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1. Ele View Go Favorites Tools Help a S B Back Far Up Cut Copy Paste Undo Delete Properties Views Address a C Program Files FastCAM 7 Folders x A Desktop a File Folder 24 07 02 3 07 PM g My Computer File Folder 2 09 02 1 37 PM e 3 Floppy 3 cam 1KB File 18 07 02 4 04 PM g Scsidisk C a burny con 3KB CON File 25 07 02 2 11 PM Epscan32 b cross 1KB Cursor 7 12 39 11 00 PM _ Fre pt liit Fastcam ico 1KB Icon 3 11 00 12 40 PM C Intel Processor Frequency ID Utility a fastcam Ist 1KB LST File 19 07 02 4 09 PM 9 45 My Documents Fastcam tmp 1KB TMP File 19 07 02 4 09 PM fastcam5 exe 1 788KB Application 23 07 02 4 10 PM EL Primera Wil Fastnest ico 1 Icon 3 11 00 12 40 PM Program Files m 25 3 71 ABBYY FineReader 6 0 fastnest5 exe 2 340KB Application 23 07 02 4 08 PM fastpl5 exe 2 188KB Application 23 07 02 4 11 PM 4 7 Accessories H Adobe 1KB Icon 3 11 00 12 40 PM ahead Fonts cam 21 File 26 09 00 3 42 AM C3 Chat Material dat 1KB DAT File 3 11 00 12 40 PM Common Files a Setup Dat 1KB DAT File 5 03 01 12 44 PM Cool Beans System Info a Template cam 129KB File 5 03 01 10 41 3 7 Corel a Uninst isu ISU File 2 09 02 1 37 PM
2. 90 5 Array 1 8 92 Add Another 1 93 7 Optimize Plate 93 6 Cutting 93 9 Complete Nest cese er e ded eed TEASEE SEARS 94 10 SAVE The Nests CE 95 11 NC TEE 95 13 Verify Numeric Code EEEa a EE entente nee 96 CHAPTER pis a 93 2 ee eer e e B 93 6 1 FASTPATEH CONCEPTS uen eU EE EUN 93 6 2 FASTPATH ONE PROCESS QUICK 8 0 120200000 00000000 93 FASTPATH SETTINGS REFERENCE cccsssscceesssecesssnsecesscececssnsecsesusecseneeeesnnsecseseusecseaeeeessnsessenes 99 6 3 PROGESS ibo o n esee eiecti cte 99 6 3 I PROCESS Selected Processes eerte E enne three enn 99 6 3 2 PROCESS Kerf ricreare e RS NR rer NH HERE 100 6 3 3 BROCESS Sideic ce ENSEM REIR Sh 100 6 3 4 PROCESS Available Processes eese eene eene 101 6 3 5 PROCESS ATFOWJSuUi SC IR US ED EE EN RERO EN SEI M 101 6 3 6 PROCESS ReSset Aie e eU H
3. ertet 60 Home 33 IGES Files aeo robe Rr ds 18 Inter CtVe caste defe eren tse 29 Interactive Nesting 131 Internal 24 J JOStle i niai ee ee cens 33 L Language neben ommo 55 M Material it re 13 61 Material dats stet 61 coheed 32 Move 36 Move Lefter 36 Move Rights ene eno 36 Move 36 Mu lti Plate eter rer edendis 21 Multiple Machines esses 54 Multiple 22020 22 29 N NC Elles ns nines 18 NC 51 Nest 13 Nest from Parts 164 69 Nest Parameters 24 67 Nest Saye teiar ete tree 22 Nest Start Position 63 TA ALEE E EERTE 124 Next Plat ia i 21 Omit Current nete 37 11 124 OUtpUt eet eet 49 51 Output NC File 72 125 P Part 24 67 Pause at new 25 Pause Nesting sees 31 124 Pierce amp Stop 46 Plate Datars eee
4. 20 02000 131 FASTCAM TEXT MARKER MARKING AND IDENTIFICATION ON PARTS eee 134 INTERNATIONAL OFFICE S thie seats tens vss dye o Ure 135 Introduction 6 Conventions used this Manual Throughout this manual information that is important to your understanding of FastCAM FastPLOT is highlighted in certain ways The items that are emphasised in this way include menu items keys mouse buttons screen messages important notes Representing menu items Each menu item is capitalized at the beginning of the description The general form is 2 1 2 FILE CUTLIST Open The 2 is the Chapter number In this case it is FastNEST The 1 is the Main Menu item Number In this case File The 2 is the Sub Menu item Number In this case Open Representing keys When you need to type a specific key or click a particular button the instruction is shown as ENTER This means press the Enter button Introduction 7 Representing important notes A writing symbol is used to draw your attention to important notes in the text For example Qor E The Multi Machine option is not installed by default Please contact you software reseller for more information regarding this option FastNEST An Introduction 9 Chapter 1 An Introduction to FastNEST FastNEST is one of the most important modules within the FastCAM suite of profiling and plate development s
5. Straight Break Length 7 4 in Break longest entity Angle 0 deg Exit On Off 27 Length 14 in Angle o deg 1 4 Center Pierce Center pierce if radius lt Description Accept 6 4 1 INTERNAL ENTRY Internal Same As External This setting is enabled by default in FastPATH When it is set all internal paths will be processed the same way as external paths entry options are disabled 6 4 2 6 4 3 6 4 4 Chapter 6 FastPATH 104 INTERNAL ENTRY Pierce in Corner When set all entries will start at a corner as close as practicable to the start position specified for external entries If a well defined corner does not exist the entry will be close to where it is required INTERNAL ENTRY Break Longest Entity When selected the longest entity is determined from an internal contour The entity selected is then broken at its midpoint and an entry and exit attached This option is ideal when pathing intricate lattice work or similarly detailed components The longest entity is usually the farthest away from the contour thus allowing an adequate entry and exit if necessary INTERNAL ENTRY Center Pierce The Center Pierce function allows for small holes to be processed correctly When a lead in length is specified that length will be used regardless of the profile required If a hole is to be cut that is smaller than the lead in length the lead in needs
6. Nest Part Data Move Entries to alter internal sequence Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 27 1 C Document ettings Da x 2t Qi Bl v x canc 219 b E 749 0 272079 7884749 Move Entries Screen Resequence 12 button is pressed to allow the alteration of the internal cutting path sequences 2 2 5 5 2 2 1 2 2 2 Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 28 Next Previous First Last Save Nest Retrieve Nest Pritt Plot Nest Parameters Trim Plate Data Interactive mode Torches NEXT The Next function allows you to move forward to the next available nested plate Note This will only occur if you have the Multi Plate version of FastNEST Fully Automatic only and you have nested across more than one plate A message will be displayed on the nesting screen to signify which plate you are currently viewing Eg PLATE 1 2 PREVIOUS The Previous function allows you to move backward to the previously available nested plate If you have moved forward through the plates you can use this function to go back a plate at a time 2 2 3 2 2 4 2 2 5 2 2 6 Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 29 e Note This will only occur if you have the Multi Plate version of FastNEST Fully Automatic only and you have nested across more than one plate FIRST Nests First allows you to move from any plate back to the First nested plate LAST Nests Last all
7. DirectX Elaborate Bytes Sy FastCAM Kerf Tutorial m Intemet Exolorer E 18 obiect s 32 Disk free space 2 4258 My Computer Astart 8 Exploring C Progra 1 38PM Above is a basic list of the files contained in FastCAM directory just after installation E Other files may appear in this directory after the program has been used e g FastNEST TMP etc DESCRIPTION Control con This file provides the G and M codes or controller codes which are placed into the NC program Contact your software reseller prior to making any changes to this file Chapter 3 File Structure 72 Qor E This file may be under a different name ANCA2000 CON BURNY CON LYNX CON Fastcam ico This is the FastCAM icon picture file Fastcamc txt This is a language file for Chinese the name may change depending on your installed languages Fastcamo txt This is the generic ENGLISH language file 5 The main FastCAM drawing program the inclusion of this file depends on the modules that have been purchased Fastnest5 exe The Automatic Interactive Nesting program Fastnest ico This is the FastNEST icon picture file Fastpl5 exe The main plotting and verification program the inclusion of this file depends on the modules that have been purchased Fastplt ico This is the FastPLOT icon picture file Feeds dat This is the Feedra
8. gt Part Data On this form select the Move Entries button this will display the part with the option to move entries or alter the internal sequence of the part To alter the internal sequence of a part press the 12 button and then select the cutting order of the internal contours Once the internal sequence has been set by selecting each internal contour Accept this change by selecting the Tick Check button on the toolbar When the NC code is output the changed internal sequence will be reflected in the NC output Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 25 1 xl Input File Type Add Pierce 1 r Output File Type C NC NC Non DXF C DXF IGES Before e C IGES f e Nesting Include Plate C FastPATH r Existing Entries IESUS Set Pierce C Strip C Pathed DXF Input File Type CAM Add Pierce Before Nesting Output File Type NC Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 26 Fie Cut Uist Nests FastNEST Interactive View Output LRilties Languaos olala Pait name Req Rot Wid Ht Nest Part Data Path C Documents and Settings Daniel My Documents Customers VaustraliaMaser DEI Par Name EX 80 110 CAM Required Priority Permitted rotation 0180 ALL F Allow part ilip F Use search step Disable Array kg off I Entity reduction 0 de perenne 3 mm Mave Enliies Indicate Eammon Cat
9. is stored the FASTNEST TMP file which is located in the FASTCAM directory FastNEST increments the stored number by one to produce the next default nest file name Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 59 2 6 5 UNFREEZE NEST The Unfreeze option only becomes active if the user is nesting CAM DXF or IGES files and generating an NC file 2 7 UTILITIES 2 7 1 2 7 2 2 7 3 2 7 4 2 7 5 Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 60 Explorer FastCAM Licence About Add Licence Option Select NC Machine Show NC Machine EXPLORER Short Cut option to start Windows Explorer This function currently only operates under Windows 95 98 FASTCAM Allows the user to Open a session of FastCAM in case a new part was needed for example The same thing can be achieved by using either the FastCAM icon the Windows Desktop or by using the FastCAM option under the Programs Menu LICENCE Displays information about the Authors of the software and the licensing for the program Also displays your FastLOC Dongle number ABOUT Displays information about the program file detailing the version of the program as well as the date it was generated ADD LICENCE OPTION 2 7 6 Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 61 This option allows the user to add a new function into the program This can only be done by the use of a password which can be obtained form your reseller via a purchase order Example It allows the user to upgr
10. 12 DISPLAY MENU Plotter Pen Width You can use the Pen Width option to generate Thicker lines on all Plots Especially useful for users who have optical machines who need to generate a plot for Optical following tracers WINDOW WINDOW allows the programmer to enlarge an area of the screen much in the same manner as INDICATE CORNERS The important difference is that the enlarged area can be saved and referred to at a latter time This function is advantageous when working on a part that has many detail areas that need to be referred back to frequently The following describes the sub menus of this function 2 5 10 1 WINDOW MENU Store Current The STORE CURRENT function stores the current status of the viewing window 2 5 10 2 WINDOW MENU Recall The RECALL function restores a previously stored screen by entering the desired window number under RECALL 2 5 10 3 WINDOW MENU Show 2 5 11 Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 55 The SHOW ALL function shows all defined windows present in the viewing screen 2 5 10 4 WINDOW MENU Define The DEFINE function is used under the WINDOW MENU to indicate the area of the screen to enlarge When this function is called up it allows a window to be drawn in the same way as an area to be enlarged is defined in INDICATE CORNERS See INDICATE CORNERS for description Use the mouse to move the window to encompass the detail area and it will be saved for future recall 2 5 10 5 WINDOW MENU
11. A horizontal touch will array the first row along the horizontal and then place the next row above it When vertical touch is selected the column will be arrayed up and the next column placed to its left The maximum rows and maximum columns is initially set to be optimum The user can change these recommendations and set their own settings The Max Rows Columns field is the maximum number of rows and columns that will be created If ignore collisions is set the selected part will nest around parts already placed on the plate Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 46 77 F Lr VET X program attempts to nest the desired quantity of parts in the X direction from Left to Right on the screen across the plate in one row Y program attempts to nest the desired quantity of parts in the Y direction from Bottom to Top on the screen up the plate in one column X flipped program attempts to nest desired quantity of parts across the plate in one row flipping every other part 180 degrees 2 4 14 2 4 15 Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 47 Y flipped program attempts to nest desired quantity of parts up the plate in one column flipping every other part 180 degrees Array in box will allow a selected part to array in a bounding box drawn by the user The lower left corner of the box is set by the lower left position of the part If the quantity desired is not achieved within the array then the balance
12. Amount 0 r Stitch Cut Internal Contours Distance between stitches Internal Slitting External Contours Stitch width Breakout tabs Minimum contour size Tab width Number of tabs Internal Contours External Contours Lead out Description Accept Cancel 6 9 1 Kerf Compensation This is an optional feature to FastPATH This function becomes available when the Kerf option is purchased for FastCAM When initialized the Kerf Compensation will modify a part s geometry based on the kerf width specified internal paths will be made smaller and all external paths will be made larger This ensures all parts when cut will be cut to size When the NC code is produced for the finished part or nest kerf will still be enabled in the code It is paramount that no extra kerf be added to the parts on the controller This problem can be overcome by adding kerf in FastPLOT where the kerfed output will be final 6 9 2 Chapter 6 FastPATH 120 IMPORTANT The Kerf specified in all FastCAM s kerf compensation routines is the cutter radius Many kerf tables specify cutter diameter This value needs to be halved if it is to be used in FastPATH programmers need to ensure the value entered is correct Stitch Cut The Stitch Cut option some ship builders refer to this as tabbing allows for three combinations of cutting The options are additive Internal Contours When
13. Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 57 of the plate and move again towards the right end of the plate Row Snake Same as Rows but once at the far right end of the plate it will move down and then sequence back towards the left end of the plate This pattern will be followed until the bottom of the plate Next Closest Will resequence according to the next closest part from the HOME position It will find the next closest part based on the part s Entry Lead in Minimum Rapid Will cycle through all of the first five 5 options and return with the option that has the least amount of Rapid Traverse Indicate Next Will allow the user manual interaction with the resequencing All sequence numbers will disappear off the screen enabling the user to left click on each part thus indicating the new sequence Each part once clicked will change in color to yellow showing the user that the part has been selected To abandon the manual resequencing simply move the mouse outside the plate boundary and right click See also section 2 1 8 for information on re sequencing internal profiles EDIT IN FASTCAM Not currently available in this version SET FASTPATH When the programmer is nesting CAM DXF or IGES files this option becomes active Since there is no NC path data set for a CAM file the nested CAM files must be run through FastPATH or the saved nest must manually have a 2 6 4 Chapter 2 FastNEST Ove
14. DXF file were listed in order the part would be displayed in a sequence suitable for cutting The Set Pierce button is a link to the FastPATH settings in FastNEST More information can be found in the next Section The Sort Check Box allows the final NC Program to be sorted upon output for Multiple Processes eg Marking first and then Cutting SET PIERCE The set Pierce function is used to place automatic pathing information onto a CAM DXF IGES part when loaded into FastNEST The lead ins that are set here can be modified at a later stage if required For more information on this refer to the FastPATH chapter EXIT Exit will close the FastNEST program Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 24 2 1 14 Resequence Internals It is now possible to interactively change the cutting sequence of internal paths This is only possible when using the option Add Pierce Before Nesting on the Set File Types form The cutting sequence can only be modified on a part it cannot be altered over an entire nest The option to change the internal sequence is not offered when generating NC code To use the resequence function Set FastNEST for geometry in and NC out Geometry refers to CAM DXF DWG files This setting is found on the Set File Types Form To open this form select File CutList gt Set File Types from the menu Add a geometry file into FastNEST When the part has been loaded open the part data form File CutList gt Edit
15. On this form the line Control will display your current control file It is usually fond in c program files fastcam or a sub folder of this Open this file with notepad Move to the last line of the file and add the following lines For EIA Controllers G M codes HOME M00 For ESSI Controllers Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 65 HOME 00 Adding these lines will ensure the controller will wait at the home position before beginning the skeleton breakup routine The Gas Axe function as of 23 11 2004 no longer outputs kerf values for the cuts All output for the gas axe is generated kerf free 2 10 Service Email Control pts Language ii fel Lune Email FastPATH Settings A service email function has been added to FastCAM and FastNEST This button allows for all files required for a service call to be sent through to your local FastCAM Service representative If you require any support with a product completing the support request through this interface will speed up the service process An email account is not required but an internet connection that is not overly restrictive is required The Email Support form is completed so general information about the problem is presented to the FastCAM service department The User Information is usually completed automatically The Details of Problem section must be completed Entering as much information as possible about the problem will allow our service department to resolve
16. accepting this box after you have edited the data if necessary the Nesting should commence automatically This same function can also be implemented by clicking on the ADD PART icon on the Toolbar Quorn The part that is added must be in the file format that is currently selected in the Set File Types menu If the programmer experiences any difficulty loading Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 17 parts the selected file format should be confirmed The current file format can be checked by looking at the configuration icon in the top right hand corner of the screen The standard icon is this NC NC The left hand property is the input file type and the right hand value is the output file type Priority The priority refers to when the part will be loaded onto the plate If all parts have the same priority then the larger parts will be loaded earlier A lower number will indicate that a part will load later regardless of size and a higher number will indicate an earlier loading of a part As an example filler parts would be given a priority of 1 so if they can fit after all required parts have been nested they will be placed on the plate Permitted Rotation The permitted rotation indicates at what angle s a part can rotate while it is being added to a plate Settings available are None e Grain 0 180 e 0 90 e 0 90 180 270 e ALL e 0 180 ALL The use of these settings will alter how a part is nested FastNES
17. arrays each part will be loaded onto the plate as an individual part Entity Reduction When checked nesting will be faster and interaction smoother for large parts Entity reduction reduces the number of entities the program analyses without reducing accuracy of the nest It is quite effective on parts with more than 500 entities Initial Rotation This option sets the initial rotation of a part By entering the desired rotation then pressing apply the part will be rotated accordingly Indicate Base This function allows the selection of an entity to be set as the base of a part The entity selected will be aligned with the horizontal at the base of the part To use this function Indicate Base is selected then the user left Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 19 clicks on a line in the preview of the part in the right hand preview window The entity selected will be highlighted and the Apply button can be pressed to set the base angle Move Entries This function allows the initially set entries for CAM DXF files to be altered This option is not available for NC code To change the entries simply click on the part in the window displayed where the new entry and exit is required The entry and exit will be set at this point To accept the change the Tick button is pressed If the length or angle of an entry or exit is required to be changed then the entry should be selected by clicking on it and then the new endpoint of the entry sho
18. button is used to clear all Selected Processes and place them back in the Available Process Column PROCESS Apply Processes Selected processes can be performed on a part by part basis or one process can be performed firs then a second This option only becomes available when more than one process has been selected The most common way to cut parts is for one process to be done first for example marking then all the cutting will be done When there is a need to process on a part by part basis each part will be marked then cut This will slow the processing of nests as a longer period of time is required to swap processes Chapter 6 FastPATH 102 6 3 8 PROCESS Description The Description field is used to enter a detailed description of the FastPATH settings that have been set This allows a user to ensure retrieved settings are as expected without the need to view each individual setting 6 3 9 PROCESS Accept The Accept button loads the currently set parameters into FastPATH Once the parameters are set the user is able to save these settings for later use 6 3 10 PROCESS Cancel The Cancel button cancels the current FastPATH settings returning the user to the main FastPATH file menu Chapter 6 FastPATH 103 6 4 INTERNAL ENTRY FastPATH Settings Nest Sequence Nest Options Specials Stitch Kerf Internal Entry Internal same as External Position _ Entry On Off
19. machine and it s coding It is just a visual check for the user to guarantee they are working in the code for the correct machine To change this code see section 2 7 6 i NC Machine x Control Number 7 Control BURNY SETUP file C PROGRAM FILES NEW FastCAM BURNY SETUP DAT Control File BURNY CON Home Directory C PROGRAM FILES NEW FastCAMYBURINY Working Directory C Program Files FastCAM CG NC output Directory CAdemoTYBURN Y Remnant Directory Input Units Inch Axes Rotated No Output units Inch Plate Zero Length Horizontal Top left Type Cutting Cutting Left 15 1 1 21 20 Cutting Left 10 1 1 M04 M03 M71 M70 Point Marking 2 8 LANGUAGE This menu allows the user to change the FastNEST system into a different language The language option is only installed on International Installations for other language support please contact your software reseller Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 63 2 9 Gas Axe FastNEST s gas axe is a new function allowing for automatic and manual skeleton break up Skeleton breakup via the NC controller is a safer way to remove a cut skeleton compared with the usual way of an operator standing on the bed with a hand torch To use the skeleton break up function in automatic mode after parts have been nested select Utilities gt Gas Axe Use Grid in FastNEST Add single Delete single Delete all Use Grid Set parameters The followin
20. quantity if desired If the quantity is changed then all of the parts being added will get the applied quantity This function is useful when adding for example 20 parts all with a quantity of 10 Chapter 5 FastNEST Automatic Nesting 91 To change the quantities of individual parts as well as other nesting characteristics click on the Parts List icon to open the Cutlist e When the Cutlist is displayed again double click on the first part The Nest Part Data box re appears Certain information in this dialogue box is for reference only and cannot be changed at this level Other fields may be adjusted at run time Those fields that are user changeable are Required enter the number of this part needed e Priority all parts default to priority 5 Enter a number greater then 5 to increase the priority to ensure the part is nested before others or enter a number less then 5 to decrease the priority Parts with the same priority are nested according to overall size i e larger parts are nested before smaller parts no matter their location in the Cutlist e Permitted rotation select from a variety of rotation angles to try You may try different scenarios to find the best automated solution by changing the permitted rotation between nest runs Disable Array checking this box will disable any pre formulated arrays calculated upon loading the current part e Click the Enter button when finished If the quantity
21. to be shortened The Center Pierce value sets the smallest size hole that will be processed with the default lead in For example if a 1 4 6 35mm lead in is used the smallest hole that can be comfortably cut assuming a center pierce is 1 2 12 7mm diameter hole This hole has a radius of 1 4 so the radius should be set to the same value as the lead in length Depending on results required this value can be altered If the Center Pierce radius is set to zero the setting has no effect on the currently set FastPATH settings and will be ignored 6 4 5 6 4 6 6 4 7 6 4 8 Chapter 6 FastPATH 105 INTERNAL ENTRY Type The entry Type can be either straight quarter circle half circle or none All these entry types are the same as the entry types available in Fast CAM when a part is manually pathed INTERNAL ENTRY Length The Length of the entry is specified in this field If a circular entry is specified in the Type field then the arc radius is specified here Both fractional and decimal inches can be specified in this field as well as millimeters depending on the units set in FastCAM INTERNAL ENTRY Angle This field sets the entry Angle It can be either 0 45 or 90 degrees The entry angle is measured relative to the direction of cut For circular entities with straight entries the appropriate entry angle will be substituted for this angle if it is inappropriate If the entry angle is inappropriate FastPATH will substit
22. to follow Contour Gap When DXF parts are loaded into FastPATH and processed there is a possibility that the contour is not closed FastPATH overcomes this problem with the ability to set a Contour Gap The Contour Gap is the distance below which a contour is considered to be closed For example there is a break in a part s contour of 0 005 inches 0 13mm and another break in the contour of 0 01 0 25mm If the Contour Gap is set to 0 001 inch 0 03mm the break of 0 005 inches 0 13mm is jumped over while the break of 0 01 inches 0 03mm creates a 0 01 inch 0 03 break in the contour Only the single contour break is recognized 6 7 4 6 7 4 Chapter 6 FastPATH 115 Outline Shown When FastPATH is called from within FastNEST the Outline Shown setting will always be set to Nest Plate It cannot be changed Cut Short Rapids The cut short rapids function has been specifically designed to improve the processing of parts that have been nested closely together and where the exits and entries are close When used with FastNEST S Common Cut pair option multiple parts can be cut with a single pierce automatically Specifically if adjacent parts fall into all these requirements 1 rapid movement is 50mm 2 rapid movement is less then 1046 of plate size 3 rapid movement does not cross another part boundary Then the rapid will be cut rather than have the parts cut individually This function effectively offers automatic chain c
23. will only be active if you have the Fully Automatic version of FastNEST PAUSE Pause can be used at any stage during Automatic Nesting to stop the nesting temporarily and it is usually used in conjunction with the resume function For example the 2 3 4 2 3 5 2 3 6 Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 39 nest can be paused and parts can be shifted manually and then the nesting can be resumed e Note The right mouse button can also be used to pause the nesting RESUME Resume can be used in conjunction with the pause and remove part function and it may also be used when the cutlist has not been fully exhausted Resume will look at the cutlist and if any parts remain unnested then they will be nested around inside where possible and after all other parts currently on the plate REMOVE PART Remove Part is used to take a nested part off the plate and add it back into the cutlist When this is selected the program will remove the currently selected part shown by the dashed yellow border and work back in cutting sequence order depicted by the green numbers inside each part This function is usually used in conjunction with Start Resume amp Array MOVE ALL LEFT DOWN UP RIGHT Move all Left Down Up Right will move all the currently nested parts in the direction specified while still maintaining the part separation specified under the Nest Parameters section Useful in moving all parts closest to a p
24. 2 5 1 INDICATE CORNERS INDICATE CORNERS allows a box to be drawn around a portion of the screen it then enlarges the contents of the box to full screen view Select the VIEW MENU from the menu options Place the highlight bar on the INDICATE CORNERS OPTION and press the LEFT mouse button The mouse cursor will appear on the graphics screen Place the cursor to the left and slightly below the portion of the screen to be enlarged Press the LEFT mouse button This will set one corner of a box defining the area to be enlarged Move the cursor to the right and up by using the mouse A box will be drawn on the screen When the box encompasses the area to be enlarged press the LEFT mouse button The portion of the previous screen will be enlarged to fill the next viewing screen Multiple enlargements of the same area are allowed by repeating the same procedure as above 2 5 2 2 5 3 2 5 4 Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 49 INDICATE CENTER INDICATE CENTER moves the center of the next screen to the position indicated with the graphics cursor on the present screen This function allows the programmer to pan or move the graphics screen to see entities which may be just out of view on the present screen It is useful when a portion of a screen has been enlarged using INDICATE CORNERS and an entity needs to be seen which is just out of the view of the enlargement Select the VIEW MENU Place the highlight bar on the INDICATE CENTER and press
25. 28 Pl te S1265 28 67 Plate 27 PlOtz s cette PRI e 23 Plot Parameters 0 43 Plotter Label need 46 Position 35 Previous Plate 21 LL e 12 Priofity ice hee eter 12 79 0 eeu 79 2 re RR 12 R 45 Redraw Screen 43 Index 137 Remove Part 32 124 Resequence 49 70 124 Resume Nesting 222 2 32 124 Retrieve 2 22 DIE 35 Rotate parts on loading 24 Rotation 12 79 S eM O TEN 11 124 Select 34 Sequence 46 Set File Types casio 18 Set p dat ure Uto ti teens 61 62 SHOW Rn p EUM 40 ELE 20 Start 31 79 124 T Templates oh ees ehe 46 129 eres 45 Totrches esr ret tree eit 29 63 27 U Dntfrteeze diese atus a rS 52 Units et 63 V ceste tete 73 NAG IE 41 7 41 Zoom Window 000400400000 41 For product support contact your Reseller or Offices below Refer to the i
26. A UL 8 55 e eee pape ne eru 74 NONU CEDE VPE 74 CHAPTER nto AE 79 INTERACTIVE NESTING STEP BY STEP enses esten eite nana essen 79 1 NITIDE FAStNE ST CREER 79 2 Adjust Plate Size 28 cst tiet n tq utet edu 79 3 Adjust FastNEST Parameters eene eene eerte tenerent 79 4 Add P kt sien uidet e Hh B detti 80 3o vArrdy7 Position Part iit patte dice 80 Add Another Part eese esee eene 82 7 Optimize Plate Utilization aite eet eee derer 82 6 82 9 Complete Nest Data iesu ei dee e et E ERR geh 63 10 NATAT 84 11 Output NC File i edi oe p b ree Rare 64 12 Verify Numeric Code oe eer reete red 85 Introduction 4 CHAPTER 8 Ea 89 AUTOMATIC NESTING STEP BY STEP c c cccccccsessssscececececsesssaeceeececsessaaesesececseseaaeceseeeceesensaeeeeceeenes 89 1 n enun 89 2 2 Adjust Plate Size ee e ee Wee espe ed earns 89 3 Adjust FastNEST 89 4
27. AB 101 6 3 7 PROCESS Description ii teet i PI nee e 102 6 3 8 PROCESS AcGept aei net ete t tete de e REIR we 102 6 3 9 PROCESS Cancel euet n i nece esti ete ve rye 102 6 4 INTERNAL inte ecce rete recessed eile eee 103 6 4 I INTERNAL ENTRY Internal Same As External eese 103 6 4 2 INTERNAL ENTRY Pierce in 104 6 4 3 INTERNAL ENTRY Break Longest Entity essere 104 6 4 4 INTERNAL ENTRY Center Pierce essent nnne 104 6 4 5 INTERNAL ENTRY Typ eerte tere e eren 105 6 4 6 INTERNAL ENTRY Length esat 105 6 4 7 INTERNAL ENTRY Angle peeta 105 6 4 8 INTERNAL ENTRY Oni Off e eH Eten 105 6 5 ODIT RCNH 106 6 5 1 EXTERNAL ENTRY 106 6 5 2 EXTERNAL ENTRY Corner 107 Introduction 5 6 5 3 EXTERNAL ENTRY Typen 107 6 5 4 EXTERNAL ENTRY Length entente 107 6 5 5 EXTERNAL ENTRY Angle sainia kitne nnie ioeo aa iE iint 108 6 5 6 EXTERNAL ENTRY On Off 108 6 6 NES ESEQUENGE itt rr ER De RON 6 6 1 Internal Sweep ee ieri erri n ee ler Erben 6 6 2 AIME 6 6 3 5 5 6 6 4 DescriptiOn es e
28. BURNY MAZAK UNION CARBIDE UCNC LINDY ALLEN BRADLEY FANUC WESTINGHOUSE FARLEY AND ANCA controllers to name a few Each controller uses either the standard Word Address or ESSI programming language Bo E Many other controllers are supported please contact your software supplier for further information Within FastNEST the file CONTROL CON sets up the specific tool codes for each controller When NC code is generated FastNEST looks to this file for the proper codes As a programmer you should have little need to change this file after initial setup PROGRAM DEFAULTS SETUP DAT DRIVE C TORCHES 6 COMMENTS 0 CONTROL 18 CONTROL CON NEST BOTTOM LEFT PLACES 3 UNITS 1 1 0 EXTENSION CNC OO SOY pares SETUP DAT is used to setup the PC to run FastCAM properly Some of the information can be changed by the user If you are not sure what can be changed call FastCAM for technical support If certain parts of this file are altered or destroyed your FastCAM system may not work properly or at all Please be careful when changing this file Chapter 3 File Structure 75 DESCRIPTION 1 DRIVE Hard drive on which the FastNEST program resides If a large segmented Hard drive is being used then the segment on which FastNEST is operating must appear here 2 TORCHES Maximum number of Torches to be used in multiple torch nesting 3 COMMENTS 0 Turns off comment lines in output programs If COMMENTS 1 is used then c
29. Clear All The Clear All function will erase all windows that have been previously set allowing the user to set new View Windows for further work SCALE ONLY The SCALE ONLY function is used to change the scale of the screen or plotter Call up the function the current scale is given If a new scale is desired enter the scale and press the ENTER button When you wish to plot a part at 1 to 1 Scale use this option to generate your plot instead of REPEAT 2 6 OUTPUT Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 56 Dutput Resequence Sets Generate Output Unteeze West 2 6 1 RESEQUENCE Resequencing allows the user to set the cutting order of the nested parts on the plate This can be done in several ways Columns Column Snake Rows Row Snake Next Closest Minimum Rapid Indicate Next Columns Will resequence starting with the first part in the lower left hand corner of the plate and working its way up the screen Once at the top of the plate it will move down to the base of the plate and start sequencing up the screen again Column Snake Same as columns but once at the top of the plate it will move to the right and then sequence down the screen following this pattern until the far right end of the plate Rows Will resequence starting in the top left hand corner of the plate and work it s way to the right of the screen Once at the far right it will return to the left end 2 6 2 2 6 3
30. EST e From the desktop double click on the FASTNEST icon 2 Adjust Plate Size From the menu click NESTS then select PLATE DATA or click the Change Plate icon on the Toolbar The Plates List window is then displayed Toward the bottom right hand corner of the Plates List window check to ensure the Length and Width of the rectangular plate are set correctly To change the given value click in the desired field and enter the new information You can also set the desired Material Grade amp Thickness in the same area e Once complete click the EXIT button 3 Adjust FastNEST Parameters e From the menu click NESTS then select NEST PARAMETERS or click the Change Parameters icon on the Toolbar The FastNEST Parameters window is displayed e At the top of the FastNEST Parameters window check the minimum part separation To change the given value click on the field and enter a new value Chapter 4 FastNEST Interactive Nesting 80 e Place a check mark in the box next to Calculate arrays on loading This enables the software to check for the best possible way to array multiple quantities of individual parts e Click the Enter button to return to FastNEST 4 Add Part e From the menu click FASTNEST then select ADD NEW PART or click the Add Part button on the Toolbar The Select Files box appears e Select a part by clicking to highlight the name and then click on OK This part will then
31. FastCAM Software Series FastNEST Reference Manual The World Standard in Profiling Software Published by FastCAM Pty Ltd FastCAM Inc 96 Canterbury Rd 8700 West Bryn Mawr Middle Park Victoria Australia 3206 Suite 800 South Chicago IL 60631 3507 USA Telephone 03 9699 9899 Telephone 312 715 1535 Facsimile 03 9699 7501 Facsimile 312 715 1536 Email fastcam fastcam com au Email service fastcamusa com www fastcam com au www fastcamusa com Copyright 2002 2004 2005 FastCAM Inc rights reserved Information in this documentation is subject to change without notice software and documentation is proprietary No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical for any purpose without the express written permission of FastCAM Inc The enclosed CD s diskettes are serialized and may be used only by the registered user It may not be resold or transferred without the consent of FastCAM Inc FastCUT FastCAM FastFRAME FastSHAPES FastNEST Fast TRACK FastAIR FastCOPY and FastLOC Dongle are all registered trademarks of Fagan Microprocessor Systems Pty Ltd Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries other trademarks are acknowledged 5th Edition 2005 Introduction 3 CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS nennen en enhn 6 REPRESE
32. MUN a The AUTO DIMENSIONING function is currently not used in FastNEST Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 52 2 5 9 2 DISPLAY MENU Axes The AXES function is currently not used in FastNEST 2 5 9 3 DISPLAY MENU Direction The DIRECTION display is only activated after a cutter path has been assigned cut direction arrows will be placed to the side of the chosen kerf This function is helpful in determining if your cut direction is correct Direction arrows are automatically displayed when you leave FastCAM to verify the NC code in FastPLOT 2 5 9 4 DISPLAY MENU DXF Layers The DXF Layers option allows all currently allocated layers to be shown These layers can either be added in the CAD system that produces the DXF file or directly in FastCAM itself Refer to CAD Layers later in this Chapter for more information 2 5 9 5 DISPLAY MENU Toolbar This option allows the user to turn the Toolbar ON amp OFF 2 5 9 6 DISPLAY MENU Rapid The RAPID display is only active in FastPLOT amp FastNEST When activated all RAPID traverses will be displayed on the graphics screen or plotter depending on the output device specified 2 5 9 7 DISPLAY MENU Filenames FILENAMES is used in FastPLOT amp FastNEST When activated filenames are displayed on the graphics output device Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 53 2 5 9 8 DISPLAY MENU Sequence Numbers When activated the sequence numbers or the order of parts to be cut in a nest will be displ
33. NEST software is currently configured for was determined by the installation of the software The primary purpose of this reference manual is to inform the user of the functions available in FastNEST program Chapter 2 Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 13 FastNEST Overview 2 1 FILE CUT LIST 2 1 1 2 1 2 File Cut List New Open Cutlist Save Cutlist Save As Edit Print Nest Data Add Delete Clear Cut Parts Set File Types Set Pierce Exit NEW The NEW function will clear the current contents of your CUTLIST and allow you to add new parts into a BLANK list All parameters will need to be checked and reset such as Plate Size and Separation Once new is selected and you have answered YES to the screen prompt all of the current nest details are lost if they have not been previously saved OPEN The OPEN function is used to re open an existing CUTLIST which has been previously saved these files have an LST extension As with the NEW function all the current CUTLIST data will be lost when opening another CUTLIST if not previously saved 2 1 3 2 1 4 2 1 5 Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 14 SAVE The SAVE function is used to Save all of the current CUTLIST data including e Parts list e Plate Size and e Part Separation You would usually save the data after each change to the list and also after the Nest has been completed Once previously saved you will not be as
34. NTING MENU ITEMS ae aso needed d cada caveat 6 REPRESENTING KEYS 6 REPRESENTING IMPORTANT 8 0 22000 7 CHABTERCGUS nente tue xi eo EAE To LAE ET 9 AN INTRODUCTION TO FASTNEST sesenta ta an 9 ABOUT THE 10 CHAPTER 2 eee toe ote e t edes nme d e tede PEE UN PCR 13 EASTNES T OVERVIEW tie eio ceo e ei eise kt tose ee viet 13 2 1 FILE CUT LAST a etl irte e eie EEE 13 2 2 do ein IMS 28 2 3 PASTNEST egeris 38 2 4 INTERACTIVE heat a medie ende mute eie 41 2 5 VIEW 23 er neve eT 48 2 7 OPT TTT DEES esent irme miti eed 60 2 6 EANGUAGE eso na vies eire tete e tenuere Neo Per eod 62 CITAPTER 3 ire rie Ep EE e iet ter REP eU hea REN 69 FASTNEST FILE STRUCTURE 69 FastNEST FILE 5 69 EASTCAM DIRECTORY 5 71 PROGRAM DEF
35. STANCE Show Distance allows the user to physically check a measurement on the screen between either two 2 parts or between a part and the edge of the plate This function snaps directly onto the edge of the component chosen and thus enables you to retrieve very accurate measurements The X Y Diagonal and degree measurements will be shown on the screen Right click to exit the function FastCAM Data di 4 OMIT CURRENT Omit Current will remove the currently selected part from the plate and place it back into the cutting list Thus if you have 4 parts all nested and you omit one part the list will now only have 3 nested parts This can also be achieved using the Remove Part icon on the Toolbar Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 45 2 4 13 ARRAY The Array function allows the user to create an array of parts in a given direction Manually Once selected the user will be presented with a prompt for the desired quantity and then the following options Automatic Array X x flipped Y flipped Array in box e Automatic program automatically calculates angle step based on minimum part separation and placement of parts in the array Will nest up the screen and then to the right Either a rectangular or triangular array pattern can be selected Triangular array patterns are more suitable for circles and flanges When triangular nesting is selected either a vertical or horizontal touch can be specified
36. T selects what it thinks to be the optimum rotation for a part this may not be what a user believes to be appropriate The setting can be changed as required The ALL selection by default is a step of 30 degrees When use search step see below is selected this value changes Allow Flip Part If selected parts will be analysed to see if they can be nested in a flipped mirrored position This has an impact on the part especially when cutting with plasma If a part is flipped the kerf will also be flipped and set to Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 18 the opposite of what it currently is This will mean that a part that is cut with left kerf will be cut in the opposite direction with right kerf This method of cutting 1s usually correct for Oxy fuel cutting but could cause a problem with thick plate plasm cutting where the bevel of the cut is usually on the scrap when cut with left kerf If the part is flipped the part will be bevelled Use Search Step If selected the Part Data Search Step settings will be used The value of ALL in the permitted rotation will be altered from 30 degrees to what has been set as the Angle Step in the FastNEST Parameters dialog box The part will also be nested with the specified search step Using search step with fine settings will slow the nesting process Disable Array If checked and calculate arrays has been selected in the FastNEST Nest Parameters then the part will not be nested with
37. When loading cam files into a nest no pre pathing is allowed All pathing must be performed by FastPATH FastPATH One Process Quick Set up There are only a few settings required to initialize FastPATH to place a cutting path around existing individual CAM files so NC code can be produced Chapter 6 FastPATH 94 When FastPATH starts the first option to be set is the required process If a fastpath pth file exists in your current working directory the settings will be loaded from it In this example the available processes are Plasma Oxy and Punch The plasma process was selected by double clicking on the PLASMA process in the available process column Alternatively this process could have been selected by clicking on the process PLASMA and pressing the arrow key to place it in the Selected Processes column Once the process is set the kerf and side values needs to be verified They are set by double clicking the value in the appropriate column This can be seen in Figure The kerf and side settings will change each time they are clicked In this example kerf should be left and side should be both FaslPATH Setlings Selected processes Side Available processes Left Inside PUNCH Left Reset Apply processes PI cross whole nest side by clicking on the item C Partby part Select processes in the order required Change kert and Descrip
38. ade from Semi Automatic Nesting to Fully Automatic Nesting SELECT NC MACHINE This option is only available in the Fully Automatic Nesting version of FastNEST It allows the user to have Multiple Machine Controller setups and then to change between them while inside the program Example The user may have 3 different Machine controllers e Burny 3 e Lynx e AutoPath All of these controllers use different NC code for their programs Therefore the user will have to choose which machine the file is going to go to in order to produce the correct NC code for that machine Select Machine 1515 Select NC machine Desciption Home director SETUP DAT CONTROL DAT C PROGRAM FILES NEW FastCe SETUP DAT BURNY CON C PROGRAM FILES NEW FastCe SETUP DAT CONTROL CON C PROGRAM FILES NEW FAST The user can simply select the option from the menu and is then presented with a controller selection box You simply select the machine to use and then hit the ENTER key or you can double click the machine name A Display Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 62 window will then appear confirming the new machine and it s coding Hit ENTER to continue The program will then be in the selected machine s code NOTE The Multi Machine option is not installed by default Please contact you software reseller for more information regarding this option 2 7 7 SHOW NC MACHINE Show NC MACHINE simply displays the current
39. ample Template 128 USTOMER Appendix E Template Key Words 129 APPENDIX E The following is a list of the Key words available for use within the Template area center___ plotcentweasxandy Gcommens comments Thisisacommem Gcomrl NCconroimmber 1 eontrolfile name of control datafile BURNYCON customer customer Alas Stew gate i134 OS Ib ft3 drawing drawing number or description Drawing amp 53 drills number of drills used in changer 2 drilled number of drilled holes 385 fastcam programname _ fastcm99 fastpl99 fastnest Oheatnumber heatnumbr 344 Gjb jonumer Glocation plate location description 15m material material STEELGR3550 Omil millnumber TAN name part name or nest name or NC TEST1 CAM TEST1 name NESTI numberof partsct J M5 path path of nc output ceMtestlcustomerl pierces number of pierces J M5 Gplatedesc platedescripion SLIGHTLY BUCKLED platename plate name or number 2 50055 process processing time 135 3 minutes Appendix E Template Key Words 130 total rapid length inmmorfeet 59m 25233lb 544 3 kg remnant weight 1 356 51 size Size of partorplat
40. and generate the NC Program as with FastNEST Interactive Nesting Selecting DXF as an input file type will allow the importation of DXF and optionally DWG files If the DWG option has been purchased the file load dialog will have the provision to select either DXF or DWG files When DXF or DWG files are loaded an automatic CAD Clean process is applied to the part on loading This process does not change the parts geometry but it does remove needless entities and other garbage that can be discarded from a DXF or DWG to improve its ability to nest correctly Please refer to the FastCAM Manual for more Details on Cad Clean When Nesting any of the other file types DXF CAM IGES DWG you will need to add a cutting path to the parts This can be done after completion using either FastPATH inside FastNEST or inside FastCAM Alternatively pathing can be added to individual parts upon loading If this option is selected then all pathing is added using the FastPATH interface inside FastNEST This can 2 1 12 2 1 13 Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 23 be viewed by selecting Set Pierce either from the set file types form or from the File Cut List menu Output does not have to be NC code By selecting output file type FastNEST can generate NC CAM DXF or IGES files Another file output option is a pathed DXF file This generates a DXF file that has a definite path All entities follow each other so if the entities in the pathed
41. arraying arrangement for your parts It is recommended that this option is left on all the time to allow for better nesting You can also make the program prompt the user to allow the addition of the next plate If you have selected more than one plate as the maximum and you have checked the Pause at new plate then the program will ask the user whether to continue nesting into the next plate or not If the user says NO then the nesting will stop If YES is chosen the nesting will continue onto the next plate If corners of all parts are to be rounded to a certain radius then round all corners should be chosen This option rounds all intersections at all angles to the set radius Usually this option is not set The profile type can be set to none inside outside or both and acute corners can be left untouched Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 33 Search step size allows for the tightness of a nest to be set This option if enabled on the nest part data form will improve nesting though the speed of nesting will be reduced The angles in 90 option sets the number of degrees a part will be rotated when it is nested The default is 2 and the maximum can be 90 The resultant angles are 90 2 45 degrees and 90 90 1 degree Any value between 2 and 90 can be entered At the extreme with angles in 90 set to 90 a part will be rotated 90 times while looking for the ultimate nesting position Search Step specifies how finely a part will be pla
42. articular edge of the plate 2 3 7 2 3 8 Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 40 JOSTLE Jostle will move all currently nested parts in 2 directions until they cannot be moved any further again maintaining the part separation specified under the Nest Parameters section The directions are determined by your particular HOME position of your machine This is indicated on the screen by a small green box and is determined by the NEST parameter in the Setup file Eg If the home position is the top left hand corner of the plate on the screen then Jostle will move all parts LEFT and then UP This will continue until no other movements are possible e Note Parts will not move around other parts If parts collide then the movement will stop CLEAR PLATE Clear Plate allows the user to clear all currently nested parts off the plate and place them back into the cutting list This function is not to be confused with NEW which will clear the cutlist entirely 2 4 2 4 1 Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 41 Interactive Nest from Parts List Select Part Rotate Position Data Align Move Left Move Down Move Up Move Right Editat Show Distance Omit Current Flip Flip Y Set Gap Move NEST FROM PARTS LIST This option allows the user to add individual parts onto the plate which may not yet have been nested This situation could occur when Perfo
43. ay be repositioned manually by the following methods Move refer to section 2 3 6 Jostle refer to section 2 3 7 Drag and Drop Simply click on the desired part to select it A yellow dotted box is drawn around the part Press and hold the left mouse button down then move the mouse to move the part around the plate area Once in the desired position release the left mouse button Bor E As the part gets too close to another part or the edge of the plate those edges of the part will turn red signaling the error Simply move the part away from the trouble zone e Rotate Move Left Down Right Up refer to section 2 4 6 7 8 amp 9 Chapter 4 FastNEST Interactive Nesting 82 6 Add Another Part At any time during the Interactive Nesting session the user may add another part one at a time by returning to step Four Once again newly added parts may be arrayed or simply placed individually When finished adding parts proceed to step Seven 7 Optimize Plate Utilization Utilizing material in the best possible fashion is the goal in any nesting program After all parts have been added and positioned on the plate the Jostle feature described earlier may be used in order to pack parts tightly together in an effort to reduce waste and increase re stockable drops In those instances where there will be no useable drops regardless of how tightly packed the parts are the Jostle feature will still provide the bene
44. ayed on the graphics output device 2 5 9 9 DISPLAY MENU Pierce amp Stop The Pierce amp Stop function is currently not used in FastNEST 2 5 9 10 DISPLAY MENU Screen Label LABELS are used in both FastCAM FastPLOT amp FastNEST There are four individual label types possible S Screen Label which displays the label in the screen Path which displays the directory path in the FastCAM TitleBar Controller which displays the name of the Controller in use also in the TitleBar and Nest Data which displays Nest Data relating to the current Nest 2 5 9 11 DISPLAY MENU Plotter Label As well as having a Label on screen you can also print it out with the Drawing or Nest The Plotter Label is either None Standard or use of a Template To use the Template option simply e select the Template option Click in the Box below the Template Option Select your Template CAM file usually located in your FastCAM direcotry and click SAVE Once loaded the Template will remain in memory and will be used to print unless changed 2 5 10 Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 54 The Template CAM file can be modified to suit each customer s requirements Simply Open the file FastCAM and alter to your specifications For a list of the Key Words see the Table located in Appendix E For an example of the default Template see Appendix C and for an example of a printed Nest with the Template see Appendix D 2 5 9
45. be added to the plate in the closest possible position to the Upper Left hand corner of the screen If the part falls on to an existing part on the plate then it will remain in that position until moved manually 5 Array Position Part e From the menu click INTERACTIVE then select ARRAY Enter Single Number input box appears e Enter the desired quantity of this part to be nested Click the Enter button Next choose the array type best suited for the desired nest Automatic rray X Y flipped Y flipped Array in box Qor E For explanations of these array types refer to section 2 4 13 Chapter 4 FastNEST Interactive Nesting 81 Bor E In some instances all of the parts requested may not be nested FastNEST will then array the parts onto the plate in the desired direction Parts that are left over may be added to the nest by one of the following methods e From the menu click INTERACTIVE then select Nest from Parts List Select the desired part and click the large Plus button in the lower right hand corner to add this part to the nest OR e Move and position a like part from the existing array in an open area of the plate With the desired part selected follow the previous steps to perform another array Again based on the chosen array type the quantity and size of parts required and the remaining plate area the software will attempt to nest additional parts from the Cutlist Once nested parts m
46. ce the entry or lead in will start at the corner of an entity If it is not ticked the entity closest to the start position selected by the Position field will be broken in the middle and an entry attached in this position EXTERNAL ENTRY Type The entry type can be either straight quarter circle half circle or none these entry types are the same as the entry types available in Fast CAM when a part is manually pathed EXTERNAL ENTRY Length The length of the entry is specified in this field If a circular entry is specified in the Type field then the length here is the arc radius Both fractional and decimal inches can be specified in this field as well as millimeters depending on the units set in FastCAM 6 5 5 6 5 6 Chapter 6 FastPATH 108 EXTERNAL ENTRY Angle This field sets the entry angle It can be either 45 or 90 degrees The entry angle is measured relative to the direction of cut For circular entities with straight entries the appropriate entry angle will be substituted for this angle if it is inappropriate EXTERNAL ENTRY On Off When this box is checked an entry or exit is turned on If unchecked the entry or exit is turned off 6 6 Chapter 6 FastPATH 109 NEST SEQUENCE FastPATH Settings x Help Internal Sweep NextCloset Next Next Closet v Choose cutting sequence for Internal penetrations 5 0 ORO Rows Columns EE Closest Keep load internal se
47. ced on a plate When search step is set to its default of 10 the initial placement tried while nesting is 1 10 of the parts size For a large part this setting may not be appropriate when nesting is attempted into a small area where the area is marginally larger than the part Setting the search step to 100 or 1 100 of the parts size would enable this part to nest into tighter areas A movement of 1 100 of the parts size will be tried initially These settings affect the speed of nesting but improve the quality of nests 2 2 10 Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 34 TRIM Plate Trim function allows for the Automatic cut off of the remnant from the work piece uii Plate cutoff Ed Trim Line Type Contoured Ex Minimum remnant width 3 n Trim line clearance 5 in Enter Cancel There are 2 possible options l Contoured The contoured trim will ask for a Minimum remnant width which allows for the amount of material to be kept attached to the remnant and a Trim line clearance which is the gap allowed between the Trim cut and the nested parts This will then allow the trim line to follow the rectangular shape of the existing cut parts Straight The straight trim only requires the Trim line clearance This will then simply cut the remnant off from edge to edge of the plate in a straight line The Plate Trim is also dynamic which means that as parts are moved around the plate the Trim will adj
48. ches the plate size the file name quantity of parts required the nesting priority the rotation and the number of pieces already cut NEST DATA NEST DATA allows you to input parameters for the Nest these include the following w Nest Data x Nest Name Job Material Thickness Density Programmer Customer ALL PARTS TO BE GROUND AFTER CUTTING Notes 2 1 8 Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 16 these parameters are manually input with the exception of the density and can be changed at any stage during Nesting The Material and it s density are based on the MATERIAL DAT file which resides in your FastCAM directory refer to Chapter 3 for detail on how to configure this file ADD The ADD function will add a new part into your CUTLIST The File Selection box will appear and a file or files may be added To add a single part simply double click the part name to add multiple parts you can click on one part and then while holding the CONTROL key down continue clicking on other parts After part selection the Nest Part Data box will appear allowing nest information about the part s to be input a Nest Pot Data x Pet CADUSTOMERS Pos BACKUP CAM Required E Pay F 3 Permita d relation pa s Allowpert fip Use search sep fe Occ Ae Enttyreductan EN LL The main requirement here is the Number Required for the part Upon
49. ck positive and negative Bridging Dramatic improvement in machine performance saving up to half the cutting time Dramatic savings in plasma consumables Requires FastCAM FastSHAPES Plate Development Programs True Thick plate developments outputs NC code for any machine controller combination Outputs include DXF 2D amp 3D manual lofting layouts FastCAM CAM format amp NC Code including plate marking Screen layout shows forming angle for pressing and shaded 3D model Suite of software solutions to a number of common engineering and drafting tasks over a broad range of applications The user provides an engineering specification of the task a FastSHAPE program provides the detail patterns and or solid geometry as required Over 18 individual FastSHAPE programs in all Additional Software Modules 132 Fast TRACK Remnant Tracking System Plate and remnant plate tracking system Accurate simple and fast tracking of all remnant by exact shape grade and thickness Find Plate rapid search of remnant stocks for a specific size material grade and thickness find that plate fast Stand alone product or FastCAM compatible for automatic updating from nesting system FastFRAME Space Frame Fabrication FastFRAME addresses the long standing problem of developing pipe intersections for simple and complex pipe structures System reduces months of work for a drawing office to less that one day for complete development of the pipe te
50. creen back to full size Sometimes the program will appear very small after an AUTOSCALE This does not indicate a problem in the system but is caused by absolute zero or extraneous points set away from the part being programmed This will often occur with DXF transfers REPEAT Redraws the existing drawing screen This is used to remove unwanted graphics off the screen such as distance markings when verify is used control points or pick points left on the screen from indicating entities PREVIOUS VIEW This function draws the view of the screen previous to the present screen It is a great time saver when switching from a blow up view to the full size view Only the screen immediately preceding the present screen can be viewed If PREVIOUS VIEW is entered again the first screen will once again be displayed CHANGE DISPLAY CHANGE DISPLAY pulls up a Plot Parameters selection box which allows changes to the graphics display as well as the ability to change the output to the plotter printer Select CHANGE Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 51 DISPLAY from the VIEW MENU To Activate or Deactivate a function place the mouse cursor over the appropriate box and click the LEFT mouse button This will place a tick in the box identifying its selection Press the ENTER button for the changes to take affect Plot parameters a M C PROGRAM FILES FASTCAM templa Ea Ey 2 5 9 1 DISPLAY MENU Auto Dimension ko
51. d be cut Important notations such as cut directional arrows color coded processes and rapid movements allow the user to identify possible errors at a glance Furthermore FastPLOT provides for rudimentary editing of the NC file itself Those skilled in programming may append the NC as necessary e Clicking Yes at the prompt will take you to FastPLOT for NC verification Clicking No will clear the prompt and leave you in FastNEST Qor E For further information on using FastPLOT please refer to the FastPLOT section in the FastCAM Reference Manual Chapter 6 FastPATH 93 Chapter 6 6 1 6 2 FastPATH The FastPATH module is used for the pathing of geometry cam dxf parts when they are nested in FastNEST The FastPATH settings in FastNEST differ slightly from those in FastCAM The internal logic has also been altered to accommodate parts to be nested FastPATH places an initial entry and exit if required on a part This entry and or exit can be altered after the part has been nested if required FastPATH Concepts The FastPATH module is included in all FastCAM professional packages The program automatically allocates cutting direction entries and exits sequencing cutting processes and other NC processing options To set up FastPATH for first use a process oxy plasma laser and an entry lead in must be set Depending on the parts to be cut the complexity of the setup for FastPATH will change
52. double clicked the side on which the process will be cut is selected The available options are INSIDE OUTSIDE or BOTH Using this function it is possible to automatically path a part that is cut with an OXY process on all inside contours and with PLASMA on the outside To do this two processes would need to be listed The OXY process would be first and set to INSIDE the PLASMA process would be second and set to OUTSIDE For standard profile cutting with the same process the SIDE setting should be set to BOTH 6 3 4 6 3 5 6 3 6 6 3 7 Chapter 6 FastPATH 101 PROCESS Available Processes cutting marking drilling punching processes currently defined in FastCAM s NC profile are listed here If the process appears in this right hand column it is available but will not be used To push a process over to the Selected Processes column it can be either double clicked on or selected by left clicking and pushed to the Selected Process column by using the large arrow lt to the left of the Available Processes column The reset button is used to remove all currently Selected Processes and place them back in the Available Column PROCESS Arrow The Arrow is used to push an available process across to the selected process column An Available Process is selected by left clicking on it with the mouse An available process can also be moved to the Selected Process column by double clicking on it PROCESS Reset The Reset
53. e ta anode 6 6 5 ETE 6 7 NEST OPTIONS eee UH el tee UH e REO IO 6 7 1 Hole Avoidance iis re danno cine 6 7 1 1 Rectangular Rapids 6 7 1 2 Straight Rapids coenae dae ROUES 6 7 2 Sort Marking esci e PH treu 6 7 4 Contour Gap imo etiem n n eR ener 6 7 4 Outline Shown n anne te deett RI rei eed 6 8 SPECIALS M 6 8 1 yrrc 6 8 1 1 All fully tagSed REA eMe ia E 6 8 1 2 Inside 6 8 1 3 Outside Tag 6 8 2 UE E ERU mee 3 8 3 Small Hole 6 9 STITCH UD aii T DRE RE 6 9 1 Kerf Compensation iis senioren nte ote e RE REY HE c a eO 6 9 2 Steh CU mee to ES S Ree be dao EX 3 9 2 1 Stitch DIStance inci cete A 3 9 2 2 Stitch Width OAS E T E APPENDIX B eae eae 124 APPENDIX Cy bet ERROR BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED APPENDIX 1 ERROR BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED m 129 ADDITIONAL SOFTWARE MODULES BY 5
54. e 2 35mxl5m Gtext number of text operations 4 torches numberof torches J Uo utilization plate utilization or rect area for part nett weight of part or nest 9 3516 3 5 kg revision Drawing revision number __ Rev 1 31 FGsale sae scrapweight Scrap weight 356 5lb Additional Software Modules 131 Additional Software Modules by Fast CAM All products will run on Windows 98 2000 NT ME or XP FastNEST Interactive Nesting Module Simple drag amp drop part nesting with dynamic part rotation interactive arraying and high speed block nesting including plate remnant nesting FastNEST Fully automatic true shape nesting module for bulk processing Highly optimizable nesting system with inbuilt FastPATH automatic pathing system FastNEST With Database Tracking the benefits of FastNEST nesting with added tracking of generated data information created by FastNEST for each plate is recorded into a SQL Compatible Database Management System This will allow the traceability of all jobs and the statistical analysis of past jobs The database can be linked into Microsoft Excel or Access FastPATH Automatic amp Intelligent Pathing Module Including DXF IGES interface for CAD with automatic batch processing for FastNEST FastPATH costs CAD and DXF nests and parts instantly Generates NC code immediately Eliminates hours of manual pathing Two cli
55. e Change Parameters icon on the Toolbar The FastNEST Parameters window is displayed e At the top of the FastNEST Parameters window check the minimum part separation To change the given value click on the field and enter a new value Chapter 5 FastNEST Automatic Nesting 90 Place a check mark in the box next to Calculate arrays on loading This enables the software to check for the best possible way to array multiple quantities of individual parts e Click the Enter button to return to FastNEST 4 Add Part s e From the menu click FASTNEST then select ADD NEW PART or click on the Add Part button in the Toolbar The Select Files box appears One or more parts may be added at a time e Adding a single part click on the filename and then the OPEN button This one part will then be added to the cut list Qor E You can also double click the filename to Add the part Adding multiple parts pressing and holding the SHIFT key while clicking on two parts will effectively select all parts in between as well as the two parts chosen Pressing and holding the CONTROL key while clicking on file names will highlight only those parts selected Click OPEN to add parts to the cut list After parts are selected and OPEN is pressed the Nest Part Data dialogue box appears e Click the Enter button to invoke the nesting routine One of each part will be nested Qor E You may also at this point change the
56. een added and positioned on the plate the Jostle feature described earlier may be used in order to pack parts tightly together in an effort to reduce waste and increase re stockable drops In those instances where there will be no useable drops regardless of how tightly packed the parts are the Jostle feature will still provide the benefit of reducing the distance the machine travels between parts 8 Resequence Cutting Order By optimizing the cutting order of parts program files are streamlined and the machine ultimately runs more efficiently Just prior to outputting the cutting code it is recommended that Resequence be used e Click OUTPUT on the menu and then click Resequence or click on the Resequence icon on the Toolbar e Resequence confirmation box appears press Yes Chapter 5 FastNEST Automatic Nesting 94 A pop up menu appears in the middle of the screen offering the following choices Columns Column Snake Rows Row Snake Next Closest Minimum Indicate Next After making a selection the program will resequence all of the parts into that order The new sequence can be seen by the change in Sequence numbers and also the Rapid Traverse shown as dashed RED lines b That if parts are contained within other parts the internal parts will automatically be sequenced to be cut first before the outside parts 9 Complete Nest Data Before generating the final NC file the Nest Data should be co
57. ent Additional workstation licenses are available for all products Educational versions available SMA Twelve Month Service Agreements can be purchased which include free upgrades Many of the above full retail products are available for 30 day free trial and can be downloaded from our web site www fastcamusa com International Offices 135 International Offices Customers can obtain additional information on the FastCAM product range by contacting your Local Reseller or from any of our International Offices They offer high quality and expert service address of our internet site 1s http www fastcamusa com North America Europe FASTCAM Ine 8700 West Bryn Mawr Suite 730 South Chicago 60631 3507 USA Tel 312 715 1535 Fax 312 715 1536 Email fastcam fastcam com Australia China FASTCAM Pty Ltd FASTCAM China 96 Canterbury Rd A 318 563 Songtao Road Middle Park 3206 Zhangjiang Victoria Australia Pudong Shanghai 201203 Tel 61 3 9699 9899 Tel 8621 5080 3069 Fax 61 3 9699 7501 Fax 8621 5080 3071 Email fastcam fastcam com au Email fastcam fastcam cn Or contact your local Reseller Index 136 Drag and 2 Index 134 FastNEST 131 FastPATH 19 50 131 FaStPEOT ione eee 73 131 132 134
58. es of coil for processing Results can be optimized for ideal single length blanks or mixed lengths Additional Software Modules 133 FastCAM MTO Material Take off FREE Download and Licence Create Material Take Offs or Bill of Materials for your Quotations for linear and rectangular items Specifically designed for the simple construction of Quotations for the structural industry http www fastcamusa com mto FastLINK DNC Communication Upload and download NC files from Machine or PC depending upon controller type Background or foreground program operation Also multiple machine support available FastTRAN Universal CNC File Translator Universal translator for NC Code files to NC Code Support for over 32 Controllers and multiple process Need to convert Linde files into Burny code then FastTRAN is a must FastCAM QE Quote Everything A complete optimized multiuser quotation system for processing For long products beams channels angles etc Inbuilt standard profiled shapes and true shape nesting Fast calculation of all costs sawing drilling coping scrap remnant discount delivery tax etc after exhaustive nesting to produce best cut price Fax or email quotes instantly Simple CAD free operation for salespeople In built SQL database for full quote customer tracking In built reporting delivers meaningful sales and costing data for analysis XML and ODBC for connection to existing stock and accounting systems Fas
59. ew each individual setting Accept The Accept button loads the currently set parameters into FastPATH Once the parameters are set a User is able to save these settings for later use Chapter 6 FastPATH 111 6 6 6 Keep Load Internal Sequence The load sequence as displayed in rapids is sometimes not the same as the final cut sequence and in fact cannot be finalized until the external part sequence is finalized which can be the last move This is a result of two competing concepts of sequencing One is of a single part and the other is of a part in a nest of other parts where the part sequence position rotation are arbitrary The two sequencing points are 1 When the part is loaded in FastNEST or FastPATH 15 run in FastCAM a sequence is allocated when the part is examined 2 When the part is output in the context of a nest of many parts The same request can result in a quite different sequence For example if you have chosen NEXT CLOSEST for nesting the sequence has to be reevaluated in the context of the nest position and sequence of the part Thus if a part has been turned upside down the first rapid and all subsequent rapids are changed as the next closest to the previous part has changed To preserve the original load or display sequence you select this option and stop this resequencing Looking at the nest as a whole the sequence may be different from one part to the next part in a column This occurs because the firs
60. fit of reducing the distance the machine travels between parts 8 Resequence Cutting Order By optimizing the cutting order of parts NC programs are streamlined and the machine ultimately runs more efficiently Just prior to outputting the NC code it is recommended that Resequence be used Click OUTPUT on the menu and then select Resequence or click the Resequence icon on the Toolbar e Resequence confirmation box appears press Yes Chapter 4 FastNEST Interactive Nesting 83 A pop up menu appears in the middle of the screen offering the following choices Columns Column Snake Rows Row Snake Next Closest Minimum Indicate Next After making a selection the program will resequence all of the parts into that order The new sequence can be seen by the change in Sequence numbers and also the Rapid Traverse shown as dashed RED lines That if parts are contained within other parts the internal parts will automatically be sequenced to be cut first before the outside parts 9 Complete Nest Data Before generating the final NC file the Nest Data should be completed The Nest Data consists of relevant and important information relating to the current nest s Nest Name Job Material Thickness Density Programmer Customer e Notes The Nest Data option can be found in section 2 1 7 Chapter 4 FastNEST Interactive Nesting 84 the above data if completed would then be available to the pr
61. g settings are required for the automatic grid function X Grid Distance X Separation of each straight cut Y grid Distance Y Separation of each straight cut Maximum Gas Distance How far past the edge of the outermost part is the automatic gas axe function to cut If this is not set potentially good remnant will be stripped optional Overcut Distance If the plate is expected to move this option allows for the gas axe to cut an extra distance into the void left by the removed part If the value for Overcut Distance is less than zero then the cutting path will stop short of the part by the set amount Move Start Distance For plasma cutting this function ensures the torch starts its pierce on the skeleton rather than trying to strike an arc in free air Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 64 X grid distance mm Y grid distance mm Maximum axe distance mm Overcut distance mm Move start distance mm Apply Cancel The add single function adds a single cut line to an exisitng nest The line will be straight but does not need to run horizontally or vertically The delete single function removes a single gas axe cut from a nest Delete all removes all manual and automatically placed gas axe cut Set Parameters shows the standard gas axe parameters form There may be a requirement to add another function line to your control file Your control file is found by selecting Utility gt Show NC Machine from the FastNEST menu
62. has been increased note that the part row is now white The color white signals the user that there are more parts on the Cutlist than have been nested You can select another part by double clicking and continue through each part until the end of the Cutlist is reached e When all adjustments are made click FastNEST on the menu and then select start or click Start Nesting on the Toolbar The Cutlist disappears and a Yes No prompt is displayed Click Yes to rerun the nesting routine Based on the parameters given i e plate size minimum part separation rotation angles and part quantities all parts should be nested FastNEST will nest smaller parts inside of larger parts when possible Chapter 5 FastNEST Automatic Nesting 92 In those cases where there are too many parts for one plate FastNEST 15 able to continue nesting the remaining parts across multiple plates The program will not start on a new plate until all of the area on the initial plate is used Qor E After a multi plate nest program has been completed the user step through different plates by using the Next Previous First and Last options in the Nests menu At any time the user may return to the Cut List double click on any part change the parameters and rerun FastNEST for different results 5 Array Position Part s Although Automatic nesting is designed to add multiple parts at once the Array Position Part options may be useful afte
63. he Nest Data it is an automatically produced file name 12 Change the file name accordingly Remember to check to ensure the file extension is correct if your controller requires a specific extension Next check to ensure the appropriate directory or folder is selected The folder listed in the Save in field is where the NC file will be saved to If it is incorrect use the up folder button to browse your hard drive or network to locate the correct folder Click on the Save button to continue the output process Depending on the size of the nest and the speed of your computer the program will momentarily pause while the NC file is generated and the file is saved to your hard drive Verify Numeric Code After the NC file has been generated and saved the user will be presented with a question box offering the opportunity to leave FastCAM and verify the NC output in FastPLOT FastPLOT offers an ideal means of visually verifying the NC output Emulating the NC controller of your machine FastPLOT reads the NC file and displays a visual representation of the nest as it would be cut Important notations such as cut directional arrows color coded processes and rapid movements allow the user to identify possible errors at a glance Furthermore FastPLOT provides for rudimentary editing of the NC file itself Those skilled in programming may append the NC as necessary Clicking Yes at the prompt will take you to FastPLOT for NC verifica
64. ing Mode This differs the way parts can be added to the plate and nested Parts can only be added one at a time and no Automatic Nesting options can be used Please refer to Chapter 3 for further information on Interactive Nesting TORCHES Multiple torches can be used within FastNEST simply by setting the number required and specifying the spacing between them After changing the number of torches the spacing between them will change automatically If this value is not correct you may change it manually Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 37 tus Torches This will then place torch lines on the plate in a red color and the name of each torch will also be shown in each section 2 3 FASTNEST 2 3 1 2 3 2 2 3 3 Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 38 FastNEST Add New Part Start Pause Resume Remove Part Move All Left Move All Down Move All Up Move All Right Jostle Clear plate ADD NEW PART The Add New Part function does the same as the Add Part function it allows you to ADD a new part into your CUTLIST and continue with the Nesting See 2 1 8 START Start allows you to begin the nesting with the parts contained inside your cutlist If you have already nested the parts it will simply restart the nesting from the beginning again This option can be used after make alterations to your cutlist such as quantities or priorities etc Note The START PAUSE amp RESUME Nesting functions
65. ition of the Lead In Entry e Alter the rotation of the part to any specified angle ALIGN Align allows the user to Move and Rotate a part at the same time The user simply picks 2 points one on the part to move and the other on the part or edge of the plate they wish to move and align the first part to MOVE LEFT Move Left will move the currently selected part to the left of the plate from right to left until it collides with either the edge of another part on the plate or the boundary of the plate The movement will take place while still maintaining the separation which is set under the Change Parameters section If there is a gap to the left of the part with which it collides with the moving part will not move through or around it can only move into total free space Likewise if the part is overlaying another part or the edge of the plate the Move options will not work The part has to be totally free in order for these functions to work MOVE DOWN Same concept as Move Left but it will move down the screen instead top to bottom MOVE UP Same concept as Move Left but it will move up the screen instead bottom to top 2 4 9 2 4 10 2 4 11 2 4 12 Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 44 MOVE RIGHT Same concept as Move Left but it will move to the right of the screen instead left to right EDIT PART The Edit Part function is currently not active in this version SHOW DI
66. ked to confirm the filename or location the file will automatically be saved as in the last instance To save a CUTLIST under a different name see SAVE AS The CUTLIST files are all assigned with an extension of LST SAVE AS The SAVE AS function works in the same manner as the SAVE function in that all the same data 15 saved however SAVE AS allows you to change the filename or the save location every time EDIT EDIT allows you to Edit the CUTLIST The Cutlist is shown over the Nest and details in the list can be changed In order to change the parameters for a particular part simply double click the part name and the Nest Part Data box will appear This allows the user to change the Quantity e Priority and e Rotation The contents of the cutlist can be copied and pasted to a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet To copy the table select the cells required with the left mouse button and copy the selected cells by holding the Ctrl key down and pressing 2 1 6 2 1 7 Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 15 the C key at the same time This will copy the selected table contents to the clipboard This data can be pasted into Excel by selecting edit then paste Refer to the FastNEST Overview in Chapter 1 for a more detailed explanation of these parameters PRINT The PRINT function allows you to print out the CUTLIST details in tabular format to your printer The information that is printed includes the number of tor
67. meters allow you to set your Part to Part Separation in mm or in depending on your individual setup The Part to Part Separation is the spacing that you require between parts The Part to Plate Separation is the separation from the plate edge to the part As FastNEST nests with exact part spacing the value you input can be very accurate The Maximum plate number relates to the Multi Plate function of the program By changing this number you can effectively restrict the program to only nest into one 1 plate or more than one Hence you can emulate your physical stock limitations inside the program Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 32 e Note This will only occur if you have the Multi Plate version of FastNEST Fully Automatic only and you have nested across more than one plate You can also select to Rotate parts on loading which will attempt to rotate the parts in the Cutlist so as to align the long edge of a part with the long edge of the Plate boundary If you select to Rotate the parts after you have already established a cutlist the parts will be reloaded and you will need to Restart the Nesting Internal Nesting may also be disabled which stops parts from Nesting within other parts where possible This option may be used to speed the nesting up if your parts contain many small internal holes where it is not possible to nest other parts Calculate arrays on loading allows FastNEST to pre calculate the optimum
68. mplates FastBEAM NC for Beamline Drills Fast graphic programming system for Beamline equipment supporting Peddinghaus Wagner amp Ficep Accepts output from most 3D structural CAD systems and DSTV generally Beamlines used for the drilling punching and cutting of rolled sections such as Beams Channels Angles and Flat Bars FastCOPY Conversion of Templates to NC Code Direct NC digitizing and optical template conversion system With FastCOPY it takes a programmer no more than 5 to 10 minutes to digitize a complex and large profile very accurately including all holes fillets bends and the like Parts can be digitized to any chosen scale FastCOPY is unique worldwide in its operation simplicity and accuracy FastCUT Optimization and Estimation for rectangular and linear Simple to use Designed to find the optimum layout of parts to be cut from any flat sheet material or lengths from rods and bars Provides Clients with quick and accurate quotes It even takes remnant into account Anyone who has a need to shear flat SHEET or BAR material is a potential user of FastCUT Labels Labeling program for FastCUT data files Identification of parts produced using FastCUT optimization FastCUT Cut to Length CTL Shear Cut to length lines Software program that enables you to instantly calculate ideal blank sizes from coil based materials Ideally used by large manufacturer or Steel Service Center who use large quantiti
69. mpleted The Nest Data consists of relevant and important information relating to the current nest s Nest Name Job Material Thickness Density Programmer Customer Notes The Nest Data option can be found in section 2 1 7 Chapter 5 FastNEST Automatic Nesting 95 the above data if completed would then be available to the program for the PLOT of the Nest see Appendix E for example The data is not required for the NC file but is important for Quality control purposes and it is up to the individual as to whether it is completed or not NOTE For some specific controllers the Material and Thickness be required to generate a Feedrate 10 Save The Nest In order for future retrieval of the nest s it is important to Save all of the information e Click NESTS on the menu then select Save Nest In order for all of the information to be saved you must save the Nest file NST and the Cutlist file LST You will be prompted to save the List first and then the Nest See section 2 2 5 for more information 11 Output NC File Once the desired cutting sequence is obtained computer numeric code NC must be generated for production Click OUTPUT on the menu then select Generate Output or click on the Output icon on the Toolbar A question box appears giving you the opportunity to plot the nest If a paper plot is desired press Yes otherwise click No e The next question box that appear
70. nside of the Manual for contact numbers FastCAM TAA The World Standard in Profiling Software World Wide Web FastCAM FastCAM 8700 West Bryn Mawr 96 Canterbury Rd Suite 730 South Middle Park Victoria 3206 Chicago 60631 3507 USA Tel 312 715 1535 Fax 312 715 1536 Email fastcam fastcam com Australia Tel 61 3 9699 9899 Fax 61 3 9699 7501 Email fastcam fastcam com au http www fastcamusa com FastCAM A 318 563 Songtao Road Zhangjiang Pudong Shanghai 201203 Tel 8621 5080 3069 Fax 8621 5080 3071 Email fastcam fastcam cn
71. of the parts will still remain inside the Cut List They can then be added by either using the RESUME function refer to section 2 3 4 or by using the NEST FROM PARTS LIST option refer to section 2 4 1 Note The Array function can be used in the Interactive and Fully Automatic versions of FastNEST amp SET GAP This menu item allows the user to move and set the desired gap between two parts The gap selected will be applied between two points which can be anywhere on any part in the nest These two points need not be parallel The first item selected is the item to be moved The item that is moved will be moved by the distance specified The second item selected is the fixed item or boundary MOVE FIRST RAPID When nesting onto remnant plate the first rapid or the torch home position can be set to any corner of the plate with the use of this command The torch will begin from the position set and rapid to the first cutting point 2 5 VIEW Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 48 View Indicate corners Indicate center Enter center Zoom in Zoom out Auto scale Repeat Previous view Change display Plate size Window Scale only The VIEW MENU allows the manipulation of the view on the graphics screen By using the view menu the programmer can zoom in for a close up view of a section of the part change the scale of the part or look at a previous view The view menu appears both in FastCAM and FastNEST
72. oftware FastNEST is a purpose built true shape nesting program for the operation of NC controlled machinery typically oxy fuel plasma laser amp water jet equipment Nesting is the process of combining multiple two dimensional shapes into a defined area whilst optimizing the utilization of the material Typically this means fitting the maximum number of components into the smallest area whilst allowing for the limitations of the material and machinery FastNEST allows for the rapid selection of parts and quantities as well as the stock materials to be used The most common technique for nesting with FastNEST is to create individual files with the FastCAM drawing and pathing system These files in NC code format are then combined into a nest or nests for processing FastNEST can optionally nest files in other formats such as DXF CAD files or our proprietary format The list based system allows for certain parameters to be adjusted prior to or during nesting to improve utilization or productivity FastNEST is a fully automatic system and in most cases will provide the maximum utilization of material in the minimum amount of time There are however many times when human intervention can improve the nesting outcome By identifying patterns or opportunities that a computer can never see operators can quickly improve difficult nests For this purpose FastNEST has many manual and semi automatic features which maximize ne
73. ogram for the PLOT of the Nest see Appendix D for example The data is not required for the NC file but is important for Quality control purposes and it is up to the individual as to whether it is completed or not NOTE For some specific controllers the Material and Thickness may be required to generate a Feedrate 10 Save The Nest In order for future retrieval of the nest s it is important to Save all of the information e Click NESTS on the menu then select Save Nest In order for all of the information to be saved you must save the Nest file NST and the Cutlist file LST You will be prompted to save the List first and then the Nest See section 2 2 5 for more information 11 Output NC File Once the desired cutting sequence is obtained Numeric Code NC must be generated for production Click OUTPUT on the menu then select Generate Output or click on the Output icon on the Toolbar A question box appears giving you the opportunity to plot the nest If a paper plot is desired press Yes otherwise click No The next question box that appears offers you the chance to resequence the cutting order just in case this step was previously overlooked Click Yes or No accordingly Chapter 4 FastNEST Interactive Nesting 85 The Output NC file save box appears prompting the user for a filename The default file name offered is either taken from the Nest Data or if no filename was entered in t
74. omment lines will be added Qor E Must be present for Burny control running in EIA code 4 CONTROL Control Filename validation Should not be changed will affect validity of parts constructed 5 NEST Specifies starting point for a nest Can be set at top right top left bottom left or bottom right 6 PLACES Sets the number of decimal places to be output in program Three decimal places means that the software will round to the nearest 1 1000 giving a calculation tolerance of or 5 10 000 of an inch 7 UNITS 1 1 0 Sets the system default to be Inch input and Incremental inch output Can be changed to metric and or absolute output 8 EXTENSION Sets the default file extension for FastCAM FastPLOT amp FastNEST Qo E The items contains inside the SETUP DAT file do not have to be in any specific order nor are they required to be in CAPITAL letters Chapter 4 FastNEST Interactive Nesting 77 Chapter 4 FastNEST Interactive Nesting Interactive Nesting Start FastNEST Program Adjust Plate Size Adjust FastNEST Parameters Add Part Array Position Part Add Another Part Optimize Plate Utlilzation Resequence Cutting Order Complete Nest Data Save the Nest Output NC File Verify Numeric Code Download File to Machine 78 Chapter 4 FastNEST Interactive Nesting 79 Chapter 4 Interactive Nesting Step by Step 1 Start FastN
75. on the FastPATH dialog 2 1 9 2 1 10 2 1 11 Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 21 DELETE Use the DELETE function to delete erase the last part shown in the CUTLIST You will be prompted for an acceptance of the deletion CLEAR CUT PARTS The Clear Cut Parts function allows you to restore an existing Cutlist that has previously been used back to it s original required quantities After opening a cutlist if the current required quantities are zero or other than you require and there are values contained in the Previous column you can restore the previous quantities by choosing Clear Previous SET FILE TYPES The Set File Types option allows you to configure FastNEST to your individual Nesting needs From within this box you can set FastNEST to Nest either NC Files DXF Files IGES Files or CAM Files When Geometry files are chosen CAM DXF IGES for the Input then the Entries Lead ins may also be stripped off the files to enable Pathing after the Nesting is complete Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 22 Set File Types Input File Type m Add Pierce r Output File Type None Pie f xx T NN Before IGES gt did Nesting E CAM Hen C FastPATH C Pathed DXF jv DET Accept Exit Existing Entries iPrasawe Set Pierce C Strip If you are nesting NC files to NC files then no further Pathing is necessary simply Nest the parts
76. ows you to move from any plate forward to the Last nested plate SAVE The SAVE function allows you to save the Nest NST as well as the Cutlist LST Note The Nest is an image of the currently Nested plate s maintaining all the Automatic and Interactive part adjustments You will be prompted to name the Cutlist first and then the Nest It is IMPORTANT that you save the Cutlist as well as the Nest when selecting this function If this is not done the image of the Nest will not be maintained correctly RETRIEVE The Retrieve function allows you to retrieve a previously saved Nest amp Cutlist Once you have selected the Nest file NST you will be shown the Nests and then prompted for confirmation By saying NO the Selection box will re appear and you may choose another Nest until the desired one has been found 2 2 7 2 2 8 Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 30 PRINT Is currently not used in this version of FastNEST PLOT The Plot function allows the user to send a graphical copy of what appears on the screen to your selected printer plotter The plot will appear at the same Magnification level as what appears on the screen A Template may also be placed around the Plot of the nest if you have selected that option under the Change Display section See Change Display under the PLOT menu later in this section 2 2 9 Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 31 NEST PARAMETERS FastNEST Parameters The Nest Para
77. quence Nest Start Bottom left Choose the Start Position for the Nest along with the nest s cutting sequence Nest Sweep Columns Description Accept Cancel 6 6 1 Internal Sweep This setting specifies how FastPATH will path internal penetrations or drops cutouts inside parts The internal sweep can be either Horizontal Vertical or Next Closest Each setting is better suited to a specific situation By referring to the diagrams a user will be able to ascertain the best approach The first cut penetration will always be towards the bottom left hand side of the part 6 6 2 6 6 3 6 6 4 6 6 5 Chapter 6 FastPATH 110 Nest Start The Nest Start position specifies where the first rapid or torch home position is on a plate This setting is used when an entire nest with a plate boundary is pathed The starting position can be in any corner of the plate top left bottom left top right bottom right The setting here overrides the default setting that is loaded with FastCAM Nest Sweep The Nest Sweep describes how the nested parts are going to be cut from the plate The nest sweep can be either to the Right or Up the plate The sweep will then snake through the parts in the direction specified Description The Description field is used to enter a detailed description of the FastPATH settings that have been set This allows a user to ensure retrieved settings correct without the need to vi
78. r the automated process The user may take any of the Automatically nested parts and reposition them with either of the following methods Drag and Drop Simply click on the desired part to select it A yellow dotted box is drawn around the part Press and hold the left mouse button down then move the mouse to move the part around the plate area Once in the desired position release the left mouse button Move All refer to section 2 3 6 Jostle refer to section 2 3 7 Qor E As the part gets too close to another part or the edge of the plate those edges of the part will turn red signaling the error Simply move the part away from the trouble zone e Rotate Move Left Down Right Up refer to section 2 4 6 7 8 amp 9 The Interactive ARRAY option may also be used on any of the parts Chapter 5 FastNEST Automatic Nesting 93 Once an array is selected the quantity applied will simply be added into the Cutlist The user if so desired could re apply the Automatic nesting routine by clicking on the START icon on the Toolbar This would then re nest using the newly acquired quantities given from the Array 6 Add Another Part s e Atany time during the nesting session user may add more parts by returning to step Four above When finished adding parts proceed to step Seven 7 Optimize Plate Utilization Utilizing material in the best possible fashion is the goal in any nesting program After all parts have b
79. rameter of the outer and inner contours as shown below Description Eancel 6 7 1 Hole Avoidance Turning on Hole Avoidance allows FastPATH to produce a nest that could be run unattended Each part is cut ensuring the rapid between parts does not traverse over previously cut parts If the cutting head will pass over a previously cut part a head lift command is issued This type of output is suited to high speed laser cutting but can be used for most processing applications if the machine supports it Two types of Hole Avoidance programming are available Rectangular Rapids or Straight Rapids 6 7 2 6 7 4 Chapter 6 FastPATH 114 6 7 1 1 Rectangular Rapids When Hole Avoidance is set to Rectangular Rapids the torch will stay down as long as practicable The torch will traverse between cut parts lifting only when necessary 6 7 1 2 Straight Rapids When Straight Rapids are selected the torch will rise and traverse directly to the next part that is required The torch will therefore pass over previously cut parts With the head retracted this should not cause a problem Sort Marking When parts are marked as well as cut it is optimal to mark the parts first then cut the profiles This processing sequence is especially true when using a powder marker and cutting with plasma underwater When Sort Marking is checked all marking will be sorted so it is performed first with the cutting of parts
80. rming a Manual array and the entire quantity input is not used in the array Example Specify 20 in the Array but only 12 will fit on the plate in the specified direction This leaves 8 parts un nested in the Cut List The user paused the Automatic Nesting before the Cut List had been exhausted of all of the parts The Automatic Nesting could not fit a part onto the plate To add a part using this option select the option from the menu then simply click on the part required in the Cut 2 4 2 2 4 3 2 4 4 Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 42 List and then hit the large Plus button in the lower right hand corner to add this part to the nest SELECT PART Allows the user to change the current part selection which is indicated by a dashed yellow outline Once selected an input box will be displayed asking for the new sequence number of the part to be selected Enter single number ome om ROTATE Allows the currently selected part to be rotated clockwise by 90 degrees This can also be achieved by using the Rotate 90 icon on the Toolbar POSITION DATA The Position Data form allows the user to perform several options This menu can also be activated by pressing the space bar i Nest Position 9 127532 2 4 5 2 4 6 2 4 7 2 4 8 Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 43 e Manually change the sequence of a part Manually change the position with relation to the X amp Y pos
81. rn torch can be used to cut the pierce hole The tip can then be replaced with a newer or better quality tip and the profile is then cut Doing this could also provide better utilization of a tip as a tip that can no longer cut nicely could still be used for piercing The hole diameter is the hole diameter cut by the torch for each pierce When the torch returns to cut the profiles after first piercing the cutting path will start at the edge of the hole The edge start will thus require less heat input and also produce an easier start Chapter 6 FastPATH 118 3 8 3 Small Hole The Small Hole option allows the variation in cutting speed when cutting holes less than a specified size The feedrate used is a percentage of the initial feedrate for the part For example if the initial cutting feedrate was set to 120 in min 3050mm min then a Small Hole Feedrate of 8096 would change the feedrate to 96 in min 2440 mm min An important factor to note is that the hole does not need to be circular A rectangular hole that fits inside the hole size specified will have its cutting speed reduced The hole does not need to be closed If a notch was cut in a plate and the notch was smaller than the hole specified then it too would be subject to the reduced federate Chapter 6 FastPATH 119 6 9 Stitch Kerf FastPATH Settings E xj Cut Sequence Nest Options Help Stitch Kerf r Kerf Compensate NC output Adjust geometry Kerf
82. rview 58 cutting path placed around all parts using FastCAM Once the settings in FastPATH have been specified they can be saved GENERATE OUTPUT This is the usually the final operation performed on a nest FastNEST When a Nest is complete and you select Generate Output an NC program is generated and the geometry of the parts are converted into NC language and a TEXT file is created This is the file which will be sent to the controller on the machine to be cut NOTE This option will only generate an NC program when the File Types have been set this way refer to section 2 1 11 In the case of FastNEST Interactive Nesting the program will only output an NC File For the FastNEST Fully Automatic Nesting the program can be set to generate a CAM DXF or an NC File Once selected you will be presented with an option to PLOT the NEST and then to RESEQUENCE the Nest refer to section 2 6 1 An OUTPUT NC File box will then appear asking for the final NEST name Once the name is input and the SAVE button chosen the program will be produced and saved You will then be asked to Verify the program in FastPLOT The file is now ready to be sent to the cutting machine The default file name offered is either taken from the nest data or if no file name was entered in the nest data it is an automatically produced file name Automatic file names are generated by FastNEST and the last number used i e
83. s offers you the chance to resequence the cutting order just in case this step was previously overlooked Click Yes or No accordingly Chapter 5 FastNEST Automatic Nesting 96 The Output NC file save box appears prompting the user for a filename The default file name offered is either taken from the Nest Data or if no filename was entered in the Nest Data it is an automatically produced file name e Change the file name accordingly Remember to check to ensure the file extension is correct if your controller requires a specific extension Next check to ensure the appropriate directory or folder is selected The folder listed in the Save in field is where the NC file will be saved to If it is incorrect use the up folder button to browse your hard drive or network to locate the correct folder e Click on the Save button to continue the output process Depending on the size of the nest and the speed of your computer the program will momentarily pause while the NC file is generated and the file is saved to your hard drive 13 Verify Numeric Code e After the NC file has been generated and saved the user will be presented with a question box offering the opportunity to leave FastCAM and verify the NC output in FastPLOT FastPLOT offers an ideal means of visually verifying the NC output Emulating the NC controller of your machine FastPLOT reads the NC file and displays a visual representation of the nest as it woul
84. selected all closed internal contours will be stitch cut This option is suitable for processing lobsterback bends when the elements have been nested on a single sheet Internal Slitting When selected all unclosed internal cuts will be stitch cut The ends of the paths must be clear of other entities by 3 8 10mm External Contours When selected all external contours will be stitch cut Enabling any of the options automatically Stitch Cuts the specified path according to the set parameters 3 9 2 1 Stitch Distance The Stitch Distance is the amount of cut or the distance the torch will travel while cutting the stitch 3 9 2 2 Stitch Width The Stitch Width is the separation distance between stitches or how far the torch will travel without cutting 6 9 3 Chapter 6 FastPATH 121 Breakout Tabs Breakout Tabs are a variation on the stitch cut option Instead of placing tabs a certain distance apart tabs are placed at a derived angle If two tabs are specified they will be placed 180 degrees apart All contours must be closed This can be verified using the Verify gt Contour menu option Internal Contours If selected all internal contours greater than a specified dimension will have breakout tabs applied External Contours If selected all external contours greater than a specified dimension will have breakout tabs applied Lead Out If selected a lead out will be added to the tab Minimum contour size This
85. sting efficiency These features are particularly useful for nesting multiple similar parts arrays or nests requiring very specific placement of components Examples would be when nesting for highly bridged nests or nesting single parts into remnant Thermal movement and other factors such as grain can often preclude automatic nesting this is where FastNEST S manual placement shines Auto placement exact distance and infinite alignment tools make nesting a breeze Features such as Jostle will compact even the tightest pattern to squeeze the maximum return FastNEST An Introduction 10 from your material Adding individual parts to existing nests is simple as is trialing large lists of parts into different stock or remnant plate FastNEST can quickly identify better stock utilization by running what ifs from your cutting lists The authors of FastNEST and other FastCAM products have a continuing policy of product improvement We welcome your comments and feedback please email us with your suggestion and _ observations to service fastcamusa com About The Manual This manual was written to accommodate the United States cutting market where INCH measurements are used primarily instead of METRIC The examples shown throughout the manuals are based in the Imperial measurement System Metric sizes are shown In after the Inch size FastNEST will accommodate both inch and metric calculations The type of units your Fast
86. t part is approached from the plate origin Second and subsequent parts often have the same sequence in a column as the pattern repeats The pattern will be disturbed for the first part in the second column and reestablish for the second part in the second column Chapter 6 FastPATH 112 Parts cannot be legitimately resequenced for internal cutouts even on next closest without taking into account the first rapid from the previous part or plate in nest To have a fixed sequence for a part regardless of position you must choose this option to KEEP INTERNAL LOAD SEQUENCE This feature allows an optimized load sequence and preserves this for the final NC output Ifthe sequence is to be optimized again on output this option should not be selected n particular if hole avoidance is to be used this option should not be selected load sequence that avoids holes may be completely wrong in the context of a rotated part within a nest Chapter 6 FastPATH 113 6 7 Nest Options FaslPATH Setlings Specas Stich Ket Hole Use to avoid traversing over previously cut patts Cut Short Rectangular rapide Straight rapids Rapids When marking is defined il not be optimized This Sart Marking option finds marking paths and minimizes travel Contour Gap 008 Maximum gap allowable in parts before re piercing Dulline shown Nest Plise Alters the cut pa
87. tCAM FontGEN Turn your Window Font into NC Code Now you can convert the millions of Windows Fonts into NC cutting files Cut the text as is or explode for nesting Type it in Word and cut it with FastCAM No CAD knowledge required FastCAM Outline Ideal for converting non dimensioned artwork into cutting files Ornamental iron work signs machinery logos etc Reads graphic files in various formats including BMP TIFF JPG Converts data into DXF format suitable for processing via NC Machinery FastCAM Kerf Perfect for all Burny Controls Simply run your NC programs with FastCAM Kerf software on your PC and watch them fly the moment they download to the controller Speed up Additional Software Modules 134 production No Kerf calculations to slow your production do in seconds what can take hours on the control FastCAM Text Marker Marking and Identification on parts Unique text marking utility for burning machines FastCAM s Text Marker function converts CAD text directly into stroke font movements for marking letters and numbers directly onto profiled parts Requires FastCAM plus appropriate marking device or equipment fitted to the machine Tradesman in a Box TIB Layout and Fabrication Software for Shop Floor v v v Software for Boilermaking and Sheetmetal Ideal for hand cutting or optical pattern production Loft patterns directly from printout A complete shop layout system in a box drawing and developm
88. te table that can control the Feedrate of the profile machine This is only installed on selected machines contact your software reseller for further information Chapter 3 File Structure 73 Material dat This is a list of materials which can be assigned to a part or program from within FastCAM FastPLOT amp FastNEST This file may be edited by the user to suit their individual needs The file structure is as follows Material Grade Density Cost Plate Prefix Mild Steel ASTM A36 7850 90 A36 Mild Steel ASTM A709 7850 90 709 Stainless 304 8177 2 90 GR304 Stainless 316 8177 2 990 GR316 Each field is separated by a in the file Mild Steel ASTM A36 7850 90 A36 The Cost and Plate Prefix relate to the Fast TRACK program so these fields may be left blank by placing a comma in their place Setup dat Setup dat configures the computer so FastCAM will perform correctly and maintains a list of the programs Defaults There is certain information which can be changed see SETUP DAT later in this chapter Template cam This is the English Template file used when printing in FastCAM FastPLOT or FastNEST NOTE If any of these files listed are deleted or destroyed your software not function properly if at all Chapter 3 File Structure 74 CONTROLLERS amp CONTROL CON FastCAM supports many controllers LINATROL AUTOPATH COMPUPATH
89. the LEFT mouse key The cursor will appear on the graphics screen Move the cursor to a position on the current screen say all the way to the right center of the screen and press the LEFT mouse key This position will become the center of the next screen ENTER CENTER Enter center allows an absolute X Y coordinate to be specified as the center of the next screen Select ENTER CENTER specify the required absolute X Y coordinates press the LEFT mouse key You are then prompted for the scale you wish to display Press the Left Mouse Button to maintain the same scale as before The center of the next screen will be the absolute coordinates entered above ZOOM IN ZOOM IN will enlarge the present screen by a factor entered from the keyboard The default is two times To change the factor enter the desired scale when the box is displayed on the graphics screen This function will always use the current center to zoom in 2 5 5 2 5 6 2 5 7 2 5 8 2 5 9 Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 50 ZOOM OUT ZOOM OUT will reduce the size of the present screen by a factor entered from the keyboard The default is two times To change the factor enter the desired scale when the box is displayed on the graphics screen AUTO SCALE AUTO SCALE automatically scales the drawing to fit on the viewing screen It is used on an initial drawing screen when the objects appear very small or after an INDICATE CORNERS has been used to bring the s
90. the issue in the shortest amount of time AII required files are automatically attached to the email but if there are any other files that may be required they can be added using the Attachments area Email Support User Information Company Contact Name Email Address Details of Problem Subject Please describe your problem a Attach Please attach any files that will help resolving your problem Attachments Details Send Cancel Pressing the Details button allows that email format to be set If your company uses Outlook as its default email application select this option The Other option uses a built in email engine This requires no external application Outlook Express Eudora Lotus Notes are not launched If you do not have an internet connection select the last option The required files will be added to a zip file that can be copied to a floppy and emailed using another computer if required Select you Email client EE Email Client Outlook C Other eg Outlook Express Eudora Lotus Notes Nolnternet connection on this computer Save Folder c A User Information is required to be completed This allows the FastCAM service Department to prioritise issues as they arrive Enter Required Information Chapter 3 File Struc
91. tion Clicking No will clear the prompt and leave you in FastNEST Qor E For further information on using FastPLOT please refer to the FastPLOT section in the FastCAM Reference Manual Chapter 5 FastNEST Automatic Nesting 87 Chapter 5 FastNEST Automatic Nesting 88 Automatic Nesting Start FastNEST Program Adjust Plate Size Adjust FastNEST Parameters Add Part s Array Position Part s Add Another Part s Optimize Plate Utlilzation Resequence Cutting Order Complete Nest Save the Nest Output NC File Verify Numeric Code Download File to Machine Chapter 5 FastNEST Automatic Nesting 89 Chapter 5 Automatic Nesting Step by Step 1 Start FastNEST e From the desktop double click on the FASTNEST icon 2 Adjust Plate Size From the menu click NESTS then select PLATE DATA or click the Change Plate icon on the Toolbar The Plates List window is then displayed e Toward the bottom right hand corner of the Plates List window check to ensure the Length and Width of the rectangular plate are set correctly To change the given value click in the desired field and enter the new information You can also set the desired Material Grade amp Thickness in the same area e Once complete click the EXIT button 3 Adjust FastNEST Parameters e From the menu click NESTS then select NEST PARAMETERS or click th
92. tion Accept Cancel Figure 6a Chapter 6 FastPATH 95 The entry now needs to be configured Select the External Entry tab to set the external entries The value in the position drop down dialog box sets the entry position In this example it is set to Left the lead in would then be as close as possible to the top left position This can be seen in Figure 6b FastPATH Settings EJ Tu Position left Entry Type 71 Length n in Gomer pierce Angle 0 deg Exit Type L th 2 On Off ength o in Angle 0 v deg Set your Lead in and Lead out preferences Description Accept Figure 6b The entry needs to be turned on To do this the entry On Off check box needs to be selected When the entry is turned on the Type length and angle of the entry can then be set Figure 6c shows this Chapter 6 FastPATH 96 Figure 6c The default entry style bisects ands breaks the entity closest to the left of the entry position when left kerf is set If the user prefers a corner pierce simply check the corner pierce box for the entry If the entry type or entry angle is unsuitable for the part the angle and style will be adjusted to ensure proper entry Refer to Figure 6d Chapter 6 FastPATH 97 FastPATH Settings e Position Top left 7 Entry Type Straight Y I7 Length IE in I
93. ture 69 Chapter 3 FASTNEST FILE STRUCTURE FastNEST s Nesting system is located in the following directory C Program Files Fast CAM FASTNEST EXE is the entire program NOTE Depending on your individual installation you may also have two other programs installed FASTCM99 EXE amp FASTPL99 EXE Please refer to the FastCAM Manual for these program references FastNEST FILE EXTENSIONS CAM FastCAM geometry files CAM Files are produced when a File Save is done in FastCAM These files are used in FastCAM FastPLOT and FastNEST They cannot be taken to the controller to be cut PTH FastPATH data files produced when FastPATH is used and the settings are saved TMP FastNEST temporary file containing information regarding File Paths and FastPATH file names FILES WITHOUT AN EXTENSION No extension files are produced when a part program file is generated under GENERATE OUTPUT in OUTPUT menu These files contain Chapter 3 Structure 70 NC language and can be used in the FastPLOT program for verification nesting or can be taken directly to the controller and cut NOTE The extension files may be given an extension by the user e g PRT or Some controllers require a specific extension so please consult your Controller manual for reference See also SETUP File Chapter 3 File Structure 71 FASTCAM DIRECTORY Exploring C Program Files FastCAM
94. uld be set Once the length and angle is as required click back on the body of the part The Tick can then be pressed to set the change If a change is not required the Cross is pressed and all changes are cancelled Re sequencing Internal Cutting Also refer to section 2 1 14 When entries are being moved it is also possible to change the cutting sequence on internal penetrations Pressing the button on the Entries form will enter a mode that allows the internal cutting sequence to be modified To alter the internal cutting sequence simply select the internal profiles in the order in which they should be cut Once all the internal profiles have been selected the new sequence will be set Common Cut This function creates common cut pairs of the same part When the part is turned into a common cut pair only half the quantity will be required Pressing this button will change the mouse pointer to a crosshair Select the line on the part that will form the common pair A kerf value is required This is the radius of the cut On a Burny controller the kerf value is the diameter so in this case half Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 20 the value would be entered This value needs to be confirmed before entering The kerf value will differ for varying thicknesses of material Once the Kerf value is entered the pair will be displayed in the part preview window To enhance the common cut pair select Cut Short Rapids
95. ust accordingly Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 35 2 2 11 PLATE DATA Plates List m MEME Rectangle C Remnant CAM C FastTRACK database Maximum Plates Plate Data allows you to change the Plate Size you are nesting on and also allows you to nest into an irregular shaped plate by selecting a remnant CAM file as the Plate outline Alternatively as an added option all plates can be stored in the FastTRACK Remnant Tracking system If the remnant option is chosen then the mini spreadsheet will become active To select a remnant plate simply click the large plus button in the lower left hand corner and select a plate from the OPEN box You may add several plates at a time if necessary although the first plate in the list will be used first The others will only be used if the first plate is filled NOTE Remnant or CAM file plate outline is an optional feature in FastNEST Fully Automatic only 2 2 12 2 2 13 Chapter 2 FastNEST Overview 36 When using Fast TRACK database a thickness and material type is required Once this is set the spreadsheet will be filled with plates matching the desired type up to the maximum plate quantity This system can be expanded to incorporate Scavenging Nesting allowing immediate optimization and nesting into existing remnant plate INTERACTIVE MODE The Interactive Mode option allows the user to lock the FastNEST system into Interactive Nest
96. ute a more suitable angle INTERNAL ENTRY On Off When the box is checked an internal entry and or exit is turned on If unchecked the entry and or exit is turned off Chapter 6 FastPATH 106 6 5 EXTERNAL ENTRY FastPATH Settings Position Entry Type On Off Length 1 4 in v Corner pierce Angle p deg Exit Type Straight L th n E 7 On Off Angle 0 deg Set your Lead in and Lead out preferences Description Accept 6 5 1 EXTERNAL ENTRY Position The Position box sets the Entry Position This is the place where the programmer would like entries on the part If a part does not have a defined corner for example it is notched in the position that is required the best available place is selected This may not be the programmer s 6 5 2 6 5 3 6 5 4 Chapter 6 FastPATH 107 desired entry position To overcome this always ensure a definite point exists where the entry is required When corner pierce is not selected entries will always be placed in the middle of an entity to the left or right depending on kerf of the selected start position The start position will always be as close as practicable to the position specified considering the entry type The positions available are Top Left Bottom Left Top Right Bottom Right Top and Right EXTERNAL ENTRY Corner Pierce With a tick next to Corner Pier
97. utting of adjacent parts This is a post process function so this option can be selected after nesting if required Chapter 6 FastPATH 116 6 8 Specials FastPATH Settings Such Kef mmen Small Hole Length fo in Tag 71 Maximum Size 0 Feedrate On Off Radius Jo mm Cuts hole of specified Radius at all profile entry positions prior to commencing the part cutting All Pre Pierces will be completed before any profile is cut Description CP Accept 6 8 1 Tag The Tag option allows nested parts to remain attached to the skeleton The tagged parts can be either 6 8 1 1 All fully tagged When this option is set both parts and drops internal cut outs stay attached to the main skeleton by the tag width specified Chapter 6 FastPATH 117 6 8 1 2 Inside Tag Drops internal cut outs remain attached to parts The part is separated from the skeleton 6 8 1 3 Outside Tag Drops internal cut outs are cut from the part The part remains attached to the skeleton The contour to be tagged is selected from the dropdown list The specified tag length is applied to both inside and outside tags 6 8 2 Pre Pierce The Pre Pierce function is used to process a nest by first pre piercing all entries and then returning to those entries using them as an edge start This has the benefit of a better quality cut An old or wo
98. v Angle 0 deg Exit Type z Length l 5 On Off D Angle 0 deg Set your Lead in and Lead out preferences Description Accept Figure 6d If an exit is required the on off check box is checked This turns on the exit parameters These parameters configured to suit length type and angle Once the external entry is set the internal entry needs to be configured Selecting the Internal Entry tab the user is able to quickly set the entry and exit settings to be the same as the external entries This can be done by selecting Internal same as external The center pierce value should be set to the same size as the entry lengths Once this is done the settings can be accepted and saved FastPATH is now ready for use Refer to Figure 6e for exit parameters Chapter 6 FastPATH 98 On Off Figure 6e The settings can now be accepted by pressing the Accept button The FastPATH menu will then be presented and the current settings can be saved or pressing the Start FastPATH menu option will start FastP ATH Chapter 6 FastPATH 99 FastPA TH Settings Reference 6 3 PROCESS FasIPATH Setlings Specials Stitchz Kef _ Internal Entry Process Selected processes Side Available processes Loft inside PUNCH Left Reset Apply processes z Select processes inthe order required Chonge kert and f JAcross whole nest side b
99. value specifies the smallest dimension below which no tabbing will be done Tab Width The size of the tab un cut distance Number of Tabs Total number of tabs required around the entire countour Chapter 6 FastPATH 122 Appendix A Keypad Reference 123 APPENDIX A Reference Sheet for Enhanced Kevpad Functions Show CAD Layers Control Points Zoom Out Smaller Zoom In Larger Pan Up Down View Repeat Left Refresh the screen Right Diagonal Pan amp Zoom Speed Toggle Appendix B Toolbar Definitions 124 APPENDIX B THE TOOLBAR The following is a list of definitions for the Toolbar used in FastNEST ni NEW NEST OPEN NEST SAVE NEST REMOVE PART PARTS LIST CutList A PAUSE NESTING START NESTING RESUME NESTING 11 RESEQUENCE Appendix B Toolbar Definitions 125 t OUTPUT g PLOT NEST e MOVE LEFT H MOVE DOWN E MOVE RIGHT 31 MOVE UP nun SHOW EXACT DISTANCE Q ROTATE 90 DEGREES 8 ALIGN AND CENTER 2 PART EDGES 78 SET TORCHES CHANGE PLATE PLATE Appendix B Toolbar Definitions 126 yl WINDOWS EXPLORER VIEW INDICATE CORNERS 152 VIEW AUTOSCALE OOPS INPUT OUTPUT FILE TYPES 127 Appendix C FastNEST Default Template Appendix D FastNEST Ex
100. y clicking on the item C Part by part Description Accept Cancel 6 3 1 PROCESS _ Selected Processes All listed processes will be recognized and used if possible with the currently loaded profile To select a process that is currently listed in the Available Processes column a user can either double click on the process or select it and press the large arrow to the left of the Available Processes column If more than one process is required and it is not a specially defined process the entity ies that are to be cut marked with this process need to be on a separate layer For example if a part is to be cut with a 6 3 2 6 3 3 Chapter 6 FastPATH 100 PLASMA process and marked using a MARKING process the entities defining each path must be on a different layer Refer to 2 11 Cad Layers for more information The layer for each process excluding the final process needs to be defined All processes that are selected will be mapped to a defined layer if the process and corresponding layer are configured The reset button is used to remove all currently Selected Processes and place them back in the Available Column for reselection PROCESS Kerf By double clicking in this area the kerf can be set for the specified process The kerf can be set to LEFT RIGHT or NONE depending on operator preferences The cutting direction is adjusted to suit the kerf PROCESS Side When the value in this column is

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