IB-CADDY D.O.O. - SigmaNEST Reference Manual · Manual NC: NC Options 497 Punch Parameters 501...

SigmaNEST_Reference_ManualAbout SigmaNEST SigmaNEST is the leading CAD/CAM nesting system for programming CNC profile cutting and punching machines. Optimized for plasma, laser, punch, oxyfuel, waterjet, router, knife, tube/pipe and combination cutting machines, SigmaNEST ensures the best results in terms of material utilization, machine motion optimization, part quality, work flow integration, material handling, accurate estimates, and information management.SigmaNEST software is offered in modules that can be combined to best meet the varied needs of customers. SigmaNEST is used in job shop environments, Steel Service Centers, and Original Equipment Manufacturers in industries such as: Transportation, Agricultural and Construction Equipment, Aerospace, Energy, and more.
About SigmaTEK Systems, LLC
Founded in 1993, SigmaTEK is headquartered in Cincinnati, OH (USA) and has an extensive global support network with branches throughout North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. SigmaTEK is the leading authority on CAD/CAM nesting, material optimization, and manufacturing process automation. Our products and services are at work driving cutting, punch, and bending machines around the world and throughout the industry delivering sustained levels of breakthrough productivity improvement. Learn more at www.sigmanest.com.
— i — Copyright © 2013 SigmaTEK Systems, LLC
— ii — Copyright © 2013 SigmaTEK Systems, LLC
Table of Contents
About SigmaNEST i
Confidentiality Agreement ii
SigmaNEST License Installation 8
Files 48
Interactive Mapping 64
Work Orders 77
Parts List 78
Load Parts 86
Invalid Parts 87
Part Tracking 88
Sheet List 89
Sheet History 96
Work Orders 97
Program Update 106
Information Manager 107
Contacts 111
Parts 127
Pre-nest 144
NC Parts 153
Tool Manager 154
Cut To Length 160
View CTL Tasks 168
Plugins - Work-space 174
Lines 181
Create Part 242
Extract Part 243
Standard Shapes 244
Copy 346
Bump 348
Snap 349
Reposition 351
Quality 362
Auto NC 418
Manual NC: Profile 451
Manual NC: Add NC Pattern 460
Manual NC: Repeat 461
Delete NC 466
Tool Manager 478
Punch Parameters 501
Auto Part Avoid 564
Manual Part Avoid 566
Tabbing 570
Apply Bevel Sequence 605
Align Auto Mark 607
Thermal Locks 624
Toggle Flame 625
Move Insert 626
Move Point 627
Remove Point 628
Move Lead-in 629
Edit Lead-in/out 630
Special Lead-in 632
Clear Crop on All Sheets 650
Cut Scrap 651
Waterjet Feed Rate Calculator 660
Verify - Nest 662
Nesting Detail 668
Task Report Printing 671
Edit 714
Detail 715
X-Form 716
Verify 717
Part List 719
NC by Contour 731
Manual NC: Profile 732
Clear NC 742
Delete NC 743
Back Contour 744
Back 1 745
Post NC 746
Text Editor 746
Toggle Flame 748
Move Point 749
Move Insert 750
NC Fillets 751
Tabbing 753
Pre-Tabbing 760
Bevel 764
Move Bevel Lead-in/Lead-out 777
Quality 778
Verify Depth 781
Clear Depth 782
Change Process 783
Verify Process 784
Corner Loops 789
Far/Near Side 795
Check Floating Scrap 828
Tool Manager 844
Add Tab 850
Tool Viewer 852
Part Detail 859
Edit - Part Mode 866
Recall All 870
Reload Config 938
License Manager 939
Plug-in Manager 940
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Overview This manual is a reference to SigmaNEST Version 10. Some optional features may not be included in the version of SigmaNEST software being used. Contact your SigmaNEST sales representative to obtain optional program modules described in the help that are not installed at your site.
The Overview section of the help contains the following:
l "SigmaNEST Directory Structure" (page 3)
l "Program Overview" (page 2)
l "The SigmaNEST User Interface" (page 5)
l "SigmaNEST License Installation" (page 8)
— 1 — Copyright © 2013 SigmaTEK Systems, LLC
Program Overview SigmaNEST uses a ribbon interface, similar to the Microsoft Office products, that separates the functions of the application into various tabs and groups. This makes it instantly familiar to most users. Each tab contains groups of functions. Some of these functions also contain drop-down arrows that lead to more similar functions.
The majority of the SigmaNEST program functions display a dialog box, or menu to the left of the Work- space, that corresponds to the function.
The following list describes the eight primary SigmaNEST tabs:
l Work-space. Contains the functions used to add parts to a blank Work-space, open an existing Work-space, and create the nesting task. See "Work-space" on page 47 for more information.
l CAD. Contains the functions used to create Geometry on the Work-space, edit existing geometry, add details to the geometry, and verify the dimensions. See "CAD" on page 178 for more information.
l Nesting. Contains the functions used to nest the parts in your task to a sheet either automatically or manually, configure the part lead-ins/outs, and verify the nest dimensions. See "Nesting" on page 307 for more information.
l Nesting NC. Contains the functions for adding NC code to the nested parts, setting the punching and drilling parameters (when using a punch/drill capable machine), optimizing the motion of the cutting head as it passes from part to part, editing existing NC, and creating remnants from the sheet left after cutting. See "Nesting NC" on page 397 for more information.
l Nesting Detail. Contains the functions for adding detail information, such as dimensions and text, to the nest. See "Nesting Detail" on page 668 for more information.
l Parts. Contains the functions for modifying a specific part, adding NC to the part, applying advanced NC, such as bevels and corner loops, and setting the punch parameters for the part (when using a punch/drill capable machine). See "Parts" on page 686 for more information.
l Part Detail. Contains the functions for adding detail information, such as dimensions and text, to individual parts. See "Part Detail" on page 859 for more information.
l Tools Help. Contains the functions for configuring SigmaNEST settings, adding or removing users. performing application updates over the internet, and viewing the SigmaNEST help. See "Tools Help" on page 894 for more information.
SigmaNEST Directory Structure By default, Windows 7 protects the programs installed into the Program Files directory by preventing users from having write permissions to the directory. Because of this, SigmaNEST program data files are not installed in the Program Files directory. These files are placed in the App Data and Program Data directories.
Windows 7 Installation Directory Structure For Windows 7, the files below are installed in the following location:
C:\Program Files(x86)\SigmaTEK\SNDATA10or [Directory Path where SigmaNEST was instructed to be installed]\ .
l ColorScheme.ini
l config.dtk
l nesting.ini
l nesting_Comp.ini
l SNStartup.ini
l ToolTypes.cfg
l UserForm-Knife.txt
l UserForm-Laser.txt
l UserForm-Oxygas.txt
l UserForm-Plasma.txt
l UserForm-Router.txt
l UserForm-Waterjet.txt
l UserForm-RailTools.txt
l UserForm-TurretTools.txt
l Users.xml
l WaterjetIN.dat
l WaterjetMM.dat
In addition, the files listed below are located in the following location:
C:\Program Files(x86)\SigmaTEK\SNDATA10 or [Directory Path where SigmaNEST was instructed to be installed]\SysFiles\\UserINIFiles\ .
l Shapes.ini
l SNConfig.ini
l SNData.ini
l SNDlgs.ini
SNData Directory Structure All SigmaNEST data files are stored in the SNData folder. The SNData folder's location is specified when SigmaNEST is installed. Common locations for it are:
l In the Public Documents folder on the local machine. This is helpful if the contents of the folder are often shared.
l On a shared folder located on the network.
l In the root directory of a drive, such as C:\SNData.
The following table lists folders that may also be found in the SNData folder.
Folder Name Description BOM Saved Bill of Material (.BOM) files. CDL CadKey CDL geometry format files Desktops Saved desktop profiles used when importing parts. DWG CAD software geometry files in the .DWG format. DXF CAD software geometry files in the .DXF format. eReports Electronic report files. Excel Import Default location of Excel files used to import parts into SigmaNEST. IGES CAD software geometry files in the .IGES format. Jobs Scheduled job definitions. NC NC post process program files. Parts Default location of SigmaNEST part files. Posts Location of machine post processor files. PTN Location of pattern files. Quotes Folder created quotes are stored in. Replace Stores signature geometry replacement CDL files. Reports90 Default location of all SigmaNEST Fast Report templates. RevNC Location of reverse NC files. Shapes90 Location of SigmaNEST standard shapes files. Sheets Location of material inventory files, such as sheets and remnants. Static Location of static nest files. Tools Location of tool and turret definition files for punching machines. WOL Stores work order list batch files. WS Location of saved work-spaces.
The SigmaNEST User Interface The image below displays the default SigmaNEST user interface.
The SigmaNEST user interface contains the following:
l Quick Access Toolbar. Provides shortcuts to commonly used commands, such as zooming and cutting simulation.
l Tabs. Displays groups of related program functions.
l Groups. Rectangular regions that each contains a set of functions related to the selected tab.
l Work-space. Displays the parts, nests, or geometry depending on the tab selected.
l Side Menu. Displays a list of parts, tasks, layouts, or actions related to a specific function.
l Details Area. Displays part/nest details and the X/Y coordinate information.
l Status Bar. Displays the logged in user, selected machines, and function related quick tips.
l Layout Controls. Displays the controls used to quickly navigate between layouts of nested parts.
l Parts Bar. Displays a list of parts with their name, quantity, and a graphical preview.
l Help. Opens the SigmaNEST Help.
Detail Area
The Detail Area is displayed in the bottom left corner of the Work-space. The information displayed varies depending on which tab you are on and if a part is selected or not. The image below is an example of what is displayed in the Detail Area when on the Nesting tab.
Note: The X and Y coordinates for your pointer position are always displayed at the bottom of the Details Area. If you right-click in the details area and then select Dynamic Cursor, the X and Y coordinates dynamically update as you move your pointer across the Work-space.
Right-click again and then select Static Cursor to set the Detail Area to only display the X and Y coordinates when you click an area on the Work-space. This is the default setting.
The following lists the SigmaNEST tabs and what information is displayed in the Detail Area for each tab.
l Work-space/CAD. Displays the part information when a part is selected or the Nest information when a nest is selected.
l Nesting/Nesting NC/Nesting Detail. Displays the nesting information. Most of these parameters are set in the "Task Parameters" on page 401.
l Sheet Name. The name of the sheet (if available).
l Material. The material type of the sheet.
l Thickness. The thickness of the sheet.
l Length/Width. The length and width of the sheet.
l No. of Repeats. The number of layouts (configuration of parts on a nest) that are exactly the same. For example, if you had 100 identical parts that nested 20 per sheet, the number of repeats is displayed as 5
l Stack Quantity. The amount of sheets stacked on top of one another.
l Scrap %. The calculated amount of unused material remaining after all parts are cut.
l Plate Used. The length used divided by the overall length of the sheet. Displayed as a per- centage.
l Length Used. The amount of the sheet length used for nesting parts.
l Parts/Part Detail. Displays the part information. Most of these parameters are set in the "Part Parameters" on page 691.
l Name. The part name.
l Work Order No. The work order number associated with the part.
l Due Date. The due date for the work order.
l Material. The material type for the part.
l Thickness. The thickness of the part material.
l Quantity. The amount of parts to be nested.
l Attribute. The external perimeter of the part.
l Process Information. Displays the number of machine processes used to cut the part. Click the arrow to expand the field and display the names of the processes and the number of contours cut by the process.
For example, if a square part with four internal holes was processed by a plasma machine with drilling capability and the holes were set to the drill process, the Process Information is 2. When expanded, the Plasma process displays the number of contours processed, which is 2 (part externals and lead-in). The Drill process when expanded displays 4 (the number of drill holes).
l Internal Contours. Displays the amount of internal contours on the part. Click the arrow to the left to expand the field to show the type of internal contour and size.
SigmaNEST License Installation SigmaNEST uses a security signed license file stored on the local machine to authenticate the program on single machines or servers. In a network environment, client systems retrieve a valid SigmaNEST license file from the server.
A green SIM key is plugged into a USB port on a single machine. For network licensing, a red network SIM key is installed in a USB port on the system hosting the license.
Note: When updating a network SIM installed on a server, the SIM must be updated locally by logging into the server machine and performing the update. For security reasons, you cannot remote into the server to update the network SIM.
SIM codes can be requested by contacting SigmaTEK by email, fax, or phone. The codes can be updated with or without an Internet connection.
Note: Contact SigmaNEST Technical Support if you need assistance requesting a SIM code.
If a legitimate license file is not present, the Startup dialog box opens automatically when SigmaNEST starts. You must then use one of the following methods to install the license.
License Install - Download from SigmaTEK License Server (Internet connection required) 1. Install the supplied SIM key in an operational USB port on your machine.
2. Start SigmaNEST. If this is your first time starting SigmaNEST, the Startup dialog box may open automatically when the program starts.
Note: To access the Startup dialog box from within SigmaNEST, from the Tools Help tab, in the Tools group, click the drop-down arrow under Config and select License Manager.
3. Click the License File tab.
4. Click Install from Web. The license file is retrieved and installed.
5. Click OK to start SigmaNEST.
License Install from File This is the install method used when the license file is emailed to you.
1. Install the supplied SIM key in an operational USB port on your machine.
2. Copy the attached .SNLic file from the SIM Code email to a location on the computer.
Note: To access the License Manager from within SigmaNEST, from the Tools Help tab, in the Tools group, click the drop-down arrow under Config and select License Manager.
5. Click Install Local License. The Open dialog box displays.
6. Browse to the location of the license file saved in step 2. Select the file and click Open. The license is installed.
7. Click OK to start SigmaNEST.
License Install in a Networked Environment with a SigmaNEST License Server 1. Install the supplied red SIM key in an operational USB port on the machine hosting the license.
This is typically the server machine.
2. Start SigmaNEST on each client machine. If this is your first time starting SigmaNEST, the Star- tup dialog box may open automatically when the program starts.
3. Click the Net Hasp Setup tab.
4. Select the Check for Network SIM check box and then enter the host name or IP address of the machine hosting the license.
Note: It is recommended the host computer uses a static IP address to connect to the network. Because, the license file is associated with the IP address, using a dynamically assigned addresses can lead to problems with the client machines connecting to the host. Contact your Network Administrator for assistance with setting up a static IP address for the host machine.
5. Click OK. The NetHasp.ini and license file are loaded to the client machine and SigmaNEST starts.
View the SIM Details (Optional) Hasp Detail allows you to view the SIM details, such as the License ID, SIM Number, and the Expiration Date of the license.
1. Verify the SIM key is installed in an operating USB port on the machine.
4. Click the Hasp Detail tab. The SIM information is displayed.
5. Click OK to close the dialog box.
Configure Access to Remote Servers
When you install SigmaNEST in a network environment, workstations may access the server to retrieve a valid license file for the SigmaNEST software. This server can be located in the same building, across town, or across the country.
In some cases, the network configuration used in your environment may block the workstation's license request from reaching the server. For example, if a SigmaNEST workstation is located on a network sub- net used for all workstations, but the server is on a different sub-net, the router used to pass traffic between these two sub-nets may filter out the request to the server for the license file, causing it to never reach the server.
To prevent this, you must configure access to remote license managers in the Safe Net Sentinel Control Center.
1. Open a web browser and type http://localhost:1947/_int_/devices.html in the address bar and then press Enter. The Safe Net Sentinel Control Center displays.
2. In the Options area to the left, click Configuration.
3. Select the Access to Remote License Managers tab.
4. In the Specify Search Parameters text box, enter the computer name of the SigmaNEST server. You can also enter the IP address of the server if the server is configured to use a static IP address.
5. Click Submit to save the changes and close out of the Safe Net browser window.
6. Start SigmaNEST. If the Start-up dialog box opens, skip to step 9.
7. Click the Tools Help tab.
8. Click the drop-down arrow under Config and then select License Manager. The Start-up dialog box opens.
10. Verify the Check for Network SIM check box is checked.
11. Select the SigmaNEST server name entered in step 4 from the Network Address/s drop-down list.
12. Click OK to save the changes. If SigmaNEST is open, close it and then re-start.
Startup Sequence The SigmaNEST Startup Sequence allows you to set the order in which installed SigmaNEST modules are loaded. For example, if you want to load the SigmaNEST Companion instead of the full application, you can move the Companion module to the top of the list.
Note: The modules listed depend on the type of SigmaNEST package purchased. Contact your SigmaNEST Sales Representative for more information on modules.
1. From the Tools Help tab, in the Tools group, click the drop-down arrow under Config and then select License Manager. The Startup dialog box opens.
2. Click the Startup Sequence tab.
3. The Interactive tab lists the available SigmaNEST modules. Click the check box next to each module to enable or disable it.
4. Select a module and use the up and down arrows to the left to move the module up or down on the list. Modules at the top of the list are loaded first.
5. Click OK to save the changes.
Network SIM Management Network SIMs are managed using SafeNet's Sentinel License Manager. This license manager is web- based and automatically detects your network SIM.
The site can be accessed using the follow methods:
Method 1: 1. Using a web browser on the machine with the SIM, type http://localhost:1947/_int_
/devices.html in the address field and press Enter. The website opens and lists your network SIMs.
Method 2: 1. On the Tools Help tab, in the Tools group, click the drop-down arrow under Config and select
License Manager.
3. Click List Network SIMs to launch the Sentinel License Manager website.
Note: For more information on using SafeNet's Sentinel License Manager, click the Help link in the left navigation menu on the site.
Program Basics The following list of functions are the basics of the SigmaNEST application. For example, you can use Quick Keys to quickly perform actions using keyboard, add commonly used functions to the Quick Access Toolbar, or configure personalized views by modifying the Column Listing.
Becoming familiar with the following basic functions allows you to greatly increase your productivity when using SigmaNEST.
l "Quick Keys" (page 14)
l "Mouse Functions" (page 16)
l "Drop-down Menu" (page 29)
l "Coordinate System" (page 36)
l "Quick Access Toolbar" (page 17)
l "Contour Attributes" (page 37)
l "Column Listings" (page 30)
l "Selection Actions" (page 25)
l "Position Actions" (page 27)
Quick Keys SigmaNEST's Quick Launch Keys are used to quickly execute commands using keyboard shortcuts instead of by clicking the commands on the ribbon. For example, you can hold Ctrl and press the S key to quickly save a Work-space.
The tables below list the available Quick Launch Keys and their actions.
Ctrl+Keys Quick Key Action Quick Key Action Ctrl+A Auto Scale Ctrl+O Open Work-space Ctrl+B NEST Bump, Bump on/off* Ctrl+P Create Part Ctrl+D Double Scale Ctrl+Q Delete Function Ctrl+E Create Sheet Ctrl+R Redraw Ctrl+F Quick Find Ctrl+S Save Work-space Ctrl+G New Nesting Task Ctrl+T Part Tile Ctrl+H Half scale Ctrl+U Program Update Ctrl+I Info Manager Ctrl+W Window Ctrl+K Work Orders Ctrl+X Exit SigmaNEST Ctrl+L Parts List Ctrl+Z Undo Ctrl+M WS Mode Ctrl+Del Delete* Ctrl+N New Work-space Alt+Backspace Undo * Manual nesting mode only
Ctrl+F Keys Quick Key Action Quick Key Action Ctrl+F1 Help Topic Ctrl+F6 Bump On/Off Ctrl+F2 Reset Rotation Ctrl+F7 Position Ctrl+F3 Min Rectangle Ctrl+F8 Mirror Vertical Ctrl+F4 Torches Ctrl+F9 Mirror Horizontal Ctrl+F5 Snap Ctrl+F10 Unused
Ctrl+0 – 9 Keys Selecting Ctrl with a number key loads a previous workspace.
Shift+Ctrl Keys Quick Key Action Quick Key Action Shift+Ctrl+A Create Line Angle Absolute Shift+Ctrl+K Line Offset at Distance Shift+Ctrl+B Trim Both Shift+Ctrl+L Create Line, 2 Points Shift+Ctrl+C Create Circle Radius Shift+Ctrl+M Create Circle, Diameter Shift+Ctrl+D Trim Divide Shift+Ctrl+O Offset Geometry Shift+Ctrl+E Create Line Angle Relative Shift+Ctrl+Q Quick Trim Shift+Ctrl+F Trim First Shift+Ctrl+S Smart Dimension Shift+Ctrl+G Rectangle 2 Corners Shift+Ctrl+T Fillet Trim Shift+Ctrl+H Create Line, Horizontal Shift+Ctrl+V Create Line, Vertical
Quick Key Action Quick Key Action Shift+Ctrl+I Create Line, Horiz. & Vert. Shift+Ctrl+2 Create Circle, 2 Points Shift+Ctrl+J Line Offset Through Point Shift+Ctrl+3 Create Circle, 3 Points
Alt+ Ctrl Keys Quick Key Action Quick Key Action Alt+Ctrl+A Auto Nest Alt+Ctrl+N Auto NC Alt+Ctrl+B Display View Back Alt+Ctrl+O Modify Task Alt+Ctrl+C Nest Copy Part Alt+Ctrl+P Post Single Alt+Ctrl+D Import DXF Alt+Ctrl+R Nest Report Alt+Ctrl+E Sheet List Alt+Ctrl+S Snap Alt+Ctrl+G Import DWG Alt+Ctrl+T Task Parameters* Alt+Ctrl+H Standard Shape Alt+Ctrl+U Auto Punch Alt+Ctrl+L Post All Alt+Ctrl+W Import WOL Alt+Ctrl+M Nest Move Part * Nesting modes only
Quick Keys for Manual Nesting
Quick Key Action Quick Key Action Up Arrow Snap parts(s) up + Y Down Arrow Snap part(s) down -Y Shift+Up Arrow Move part(s) up + Y Shift+Down Arrow Move part(s) down -Y Ctrl+UP Arrow Rotate part(s) 10 degrees Ctrl+Down Arrow Rotate part(s) -10 degrees Shift+Ctrl+Up Arrow Rotate part(s) 1 degree Shift+Ctrl+Down Arrow Rotate part(s) -1 degree Left Arrow Snap part(s) left - X Right Arrow Snap part(s) right +X Shift+Left Arrow Move part(s) up left - X Shift+Right Arrow Move part(s) right + X Ctrl+Left Arrow Rotate part(s) 90 degrees Ctrl+Right Arrow Rotate part(s) -90 degrees Shift+Ctrl+Left Arrow Align next edge (Counterclockwise) Shift+Ctrl+Right Arrow Align next edge (Clockwise) Shift+Ctrl+Mouse Rotates the part(s)
Function Keys for Nesting Mode Function Key Action Function Key Action F1 Rotate part(s) 90 degrees F6 Rotate part(s) -5 degrees F2 Rotate parts(s) -90 degrees F7 Rotate part(s) 1 degree F3 Rotate part(s) 15 degrees F8 Rotate part(s) -1 degree F4 Rotate part(s) -15 degrees F9+Arrow Keys Rotate part(s) clockwise F5 Rotate part(s) 5 degrees F10+Arrow Keys Rotate part(s) counterclockwise
Mouse Functions The mouse manipulates the objects on your Work-space and also performs the traditional functions of selecting commands and dragging windows around objects.Work-space objects, such as parts, can be moved by hovering the pointer over the object and then clicking and holding the middle mouse button. You can then move the object to the desired location and release the button to place it.
You can also use the mouse wheel to zoom in and out of the Work-space. This is especially helpful when you have a large amount of parts and sheets on your Work-space. The actual X and Y coordinates are not changed when zooming in and out.
Quick Access Toolbar The Quick Access Tool Bar is located above the tabs in SigmaNEST so it can always be accessed at any time. Keyboard shortcuts are also available for most of the functions.
The Quick Access Toolbar contains the following frequently used functions:
l Auto Scale (Ctrl+A). Automatically scales the objects to best fit the Work-space.
l Half Scale (Ctrl+H). Scales objects to half. This is helpful if you have a large amount of objects on your Work-space.
l Double Scale (Ctrl+D). Doubles the scale of the objects on the Work-space and makes them appear much larger. This is helpful when you are working with many small parts.
l Window (Ctrl+W). Allows you to drag a window on the Work-space to set the desired display area. The icon is highlighted when you select it and stays highlighted until the window is drawn.
l Undo Last Action (Ctrl+Alt+B). Undoes the last action taken on an object.
l NC Simulate. Starts the simulation of the current NC sequence. See "NC Simulate" below for more information.
l Attributes. Opens a dialog box that allows you to configure how objects on your Work-space are displayed. See "Attributes" on the next page for more information.
l Quick Search. Displays a list of SigmaNEST commands that you can quickly filter by typing in the name of the command, such as Save.
l More Options. Displays additional Quick Access Toolbar options, such as minimizing the toolbar, moving the toolbar to the bottom of the ribbon interface, and options for adding additional commands to the toolbar.
You can also select an item with check mark next to it to remove it from the toolbar. The item can be added by selecting it again.
NC Simulate NC Simulate is used to preview the cutting path after you have added NC to the nested parts. NC Simulate displays the tool motion step-by-step, contour-by-contour, or part-by-part.
Note: You can only run the NC Simulate function after you have applied NC to the parts.
1. Click the NC Simulate icon located in the Quick Access Toolbar. The NC Simulate dialog box opens.
2. Select the simulation mode by clicking the part icons at the top of the dialog box and then click the
Play icon ( ) to start the simulation.
l Single Step. Displays the NC simulation at a step-by-step basis until the entire nest is processed. When you use the Previous or Next icons (double arrows), you move to the previous or next line of the NC code.
l Contour. Displays the NC simulation on a contour-by-contour basis and pauses slightly after each contour is processed. When you use the Previous or Next icons (double arrows), you move to the previous or next contour in the NC code.
l Part. Displays the NC simulation on a part-by-part basis and pauses slightly after each part is processed. When you use the Previous or Next icons (double arrows), you move to the previous or next part in the NC code.
3. Perform any of the following actions as needed:
l Click the Stop icon ( )to stop the NC simulation.
l Click the Start icon ( ) to return to the start of the NC simulation.
l Click NC to view the G-code generated when NC was applied to the nest or parts. This is the code that is sent to the machine controller.
l If a Minus icon is displayed, click it to not display the detailed NC code. If a Plus icon is displayed, click it to view the NC code. When the code is displayed, each step is highlighted as the NC simulation runs.
l Click the Options icon ( ) to open the Simulation Options dialog box. Click the check box next to each simulation option you want to enable or clear it for options you want to disable. You can also move the Animation Speed slider to slow down or speed up the NC simulation animation. Click OK to save the changes.
4. Click the X to close the NC Simulate dialog box and return to the Work-space.
Attributes The Quick Access Toolbar Attributes function is used to configure how items on the Work-space are viewed. For example, you can set the color and color fill type for parts, show entity start points or bevel attributes, and display an overlay of the machine on your Works-space.
1. From the Quick Access Toolbar, click the Attributes icon ( ). The Attributes dialog box is displayed.
2. Select one of the following tabs to configure the display settings:
l General. Specifies the general display settings, such as color, color fill type, and entity attributes. See "Attributes: General Tab" below for more information.
l Process. Specifies the process display settings, such as bevel, router, drill, and depth attributes. See "Attributes: Process Tab" on page 21 for more information.
l Machine. Specifies the machine display settings, such as showing the machine and setting the transparency of the machine overlay. See "Attributes: Machine Tab" on page 22 for more information.
l NC. Specifies how the NC is displayed or if it is displayed at all. See "Attributes: NC Tab" on page 23 for more information.
3. Click OK to apply the changes to your Work-space. All new Work-spaces for the logged in configuration will also use the specified settings.
Attributes: General Tab
The General tab sets the general display settings, such as color, color fill type, and entity attributes.
1. Set the entity display options.
l Show Entity Attributes. Enables the following options for entity attributes when selected:
l Entity Start Points. Displays the start point of each entity that makes up a part. By default, the start point is displayed as a yellow square.
l Entity Direction. Displays the cutting direction of the entity. By default, the cutting direction is displayed as a yellow arrow.
l Size. Sets the size of the start point and direction markers. Enter a larger number to increase the size or a smaller number to decrease.
2. Set the color display options.
Note: You can change the default colors from the SigmaNEST Configuration. See "Color Scheme Tab" on page 937 for more information.
l Color by. Specifies how entities are colored based on the selected method. For example, you can select Cut Quality to display entities by the specified cut quality colors, or Kerf to display entities by their kerf settings. The default colors for the entities in each method are displayed below the drop-down list.
l Color Fill Type. Specifies how to fill objects on the Work-space with a color or pattern. You can choose from the following fill types:
l No Fill. Displays the Work-space with no fill applied to the parts or sheets.
l Solid. Displays the Work-space with a solid fill color for the parts and sheets.
l Hatch. Displays the Work-space with a hatch pattern across the parts and sheets.
l Crosshatch. Displays the Work-space with a crosshatch pattern across the parts and sheets.
3. Click OK to save the changes or select a different tab to change other Attributes settings.
Attributes: Process Tab
The Process tab sets the process display settings, such as bevel, router, drill, and depth attributes.
1. Set the bevel attributes display options.
l Show Bevel Attributes. Enables the display of a bevel icon when viewing the part in part mode or when nesting. Information on the bevel is also displayed. The following options are also displayed:
l Size. Specifies the size of the bevel icon and the associated information. Enter a larger number to increase the size of the bevel information or a smaller number to decrease.
l Bevel Display. Sets the bevel attributes to display either the Bevel Width or Bevel Depth.
l Display Bottom Bevel with Negative Sign. Displays bottom bevels using a negative sign (-) to show that the bevel is on the under side of the material.
2. Set the attribute options for the other machine types if necessary.
l Show Drill Attributes. Displays a drill attributes icon for holes in a part with drilling applied. Enter the Size to specify the size of the icon.
l Show Router Tool Attributes. Displays a router attributes icon for entities cut with a router tool. Enter the Size to specify the size of the icon.
l Show Depth Attributes. Displays a depth attributes icon for entities with varying depths. Enter the Size to specify the size of the icon.
l Show Contour Start. Adds a blue box to the start of a contour. Enter the Size to specify the size of the box.
3. Select the Show Pre-Tabbing check box to display pre-tabs added to the part contours. If this is not selected, pre-tabs are not displayed. See "Pre-Tabbing" on page 760 for more information.
4. Select the Show Punch Error Data check box to display information when errors are detecting when tooling parts using a punch machine.
Attributes: Machine Tab
1. Select the Show Machine check box to enable an overlay of the machine on the Work-space. The machine details, such as the rails and slats are shown.
Note: This feature may not work with some types of machines.
2. Move the Transparency slider to the left or right to make the machine overlay lighter (left) or darker (right).
3. Select the Show Work Area on Sheet check box to display an outline of the sheet edge based on the Edge Distance specified in the "Task Parameters" on page 401.
Attributes: NC Tab
The NC tab allows you to specify how the NC appears on the Work-space.
1. In the NC section, specify the method used to display the NC.
l Display NC. Displays NC using white dashed lines to represent the rapid movements of the machine head. This option is selected by default.
l Display NC Without Rapids. Displays the NC but does not display the dashed white line for rapid movements.
l Do not Display NC. Does not display the NC or dashed white line for rapid movements.
Toolbar Edit You can customize the toolbar to add more commands or rearrange the current tab groups layout for each SigmaNEST tab. For example, you can move the Parts group in the Work-space tab so it displays after the Files group and before Work Orders.
Note: Default SigmaNEST commands cannot be removed from the toolbar. You can only remove commands that you have manually added.
1. From the Work-space tab (or any other tab) right-click in one of the toolbar groups and then select More Commands. The Toolbar Edit dialog box opens.
2. From the Toolbar Tabs drop-down list, select the toolbar you want to customize.
3. From the Tab Groups list, select the Toolbar to modify. For example, if you want to modify the Work-space tab toolbar, select ToolBar - Work-space from the list.
Note: Groups with a lock icon ( ) cannot be changed and no additional SigmaNEST commands can be added to them.
4. In the SigmaNEST Commands list, double-click the commands you want to add to the toolbar. You can also select a command and click Add. The commands added display in the Toolbar But- tons list.
Note: To remove a toolbar button, select it from the Toolbar Buttons list and then click Remove.
5. Select a command and click the up or down arrows to the right of the Toolbar Buttons list to reor- ganize the commands.
6. To move the toolbar groups (for example, the Work Orders group on the Work-space tab), select the group from the Tab Groups list and click the up or down arrows to the right to change the order.
7. Optionally, click Reset to reset all toolbars to their default values.
Selection Actions Selection Actions display in the SigmaNEST Side Menu that appears to the left of the Work-space. This menu is normally associated with functions that require selection of part contours or geometry, such as X- Form functions. bevels, and cut quality.
Note: The Single and Window selection actions are always available without having to select the corresponding icon from the Side Menu.
Selection Actions:
l Single. Allows you to select single elements, entities, and part contours by clicking them. If the function works with the entire part, the part is selected when you click anywhere on the part. Selecting an entity near its start point defines the selection direction (blue arrow).
l Chain. Allows you to select a string of entities by clicking the first entity and then the last. All entities in between are then selected as well.
The following directional actions are also enabled with the chain function:
l Select All Clockwise. Selects all entities clockwise from the first selected entity.
l Select All Counter Clockwise. Selects all entities counterclockwise from the first selected entity.
l Select All in Both Directions. Selects all entities in both directions from the first selected entity.
l Undo the selection. Cancels the most recent entity selected by the chain function.
l Window. Allows you to drag a window around a group of entities to select them all at once. When this action is active, other selection methods are disabled. It is only possible to use window selections. When not selected, this action can be used in conjunction with other selection methods.
l Open Ends. Selects all entities that have one end that is open and not connected to other entities. Drag a window around the open entities to select them.
l Attached. Selects all entities that are connected to the selected entity or part. This includes open end entities.
l Contours. Selects all contours on the part or geometry. This action is similar to Attached, however the action does not work on open ended entities.
l Unselect. Allows you to select specific entities to exclude from the selection action. For example, if you drag a window around 4 parts, and want one excluded from this selection, you select this action and then click the part.
l All. Allows you to apply the selection action to all entities that match a specified criteria. You can choose from the following:
l Color. Applies the selection action to all entities of a specified color. Select the color from the color palette that displays.
l Line Type. Applies the selection action to all entities of a specified line type. Select the line top from the drop down list that displays and then click OK.
l Level. Applies the selection action to all entities on a specified level. Click the check box next to the corresponding level in the Select Levels dialog box and then click OK.
l Geometry Type. Applies the selection action to all entities of a specified geometry type, such as points, lines, and arcs.
l Parts. Applies the selection action to all parts on the Work-space.
l Tasks. Applies the selection action to all open tasks.
l All Duplicate Entities. Applies the selection action to all entities with duplicates, such as lines with the same start and end points or arcs with the same radius.
l All Entities. Applies the selection action to all entities on the Work-space.
l Done. Confirms the selection actions and closes the Side Menu.
Position Actions Position Actions display in the SigmaNEST Side Menu that appears to the left of the Work-space. This menu is normally associated with functions that require you to select the position of the item on the Work- space. Using the position actions can give you much more control over where geometry objects are placed on your Work-space.
Note: You can also right-click the Work-space when the position actions are displayed in the Side Menu to view a list of the position actions.
Position Actions: l Smart Cursor. Turns the smart cursor on or off. The smart cursor displays the entity end, mid-
point, quadrant, and center point as you hover the pointer over part contours and geometry.
l Reset Incremental Coordinate Origin. Resets the incremental origin coordinate to the last position used. This occurs at each coordinate if this action is highlighted. You can click the action to toggle this function off and on.
l Use Absolute or Incremental Coordinates. Specifies which coordinate increment method to use for objects on the Work-space. Clicking the icon toggles between Absolute (not highlighted) and Incremental (highlighted) modes.
l Absolute (Default). Geometry objects on the Work-space are referenced from the zero X and zero Y position . With absolute mode enabled, the X and Y coordinates always display 0.
l Incremental (Highlighted). References the most recently placed object's position and incre- ments the X/Y coordinates from this location. The X and Y coordinates display the last object's position.
l X coordinate. Displays the horizontal position coordinates. You can manually enter the X coordinates to place an object on the horizontal plane.
l Y coordinate. Displays the vertical position coordinates. You can manually enter the Y coordinates to place an object on the vertical plane.
l Cursor. Places the part or geometry based on the location you click using the mouse pointer.
l Point. Places a center point on the Work-space based on the X and Y coordinates entered. If no coordinates are specified, the position is undefined and is not created.
l Entity End Attaches the geometry to the nearest endpoint of a selected entity on the Work- space. In the images below, the left image shows a line connected to the entity end of a circle. The right shows a line connected to the end point of an rectangle entity.
l Midpoint. Allows you to locate the midpoint position of a line or arc, or place a definition point at the midpoint of a line. The images below show the midpoints for an arc and a line with a line placed at the midpoint of each geometry.
l Center. Defines the center point of an arc or circle. This function, along with Point, is commonly used when creating special tools from geometry you have drawn on your Work-space.
l Quadrant. Places geometry closes to the quadrant point of an existing arc or circle. In the example below, circles are placed at quadrant positions around the center circle. Once placed, the center circle is removed. This creates bolt holes equidistant around a flange object.
l Intersection. Places geometry at a point where two selected entities intersect.
Other Actions:
l OK. Saves and closed the Side Menu for the function. You can also press Esc to perform this action.
l Undo. Undoes the last action performed by the function.
Drop-down Menu Many SigmaNEST functions have a drop-down arrow icon under or to the side of the command name. Clicking this drop-down arrow shows other commands that are related to the main command. For example, on the Work-space tab, clicking the drop-down arrow under Work Orders shows other work order related commands. You can then click the one you want to start.
The drop-down menus also show the keyboard shortcuts for commonly used commands. For example, to quickly open Work Orders, you press and hold the Ctrl key and then press K. This opens the Work Order List dialog box.
Note: Keyboard shortcuts can be used to quickly navigate the SigmaNEST User Interface. For a list of all the keyboard shortcuts, see "Quick Keys" on page 14.
Column Listings Column Listings are column headers displayed at the top of many SigmaNEST dialog boxes. You can apply filters to this information to customize or reduce the amount of data displayed. For example, in the dialog box below, you can remove the Priority column and move the Status column to the right of the list instead of the left.
Choose Columns to Display You can quickly choose which columns to display on a dialog box by clicking the visible columns icon, which is located to the left of the first column header. In the list that opens, all currently displayed column headers are marked with a check.
Clear the check box for each column you do not want to display. As you select items, the list is updated automatically. Click icon again to close the list.
Column Sorting You can quickly sort the columns by doing one of the following:
l Click the column header to toggle between sorting the column in ascending or descending order. The arrow to the right of the column header shows the sort sequence. Up indicates ascending and down indicates descending.
l Right-click a column header and then select the sort options, such as display order, grouping, and column fitting.
Enable Filtering You can apply filters to the columns to reduce the amount of information displayed. For example, if you have a large number of work orders displayed in the Work Order List, you can add a filter to the Status column to only display Overdue work orders.
Remove and Restore Columns: You can remove and restore columns by doing the following:
1. Place your pointer over the column you want to remove and then right-click. A list of options displays.
2. Select Remove This Column to remove the column from view.
3. To restore a column, right-click on any existing column header and then select Field Chooser from the list of options. The Customization dialog box opens to the Columns tab. The column you removed in step 2 is displayed.
4. Drag the column header to the dialog box and place it with the other column headers. Green arrows appear to show you where the header will be placed.
5. Drop the header to add it back to the dialog box.
Configure the Row Filter: You can use the Row Filter to create a filter that only shows rows of a specific value in a column.
1. Hover your pointer of a column header. The filter icon displays to the right of the arrow that shows the sort order of the column.
2. Click the icon to display a list of the data shown in the rows for the column. In the image below, the filter options for the Status column in the Work Order List is displayed.
3. Click the check boxes next to each value you want to display in the dialog box. As you select items, a new row appears at the bottom of the dialog box that shows what filters you have applied. In the example image below, the Work Order List is filtered to only display Overdue work orders with a Due Date of 10/2/2013.
4. Click the drop-down arrow to the right of the filter description to view previously created filters. As you add new filters, they can then be selected from the list as well.
5. Clear the check box to the left of the filter description to remove the filter but keep the filter active so it can be quickly re-applied by selecting the check box.
6. Click the red X to close the filter entirely and remove the filtering.
Configure the Filter Builder: The Filter Builder allows you to create and save complex filters. For example, you can create a Work Order List filter that only displays all Overdue/In Progress work orders with a part quantity ordered between 20 and 60.
1. Hover your pointer of a column header. The filter icon displays to the right of the arrow that shows the sort order of the column.
2. Click the icon to display a list of the data shown in the rows for the column. In the image below, the filter options for the Status column in the Work Order List is displayed.
3. Click Custom. The Custom Filter dialog box opens.
4. Create the filter using the drop-down lists. In this example, the filter is set to show the Overdue/In Progress status and not the Done status (see image).
5. Click OK to set the first column filter.
6. Click the filter icon for the next column you want to build a filter for and then select Custom to open the Custom Filter dialog box for the column.
7. Create the second filter using the drop-down lists. In this example, the filter is set to show part quantities greater than 20 but less than 60.
8. Click OK to save the second filter. The Work Order List now only shows Overdue/In Progress work orders with part quantities ordered between 20 and 60.
You can continue to build the custom filters for each column to add greater filtering to the data displayed. Once the filter is finished, it can be enabled or disabled by clicking the check box next to the filter name. It is also stored in the drop-down list for future use.
Apply Groups Groups allow you to group the displayed information by a selected column header. You can then add more column headers to add more specific group filtering.
1. Right-click any column header and then select Group By Box. An additional gray area is added to the top of the dialog box.
2. Drag the column header you want to group up to the gray area and then drop it. The column header is moved and the dialog box display changes to a group view based on the column header's data.
In the following example, the Work Order List Status column was selected as the grouping column header. All listed work orders are now grouped by their status. You can click the plus sign next to
each status to expand the group and view the work orders within. Click the minus sign to collapse the group.
Note: Groups are automatically sorted in ascending order by default. You can click the arrow next to the column header to change to a descending sort order.
3. Perform any of the following actions as needed.
l Drag other column headers and place them to the right of the main column header to add other data to the group. For example, if you drag the Qty Ordered column to the grouping area, the quantity ordered is displayed for each status. You can then expand the quantity ordered to view additional details.
l Right-click a column header in the gray group area and then select Remove From Grouping to remove the column from the group.
l To return the dialog box to it's default view, drag the main column header back to its original location.
Add Column Summations Column listing summations can be added to each column by enabling the Footer at the bottom of the list. You can then right-click in the footer to see the different summations available for each column.
1. Right-click on any column header and then select Footer. A new footer area is added to the bottom of the list.
2. Move the pointer into the footer area under a column and then right-click. A list of available summation functions for the column is displayed.
3. Select a summation to apply to the column. You can choose from the following summations:
Note: Depending on the data displayed, some of the summations may be grayed out.
l Sum. Displays the total amount of data listed by adding it together. For example, if you add a Sum to a quantity column, each row is added together and the sum of all the rows is displayed.
l Min. Displays the smallest value in the column. For example, if a range of quantities displayed is 30, 34, 50, and 10, the smallest number (10) is displayed in the footer.
l Max. Displays the largest number in the column. Using the above example, the largest number (50) is displayed in the footer.
l Count. Displays a count of the rows listed. The amount displayed applies to all columns.
l Average. Displays an average value for the column. For example, a quantity column displays a sum of 141 for all the quantities listed in 6 rows (the Count for the column), The average is calculated by dividing the sum by the count, which is this example equals an average of 23.5.
l None. Removes the summation display for the column.
4. Right-click any column and select Footer again to remove the footer area from the list.
Coordinate System When placing items on the Work-space, you can manually enter the X (horizontal) and Y (vertical) coordinates. This allows you to place parts and geometry exactly where you need them. You can enter the X and Y values from the "Position Actions" on page 27, located in the Side Menu for all SigmaNEST functions that require you to position objects on your Work-space.
Some functions that do not use the Position Actions, such as the Manual Nest functions, still allow you to enter the X and Y coordinate information in the corresponding fields.
Contour Attributes Contour Attributes are used to define the special attributes of part contours. If the contours are not assigned an attribute, SigmaNEST automatically applies the Kerf attribute for all contours when the part is created. The part's outer contours are cut clockwise and inner contours are cut counterclockwise.
Available Functions
"Kerf" below "No Cut" on page 41
"No Kerf Cut" on the next page "Special Punching" on page 42
"Left Kerf" on the next page "Detail" on page 43
" Right Kerf" on the next page "Level Mapping" on page 43
" Leadin" on page 39 "Options" on page 44
"Marking" on page 40
Kerf
Kerf Cut is the default attribute assigned to all contours when the part is created. The outside contours are cut clockwise and inside contours are cut counter-clockwise. The Kerf Cut function does not change any of the contours that have been defined by other kerf functions.
The below images display the part (solid line) and the kerf cut (dashed line). The kerf cut, which is the cutting width of the head, is orientated on the outside of the contour for the cutting directions (arrow), and for both internal (top images) and external contours (bottom images).
1. Click the Kerf Cut icon ( ) from the list of contour attributes.
2. Choose the type of "Selection Actions" on page 25 to use for selecting the contours.
3. Click the contours you want to apply the Kerf Cut attribute to.
4. Click Done (check mark) to save the changes.
No Kerf Cut
No Kerf Cut is used when the cut is made exactly on the contour. A kerf offset is not applied to the contour. This type of contour attribute is commonly used in common line cutting, which is used when a part shares a common edge with another part, or when a single cut is made on open or closed contours.
Note: The part cannot be automatically nested if No Kerf Cut is specified for all contours.
1. Click the No Kerf Cut icon ( ) from the list of contour attributes.
3. Click the contours you want to apply the No Kerf Cut attribute to.
Left Kerf
Left Kerf creates a cut, relative to the cutting direction (arrow), to the left of the contour. Left Kerf is not the same as the default Kerf Cut action.
Caution is recommended when applying Left Kerf to part contours. The part does not have the same dimensions when Left Kerf is applied to the different cutting directions.
The below images display the part (solid line) with a contour cut (dashed line), to the left of the part edge, that is relative to the cutting direction. In both images below, the dashed lines indicate the part edges after the cut.
1. Click the Left Kerf icon ( ) from the list of contour attributes.
3. Click the contours you want to apply the Left Kerf attribute to.
Right Kerf
Right Kerf creates a cut, relative to the cutting direction (arrow), to the right of the contour.
Caution is recommended when applying Right Kerf to part contours. The part does not have the same dimensions when Right Kerf is applied to the different cutting directions.
The images below display the part (solid line) with a contour cut (dashed line), to the right of the part edge, that is relative to the cutting direction. In both images below, the dashed lines indicate the part edges after the cut.
1. Click the Right Kerf icon ( ) from the list of contour attributes.
3. Click the contours you want to apply the Right Kerf attribute to.
Leadin
The Leadin attribute allows you to manually add a leadin when creating a part from geometry. The leadin is drawn using geometry functions and then selected and defined as a leadin. The selection order of the geometry entities is not important.
Note: When defining manual leadins, do no set the Leadin parameter to No Leadin in the "Part Parameters" on page 691.
1. Create a part on the Work-space. See "Create Part" on page 242 for more information.
2. Use the SigmaNEST "CAD" on page 178functions to draw the leadin on the part.
3. From the Work-space tab, in the Parts group, click Create Part. The Create Part menu opens to the left of the Work-space and displays the "Contour Attributes" on page 37 and "Selection
Actions" on page 25
4. Click the Leadin icon ( ) from the list of Contour Attributes.
5. Select the geometry created in step 2. You can use the "Selection Actions" on page 25 if needed.
6. Click the Kerf Cut icon ( ) from the list of Contour Attributes. You can use a different attribute if necessary.
7. Select the remaining part geometry. You can use the "Selection Actions" on page 25 if needed.
8. Click Done (check mark). The Part Parameters dialog box opens.
9. Enter the Part Parameters and then save the part. See "Part Parameters" on page 691 for more information.
Marking
The Marking attribute allows entities on a part to be defined as markings, such as bend lines created by a powder marker. SigmaNEST then creates NC code to drive the powder marker.
2. Use the SigmaNEST "CAD" on page 178functions to create markings on the geometry.
3. From the Work-space tab, in the Parts group, click Create Part. The Create Part menu opens to the left of the Work-space and displays the "Contour Attributes" on page 37 and "Selection Actions" on page 25
4. Click the Marking icon ( ) from the list of Contour Attributes.
5. Select the geometry created in step 2. You can use the "Selection Actions" on page 25 if needed.
9. Enter the Part Parameters and then click OK to create the part. See "Part Parameters" on page 691 for more information.
No Cut
The No Cut attribute allows selected contours to be designated as no cut entities. NC code is not generated for these selected contours.
3. Click the No Cut icon ( ) from the list of Contour Attributes.
4. Select the entities you want to mark as no cut entities. You can use the "Selection Actions" on page 25 if needed.
Special Punching
The Special Punch attribute designates an entity or entities to be processed by a punch tool on combination or punch type machines.
3. Click the Special Punch icon ( ) from the list of Contour Attributes.
4. Select the entities you want processed by a punch tool. You can use the "Selection Actions" on page 25 if needed.
Detail
The detail attribute allows you to define an entity or entities as detail notes. These details are not included in the NC process and are displayed when viewing parts in the Parts tab.
2. From the Work-space tab, in the Parts group, click Create Part. The Create Part menu opens to the left of the Work-space and displays the "Contour Attributes" on page 37 and "Selection Actions" on page 25.
3. Click the Detail icon ( ) from the list of Contour Attributes.
4. Select the entities you want defined as details. You can use the "Selection Actions" on page 25 if needed.
Level Mapping
Level Mapping allows you to apply the level mapping defined in the SigmaNEST Configuration to the created part. See "General Import Tab" on page 911 for more information.
1. Click the Level Mapping icon ( ) from the list of contour attributes.
3. Select the part geometry you want the level mapping defined in the SigmaNEST Configuration applied to.
Options
Options allows you to set part creation parameters when creating a part from geometry on your Work- space.
1. From the Work-space tab, in the Parts group, click Create Part. The Create Part menu opens to the left of the Work-space and displays the Contour Attributes.
2. Click the Options icon ( ).
3. From the Mapping Type drop-down list, choose how to map the parts in SigmaNEST. CAD programs define the parts with different mapping properties. You can choose from the following:
l Layers/Levels. The contours of the part are defined using layers and levels.
l Colors. The contours of the part are defined using colors.
l Line Type. The contours of the part are defined using lines.
l Layers then Colors. The contours of the part are defined by layers first, then colors.
l Colors then Layers. The contours of the part are defined by colors first, then layers.
4. From the Part Creation drop-down list, select the part creation method. You can choose from the following:
l Single Part. The selected geometry is created as a single part. All geometry selected is iden- tified as one part.
l Multiple Parts. All selected closed geometry is created into multiple parts.
l Medallion Parts. Splits a large part into smaller parts that are welded together once they are cut. This is used for parts that are too large to fit on the machine.
l Parts By Layer. Parts are created based on the layers in the geometry.
l Parts By Color. Parts are created based on the color assigned to the geometry.
5. From the Auto Detect Bend Lines drop-down list, select how to import parts with bend lines. You can choose the following.
l No. Imports bend lines as geometry.
l As Marking Lines. Imports bend lines as marked lines on the part.
l As No Cut Lines. Imports bend lines as non-cutting lines on the part. The lines are not marked.
l Ignore. Ignores the bend lines and does not import them.
6. In the Marking Lines section, set the marking line options.
l Shorten Bend Lines. This option is enabled when Auto Detect Bend Lines is set to As Mark- ing Lines. Shortens the bend lines based on the entered Shortline Length value.
l Trim Marking. Trims marking lines on the part based on the entered Offset Distance value from other entities.
7. Select the Remove Duplicate Entities check box to check for duplicate entities and prevent Sig- maNEST from creating the same part twice. You can also click the Isolate by color or Isolate by Layer check boxes to isolate the duplicate entities by their colors and layers.
8. Select the Display Unlisted Layers/Levels check box to show unlisted layers/levels for the part.
9. Select the Show All Layers/Levels check box to show all the layers and levels for the part on the Work-space. Detail notes are also displayed on parts when viewing them from the Parts tab.
10. Select the Replace Patterns check box to replace recognized signature geometry with other geometry. This feature can also apply processes and special features to the replaced geometry.
See "Replace Patterns" on page 71 for more information on using replace patterns.
11. Select the Multi-Part Configurations check box to import a part with different configurations as different parts.
12. Select the Perform Validation Checks check box to validate the geometry and ensure a complete part. If the geometry has errors or open contours, SigmaNEST places an X next to the file name, indicating an incomplete part. If the file is error free, SigmaNEST places a check mark next to the file name indicating that it can be made into a part.
13. Select the Contour Interference Check check box to check for contour overlapping in the geometry.
14. Select the Auto Tile Parts check box to automatically tile the parts when created.
15. Select the Merge Co-linear Entities check box to merge two lines of geometry on the same layer into one line if there is a gap between the lines.
Note: Do not enable this option for parts with bevels as it can cause geometry errors.
16. From the Desktop drop-down list, select a Desktop Profile to apply import settings to the created part. See "Create Desktop Mapping Profiles" on page 75 for more information.
17. From the Machine drop-down list, select the machine type used to cut the part.
Work-space The Work-space tab contains functions for creating, opening or saving work-spaces, importing parts, accessing the parts and sheets lists, creating standard shapes, managing quotes and contacts using the Information Manager, creating new nesting tasks, configuring the work-space NC and Tool options, and viewing CTL tasks.
l "Files" (page 48)
l "Parts" (page 127)
l "Nesting" (page 135)
l "Cut To Length" (page 160)
The following are optional components that may appear on the Work-space tab.
l "Plugins - Work-space" (page 174)
Note: The Plug-ins listed may not be included in the version of SigmaNEST ST software being used. For more information on obtaining optional program modules described in the help file. please see a SigmaNEST sales representative.
Files The Files group contains functions for importing files and managing Work-spaces.
Note: You can click the icon in the lower right corner of the Files group to open the SigmaNEST Configuration. See "SigmaNEST Configuration" on page 895 for more information.
Available Functions
"New Work-space" on the next page "Export" on page 52
"Open Work-space" on page 50 "Import Files" on page 54
"Save Work-space" on page 51
New Work-space New Work-space creates a new, empty Work-space.
1. From the Work-space tab, in the Files group, click New Work-space.
If a work-space is already open a confirmation dialog box displays asking if you want to clear the current Work-space. Click Yes to clear it without saving or click Save Changes to save the current work-space before opening a new one.
Once the new work-space is open, you can add parts using any of the following methods:
l Import. Imports files stored on your computer or on the network into SigmaNEST. See "Import Files" on page 54for more information.
l Parts List. Adds parts from the part database, Bill of Materials, or from your local computer. See "Parts List" on page 140 for more information.
l Work Orders. Adds parts from existing work orders. See "Work Orders" on page 97 for more information.
l Standard Shapes. Adds parts from a list of standard shapes built into SigmaNEST. See "Standard Shapes" on page 244 for more information.
l CAD. Allows you to draw your own part then add it to the SigmaNEST parts library. See "CAD" on page 178 for more information.
Open Work-space Open Workspace allows you to open an existing (previously saved) Work-space. By default, SigmaNEST opens the WS folder specified in your SigmaNEST Configuration. See "Paths Tab" on page 903 for more information.
You can also click the drop-down arrow under Open Work-space to view a list of Work-spaces you have previously opened.
1. From the Work-space tab, in the Files group, click Open Work-space. The Open dialog box displays.
2. Select the Work-space file to open in SigmaNEST or browse to the location of the file and select it. A preview of the Work-space appears to the right.
3. Optionally, click the drop-down list under the preview to open other files types, such as Quotes or SigmaNEST XML files.
4. Click Open to open the selected Work-space.
Save Work-space Save Work-space saves the open work-space to a SigmaNEST Workspace (.WS) file. By default, the file is saved to the WS directory specified in the Paths tab of your SigmaNEST Configuration. See "Paths Tab" on page 903 for more information.
1. From the Work-space tab, in the Files group, click Save Work-space. The Save As dialog box opens.
2. Enter the File name, select the Save as type, and then click Save. The work-space is saved to the folder.
3. Optionally, click the drop-down arrow under Save Work-space and choose any of the following actions.
l Save As. If you are making changes to an existing work-space and want to save it to a new file instead of overwriting the existing one, you can select this option to save your work to a new file.
l Export. Exports the work-space to the selected file type. See "Export" on the next page for more information.
l Save All Parts. Saves all parts on the work-space to the default Parts directory specified in the Paths tab of your SigmaNEST Configuration.
Export Export allows you to export your work-space to a selected file type, such as a DXF file.
1. From the Work-space tab, in the Files group, click the drop-down arrow under Save Work-space, select Export, and then choose the export file type. You can choose one of the following export file types:
l CDL Export. Exports CadKey files with lines, arcs, circles, ellipses, and text.
l DXF Export. Exports Drawing Exchange Format (DXF) files as an ASCII or binary file format of a drawing.
l Export Pattern. Exports patter files that contains a subset of the work-space (.WS) file. A pattern file is used to transfer information from one work-space to another in geometric form.
l Export Parts. Exports all parts currently on the work-space.
l Export Nesting. Exports the file as a nesting file. See "Export Nesting" below for more information.
l Export Batch-DXF. Exports a group of DXF files in a batch (.WOL) format.
l Export Batch-CDL. Exports a group of CDL files in a batch (.WOL) format.
2. From the Save As dialog box, browse to the folder you want to export the files to, enter the File name, and then click Save. The files are exported to the selected folder.
Export Nesting
Export Nesting allows you to export the nesting file for porting into other CAD programs.
1. From the Work-space tab, in the Files group, click the drop-down arrow under Save Work-space, select Export, and then choose Export Nesting. The Export Nesting dialog box opens.
2. Enter the DXF Path for the export file. Click the ellipses to browse to the folder location for the file.
3. Select the Work-space to export from the list.
4. In the Export Type section, select to export the Work-space as a CDL (Cadkey) or DXF (AutoCAD) file type.
5. Select the export options.
l Export Sheets. Exports the sheets in the Work-space to the CDL/DXF file.
l Export Parts. Exports the parts in the Work-space to the CDL/DXF file.
l Export Detail. Exports the part and sheet details to the CDL/DXF file.
6. Click Setup to configure the export parameters.
l In the Origin section, select to export either Geometry or Machine Zero origin data.
l Set a Separator to use for export information.
l Click the Use DXF PolyLines check box to use DXF based line segments for the parts in the exported DXF file.
l In the DXF - Layers section, enter the name for the Sheet, Part, and Detail layers in the exported file.
l In the CDL - Levels section, enter the numbers for the Sheet, Part, and Detail levels in the exported CDL file.
l Click OK to save the Setup parameters and close the dialog box.
7. Click OK to export the Work-space and create the nesting export file.
Import Files SigmaNEST supports a variety of files types that can be imported into the application. You can import the files directly into SigmaNEST or set mapping options and alter the file before it is loaded.
Note: You can also import SolidWorks multi-body parts files. SigmaNEST splits the file into separate parts with the correct material assigned to each part. If the material does not exist in SigmaNEST, you are prompted to create it.
1. From the Work-space tab, in the Files group, click Import drop-down arrow.
Note: You can import SolidWorks and Inventor files as any other file type by selecting the appropriate file type from the Import list.
The Forming Features option must be enabled for this to work. To enable this option:
Click the Tools Help tab. In the Tools group, click Config. In the 3D Import tab, select the SolidWorks or Inventor tabs and then select the Forming Features check box. Click OK to save the changes.
In addition, the default machine for SigmaNEST must be a Punch machine that has form tools in the active tool list that were defined as formed features in the SolidCAD system.
2. Select the type of file you want to import from the list. The Open dialog box displays.
3. Browse to location of the file(s) you want to import. Skip to Step 6 if you are importing 3D files.
Note: See "Supported File Types" on the next page for a list of all the file types can be imported into SigmaNEST.
Importing 2D Files (DXF, DXG, etc.) 4. Set the mapping and preview options.
l Select the Preview check box to view a preview of the part.
l Select the Auto Create Part check box to automatically create the part when it is imported to the Work-space. The Part Parameters dialog box also opens automatically once the part is imported. See "Part Parameters" on page 691 for more information.
Note: This option is disabled if Interactive Mapping is selected.
l Choose one of the following import mapping methods:
l No Mapping. Imports the file(s) as is with no changes.
l Interactive Mapping. Opens the Interactive Mapping dialog box, which allows you to make changes to the imported file(s) before importing them to the Work-space. See "Import Parts Using Interactive Mapping" on page 65 for more information.
l Desktop Mapping. Applies the settings from a saved desktop profile to the part(s) and imports them to the Work-space. See "Create Desktop Mapping Profiles" on page 75 for more information.
5. Click Open to import the files to the Work-space.
Importing 3D Files (ProE, NX, Catia, etc.) 6. Select the 3D file you want to import and then click Open. The Part Import Manager dialog box
opens and lists all the parts that make up the 3D file.
7. Click the Tree tab to view an expandable list of the individual parts. Click the check boxes next to the parts to either select or deselect them for import.
8. Click the Part List tab to change the part data. Click the check boxes next to the parts to either select or deselect them for import.
Perform any of the following actions as necessary:
l To enter the same work order number for all parts listed, enter the number in the Work Order No. field located in the upper right of the dialog box.
l In the Qty column, double-click the quantity next to each part to change it.
l In the Work Order No. column, you can specify the work order number for each individual part.
9. Click the Settings tab to set the Auto Detect Bend Lines options. You can choose from the following:
l No. Imports bend lines as geometry.
l As Marking Lines. Imports bend lines as marked lines on the part.
l As No Cut Lines. Imports bend lines as non-cutting lines on the part. The lines are not marked.
l Ignore. Ignores the bend lines and does not import them.
10. Click Process to import the files to the Work-space.
Supported File Types
SigmaNEST can import a wide variety of file types, such as DXF, DWG, CDL, and SolidWorks assembly files.
Note: In AutoCAD, each specification is designated as a layer. SigmaNEST specifications are designated as levels.
On the Work-space tab, in the Files group, click the drop-down arrow under Import. The following list of supported import file types is displayed:
Note: To import files without selecting a type, select Import from the list. Specify the file type you want to import in the Files of type: drop-down list.
l Import Work-space. Imports an existing SigmaNEST Work-space file into the current Work- space. The current Work-space is not replaced. The imported Work-space is merged into it.
l CDL Import. Imports CadKey files with lines, arcs, circles, ellipses, and text.
l DXF Import. Imports a Drawing Exchange Format (DXF) file, which is an ASCII or binary file format of a drawing.
l DWG Import. Imports the DWG AutoCAD drawing format.
l IGES Import. Imports International Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES) files, which is an ANSI-standard format for the digital representation and exchange of information between CAD/CAM systems.
l Import STEP. Imports STEP files. STEP(Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data) files are a comprehensive ISO standard (ISO 10303) that describes how to represent and exchange digital product information.
l Import SolidWorks. Imports part and assembly files from SolidWorks CAD software, including .SLDASM and .SLDPRT files.
l Import Solid Edge. Imports a Solid Edge part, assembly, or sheet file type, including .ASM , .PAR and .PSM files.
l Import Pro-E. Imports files from the Pro-E CAD software package.
Note: When importing, select the Version of Pro/E that Pro/E files that will be imported. Selecting the correct 32bit or 64 bit is necessary. Enter the path to Proe.exe file and to the Pro_ comm_msg.exe
l Import Autodesk Inventor. Imports Autodesk Inventor software file formats for parts (.IPT), assemblies (.IAM) and drawing views (.IDW).
l Import NX. Imports NX file types.
l Import Catia. Imports Catia software file types, including .model, .session, .dlv and .CATPart .
l Import Rhino. Imports Rhino software files, such as .3DX files.
l Import SpaceClaim. Imports SpaceClaim CAD software files, such as .scdoc files.
l Reverse NC Code. Imports Word address and ESSI Numerical Control (NC) files that are created when the NC path is posted. When you import the reverse NC code, the NC path code is used to recreate the geometry for the nest or the nested parts.
l Import HPGL. Imports Hewlett Packard Graphic Language files.
l Import Pattern. Imports Pattern files that contain a subset of a Work-space file (.WS file). A pattern file is used to transfer information from one Work-space to another in geometric form.
l Import BOM, Imports Bill of Material files, A BOM file is used to import multiple SigmaNEST part files as a group. After the BOM file is selected, SigmaNEST displays a prompt for a batch quantity. This quantity is multiplied with original part quantities of the part to calculate the new pa

Date post:	06-Mar-2021
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