In the SETUP page, the user can select preferred Optimization, set Input Unit, define Blank Outline, and set parameters such as Thickness, Density, Edge Width, Bridge Span, Addendum size and Feed Scrap.

NESTING TYPE

Form Nesting Type

This indicates the nesting functions in the first row in the GUI window, including one-up nesting, two-up nesting, two-pair nesting, mirror nesting and multi blanks. The user is allowed to select one of these types for nesting.

Draw Nesting Type

This indicates the nesting functions in the second row in the GUI window, including rectangle nesting, parallel nesting, isosceles-trapezoid nesting, trapezoid nesting and arc nesting. The user is allowed to select one of these types for nesting.

OPTIMIZATION

There are two types of nesting optimization. One is to use the material utilization as optimization target to maximize the use of strip. The other is to use the material for nesting as optimization target to minimize the strip price for nesting. The user can select either optimization type as the target to achieve the desired result.

Max Utili.

This is a commonly used optimization type, which is to maximize the material utilization in the nesting process.

Min Price

The strips used for nesting have different prices. During nesting calculation, besides the material utilization, the production cost will also be considered so that the material price could be minimized for nesting. Once this option is toggled on, the Price page will be enabled.

Form Type

After the user selects one optimization target and toggles on this option, all the nesting functions except multi-blanks in the first row will be highlighted. The program will automatically calculate all the highlighted nesting types and save the calculation results corresponding to each nesting type in the result list for the user to browse and compare the difference.

Draw Type

After the user selects one optimization target and toggles on this option, all the nesting functions in the second row will be highlighted. The program will calculate all the nesting types in the second row, and save the calculation results corresponding to each nesting type in the result list for the user to browse and compare the difference.

UNIT

Metric

Enables the user to define the nesting setup parameters in metric unit.

English

Enables the user to define the nesting setup parameters in inch unit.

OUTLINE

This button is used to define the Blank Outline. If the user uses MSTEP to calculate the initial outline of part, the program will automatically define the generated initial outline to be the blank outline. The user is also allowed to change and select other outline. By clicking on the Blank Outline (Not Defined) button in Figure 6.6.12, the program displays the Select Line dialog box, and prompts the user to select a closed line to define blank outline. After the Blank Outline is automatically defined or selected, the button name is changed to Blank Outline.

MATERIAL

The user may choose to create a NEW material or IMPORT a specific material from the MATERIAL dialog box.

Thickness

Enables the user to define blank thickness.

Density

Enables the user to define density of material. Once the material is defined, the density of

material is automatically displayed in the nesting window.

PARAMETERS

This function is used to set the Edge Width and Bridge Span. The newly added two options are used to specify the determination of the initial edge width and bridge span. One is read in from the config file; the other is from the CSV file.  

By Default

This option enables the user to read in the initial edge width and bridge span from the dynaformdefault.config file.

By Csv file

This option enables the user to read in the initial edge width and bridge span from the NestingParameter.csv file which is in the installation directory folder. This file sets the edge width and bridge span according to the perimeter of the defined outline. It also allows the user to modify and edit the values.

Edge Width

Allow the user to define the gap between blank outline and strip edge.

Bridge Span

Allow the user to define the gap between parts.

Select Blank

This option enables the user to choose between multiple blanks to assign different or common addendum sizes. Please note that this option is only available for nesting options with more than one blank outline.

Addendum

Allow the user to expand the selected blank outline.

Feed Scrap

For the progressive press part, define the feed scrap required for nesting and mark on the nesting result drawing. The default value is zero.

The parameters are shown in Figure 6.6.13.

Figure 6.6.13  Edge Width, Bridge Span and Addendum