Notes on using Nesting
The Optimising program deals with both cutting patterns and nested patterns and with using Machining centres for machining parts. When using Nesting optimising a few features are not used or operate differently because they do NOT apply to Nested patterns. Also where parts are stored in external file formats (such as MPR(X)) there can be inconsistencies between the information specified for the part in the external file and the part information required by the Optimising program.
Pattern file names
The MPR(X) pattern files transferred to machining centres use 4 digits for the pattern number. Pattern file names of this format also appear in the following places:
In LIS files for nested patterns
In CSV files for nested patterns
Optimising parameters
The rectangular nesting optimiser does not use the Optimising parameter: Duplicate parts - Show in single pattern
Part list drawing dialog
When a part is linked to an MPR(X) file the part drawing can be edited using the WoodWop editor. Double click on the part drawing. When editing in this way it is the original MPR(X) file in WoodWop that is changed so any other instances of the part are also updated.
Part list - adding parts with global values set
For some part lists some of the global values e.g. Grain or Overs are set in the Part list. This can create problems when adding parts to the part list from MPR(X) or DXF files or from the Machining / Drawing libraries.
Part records in these formats do not have values for material, grain or quick edging defined. If global values are set they are copied to the individual part when it is added to the list.
Make sure that the individual part length and/or width match the corresponding global values if set.
Where the material is not set for a part and the global material value is set the global material is copied to the individual part.
Nested patterns - horizontal instructions and vacuum pods
When Nested pattern drawings are generated the following instructions in the part drawings are not included on the patterns:-
Vacuum pods
Horizontal drilling
End Groove
These instruction types still appear on the individual part drawings.
MPR(X) types
The following MPR(X) types are marked as disabled when creating temporary parts for the pattern drawings and then the Prjmgr32 program removes them when generating the pattern drawing.
<115 Vacuum cups (parallel to Y-Axis)
<103 Horizontal drilling
<114 Single vacuum cup
<130 Vacuum cups (parallel to X-Axis)
<133 Horizontales Fraesen: Contour Element (End Groove)
Nested patterns - MPR(X) parts without borders
If a MPR(X) based part without a border is used for a nesting optimisation a rectangular border is created around the part and displayed on the nested pattern drawing.
The border created is a set of 5 routs that start halfway along one side of the part.
The border created uses the first and final pass routing parameters specified on the nested patterns tab of the machining centre parameters.
e.g. If the Final pass routing - depth offset is set to 4, this depth offset is used for the border around non-bordered MPR(X) parts.
The first and final pass routing can be overridden with the equivalent parameters in the material parameters.
The first and final pass routing is only used for MPR(X) parts that have no border, it has no affect on MPR(X) parts that already have a border defined.
Nesting labels
Forms or labels can be created for both cutting patterns and nested patterns. The form/label designer operates in a very similar way for both types of patterns.
For form or label design, at the main screen:-
• Select: Forms/Labels - Patterns
Where the screen or help refers to 'cutting patterns' this also includes nested patterns.
Nested patterns – using Project Manager with Machining Library
When the Machining Library is used for part drawings that are nested using any of the nesting optimisers, the transferred nested pattern is compiled using the Woodwop Project Manager Interface.
This means that the sequence in which the machining of the various routing operations is done, is determined by the normal tool numbering conventions. All routing with a given tool number is carried out across all the parts in the nest before the next tool change.
Where it is specifically required that operations on a part with the same tool are not done together, then it is conventional to suffix the tool number with .1, .2 etc. (100.1, 100.2.).
This is used for two pass routing of small parts, for example, where each pass is done by the same tool (100), but the first pass for all parts has to be routed before the second pass for all parts. This enables template Woodwop MPR files to be incorporated when transferring to Homag nesting machines.
Nested patterns - MPR(X) part processing
If an MPR(X) file is used for a part drawing and it contains no border (nesting contour) but contains at least one closed contour the first closed contour is used for the part border.
If no border is found, the part template specified in the nesting parameters is used. If the closed contour is not the actual border of the part an appropriate border (nesting contour) needs to be added to the MPR(X) file
Optimisation of parts with double/multiple nesting contours
The 'cut-out' areas defined by second (and subsequent) nesting contours can be used to fit smaller parts in nested patterns.
To use this feature, MPR(X) file format machining must be used and the following parameters should be set:-
System parameters
Nested pattern view = WoodWop
Nesting parameters
Optimiser type = Shaped nesting
Warning with double nesting contours = No
Parts with multiple nesting contours must have the perimeter (external) contour defined first.
