed then 1 ProNest tries to nest all of the parts with the
maximum number of torches first. If it cannot place
the part with the current number of torches, it will
then try to nest the part with only one torch.
Variable ProNest will try to nest all of the parts first with the
maximum number of torches. If it cannot place the
part with the current number of torches, it will
reduce the number of torches by one and try again
until it has tried with only one torch. This option
allows the program to nest the parts with the most
torches possible.
Minimum torch This setting is the minimum physical spacing
spacing allowed between torches. If parts are placed on
the nest using multiple torches, the torch spacing
will be no less than the minimum torch spacing.
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spacing type The torch spacing type defines what method will be
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 used in determining the distance between multiple
torches cutting the nested parts. This is a choice
list consisting of Fixed and Variable. Fixed locks in
the spacing specified in the torch spacing field.
Variable will allow ProNest to change the spacing
between torches as the side of the parts change (or
the part is rotated).
Torch spacing This setting determines how far apart the torches
are set on the cutting machine. If you wish to
divide the plate into even sections for each torch,
leave the spacing at “0” and ProNest will calculate
the spacing by dividing the plate width by the
number of torches. When used with variable torch
spacing, 0 will vary the spacing to the size of the
part plus part separation.
Minimize torch Attempts to minimize the number of torch spacing
changes changes when using the variable option. Rather
than using the part width plus separation to
determine spacing, ProNest tries to fit a part inside
or near a previously nested part and duplicate that
part’s torch spacing.
Torch change factor The larger the percentage, the more likely a part
placed near a previously nested part will share that
part’s torch spacing. In general, we find a value of
50 provides good results.

CAD Import

CAD Import Settings

CAD file units This represents the dimension units used in the
CAD drawing. Choices are English and Metric.
Open profile tolerance This specifies the maximum distance allowed for
joining line and arc entities. In other words, if
Tolerance is set to .005, ProNest will close .005
inch or smaller gaps, helping to prevent open
profiles.
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Maximum controller CNC Controllers may have limitations on the size

arc radius of allowable 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. If this value is set to 0, all
curvatures will be developed as small straight
lines.
Origin This determines where the origin (0,0) point is in
relation to the drawing being processed. The
choices are Lower-left, Upper-left, Lower-right,
and Upper-right. The default is Lower-Left.
Cut sequence zones This number represents the number of zones a
part is divided into to determine the cutting
sequence. Profiles will be sequenced in one zone
before proceeding to the next.
Cut sequence type This determines cutting sequence of the individual
profiles within a given CAD drawing. The default
cutting sequence is Vertical, but you can also
select Horizontal, Closest To, or None. A Vertical
sequence will have an up and down path. A
Horizontal sequence will have a side-to-side cut
path. A Closest To sequence will cut the profile
closest to the origin first and then move on to the
next closest and so on. And finally, selecting
None will cut the profiles in the order they were
drawn in the CAD program. Unless the None
option is used, ProNest will sequence all interior
profiles before the exterior profile of the part.
Use text marker If your cutting machine controller has a special
text-marking device you may have to check this
option. Contact MTC to determine if you need to
use this feature.
Delete overlapped When this option is checked, duplicate, coincident
entities line or arc entities are automatically deleted.
User drawn lead- If your drawing has its own lead-in/out, this option
in/lead-out should be selected. If not, leave it unchecked and
ProNest will add lead-ins and lead-outs.
Contains multiple If there is more than one part on your drawing,
parts select this option.
Explode multiple parts If there is more than one part on your drawing and
you want to create separate files for each part.
(The Multiple Parts option should also be selected
if this option applies to your needs)
Return to init point If this is selected, ProNest will return the torch to
the initial starting point after cutting the last part.
Scale drawing at 100% This allows the user to increase or decrease the
dimensions of a part by a given percentage
relative to the original CAD drawing. This feature
is especially good for high level graphic drawings.
Smooth entities Reduces or smooths curves simulated by many
linear motions by converting lines into arcs
wherever possible.
User defined control for above information. The
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tolerance, the more likely smoothing will occur but
the less accurate the curve.

CNC Output

CNC Output Settings

Units This is a choice list which sets the default units for
CNC files that are written by ProNest. You can
choose inch or millimeter.
Mode This option lets you select between incremental
and absolute as the default format for the CNC
file.
Precision This is a choice list with the choices being normal
or extra precision. Precision determines how
many decimal places are used when specifying
coordinate values. Not all controllers support
extra precision.
CNC file extension Used in conjunction with “use CNC file extension
for output”. If necessary, type in the extension
needed for your control. However, since CNC files
for different plates in the same nest require
different names, ProNest assigns a 01 to the end
of the first plate filename, 02 to the next, and so on
when this option is used. Otherwise, ProNest
uses the extension N1 for the first plate, n2 for the
next, etc. so there is no need to modify the
filename.
Line numbers in CNC This will add line numbers to the CNC file at the
increment specified below.
Line number This sets the default line number increment for the
increment CNC files. Setting the increment to 0 gives no line
numbers in the CNC file. Setting the increment to
1 will number the lines 1,2,3. Setting the line
increment to 2 will number the lines 2,4,6, etc.
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Use long file names If this option is selected, ProNest will allow file
names to be longer than 8 characters. Make
certain the machine can accept long file names.
Return to initialization If this is selected, ProNest will return the torch to
point the initial starting point after cutting the last part.
Insert part name as Inserts the part name into CNC file as a comment.
comment
Include machine By selecting this option, ProNest will automatically
parameters in output use the machine parameters determined by the
user.
Validate plate size If this option is selected, ProNest adds a traverse
(rapid) motion to the corner of the plate opposite
from the initialization point at the beginning of the
CNC program. This can be used to verify that the
size of the plate on the cutting machine matches
the CNC program.
Punch/Scribe first If selected, will Punch and Scribe ALL parts before
cutting. If you are cutting with underwater plasma,
you should select this option. Normally very light
metal should not have the punching and/or
scribing done first to avoid problems with metal
movement.

Advanced CNC Output

Advanced CNC Output Settings

Punch/Scribe first If selected, will Punch and Scribe ALL parts before
cutting. If you are cutting with underwater plasma,
you should select this option. Normally very light
metal should not have the punching and/or
scribing done first to avoid problems with metal
movement.
Stop before punching If selected, will cause the cutting machine to stop
before punching.

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Stop before cutting If selected, will cause the cutting machine to stop
before cutting.
Order punches by If selected will punch all like processes on material
process for all parts in a nest, before using the next punch
process.
Order scribes by If selected will scribe all like processes on material
process for all parts in a nest, before using the next scribe
process.
Order cuts by process If selected will cut all like processes on material for
all parts in a nest, before using the next cut
process.
Strip stop codes from Will remove all stop codes from CNC files read
CNC part files into ProNest when the CNC file is output.
Enable automatic CNC Supplies the proper code to automatically change
torch spacing the torch spacing at the cutting machine if the
machine has the capability. Note: MTC must be
notified in advance.
Pre-Kerf If the cutting machine is slow at kerfing the CNC
code, you may want to select this option. It will
remove all kerf left, kerf right, and kerf set
commands from the CNC code and alter the
geometry to compensate for this change.
Pre-pierces
Style Pierce holes are created for all profiles before any
profiles are cut.
Pre-Pierce As Circles The torch will pierce and cut a small circle for each
profile before cutting any profiles.
Pre-Pierce As Punch If the machine has a punch, all start holes are
punched prior to any cutting.
Torch Blow Through The torch will pierce all the start holes before
cutting any profiles.
Pre-Piercing not used All profiles are cut with no prepiercing.
Auto Height Control
Disable during lead- Determines at what size openings in the parts the
out of profiles smaller auto height threshold is disabled at the lead-out.
than 0 in.² This value is an area. Click on the 0 to change
this value.

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Collision Avoidance

Collision Avoidance Settings

Enable collision Check this box to activate the features of collision
avoidance avoidance.
Ignore tabbed profiles When parts are tabbed, they are unlikely to tilt.
Selecting this allows the torch to pass over tabbed
parts without raising the torch.
Automatically move Checking this box will allow ProNest to move
leads for avoidance leads to make the collision avoidance path more
efficient. However, if the lead lengths are close to
the part separation distance, they are likely to be
placed in conflict with another part. This option
should be used only with small leads.
Optimize paths within Applies collision avoidance procedures to profiles
each part within individual parts.
Maximum profile size Any motion over a profile greater than this
to avoid distance will be done with torch down (will not be
avoided).
Maximum torch down This represents the longest distance over which
distance to avoid the machine should run with the torch down (due
to potential warping).
Maximum number to This is the maximum number of profiles ProNest
avoid will try to avoid before choosing a single path. If
this number of attempts is reached, ProNest will
choose to raise the torch.
Avoidance weight This is a multiplier that gives more weight toward
choosing to keep the torch down during a motion
where the times calculated with the torch up and
down are very close
Full raise/lower time The amount of time (in seconds) needed to fully
raise and fully lower the torch.
The amount of time (in seconds) to partially raise
Partial raise/lower time
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into account as it generates its path.

Optimization

Optimization Settings
Plate selection criteria
None (Use plate list as ProNest chooses the best strategy for each plate
is) in the order each plate is listed, without doing a
plate by plate comparison of utilization.
Select One Plate Size ProNest nests on all the plates, then selects the
single plate with the highest utilization or lowest
cost; all the parts may or may not be nested.
Select Best Plate for ProNest nests on all the plates, selects the plate
Each Nest with the highest utilization or lowest cost then
repeats the process for the remaining parts and
plates until all parts or plates are used.
Cut-off utilization When Optimization is being used, ProNest will
attempt to nest the parts using various strategies
to achieve the maximum utilization. The cut-off
utilization percentage tells ProNest that if the given
percentage of the plate is utilized, it can stop
nesting. For example, if the Cut-off Utilization
percentage is 85, and a strategy yields a
percentage of 85 or higher, it will use that result. If
all attempts do not reach 85%, the best yield will
be selected.
Nesting strategies to ProNest will try to nest using any and all of the
use selected strategies. The settings for these
strategies have been previously defined in the
general default settings.
Use straight crop If selected, the utilization of the last nest is
calculated by dividing the area of the nested parts
utilization on last nest
by that of the total nested part region instead of by
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Must nest all priority 1 If parts are given a priority of 1 in Edit Part List,
parts on first nest ProNest will nest all these parts on the first plate.
If all of the parts don’t fit on one plate, a message
will appear indicating there is no optimize solution.
Must nest all parts If selected, ProNest will nest until all of the parts
listed are on nested plate(s). If unable to fit all
parts on the available plates, a message appears
stating that not all parts were nested.
Use filler parts when If selected, ProNest will include filler parts in the
calculating utilization utilization calculation, which may have an impact
on which plate is selected for use.
Include production If selected, the production costs will be included in
costs the optimization report, based on the machine
cost/hr. (see below)
Material Costs
Include materials If selected, the material costs will be included in
costs the optimization report. Selecting this activates
the fields below.
Full Plates:
Use a cost factor of This is a weighted factor that when multiplied by
100% the plate cost, will modify the cost in favor of
choosing either the full plate or the remnant. For
example, if full plate was assigned a 1 and
remnant A .8, the remnant cost would be reduced,
making it more likely to be chosen. A number
greater than 1 will make it less likely to be chosen.
Remnants:
Use a cost factor of Like the above, these are multipliers that change
80% the cost to favor one condition or another. For
example, if it is more desirable to nest on an older
If older than 75 days, plate, assign a lower number. When these factors
use a cost factor of are multiplied by the cost, it lowers the weighted
72% cost, making it more likely that the older plate will
If older than 150 days, be selected.
use a cost factor of
56%

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Skeleton Cut Up Settings

Enable skeleton cut up If selected, will activate the Skeleton Cut Up
Feature
Cut skeleton first ProNest will output code to cut up the skeleton
before the nest is cut at the machine.
Ignore lead-in/lead-out If Skeleton Cut Up is activated, checking this box
will tell ProNest to ignore the lead-ins and lead-
outs when placing cut-up lines.
Maximum scrap piece This tells ProNest the maximum length of the
length scrap material.
Maximum scrap piece This tell ProNest the maximum width of the scrap
width material.
Plate edge tolerance This is the setting determining how close Skeleton
Cut Up will come to the edge of a plate.
Safe zone tolerance This is the setting determining how close Skeleton
Cut Up will come to the edge of a safe zone
Part tolerance This is the setting determining how close Skeleton
Cut Up will come to the edge of a part
Minimum cut length This is the minimum distance for any line to be cut
when using this feature

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Chapter 8: AutoNesting

Start AutoNest... (Yellow Icon)

By default, this command exists only under the Nest menu item. Start AutoNest... will
open the AutoNest Setup dialog. From there, you can edit your AutoNest Setup values
and start or cancel AutoNesting.

AutoNest Setup

This dialog provides access to the AutoNest Setup values. These values are used
whenever AutoNesting is performed. Whenever a Machine’s settings are loaded (either
by selecting a new machine, or opening a Job), the AutoNest Setup values are reset to
match the Machine’s settings.

AutoNest Settings
Strategy

The strategies available in this drop-down list are limited to those that are authorized.
They may include the following: Block, Rectangular Optimization, Vertical 1-4, and
Horizontal 1-2.

Begin nesting on

There are 3 choices available in this drop-down list: First Nest, Current Nest, New Nest.
If the ‘Do not create new nest’ radio button is checked, the New Nest selection will be
removed.

How should ProNest create new nests?

During AutoNesting, ProNest can create new nests as needed. The following selections
define how new nests are created:

♦ Do not create new nests - nest only on existing nests.

♦ Use plates from the plate list – all new nests will be created from available plates
in the Plate List.
♦ Use a custom plate – all new nests have the attributes of the defined custom
plate.

Use plates from the plate list

When ‘Use plates from the plate list’ is checked, the Plate List appears. This contains an
image of the current plate from the list, plus the following information: Name, Size,
Material. Using the navigator, all plates in the list can be viewed.

Use a custom plate

When ‘Use a custom plate’ is checked, the Preview appears. This contains an image of
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standard plate sizes.

To define a circular custom plate, specify the diameter.

The quantity of a custom plate controls the available quantity for each material needed.
For example, if the Part List contained two parts of different materials, then a custom
plate with a quantity set to 10 would make available ten custom plates for each material.

The safe zone scheme of a custom plate will be applied to every new nest created during
AutoNesting.

Torch settings
Note: The following fields will be inactive if the number of torches in the torches section
under settings is not greater than one.

Number of torches

During AutoNesting, the number of torches used will not exceed this number.

Torch selection

There are 3 choices available in this drop-down list:

Fixed The number of torches used will always equal Number of

torches. If, during AutoNesting, a part’s available quantity
dips below Number of torches, the remaining parts are not
nested.
Fixed: Fixed, Then 1 The number of torches used will almost always equal
Number of torches. If, during AutoNesting, a part’s
available quantity dips below Number of torches, the
remaining parts are nested using one torch.
Variable The number of torches used will never exceed Number of
torches. During AutoNesting, ProNest will determine the
best number of torches to use. This item is available only if
it is authorized.

Torch spacing type

There are 3 choices available in this drop-down list:

Equal The spacing between torches will be equally spaced. The

actual spacing used is calculated by ProNest.
Fixed The spacing between torches will be fixed at some user-
defined spacing.
Variable The spacing between torches will be calculated so that the
parts can be placed as close together as possible. This
item is available only if it is authorized.

Torch spacing

If Torch spacing type is Fixed, this value defines the spacing between torches.
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Default

Most of the AutoNest Setup values can be reset to their defaults as defined in the
Machine’s settings. If changes are made to the values in the AutoNest Setup dialog, they
can all be reset together by clicking the Default button.

OK

When the values defined in the AutoNest Setup dialog are correct, clicking the OK button
will begin AutoNesting. Clicking OK will also cause ProNest to remember the AutoNest
Setup values for future use. Changes to settings in the AutoNest Setup dialog have no
effect on the Machine’s settings.

Cancel

Clicking on the Cancel button will discard any changes to the AutoNest Setup values and
cancel AutoNesting.

Start AutoNest (Green Icon)

By default, this command exists only in the Nest toolbar. Start AutoNest will begin
AutoNesting immediately. It uses the current AutoNest Setup values with one exception.
If a Plate List has at least one plate available, then AutoNesting will use the Plate List.
Otherwise, AutoNesting will use the Machine’s default plate.

Part Properties (for all selected parts)

To view the properties for all selected parts, right click on one of the selected parts and
select Properties... from the pop-up menu. This dialog contains editable properties.

Number of torches

Displays the number of torches used for the entire selection. If the selection contains
parts with different torches, then this value will be blank. Changing this value will affect
the entire selection.

Torch spacing

Displays the torch spacing used for the entire selection. If the selection contains parts
with different torch spacings, then this value will be blank. Changing this value will affect
the entire selection.

OK

Applies any changes to the properties and exits the dialog.

Cancel

Discards any changes to the properties and exits the dialog.

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 Part Properties (for one selected part)
To view the properties for a particular selected part, right click on the part and select
Properties for [part name]... from the pop-up menu. This dialog contains read-only
properties.

Size Displays the rectangular dimensions of the selected part.

X Offset Displays the x-axis offset of the selected part. If the
selected part has more than 1 torch, the offset displayed
represents the offset of the master part.
Y Offset Displays the y-axis offset of the selected part. If the
selected part has more than 1 torch, the offset displayed
represents the offset of the master part.
Angle Displays the rotation angle of the selected part.
Number of torches Displays the number of torches used for the selected part.
Torch spacing Displays the torch spacing used for the selected part.
OK Closes the dialog.

Part Properties (for one part in the Part List)

To view the properties for a particular part in the Part List, right click on the part in the
Part List and select Properties for [part name]... from the pop-up menu. This dialog
contains some editable properties.

Size Read-only. Displays the rectangular dimensions of the

selected part.
Material Read-only. Displays the selected part’s material.
Priority Editable. Displays the selected part’s priority.
Required Editable. Displays the required quantity of the selected
part.
Nested Read-only. Displays the nested quantity of the selected
part.
Available Read-only. Displays the available quantity of the selected
part.
Reference Read-only. Displays the selected part’s reference.
Due Date Read-only. Displays the selected part’s due date.
Customer Read-only. Displays the customer associated with the
selected part.
Remarks Read-only. Displays the selected part’s remarks.
Misc 1-3 Read-only. Displays miscellaneous information for the
selected part.
OK Applies any changes to the properties and exits the dialog.
Cancel Discards any changes to the properties and exits the
dialog.

Note: Most of the categories in the left column above (material, property, etc.) can be
entered in the part record under part list in the Add Parts screen.

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Chapter 9: Process Parameters

Process parameters are process and material specific settings used in CNC output,
costing and nesting. Process parameters can be specified in two ways - by using process
parameters XLS tables or by using default process parameter settings. Process
parameters XLS tables are spreadsheets containing settings for different materials,
thickness ranges, profile types, profile areas, cut qualities and cut conditions. For a
general discussion of XLS tables, see the XLS Tables Overview section. Default process
parameter settings for each process reside on that process’ Process Parameters settings
screen.

Default Process Parameters

Default process parameters reside on the Process Parameters settings screen for a
given process, which can be reached by going to File | Settings | Processes and Layers,
selecting a process, then selecting Process Parameters from the processes’ tree view.
To use default parameters check the Use default process parameters only checkbox.
Default settings can be set for Kerf width, Feedrate, Part-part separation, Part-plate edge
separation, and Part-pierce separation. Note that Pierce-pierce separation and Pierce-
plate edge separation are calculated from the other separation values and may not be
set.

Process Parameters XLS Table

Using settings from a process parameters XLS table requires three steps. First, go to File
| Settings | Processes and Layers, select a process, and select Process Parameters from
the processes’ tree view. Next, uncheck the Use default process parameters only
checkbox. Finally, choose a process parameters XLS table from the Process Parameters
drop down box. Edit the XLS table by clicking on the icon to the right of the Process
Parameters drop down box. XLS tables can be edited using the XLS Editor or using a
spreadsheet editor such as Microsoft Excel. The File | Preferences | Settings | Use
Microsoft Excel to edit spreadsheet contents checkbox determines which editor is used.

Like all XLS tables, the process parameters XLS table has a units cell located at A1, a
column header row number cell located at B1, a column header located in the row
specified by the column header row number and rows of data below the column header.
For further information about XLS table formats see the discussion of the General XLS
Table Format in the XLS Table Overview section.

The standard column-headings in a process parameters XLS table are Material,

Thickness, Profile Area, Profile Type, Quality, Condition, Kerf, Feedrate, Part Sep, Plate
Sep and Pierce Sep. User defined process parameters may be added to the XLS table as
defined in a later section.

Material is a required key denoting the name of the material used. Any name can be used
for this key. Examples of valid Material data include A36 and Mild Steel. An exact match
of this key is required to select a record. This name must exactly match the name of the
material selected when a part or plate is loaded.

Thickness is a required key denoting the thickness of the material used. An exact match
is not required to match this key. A material thickness range is used as follows. A match
is found if a record contains a thickness less than or equal to the required material
thickness. If more than one record match is found, the record with the closest material
thickness less than or equal to the required material thickness is selected. For instance, if
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another with a 0.125” material thickness, the record with 0.25” material thickness is
selected.

Profile Area is an optional key denoting the area of a given profile. If this key is used, a
record is selected if it contains a profile area greater than or equal to that required. If
more than one record match is found, the record with the closest profile area greater than
or equal to the required profile area is selected.

Profile Type is an optional key denoting the type of a given profile – interior, exterior or
open. If this key is used, a record is selected if it contains a profile type equal to that
required. Profile types are represented in the XLS by using the first letter of their name – I
for interior, E for exterior and O for open. Combinations are represented by listing them
separated by commas. For example, interior and exterior are represented together as I,E.
Representation of profile type is summarized in the table below.

Profile Type(s) Representation

Interior I
Exterior E
Open O
Interior and Open I,O
Interior, Exterior and Open I,E,O

Quality is an optional key denoting cut quality, which can be specified through the CAD
file BOM or in advanced edit. It must be a whole number greater than zero. An exact
match is required for this key.

Condition is an optional key denoting a cut condition. This is only used in conjunction with
cutting techniques. An exact match is required for this key.

The following column-headings are not keys, but are the standard process parameters
settings. Kerf is the cut compensation value to use in CNC output and pre-kerfing.
Feedrate is the feed rate to use in CNC output and costing. Part Sep is the minimum
separation allowed between two nested parts. Plate Sep is the minimum separation
allowed between a nested part and the plate edge. Pierce Sep is the minimum separation
allowed between a nested part and the pierce point of another nested part.

The standard column-headings are summarized in the following table.

Column-heading Key type Description

Material Required Material name.
Must be identical to required
material name for the record to
match.
Thickness Required Material thickness.
Must be less than or equal to the
required material thickness for the
record to match.
Profile Area Optional The area of the profile.
Must be greater than or equal to
the required profile area for the
record to match.
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 107

exterior or open.
Allowed values are I, E and O, or
listed combinations such as I,E.
Must contain the profile type for
the area to match.
Quality Optional Cut quality.
Allowed values are whole number
greater than zero.
Must be identical to the required
quantity for the record to match.
Condition Optional Cut condition.
Allowed values are user-defined
strings.
Used with cutting techniques.
Must be identical to the required
cut condition for the record to
match.
Kerf Kerf width to use in CNC output
and pre-kerfing.
Feedrate Feed rate to use in CNC output
and costing.
Part Sep The minimum separation allowed
between two nested parts.
Plate Sep The minimum separation allowed
between a nested part and a plate
edge.
Pierce Sep The minimum separation allowed
between a nested part and the
pierce point of another nested
part.

Using Part, Plate and Pierce Separations with Multiple

Processes
When using a single process on a nest, the part-part, part-plate and part-pierce
separations for the process, whether default or in an XLS table, can be strictly observed.
However, when multiple processes are used on a given nest they may have different
separation values. This is resolved by using the maximum value for each separation for
all of the processes. Therefore, when more than one process appears on the nest, the
separations used will be those that lead to the greatest distance between parts, pierces
and plate edge and that preserve the minimum separation requirements of all processes.
Note that this comes at the expense of efficient material usage. Care should be taken to
balance the needs of mixed process cutting and plate utilization.

Record Matching

Each row, or record, in a process parameters XLS table contains a complete set of
process parameters settings values. Therefore, for a given instance of use, a single row
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record must be selected by matching the combination of required and optional keys.
Wildcards can also be used to prevent a proliferation of records caused by the use of
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 many optional keys. If no record is found, the default process parameters settings are
used. For a more detailed discussion of record matching see Record Matching in the XLS
Table Overview section.

User Defined Process Parameters

In addition to the standard process parameters described above, process parameters can
be added to the process parameter XLS table and used for CNC output. To add a user
defined process parameter, edit the XLS table using the XLS Editor or Microsoft Excel
and add a new column. Enter a name in the column header row, and enter data into the
process parameters records. To use this parameter in CNC output, add the name, data
type and default value to the [USER DEFINED VARIABLES] section of the CFF used by
the desired machine. This parameter can then be used in any format section of the CFF
and can be output to the CNC file or used in calculations or evaluations. Contact MTC
technical support for more information. Note that user defined process parameters are
only used for CNC output and not for nesting or costing. Units conversion is not done on
user defined process parameters.

Units Conversion

Units conversion is done on the following columns: Thickness, Feedrate, Part Sep, Plate
Sep, Pierce Sep, Kerf. Conversion is not done on user defined process parameters.

Saving Information in the Job

Process parameters XLS table information is not saved to or restored from jobs. Default
process parameter information for each process is saved to and restored from jobs.

Using a Process Parameters XLS Table vs. Using Default

Process Parameters
Process parameters XLS tables offer a powerful and flexible way to use settings specific
to a given material and process, including part, plate and pierce separations. In addition,
factors such as Profile Type, Profile Area, Quality, and Condition may be used to further
specify a group of settings to use. This allows different feed rates and kerfs to be used in
CNC output and costing for profiles of varying areas, quality and types such as interior
vs. exterior. These factors can be combined to provide for very specific parameters to
use in each of a wide array of cutting conditions. Settings can be defined for ranges of
material thickness, avoiding the need to have a record for each material thickness. User
defined process parameters can be added to the tables to meet CNC file output
requirements. XLS tables provide the flexibility needed to handle process specific
settings required to work with multiple process nests. Combined with cutting conditions,
process parameters XLS tables allow tremendous control over the parameters used to
nest, cut and cost parts.

There are several disadvantages inherent to using XLS tables. First, each key used
dramatically increases the number of records required. Second, record matching can be
complex and care must be taken to ensure that each XLS table contains records that
cover all combinations of keys that are required by the application, or that appropriate
default records are defined. Finally, the material name of an XLS table record must
exactly match that of the Pronest 6.0 Database material table record that was used when
a given part or plate was loaded. For a more detailed discussion of the advantages and
disadvantages of using XLS tables, see the XLS Tables Overview section.

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Troubleshooting
1. What if I don’t get process parameters in CNC output?

♦ Go to File | Settings | CNC Settings and make sure Use machine parameters in
output is checked.
♦ If using default process parameters, make sure the default feed rate is not zero.
♦ Check the CFF to make sure it is set up to output process parameters.

2. What if I’m getting the wrong process parameters in output?

♦ Process parameters for the wrong process may be in use. Check CAD import
layers to make sure the layers are mapping to the correct process. Another way
to do this is to advanced edit the part and check the cut process for the profile in
question.
♦ Make sure the correct XLS table record is being matched by checking the keys
used (Material, Thickness, Profile Type, Profile Area and Quality.)

3. What if I’m not getting user defined process parameters in output?

♦ Make sure the proper XLS table is being used.

♦ Make sure the name in the XLS table column header matches that in the CFF.
♦ Make sure the CFF is properly set up to output the user defined process
parameters.
♦ What if my process parameters are coming out in the wrong place in output?

4. Check the CFF for proper formatting of CNC output.

♦ What if one of my keys is ignored?

♦ Make sure the column-heading of the key is spelled correctly.
♦ If the ignored key is quality, go into advanced edit and check the quality value for
the profile in question.

5. What if I always get default process parameters, even if I don’t have it

checked?

♦ No matching record is found.

6. What if I’m getting incorrect separations?

♦ Check column header spellings.

♦ Check record match.
♦ If multiple processes are used for the same material, check the separations for all
the processes. The largest separations are used.

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 Chapter 10: XLS Table Overview
XLS tables allow the use of process and material specific settings. There are four types
of XLS tables - process parameters, lead style settings, costing settings and cutting
techniques. These tables are spreadsheets and can be created and edited with the XLS
Editor or with a spreadsheet application such as Microsoft Excel. Each XLS table can be
used with one or more processes, and represents settings for the different material types
and thickness ranges to be used with that process. An individual row of an XLS table
contains settings for a given range of material thicknesses. In certain XLS table types, the
process parameters table for example, it is possible to define settings dependent on
additional factors such as cut quality, profile type and profile area.

XLS files reside in user defined locations that are set by going to File | Preferences |
Settings. Note that each type of XLS table resides in a different folder. This makes it
easier to manage multiple tables of a given type and to select the correct type of XLS
table for a given process and usage.

XLS Table Types

There are four XLS table types: process parameters, lead style settings, costing settings
and cutting techniques. Process parameters tables contain information such as feed rate
and kerf width used in CNC file output and costing. Lead style settings tables contain
descriptions of lead styles to be applied to parts when they are loaded. Costing settings
tables contain information used to calculate production time and cost. Cutting techniques
tables contain specifications for things like radius and corner ramp downs. When an XLS
table is assigned to a process, it must be the correct type for the desired usage.

Using XLS Tables

To use XLS file settings, go to File | Settings | Processes and Layers and select a
process. Choose XLS tables from the drop down boxes. If default settings are currently in
use, this box will be inactive. Edit an XLS table by clicking on the edit icon to the right of
its drop down box. Since each XLS table is designed to contain settings for all materials
to be used with a given process, an XLS table of each type – process parameters, interior
and exterior lead styles, costing and cutting techniques – should be assigned to each
process. However, XLS tables can be shared between processes when it makes sense
to do so.

Sharing XLS Tables

Each XLS table represents the settings for different material types and thickness ranges
for a single process. However, the same XLS table may be used for multiple processes
within a given machine, or for multiple processes across different machines. This reduces
the need to maintain duplicate copies of a table if the same settings are to be used for
different processes.

Editing XLS Tables

XLS tables can be edited using the XLS Editor or using a spreadsheet editor such as
Microsoft Excel. The File | Preferences | Settings | Use Microsoft Excel to edit
spreadsheet contents checkbox determines which editor is used. Rows can be added or
removed, and data can be modified in the individual cells. New columns may also be
added to certain table types. See the individual table type sections for further information.
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 111

such as Material and Thickness should not be modified because the application looks for
specific column header names when matching records and loading data. If using the
Save As feature, be sure to save the table in Microsoft Excel Workbook format.

General XLS Table Format

XLS tables have a required format consisting of four components: a units cell, a column
header row cell, a column header, and rows of data.

The units cell is located in the upper left hand corner of the table in cell A1 and specifies
the units used in the table. Allowed values for this cell are inch and mm. If this cell is
blank, inch is assumed. Note that only certain table values will be converted between
different units if required (for instance, if the table is in mm but the CNC output is required
in inch.) See the Units Conversion section below for further information.

The row number of the required column header is located in cell B1, just to the right of
the units cell, and specifies the row number of the required column header, which
contains column-heading names such as Material and Thickness. If this cell is blank, a
value of 2 is assumed. This can be modified if rows of information must be added above
the required column header, for things such as translated column-headings.

The column header resides in the row specified by the column header row number in cell
B1. Each cell of this row contains the name of the data stored in that column. For
instance, the column-heading name Material specifies a column containing the names of
different materials. In general, the column header should not be modified because the
application expects this data to exist in a specific format and content. Modifying the
information in this row may lead to the inability to use information from an XLS table.
However, columns may be moved to improve readability of the table. Also, for certain
XLS table types columns may be added or removed. See individual table type sections
for further information.

The rows of settings data begin immediately below the column header. Rows may be
added or removed and the data may be modified. The proper type of data must be
entered into each cell. For instance, numeric data should be entered in the Thickness
column, and alphanumeric data should be entered into the Material column.

The XLS table required format is summarized in the table below.

Format Item Description

Units cell Value in cell A1 that specifies the
table’s units. Allowed values are inch
and mm.
Column header row cell Value in cell B1 that specifies the row
of the required column header.
Allowed values are whole numbers
greater than or equal to 2.
Column header The required row of column-headings.
These values should not be changed.
Data row(s) One or more rows of settings data,
immediately below the column header.
Allowed values vary between
columns.

Record Matching

Each row, or record, in an XLS table contains a complete set of settings values.
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 mostly closely matches that of the keys. The name of each key exactly matches the
name of a specific column-heading in an XLS table. Every XLS table type has required
keys, and some have optional keys. These are summarized in the following table.

Table Type Required Keys Optional Keys

Process Parameters Material, Thickness Profile Area, Profile Type,
Quality, Condition
Lead Styles Material, Thickness
Costing Material, Thickness
Cutting Techniques Material, Thickness Profile Area, Profile Type

Material and Thickness are required keys for all XLS table types and must appear in the
XLS table. On the other hand, optional keys need not appear in the table, and will only be
used in record selection if they exist.

Material is a required key denoting the name of the material used. Any name can be used
for this key. Examples of valid Material data include A36 and Mild Steel. An exact match
of this key is required to select a record.

Note: When entering the material names, match the names as you have them defined in
the material database.

Thickness is a required key denoting the thickness of the material used. An exact match
is not required to match this key. A range of material thickness is used as follows. A
match is found if a record contains a thickness less than or equal to the required material
thickness. If more than one record match is found, the record with the closest material
thickness less than or equal to the required material thickness is selected. For instance, if
the material thickness required is 0.5”, and a record exists with 0.5” material thickness, it
is selected. If an exact match is not found and a record exists with a 0.25” material
thickness, it is selected. If two records exist, one with a 0.25” material thickness, and
another with a 0.125” material thickness, the record with 0.25” material thickness is
selected.

Profile Area is an optional key denoting the area of a given profile. If this key is used, a
record is selected if it contains a profile area greater than or equal to that required. If
more than one record match is found, the record with the closest profile area greater than
or equal to the required profile area is selected.

Profile Type is an optional key denoting the type of a given profile – interior, exterior or
open. If this key is used, a record is selected if it contains a profile type equal to that
required. Profile types are represented in the XLS by using the first letter of their name – I
for interior, E for exterior and O for open. Combinations are represented by listing them
separated by commas. For example, interior and exterior are represented together as I,E.
Representation of profile type is summarized in the table below.

Profile Type(s) Representation

Interior I
Exterior E
Open O
Interior and Open I,O
Interior, Exterior and Open I,E,O

Quality is an optional key denoting cut quality, which can be specified through the CAD
file BOM or in advanced edit. It must be a whole number greater than zero. An exact
match is required for this key.
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Condition is an optional key denoting a cut condition. This is only used in conjunction with
cutting techniques. An exact match is required for this key.

Using Wildcards
The ‘*’ can be used as a wildcard for any required or optional key, and will match any
value if no other record is matched. For example, if ‘*’ is used in the Material column of a
given record, and the required material is A36, the record containing the ‘*’ will match
unless another record exists that contains a Material value of A36. Wildcards can be
used for any key regardless of its data type. Using wildcards is a good way to designate
default conditions for keys, and can help avoid having to add numerous rows to an XLS
table to cover every possible case. This is especially true when using multiple optional
keys such as Profile Type, Profile Area, Quality and Condition.

Default Records

Default records can be defined using wildcards to ensure a record match for any
combination of required and optional keys and to avoid having to add numerous records
to cover every combination of keys. In the simple case, adding a record that contains a
wildcard for every key will ensure a record match in every instance. Doing this is similar
to using default values in the Process Settings screens. However, the advantage of using
a default record to accomplish this is that the default values reside in the XLS table,
which makes setting default values seamless when changing which XLS table the
process uses.

Units Conversion

Units conversion is only done on certain XLS table columns as summarized below:

Table Type Columns Converted

Process Parameters Thickness, Feedrate, Part Sep, Plate
Sep, Pierce Sep, Kerf
Lead Styles Thickness, Corner In Scale, Corner In
Extension, Corner Out Scale, Corner
Out Extension, Corner Out
Overtravel, Side In Scale, Side In
Extension, Side Out Scale, Side Out
Extension, Side Out Overtravel
Costing Thickness
Cutting Techniques Thickness, Profile Area

Saving Information in the Job

XLS table information is not saved in the job. When a job is loaded, the current settings in
the XLS tables are used, not those that existed when the job was saved. This is by
design, since process parameters, cutting techniques and costing should reflect the latest
changes to process and material specific settings. Parts that were saved in the job will
retain their original lead styles, but new parts loaded will reflect the current lead style
settings.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using XLS Tables

XLS tables provide a powerful and flexible way to use settings specific to a given material
and process. In addition, factors such as Profile Type, Profile Area, Quality, and
Condition may be used to further specify a group of settings to use. In a single job,
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 thickness, and process; different kerfs and feed rates can be output in the CNC file based
on profile area, profile type, or cut quality; and different cutting techniques can be applied
to interior and exterior profiles. In addition, settings can be defined for ranges of material
thickness, avoiding the need to have a record for each material thickness.

There are disadvantages to using XLS tables. First, each key used dramatically
increases the number of records required. This can be calculated as follows:

(Number of possible values of Key1) * (Number of possible values of Key2) *… *

(Number of possible values of Keyn)

For example, if three keys are used - Material, Thickness, and Profile Type – and there
are two material types, five thickness ranges for each and all three profile types are used,
the total number of records required if a unique set of settings is desired for each case is
2 * 5 * 3 = 30 records. It is easy to see how an explosion of records can occur when
optional keys are used. Using wildcards helps to mitigate this, however.

Another difficult issue is record matching. Care must be taken to ensure that each XLS
table contains records that cover all combinations of keys that are required by the
application, or that appropriate default records are defined. If a record match is not found
in an XLS table, default values from the Process Settings will be used for table types that
have them, or an error will be generated.

Finally, the material name of an XLS table record must exactly match that of the Pronest
6.0 Database material table record that was used when a given part or plate was loaded.
Although case and white space are not considered, the spelling and punctuation of each
name must be identical between the records of the XLS table and the Database material,
or no record will be matched in the XLS table.

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Chapter 11: Pipe Settings and Fitting

Descriptions

Pipe Settings
When a Pipe fitting is selected and the shape reference screen is showing, click on the
Settings… button to view default values used by Pipe.

Dimension Options
Measure Dimensions The dimension option determines whether diameters and
From rectangular dimensions are calculated from the center line,
inside, or outside of the material.
Outside Up You can specify if the sheet of material is laying with the
Development outside up or, the default, the inside up [outside down]. If
this box is selected, Pipe will assume that the sheet is
laying with the outside up. Remember, it will make a
difference if you have included punch marks on your parts
as to which side is up. Pipe WILL PUNCH on the
OUTSIDE.
Tee Options
Measure Dimensions This dimension option determines whether diameters and
From rectangular dimensions are calculated from the center line,
inside, or outside of the material.
Tee Joint Location Determines the way the tee fits up with the hole.
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 Material Thickness The thickness of the material measured in inches or
millimeters.
2 Stitch Tee Size This value represents the minimum diameter hole that
would have 2 stitches. Anything less would not have
stitches.
4 Stitch Tee Size This value represents the minimum diameter hole that
would have 4 stitches. Anything smaller would have either
2 stitches or none.
Stitch Leadin Length The desired length of the stitch leadin.
Bend/Quarter Marks
Type This is a choice list. Choices are Quarter, Bend or None.
Quarter marks are used when aligning pipe transitions that
must be welded together. Quarter marks are a small
deviation in the motion of the torch. Bend allows material
to be marked for bending.
Style Circle, Notch, Slot, Dwell, Punch or Scribe are your options
for type of mark.
Mark Size Marks are used when aligning pipe transitions that must be
welded together. You can input the size of the mark here or
leave at 0 for no marks. The mark is can be either done
with the torch or scribed with a marking tool.
Bend Frequency This is measurement for how often the bends used to form
parts will be ‘marked’. A “1” indicates a mark at every bend
line, “2”, at every other bend line, etc.
Default Values
Top Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
top of the part.
Bottom Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
bottom of the part.
Left Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
left of the part.
Right Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
right of the part.
Max Segment Size The maximum length of any line segment used in a
developed curvature
Kerf Width The width of the torch. This is used to determine the
proper part separation so the common line is prenested
parts does not infringe on either part.
Stitch Width The width of the stitch cut when cutting the off-set as a
single piece. (Pre-Nested)
Material Thickness Default thickness of the material, measured in inches.
Plate X Length of the plate.
Plate Y Width of the plate.
Line To Arc Options
Convert lines to arcs If selected, Pipe will to attempt to convert developed,
segmented curves into arcs. In general, this will result in
smaller files and a smoother cut.
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Radius CNC Controllers have limitations of the size of an arc
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 117

motions activating the Line to Arc option, Pipe will

automatically turn as many line segments into a single arc
when viable. You may specify a maximum arc radius if
your controller is limited to a certain size. If this value is set
to 0, all curvatures will be developed as small straight lines.
Arc Tolerance The maximum allowable distance from the developed
curve that arcs can be in order to replace line segments.
Replacing the lines of a developed curve smooths the
curve and creates smaller CNC files but if the arc tolerance
is too large, accuracy will be diminished.

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 Fitting Descriptions
The remainder of this section provides a description of each part along with the
necessary fill-in parameters.

Offset Cone

Max Segment Size The maximum length of any line segment used in a
developed curvature. Parts with higher numbers generally
have developed curves that are less "smooth" than those
with smaller numbers. For instance, the curve using 1 inch
as maximum segment size will be smoother than the same
curve using 4 inches as the maximum segment size. The
curve with 1 inch segments will have 4 times the number of
points as the one using 4 inch segments. More segments
yield a smoother curve, but also produce a larger file.
Cone Top Diameter The diameter of the cone top. This diameter must be less
than or equal to the base diameter.
Cone Base Diameter The diameter of the cone base (bottom)
Cone Height The vertical height of the cone
Cone X Offset The X direction offset of the top center from the base
center. Looking at the plan view; positive X is to the left,
negative X is to the right.
Cone Y Offset The Y direction offset of the top center from the base
center. Looking at the plan view; positive Y is up and
negative Y is down.
Base Tilt Angle The tilt angle for the base of the cone. (Optional - this field
is not required to create the offset cone)
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Rotation Angle If the base of the cone is tilted, specify the rotation the tilt
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 119

should be at in relation to the seam of the cone.

Top Tilt Angle The tilt angle for the top of the cone. (Optional)
Top Rotation Angle If the top of the cone is tilted, specify what rotation the tilt
should be at in relation to the seam of the cone.
Left Hand Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
left of the part.
Right Hand Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
right of the part.
Top Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
top of the part.
Bottom Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
bottom of the part.
Weld Gap Calculates amount of gap needed for full penetration
welds.
Top Collar This is a separate piece of the cone that extends off of the
top. It has the same diameter as the top of the cone.
Bottom Collar This is a separate piece of the cone that extends off of the
bottom. It has the same diameter as the bottom of the
cone.
Number of Pieces Number of pieces to make the offset cone.
Inside Base / Outside If ‘NO’ is selected, the part will be measured as designated
Top Dimensions in the settings, if ‘Measure inside base, outside top dims’ is
selected, the part will be measured from inside the base of
the part, and outside the top of the cone.

Reducing Elbow

Max Segment Size The maximum length of any line segment used in a
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 Entrance Diameter The entrance or larger diameter of the reducing elbow.
Exit Diameter The exit or smaller diameter of the elbow.
Elbow Entrance Radius This measurement is the horizontal distance from the
center of the elbow entrance radius to the elbow exit.
Elbow Exit Radius This measurement is the vertical distance from the center
of the elbow exit radius to the elbow entrance.
Elbow Angle From 1 to 359 degrees. Be careful when going beyond
180 degrees.
Number of Segments The number of sections (gores) used to make the elbow.
This number cannot exceed 12.
Kerf Width The width of the torch. This is used to determine the
proper part separation so the common line does not
infringe on prenested parts.
Stitch Width The desired width of the stitch.
Separate Parts Pre-Nest – The parts are nested together, connected by
stitches (tabs).
Separate Parts – Each segment is treated as an individual
part.
Stitch Cut Stitch cut can only be answered "YES" if ‘separate parts’ is
set to ‘Pre-Nested’. The stitches (tabs) hold the segments
together.
Seam Type SIDE will put all the weld seams on the side of the elbow,
alternating from left to right. By forming every other gore
inside out, all seams will end up on the right or left.
Heel/Throat locates the seam on the short side of the
elbow.
Pieces per Gore The number of individual pieces used to make a single
section (gore). (1,2,4,8)
Left Hand Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
left of the part.
Right Hand Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
right of the part.
Top Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
top of the part.
Bottom Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
bottom of the part.
Weld Gap Calculates amount of gap needed for full penetration
welds.
Top Collar This is a separate piece of the cone that extends off of the
top. It has the same diameter as the top of the cone.
Bottom Collar This is a separate piece of the cone that extends off of the
bottom. It has the same diameter as the bottom of the
cone.

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 121

ID_OD Ellipse

Points per Quarter The points per quarter defines how many lines will make
up a quarter of the ellipse. The higher the number of
points, the smoother the arc.
Outside Major Diameter (optional) The major (larger) diameter of the outside
ellipse. This value can be calculated when using the minor
diameter and angle.
Outside Minor Diameter The minor (smaller) diameter of the outside ellipse. This
value must be provided.
Inside Major Diameter The larger diameter of the inside ellipse. This value cannot
be greater than the outside values.
Inside Minor Diameter The smaller diameter of the inside ellipse. This value
cannot be greater than the outside values.
Angle The angle at which the ellipse will be tilted. The angle will
be used to calculate the major diameters of the ellipse if
none is provided.

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 Ellipse in Rectangle

Points per Quarter The points per quarter defines how many lines will make
up a quarter of the ellipse. The higher the number of
points, the smoother the opening.
Rectangle Length Rectangle length in the X (horixontal) direction.
Rectangle Width Rectangle width in the Y (vertical) direction -
Major Diameter The larger diameter of the ellipse. This value can be
calculated if the minor diameter and angle are provided.
Minor Diameter The smaller diameter of the ellipse. This value must be
provided.
X Offset Offset in inches of the center of the ellipse from the center
of the rectangle. A positive value shifts the ellipse to the
left.
Y Offset Offset in inches of the center of the ellipse from the center
of the rectangle. A positive value shifts the ellipse upward.
Angle The angle the ellipse will be tilted. The angle will be used
to calculate the major diameter if none is provided.
NOTE: Since this part refers to the DIAMETERS, this will
be the longer of the 2 cross sectional dimensions.

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Flange

Outside Diameter Outside Diameter of the flange.

Inside Diameter Inside Diameter of the flange.
Width The width of the flange. If the width is used the OD will not
be needed.
Bolt Circle Diameter The diameter of a circle running through the center of the
bolt holes.
Bolt Hole Diameter The diameter of the bolt holes can be used or if zero (0).
the torch will move to the center of the hole and just pierce
that position. This is a handy option if there is no punch
marker and the holes need to be "marked" for drilling, drill
and tap, reaming or any other reason.
Angle Adjustment An adjustment in the angle at which the bolts holes will be
located on the flange. This is an important option for
fabrication of split flanges. For instance; if the flange has 6
holes and is to be cut into 4 parts; just use Ang. Adj. = 12
degrees and the cuts will not interfere with the holes.
Number of Holes Number of bolt holes or marks required
Hole Type Cut or Punch - If an impact (punch) marker, zinc marker or
laser etch function is available, this will enable the machine
to locate the holes without actually cutting. An excellent
idea for small diameter holes that need a special finish on
them. Use the CUT option to either cut the hole or to just
pierce the center of the hole (when the diameter is zero).
Pieces per Flange Number of pieces to make up a single flange. Use with
"Angle Adjustment" to avoid cut sections from crossing bolt
holes.

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 Angled Pipe

Max Segment Size The maximum length of any line segment used in a
developed curvature
Pipe Diameter The diameter of the pipe section.
Pipe Length The short side length of the pipe section.
Left Angle The angle of the cut on the left of the pipe. The angle runs
counter-clockwise from the bottom of the pipe.
Right Angle The angle of the cut on the right of the pipe. The angle
runs counter-clockwise from the bottom of the pipe.
Left Hand Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
left of the part.
Right Hand Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
right of the part.
Top Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
top of the part.
Bottom Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
bottom of the part.
Weld Gap Calculates amount of gap needed for full penetration
welds.
Number of Pieces The number of pieces that will make up the pipe.

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Straight Pipe

Max Segment Size The maximum length of any line segment used in a
developed curvature
Pipe Diameter The diameter of the pipe section.
Pipe Length The length of the pipe section.
Left Hand Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
left of the part.
Right Hand Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
right of the part.
Top Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
top of the part.
Bottom Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
bottom of the part.
Weld Gap Calculates amount of gap needed for full penetration
welds.
Number of Pieces The number of pieces that will make up the pipe.

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 Offset Pipe

Elbow Diameter The diameter of the elbow. This value must be no more
than half the length of the offset.
Elbow Radius The radius of the elbow which will be used for the
construction of the offset.
Length of Offset The overall length between the two pipe ends, excluding
the extensions. This value must be AT LEAST two times
the radius of the elbow.
Horizontal Offset The horizontal distance between the centers of the two
parallel pipes being offset.
Vertical Offset The vertical distance between the centers of the two
parallel pipes being offset.
Extension A The length of the added material to one end gore of the
offset.
Extension B The length of the added material to the other end gore of
the offset.
Number of Segments The default is 5 segments. You may change this number to
suit your development. This can be any odd number from
3 to 31.
Pieces per Segments The number of pieces used to develop each segment.
Kerf Width This value is required only when the elbow is cut as Pre-
nested. Since there is a common cut between gores, an
accurate kerf value is necessary to ensure the correct gore
dimensions. Remember, this is the full kerf diameter.
Stitch Width The width of the stitch cut when cutting the off-set as a
single piece. (Pre-Nested)
Separate Parts Pre-Nest – The parts are nested together, connected by
stitches (tabs).
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 127

Separate Parts – Each segment is treated as an individual

part.
Stitch Cut Stitch cut can only be answered "YES" if ‘separate parts’ is
set to ‘Pre-Nested’.
Seam Type SIDE will put all the weld seams on the side of the offset
pipe, alternating from left to right. By forming every other
gore inside out, all seams will end up on the right or left.
Heel/Throat locates the seam on the short side of the offset
pipe.
Left Hand Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
left of the part.
Right Hand Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
right of the part.
Top Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
top of the part.
Bottom Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
bottom of the part.
Weld Gap Calculates amount of gap needed for full penetration
welds.

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 Rectangle to Round

Max Segment Size The maximum length of any line segment used in a
developed curvature
Rectangle Length The horizontal length of the rectangular base.
Rectangle Width The width of the rectangular base.
Transition Height The vertical height of the transition. This height is derived
from a plane that passes horizontally through the center of
the circular end (no matter what the tilt), to a parallel plane
that passes horizontally through the center of the
rectangular end (no matter what tilt).
Exit Diameter The diameter of the exit. This shape will always be
maintained as a circle no matter what the tilt.
Exit Center X Offset The offset of the center of the exit in relation to the center
of the rectangle. A positive value moves the center to the
left, a negative, to the right.
Exit Center Y Offset The offset of the circular center from the center of the
rectangle in the positive (up) or negative (down) Y
direction.
Exit Tilt Angle The tilt of the exit from the horizontal plane. When looking
at the transition in elevation, with the diameter on top, if the
diameter is horizontal then this is zero (0). The right side
MUST rotate down (clock-wise). This will establish the tilt
"Angle". To adjust the position of the angle use the next
input field.
Exit Rotation Angle The rotation of the low point of the exit tilt, as viewed from
the plan view. A zero value locates the low point at the 3
o'clock position. A positive angle rotates this low point in a
counter-clockwise direction. (i.e.: 60° rotates the low point
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 129

point to the 11 o'clock etc...)

Rectangle Tilt Angle The tilt of the rectangular portion of the transition from the
horizontal plane. Looking at the elevation, a tilt of 30° will
drop the right side 30° from the center of the rectangle,
while the left will rise by the same degree. A negative
number will reverse this tilt. In order to tilt the bottom front
and back, the entire part will have to be described from the
side, thus, reorienting all other dimensions.
Joint Type Side
Heel/Corner
Specify where you would like the welds/seams: on the
corners (in the middle of the bend) or on the flat sides. If
you choose 8 pieces, there will be a bend at the corners
and the sides.
Skirt Length 1 A straight extension added to the rectangular base of the
transition at point 1. This extension can be used as the
continuation of the rectangular end or bent to form a
connecting flange. The length of the extension at the
remaining corner will be calculated automatically.
Skirt Length 2 A straight extension added to the rectangular base of the
transition at point 2. This extension can be used as the
continuation of the rectangular end or bent to form a
connecting flange. The length of the extension at the
remaining corner will be calculated automatically.
Skirt Length 3 A straight extension added to the rectangular base of the
transition at point 3. This extension can be used as the
continuation of the rectangular end or bent to form a
connecting flange. The length of the extension at the
remaining corner will be calculated automatically.
Left Hand Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
left of the part.
Right Hand Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
right of the part.
Top Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
top of the part.
Weld Gap Calculates amount of gap needed for full penetration
welds.
Top Collar This is a separate piece of the cone that extends off of the
top. It has the same diameter as the top of the cone.
Number of Pieces The rectangle to round can be made from a maximum of 8
pieces.
Inside Base / Outside If ‘NO’ is selected, the part will be measured as designated
Top Dimensions in the settings, if ‘Measure inside base, outside top dims’ is
selected, the part will be measured from inside the base of
the part, and outside the top of the cone.

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 Segmented Elbow

Elbow Diameter The Diameter of the Elbow

Elbow Radius The elbow center-line radius. In all cases this radius MUST
be greater than one-half of the diameter.
Extension A The length of the extensions to be added to the end gores.
This can save an extra weld seam at the end of the elbow.
The A extension is the lower.
Extension B The length of the extensions to be added to the end gores.
This can save an extra weld seam at the end of the elbow.
The B extension is the higher.
Elbow Angle The angle of the elbow. When getting down to very small
angles (10° or less) be very careful to look at the flat layout
to check for interference with quarter marks and if the part
can really be cut. The limit is 180 degrees. If you need
more than 180, try the reducing elbow with the same size
entrance and exit.
Number of Gores The number of sections (gores) used to make the elbow.
Pieces per Gore The number of individual pieces used to make a single
section (gore).
Kerf Width This value is used only when the elbow is cut as a single
piece. Since there is a common cut between gores, an
accurate kerf value is necessary to ensure the correct gore
dimensions.
Stitch Width The stitch width is the width of the tab holding the gores
together when prenested.
Separate Parts Pre-Nest – The parts are nested together, connected by
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Separate Parts – Each segment is treated as an individual

part.
Stitch Cut Stitch cut can only be answered "YES" if ‘separate parts’ is
set to ‘Pre-Nested’.
Seam Type SIDE will put all the weld seams on the side of the elbow,
alternating from left to right. By forming every other gore
inside out, all seams will end up on the right or left.
HEEL/THROAT will develop the seams alternating from the
heel to the throat. To get all the seams on the heel (or
throat) takes a little more creativity. Call us and we'll be
happy to explain.
Left hand Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
left of the part.
Right Hand Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
right of the part.
Top Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
top of the part.
Bottom Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
bottom of the part.
Weld Gap Calculates amount of gap needed for full penetration
welds.

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 Tee Into Partial Pipe

Max Segment Size The maximum length of any line segment used in a
developed curvature
Pipe Diameter The diameter of the main pipe section
Material at Top The amount of material on the pipe section extending
above the tee opening. This is measured on the flat layout.
Material at Bottom The amount of material on the pipe section extending
below the tee opening. This is measured on the flat layout.
Material at Sides The amount of material on the pipe section extending
beyond the tee opening. This is measured on the flat
layout.
Left Hand Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
left of the part.
Right Hand Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
right of the part.
Top Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
top of the part.
Bottom Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
bottom of the part.
Number of Pieces The number of pieces that will make up the pipe.

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 133

Y-JOINT
Any description of the Y-JOINT would be incomplete without a brief look at the different
names used to describe specific aspects of the fitting. In some cases this fitting is
referred to as "pair of pants". Thus we have adopted the word "leg" to describe the right
and left branches. The "Base Diameter" is also referred to as the "waist", and the seam
joining the two halves of the fitting is often referred to as the crotch. Like a pair of pants,
the seam(s) will be on the inside (inseam) for a single piece leg, and on the inseam and
outside for the two (2) piece leg.

Max Segment Size The maximum length of any line segment used in a
developed curvature
Base Diameter The diameter at the base or waist of the Y-Joint.
Diameter 1 The diameter to be established at the end (cuff) of the leg.
Like the base diameter, this is a true circle and will retain
its circular shape no matter what orientation it's in.
Vertical Dimension 1 The distance from the base line to the center of the leg
opening.
Horizontal Dimension 1 The horizontal distance from the base diameter center line
to the center of the leg opening.
Angle from Base 1 The angle in degrees, from the base line to the centerline
of the leg.
Length of Leg 1 The linear distance measured from the center of the base
opening to the center of the leg opening.
Angle of Left Pipe The angle of the left leg opening (cuff) with respect to the
plane of the base (horizontal). Zero (0) makes the opening
parallel to the base. Minus one (-1) makes the angle
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 Diameter 2 The diameter to be established at the end (cuff) of the leg.
Like the base diameter, this is a true circle and will retain
its circular shape no matter what orientation it's in.
Vertical Dimension 2 The vertical distance from the base diameter center line to
the center of the leg opening.
Horizontal Dimension 2 The horizontal distance from the base diameter center line
to the center of the leg opening.
Angle from Base 2 The angle in degrees, from the base line to the centerline
of the leg.
Length of Leg 2 The linear distance measured from the center of the base
opening to the center of the leg opening.
Angle of Right Pipe The angle of the right leg opening (cuff) with respect to the
plane of the base (horizontal). Zero (0) makes the opening
parallel to the base. Minus one (-1) makes the angle
perpendicular to the center-line of the leg.
Left Hand Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
left of the part.
Right Hand Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
right of the part.
Top Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
top of the part.
Bottom Side Lap The length of the extensions or overlap to be added to the
bottom of the part.
Weld Gap Calculates amount of gap needed for full penetration
welds.
Leg 1 Collar This is a separate piece of the cone that extends off of Leg
1. Its diameter is the same as Diameter 1 of the Y Joint.
Leg 2 Collar This is a separate piece of the cone that extends off of Leg
2. Its diameter is the same as Diameter 2 of the Y Joint.
Bottom Collar This is a separate piece of the cone that extends off of the
bottom. It has the same diameter as the bottom of the
cone.
Number of Pieces The number of pieces required to make the Y-Joint.

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 135

Chapter 12: Costing

In order for the user to better estimate the costs, both in time and money, of cutting a
particular part or nest, ProNest incorporates an advanced cost estimation algorithm. This
algorithm accommodates those who need just a quick, simple cost estimate all the way
up to those that require extensive production costs based on itemized tables.

Costing Settings
Values used in costing come from four main areas, as described in the table below:

Setting Location Used to compute

Material thickness Database Weight, material cost
Material density Database Weight, material cost
Material unit cost Database Material cost
Labor cost per hour Main settings page Production cost
Labor cost per weight Main settings page Production cost
of parts cut
Machine cost per hour Main settings page Production cost
Plate loading cost Main settings page Production cost
Feedrate Process parameters XLS Production time
Activation time Costing XLS Production time
Activation cost Costing XLS Production cost
Process operating cost Costing XLS Production cost
per minute

Additionally, the cutting techniques tables allow you to further modify the cut quality of the
nest by inserting corner slowdowns and radius slowdowns. The process parameters and
cutting techniques are discussed elsewhere in this document.

The costing settings for each process allow the user to specify the cost per activation, the
time required per activation, and the cost of operating that process per minute. Default
values for these settings may be used if material and thickness considerations are not
important.

For those users that require more advanced costing capabilities, ProNest utilizes an
Excel spreadsheet containing the above mentioned time and cost factors. This
spreadsheet contains different values of the settings for different material grades and
thicknesses. When the costing XLS table is used, the material thicknesses are used to
delineate ranges. That is, if an exact thickness match is not found, the material with the
next smaller thickness will be used. If no match is found, then the default costing settings
will be used. Additional information about how record matching is performed may be
found in the section titled XLS Table Overview.

Default Costing Values

Default values for the three main costing settings and the feedrate may be entered.
These values will be used if no material entries in the tables are found that match the
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 material being used, or if the user just wants to use default values and is not concerned
with having different values for each material.

Advanced Costing
Advanced users may define formulae in the costing XLS tables to take some of the work
out of costing. For example, let’s say that the operate cost per minute is tied to a
particular consumable cost. Further, let’s say that the consumption rate is known in
hours, rather than minutes.

The user could add 2 columns to the costing XLS table, one for the consumable cost and
one for the consumption rate for each material. Let’s say that the consumable cost is in
cell F3 of the XLS table. Column G will be used for the consumption rate for each
material. For material A36 with a thickness of 0.5” in row 7, lets say the consumption rate
is 30 units per hour. The user would enter 30 into the appropriate cell. If the
consumable’s cost/unit is $4, 4 would go in cell F3.

In the Operating Cost Per Minute column, the user could enter the following formula in
cell 7:

=(G7/60) * $F$3

This means “take the value in cell G7, divide it by 60, then multiply the result by the value
in cell F3. The $F$3 means that no matter where in the XLS you copy the formula, F3
will always be referenced.

Any time the cost of the consumable changes, the user just needs to update the value in
cell F3, and all of the operating costs will automatically update to reflect the new cost.
The user no longer needs to compute the operating cost/minute each time the
consumable cost changes.

Obviously, this example could be extended to include any number of consumables.

How does costing work?

Briefly, ProNest’s costing algorithms take the geometry of a part or nest, apply process
parameters and cutting techniques to that geometry, then analyze it to produce the
production time, production cost, and material cost. A summary of the calculations used
appears below:

♦ Material weight = area of parts * material thickness * material density

♦ Material cost = Material weight * Material unit cost
♦ Process production time = Total cut length / feedrate + Number of activations *
activation time
♦ Process production cost = Process production time * operate cost + number of
activations * activation cost
♦ Total production time = The sum of process production time for each process
♦ Machine production cost = plate load cost + (labor cost per hour * production
time) + (labor cost per weight * material weight) + (production time * machine
cost per hour)
♦ Total production cost = Process production cost for all processes + machine
production cost
♦ Total cost = Total production cost + material cost

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Where is Costing Info Displayed in ProNest?

Costing information appears on the Cost Info area of the Add Part List screen, the bottom
portion of the Nest Properties screen, and on some reports. The costing information
displayed on the Add Parts screen is the cost and time to cut that part by itself, as is. It
does not reflect the cost or time to cut this part once it has been nested. The cost and
time displayed on the Nest Properties screen represent the cost and time to cut that nest.
The costs and times displayed on the different reports depend on which report they
appear on.

Required column headers in the costing XLS table

The following column headings are required and should not be modified in any way. That
would cause invalid results to be produced by the costing algorithm.

Material The name of the material

Thickness The thickness of the material (matched as a range)
Activation Time Process activation time in seconds
Cost Per Activation Cost of each activation
Operating Cost Per The cost incurred for running that process for 60 seconds
Minute

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 Chapter 13: Cutting Techniques

General Description
Cutting techniques allow the user to more precisely cut their parts. Part geometry such
as sharp corners and small radii often do not cut well at the speed/parameter levels that
are used in the rest of the profile. Additionally, the user can control how the leadin and
leadout of the part are cut to minimize damage to the torch and other parts and to
increase cut quality.

While appearing difficult to use, they really are nothing more than a sequence of
commands to be executed in a particular instance. For all their simplicity, however, they
can be very powerful and greatly improve cut quality.

Cutting techniques are set up at the process level. That means that different cutting
techniques can be used for oxyfuel cutting and plasma cutting. That doesn’t mean the
techniques have to be different. If the cutting techniques file is set up correctly, it may be
possible to use a single cutting techniques table for all cut processes.

Why would you want to use cutting techniques?

Cutting techniques allow the user to control virtually any process parameter at select
points in the part geometry. These areas are generally areas that machines have
difficulty cutting exactly as the user would desire.

Because they are set up at a process level, different techniques may be used for oxyfuel
than for plasma cutting. A particular cut process may have different requirements when
cutting around a corner, or a radius that causes problems being cut at speed with one
process may cut just fine at full speed with a different process.

Cutting techniques are purely optional. If you don’t want to use them, set the cutting
techniques selection box to “(none)” in the settings for each process. Or, by setting the
cutting techniques to “(none)” in only certain processes, some processes will use cutting
techniques and some won’t.

Available Types of Cutting Techniques

ProNest allows several different types of cutting techniques to be used. Brief
descriptions of the different types appear below:

Cutting Technique Type Purpose

Base Condition Sets the overall conditions for the entire profile
Leadin Ramp Up Changes conditions over the length of the leadin
Corner Ramp Down Changes conditions as a corner is approached
Corner Ramp Up Changes conditions coming out of a corner
Radius Ramp Down* Changes conditions as a radial move is
approached
Radius Ramp Up* Changes conditions coming out of a radial move
Leadout Ramp Down Changes parameters prior to the beginning of the
leadout
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* Note that multiple radius ramp up and ramp down sequences can be defined.

Keys into the table

Specific column names are looked for when applying cutting techniques to the part
geometry. Listed below are the headings that ProNest looks for.

Key Purpose
Material Material name or grade
Thickness Material thickness
Corner Ramp Down Sequence of actions to take prior to a corner
Corner Ramp Up Sequence of actions to take after a corner
Leadin Ramp Up Sequence of actions to perform on the leadin
Leadout Ramp Down Sequence of actions to perform prior to the leadout
Radiusn Ramp Down Sequence of actions to perform prior to a radial
move
Radiusn Ramp Up Sequence of actions to perform after a radial move
Base Condition Overall conditions present throughout the profile

Optional Keys

Optional keys are provided so that the effects of the cutting techniques may be further
refined to suit the exact circumstances required.

Key name Purpose Valid values

Profile Type Denotes which type of E = exterior
profile to use this record
I = interior
for
O = open
* = all profiles
Profile Area Maximum profile area to All values > 0.0
use this record for

Note that thickness and profile area may be entered in metric units. If cell A1 contains
the word “inch,” these values will be assumed to be in English units. If it contains “mm,”
Metric units will be used.

Record Matching
Which cutting technique record will be used? The material name and thickness are used
to figure out which cutting technique record to use. If an exact material name match is
found, but there is no matching thickness, the next lower material thickness is used.

If the optional keys of Profile Type and Profile Area are used, the records being used can
be further refined. For example, it would be possible to set up different cutting technique
records for the same material, such as for exterior profiles with an area of less than 100,
interior profile with an area less than 80, etc. In this way, even more situations can be
covered, yet all this is still through the use of just a few basic concepts.

For an example that illustrates the power and ease of use of the cutting techniques see
the “Putting it all together” section later in this chapter.
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 As with all the XLS tables, an asterisk (*) will match any key in the table, in this case
Material, Thickness, Profile Type, and Profile Area. For more information on record
matching, please refer to the XLS Table Overview section.

What is a Cutting Technique as used by ProNest?

With the exception of the Base Condition, a cutting technique is a list of commands to be
executed in certain situations. These commands generally modify the state of the
machine and can affect things like the kerf compensation or the cutting speed. They can
also be used to insert particular command sequences defined in the CFF.

Other than the Base Condition, all cutting techniques are composed of a series of
commands separated by commas (,). Additionally, each command takes a parameter of
some sort. This parameter is a number or character string, depending upon which
command is being used.

The Base Condition

The Base Condition is special. It is only a single condition, rather than a list of
commands. The Base Condition sets up the overall conditions for the entire profile. It
isn’t really a cutting “technique.” Rather, it is the “default state” for the profile. In other
words, when no other cutting techniques are in effect, this is the state of the cutting
parameters.

Without the Base Condition, cutting techniques would have no way of knowing what the
initial values for the various parameters are supposed to be.

Available commands
Command Purpose Parameter Value
Move Perform a motion along an Distance in linear
entity units
Radius Maximum radius for which a Length in linear units
particular radius ramp up or
ramp down can be used
Feedrate Cutting speed to be inserted at Cutting speed in
a particular point linear units per
minute
Feedrate% Percentage of the last feedrate Percentage
to be inserted at a particular
point, based on the Condition
or Feedrate keyword
Kerf Kerf compensation value to Kerf compensation
insert at a particular point value in linear units
Kerf% Percentage of the last kerf Percentage
compensation to be inserted at
a particular point, based on the
Condition or Kerf keyword
Condition Cutting condition to set Character string
CFFSection Section of the CFF file to be Character string
output at this point
Dwell Length of dwell command to Time in seconds
be inserted at this point
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At this time, all of the cutting technique parameters, such as the parameters to Feedrate
and Move, are assumed to be in English units (inches).

Interaction with Process Parameters

By using the “Feedrate” keyword, the user may insert a specific feedrate value into the
CNC file. Alternatively, the “Feedrate%” keyword may be used to output a percentage of
the most recently output main federate, (not including those generated by previous
cutting techniques, such as slowdowns). Note that this percentage will be based off of
the base value for feedrate, the most recent Condition encountered, or the most recent
Feedrate command, whichever was encountered more recently.

By using the “Kerf” keyword, the user may insert a specific kerf compensation value into
the CNC file. Alternatively, the “Kerf%” keyword may be used to output a percentage of
the most recently output kerf value. Note that this percentage will be based off of the
base value for kerf, the most recent Condition encountered, or the most recent Kerf
command, whichever was encountered more recently.

Cutting techniques use the “Condition” command to insert process parameters into the
geometry of the part. This allows the user to not only change feedrate and kerf to the
values associated with that condition without having to specify them individually in the
cutting technique sequence, but it also allows the user to use any sort of parameters that
are required for their particular situation. Such parameters may include, but are by no
means limited to, things like voltage, current, and duty percent.

If no match for the individual conditions is found, the closest matching parameter record
will be used for the base condition, but none of the other conditions will be used.

Interaction with CFF

Cutting techniques use the “CFFSection” command to cause a section in the CFF file to
be output at a particular time. This section in the CFF can produce simple output like
inserting a comment into the CNC file, or more complex output like outputting a sequence
of commands to set kerf and feedrate and turn off the auto height control.

If no matching section name in the CFF file is found, nothing happens when the
CFFSection command is encountered.

Similarly, if a feedrate or kerf value is specified in the cutting techniques, but the CFF is
incapable of outputting a feedrate or kerf value, no feedrates or kerfs will be output.

The Radius Keyword

The “Radius” keyword is used to specify the largest radius for which a particular radius
ramp up or ramp down will be used. This allows the user to set up different sequences of
events for different radius sizes. Also, the user doesn’t need to specify a cutting
technique sequence for each and every radius that may be used.

For instance, if all radii between 3” and 10” will use a particular slowdown sequence,
there is no need to define radius ramp down sequences for 3”, 3.5”, 4” and so on. Simply
setting up a radius ramp down sequence for 2.99” and one for 10” will suffice. All radii
greater than 2.99” and less than or equal to 10” will then use this sequence. Examples
are included in a later section that will try to make these concepts clear.

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 What is a Corner

For purposes of cutting techniques, a corner is defined as being an intersection of two

lines, two arcs, or one arc and one line such that they form a 90 degree or smaller angle.
In the case of an arc, the tangent to the arc at the intersection point is used to determine
the angle.

How is the Move Command Used

The “Move” command is used to advance along a particular entity. The total distance
specified by all the Move commands in a cutting technique sequence is the total amount
of space required to apply that sequence. In certain cases, such as where there isn’t
enough room to apply a cutting technique as specified, the total distance may be scaled
so that all of the required actions will still be performed, albeit over a shorter distance.

Safeguards

Leadin ramp up always inserts the base condition at the end of the ramp up sequence,
just in case. If no base condition exists, the default feedrate and kerf will be inserted
instead.

Cutting conditions are always scaled to fit in the space available. If leadin ramp up is
supposed to cover 0.5”, but only 0.25” is available, the leadin ramp up will be scaled
down. The same is true if there is less space available between corners or radii than is
needed. The available space will be used to scale the cutting techniques so that both will
fit. With the exception of leadin ramp up, no cutting techniques will be scaled to be larger
than the desired length.

Putting It All Together

Now that we’ve covered all the basics, let’s see how to set up a few different cutting
techniques. For the moment, we will only consider a single material. Keep in mind that
this discussion is applicable to any number of material records. Also, bear in mind that
this discussion is meant as an example only, and is not meant to represent actual cutting
techniques to use in production.

Call the material we will be using in this example “Test Material” and give it a thickness of
0.25”.

Base Condition

The Base Condition is simply the condition to use when no cutting techniques are in
effect. Think of it as the conditions you would want to use if you weren’t using cutting
techniques at all.

For purposes of this example, we will say that the Base Condition is “Base.”

Leadin Ramp Up

Leadin ramp up allows parameters to be varied over the length of the leadin.

Let’s assume for this example that we want to start out at 50% of the base feedrate and
110% of the base kerf, move 0.25” along the leadin, then change to 75% of the base
feedrate and 105% of the base kerf. After another move of 0.25”, we want to set both
feedrate and kerf to 100% of their base values.
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is how the leadin ramp up would need to look:
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 143

Feedrate%(50), Kerf%(110), Move(0.25), Feedrate%(75), Kerf%(105), Move(0.25),

Feedrate%(100), Kerf%(100)

Note that the final Feedrate%(100) and Kerf%(100) are not necessary, as the base
conditions are automatically inserted at the end of the leadin.

Radius Ramp Down

Radius ramp down allows the user to specify parameter changes and special output
conditions just prior to an arc motion.

For this example, let’s consider 2 ranges of radii, up to 5” and between 5”

and 10”.

For radii less than or equal to 5”, we want to drop the feedrate to 85%, output the
contents of the CFF section “SMALL RADIUS”, move 0.5”, drop the feedrate to 75%, then
move 0.25”.

Note: The CFF section entry is not necessary in most applications. It is used to output
specific commands required by certain controls in a variety of situations. The use of it in
this example is meant to show the power and flexibility of ProNest.

In the Radius1 Ramp Down column, we would enter the following:

Radius(5), Feedrate%(85), CFFSection(SMALL RADIUS), Move(0.5), Feedrate%(75),

Move(0.25)

For radii larger than 5” and up to 10”, let’s output the contents of the CFFSection “LARGE
RADIUS”, move 0.1”, drop the feedrate to 90%, then move 0.25”.

In the Radius2 Ramp Down column, we would enter the following:

Radius(10), CFFSection(LARGE RADIUS), Move(0.1), Feedrate%(90), Move(0.25)

Always keep in mind that you must use the “Radius” keyword to indicate the maximum
radius to apply the cutting technique to when doing radius ramp up or radius ramp down.
Otherwise, the technique will be applied to all radii.

Radius Ramp Up

Radius ramp up is used to restore the cutting parameters to their base conditions after
cutting an arc motion.

For radius ramp up, let’s assume that we always want to come out of a radius the same
way, no matter what the size. We’ll move 0.25” then return to the BASE condition. For
this, we’ll need a column called Radius1 Ramp Up. Move(0.25), Condition(BASE)

Corner Ramp Down

The following example makes use of conditions commands, and addition to the process
parameter table that allows many different values to be inserted to the code. When a
specific condition is encountered, the base values can be changed to reflect chain cutting
requirements.

Corner ramp down allows cutting parameters to be changed when approaching a corner.
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 For this example of corner ramp down, we will exclusively use the Move and Condition
commands and assume that our CFF is capable of outputting the correct parameters for
us. Let’s perform 3 0.25” motions, setting conditions CRD1, CRD2, and CRD3. There
will be a dwell of 2 seconds at the corner.

In the Corner Ramp Down column we would type:

Condition(CRD1), Move(0.25), Condition(CRD2), Move(0.25), Condition(CRD3),

Move(0.25), Dwell(2)

Because we have used the conditions CRD1, CRD2, and CRD3 in this cutting technique,
we must make sure that there are records in the process parameters XLS table that use
those conditions.

Corner Ramp Up

Corner ramp up is used to restore cutting conditions to their base values when coming
out of a corner.

Let’s assume that we will need to return to the base condition after we output the CFF
section CORNER and move 0.5”. As noted earlier, the base condition is simply BASE.

In the Corner Ramp Up column we would type:

CFFSection(CORNER), Move(0.5), Condition(BASE)

Leadout Ramp Down

Leadout ramp down is used to alter process parameters just prior to leading out from the
profile.

For this example, we’ll do a simple one. We’ll slow down to 50% of cutting speed 0.25”
before the start of the leadout.

In the Leadout Ramp Down column, we would enter the following:

Feedrate%(50), Move(0.25)

Extended Example

To continue with this example, there are several other things we can consider: profile
area, profile type, multiple materials.

Profile Area
First, let’s consider profile area. If there isn’t a Profile Area column in the cutting
techniques XLS, we’ll need to add one. For this example, we’ll consider 3 different
ranges: up to 10 square inches, up to 100 square inches, and beyond 100 square inches.

Highlight the record we just added in the example. Add two copies of it to the cutting
techniques XLS table. In the profile area column of the first record, enter 10. Enter 100
for the next one, and * for the last one. The * will match any area. Without using the *,
we may encounter profiles that wouldn’t get cutting techniques applied to them.

At this point, no matter the profile size, the cutting techniques being applied are always
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 145

appears in the record for area of 100 to be BASE100. We will need a record with that
condition in the process parameters table. Double the feedrate and kerf for this process
parameter record. This means that the cutting techniques will apply a significantly larger
kerf and feedrate value to the profiles.

For profile area *, change BASE to BASE999 and add an appropriate record to the
process parameters table. This time, triple the feedrate and kerf from the original BASE
record.

It might also be a good idea to change CRD1, CRD2, and CRD3 for each of the different
profile areas. Otherwise, the corner ramp down will always produce the same results, no
matter what size profile we are outputting. Remember to add the appropriate records to
the process parameter table.

Profile Type
Now we have three cutting technique records, all set up the same way, but they will
produce different results on output. To bring profile types into this example, highlight the
three cutting technique records and insert two copies into the cutting techniques table, for
a total of nine records.

Add a Profile Type column if there isn’t one already. For each of the different profile
areas, mark one of the Profile Types as E, one as I, and one as O. This means that you
should have an E, I, and O for area 10, an E, I, and O for area 100, and an E, I, and O for
area *.

For this example, we don’t want to change the kerf for interior profiles. So, for each of
the records with a profile type of I, remove any mention of Kerf or Kerf%.

For open profiles, we want all of the moves we make to be 0.1”. Change all of the move
commands to Move(0.1) if the profile type for that record is an O.

Now we have nine cutting technique records, covering three different areas and three
profile types for each of the areas. To do all of this, we’ve also had to add or modify 12
records in the process parameters table. But after all this work, we’ve got one material
completely set up for just about any situation. Of course, there is no practical limit to the
number of radius ramp down and radius ramp up cutting techniques that could be used.

Multiple Materials
To set up a second material, copy the 9 cutting technique records that we’ve just set up
and change the thickness to 0.5”. Also copy the 12 process parameter records and
change the material thickness there to 0.5”. Also in the process parameter table, change
the kerf and feedrate values for the 12 records.

That’s it. We now have two materials set up for cutting techniques. Of course, before
this will actually work on output, you would need to add the “Test Material” for
thicknesses of 0.25” and 0.5” to the material database, then import and nest parts for
these materials.

Troubleshooting
Below is a list of common problems encountered while using cutting techniques and
possible ways to resolve them.

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 1. Cutting techniques are not being applied at all

♦ Make sure the “Insert machine parameters into output” checkbox on the CNC
settings screen is checked
♦ Check each of the processes being used to see that a cutting techniques XLS
table and process parameters XLS table have been assigned.
♦ Check that the materials that you are using for your parts match one or more
records in your XLS tables

2. Only some cutting techniques are being applied

♦ Check that the column headers in the cutting techniques table are correct
♦ Make sure that the materials you are using for all of your parts are represented in
the cutting techniques XLS tables you are using
♦ Make sure all processes you are using have a cutting techniques table specified
♦ Make sure any radii specified in the cutting techniques are large enough to match
any radial moves that require slowdowns in the parts
♦ Check for any Feedrate, Feedrate%, Kerf, or Kerf% commands with 0 or
negative values as the parameter
♦ Make sure that the profile areas and types, if used, are correct

3. Only the base process parameters are being used

♦ Make sure the process parameters XLS table contains records with the
conditions being used in the cutting techniques XLS table

4. Not getting any CFF section output, even though the CFFSection
command is used

♦ Make sure the CFF section named in the cutting technique exists in the CFF file
being used

5. Cutting techniques are being applied, but no parameters are being

output

♦ Verify that each process used has a valid process parameter table assigned
♦ Make sure the process parameters XLS table contains records with the
conditions being used in the cutting techniques XLS table
♦ Make sure the CFF is capable of outputting the parameters you are expecting. If
the CFF cannot output a kerf value once the torch is on, there won’t be any kerf
values in the code
♦ Make sure that the cutting techniques being used cause the parameters to be
modified
♦ Check for any Feedrate, Feedrate%, Kerf, or Kerf% commands with 0 or
negative values as the parameter

6. I’m using profile area and large profiles don’t get any cutting techniques

♦ Specify a cutting technique record with a very large area or ‘*’ for the area

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7. I can’t get a profile type of “EI”, “IO”, “EO”, or “EIO” to work correctly

♦ Currently, exterior, interior, and open profile types must be specified in separate
cutting technique records, or the ‘*’ (for all profile types) must be used

8. I’m getting radius ramp up/down where I don’t want it, or I’m not getting
it where it should be

♦ Check the Radiusn Ramp Up and Radiusn Ramp Down columns to make sure
that the Radius keyword is used to specify the maximum radius to use for the
slowdown/speedup. Omit the Radius keyword if you want the technique to apply
to all radii.

9. The wrong feedrates and kerfs are being output.

♦ Set the correct condition before issuing a Feedrate% or Kerf% command. These
commands work on the most recently encountered Condition, Feedrate, or Kerf
command. If the most recent condition was CRD1 and then a Feedrate%(50)
was encountered, the resulting feedrate would be 50% of the CRD1 feedrate.

10. Only default parameter values are being output, even though my
cutting techniques and process parameter tables are set up correctly

♦ Make sure the checkbox to “Use default process parameters only” is not checked
for each of the processes.

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 Chapter 14: Lead Style Settings

Using Lead Style Settings

ProNest allows the user to set up XLS tables containing leadin and leadout definitions for
different materials. Each cutting process used may have a leads table assigned to it,
though it is possible that the same table may be used for multiple processes. These
tables are assigned in the settings for each process.

Additionally, the user may set up different lead styles for interior and exterior profiles.

Default Lead Style Settings

Each process has default lead styles for both interior and exterior profiles. These
settings are configurable by the user and would be used if no matching records are found
in the XLS tables, or if the user desires that only default leads be used.

When Lead Style Settings Are Applied

Initially, lead style settings are not applied to CAD files until they have been added to the
part list. This is done on the Add Parts screen. The part preview area of the Add Parts
screen will not show the leads on the part until the part has been added.

By default, the lead settings associated with the cut process and material of the part are
used. If desired, the user may change the lead settings for a particular part after it has
been added, or change the leads to be used for all parts subsequently added. More
information about this may be found elsewhere in this document.

Lead styles may also be applied if the user changes the material for the part once it has
already been added to the part list. A dialog will be displayed allowing the user to change
the lead styles or not.

Lead Style Settings XLS Tables

Each cut process can have two lead settings tables associated with it, one for interior
leads and one for exterior leads. These tables contain the necessary information for
leading into and out of the side of a profile and leading into and out of the corner of a
profile.

Table Organization

The lead settings XLS tables are set up as follows:

Cell A1 contains the units designation for the file, inch or mm.

Cell B1 contains the row number of the English language column headers, n.

Row n – English language column headers

Anywhere between row 2 and row n may be any number of things, such as the column
headers translated into a different language. These are purely informational and are
ignored by ProNest.

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Column Headers

ProNest looks for the following column headers when applying the lead settings:

Column Header Purpose Contents

Material Material name or grade Character string
representing material
name
Thickness Material thickness Thickness value in
linear units
CornerInName Leadin style to use for Character string
corners representing leadin
style: ARC, LINEAR,
or NONE
CornerInScale Leadin size to use for Length value in linear
corners units
CornerInAngle* Leadin angle to use for Angle value in
corners degrees
CornerInExtension Extra length to add to Length value in linear
beginning of corner leadins units
CornerOutName Leadout style to use for Character string
corners representing leadout
style: ARC, LINEAR,
or NONE
CornerOutScale Leadout size to use for Length value in linear
corners units
CornerOutAngle* Leadout angle to use for Angle value in
corners degrees
CornerOutExtension Extra length to add to end Length value in linear
of corner leadouts units
CornerOutOvertravel┼ Over/undertravel distance Length value in linear
to use for corners units
SideInName Leadin style to use for Character string
sides representing leadin
style: ARC, LINEAR,
or NONE
SideInScale Leadin size to use for sides Length value in linear
units
SideInAngle* Leadin angle to use for Angle value in
sides degrees
SideInExtension Extra length to add to Length value in linear
beginning of side leadins units
SideOutName Leadout style to use for Character string
sides representing leadout
style: ARC, LINEAR,
or NONE
SideOutScale Leadout size to use for Length value in linear
sides units
SideOutAngle* Leadout angle to use for Angle value in
sides degrees
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 SideOutExtension Extra length to add to end Length value in linear
of side leadouts units
SideOutOvertravel┼ Over/undertravel distance Length value in linear
to use for sides units

Notes:

* - When an ARC leadin or leadout is used, the angle represents the angle that the arc
motion passes through. A quarter of a circle is a 90 degree arc. For LINEAR leads, the
angle represents the angle the lead makes with the next or previous motion.
┼
- A negative overtravel value will result in undertravel. This means that the profile will
not be cut completely, but that a small portion of material will remain.

Units:

Cell A1 contains the units designation for the file. If this cell contains the word “inch,”
English units (inches) will be used when the file is read. If it contains “mm,” then Metric
units will be used.

The units designation is used to control how ProNest interprets the Thickness, Scale,
Extension, and Overtravel columns.

Column Header Row Number

Cell B1 contains the number of the row in the XLS table that contains the English
language column names used by ProNest. If this value is blank, 0, or 1, row 2 will be
assumed. ProNest uses the English language column headers to access the different
lead style properties.

Material Must Match Material Table Information

All material names/grades that appear in the lead style XLS tables must be present in the
ProNest material database in order for the lead styles to be used. The only time this is
not true is if you are using the wildcard character to match the material name/grade. For
more details on record matching, see below.

Record Matching
Exact matches

When lead style settings are applied, ProNest first checks to see if the lead style settings
tables contain exact matches for material name/grade and thickness. This is one of the
times that it is important to have the units in the XLS tables defined correctly.

When searching for lead styles for a particular material, ProNest has to be able to tell
what the material thickness in the XLS table really means. For instance, if the part that
needs leads added is on A36 0.25”, but the material in the XLS file is A36 with a
thickness of 6.35, the XLS has to be in Metric units for a match to be found. (0.25” =
6.35mm)

Material Thickness Ranges

It is not always practical to expect there to be exact matches. Perhaps the material you
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 151

For this case, ProNest is capable of matching records based on thickness ranges. For
example, if you have records in your lead settings XLS for 0.125”, 0.25”, and 1” and load
a part on 0.5” material, you will still get leads applied, even though an exact match on
material thickness was not made. What ProNest does is look for the largest thickness
smaller than the thickness being searched for. In this case, ProNest could not find a
match for 0.5” material, so it would use the lead settings for 0.25” material instead.

Because of this material matching feature, you do not need to have records in your XLS
tables for every material you have in your material database.

Using the wildcard character

There is still another way to match records. This is by using the wildcard character,
rather than an actual material name or thickness value. The wildcard character is an
asterisk (*).

The wildcard character matches any valid material or thickness value. If, for example,
the type of the material doesn’t matter, you can set up lead settings that will look only at
material thickness when matching records.

For instance, assume that you cut three different thicknesses, 0.125”, 0.25”, and 0.5”, of
three different materials, normally a total of nine records in each lead settings XLS table.
However, if each material uses the same lead settings for 0.125”, you would need only
one record for material thickness 0.125”. You could replace the material name with the
wildcard character (*). Now, you would need only seven records. Further extending this
example, if all materials that are 0.25” thick use the same lead settings, you would need
only one record for 0.25”, with ‘*’ as the material name.

The same holds true for thickness values. Let’s say that you normally cut parts on two
different materials, “Material1” and “Material2.” In this case, the lead settings will be the
same for all the thicknesses of each material. You would need only two records in each
of your leads XLS tables, one for Material1 and one for Material2. The thickness in each
of these records would be *.

Units Conversion
ProNest will convert the following columns based on the contents of the units designation
cell, cell A1:

Thickness, CornerInScale, CornerInExtension, SideInScale, SideInExtension,

CornerOutScale, CornerOutExtension, CornerOutOvertravel, SideOutScale,
SideOutExtension, SideOutOvertravel.

When converting from inch to Metric, the values are multiplied by 25.4. When converting
from Metric to inch, the values are divided by 25.4.

The Default Lead Style Settings Record

Each process has a default lead style settings record for interior and exterior profiles.
These records are set up on the Interior Leads and Exterior Leads pages for each of the
cut processes.

These default records are used when a match cannot be found in the XLS table for that
process, when no XLS table is associated with that process, or when the user has
checked the “use default interior/exterior leads only” checkbox.

An alternate way to set up default settings would be to have a record in each of the lead
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 Multiple Process Considerations
When importing multiple process parts, the leads on each profile may differ from the
leads on the other profiles. This is because each process can use its own lead style
settings table. Optionally, these tables may be ignored for each process and have
default values used instead.

Moving leads

ProNest provides several different ways of moving the leads on a particular profile. The
leads may be moved in the Add Parts screen’s preview window, or they may be moved in
Advanced Edit.

Editing leads in the Add Parts screen

Once you have added a part to the part list in the Add Parts screen, you can change the
style of the leads, change their location, or both.

Simply left click on one of the profiles in the preview window to see the leads style
settings that are currently being used for that profile. Changing any of the values in the
Lead Info area will change the leads on the selected profile.

Click on the Move Leads Mode button and you will be able to move the leads simply by
clicking somewhere on the profile. If moving from one corner of the profile to another or
one side of the profile to another, the same lead styles will be used. However, if moving
from side to corner or corner to side, the appropriate settings will be used.

Editing leads in Advanced Edit

In Advanced Edit you can also modify and move leads. Selecting the start point of the
profile will display the properties for the current leadin and leadout that are on that profile.
You may change the size, style, extension, etc. of the leadin and leadout. Click the
“Apply” button to have these changes take effect. Clicking the “Reset” button, instead,
will cancel any changes that you have made.

While in entity or point mode, you can right click on a profile and select the Make Start
Point option from the menu that appears. This will move the leadin and leadout to the
point you right clicked on. You may then change the properties of the leadin and leadout.

Another option is to go into “Quick Move Start Point” mode. While in this mode, moving
the leads works like moving the leads in the Add Parts preview area in Move Leads
Mode. When moving from side to side or from corner to corner the existing lead
properties are used. When moving from corner to side or side to corner the appropriate
lead style settings from the XLS table or the default lead style settings will be used.

What is saved in the job?

The lead style settings used for each profile are stored with that profile, if the “store part
and plate geometry in the job” checkbox in Preferences is checked. This allows the user
to go into the Add Parts window or Advanced Edit at any time and examine the leadin
and leadout properties, and also to change them.

The default lead styles for each process are also saved in the job. The XLS tables,
however, are not stored with the job.

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 153

Using default leads vs. using an XLS file

ProNest has a lot of built in flexibility when it comes to applying lead settings. However,
there may be times when the issue of using the default settings versus what is in the XLS
tables becomes confusing.

Advantages and disadvantages

Some of the things to consider when deciding whether to use default lead settings or to
set up XLS tables are the issue of material/thickness matching and what gets saved with
the job.

Material/Thickness
When using default lead style settings the material and thickness do not matter. The
default settings will be used regardless of the material and thickness. Unfortunately, this
means that the same lead styles will be applied to all of your parts, which may not be
what you want.

If using material and thickness, however, you can have exactly the lead settings you want
applied to each of the different materials you are using. One of the drawbacks of this
approach is that you need to worry about having the correct records set up in both your
material database and the lead settings XLS tables. If some of these records are
missing, you will wind up with the defaults leads, anyway.

Settings saved with a job

As mentioned before, the leadin and leadout settings for each profile are stored in that
profile. These only represent what was used for that profile. This leadin and leadout
information is only stored in the job if the “Save part and plate geometry in the job”
checkbox in Preferences is checked.

The default lead style settings are stored with the job. However, the XLS table
information is not. Therefore, when a job is read back in, the default lead settings used
with that job will be restored, but the original XLS tables will not be. Any lead styles used
from the lead styles XLS tables, such as when new parts are added to the job, will come
from the current XLS tables. The XLS tables are not stored in the job because of the
potential size of these tables.

What happens if you don’t match a record

If no matching record is found in the XLS tables for the particular material and thickness
that you’re using, the default lead style will be used. This ensures, as long as the
defaults are set up, that leads of some sort will always be applied to your parts.

Troubleshooting:
1. What if I get the incorrect leads?

♦ Check the lead settings for the process that you are using
♦ Check the CAD layering you are using. The CAD layers used determine the
processes used
♦ Check to see that the “Use default interior/exterior leads only” checkbox is not
checked if you want to use the XLS tables
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 ♦ Check to see that the “Use default interior/exterior leads only” checkbox is
checked if you do not want to use the XLS tables
♦ Check the spelling of the column headers in the lead settings XLS tables
♦ Make sure the column header row number (cell B2) contains the correct row
number
♦ Check the spelling of the leadin and leadout names in the leads XLS tables

2. What if I change my material?

♦ If you change the material for one of your parts, you will be given the option of
keeping the existing leads or using the appropriate leads for the new material

3. What if I always get default leads, even if I don’t have the “Use default
interior/exterior leads” checkbox checked?

♦ Check your process settings to make sure lead XLS tables are assigned
♦ Check the individual lead XLS tables to make sure there is a record that matches
the material you are using.
♦ Check the spelling of the column headers in the lead settings XLS tables
♦ Make sure the column header row number (cell B2) contains the correct row
number

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 155

Chapter 15: Database Filtering

When using the filtering capabilities of the editor, arrows are drawn to the right of column
captions. To initiate a filter, click the appropriate arrow and select the necessary value to
filter the contents of your list. Filter arrows are displayed in blue in the columns that
contain selected values. A filtered list displays only the items that contain a specified
value. The grid pictured below is filtered to display records with a purchase date of
8/11/00 only:

You can filter a value by more than one column simultaneously. The following filter
criteria is supported:

Value Description
All Displays all nodes.

Custom Applies two criteria values within the current column using
the comparison operators AND or OR.
Blanks Displays only the nodes that contain a False value in a
column.
NonBlanks Displays only the nodes that contain a True value in a
column.
Value Displays only the nodes that contain the selected value.

Note: The Blanks and NonBlanks options are available only if the column you want to
filter contains a blank cell.

The Custom AutoFilter window allows you to determine two conditions for a column. The
editor type for a value is determined by column type (for date columns, it is a date editor,
for pick columns, it is a pick editor, etc.):

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 Chapter 16: Summary of Key Strokes

Select/unselect a part

To select a part, click on the part with the left mouse button. To prevent choosing the
wrong part, click as close as possible to the center of the desired part. This is especially
helpful if the desired part is nested inside of, or in an interlocking manner with another
part.

To unselect a part, click anywhere outside of the part region. Clicking outside the plate is
preferred, as it eliminates the possibility of picking another part by mistake. A selected
part can be unselected by choosing another part. A selected part can also be unselected
by pressing the ESCAPE key.

The selection state of a part can be toggled by holding down the Shift key and clicking
with the left mouse button inside the part region. For example, if a part is unselected,
shift select will select the part. If the part is selected, shift select will unselect the part.

Bump

To bump a part, select the center handle on the desired side of the selected grid. For
example, to bump left, select the center handle on the left side of the selected group.
The selected group will move left until it is a part separation away from another part or
the plate edge. Parts that are completely off the plate will not bump. If the leading edge
of a part (i.e., the left edge if bumping left) is already in conflict, it will not bump.

To bump a part without using the mouse, press the corresponding keyboard arrow key
pointing in the direction that you wish the part to be bumped.

Rotate

Rotating by Increment - To rotate the selected group by a set increment, click on either

the Incremental Rotation Icon , or the upper left handle. This can also be done
by pressing the PLUS or MINUS keys on the keyboard. The selected group will
rotate by the given increment. The Incremental Rotate Angle setting in the
Preferences screen is used. If the Incremental Rotation Icon, the upper left handle or
the MINUS key are used, the selected group rotates counter clockwise. If the PLUS
key is used, the selected group rotates clockwise.

Move

With the part or group of parts in the selected state, click and hold the left mouse button
on the part(s) dragging them to the desired position on the plate. Release the mouse
button.

Using the keypad, CTRL plus an arrow key moves the part by the amount specified in
Setup/Preference – Move Increment.

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 157

Chapter 17: Technical Support

We, at MTC hope that this document has provided you with all information necessary to
get you started using ProNest for Windows with a minimum amount of difficulty.

MTC offers free training at our offices in Gasport, New York, and are available to conduct
on-sight training. Please call for pricing.

If you wish to contact us, our office hours are 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST Monday through
Friday. Don’t hesitate to contact us should you have any questions:

MTC

8838 Chestnut Ridge Road

Gasport, NY 14067

Technical 716-772-5252
Support
Main Office 716-772-7722
Fax 716-772-5222
E-mail [email protected]
Web Site http://www.mtc-limited.com/

MTC is driven to achieve TOTAL CUSTOMER SATISFACTION with quality, world class
www.cadfamily.com software solutions. We accomplish this by maintaining a high standard of work life,
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listening to customer needs, adapting to industry trends, and keeping our commitments.
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