AutoNest

AutoNest is a schedule-based, automatic, rectangular nesting routine designed to maximize material usage and reduce machine setup time. It is a cost-effective way for fabricators to meet JIT manufacturing requirements.

AutoNest Features
Meet JIT Requirements. Fabricators set up a manufacturing schedule by adding parts to a "part-queue." These parts may be programmed for cutting machine operations or for punching with fixed or rotating tools. Parts to be separated by punching or cutting are automatically allocated sufficient web allowance, while parts to be separated by Right Angle Shear (RAS) are placed to accommodate shear growth.

Maximize Material
AutoNest reads the part-queue and establishes nesting candidates by considering material, material gauge, grain restrictions, intended production machine, and tooling requirements. After determining these candidates, AutoNest searches for interactively created sub-nests that contain only these parts. Whenever possible, AutoNest will use these sub-nests instead of the individual parts in order to maximize material usage while satisfying production quantity requirements.

Flexible Programming
Alternately, AutoNest can be used to program a RAS for blanking by loading the input list with rectangle sizes and quantities.

Automatically Nest Parts
From this list of parts and sub-nests, AutoNest evaluates eighteen different nest layouts in terms of production requirements and material usage. When the "best" nest is found, AutoNest passes control to the SMP/IS Multiples routine, where the tool path is optimized, workholder interference checked, and repositions performed.

Handles Right Angle Shear Applications
For RAS applications, the hits are automatically calculated. Then, the post-processed NC data is produced, and the destination codes are checked so that each part can be sent to the proper bin by the unloader.

Generates Operation Sheet
Finally, the SMP/IS program generates an operation sheet for the nest that includes a listing of the parts and their quantities, and the number of duplicate sheets to be produced. Control then passes back to AutoNest, where the part-queue is updated and the nesting process is resumed. When all parts in the queue are exhausted, or the minimum utilization levels cannot be met, AutoNest terminates and outputs a summary report of the parts produced.