SigmaNEST for Plasma

Automatic continuous cutting reduces machine cycle time and prolongs nozzle life. With the powerful nesting capabilities nesting layouts can be provided to the plasma machine on a just-in-time basis. This ensures that the most up to date order queue is considered for production.

 

Part Quality

SigmaNEST delivers the highest quality parts through advanced automatic features. It provides the tools to produce the most dimensionally accurate parts through the following features:

  • Automatic generation of lead-in and lead-out geometry
  • Support for high-definition cutting
  • Automatic feed rate and power ramping
  • Corner loops
  • Pre-piercing with old consumables
  • Continuous bevel cutting
  • Automatically smoothed vector strings from scanned images, through use of the Filter module
  • Automatic cut sequence logic

Integration

SigmaNEST is an integrated package offering an easy to use and streamlined work method for programmers, estimators and material management personnel.

  • SigmaNEST can read native Solid Edge, SolidWorks and Inventor parts and assemblies directly
  • Supports DWG, DXF, and IGES file formats
  • Open architecture allows users to customize post processors and management reports
  • Automated links to MRP software and other information systems
  • COM and .Net interfaces permit control of SigmaNEST from other systems

Capabilities

SigmaNEST offers a complete set of easy to use features, specifically designed for plasma machines. These include:

  • Full support for 5-axis bevel cutting, including knife and land bevels
  • Support for drilling, tapping and etch, and punch markings
  • Reading of free form curves
  • Automatic smoothing of vector strings from scanned images with the Filter module

Material Utilization

SigmaNEST creates superior nests and maximizes the use of new and remnant material through the following features:

  • Advanced automatic nesting combines the features of interactive pre-nesting, automatic pre-nesting, and multiple nozzle nesting
  • Capable of nesting 1,000 parts on six sheets in 20 seconds
  • Automatic true shape nesting on irregularly shaped remnant material on machines with single and multiple nozzles
  • Common edge cutting
  • Full utilization of "drops" on remnant material
  • Automatic cropping and scrap cut functions reduce skeletons into manageable pieces and remnants into manageable shapes
  • Complete raw material inventory control-including remnant tracking
  • Nest large volumes of parts effortlessly through bill of material processing function or MRP interface

Motion Optimization

SigmaNEST's advanced NC programming can improve machine motion by up to 30%, reduce machine cycle time and increase efficiency in cutting through:

  • Automatic continuous cutting or bridge cutting
  • Pre-piercing with old consumables
  • Recognizing and adjusting for multiple processes
  • Multiple torch nesting and cutting on new and remnant material
  • Automatic torch distance for multiple torch machines
  • Elimination of dry runs

Material Handling

SigmaNEST ensures easy and safe handling of "skeleton" and remnant material by the operator through the following features:

  • Automatic priority nesting
  • Automatic cropping and scrap cut functions reduce skeletons into manageable pieces and remnants into manageable shapes
  • Automatic tip-up part avoidance
  • Customized reports, including labels with part image and bar codes to facillitate tracking through the secondary manufacturing operations

Estimating

SigmaNEST's fully detailed reports provide all the information you need to streamline the cutting operation and provide accurate cost estimates.

  • Generate reliable cost estimates based on material grade and thickness
  • Provide accurate cutting time estimates that include changing feed rates and multiple processes
  • Create comparative cost estimates for different numbers of torches
  • Generate complete order and work-in-process tracking reports