January 2011
SigmaNEST Version 9.1 Work Order Graphs
A new feature to SigmaNEST Version 9.1, work order graphs helps determine the order in which to complete outstanding work orders.
Most SigmaNEST users are familiar with viewing outstanding work orders in a text driven format. Now SigmaNEST creates a dynamic chart of items that are in queue. The chart can be generated based on the machine, material or customer.
Work order graphs will be accessible from two locations: within Workspace(tab) under Work Orders and then List Work Order Parts. The tab for "Graphs" and "Data" can be found in the dialog box. Or access it under the Task Set-up tab, under Creating Task and then Work Orders.
Establishing the priority placed on your outstanding orders just got easier.
Product Feature: Introducing Version 9.1
SigmaTEK Systems is proud to announce SigmaNEST Version 9.1 will soon be available!* The new version contains a combination of improvements in intuition and efficiency-enhancing features that will be beneficial to every user. SigmaNEST 9.1 makes advanced programming tasks simple and more automated. This release introduces optimization tactics that use brand new features like iPierce™, HDX™ precision plasma setting, improved import functions, NC sequencing and much more. SigmaNEST 9.1 was developed with a focus on the voice of our customers and their needs.
iPierce, highlighted in our last edition of SigmaNEWS, creates an eyelet into the skeleton as it cuts the part, then places the next lead-in in the eyelet area, eliminating the need for a pierce. Reducing pierces dramatically decreases the cycle time to cut a nest, especially when processing thick metal. Another benefit of pierce reduction is the elimination of slag where parts have been cut.
SigmaNEST HDX processes parts specifically for precision plasma cutting. It assigns special lead-ins and lead-outs to each part to eliminate divots in small holes. SigmaNEST adjusts gas pressures, plasma amperage and height controls while it generates the cutting program. SigmaNEST automatically calibrates the NC toolpath to achieve a balance between pierce holds, feedrates and advance-off movements, resulting in cylindrical, taper-free holes. SigmaNEST HDX can be used with any plasma machine capable of advanced command messaging, auto gas and height control to produce superior hole quality, even at a 1:1 ratio!
In addition to improving processing speed and cut quality, SigmaNEST 9.1 is also making easier to import geometry! The new import functions are an interactive dialogue that allows users to scale parts and gives them the ability to toggle and show errors within the part’s geometry before importing the parts. We have also added the ability to import from vector-based PDF files.
These three areas of enhancement are a scratch on the surface of everything contained in SigmaNEST 9.1.
*Implementation availability is based on eligibility and having a current Software Maintenance Subscription. If you would like more information about implementing SigmaNEST 9.1, please contact your regional sales manager or call 513.674.0005.
Tech Tip: Maximize Your Nesting Through Intelligent Design
As the competitve arena grows more cut throat, the two main manufacturing concerns are material costs and production speed. Acknowledging that aspect should change the way operations are put into practice. Often nesting is thought of as a manufacturing function but in reality, in order to save the maximum amount in costs material costs it should be thought of as part of the design process. Below are three factors that, if implemented in the design process, can dramatically reduce costs:
- Design the parts to be close to the shape of a rectangle.
- Design a part with the length and width of your sheet in mind.
- Do not eliminate the possibilty of redesign.
When nesting parts that are oddly shaped, the result is more scrap, less remnant and fewer parts per sheet. As the image above demonstrates, designing three seperate parts instead of one odd shaped part can leave room for far more parts per sheet instead of generating scrap.
There are standards to sheet metal sizes. Sometimes the machine capacity determines the size sheet must be used for a job. Keep in mind that designing parts that are exact fractions of the size of your standard size sheet will allow for placing multiple parts with minimal scrap.
Because material is such a large part of the production cost, achieving 90% of each sheet is optimal. Though redesign might require additional processes such as welding, but the cost of the additional processes could be less expensive than the cost of the original part. Make small changes to the part's geometry that will not affect the functionality of the end product.
