NestMaster 2015 Manual

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NestMaster Nesting Software | 2015

User ManualNMMNL - 0001 | Revision 1 | English


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COPYRIGHTS

© 2014 Hypertherm, Inc. All rights reserved.Information in this document is subject to change without notice.The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement or nondisclosure agreement. The software may be usedor copied only in accordance with the terms of those agreements. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval sys-tem, or transmitted in any form or any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording for any purpose otherthan the purchaser’s personal use without the written permission of Hypertherm, Inc.

Hypertherm22 West Main StreetLockport, NY 14094U.S.A.www.hyperthermCAM.com

TRADEMARKS

Hypertherm and NestMaster are trademarks of Hypertherm, Inc. and may be registered in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft, Windows, and Internet Explorer are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.Adobe and Adobe Reader are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/orother countries. HASP is a registered trademark of Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd. in the United States and/or other countries.

Rev-02/14.

http://www.hyperthermcam.com/


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NestMaster 2015 Manual

Table of Contents

1. WELCOME AND WHAT'S NEW 1

Welcome to NestMaster 1What's new in this release 2

2. INSTALLATION AND LICENSING 8System requirements 8Installing NestMaster 8Licensing 9

3. SETTINGS 10

What are NestMaster settings? 10Using the settings dialog 11

Interior/Exterior Leads settings 13Editing process settings 16

Add or Remove Processes 18Select a Post Processor (CFF) 19Reuse Existing Settings 20

Machine settings 21Importing Parts settings 22Importing Parts (Advanced) settings 25

Standard Plate Sizes settings 26Nesting settings 27Export DXF settings 29CNC Output settings 30

CNC Output - Output Axis settings 36CNC Output - Step and Repeat settings 38CNC Output - DXF Output settings 39

4. PREFERENCES 40

What are preferences? 40

General preferences 42Regional preferences 44Check for Updates 46Warnings pref erences 47

5. JOBS 48

What is a job? 48Creating jobs 49Opening jobs 50Saving jobs 5

6. PART LIST 52

What is the part list? 52The Part List task pane 53

Exporting a part to DXF file 55About the Edit Part List window 56Preview 58

Part properties 59About CAD files 60

Adding CAD files to the part list 61CAD Import properties 62

What is a VSP part? 65Adding VSP parts 66

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Adding a cut-out 67Assigning cut processes to VSP parts 68VSP Shape Reference 69

7. NESTING 72

What is a nest? 72

Creating a new nest 73Deleting or clearing a nest 75Adding parts to the nest manually 76Removing parts from the nest 78Moving and rotating parts 79Nested vs. selected parts 81Mirror 82Cut direction 83Managing nests using nest tabs 84Exporting a nest to DXF file 86Why do parts appear in conflict? 87Checking nests for conflicts 88Separations task pane 89

How to start automatic nesting 91Setting up AutoNest 92Stopping AutoNest 9

8. MODES OF OPERATION 94

What are modes of operation? 94Cut Simulation mode 95Measure mode 96Modify Leads mode 97Pan mode 98Select mode 99Zoom 101

9. ARRAYING PARTS 102

About Array 102How to array parts 105Stopping an array 106

10. LEADS 107

How are leads applied in NestMaster? 107

11. CUT SEQ UENCE 108

About Cut Sequence 108

12. OUTPUT 109

Creating CNC output 109The CNC Output dialog 110How does CNC file naming work? 112

The Output Progress dialog 114Single part output 115

13. REPOR TS 116

NestMaster reports 117

14. VIEWS 120

How to use grids 121Color Legend 123

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Shortcuts and key tips 124Menu and toolbar legacy reference 127

15. CONTACT US 131

Locations 132Technical Support 134

Sales 135INDEX 136

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1. WELCOME AND WHAT'S NEW

Welcome to NestMaster

NestMaster™ is Hypertherm's entry-level nesting software solution. It reflects our commitment to software solutions that are not onlypowerful, but also easy to learn and use. NestMaster's intuitive interface allows even the most inexperienced user to navigate the appli-cation with ease. Operational readiness is typically reached within the hour; a fraction of the time it takes to learn alternative nesting sys-tems.

NestMaster can easily manage basic plasma and oxyfuel applications, performing all of the necessary steps to automatically convert yourCAD files into CNC-ready programs.

l See what's new in this release of NestMaster

l Explore NestMaster settings

l Explore NestMaster preferences

l

Explore the part listl Read about nesting

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What's new in this releaseNestMaster 2015 includes powerful new features and enhancements that improve the quality and efficiency of your output, while keep-ing the user interface simple and easy to use. Click the link at the top to read what's new in this release, or select another link to viewenhancements from previous versions.

Current version:

NestMaster 2015 v11.0

Previous versions:







Ribbon

NestMaster 2015 includes a new ribbon interface, which is designed to help you quickly find the NestMaster commands that you need byincluding bigger, more visible controls with text labels that are organized in logical groups. Benefits include:

l Simplified access making NestMaster features easier to find.l Mode-sensitive ribbon that shows only relevant controls.l Each control in the ribbon has hint text containing a short description of the item.l A Quick Access toolbar at the top of the main window contains commonly used items that can be accessed with a single click.

A cross reference of NestMaster 2015 menus and toolbars is available to help you get familiar with the interface.

Nest TabsIn the main window, each nest now has its own tab which displays nest name. Using tabs, you can:

l Easily navigate the nests in the job.l Reorder nests by clicking and dragging tabs to the desired location. For instance, if you want to move a nest that is currently nest

3 of 3 so that it is nest 2 of 3, simply drag the nest tab to the desired position.l Insert a new nest before or after any existing nest in the job.l Hover over the tab of a non-active nest to show a thumbnail imageof that nest.

DXF Export for Parts and Nests

Parts and single nests can now be exported directly to DXF file, without installing a special DXF Polyline setup or changing machines.

Check for Conflicts

A new control enables you to check the nests in your job for conflicts. You can repeatedly click the Check for Conflicts button to cycle

through all the conflicts that are found.

Recent Jobs

In the backstage view of the new ribbon interface (on the File tab), a Rec ent jobs page has been added. This page contains an expandedlist of recent NestMaster jobs, as well as recent folder paths for job files.

Clear Nest

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You can now remove all parts from a nest while leaving the blank plate behind as an empty nest. The empty nest will remain in the mainwindow for future nesting.

CAD Import: Recent Places

A new button on the CAD tab of the Edit Part List shows recent folders that CAD files were added from. This can help you quickly findfrequently used folders when adding parts.

Shortcuts

Extensive keyboard shortcuts and keytips (visible by pressing the ALT key) are now available in major areas in the application.

Size Format for Parts and Plates

You can now change how length and width dimensions for plates and parts are displayed in NestMaster. Using the new Size format pref-erence, part and plate dimensions can be shown as either "Length × Width" or "Width × Length".

News Feed in NestMaster

News related to NestMaster and Hypertherm CAD/CAM software is now available directly in NestMaster. A notification button on thestatus bar indicates when news is available and can be clicked to open a reading pane where you can browse articles.

Customer Experience Improvement Program

The program collects information about how you use NestMaster. This helps Hypertherm identify which NestMaster features to improve.No information collected is used to identify or contact you. The CEIP program runs in the background as you use NestMaster, withoutinterrupting you. You can opt in to the improvement program using a new Privacy preferences page.

AutoNest: Fill Interiors First

During automatic nesting, NestMaster will attempt to nest smaller parts inside the interior profiles of larger nested parts before fillingother areas of the nest. This can be useful if your parts contain large cut-outs that can be nested on.


CAD Fonts

NestMaster now supports native AutoCAD fonts (SHX) and Windows® system fonts (TrueType, OpenType, PostScript) for CAD drawings

that contain text. When a CAD file with text is imported, the font referenced in the file can now be used in NestMaster. Using the newCAD Font preferences page, you can choose to use text fonts found in the CAD file or specify a default AutoCAD or system font for CADtext.

2D CAD Improvements

l Multi-drawing support

Multiple drawings can be open simultaneously in 2D CAD. Each open drawing is displayed on its own tab in the main 2D CAD window; you can toggle between the drawings by simply clicking a tab.

l Control points

Any entity can now be moved or modified using control points. Control points appear at the start, center, and end points of aselected entity, enabling you to move the entity while preserving its size and orientation or resize the entity around a pivot point.

CNC File Extension Setting: N#On the CNC Output settings page, entering "N#" as the CNC file extension wil l ensure unique extensions are applied to all nests. Creatingoutput for a single nest will apply a .N1 extension to the CNC file; outputting more than one nest will apply extensions incrementally (.N1.N2, .N3, etc.).


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2D CAD Program

NestMaster's 2D CAD application provides all of the basic features needed to create or edit a detailed CAD drawing. With the CAD pro-gram, you can:

l Add, edit and delete simple and complex geometryl Insert pre-defined shapes such as rectangles, ellipses, etc.l Add chamfer, fillet, notches, or foldsl Manage layers and colorsl Save drawings as DWG or DXF files

2D CAD is a standard feature that is included with the NestMaster installation. It can be opened directly from the Edit Part List window inNestMaster.

Part List Improvements

The Part List task pane has been redesigned with an updated look and feel that gives you greater flexibility and control over parts fromthe main NestMaster window. Improvements include:

l Editing part properties

A new Properties pane can be opened directly in the main NestMaster window (right-click any part and select Properties). All partinformation that can be viewed and edited in the Edit Part List window is now editable in this new pane.

l Sorting parts

Parts can be listed alphabetically or by nesting order (by size).l

Easily access the Edit Part List, importing PNLsA new button in the Part List provides easy access to the Edit Part List. You can also quickly import a PNL directly from the partlist.

Modules and Standard Features

l The DXF Output module is now offered as a standard feature at no additional charge. For more information on acquiring thissetup, please contact your regional representative.

Miscellaneous

l The file path of an added part's source file is now shown in the Edit Part List window (in the Properties pane) as well as the Prop-erties pane in the main NestMaster window.

l Clicking the mouse wheel button will now activate Pan mode.


Color-Filled Parts

Parts are now filled with a solid color, in addition to the outline that is drawn normally. Color-filling provides improved visibility and con-trast between parts, interior holes, and the plate.

Color-filling can be turned on or off in the color legend using the " Draw color-filled parts" setting.

Separations Editor

A new task pane in the main nesting window has been added, allowing you to view and edit the current separation values in your job.This provides a way of editing separations on an as-needed basis without having to change anything in your NestMaster settings. Part,

Pierce, and Plate separations can be edited for each material / thickness in the job.

Check for Updates

The new Check for Updates feature allows NestMaster to notify you when software updates are available. This will help ensure that yoursoftware is up-to-date and contains the latest features, enhancements, and bug fixes. Your PC must be connected to the Internet to usethis feature.

Filter box in Edit Part List

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In the Part Sources section of the Edit Part List, a new Filter box has been added. You can use the Filter box to filter the contents of thecurrent folder by CAD file name. When text is entered into the Filter box, CAD file names that contain some or all of the entered text willbe shown, all others will be hidden.

Variable Cut Sequence Zones

NestMaster now takes into account the size and position of parts on the nest when calculating the nest's cut sequence. This can result ina better overall cut sequence and shorter traverse motions between cuts.


Enhancements

Automatic Nesting

Automatic nesting is now more efficient and powerful, resulting in betters nests with greater material utilization. During automatic nest-ing, more orientations are attempted for better material utilization and NestMaster will yield a better result when nesting multiple copiesof the same part due to the use of pattern array.

Performance

Multithreading

Implementation of multithreading has improved NestMaster’s performance on computers with multiple cores/processors. Benchmark tesing identified significant speed improvements when adding leads during part import.Also, the user interface is more responsive to user input while an operation (such as automatic nesting, pattern array, etc.) is in progress.User input may include stopping an operation, mouse movements, or window resizing.

Lastly, multithreading is designed to maximize all available cores/processors. NestMaster will perform better on a PC with morecores/processors than on a PC with fewer cores/processors.

Unicode

NestMaster now supports Unicode, benefiting users in multilingual environments:l A new XML-based dictionary format (XLF) allows Unicode support for translations.l When switching between languages, users no longer need to change the system locale of their PC.l Help, Tip of the Day, and Reports automatically match the selected language; there is no longer any need to copy language files

manually from between folders.l Data entry can mix and match text from different languages.

Settings and other developments

Output

The output status of a nest is now indicated in the CNC Output dialog. Nests that have already been output now have an icon next tothem; this icon is grayed out for nests that have not yet been output.

Reports

NestMaster now uses the Unicode-based FasReport® generator instead of Rave reports.

Cut Sequence

Cut sequence numbers displayed on nested parts are now positioned on the "meat" of the part, away from the exterior edges or any inte-rior profiles. Previously the cut sequence number boxes were positioned at the lower left of the part - which sometimes obscured the partgeometry behind the box and often caused sequence numbers for two parts to overlap.

Preferences

A new preference controls whether the Output Progress dialog should be closed automatically after output.

Jobs

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Job files (.nif) from version 9.1 onward will be forward compatible with future versions of NestMaster. For example, an NIF created in NestMaster v9.2 will be able to be opened safely in NestMaster v9.1.


New Features

Single Part OutputYou can now create machine-ready CNC output for a single part using NestMaster. Output for a part or group of parts can be createddirectly from the part list. A new output setting, Part Home, lets you set the home point to use during single part output.

Step and Repeat

If there is a segment of a nest that can be repeated, you can use the new Step and Repeat output settings to reduce CNC file size. WithStep and Repeat, the machine will be instructed to repeatedly execute the same NC code along the length or width of the plate.

Feature Enhancements

Importing Parts

NestMaster can now import a CAD drawing that contains multiple parts. You can import the multi-part drawing as a single unit or break itup into separate parts for individual nesting.

Output

A new CNC output interface has been implemented, offering the following improvements:l Output settings can be adjusted directly from the Output dialogl Control which nests should be output, and which should notl File naming has been refinedl A progress screen displays the status of your outputl Newly-created output files can be accessed directly from the progress screen

Reports

The following fields have been added to the Nest Plot report in NestMaster: Total Cut Length, Total Pierces.

Additional Developments

CAD Import

The following enhancements have been made:l CAM files (.cam) can now be importedl AutoCAD 2010 is supported

Help

The online help system has been expanded significantly to provide you with a better understanding of each feature and to help you getthe most out of NestMaster. Context-sensitive help (F1) is now available in many areas of the application.

Home Positions

You can now specify separate Machine and Nesting Home positions. The Machine Home represents the corner of the table on your real-world machine where cutting begins, whereas the Nesting Home is the point from which nesting strategies should begin. This is useful

for machines that use clamps to hold material in place and begin cutting immediately next to those clamps. In these cases, the bestoption is often to begin nesting on a point away from the clamps. Independent Machine and Nesting Home points give you the nec-essary control in this situation.

Preferences

Two new preferences have been added:l Allow parts in the Part List to be renamedl After output, save the current job

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Zooming/Panning

Several zoom functions have been added:l Zoom Real Time allows you to click and drag up/down to quickly zoom in/out on a nest.l Pan allows you to grab and pull nest to the desired view.l Zoom In is now available, both as a menu and a toolbar item.l Zoom Extents lets you return to a view of the entire nest.

Tip of the DayUseful hints and tips are now displayed when NestMaster starts.

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2. INSTALLATION AND LICENSING

System requirements

Softwarel Windows Vista® (SP2, 32 or 64-bit), Windows® 7 (SP1, 32 or 64-bit), Windows® 8 (32 or 64-bit), or later

l Microsoft Internet Explorer® 6.0 or later

Hardware

l 1 GHz processor or faster (3 GHz recommended)

l 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended)

l VGA display with at least 256 colors and a resolution of 1024 x 768

l 200 MB available disk space

Installing NestMaster

Important: l Before installing NestMaster, be sure that you have logged in as the system administrator. Otherwise, NestMastercannot install properly.

l Do not plug the HASP hardware key ( ) into your computer until after you have installed NestMaster.

To install NestMaster from a download link:

1. Download setup.exe for NestMaster. The download link would be provided by Hypertherm.

2. Close all programs.

3. Run the executable file.

4. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.

To install NestMaster from a disc:

1. Close all programs.

2. Insert the disc labeled NestMaster into your DVD drive. If Autorun is enabled on your system, the installation starts automaticallyand you can skip steps 3 and 4.

3. From the Start menu, select Run.

4. Type D:\setup (substitute the appropriate letter of your CD-ROM drive for D).

5. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.

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LicensingYour copy of NestMaster came with a removable HASP hardware key ( ). This security key contains your license information and mustbe plugged in for NestMaster to work.

1. Insert the HASP security key into your computer's USB port.

2. Launch NestMaster.

NestMaster can now be run on your PC, as long as the HASP key remains plugged in.

Important: Be sure to keep your HASP key in a safe place. If lost or stolen, a replacement fee will be required.

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3. SETTINGS

What are NestMaster settings?

NestMaster settings control almost every aspect of nesting - from importing parts to nesting to generating CNC output. Settings can beconfigured to automatically adjust for different processes as parts are imported and nested.

To edit machine settings, open the Settings dialog:

l In the Quick Access toolbar, c lick Settings.

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1. On the File tab, click Info.

2. Click Machine then click Settings.

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l Click the machine in the status bar and then click Settings.

Once you have opened the Settings dialog, you can make any kind of settings change you want. After you are done making changes,click OK to accept your changes and return to the main window. Click Cancel to discard your changes and return to the main window.

Clicking Save in the Settings dialog will save the current settings configuration. These saved settings will be loaded every time you startNestMaster.

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Using the settings dialogTo open the Settings dialog:

l In the Quick Access toolbar, c lick Settings.

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1. On the File menu, c lick Info.

2. Click Machine, then click Settings.

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l Click the machine in the status bar and then click Settings.

General Layout

The settings dialog is split into two main sections: the tree-view and the settings page.

Settings pages are presented as items in the tree-view on the left-hand side of the dialog. To view and edit the settings for a particular

page, find the item in the tree-view and click it.Using the Tree-view

Every settings page is listed in the tree-view. Some pages in the tree-view are not always visible because they are contained underneathother pages as sub-items. You can expand the list of sub-items by double-clicking an item.

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This will expand the tree-view to show all the sub-items directly underneath the item.

Double-click the item again to hide the sub-items.

The Buttons

There are three buttons at the bottom of the settings dialog:

Button Action when clicked

Save Saves all of your settings changes. Until settings are explicitly saved, allchanges are temporary.

OK Keeps your settings changes and closes the settings dialog.

Cancel Discards your settings changes and closes the settings dialog.

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Interior/Exterior Leads settingsThe cut process has one settings page for interior leads and another for exterior leads.

Default SettingsDefault lead settings for both corner and side leads are specified here. A lead is defined by its style, size, angle, and extension. Lead-outsalso have an overtravel setting. These five aspects of a lead are defined here.

StyleThe style of a lead defines its basic shape.

Choices for Lead In: (None), Arc, L inear

Choices for Lead Out: (None), Arc, Linear

To change a lead style:

1. In the Style column, click the box for the lead type you want to change.

2. Click the down arrow and select a new style from the list.

3. Click OK .

SizeFor the linear style, Size specifies the length of the lead. For the arc style, Size specifies the radius of the arc. For all other lead styles, Sizecontrols the scale of the lead.

Units: DistanceRange: 0.0 to 100.0 in.Recommended Value: 0.5 in. for a lead-in, 0.25 in. for a lead-out

AngleFor linear leads, the angle of a lead-in is defined with respect to the first motion after the lead. A 0° lead-in will lead straight into the firstcut. Positive lead-in angles are defined clockwise from the 0° position, so a 90° lead-in will cause a sharp left-turn into the first cut. Lead-out angles are defined in a similar fashion with a 0° lead-out extending straight out of the last cut. Positive lead-out angles are definedcounter-clockwise from the 0° position, so a 90° lead-out will cause a sharp left-turn out of the last cut.

For arc leads, angle defines the distance the lead will extend around a circle. A 90° lead would extend one quarter of the way around,whereas a 180° lead would extend half way around - forming a semicircle.

Units: DegreesRange: -360.0 to 360.0°Recommended Value: 0.0° for corner leads, 180.0° for a side lead-in, 90.0° for a side lead-out

Example:

The following part has two sets of leads: a pair of linear corner leads (on the exterior profile) and a pair of arc side leads (on the inte-rior profile).

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The Angle of both corner leads is set to 0°. The side lead-in has Angle of 180°, the side lead-out has an Angle of 90°.

ExtensionThe tip of the lead-in (or lead-out) will be extended by this distance.

Units: Distance

Range: 0.0 to 100.0 in.Recommended Value: 0.0 in.

Example:

The following parts have different Extension values. The arrows along the part profiles indicate cut direction.

Figure 1

The part displayed in Figure 1 has two exterior arc-styleleads. The Extension for both the lead-in and lead-out is0.0 in.

Figure 2

The part displayed in Figure 2 also has two exterior arc-style leads. Thelead-in has an Extension of 1.0 in. and the lead-out has an Extension of 0.0 in. Notice that the lead-in for this part is longer than the lead-in of thepart from Figure 1.

OvertravelThis value applies only to the lead-out. If this value is positive (overtravel), then the torch/head will travel past the start point before cut-ting the lead-out. If this value is negative (undertravel), then the torch/head will begin cutting the lead-out before reaching the startpoint.

Units: DistanceRange: -100.0 to 100.0 in.

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Recommended Value: 0.0 in.

Example:

The following parts have different Over/Under travel values. The arrows along the part profiles indicate cut direction.

Figure 3

The part displayed in Figure 3 has two exte-

rior, arc-style leads with an Over/Undertravel value of 0.0 in. The start point(where the lead-in intersects the part pro-file) and end point (where the lead-outintersects the part profile) are the same.

Figure 4

The part displayed in Figure 4 also has two

exterior, arc-style leads with a positiveOver/Under travel value of 1.0 in. The dis-tance between the start point and endpoint of this part is 1.0 in. The portion of part profile that is highlighted in yellow rep-resents the overtravel, which will be cuttwice by the torch.

Figure 5

The part displayed in Figure 5 has two exte-

rior, arc-style leads with a negativeOver/Under travel value of -1.0 in. Thispart exhibits undertravel. The lead-outoccurs before the torch finishes cutting theentire profile. As a result, the part in Figure5 will be connected to the plate by a 1.0 in.wide strip of material after it is cut.

How do I get here in NestMaster?

l Settings > double-click the cut process > click Interior or Exterior Leads

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Editing process settingsCut Process

The cut process supported by the machine will have its own settings page directly under the Machine page.

To view the cut process settings, click the process once; the settings will appear on the right-hand side of the settings window. These set-tings specify the default process parameters that will be used by NestMaster.

Kerf widthThis defines the width of the torch cutting path. With a proper kerf value, NestMaster will make the necessary adjustments to ensure thatCNC output is accurate and that your part profiles are cut correctly.

Units: DistanceRange: -10,000.0 to 10,000.0 in.Recommended Value: 0.1 in.

FeedrateFeedrate to use in CNC output.

Units: SpeedRange: 0.0 to 10,000.0 in./minRecommended Value: 100.0 in./min

Part - part separationThe minimum separation allowed between two nested parts. Nested parts that are closer together will be shown in conflict.

Units: DistanceRange: 0.0 to 100.0 in.Recommended Value: 0.5 in.

Part - plate edge separationThe minimum separation allowed between a nested part and a plate edge. Nested parts that are closer to the plate edge will be shown inconflict.


Part - pierce separationThe minimum separation allowed between a nested part and the pierce point of another nested part. Nested parts that are closer to apierce point will be shown in conflict.

Units: DistanceRange: 0.0 to 100.0 in.

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Recommended Value: 0.5 in.

The following values are calculated and appear for information purposes only:

Pierce - pierce separation

value = (2 * Part - pierce separation) – Part - part separation

Pierce - plate edge separationvalue = Part - pierce separation + Part - plate separation – Part - part separation

Note: In addition to the main cut process settings page, cut processes contain the settings pages for both interior and exterior leads.To view these settings pages, double-click the cut process name (e.g. "Plasma"). This will expand the tree-view to show the set-tings pages for both interior and exterior leads. For more information, see "Interior/Exterior Leads settings" on page 13.

Scribe Process

If a scribe process is supported by the machine, it will appear directly beneath the cut process name in the left hand side of the settingswindow. As the process settings for scribe are not modifiable, this process does not contain any settings pages.

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Add or Remove ProcessesThe Add or Remove Processes wizard provides a controlled way to change the fundamental configuration of a NestMaster machine.

To access this wizard:

On the Machine settings page, click Add or Remove Processes.

Wizard Pages

The first page of this wizard is called "Select a Post Processor (CFF)." The purpose of this page is to allow changes to the post processorand/or to the processes that should be used by the NestMaster machine. For more information about this page, see "Select a Post Proc-essor (CFF)" on page 19.

The second page of this wizard is called "Reuse Existing Settings." The purpose of this page is to ensure that existing process settings are-n't lost simply because changes were made on the previous page: "Select a Post Processor (CFF)." For more information about this page,see "Reuse Existing Settings" on page 20.

Navigation Buttons

Along the bottom of the Add or Remove Processes wizard are the following buttons:


Back Go to the previous wizard page.

Next Go to the next wizard page.

Finished Accept your changes and exit the wizard.

Cancel Discard your changes and exit the wizard.

Help Opens help for the current wizard page.

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Select a Post Processor (CFF)This is the first page in the Add or Remove Processes wizard. The purpose of this page is to allow changes to the post processor and/or tothe processes that should be used by the NestMaster machine.

Post Processor

The post processor is the core of the NestMaster machine. This file is usually tailored to match a specific real-world machine controllerand will generally be named accordingly. While most of the contents of a post processor are specific to output, there is some informationthat helps to configure the settings for the NestMaster machine that makes use of it.

This section contains a combo box of available post processors found on your computer.

To change your post processor:

l Select the post processor name in the box.

Every process supported by the selected post processor is listed in this section. As the post processor changes, the proc-esses listed will update.

To add a process to the machine:

l Select the process' associated check box.

To remove a process from the machine:

l Clear the process' associated check box.

Important: Adding and removing processes from the NestMaster machine is considered an advanced type of change. Changesof this nature are usually done once while setting up the machine for the first time. This is because the NestMastermachine is intended to mirror a real-world machine and the abilities of a specific real-world machine do not changeoften. Adding a new process will introduce a new set of process settings that must be edited before any meaningfuloutput can be expected. Likewise, removing a process will destroy its existing settings. Exercise caution when mak-ing any changes to the settings on this page and be sure to visit the next page in the wizard: Reuse existing

settings.

Note: You must select at least one cut process or the Next and Finished buttons will become disabled.

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Reuse Existing SettingsThis is the second page in the Add or Remove Processes wizard. The purpose of this page is to ensure that existing process settings aren'tlost simply because changes were made on the previous page: Select a Post Processor (CFF).

Selected Processes

All processes that have been selected on the previous wizard page will appear in a box in this section.

For each process, the following options are available:

New process

If this is chosen when Finished is clicked, then the process will be given new default settings. These default settings should thenbe edited to better suit the needs of the new process.

Use settings from existing '' process

If this is chosen when Finished is clicked, then the process will inherit all the settings from the existing process.

Example:

Let's say that the settings for the NestMaster machine are perfect, but you need to switch the post processor to something else. Cur-rently, the only cut process defined is called 'Plasma'. On the Machine page, you click Add or Remove Processes. Then, on the firstpage of this wizard you select the new post processor.

At this point, the list of processes changes and you notice that the new post processor doesn't have a 'Plasma' process. Instead, ithas a cut process called 'SuperPlasma'. So on the first page of the wizard, you select the 'SuperPlasma' process and click Finished.

What happens:When you click Finished, NestMaster re-configures your machine. The old 'Plasma' process is removed - along with all its settings -and a new 'SuperPlasma' process is added with default settings. This may be a valid result for some cases, but let's say that your inten-

tion was to use your old 'Plasma' settings with the new 'SuperPlasma' process. How would you transfer these settings?

Transferring settings from one process to another:Instead of clicking Finished on the "Select a Post Processor (CFF)" page, click Next to advance to the "Reuse Existing Settings" page.On this page you can now see what is happening. The 'SuperPlasma' process is defined as a 'New process'. Also, there is a warningbelow the process box telling you that the settings for the 'Plasma' process will be deleted.

To use the old 'Plasma' settings for your new 'SuperPlasma' process do the following:

1. For 'SuperPlasma', click where it says 'New process' and a down arrow will appear.

2. Click the down arrow and select Use settings from existing 'Plasma' process.

What happens:

Now when you click Finished, NestMaster copies the 'Plasma' settings into your new 'SuperPlasma' process before it removes the'Plasma' process.

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Machine settingsThis is the main settings page. While there is only one editable setting on this page, it serves as a description of the machine's basic con-figuration. It also provides a controlled means of editing this configuration.

Processes

Displayed under Processes is the name of the post processor (CFF file) and the processes that this machine is currently using.

The post processor is essential to generating the correct output for your machine. This file is usually tailored to match a specific real-world machine controller and will generally be named accordingly. While most of the contents of a post processor are specific to output,there is some information that helps to configure machine settings.

One set of information in the post processor is a list of available processes. The processes that the machine can have is limited to the listof processes described in the post processor. The machine page shows the names of all processes listed in the post processor organizedby process class (cut and scribe). Processes that are used by the machine will appear as normal text. These processes will also appear inthe Settings dialog's tree-view (the expandable/collapsible list of settings pages on the left-hand side of the settings window) as sub-items of the Machine settings page. Processes that are not used will appear disabled and will have the phrase ' ' next to them.

Advanced: The settings in the Processes section are not directly editable on this page. To change the post processor or to modifywhich processes are used, click Add or Remove Processes.

Machine Settings

It is often advisable to create one NestMaster machine for every physical machine you have. This setting is informational only and simplyprovides an indication of where the real-world machine is located.

Rapid rateThis setting describes the machine's maximum traverse speed while the torch/head is off.

Units: Length per minuteRange: 0 to 10,000 in./min

Recommended Value: 600in./min

Note: This setting is used only for generating costing figures - it is not included in any NC output code. The actual rapid rate usedby your real-world machine must be set at the machine itself.

Machine homeThis setting defines the corner of the nesting area where cutting begins. Generally, this should be equivalent to the home position of you

real world machine. The Machine home will be displayed in the nesting area as a yellow target symbol.

Choices: Lower Left, Upper Left, Upper Right, Lower Right

Note: When Nesting home is set to "Same as Machine Home", a blue and yellow target symbol ( ) representing both the Nestinghome and Machine homewill be displayed in the nesting area.


n Open Settings (this page will be displayed by default)

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Importing Parts settingsDefault Values for Importing Parts

When parts are added to the part list, they are assigned certain properties (such as quantity). These properties are found in the DrawingProperties section of the Edit Part List window. Each of the settings on this page provides a default value for the drawing properties.

Changing a property value in the Edit Part List window has no effect on the setting that provides its default value.

CAD Import tab

General

File unitsThis is used when importing CAD files. The file itself was saved using a particular length unit. The value of this setting should match withthe length unit that most of your files are saved with.

Choices: Inch (in.), Millimeter (mm)

Open profile toleranceThis setting specifies the maximum distance allowed for joining line and arc entities. In other words, if Open profile tolerance is set to

0.005 in., gaps that are 0.005 in. or smaller will be closed - helping to prevent open profiles.


CAD Layers

The following settings apply only to CAD files:

Cut all layers with [Cut Process]This setting is automatically named according to the cut process used by the machine. For example, if the cut process was called"Plasma", then this setting would appear as "Cut all layers with [Plasma]".Select this check box if all layers found in a CAD file should becut by the process shown. Most applications will require that this checkbox be cleared.

Cut - [Cut Process]Defines the CAD layers that should be mapped to a particular cut process.

Example 1:

If the machine supported a single cut process called "Gas", then there would be one row here:Cut - [Gas]

Example 2:

If your machine supported a cut process called "Gas" and you wanted to assign "0" and "CUT" CAD layers to that process, you wouldenter:

Cut - [Gas] 0;CUT

When a CAD file is imported, all geometry on the "0" and "CUT" layers would be mapped to the machine's "Gas" process.

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Scribe - [Scribe Process]Defines the CAD layers that should be mapped to a particular scribe process.

Example:

If the machine supported a single scribe process called "Scribe-G", then there would be one row here:Scribe - [Scribe-G]

Map to CAD color numbersSelect this setting to allow importing parts by CAD color number instead of by layer name.

Example:

A part file defines a part in one layer: "CUT". The part is a simple rectangle with a hole in it. The exterior profile of the part has a colornumber of 1, but the interior hole has a color number of 2.

If Map to CAD color numbers is cleared, then a cut process must be mapped to "CUT" in order to import the part properly. Importingthe part in this way will cause the same cut process to cut both the interior and exterior profiles.

If Map to CAD color numbers is selected, then the cut process must be mapped to both "1" and "2".

Note: If you have more than one CAD layer for a single process, separate the layers with a semicolon (;) and do not include a space(for example, "0;CUT").

Options

Scribe first

If selected, the machine will complete all scribing on a nest before any cutting is done. If you are cutting with underwater plasma, youshould select this option. Normally, when processing very light metal, "Scribe first" should not be selected to avoid problems with metalmovement.

Reverse direction and kerf Select this to import parts with a reversed cut direction. Interior profiles will be cut clockwise and exterior profiles will be cut counter-clockwise. Right-handed kerf compensation is also used.

Contains multiple partsIf there is more than one part on your drawing, select this setting.

Explode multiple partsSelect this setting if there is more than one part on your drawing and you want to separate them as they are imported.

Note: This setting is active only when Contains multiple parts is selected.

Smooth entitiesSelect this setting to convert curves made from line segments (approximated curves) into true arcs whenever possible.

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Smooth toleranceWhen converting a set of line segments into a curve, it is important to define how accurate the curve must be. The Smooth tolerancevalue specifies a maximum distance from the approximated curve in which an arc can be formed. A large tolerance will likely cause moresmoothing to occur at the expense of a less accurate curve.

This tolerance value is opposite, but similar, to Arc radius tolerance found on the Importing Parts (Advanced) settings page.


n Settings > click Importing Parts

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Importing Parts (Advanced) settingsImporting CAD Files

Maximum controller arc radiusCNC Controllers may have limitations on the size of allowable radii. You may specify a maximum arc radius if your controller is limited to a

certain size. Any arc greater than this value will be broken into line segments.


Advanced: If Maximum controlled arc radius is set to 0 in., all arc motions will be processed as a set of straight line segments.

Arc radius toleranceWhen the radius of an arc motion exceeds the Maximum controller arc radius it is processed as a set of line segments. Arc radius tol-erance determines the accuracy of this approximation. A large tolerance value will result in fewer line segments as it creates a crudeapproximation of the arc. A smaller tolerance value will increase the number of line segments, creating a smoother approximation.



n

Settings > double-click Importing Parts > click Importing Parts (Advanced)

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Standard Plate Sizes settingsDefined Plate Sizes

This settings page contains a list of standard plates sizes. The machine can have any number of standard plates sizes: there is no upperlimit. However, the machine must always have at least one standard plate size.

All standard plate sizes are rectangular and are listed in "Length x Width" format. For example:

120.000 x 60.000 in.

Add a new plate size

1. Click Add. The "Add Standard Plate Size" dialog will appear.

2. Fill in the values for Length and Width.

3. Click OK .

Edit a plate size1. Select a plate size in the Defined Plate Sizes box.

2. Click Edit. The "Add Standard Plate Size" dialog will appear.

3. Change the values for Length and/or Width.

4. Click OK .

Delete a plate size

1. Select a plate size in the Defined Plate Sizes box.

2. Click Remove.

Notes: l The Remove button will be inactive when there is only one defined plate size.l If you delete a plate size that is marked as the default plate, one of the remaining plates will become the new default

plate.

The Default Plate

The machine must have a "default plate". It is this plate that is immediately available for nesting whenever you create a new job. Also, itis the default choice for new nests created either through the New Nest Setup dialog (manual nesting) or the AutoNest Setup dialog(automatic nesting). In the Defined Plate Sizes box, the default plate appears with a checkmark next to it.

To set a plate size as the default plate:1. Select a plate size in the Defined Plate Sizes box.2. Click Set as Default Plate.


n Settings > click Standard Plate Sizes

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Nesting settingsGeneral Settings

Nest resolutionThis setting controls many aspects of nesting (positioning parts, conflict checking, ...) because it specifies how accurate you want Nest-

Master to be. There is a trade-off between accuracy and speed. Smaller nest resolutions can result in tighter nests and better conflictchecking but will cause most operations to run slower.


Nesting homeThis setting represents the point of origin used for automatic nesting. All nesting strategies will begin nesting from this point. The loca-

tion specified can be interpreted as coordinate (0, 0) and will be displayed in the nesting area with a blue target symbol.

Choices: Lower Left, Upper Left, Upper Right, Lower Right, Same as Machine Home

Note: When Same as Machine Home is selected, a blue and yellow target ( ) symbol representing both the Nesting Home andMachine home will be displayed in the nesting area.

Interactive (Manual) Nesting

Parts can be manually nested in two different ways:

1. Parts can be dragged from the Part List task pane onto the nest.

2. Using AutoDrop, parts in the Part List task pane can be added to the nest in the same relative spot. This type of manual nesting ismost useful when used together with AutoBump.

To AutoDrop a part onto the nest:

l Double-click a part in the Part List task pane

l Select a part in the Part List task pane and press ENTER.

AutoDrop zoneDefines the area of the nest where AutoDrop will place parts.

Choices: Upper Left, Upper Right, Center, Lower Left, Lower Right

AutoBump is a manual nesting feature that is performed when a part is manually added to a nest. It happens after a part is dragged onto

the nest from the Part List toolbar or after an AutoDrop. The AutoBump settings define up to two bump directions that are applied inorder. The result is exactly the same as nesting a part manually and then using the bump handles to "simulate" an AutoBump.

Use AutoBumpSelect this check box to use AutoBump during manual nesting.

AutoBump direction #1This is the first direction a part is bumped during AutoBump.

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Choices: Up, Down, Left, Right, (None)

AutoBump direction #2This is the second direction a part is bumped during AutoBump.

Choices: Up, Down, Left, Right, (None)

Example:

To manually nest parts along the bottom of the nest:

l In the AutoDrop zone box select Upper Right.

l Select the Use AutoBump check box.

l In the AutoBump direction #1 box, select Down.

l In the AutoBump direction #2 box, select Left.

The effect of these settings is that parts added manually to a nest will be bumped towards the lower-left corner. When a part isdragged onto the nest, the AutoBump settings will bump the part down and then left from the location where the part was dropped.

After an AutoDrop (like when a part in the Part List task pane is double-clicked) the part will first be placed in the AutoDrop zone.Then, the part will be bumped down and left.


n Settings > click Nesting

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Export DXF settingsThis settings page controls how DXF files are created when a single part or nest is exported to DXF.

General Settings

Export folderNestMaster will save DXF files in the folder defined here.

Before NestMaster creates the DXF file, it will prompt for a file name in the Export dialog. Initially, the folder will be the Default exportfolder, but the Export dialog allows you to browse to any folder. If the file is saved to a folder other than the default output folder, Nest-Master will remember the new folder and use it next time DXF files are exported.

Note: If the specified folder does not exist, a yellow warning symbol ( ) will appear to the left of the field.

Export polylinesSelect this setting to export DXF files using polylines. Each profile would be generated as a single polyline entity. Clear this setting to out-

put DXF files as individual DXF entities (arcs and lines).

Export plate geometrySelect this setting to include plate geometry (edges) in the DXF file. Applies to nests only.

Export leadsSelect this setting to export existing lead-ins and lead-outs on profiles when exporting DXF files. Otherwise, leads are removed.

Export original layer names whenever possibleSelect this setting to include the original CAD layer names as the entity layer names in the DXF file. If the profile being exported was notoriginally a CAD file, then the default layer information will be used

Process Settings

In this section, you can map the available processes in the your machine to layers that will be created in the CAD file. You can export allgeometry to a single layer or specify a different layer for each process.

The Name column on the left shows available processes on your NestMaster machine. For each process, you can enter a layer name thatwill be created in the CAD file. Geometry assigned to that process in NestMaster will be placed on the specified layer in the CAD file.

Display only information on parts or nests is not included when DXF files are exported.How do I get here in NestMaster?

l Settings > click Export DXF

Related articlesn Exporting a part to DXFn Exporting a nest to DXF file

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CNC Output settingsCode Format tab

ModeDefines how motions are output.

Choices: Absolute, Incremental

Absolute

All motions are defined with respect to the initialization (home) point.

Incremental

All motions are defined with respect to the controller's current position.

PrecisionThis setting governs the number of decimal places output for many floating point values in the CNC file, including coordinates, kerf values, and feedrates. The actual number of decimal places is governed by the CFF itself.

Choices: Normal, Extra

Normal

Output with reduced precision: usually 2 or 3 decimal places.

Extra

Output with enhanced precision: usually 3 or more decimal places.

Example:

If a raw value is 12.34567, it might be output as:

12.35 (Normal precision)12.346 (Extra precision)

UnitsThis setting controls the units used to output the CNC file. Generally speaking, if outputting in "Inches", no conversion value is applied tothe output coordinates.

Choices: Inches (in.), Millimeters (mm)

Line numbers in CNCDefines how line numbers are added to output files.

Choices: (None), Every Line, Start of Part

(None)

Line numbers are not added to output.

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Example: (None)%

G70

G91

G00X0.7Y0.51

G41

M21G01Y0.75

...

Every Line

Line numbers are added to every line of output. Exceptions include comments and the start/end line - containing a single "%".

Example: Every Line%

N1G70

N2G91

N3G00X0.7Y0.51 N4G41

N5M21

N6G01Y0.75

...

Start of Part

Line numbers are inserted before the start of each part or profile - as determined by the CFF.

Example: Start of Part%

G70

G91

N1

G00X0.7Y0.51

G41

M21

G01Y0.75

...

Line number incrementDefines the increment for line numbers added to output files.

Range: 1 to 100Recommended Value: 1

Example:

Setting the increment to 1 will number the lines 1, 2, 3, .. .

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%

N1G70

N2G91

N3G00X0.7Y0.51

N4G41

N5M21

N6G01Y0.75...

Setting the increment to 5 will number the lines 5, 10, 15, .. .%

N5G70

N10G91

N15G00X0.7Y0.51

N20G41

N25M21

N30G01Y0.75

...

Note: This setting is active only if Line numbers in CNCis set to something other than "(None)".

Output Files tab

CNC file extensionDefines the file extension for CNC files generated by Output CNC.

Before NestMaster begins generating output, it will prompt for a file name in the Output CNC dialog. This dialog provides a default filename that uses the CNC file extension. If multiple nests are output, unique file names will be created automatically.

Example 1:

CNC file extension = cncOutput a single nest with the name: MyJob.cncOutput file: MyJob.cnc

Output three nests with the name: MyJob.cncOutput files: MyJob01.cnc, MyJob02.cnc, MyJob03.cnc

Clear this setting and NestMaster will generate an output file that has no extension. If multiple nests are output, unique file nameswill be created automatically.

Example 2:

Clear the CNC file extension settingOutput a single nest with the name: MyJob

Output file: MyJob

Output three nests with the name: MyJobOutput files: MyJob.N1, MyJob.N2, MyJob.N3

The N# file extension will ensure unique extensions are applied to all nests.

Example 3:

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CNC file extension = N#Output a single nest with the name: MyJobOutput file: MyJob.N1

Output three nests with the name: My JobOutput files: MyJob.N1, MyJob.N2, MyJob.N3

Default output folderNestMaster will save output files in the folder defined here.

Before NestMaster begins generating output, it will prompt for a file name in the Output CNC dialog. Initially, the output folder will bethe Default output folder, but the Output CNC dialog allows you to browse to any folder. If output is saved to a folder other than thedefault output folder, NestMaster will remember the new folder and use it next time CNC output is generated.

Note: If the specified folder does not exist, a yellow warning symbol ( ) will appear to the left of the field.

Use long file namesSelect this setting to allow NestMaster to generate long file names for CNC output files. Clear this setting to limit output file names to 8characters (commonly known as the DOS 8.3 file naming convention).

Options tab

Include machine parameters in outputCheck this setting to enable machine parameters (such as kerf and feed rate) to be inserted into the CNC files as they are output. Theseparameter values may be specified through the settings page for the cut process.

Scribe firstIf this setting is selected, then each nest will be processed in the following order:

1. Complete all scribe profiles on the nest

2. Complete all cut profiles on the nest

If this setting is cleared, then each part on the nest will be fully processed before the next part is started. Profiles within each part are processed in their natural order.

Note: This setting should be selected when cutting with underwater plasma. Normally, very light metal should not have scribingdone first - to avoid problems with metal movement.

Stop before scribingIf this setting is selected, code will be inserted to cause the machine to stop before scribing begins.

Note: This setting is activated only when Scribe first is selected.

Stop before cuttingIf this setting is selected, code will be inserted to cause the machine to stop before cutting begins.

Note: This setting is activated only when Scribe first is selected.

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Return to machine homeWhen this setting is selected, NestMaster will return the torch to the machine's home point at the end of each nest. If this setting iscleared, the torch will remain in its position at the end of each nest.

Insert part name as commentSelect this setting if a comment should be output in the CNC file before the first profile of each part. This comment typically gives the

sequence number of the part and the part name.

Single Part Output tab

Part homeWhen creating output for a single part, this is the home point (or initialization point) that the cutting head starts at before traversing tothe first cut, scribe, or punch on that part.

Choices: Same as Machine Home, Lower Left, Upper Left, Lower Right, Upper Right, Center of Region, CAD Origin

The Machine Home is set in the "Machine settings" on page 21 or Output Axis pages of your settings. CAD Origin refers to the point of origin set when the CAD file was created.

All choices (except CAD Origin) are set in terms of the rectangular box surrounding the part (including any leads or extensions).

Generate token files during outputIf this setting is selected, an MTC token file version of the part will be output to the same location as the CNC file.

Important: CNC Output settings and the Post Processor (CFF)

Certain CNC Output Settings require specific capabilities to be present in the CFF in order to function properly. Whilemany CFFs are already set up for this functionality, it is possible that you may require changes to your CFF before it willwork correctly. Please contact Hypertherm for further assistance if you feel you have one of these CFFs.

The settings which activate functionality resident in the CFF are:

l Include machine parameters in outputl Line numbers in CNCl Return to machine homel

Insert part name as comment

CFFs may override the values of Mode, Precision, and Units. In addition, the CFF may override the settings in the abovelist. For example, a CFF may be configured to always output in incremental mode or without the ability to output machineparameters in the CNC file.


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n Settings > click CNC Output

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CNC Output - Output Axis settingsThe Output Axis settings page allows you to modify your machine home and to define the output axis that will be used to generate CNCfiles.

This screen shows a simplified view of a rectangular plate.

One corner of the plate will be highlighted and will have two arrows coming out of it - representing the output axis. In the center of the

plate are 3 buttons which allow you to modify the output axis.

Changing the Machine Home

To change your machine home:

1. Hover the mouse over one of the corners of the plate. This will cause the corner to become temporarily highlighted.

2. Click the left mouse button to select the new machine home.

As you change the machine home, the output axis will remain the same.

Example:

With a machine home in the lower-left corner, the arrow pointing up is labeled as the +Y axis and the arrow pointing right is labeledas the +X axis. If the machine home was then changed to the upper-left corner, there would be a down arrow labeled as the -Y axis.Notice that the output axis hasn't changed: up is still +Y and right is still +X.

Changing the Output Axis

Some machines have the plate loaded with the long side on the bottom, but as far as the machine is concerned this is the right-hand sideof the plate. These machines assume a lower-right machine home. Presenting this vertical plate correctly in NestMaster would result in amuch smaller view of the nest (because most monitors are wider than they are tall). To provide the best view of the nest and to also allowfor correct output you would select a lower left machine home, but rotate the axes 90 degrees clockwise. During output, this has theeffect of changing the nest to one with a lower-right machine home and with its long side on the right, rather than the bottom.

Note: Changes to the output axis will only affect CNC output.

To change your output axis, use the three buttons in the middle of the plate...

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l The first button ( ) will rotate the output axis clockwise by 90°.

l The middle button ( ) will flip the output axis vertically.

l The last button ( ) will flip the output axis horizontally.

Click Default to restore the default output axis with +Y in the up direction and +X in the right direction.

Example:

With a machine home in the lower-left corner, the arrow pointing up is labeled as the +Y axis and the arrow pointing right is labeledas the +X axis. Click the rotate button once and the up-arrow will become -X while the right-arrow changes to +Y. Click the flip axisvertically button and the up-arrow will become +X while the right-arrow remains the same as +Y.


n Settings > double-click CNC Output > click Output Axis

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CNC Output - Step and Repeat settingsStep and Repeat allows the CNC file to be repeated along the length or width of the plate. This has the same effect as arraying a row orcolumn of parts, except that the CNC file is much smaller.

Step and Repeat Settings

Use step and repeatSelect this setting if you wish to use step and repeat mode during output.

OffsetEach repeated row or column will be offset this distance from the previous row or column.

Units: DistanceRange: 0.0 to 10,000.0 in.

DirectionRepeated rows (or columns) will be offset in the direction selected here.

Choices: Left, Up, Right, Down

When repeating horizontally nested parts (rows), this setting should be set to either Up or Down. Likewise, when repeating verticallynested parts (columns), this setting should be set to Left or Right.

Advanced: Since some details of step and repeat are machine specific, please refer to your machine’s programming manual and con-tact Hypertherm in the event that changes are required to your post processor (CFF).


n Settings > double-click CNC Output > click Step and Repeat

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CNC Output - DXF Output settingsFor DXF output, layer and color information is normally stored in the post processor. Some of the settings on this page allow this behav-ior to be overridden. The DXF files produced during output should be readable by NestMaster or any CAD system that understands DXFfiles.

Important: A specialized section in the post processor governs whether this settings page is available. It also controls which DXF Out-put settings are available. Usually this section is not used. If you need DXF Output support, contact Hypertherm.

DXF Output Settings

Output polylinesSelect this setting to output DXF files using polylines. Each profile would be generated as a single polyline entity. Clear this setting to out-put DXF files as individual DXF entities (arcs and lines).

Output plate geometrySelect this setting to output the plate geometry (edges) into the DXF file. Applies to nests only.

Output safe zonesSelect this setting to output the safe zone geometry into the DXF file. Applies to nests only.

Output leadsSelect this setting to output existing lead-ins and lead-outs on profiles when outputting DXF files. Otherwise, leads are removed.

Layer Names

Output original layer names whenever possibleSelect this setting to output the original CAD layer names as the entity layer names in the DXF file. If the profile being output was not originally a CAD file, then the default layer information will be used (this comes from either the post processor or the Process Parameters set-

tings table).


n Settings > double-click CNC Output > click DXF Output

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4. PREFERENCES

What are preferences?

Preferences provide a way to customize the general behavior of NestMaster.

To edit NestMaster preferences, open the Preferences dialog:

l On the File tab, click Preferences.

Once you have opened the Preferences dialog, you can make any kind of preference change you want. After you are done makingchanges, click OK to accept your changes and return to the main window. Click Cancel to discard your changes and return to the mainwindow.

The Preferences dialog

General Layout

The preferences dialog is presented as a collection of pages. Each page can be accessed by clicking the corresponding item on the left

pane.

The Buttons

There are two buttons at the bottom of the preferences dialog:

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OK Keeps your changes and c loses the preferences dialog.

Cancel Discards your changes and closes the preferences dialog.

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General preferencesOptions

Job Preferences:

Automatically open the Edit Part List window after starting a new jobWhen this preference is selected, the Edit Part List window will be opened automatically after each new job is started.

Part List Preferences:

Allow parts in the Part List to be renamedWhen selected, you can rename an added part in the Edit Part List window by clicking the part name.

Keep file extension in the part name when parts are addedWhen this preference is selected, parts will retain the file extension from the part's source file when they are added to the part list. Whencleared, the file extension will be removed when parts are added.

CNC Output:

After output, save the current jobNestMaster will automatically save the current job after creating CNC output.

Close progress window on successful completionSelect this preference to hide the Output Progress window after CNC output is successfully created. You will still be able to see any warn-ing or error messages that may occur during output.

Color scheme

This preference enables you to change the skin of the application. Skins affect the look and coloring of the entire NestMaster graphical

user interface.Mouse Control

Selection toleranceThis preference determines how accurate you have to be to select parts, profiles, leads, and other items on the nest.

Corner snap distanceThis preference determines how accurate you have to be to select part corners.

Both preferences in this section are controlled by a slider that affects a small cross-hair diagram on its right.

The orange circle in the cross-hair diagram represents the size of the preference value being edited. Move the slider all the way to the leftand the orange circle will shrink to a single point. For the selection tolerance preference, this would mean that selection of anything onthe nest would require clicking exactly on that item. Move the slider all the way to the right and the orange circle will grow to a very largesize. For the selection tolerance preference, this would mean that selection of anything on the nest would not require much accuracy atall.

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Tip: A test area is provided to test your selection tolerance and corner snap distance. Selection of the part in the test area is con-trolled by the selection tolerance. An will appear on the corner of the part if you click within the corner snap distance fromthat corner.


l On the File tab, click Preferences , then click General.

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Regional preferencesTranslation and Display Units

LanguageNestMasterhas been translated into many languages. To change the current language, select a different language from the Language

box.

Note: NestMaster will switch to the selected language after you click OK .

Display unitsNestMaster can display values in either IPS units (inch, pound, second) or MMKS units (millimeter, kilogram, second).

Precision: LengthThis preference defines the number of digits that should appear to the right of the decimal separator for length-type values. This pref-erence is used only for display purposes - meaning that actual values are maintained even if they are not displayed with their full accu-

racy.

Precision: WeightThis preference defines the number of digits that should appear to the right of the decimal separator for weight-type values. This pref-erence is used only for display purposes - meaning that actual values are maintained even if they are not displayed with their full accu-racy.

Precision: CostThis preference defines the number of digits that should appear to the right of the decimal separator for currency-type values. This pref-erence is used only for display purposes - meaning that actual values are maintained even if they are not displayed with their full accu-racy.

Note: The preferences that control decimal places are used throughout NestMaster. The examples on the right-hand side will showthe effect of your changes.

Size formatYou can customize how length and width dimensions for plates and parts are displayed in NestMaster. This preference is used only for display purposes, it doesn't have any impact on the actual dimension values of parts or plates.

Choices: Length × Width or Width × Length

Example:

A plate with a Length of 96 in. and a Width of 48 in. can be shown as either "96 × 48" or "48 × 96" using this preference.


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Check for UpdatesUsing the Check for Updates feature, you can see if software updates or major version upgrades of NestMaster are available for down-load. NestMaster must be running and your PC must be connected to the Internet to use this feature.

Updates vs. Version Upgrades

Updates are released frequently and typically include new features, enhancements, and bug fixes. A version upgrade refers to a newmajor version of NestMaster. For example, going from NestMaster 2015 version 9.1.1 to NestMaster 2015 version 9.1.2 would be anupdate, whereas going from NestMaster 2010 to NestMaster 2015 would be a version upgrade.

Manually check for updates

1. On the File tab, click Help.

2. Click Check for Updates.

If there is an update or version upgrade available, you can click the associated link to open the NestMaster download web page.

Automatically check for updatesYou can configure NestMaster to automatically check for updates or version upgrades.

1. On the File tab, click Preferences.

2. Click Updates.

3. Set how often you want NestMaster to check for updates.

l Choices: Every day, Once a week , Every other week , Once a month, Never (this will turn off Automatic Check forUpdates)

4. If you want NestMaster to also notify you when new version upgrades are available, select In addition to updates, also check forversion upgrades.

When NestMaster is running, it will automatically check for updates and upgrades on the schedule that you have assigned.

Important: The Check for Updates feature can always be used to see if a more recent version of NestMaster is available. However,downloading an update or version upgrade is only available with an active software subscription.

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Warnings preferencesWarnings

All of these preferences control the visibility of certain warnings in NestMaster. By default, all of the preferences in this section areselected - meaning that their associated warning dialog would appear. Each of these warning dialogs contains a "Do not show me this

again" check box. Selecting this check box would clear the associated preference in this section.


l On the File tab, click Preferences , then click Warnings.

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5. JOBS

What is a job?

NestMaster jobs provide you with an easy and powerful way of organizing your work by storing your settings, part list, and nesting infor-mation in a single file. Jobs have many different uses and applications. You can save unfinished work and return to it at a later time, storecompleted jobs for archival purposes, modify old jobs, or use multiple jobs to store different settings configurations for a single machine.

Jobs and settings

As you work on a job, you can customize your settings. When you save a job, your customized settings will be saved in the job file (.nif),separately from the settings saved in the machine. Later, when that job is opened, the settings stored in the job will be restored.

For a more in-depth look at how NestMaster jobs work, follow the links below.

l "Creating jobs" on page 49

l "Saving jobs" on page 51

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Creating jobsNestMaster always has a current job. When you open NestMaster, a job is automatically started for you using your default settings.

Start a new job

l On the File tab, click New.

Note that until a job is explicitly saved with its own name, it has not been fully created. To learn more about saving your jobs, see "Saving jobs" on page 51.

Tip: The name of the current job is listed in the title bar at the top of the main NestMaster window.

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Opening jobs

Open a job

1. On the File tab, click Open.

The Open dialog will appear. With the Files of type box set to NestMaster Job (*.nif), browse to the folder containing the job youwant to open.

2. Select the job file you want to open.

3. Click Open.

Tip: On the right-hand side of the Open Job dialog is a box containing job information. Displayed in this box are the job’s file nameand extension, date created, date modified, and the version of NestMaster last used to save the job.

Opening a PNL

You can also use the Open dialog to open a NestMaster PNL (Part Nest List) file. This gives you a quick way to create a job around anexisting part list.

To open a PNL using the Open dialog:

1. On the File tab, click Open.

2. Set the Files of Type box to NestMaster Part List (*.pnl) and browse to the folder containing the PNL you want to open.

3. Select the PNL you want to open.

4. Click Open.

The contents of the part list will be replaced with parts from the PNL file that was opened. The plate list and all existingnests will be deleted, and your current job will be renamed to match the name of the PNL file. Note that your settings con-figuration will not be affected.

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Saving jobsOften you will want to save your work so you can return to it at a later time. The exact state of your job can be saved in a job file. Nest-Master jobs have an .nif extension.

Save a job

1. On the File tab, click Save.

If the job hasn't been saved previously, the SaveAs dialog will appear.

2. Browse to the appropriate folder for your job.

3. In the File name box, type the name for your job file.

4. Click Save.

The current job will be saved with the name you specified.

What is saved in a job?

Specifically, the job file (.nif) contains:

l Nests. The exact state of all nests in your job are saved.

l Part List. All of the parts that have been added to your part list are saved.

l Settings configuration. This includes your machine and process settings.

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6. PART LIST

What is the part list?

The NestMaster part list contains all of the parts that you have added to your job. When you import part files into your job from a partsource, NestMaster processes these files and then adds them to the part list. Added parts contain all of the information from the sourcefile as well as the nesting information that was added when the part was imported.

To learn more about using the part list, see "The Part List task pane" on page 53.

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The Part List task paneThe Part List task pane contains all of the parts that have been added to your job. It also displays additional part information includingquantity and nesting status.

Show or hide the Part List task pane

l On the View tab, select Part List.

Part List task pane

Beneath each part name, NestMaster displays the quantity nested versus the total required quantity of a part (for example, "0 of 1nested").

Tip: By right-clic king a part in the part list you can view or edit part properties, export the part to DXF, output NC code for the part,or delete the part from the part list.

Hide depleted partsSelecting this checkbox will hide parts in your part list that have already been nested; only non-nested parts will be displayed.

Note: By default, parts in the Part List are listed from largest to smallest, with the largest part appearing at the top.

Part List Pane Options

You can customize the Part List task pane by clicking Options to reveal a list of modifiable settings.

Select parts to showThis setting controls which parts are visible in the part list.

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Choices: All parts, Only nested on the current nest

All parts: All parts in the job will be visible.

Only nested on the current nest: Only parts that are nested on the current nest will be displayed in the part list.

Select how the list is sortedThis setting controls the order in which parts appear in the part list.

Choices: Nesting order, Alphabetical order

Nesting order: Parts will be listed in the order in which they would be nested. Parts will be listed from largest to smallest, with the largestpart appearing at the top.

Alphabetical order: Parts will be listed alphabetically by part name.

Show property hints for partsUsing your mouse cursor, you can point to a part in the part list to display part details.

Any changes that you make to the above Part List settings will be stored when you save your job.

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Exporting a part to DXF fileAny part in the NestMaster part list can be saved as a DXF file. The DXF file will be saved according to your Export DXF settings.

Export a part to DXF file

1. Right-click a part in the part list and click Export to DXF.

2. Browse to a folder and enter a file name.

3. Click Save.

Export multiple parts in the part list to DXF file

1. Open the Edit Part List window (on the Home tab, click Edit Part List ).

2. In the Part List grid, select the parts that you want to export.

l Hold CTRL + click to select parts individually

l

Hold SHIFT + click to select a range of partsl Press CTRL + A to select all parts in the part list.

3. Right-click the selection and click Export to DXF.

4. Browse to a folder to save the files, then click Select Folder.

A separate DXF file will be created for each part, with a file name that matches the part name in NestMaster.

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About the Edit Part List windowThe editing of a job's part list is done in the Edit Part List window. From this window you can build a part list for your job by importingpart source files into NestMaster and adding properties to those parts.

Open the Edit Part List

l On the Home tab, click Edit Part List.

The Edit Part List window

The Edit Part List window has menus and toolbars along the top and a status bar along the bottom.

Note: 2D CAD Progra

NestMaster 2015 Manual

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