TurboNest 2 Manual

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Job Menu .............................................................................................................................................................. 34Nest Menu............................................................................................................................................................. 34Part Menu ............................................................................................................................................................. 35Help Menu............................................................................................................................................................. 36

Toolbars Reference ..................................................................................................................................... 36Customizing TurboNest Desktop ................................................................................................................ 40Chapter 7: TurboNest Settings References ........................................................................................... 43Chapter 8: AutoNesting ........................................................................................................................... 44Start AutoNest... (Yellow Icon) .................................................................................................................... 44AutoNest Settings ....................................................................................................................................... 44

How should TurboNest create new nests?............................................................................................................ 44Use a custom plate ..................................................................................................................................... 44Torch settings .............................................................................................................................................. 45Start AutoNest (Green Icon)........................................................................................................................ 46Part Properties (for all selected parts) ........................................................................................................ 46Part Properties (for one selected part) ........................................................................................................ 46

Part Properties (for one part in the Part List) .............................................................................................. 47 Chapter 9: Process Parameters .............................................................................................................. 48Default Process Parameters ....................................................................................................................... 48

Process Parameters XLS Table ............................................................................................................................ 48Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................................... 50Chapter 10: XLS Table Overview ............................................................................................................ 51XLS Table Types ......................................................................................................................................... 51

Using XLS Tables ................................................................................................................................................. 51General XLS Table Format ................................................................................................................................... 52Using Wildcards .................................................................................................................................................... 53

Chapter 11: Pipe Settings and Fitting Descriptions ............................................................................. 55Pipe Settings ............................................................................................................................................... 55Fitting Descriptions ...................................................................................................................................... 57

Offset Cone ........................................................................................................................................................... 57Reducing Elbow .................................................................................................................................................... 59ID_OD Ellipse ....................................................................................................................................................... 61Ellipse in Rectangle .............................................................................................................................................. 62Flange ................................................................................................................................................................... 63

Angled Pipe........................................................................................................................................................... 64Straight Pipe ......................................................................................................................................................... 65Offset Pipe ............................................................................................................................................................ 66Rectangle to Round .............................................................................................................................................. 68Segmented Elbow ................................................................................................................................................. 70Tee Into Partial Pipe ............................................................................................................................................. 72Y-Joint ................................................................................................................................................................... 73Trapezoid to Round .............................................................................................................................................. 75


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Chapter 1: Introduction to TurboNest 2.0

IntroductionThe TurboNest Nesting System is MTC Softwares introductory nesting softwaresolution. It reflects our commitment to software solutions that are not only powerful, buteasy to learn and use. TurboNest Nesting Software may quickly be downloaded andauthorized via the internet, and the intuitive interface allows even the most inexperienceduser to navigate the software with ease. Operational readiness is typically reached withina couple of hours, a fraction of what it takes using our competitors software.

Deceptively simple, TurboNest Nesting Software has the capability to easily managebasic and intermediate conventional plasma and oxyfuel applications and some plasma-laser/punch combination applications. In short, TurboNest Nesting Software is PowerMade Simple!.


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Chapter 2: Quick Start Procedures

For installation information or a quick start tutorial, please refer to the TurboNest 2Installation and Quick Start Guide. This information is also presented in online help.

The Installation and Quick Start Guide can be found in the installation folder:

TurboNest 2\Program\Help\Installation and Quick Start Guide.pdf


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Chapter 3: Preferences

For information concerning TurboNest preferences, please refer to online help. To accessonline help, press F1 on the main screen.


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Chapter 4: TurboNest Basics

Multiple TorchesIf the cutting machine has multiple torches of one process, the torch settings featureallows TurboNest to take advantage of this. In Torches, under Settings, set Number ofTorches to match what the machine has.

Open the Torch Settings combo box under the part list and select 2 for number of torchesto be used on this plate. Set the torch spacing field to 0, then click on OK. Drag a partover to the plate. There should be two parts on the plate now, the master being thedarker color and the slave being the lighter. The spacing between correspondinglocations on the 2 parts is determined by the width of the plate divided by the number oftorches. This can be modified by assigning a value for torch spacing.

As an option, MTC provides a variable multi-torch feature which can adjust both the

number of torches and the spacing used automatically based on the size of the part beingnested.

Even without the variable torch option, TurboNest allows the user to manually modify thetorch spacing and number of torches as different parts are nested. When the nest isoutput to the machine, a stop code and comments are included that tell the operator whattorch settings to use, allowing him to set up the machine properly.

Move Lead In/Out LocationsIn addition to being able to move lead in/out locations in the Preview window while youare building your parts list, you can also move them in the main nesting window.

To enter move leads mode, click on the Move Leads Modeicon in your toolbar or selectthe Move Leads Modefrom the Editmenu.

To move the lead in/out for an interior or exterior profile of a part, simply click on thedesired new location and the lead in/out will be automatically moved there. TurboNestwill change the style (according to your settings) when you move from a side location to acorner or from a corner to a side.

If you need to zoom in on a profile to select the location properly, it is usually best to usedynamic zooming. Just move the mouse cursor over the desired area and use the pageup and down keys. Dynamic zooming will not cancel Move Leads Mode.

To return to normal Select Mode, you can click the Rightmouse button, or click on theSelect Modeicon in your toolbar.

Note: Since moving leads will cause TurboNest to generate a new cut sequence, it isbest to move leads prior to setting a cut sequence.

Cut SequenceWhen you nest parts in TurboNest, either manually or automatically, the programgenerates a cutting sequence for those parts based on your current settings. After yournesting is complete, you can interactively change the cut sequence if desired. Click onthe Cut SequenceIcon in your toolbar, or select the Cut Sequence item from the NestMenu; TurboNest will display the Cut Sequence Toolbar. This tool bar has special tools


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to help you change the cut sequence. Normally it appears as a floating toolbar on yourworkspace area, but like all other toolbars, it can be docked. The current cut sequencefor each part on your nest will be displayed. You can now use the mouse to select partsand toggle them between sequenced and unsequenced mode by simply clicking on them.When a part is unsequenced, it will not have a sequence number displayed near the startpoint of the exterior profile and it will be drawn in the unsequenced color.

The cutting sequence determines the order in which individual parts on a nest will be cut.TurboNest automatically calculates a sequence based on the current cut sequencesettings. You can use the Cut Sequence toolbar to edit that sequence, or to define theentire sequence manually.

When the Cut Sequence toolbar is displayed, the cutting sequence is shown on the parts.A pop up window also appears allowing the user to modify the cut sequence. Afterselecting one of the icons, follow the prompts at the bottom of the taskbar to alter the cutsequencing.

View Cut Sequence Shows the order in which the parts will be cut.

Insert UnsequencedParts Before

This allows you to move or insert the unsequenced part orparts into the cut sequence before an already sequencedpart.

Append UnsequencedParts to the End

Appends the unsequenced parts to the end of the cuttingsequence.

Clear Cut SequenceFrom

Clears the cut sequence from a selected part to the end ofthe cutting sequence

Clear Cut Sequence Clears the entire cut sequence for the current nest.

Close Closes the cut sequence window and exits cut sequencemode.

Modifying the Cut Sequence

To change the sequence of a few parts on the nest, just click on each of those parts tounsequence them, and then click on those parts again to sequence them in the neworder.


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To place a part or group of parts in a specific spot in the cut sequence, select (andtherefore unsequence) those parts in the desired order. Click the Insert UnsequencedParts Before icon on the Cut Sequence Toolbar, and then click on the sequenced partthe selected parts should immediately precede. The sequence numbers of all parts willbe adjusted to show the new order.

To move a part or group of parts to the end of the cut sequence, select (and thereforeunsequence) those parts in the desired order. Then Click the Append Unsequenced

Parts to Endicon and those parts will be shifted to the end of the cutting sequence.

Set Cut Sequence

To explicitly set the cut sequence for all of the parts in the nest, you should first click onthe Clear Cut Sequence icon to unsequence all of the parts. You can also click on theClear Cut Sequence From icon to clear the sequence for all parts starting with the partyou click on next. Then simply click on the parts in the new order to sequence them.

Exit Cut Sequence Mode

To exit from Cut Sequence mode, click on the Close button on the Cut Sequencetoolbar. TurboNest will automatically sequence any remaining unsequenced parts foryou.

Cut SimulationTurboNest gives users the opportunity to view the path the machine takes as it performsits operations. By clicking on Cut Simulationfrom View or the cut simulation icon, theCut Simulation tool bar will appear. After clicking on Play, an animated torch will appearon the plate, and will simulate the machine path used for the current nest. The speed ofthe torch can be increased or decreased.

When the Cut Simulation toolbar is displayed, the machine path is simulated on the plate.A pop up window appears allowing the user to start, pause, stop and change the speedof the simulation.


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Play Begin the cut simulation process.

Pause Pauses the cut simulation process.

Stop Stops the cut simulation.

Speed Determines the speed of the cut simulation.

Close Closes the cut simulation window and exits cut simulation

mode.

Cropping the PlateIn TurboNest, cropping is used to cut a usable portion of the plate away from the skeletoncreated by cutting out the parts. When a crop is defined for a nest, the default sequencewould place the crop at the end of the CNC file. This may be overridden by modifyingyour cut sequence rules.

AutoCrop

The Autocrop option (under the nest menu) will add a cropping cut beyond the nested

parts. TurboNest uses the settings on the Settings | Croppage to determine the bestremnant that may be generated from the current nest.

Checking the Cropsettings box for Step 1: Find the best vertical crop will result in astraight crop cut from the top to the bottom of the plate. The remnant plate created canthen be easily used in TurboNest by entering it as a custom plate size.

Interactive Cropping

Interactive cropping allows you to create the path for the cropping cut by defining a seriesof linear motions.

To interactively crop a nest, click on the Crop Mode icon on your toolbar, or select theCropitem from the Nestmenu.

Once in crop mode, a cross-hair cursor will be drawn across the plate. Start your crop byclicking below (or above) the plate edge. TurboNest will automatically start the cut at theplate edge for you. You can then simply click on a series of points to define the cut path.Finish the crop by clicking above (or below) the opposite plate edge for the last cropmotion. You can complete a crop at the right or left edge of the plate if desired.

An alternative to the single click method for defining the crop is to click down with themouse button, drag out a line and then release the mouse button. This method allowsyou to see where each section of the crop cut will be before you release the mousebutton. You can also hold the shift key down while using this method; this causes theresulting crop line to "snap to" the nearest horizontal, vertical or 45 degree line.

While in the process of defining a crop, you may delete the most recently added croppoint by pressing the Backspace key. Repeatedly pressing the Backspace key willerase all of the crop points in the active crop so that you may choose a new startinglocation for the crop.

To exit crop mode, click the right mouse button. TurboNest will automatically trim orextend the last crop line to the plate edge.

Delete Crop

To delete an existing crop for a nest, select the Delete Cropitem from the Nestmenu.


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Measure ModeMeasure mode is used to measure distances on your nest using the mouse cursor. Forexample, you could use this to check part separation or a dimension on a part. Theaccuracy of the measurement is limited by the distance represented by one pixel on thescreen, and by how accurately you select the measurement points.

To enter measure mode, click on the Measure Mode icon on your toolbar, or select theMeasure Mode item from the Edit menu. While in measure mode, TurboNest willdisplay cross-hairs across the desktop area and the mouse cursor will change to ameasuring tape.

Once in measure mode, you can make a measurement by clicking down with the leftmouse button, dragging out a line, and releasing the mouse button. The cursor willautomatically snap to the edges of nested parts to make measuring from a part edgemore exact. The results will be displayed in the status bar. For each measurement, thedistance (with the known accuracy), the DX (delta, or change in X) and the DY (delta, orchange in Y) are displayed. You can also hold the shift key down while using thismethod; this causes the resulting measurement line to snap to the nearest horizontal,vertical, or 45 degree line.

To exit from measure mode and return to normal Select Mode, you can click the Rightmouse button, or click on the Select Modeicon in your toolbar.

Note: It is often helpful to zoom in on the area being measured.

Advance to a New PlateWhen the current plate is full and there are additional parts to be nested, click on the NewNest icon (or select New Nest from the nest menu). A new plate can be selected andnesting can be continued.

CNC OutputAfter you have completed nesting your job, you will want to create the CNC files for eachnest. These CNC files contain the instructions for your cutting machine to cut out theentire nest, and the cropping cut, if one is defined.

To create the CNC files for the job, click on the Output CNC icon on your toolbar orselect the Output CNCitem from the Filemenu.


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When the Output CNC dialog box appears you can navigate to the desired folder towhich the files should be written. The filename will default to the file name used whenyou saved your job, or Untitled if you have not yet saved it. You can change thisfilename if desired. Likewise, the filename will end with your default CNC extension fromyour settings. This too, can be changed. Click on Save to create the CNC files.

If you have more than one nest, and are using a default CNC extension, TurboNest willappend a number to the filename. For example, if you have two nests and you entered

TEST.CNC as the filename, TurboNest would create two nests named TEST01.CNC andTEST02.CNC.

If the option to Use Long Filenames is not checked in the CNC outputsection of yoursettings, TurboNest will first truncate the filename so that the resulting name is not longerthan eight characters.

If existing files will be overwritten and you have asked to be warned about overwritingCNC files in your Preferences (Miscellaneous), TurboNest will display a warning dialogbox. Click on OK to replace the existing files, or Cancel to exit without writing any CNCfiles.

Saving A Job/Opening A JobWhen the nesting is done, the entire job can be saved by either clicking on the Save Jobicon or selecting Save Job under the File menu. When the Save Job As dialogappears, the desired folder to which the .NIF file is written can be selected. All aspects ofthe nest including part geometry, plate information, and settings are saved. This file canbe opened at any time by clicking on the Open Job icon or selecting Open Job from theFile menu. This restores the job as it was saved, should it need to be changed. At thistime, the nest(s) can be modified in any way or the entire job can be unnested andrenested in a different manner.

Custom Remnants

A custom remnant is a partial plate of material available in inventory. Custom remnantscan be created in both the New Nest and Autonest setup screens. In each of thesescreens you have the Remnant option when selecting the custom plate drop-down menu.

ReportsTurboNest can produce a variety of reports to assist your cutting machine operator and toprovide you with detailed information about production times and costs for your parts andthe complete job.

To view a report, select the Reports item from the File menu, a sub-menu with eachreport will be displayed. Simply click on the preview icon to the left of the desired report

to preview it on your screen.

When the report preview window appears, you can use the icons in the toolbar to vieweach page, change your printer (or its properties), and of course, print the report.


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Nest Plot This report shows an image of each nest, the platesize and material information and the cuttingsequence number for each part.

Single-Head NestDetail

This report shows an image of each nest, the platesize and material information, and the cuttingsequence number for each part. A list of the nestedparts in cut sequence order is also displayed.

Single Head NestSequence

This report shows an image of each nest, the platesize and material information, and the cutting

sequence number for each part. A list of the nestedparts in cut sequence order is also displayed.

Multi-Head Nest Detail This report shows an image of each nest, the platesize and material information, and the cuttingsequence number for each part. A list of the nestedparts in cut sequence order showing the number oftorches used and the torch spacing for each part isalso displayed.

Job Summary This report provides summaries of the utilizations,plates, and production cost information for each ofthe nexts in the job.

Part Detail Provides dimensions; material, weight, quantities,

and additional information along with a part picture.

Part Summary Provides similar information to the Part Detail report,but without the part picture.

HVAC Label(A5164) Will print labels for HVAC on Avery 5164 labels.

Automatic Nesting (Optional Feature)

Rectangular vs True Shape Automatic Nesting

Automatic nesting can be performed in two different styles, depending on the optionschosen when TurboNest was purchased. Rectangular nesting (often called Block


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nesting) places an imaginary rectangular border around each part. The parts are thenplaced on the plate in such a way that no part infringes inside the rectangular border ofanother. True Shape nesting allows parts to be placed on the plate based on their actualshape, not a rectangular border. This allows parts to be interlocked or placed insideprofiles of other parts. Since, in general, both styles follow the same procedures andrules, we will concentrate on True Shape nesting.

Factors Which Influence Nesting

After developing a list of parts and plates (as discussed earlier in this chapter), ratherthan manually placing parts, click on the Start Autonest icon. If the parts are defined tomatch the plate material, they will automatically be placed on the plate, starting from thecorner specified as the Init Point (defined in the General Settings).

Autonest, under Settings, is a Strategycombo box- the strategy chosen will dictate theway TurboNest places the parts on the plate. Each strategy may give different results andtake varying amounts of time, based on its complexity. Once the parts are nested, theplate(s) can be unnested and another strategy can be selected, if desired.

An important aspect of autonesting (as mentioned earlier) is the separations between

other parts, the edge of the plate, and the pierces (blow-through points). These can beset as defaults (Settings => Machine => Plasma, Gas, Laser, etc- (Choose theappropriate process) => Process Parameters) or based on individual material records inconjunction with the appropriate Process Parameter database record (discussedelsewhere in this manual).

Clicking on the + by the Importing Parts section under Settings, then Nesting revealsparameters which affect the rotation angles TurboNest tries before placing the parts onthe plate and the order (Priority) they are added. These are discussed in Chapter 3.

It is important to know that TurboNest normally will nest the largest part first, until eitherthe quantity is exhausted or no more can be fit on the plate. Then it will try the nextlargest part and so on. The priority allows the user to dictate which part should be nested

first. The lower the number, the sooner it will be nested. These values are applied to allparts but TurboNest allows the user to modify individual parts by changing the part recordfield on the Add Parts screen under the Part List bar. The part bin is ordered by size(largest part on top). If the priority is changed, the order the parts appear in the part binchanges also.

Multiple Torches

As in interactive nesting, multiple torches can be used. Set the Number of Torches in theTorches section in Settings to the maximum number of torches (of the same process)used by the cutting machine. If the optional variable multi-torching features are used,TurboNest will not only vary the spacing between parts but also change the number oftorches used, based on the space available.

If fixed number of torches and spacing is used and the parts are too large to fit on theplate, a Not all parts were nested message will be displayed. Change the number oftorches and try again. This message also occurs if there are parts remaining and allplates are full. Click on OK, then the New Nest icon and select a new plate or addanother plate from the Add Plates icon.

Using Both Automatic and Interactive Nesting

A very useful feature of TurboNest is the ability to utilize both automatic and interactivenesting on the same job. Place a few parts on the plate manually in the manner desiredthen click on the Start Autonest icon to complete the plate. Likewise, autonesting can be


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used first followed by manual rearranging of parts to enhance the utilization of the plate.The autonest function can be stopped at any time by clicking on the Stop Autonest icon.

Once the parts are nested, the features discussed earlier in the Interactive Nestingsection are all available to the user. Parts can be moved, rotated, duplicated, or mirrored.The cut direction can be changed on individual parts. The plate can be cropped and thecutting sequence, which is automatically developed by TurboNest, can be modified.When all modifications have been made, the nest can be saved and/or output as a CNC

file.

Advanced EditWhen a part in the Part List is highlighted in the Add Parts window, the Advanced Editicon becomes visible on the Preview screen. This program allows the user to makesignificant changes to the selected part. Advanced Edit allows the selection of points,entities, or profiles. If the entire profile highlights when selected with the left mouse key,Advanced Edit is in profile mode. If editing entities or points is desired, click on SelectProfiles under the Edit menu to disable profile mode. Likewise, if only individual entitiesare being highlighted, click on Select Profiles to activate profile mode. The current modeis displayed on the bottom of the screen.

Point Mode

Point or Entity selection mode is determined by which is selected first. If you left click ona part entity within the selection tolerance of an intersection point, you will enter Pointmode and the intersection point will become selected. If you click on a part entity outsideof the selection tolerance of an intersection point, you will enter Entity mode and theentity you left clicked on will become selected.

When in Point mode, left click on a point (one of the dots on the profile). To the right ofthe part display, an Intersection Point Properties box appears giving the Coordinates(Xand Y distance from the origin, signified by the + on the part display) and Properties,which allow the addition of loops. Looping is a method to ensure a sharp corner on a part.The torch passes straight through and beyond the corner, then loops around to enter thecorner again at a zero degree angle relative to the next line to be cut. This preventsrounding of the corner but, since it adds to the profile, also takes up more material whennested. The scale controls the size of the loop and the remaining parameters refer toCNC output and may or may not be applicable to the cutting machine.

Right clicking on a point allows the user to make it a Start Point or choose Quick Loop,using whatever loop values were previously used in this session of Advanced Edit. WhenMake Start Point is selected, the default leads from TurboNest are used in conjunctionwith the style already used for the part. In other words, if moving the leads from corner tocorner, the style and dimension will not change. If the leads are moved from corner toside (or vice versa), the leads will be set to the TurboNest default values.

Right clicking on an existing lead allows it to be deleted by clicking on Delete LILOorflipped (either from outside the profile to inside or vice versa) by clicking on Flip LILO.However, if the leads appear on the wrong side of the profile, there are most likelyproblems with the drawing that should be explored. MTC Technical Support will be happyto explain some possible reasons and solutions should this occur.

Entity Mode

Selecting an entity (line or arc) with the left mouse key opens the Entity Properties box tothe right of the part display. This provides pertinent information about the entity such asstart, end, and center point (if applicable) coordinates, length or radius, and outputparameters.


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Right clicking on an entity allows the user to Deletethe entity, make the point where heclicked the start point (Make Start Point), or split the entity at the point he clicked (SplitEntity). Tabs can also be added at the point of the mouse click. Selecting Add Tabopens the Tab Properties box on the right of the part display screen. A tab is a bridge orstitch cut that leaves the part still connected to the plate. At the spot of the tab, the torchwill shut off, move to the end of the tab or the leadin to the tab, then begin cutting again.The properties allow definition of the leadin (if desired), the length of the tab, and CNCoutput values. After adding the tab, left click to select another entity, then right click to

select Quick Tab. This will create a duplicate tab at the new location.

Profile Mode

If the user has been modifying points and entities and now wants to change features of aprofile, he would need to choose Select Profiles from the Edit Menu. A left click on aprofile opens the Profile Properties box, allowing the user to change the cut process, thekerf offset direction, the cut direction, and the cut sequence number location.

Right clicking on a profile allows the user to Deleteit.

Additional Utilities of Advanced EditFile Menu

When all changes are made to the part, the following options may be useful:

Update saves and carries over the part changes into TurboNest upon exiting AdvancedEdit. The changes can also be saved when the x in the upper right corner is clicked.

Reload restores the part to the last saved condition (either the way the part was originallybrought in or the way it was after Updating), eliminating any changes made.

Print allows the part and its properties to be printed

Edit Menu

In addition to those discussed earlier, the Edit menu allows other helpful routines:

Select All allows mass editing of multiple points, entities, or profiles. For example, if alead was selected anywhere on the part and Select All was clicked, all the leads would behighlighted and could be modified by changing the properties as we did with a singlelead. When applied, all the leads should change.

Unselect All will unselect everything, as will clicking off the part.

Delete will remove the selected entity or profile.

Select Mode allows you to select points or entities to be modified.

Select Profiles allows whole profiles to be selected, allowing them to be edited.

Measure the distance between two points by clicking on the measure icon or menu item.Move the crosshairs to one spot, click and hold the left key, dragging the mouse to thenext spot. Release the mouse key and the information will be displayed on the status barat the bottom of the screen.

Default Tab Settings allows the user to set up the tab properties that will be used inQuick Tabmode.


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Default Loops Settingsallows the user to set up the loop properties that will be used inQuick Loopmode.

Additional Selection Techniques

In addition to the selection method we used to pick points, entities, and profiles,Advanced Edit provides a couple other tools.

Area Select(not listed in the Edit menu) fine tunes the Select All function by allowing theuser to open a window around the items he wants to select. This works in an identicalmanner to TurboNest- right click then drag the mouse from left to right, opening a windowaround a given area. If a point is selected, all points falling within this window will alsobecome selected. Likewise, if an entity is selected prior to opening a window, all entitiescompletely inside the area will be selected. The same holds true for profiles. When theArea Select window is opened from right to left, the entity or profile only needs to bepartially in the box to be selected.

Using the Ctrl Key Multiple (but similar) items can also be selected by holding the Ctrlkey while selecting. All the items that are clicked will be selected.

Using the Shift Key Multiple (but similar) items can also be selected by holding the Shiftkey while selecting. If an item is selected and an item on the other side of the part isclicked with the Shift key, not only the two items will be highlighted but all similar items inbetween.

View Menu

Toolbarsmay be selected for display and customized.

Properties Toolbar will either display the various properties toolbars to the right of thepart display or not.

The following are some useful features found in the View menu that aid in verifying

whether or not the part is ready to nest.

Zoom features are identical to those found in TurboNest and were discussed earlier inthis chapter.

Index traces the path of the torch as it rapid travels (torch off motions) from profile toprofile.

Cut Sequenceassigns a number for each profile in the order the part will be cut.

Cut Direction displays arrows pointing the direction the torch will travel around eachprofile.

Intersection Pointsshow the start and end points of each entity.

Start Points displays the start point of each profile.

Open Profiles, when selected, displays diamonds at points where TurboNest findsproblems in the cad drawing.

Display Only shows any information that is on a cad drawing layer that matches theTurboNest Plot layer name. Part names, heat #s, dimensions, and other items of interestcan be displayed if selected.


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Part Menu

Cut Sequence allows the user to change the order that profiles are cut simply by clickingon the profiles in the order he wants.

Close Open Profiles allows the user to close a gap in the profile (Note- This is notdesigned to correct other types of open profiles like overlapping entities or improperlytrimmed intersections). Open profiles are indicated between two diamonds.

Part Cut Up is an option where TurboNest will allow the user to cut parts into smallerpieces and place them at different locations on the same plate or even a different plate.

Cut Simulationallows the user to view a simulation of the geometry of the current partas it would be cut at the cutting machine.

Scale, when selected will change the dimensions of the entire part by a factor defined bythe user. After clicking on Scale, a crosshair appears. Click and drag the mouse (whereor how far the mouse is moved makes no difference) and a Scale window appears. Entera percentage value for the scale (200 will double the size, 50 will cut it in half), then clickon OK. The display will not appear different but measuring (Measure from the Toolsmenu) will indicate the difference.

Entity Menu

Flip Leads will move the LI/LO from the interior portion of the profile to the exteriorportion, and vice versa, while maintaining the properties previously assigned.

Modify Leads allows the user to change the starting point of the parts lead-in and lead-out; the new start point will assume the original start point properties if the start point ismoved into a similar situation, i.e. corner to corner or side to side. Otherwise, theappropriate leads will be applied from settings.

Modify Loops will allow the user to quickly enter loops using the default settings.

Modify Tabs allows the user to add tabs to selected entities using the default settings.

Saving ChangesWhen finished with Advanced Edit, Click on the X to close or select File Exit. A screenappears which allows the user to either save the changes for this part or to update thoseparts already nested.


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PropertiesThe following properties can be modified at the properties window (under Preview)depending on whether a part is selected in the explorer view or the part list. See Chapter7 for a complete description of the settings. The following chart briefly explains whateach category contains.

Nesting Section

Can be either a parthighlighted in theexplorer view or part list

Properties such as Quantity, Material, Priority, InitialRotation, Rotation Restriction, and Reference can bechanged. Note that the Reference is simply a field thatcan accept alpha/numeric data for your reference. Thisreference can be a customer name, a P.O. number, etc.This is displayed in the reports as well.

CAD Import

CAD Import

Part Must be highlightedin the explorer view.

General identifies the file type, file units, and tolerance.

CAD Layers - All of your cutting, scribing and punchingprocesses must be on individual layers in your CADdrawing for TurboNest to extract them. TurboNest

searches the CAD drawing for the layer names specified.When it finds a match, it extracts the information andassigns it to the appropriate process.

Cut Sequence settings allow the user to specify the cutsequence method for interior profiles within each part, aswell as specifying settings associated with the particularcut sequence method chosen.

Options include but arent limited to selecting an origincorner, reversing the cut direction, exploding multiple partsand using pre-drawn leads.

Leads

Either View

All of the lead-in/out information can be viewed and/ormodified. See Chapter 7 for a complete description of

each of these settings.

Utilization and Costing

Part must be highlightedin part list.

Displays information such as width, height, cut length,area, and weight of the selected part. If additional costinformation is available, time and cost to produce the partwill be calculated.

Once added to the part list, a part(s) may be deleted by selecting it (them) and clicking onthe remove part icon.

After entering all of the part files for the current job, close the Part List window byselecting the Close item from theFile menu, click on the X in the upper-right corner ofthe window, or click on Return To Nesting. You will be returned to the main screen ofTurboNest.

The parts now appear in the part bar located at the left of the main TurboNest window.


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Chapter 5: TurboNest Options

VSP (Variable Shape Part)The variable shape definition feature allows you to easily define the geometry forcommon shapes just by entering a few dimensions. The context sensitive referencedimensions and input hints lead you through each step of the process. In seconds youhave complete part geometry ready to nest.

The Variable Shape Program portion of TurboNest displays a list of standard part shapesfor selection with a part reference view for the currently selected shape. It will alsodisplay the part reference screen with a table of shape input values for part definition.

Add VSP Part to Current Nest

To add a VSP part to the current nest, click on Edit Part Listfrom Job, or the Edit Part

List icon. Clicking on the VSP tab will display a window with a list of VSP parts providedwith TurboNest, as shown in the window that follows.

A VSP part can be selected by either highlighting the part desired and clicking on AddPart, or by double clicking on the part.


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Define Part

The above window appears after clicking on Add Part. This is where the required partinformation is to be entered. The Input Value Table contains all of the dimension valuesbeing defined in the left side column, with the input value editable fields in the column onthe right side of the table. The values displayed have been edited to differ from the

default values. As each value is selected, the reference window at the top right of thescreen shows the dimension that is currently being defined and a descriptive promptappears on the bottom of the screen. As the part is edited the preview window isupdated. Any errors will be displayed and the preview will vanish.

Define Cut Process

After the part is set to the desired specifications, you may click on the Cut Process buttonto select the type of cutting to be done on this part. A pop up window appears allowingthe cut process for the interior and exterior profiles to be determined, which is very usefulfor multi-process machines such as those utilizing plasma and hi-def plasma.


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Part Name

The part name can remain unchanged, or TurboNest will allow the VSP part to be re-named. Selecting OK will put the VSP part into the part list.

Define Interior Profile

VSP will allow interior profiles to be added to the VSP part in current view. From theShape Reference windows, select Add Cut Out. A pop up window appears to allow theselection of the interior profile and the position of its start point.

The part list provided is the standard list of VSP parts. Highlight the desired part, and setthe initial start point of the interior profile in the pull down box. In this case, we havechosen, Circle and Top, respectively. Click on OK to return to the shape referencewindow.

With the interior profile now visible, set the editable values in the same manner as theoriginal part. Notice the part preview window reflects any changes that are made.


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More than one interior profile may be entered in the same manner. The arrows in the topright corner of the screen will move you through the different profiles available for editing.In the example displayed below, Circle was the first interior profile added, with Sheavebeing the second. The values for both files were modified.


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When the preview window displays the part you wish to create, click on OK. The AddParts window will appear with the new part being previewed. When the properties for thispart have been determined, and the quantity to be added to the current nest has beenset, click on OKto return to the Variable Shape Parts window. At this point, you can addadditional VSP parts.

Delete VSP part from Part List

Any defined VSP part being added to the nest will be listed in the Add Parts list. Toremove a part from this list, right-click on the part(s), then click Remove Part. The part(s)will no longer be added to the current nest. As with CAD files, clicking on the removepart icon will also remove selected VSP parts.

PipeThe Pipe parametric library for TurboNest is designed to automatically generate CNC flat-plate developments for fabricated, welded, cylindrical pipe joints and transitions used inBlowpipe applications. By simply entering dimensions into the fill-in-the-blanks style formwith context-sensitive reference dimensions and input hints, even an inexperienced user

can develop complex fittings in only seconds.

The rigorous mathematical approach used by Pipe, combined with features like materialthickness compensation, automatic part splitting, curve smoothing and line-to-arcconversion yield unsurpassed part fit-up, reducing both fabrication and finishing time.Optional forming and alignment marks can also be added to assist in down-streammanufacturing operations.

Each fitting is designed with flexibility in mind and includes powerful features like offsets,tilts, extensions and laps. Cylindrical, conical, rectangular and boot (take-off) tees can beadded to Pipes, Cones, and the Angled Pipe.

Add Pipe Part to Current Nest

To add a Pipe part to the current nest, click on Edit/Part Listfrom File. Clicking on thePipe icon displays a window with a list of Pipe parts provided with TurboNest, as shownin the window below.


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A Pipe part can be selected by either double clicking on the diagram of the part, orclicking on the diagram and then click Add Part. A single click will display the shape inthe preview window. Clicking on Add Part will enter Pipe where values can be defined.

Define Part

The above window appears after clicking on Add Part. This is where the required partinformation is to be entered. The Value Table has all dimension values to be defined inthe left side column, with the editable input value fields in the column on the right side of


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the table. As each value is selected, the reference window to the right of the value tableshows the dimension that is currently being defined and a descriptive prompt appears onthe bottom of the screen. As the part is edited the preview window (below the referencescreen) is updated, and errors will be displayed in the preview window (in lieu of the part).Right clicking on the preview window will allow you to zoom, unzoom or measure.

Define Cut Process

After the part is set to the desired specifications, you may click on the Cut Process buttonto select the type of cutting to be done on this part. A pop up window appears allowingthe cut process for the interior and exterior profiles to be determined, which is very usefulfor multi-process machines such as those that utilize plasma and hi-def plasma.

Define Lead-In/Out

The default lead settings or the XLS leads are applied to pipe parts.

Part Name

The part name can remain unchanged, or TurboNest will allow the Pipe part to be re-named.

Quantity

Enter the desired number of the current part to be added to the nest.

Settings

Clicking on Settings will allow you to view or modify the current Pipe settings. Refer tothe Pipe Settings and Fitting Descriptions for complete descriptions of these settings.

View

By clicking on the 3D View tab above the layout view, Pipe will allow you to zoom inand/or out by right clicking the mouse and selecting Zoom. In addition to Zoom, you canchoose to view the shape as either a solid or wire frame. Pipe will also allow you torotate the part up, down, left or right to view the part from a different perspective bysimply clicking on the appropriate arrow button.

Add TeePipe allows tees to be added to certain Pipe parts. From the Shape Reference window,select AddTee (if grayed out, the selected PIPE part does not allow the addition of tees).A pop up window appears to allow the selection of the tee to be added .


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The list provided is the standard list of Pipe tees. Highlight the desired tee, after clickingOK, set the values of the tee in the same manner the original part was defined. As eachvalue is selected, the reference window to the right of the value table shows thedimension that is currently being defined and a descriptive prompt appears on the bottomof the screen. As the part is edited, the preview window (below the reference) isupdated, displaying any errors in the status bar. Tees can be deleted by clicking onDelete Tee. The two arrows immediately left of the Add Tee button allow the user toview the different profiles that have already been created. The two arrows above the

reference window allow the user to view the dimensions input for each of the profiles.

When the preview window displays the part you wish to create, click on OK. The AddParts window will appear with the new part being previewed. When the properties for thispart have been determined, another pipe part can be selected.

Saving/Loading Pipe PartIf the input values of this development need to be saved for future jobs or partverification, click on the Save button. Select a path and name for the file. Clicking onSave will create a .PJB file.

Clicking on the Load button allows the selection of any .PJB file, regardless what Pipeshape was previously selected, to be opened.

Delete Pipe part from Part List

Any defined Pipe parts to be added to the nest will be listed in the Part List. To remove apart from this list, highlight the part, then click on the Remove Part Icon. The part will nolonger be added to the current nest.

Accepting the Part List

When all parts have been added to the part list with correct quantities, material andproperties, close out of the Add Parts screen by clicking on the return to nesting button or

the x in the upper right corner. This returns the user to the main nesting screen with theselected parts in the part bin to the left of the plate.


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Custom RemnantsCustom Remnants is an optional feature in TurboNest.

Creating Custom Remnants

Creating custom remnants can be done in both the New Nest and Autonest setupscreens. In each of these screens you have the Remnant option when selecting thecustom plate drop-down as shown below.

When you select Remnant under the custom plate drop-down, the Define Remnantbutton becomes available that will open the Define a Custom Remnant screen you seebelow.

To create a custom remnant, first click on the Clear All Points button. This will clear thescreen leaving only the Cartesian coordinate axis. You have the choice to either useAbsolute or Incremental coordinates. Using your preferred coordinate system, click theAdd Point button to make 0,0 the start of your remnant. Subsequently change the x and


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y values to represent your first dimension. After each set of x and y values make sure toclick the Add Point button. Repeat these steps, and you will see your remnant in thepreview pane as you build it.

The Delete Last Point button is available to undo any invalid entries. When your remnantis complete click the OK button and continue on with your nesting.

Chain and Bridge Cutting

Chain Cutting

Chain Cutting adds advanced interactive chaining of cut profiles into continuous cuttingpaths, eliminating costly pierce cycles and improving productivity. The dynamic leadin/out movement makes the process easy and intuitive.

Bridge Cutting

Bridge cutting allows temporary bridges to be created, connecting parts together. Twoparallel cutting lines form a bridge between two parts. When the torch is following thecontour of the first part and gets to the first line of the bridge, it crosses to the secondpart. The torch will then follow the profile until it gets to either the second line of theoriginal bridge, or the first line of another bridge. There is no limit to the number ofbridges that can be created.

Using Chain Cutting

Chain Cutting is an optional feature of TurboNest that is activated by the authorizationprocess, and gives the user the option of linking the profiles together so that they are cutwith a continuous, non-stop cutting path. To begin chaining parts together, place theparts on the plate that you wish to chain together. Then making sure no parts are stillselected, enter chaining mode by clicking on the Chaining icon.

Adding Profiles to the Current Chain

While you are in Chaining mode, the Chaining toolbar will be displayed. This toolbar canfloat above your work area, or be docked with your other toolbars. Begin chainingparts together by selecting (using the left mouse button) the first profile at the locationwhere you wish the lead-in of the chain to be, TurboNest will automatically move thelead-in to that location. A rubber band line will be drawn from the lead-out of the selectedprofile to the pointer. Select additional points to define a non-direct path if desired, orsimply select the next profile, remembering that the lead-in/out of that profile will bemoved to the point where the profile was selected. These selected points (called links)will define the torch path between the two profiles. The final chain motion will end at thelead-out of the second profile selected. Repeat the steps above to add more profiles to

the chain, or click the right mouse button or press the Esc key to complete a chain.

After the selected profiles have been chained together, they become a single profile. Thestart point of the first profile in the chain becomes the start point for the chain. The chainretains the lead-in of the first profile, and the lead-out of the last profile.


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To undo the links, click on the Back-up icon(clicking the icon a second time will back up2 steps, and so on) or by pressing the Backspace key. Click on the X to cancel thechain and remove it. To complete the chain, click on !, then accept the chain by clickingon the check mark. When finished, click on Close to exit chaining mode.

Breaking Chains

A chain can be deleted (broken) by simply selecting the parts that are chained together,

then click on either the Break icon, or right click on the part and select Break. This willremove all chains in the selected parts.

Using Bridge Cutting

Bridge cutting can be beneficial in various ways for different cutting processes. For Laserand under-water Plasma cutting where plate movement is not a concern, Bridge cuttingcan be used to develop a single, continuous cutting path for multiple parts. This results inreduced production time by elimination of pierce cycles and in consumable costs. For dryOxy-fuel or Plasma cutting, bridging can be employed to effectively stitch-cut long profilesto prevent loss of geometric accuracy caused by plate movement. This technique issimilar to using tabs, but usually will add fewer pierce cycles than does tabbing. Inapplications like Plasma/Laser-Punch machines, Bridge cutting can be used to eliminate

pierce cycles for multiple parts without conflicting with drop-table/trap-door operation.

Assigning Bridges

To bridge parts together, place the desired parts on the plate, make sure none of theparts are selected, and then click on the bridging icon. Note: If one or more parts areselected, TurboNest will not allow you to enter bridging mode.


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After clicking on the bridging icon, the Bridging toolbar will appear (the values will beinitially grayed out). To define a bridge, position the mouse, click down with the leftmouse button, drag out a line, and release the button. You can define multiple bridges bydragging a line across several parts. TurboNest will then add the bridges at all validlocations. After bridges are defined, they become selected. You can add more bridgesto the selection using the Ctrl-select method or area select using the right mouse button.Once selected, the properties of the bridge (width and radius) are displayed in thetoolbar. You can change the properties of the selected bridges by editing the values.

When finished, click on the check mark to accept these bridges, to cancel them, click onthe X. Click on Close to exit from bridging mode.

Breaking Bridges

Bridges can be deleted (broken) after they have been accepted, by selecting the partsthat are bridged together and then clicking on the Break icon, or by right clicking on theparts and selecting Break from the pop-up menu. This will remove all of the bridges inthe selected parts.

Common Line CuttingCommon Line Cutting is an optional feature of TurboNest that is activated by theauthorization process, and allows two or more parts to be cut in such a way that theyshare at least one common line with each other. This reduces the cutting length requiredand may eliminate pierces for the common cut parts.

Using Common Line Cutting

Common Line Cutting is applied to parts already on the nest. With the part in the selectedstate, click on the Common Line Cut icon, or click on Common Line Cut from the Part pulldown menu, and they will join at a common line entity. Two parts (they dont have to bethe same) can also be positioned on the plate with the edges to be common cut facingeach other. Hold the shift key and select both parts so they are both highlighted, then


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click on the Common Line Cut icon. The common lined part can now be added to thepart bin by clicking on the cluster icon.

Breaking Common Lines

A common line cut can be deleted (broken) by simply selecting the parts that are sharingthe common line, then click on either the Break icon, or right click on the part and selectBreak from the pop-up menu. This will remove the common line cut status, but the parts

will be in conflict, so at least one of the parts needs to be repositioned or deleted.

Pattern ArrayThe Pattern Array feature is not accessed from AutoNesting, but rather is a special arrayoperation that is accessed by clicking on the Pattern Array icon on the tool bar, right-click popup menu, or by selecting the Pattern Array item from the Nestmenu while apart or group of parts is selected.

With Pattern Array nesting, TurboNest automatically determines the spacing andorientation of the selected part(s) to maximize the number of that part that can be placedin the available plate area. Pattern Array nesting develops this pattern by looking at aregion of the plate starting at the location of the currently selected part and then the plate

area, moving away from Plate Initialization Point defined in your settings.

There are three different methods for Pattern Array nesting: basic, intermediate andadvanced. These methods control how many different options TurboNest evaluateswhile determining the best pattern. The basic method uses the fewest options and isfastest, while advanced uses the most options and takes more time. To view, and/orchange the current TurboNest Pattern Array method, click on Nestin the main menu andthen click on the right arrow next to the Pattern Arraymenu item and select the desiredmethod from the submenu.


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Part Cut UpPart Cut Up is an optional feature where TurboNest will allow the user to cut parts intosmaller pieces and place them at different locations on the same plate or even a differentplate.

To begin using Part Cut Up, click on the Edit Part List icon in the main TurboNest screen.

Click on the desired part in the part list at the bottom of the screen, this will place the partin the preview window and activate Advanced Edit.

In the Preview window, click on the Advanced Edit icon.


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Click on Part Cut Up from the Part pull down menu. The grid lines show where the part isgoing to be cut. To modify these cuts, either click on the cut lines you wish to move anddrag them to the desired location, or click on the Calculate New Lines icon to changespacings between lines. The following screen shows lines that have been manuallymoved.

With the cut lines in the desired position, close the part cut up window and accept thepart cut up lines. The part will be cut into smaller parts. Each of these new parts will bedisplayed individually in the Advanced Edit window. Click on the right arrow to scrollthrough the new parts.

Close the Advanced Edit window to add these parts to the part list.


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Chapter 6: Menu and Toolbar Reference

Menu Reference

File Menu

New Job Creates a new (empty) job

Open Job Opens a previously saved job

Save Job Saves the current job with the current job name

Save Job As Saves the current job with a new name or into a differentfolder

Output CNC Displays the Output CNC dialog used to specify the name

and folder used to output the CNC files for each nest in thejob

Reports Click on the Report item to display a submenu with theTurboNest reports. The individual reports are described ina previous chapter. Click on the desired report to previewand/or print that report.

Preferences Displays the TurboNest Preferences dialog window.

Exit Closes the program.

Edit Menu

Undo Move While a part or group of parts is selected, click on this icon

to undo the previous movement or change in orientation.If there are no moves that can be undone, the icon will begrayed out and the hint will be Cant Undo.

Redo Move While a part or group of parts is selected, click on this iconto redo the previous movement or change in orientation.If there are no moves that can be redone, the icon will begrayed out and the hint will be Cant Redo.

Select All Selects all parts on the current nest

Unselect All Unselects (nests) all selected parts

Delete Deletes all selected parts

Select Mode Switches to Part Selection mode

Measure Mode Switches to Measurement mode

Modify Leads Switches to Modify Leads mode

View Menu

Toolbars Clicking on the Toolbars item displays a submenucontaining a list of the possible toolbars that can bedisplayed. Click on any of the toolbar items (Edit,Navigation, Location, Standard, Status Bar, and Nest)to check (display), or uncheck (hide) a toolbar. Youcan also customize your toolbars and menus by


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clicking on the Customize option.

Part List This displays (when checked) or hides (whenunchecked) the Part Toolbar with the list of partsavailable to be nested for the current job.

Color Legend This displays (when checked) or hides (whenunchecked) the Color Legend. The color legendallows the user to display different processes andfeatures on the nest in different colors.

Rulers When checked, this displays rulers vertically on theleft and horizontally on the bottom of the plate.

Area Zoom Used to zoom in on a selected, rectangular region ofthe nest.

Zoom Selected Used to zoom in on the region of the selected partson the plate.

Zoom Out Reverts to the previous zoom level.

No Zoom Returns to a view of the entire plate.

Cut Direction When checked, this option will cause TurboNest todraw a small arrow at the mid point of each line andarc of each cutting profile indicating the cuttingdirection.

Pierces When checked, this option will cause TurboNest todraw a small solid circle at the pierce point of eachcutting profile.

Open Profiles When checked, this option will cause TurboNest todraw a small square at both ends of an open (non-closed) cutting profile.

Display Only This is information for display purposes only and doesnot get sent to the cutting machine. For example,

part names or dimensions can be added for viewingpurposes, but not cut.

Job Menu

Edit Part List Displays the Part List Editor which allows the user to addparts to the job part list or change the properties of existingparts

Settings Allows the user to view or edit the current TurboNestsettings

Change Machine Allows the user to change to a different machine for thecurrent job.

Job Information Displays a dialog window showing the path, descriptionand summary information for the current job.

Nest Menu

New Nest Displays the New Nest dialog window, used to add a new,empty plate on which to nest parts.

Delete Nest Deletes the current nest.

Delete All Nests Deletes all nests in the job

Cut Sequence Used to view or change the cut sequence for the currentnest.


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Cut Simulation Used to view the path the machine takes as it performs itsoperations for the current nest.

Crop Used to interactively define a crop cut on the nest toremove unused material from the skeleton created bycutting the parts.

Auto Crop Automatically crops the nest using the settings on the Crop

settings page.Delete Crop Removes the crop from the current nest.

AutoCrop All Will automatically crop all plates in the nest.

Delete All Crops Deletes the crop from all of the nested plates.

Start AutoNest Displays the Autonest dialog window used to specify theoptions for TurboNest autonesting.

Array Determines the spacing and number of the selected part orgroup that can be placed in a rectangular grid arrangementand then automatically arrays the parts.

Pattern Array Uses advanced techniques to calculate an optimal pattern

of the selected part or group, including spacing andorientation and then automatically arrays the parts.

Nest Properties Displays the properties of the current nest, including theplate size, number of times it will be cut, utilizations as wellas estimates of production and material cost, andproduction time.

Part Menu

Cluster Groups the selected parts together so that they can betreated as a single unit and adds that cluster to the parttoolbar.

Uncluster Ungroups the selected cluster of parts, allowing the partsto be treated individually.

Common Line Cut Will common line cut the selected parts.

Chain Will put TurboNest in chaining mode (see Chapter 6 formore details).

Bridge Will put TurboNest in bridging mode (see Chapter 6 formore details).

Break Will break any selected chained, bridged, or common linedpart.

Mirror Mirrors the selected part or group of parts about thevertical axis running through the center of the selected

group region.

Duplicate Nests the selected part or group and then places a copy ofit placed slightly offset from the original in the selectedstate.

Reverse Cut Direction Reverses the direction in which the part is will be cut.

Rotate to Next 90 This rotates the selected part or group of parts to the next90 degrees from its initial angle.

Rotate Long Side This will determine the selected parts longest straight sideand proceed to rotate that side to the next closest counter-clockwise horizontal or vertical position.


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Increment Angle Rotates the part or group of parts counter-clockwise by theincrement angle.

Decrement Angle Rotates the part or group of parts clockwise by theincrement angle.

Bump Up Bumps the selected part(s) up on the plate to the specifiedseparation from other parts or the plate edge.

Bump Down Bumps the selected part(s) down on the plate to thespecified separation from other parts or the plate edge.

Bump Left Bumps the selected part(s) left on the plate to the specifiedseparation from other parts or the plate edge.

Bump Right Bumps the selected part(s) right on the plate to thespecified separation from other parts or the plate edge.

Help Menu

TurboNest Help Accesses the help file for TurboNest.

MTC Software Online A link to the MTC Software web site

TurboNest Online A link to the TurboNest page on the MTC Software site

About Displays the About TurboNest dialog window with currentlicense information and buttons used to update or transferthe current TurboNest license.

Toolbars ReferenceClicking on the Toolbars item in the Viewmenu will display a sub-menu with all of thepossible TurboNest Toolbars. Those toolbars with a check before the name will be

displayed on the TurboNest desktop. You can toggle the checkmark by clicking on anyitem in the sub-menu. These toolbars can be docked at the top, bottom, right or leftedges of the TurboNest screen, or can also be floating toolbar windows.

Edit

Undo Move While a part or group of parts is selected, click on this iconto undo the previous movement or change in orientation.If there are no moves that can be undone, the icon will begrayed out and the hint will be Cant Undo.

Redo Move While a part or group of parts is selected, click on this icon

to redo the previous movement or change in orientation.If there are no moves that can be redone, the icon will begrayed out and the hint will be Cant Redo.

Cluster Groups the selected parts together so that they can besingle unit and adds that cluster to the part toolbar.

Uncluster Ungroups the selected cluster of parts, allowing the partsto be treated individually.

Modify Leads This mode allows you to select new locations for the leadin/out positions for your part just by clicking on a newlocation.

Common Line Cut Will common line cut a selected part.


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Chain Will put TurboNest in chaining mode.

Bridge Will put TurboNest in bridging mode.

Break Will break any selected chained, bridged, or common linedpart.

Mirror Mirrors the selected part or group of parts about thevertical axis running through the center of the selected

group region.

Duplicate Nests the selected part or group and then places a copyplaced slightly offset from the original in the selected state.

Reverse Cut Direction Reverses the direction in which the part is will be cut.

Number of Torches Displays the number of torches being used in the currentnest.

Torch Spacing Shows the distance between the torches.

Rotate to Next 90 This rotates the selected part or group of parts to the next90 degrees from its initial angle.

Rotate Long Side This will determine the selected parts longest straight sideand proceed to rotate that side to the next closes counter-clockwise horizontal or vertical position.

Incremental Angle Rotates the part or group of parts counter-clockwise by theincrement angle.

Decremental Angle Rotates the part or group of parts clockwise by theincrement angle.

Navigation

First Allows the user to go to the first nested plate.

Previous Allows the user to go to the previously nested plate.

Current Nest Sheet Displays the number of the current nest and the number oftimes it is cut.

Next Allows the user to go to the next nested plate.

Last Allows the user to go to the last nested plate.

Size This displays the dimensions of the current plate.

Material This displays the material of the current plate.

Location

X: The X value of the current mouse position.

Y: The Y value of the current mouse position.

View Scale: Displays the current view scale factor in pixels per inch orpixels per mm.

Distance: This field is used to display the distance represented by theline drawn while in measurement mode.

DX: This field is used to display the delta X (change in Xposition) represented by the line drawn while inmeasurement mode.


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DY: This field is used to display the delta Y (change in Yposition) represented by the line drawn while inmeasurement mode.


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Standard

New Job Creates a new (empty) job

Open Job Opens a previously saved job

Save Job Saves the current job with the current job name

Output CNC Displays the Output CNC dialog used to specify the nameand folder used to output the CNC files for each nest in thejob

Reports Displays the Reports dialog used to choose, preview, andprint reports for the current job.

Edit Part List Displays the Part List Editor which allows the user to addparts to the job part list or change the properties of existingparts

Settings Allows the user to view or edit the current TurboNestsettings

Select Mode This mode allows nested parts to be selected orunselected so that they can be moved, rotated, deleted,etc.

Measure Mode This mode allows measurements to be made by draggingout a line on the current nest with the mouse cursor.

Area Zoom Used to zoom in on a selected, rectangular region of thenest.

Zoom Selected Used to zoom in on the region of the selected parts on theplate.

Zoom Out Reverts to the previous zoom level.

No Zoom Returns to a view of the entire plate.

Zoom Level Allows the user to choose what attribute of the nest to viewwhen not zoomed in: the entire nest or a best fit of thenested parts and the plate.

Status Bar

This portion of the TurboNest window displays what function is presently beingperformed. For example, if you are modifying the cut sequence, the prompts in the statusbar will change assisting in the process.

Nest

New Nest Displays the New Nest dialog window, used to add a new,empty plate on which to nest parts.

Delete Nest Deletes the current nest.

Delete All Nests Deletes all nests in the job

Cut Sequence Used to view or change the cut sequence for the currentnest.


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Cut Simulation Used to view the path the machine takes as it performs itsoperations for the current nest.

Crop Used to interactively define a crop cut to the nest toremove unused material from the skeleton created bycutting the parts.

Start Autonesting Displays the Autonest dialog box, allowing changes to be

made to the Autonest setup. Clicking on OK will beginautomatically nesting the parts listed in the part bar.

Start AutoNesting (F2) Begins nesting immediately, automatically using thecurrent Autonest settings.

Array Determines the spacing and number of the selected part orgroup that can be placed in a rectangular grid arrangementand then automatically arrays the parts.

Pattern Array Uses advanced techniques to calculate an optimal patternof the selected part or group, including spacing andorientation and then automatically arrays the parts.

Stop AutoNesting Interrupts the nesting process.

Customizing TurboNest DesktopLayout

With floating or dockable toolbars and menus, you can configure the TurboNest desktopto suit your individual preferences.

Each toolbar and menu is really a small mini-window that can be docked at a screenedge, or float as a small window on your desktop. To move a toolbar or menu, simplyclick on the gray bar to either the left of the toolbar (if it is docked) or the title bar of thewindow (if it is floating) and drag it to the desired location on the screen. Release themouse button, and the window will appear with the toolbar in the new location.

TurboNest remembers the layout of the desktop and will return to this layout the next timeyou enter the program.

Toolbars

To control which toolbars are displayed, simply click on Customize from View -Toolbars. All possible toolbars are listed with a checkbox next to it. To remove theicons from the TurboNest desktop, remove the check (as shown below with CutSequence), to add a menu or toolbar, simply check the box.


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Options

Menus show recentlyused commands first

TurboNest menus can remember which menu items youuse most frequently and display those first. You can thensee all menu items by clicking on the down arrows at thebottom of the menu. If this option is not checked, all menuitems will be displayed.

Show full menus after ashort delay

This option is used in conjunction with the option above. Ifchecked, the full menus will be displayed after a shortdelay.

Reset my usage data This button is used to clear the frequency data that is usedto decide which menu items are first displayed. Click this


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button to reset your frequency data.

Large Icons When checked, the TurboNest toolbar icons are drawnmagnified.

Show ToolTips ontoolbars

When checked, TurboNest will display descriptive hintswhen the cursor is positioned over an icon for a shortperiod of time.

Show Shortcut keys inToolTips

Displays shortcut keys for icons (if defined) with theToolTips.

Menu Animations Controls the way menus appear when selected.


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Chapter 7: TurboNest Settings References

For information concerning TurboNest settings, please refer to online help. To accessonline help, press F1 on the main screen.


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Chapter 8: AutoNesting

Start AutoNest... (Yellow Icon)By default, this command exists only under the Nest menu item. Start AutoNest... willopen the AutoNest Setupdialog. From there, you can edit your AutoNest Setup valuesand start or cancel AutoNesting.

AutoNest Setup

This dialog provides access to the AutoNest Setup values. These values are usedwhenever AutoNesting is performed. Whenever a Machines settings are loaded (eitherby selecting a new machine, or opening a Job), the AutoNest Setup values are reset tomatch the Machines settings.

AutoNest Settings

Strategy

The strategies available in this drop-down list are limited to those that are authorized.They may include the following: Rectangular, Rectangular Optimization, and Strategy 1-5.

Begin nesting on

There are 3 choices available in this drop-down list: First Nest, Current Nest, New Nest.If the Do not create new nest radio button is checked, the New Nest selection will beremoved.

How should TurboNest create new nests?

During AutoNesting, TurboNest can create new nests as needed. The followingselections define how new nests are created:

Do not create new nests - nest only on existing nests.

Use plates from the plate listall new nests will be created from available platesin the Plate List.

Use a custom plate all new nests have the attributes of the defined custom

plate.

Use a custom plateWhen Use a custom plate is checked, the Preview appears. This contains an image ofthe custom plate. Three types of custom plates can be defined: Rectangular, Circular,and Remnant.

To define a rectangular custom plate, specify a length and a width or select one of thestandard plate sizes.


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To define a circular custom plate, specify the diameter.

If you select Remnant from the drop down list, you may either nest on the default remnant that is displayed in the Preview window or you may define a remnant of yourown by clicking on the Define Remnant button. You will then be able to specify thegeometry of the remnant you wish to nest on.

The quantity of a custom plate controls the available quantity for each material needed.For example, if the Part List contained two parts of different materials, then a customplate with a quantity set to 10 would make available ten custom plates for each material.

The safe zone scheme of a custom plate will be applied to every new nest created duringAutoNesting.

Torch settingsNote: The following fields will be inactive if the number of torches in the torches sectionunder settings is not greater than one.

Number of torches

During AutoNesting, the number of torches used will not exceed this number.

Torch selection

There are 2 choices available in this drop-down list:

Fixed The number of torches used will always equal Number oftorches. If, during AutoNesting, a parts available quantitydips below Number of torches, the remaining parts are notnested.

Fixed, Then 1 The number of torches used will almost always equalNumber of torches. If, during AutoNesting, a partsavailable quantity dips below Number of torches, theremaining parts are nested using one torch.

Torch spacing type

There are 2 choices available in this drop-down list:

Equal The spacing between torches will be equally spaced. Theactual spacing used is calculated by TurboNest.

Fixed The spacing between torches will be fixed at some user-defined spacing.

Torch spacing

If Torch spacing typeis Fixed, this value defines the spacing between torches.

Default

Most of the AutoNest Setup values can be reset to their defaults as defined in theMachines settings. If changes are made to the values in the AutoNest Setup dialog, theycan all be reset together by clicking the Defaultbutton.


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OK

When the values defined in the AutoNest Setup dialog are correct, clicking the OKbuttonwill begin AutoNesting. Clicking OKwill also cause TurboNest to remember the AutoNestSetup values for future use. Changes to settings in the AutoNest Setup dialog have noeffect on the Machines settings.

Cancel

Clicking on the Cancelbutton will discard any changes to the AutoNest Setup values andcancel AutoNesting.

Start AutoNest (Green Icon)By default, this command exists only in the Nest toolbar. Start AutoNest will beginAutoNesting immediately with the Machines default plate.

Part Properties (for all selected parts)To view the properties for all selected parts, right click on one of the selected parts andselect Properties...from the pop-up menu. This dialog contains editable properties.

Number of torches

Displays the number of torches used for the entire selection. If the selection containsparts with different torches, then this value will be blank. Changing this value will affectthe entire selection.

Torch spacing

Displays the torch spacing used for the entire selection. If the selection contains partswith different torch spacings, then this value will be blank. Changing this value will affectthe entire selection.

OK

Applies any changes to the properties and exits the dialog.

Cancel

Discards any changes to the properties and exits the dialog.

Part Properties (for one selected part)To view the properties for a particular selected part, right click on the part and selectProperties for [part name]... from the pop-up menu. This dialog contains read-onlyproperties.

Size Displays the rectangular dimensions of the selected part.

X Offset Displays the x-axis offset of the selected part. If theselected part has more than 1 torch, the offset displayedrepresents the offset of the master part.

Y Offset Displays the y-axis offset of the selected part. If theselected part has more than 1 torch, the offset displayed


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represents the offset of the master part.

Angle Displays the rotation angle of the selected part.

Number of torches Displays the number of torches used for the selected part.

Torch spacing Displays the torch spacing used for the selected part.

OK Closes the dialog.

Part Properties (for one part in the Part List)To view the properties for a particular part in the Part List, right click on the part in thePart List and select Properties for [part name]... from the pop-up menu. This dialogcontains some editable properties.

Size Read-only. Displays the rectangular dimensions of theselected part.

Priority Editable. Displays the selected parts priority.

Required Editable. Displays the required quantity of the selectedpart.

Nested Read-only. Displays the nested quantity of the selectedpart.

Available Read-only. Displays the available quantity of the selectedpart.

Reference Read-only. Displays the selected parts reference.

OK Applies any changes to the properties and exits the dialog.

Cancel Discards any changes to the properties and exits thedialog.

Note: Most of the categories in the left column above (material, priority, etc.) can beentered in the part record under part list in the Add Parts screen.


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Chapter 9: Process Parameters

Process parameters are process and material specific settings used in CNC output,costing and nesting. Process parameters can be specified in two ways - by using process

parameters XLS tables or by using default process parameter settings. Processparameters XLS tables are spreadsheets containing settings for different materials,thickness ranges, profile types, profile areas, cut qualities and cut conditions. For ageneral discussion of XLS tables, see the XLS Tables Overview section. Default processparameter settings for each process reside on that process Process Parameters settingsscreen.

Default Process ParametersDefault process parameters reside on the Process Parameters settings screen for agiven process, which can be reached by going to File | Settings | Machine, selecting aprocess, then selecting Process Parameters from the processes tree view. To use

default parameters check the Use default process parameters only checkbox. Defaultsettings can be set for Kerf width, Feedrate, Part-part separation, Part-plate edgeseparation, and Part-pierce separation. Note that Pierce-pierce separation and Pierce-plate edge separation are calculated from the other separation values and may not beset.

Process Parameters XLS Table

Using settings from a process parameters XLS table requires three steps. First, go to File| Settings | Processes and Layers, select a process, and select P

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TurboNest 2 Manual