Extended Feature List
The following partial feature list is intended to provide a more thorough look
at the capabilities of SS-Nest software. Although comprehensive, it should not
be considered all inclusive.
Please contact Striker Systems with
specific SS-Nest software feature questions.
Advanced CAD Features
– Unlike many nesting systems that offer little or no design capability,
SS-Nest provides a powerful CAD software solution.
SS-Design is bundled with every SS-Nest purchase, so the features of
SS-Design should also be considered when comparing software product features.
PARTshare
– The precision sheet metal industry has rapidly embraced solid modeling
technology. SS-Nest takes full advantage of this technology by including the
PARTshare module with every SS-Nest purchase. PARTshare provides a
library process through with Autodesk Inventor and SolidWorks part and/or
assembly data can be passed seamlessly to SS-Nest for processing.
Nest Wizard Interface
– Windows Explorer style interface provides instant familiarity with product
flow. Right-click access to nesting and reporting commands minimizes product
training.
Nest from MRP/ERP/Schedule File
– A nest job can be created by reading a delimited text file that may be
generated by an MRP, ERP, or other scheduling system. The process may import
parts from an external CAD system or retrieve parts from the PARTshare library
as required.
Nest from External CAD Files
– Simply select the desired CAD files (DXF or DWG) from the file browser, and
the nest job is automatically created. This import allows incoming layers to be
mapped as necessary to match specific process layers in
SS-Profile. Attribute information can also be mapped to define specific
manufacturing data including material properties, routing information (CNC
machine), grain constraint, etc.
Nest from PARTshare Library
– SS-Nest includes a part library system (PARTshare) where repeat parts can be
stored and retrieved as necessary. Each part in the library includes necessary
manufacturing information. The PARTshare library can be networked and shared
between multiple Striker Systems users, as well as with Autodesk Inventor,
SolidWorks, and AutoCAD users.
OLE Interface
– As an alternative means of importing parts from SolidWorks, Autodesk
Inventor, or Solid Edge, SS-Nest includes an OLE import feature.
Automatic Job Sorting
– Certain criteria keep parts from being nested together on a common sheet. For
example, parts with a different material type or gage cannot be nested on the
same sheet. Parts that are destined for the laser cannot be nested on the same
sheet as parts that are destined for the turret punch press. Unlike many
nesting systems that require you to pre-sort parts into these groups of like
properties, SS-Nest will automatically sort parts into sub-jobs as required.
Kit in Kit Nesting
– A nest job or “kit” is simply a list of parts to be nested together with
certain criteria applied. A beneficial feature of SS-Nest is the ability to add
a kit to a kit. For instance, you may have a group of parts, perhaps an
assembly or even an entire product line, that are always nested together. These
parts can be defined as a nest kit. The entire nest kit can then be added to
future nest jobs in the quantity required.
Part Priority Control
– Each part can be assigned to a nest job with a priority from 1 to 100. This
priority dictates the order that the part is considered by the SS-Nest
algorithms and the ultimate positioning in the nest.
Parts in Parts Nesting
– If desired, SS-Nest will place smaller parts into the scrap area (cutouts) of
larger parts to improve material utilization.
Filler Part Nesting
– A part can be assigned to a nest as a “filler part” or an overrun quantity
can be assigned to any part. This means that these parts will be nested only if
there is room available after all other parts have been nested. This improves
material utilization by mixing in ongoing “inventory” parts and positioning
them in areas that would otherwise be scrap.
Fill Last Sheet Option
– The last sheet of a multiple sheet nest is often the one with the greatest
scrap potential. This is simply because there are not enough remaining parts to
be nested to fill the entire sheet. SS-Nest includes a “Fill Last Sheet”
option, which will use filler parts to fill the remaining space if desired.
Another option is to save the unused portion of the sheet as a “remnant” for
future use.
Multiple Nesting Algorithms
– Different shapes and groupings of parts will nest differently when subjected
to numerous nesting algorithms. SS-Nest includes multiple nesting algorithms
(10 currently) that can be incorporated into the nest calculation. The
algorithm generating the best part yield can be selected automatically, or the
user can be provided an overview of the results to select the desired nest.
Automatic Sheet Selection
– SS-Nest includes the option to consider multiple sheet sizes when nesting. It
can consider every sheet size available in inventory, or a subset can be
defined. This insures that you are nesting on the sheet size that is going to
generate the greatest yield.
Master Plate Control
– The goal of SS-Nest is maximum part yield. Through this process it is
possible that SS-Nest will create a unique nested pattern for each sheet in the
nest job. For CNC processes, this means that a unique NC program will be
created for each sheet. If the preference is to minimize the number of NC
programs, this can be controlled by activating Master Plate feature. This
limits the nest to a single pattern, or to a reduced number of unique patterns
while still achieving an acceptable material utilization.
Cluster Control
– It may be desirable to define a group or “cluster” of parts that will be
treated like a single part when nesting. Clusters can be helpful in keeping
parts grouped in a nest that will go to a like next process. The cluster of
parts is assigned a unique name and description, but the parts defining the
cluster are still tracked and reported on individually.
Multiple Torch Nesting
– The optional Multi-Torch Extension of SS-Nest allows nest patterns to be
duplicated to support multiple torch configurations on CNC cutting and burning
machines. The number of duplicate patterns and pattern spacing can be defined
to meet specific machine requirements. To optimize CNC machine run time,
patterns will be duplicated as far as possible to keep all torches active.
True-Shape or Rectangular Nesting
– Parts can be added to a nest job for either true-shape or rectangular
nesting. This is controlled on a per part basis and allows a nest to be
automatically calculated for specific applications such as laser cutting or
right-angle shear processing.
Modified Nested Layouts
– Full control is provided over nested layouts. If desired, parts can be easily
moved, copied, rotated, or deleted from a nested layout. Additional parts can
be inserted from the PARTshare library, or even drawn right on the nested
sheet!
Raw Material (Sheet) Inventory
– Set up and maintain a raw material (sheet) inventory. SS-Nest can be
configured to pull from the sheet inventory automatically based on best yield,
defaults can be assigned, or sheet(s) can be assigned on a per-job basis.
Sheet Remnant Inventory
– If sheet remnants are generated from a nest job, they can be added to the
sheet inventory for consideration in subsequent nest jobs.
CNC Code Generation
– SS-Nest is unique in its ability to create NC programs. Punch or profile
process information (tool hits, leads, etc) can be pre-applied to parts or
dynamically applied when the nest is generated. All machine functions such as
repositions and drop doors, as well as tool sequencing and tool-path
optimization, can be automatically or interactively processed as desired.
Nest Reports
– SS-Nest includes a powerful report module with a broad set of report
templates to meet the needs of your organization. Nest reports include part
lists, tool usage information, graphical layouts, and more.
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