Nesting Software???

[wagin]

Can anyone suggest a free, user friendly nesting program for sheet metal. I have searched the web and found a few complicated, metric only, free trial programs. Any replies are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Rbeckett]

Wagin, my Torchmate software does that but it is very expensive and has a dongle security device to prevent just copying the software willy nilly. If you want good user freindly nesting it isnt going to be cheap and if its cheap it likely wont be much good either. Have a look at the 3D modeling that is available like Alibre and others and give that a go to see if it will do what you need. Sorry I dont have an eisier solution, but thats what I ended up getting to do the art and junk I was tinkering around with before I got sick. Hopes this helps a little anyway.
Bob

[specter]

One of our cnc techs owns his own self made cnc and recommends. "Some of the programs are free and other can cost some $$$'$"

http://www.freedownloadmanager.org/downloads/nesting-software-plasma-cutting-905680.html

[ccawgc]

HVAC duct work programs are very expensive.
If you can come up with your own drawings MTC has a nesting program That is not to bad.
It can take a drawing and turn it into code and then make custom cut sheets.
The shape library and all the hours it took to draw them where the cost is.

[bassboy1]

I've been using cutlist341, which isn't great, but it works, and it's free.

Allows you to plug in any size piece, set kerf size, plug in any size, quantity, or combination of sheet sizes.
Also gives you the option of arranging parts manually.

The things I don't like about it include:
It doesn't work quite right on the computer I'm using. It doesn't want to save to the desktop, and I have to go digging for it. Also, the finished lists don't always save correctly, but that too may be my computer. Lastly, I've had a few times where the program can't find a solution, but arranging parts manually, using their setup, I can make it work (it still accounts for kerfs when arranging parts manually).

If it were more user friendly as far as saving completed lists, I'd be perfectly content with it. It can get to be a pain to use.

If anyone knows of a good one to purchase, I am in the market for one.

[ccawgc]

Go to MTC software.com These guys are a division of Hypertherm.
They have several nesting programs. They have free trials and can be purchased from any Hypertherm distributor. They offer training and life time support packages on the software they sell. May sell direct also.
Go to contact page and ask questions

[sfhdweb]

Great posts, thanks everyone for sharing great ideas.

[DanUBCustom]

i use mynesting.com for nesting (i have tried few different kinds and that one works best for me..

[dhoste2]

Wagin,

You're going to be hard pressed to find any free nesting program even worthwhile using. I suggest using SigmaNEST's nesting software. Try it out for free: http://www.sigmanest.com/en-us/Company/Contact/profileform.aspx then decide for yourself if it's worth the cash (it definitely is even compared to free software out there).

That's my 2 cents, I know in economic times like these its hard to open the pocket book, but for a nesting software that you need to put a lot of trust into, its for the best.

[Nestprofessor]

We just launched a true shape nesting tool, which can import dxf/dwg file and output result in dxf file format.

This tool will give you a result which is optimized to get the best utilization of the materials.

There is no time limit in the tool, and you can layout Max 3 plates once in free, it is very useful and valuable even you didn't pay it. so try it please! and we welcome any feedbacks and suggestions.

http://www.nestprofessor.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/NestProfessor.zip


Any feedback, please contact:
NestProfessor Development Team.
Nest Professor—- Perfect SDK and tool for nesting
E-mail: nestprofessor@gmail.com

[forhire]

We just launched a true shape nesting tool, which can import dxf/dwg file and output result in dxf file format.

This tool will give you a result which is optimized to get the best utilization of the materials.

There is no time limit in the tool, and you can layout Max 3 plates once in free, it is very useful and valuable even you didn't pay it. so try it please! and we welcome any feedbacks and suggestions.

Tried the demo and nested up a few items. It was quick and intuitive. Three free sheets with no time limit is very generous :D

When I add a new item it really should prompt for the quantity rather defaulting to 20. I'd prefer the default be 1 if I must edit it.

Is there a preview option?

The simplicity of the save option... being automatic is ok but it would be nice to be given the option of choosing a location.

It's a little rough but it's a lot faster to use than my current software. I look forward to seeing it improve over time.

Tell us a little about who you are :)

[Rajni]

Nice information thank you everyone for this post.

[Nestprofessor]

We already improved it a lot since it was released two month ago, we add part/nesting result preview, part boundary checking, batch selection and so on. you can visit our website to download the latest version.

Our website is www.nestprofessor.com (http://www.nestprofessor.com), your feedback and suggestion are invaluable for us. Hope to hearing from you!




Tried the demo and nested up a few items. It was quick and intuitive. Three free sheets with no time limit is very generous :D

When I add a new item it really should prompt for the quantity rather defaulting to 20. I'd prefer the default be 1 if I must edit it.

Is there a preview option?

The simplicity of the save option... being automatic is ok but it would be nice to be given the option of choosing a location.

It's a little rough but it's a lot faster to use than my current software. I look forward to seeing it improve over time.

Tell us a little about who you are :)

[Nestprofessor]

Yes, we released a new version just last week, the default part number is set to 1, part/nesting result preview also is implemented as you expected, we also add some new feature to give user a more kindly interface and operation , and get a higher material utilization with a higher speed.

[forhire]

Yes, we released a new version just last week, the default part number is set to 1, part/nesting result preview also is implemented as you expected, we also add some new feature to give user a more kindly interface and operation , and get a higher material utilization with a higher speed.

I just downloaded the new version. Thank you for taking my suggestions. The part preview looks GREAT! I also like being able to import multiple files. This version is much more usable.

[DHPmike]

I have a computer guy at work that has a couple different versions of free ones. We run solidworks dwg editor for drawing parts. He uses Bricscad and I prefer the DWG editor. The 2007 version is the one I like most.

we run in on a plate pro CNC running promotion nest and promotion cut.

[Nestprofessor]

A new version of NestProfessor is released, and the name is renamed to NestLeader, you can download it from http://cutleader.com/Download.php, it would be a more mature product than before, material library management and remnant nesting are supported, it also supports nesting report output.

[Nestprofessor]

Good News!!! You can apply a free nesting software license now! Go to the website www.nestprofessor.com and fill an apply form , That's all!

Hope it can help someone!

[Nestprofessor]

Hello Forhire, are you here? Thanks your suggestions before, we like to provide you a free license, would you like to apply it? send us email please if you interest it!

[forhire]

Hello Forhire, are you here? Thanks your suggestions before, we like to provide you a free license, would you like to apply it? send us email please if you interest it!

Thanks. I'd love a free license. Private message sent. :)

[Mick120]

Nestclient is an interesting program, doesn't do a bad job for a free trial.
I'd have been really interested in purchasing not so long ago, the price is certainly one of the best I've seen.
I've hunted the net for years looking for a decently priced auto nesting program and, my prayers were answered recently when Plasmacam introduced their own program, that's tied into their Design Edge software so, I now have all my design and nesting requirements integrated into the one program.
If they hadn't released their software, I'd been all over Nestprofessor.

[Nestprofessor]

Sorry for the issue that the website couldn't be displayed properly in IE browser, it is fixed and you can apply the license in our website now.

[Mick120]

Forhire,
How are finding the program??
I was quite impressed with the trial but, wondering how the full version is panning out, if you've had time to play that is.

[forhire]

Forhire,
How are finding the program??
I was quite impressed with the trial but, wondering how the full version is panning out, if you've had time to play that is.

I've been busy. I'll try to get the full version installed tomorrow and I'll report back. :)

[Mick120]

I've been busy. I'll try to get the full version installed tomorrow and I'll report back. :)

I look forward to your report.

[forhire]

I look forward to your report.

I applied for my license today and installed the latest version. You can try it yourself and apply for a license here: http://nestprofessor.com/index_en.php The install runs for a single folder so it's very light weight and won't junk up your machine.

What are you using to nest now? I have we-cim but haven't used it enough to know how to nest. :blush2:

I've been messing with a deer head off cnczone tonight. Here's my wish list just from messing with this little nest.

1) Scaling of imported parts. These parts need to be scaled about 50%.
2) Breaking apart drawings that contain multiple parts so the parts can be nested.

If anyone would like to try to nest the same parts in their software for comparisong I've attached the .dxf files I used. Enjoy. :)

[Mick120]

I applied for my license today and installed the latest version. You can try it yourself and apply for a license here: http://nestprofessor.com/index_en.php The install runs for a single folder so it's very light weight and won't junk up your machine.

What are you using to nest now? I have we-cim but haven't used it enough to know how to nest. :blush2:

I've been messing with a deer head off cnczone tonight. Here's my wish list just from messing with this little nest.

1) Scaling of imported parts. These parts need to be scaled about 50%.
2) Breaking apart drawings that contain multiple parts so the parts can be nested.

If anyone would like to try to nest the same parts in their software for comparisong I've attached the .dxf files I used. Enjoy. :)


Sorry mate, missed your post.
I'm using Design Edge from Plasmacam, with their nesting plugin.....real nice, all in one system.
I looked at Nestprofessor but, I really have no need for it.....if I wasn't using what I have, I would have been interested for sure.

Also had a play with the deer head parts....scaled down and nested in a 500 X 400mm sheet.

...

...

[forhire]

Sorry mate, missed your post.
I'm using Design Edge from Plasmacam, with their nesting plugin.....real nice, all in one system.
I looked at Nestprofessor but, I really have no need for it.....if I wasn't using what I have, I would have been interested for sure.

No problem I figured you've been busy. I played with it for a day and it made me get busy and figure out my We-Cim software so I could compare the two. At present I'm using We-Cim as it produces a clean nest that can be exported directly with all my lead ins and such right to gcode. Being that nestprofessor only produces a dxf nest I likely won't use it a whole lot either.

[Mick120]

No problem I figured you've been busy. I played with it for a day and it made me get busy and figure out my We-Cim software so I could compare the two. At present I'm using We-Cim as it produces a clean nest that can be exported directly with all my lead ins and such right to gcode. Being that nestprofessor only produces a dxf nest I likely won't use it a whole lot either.


I had a play with the deer parts.....scaled back and nested in 500 x 400 sheet....in the above post.

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[forhire]

I had a play with the deer parts.....scaled back and nested in 500 x 400 sheet....in the above post.

Kinda small? I was going to cut one from 1/4" (6mm). :laugh:

What was your nest ratio? The best I could get was about 50% if I recall.

I attached a screen shot of your nest for comparison.

[Mick120]

Kinda small? I was going to cut one from 1/4" (6mm). :laugh:

What was your nest ratio? The best I could get was about 50% if I recall.

I attached a screen shot of your nest for comparison.


Reason it's small is, it was imported as metric from imperial....I can do either.
I don't use ratio....just as easy to post a screen snip of my settings.....so.....

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[Nestprofessor]

In order have a more good material utilization for complex parts, we developed a new nesting algorithm. It would be a really true shape nesting tool and can meet higher requirement. It can nest on any shape of material (import material from DXF/DWG file) even there are holes in it. It would be a good assist tool for many applications like wood, cloth, sheet metal, glass, leather, etc. You can use the nesting result for laser, plasma, waterjet and other cutting or router machine.

In the final stage before release, we are looking for Beta customers who are interested in nesting software and like to try new tool in their work. All Beta customers would receive a license file without any limitation (full function and permanent). We hope to hear more first-hand suggestions and feedback for you.

Please send us email support@nestprofessor.com with note of your business application and machines.


The following are nesting results snapshot:

[Nestprofessor]

Here is another layout sample::blob1:

[Nestprofessor]

it is the snapshot

[Mick120]

In order have a more good material utilization for complex parts, we developed a new nesting algorithm. It would be a really true shape nesting tool and can meet higher requirement. It can nest on any shape of material (import material from DXF/DWG file) even there are holes in it. It would be a good assist tool for many applications like wood, cloth, sheet metal, glass, leather, etc. You can use the nesting result for laser, plasma, waterjet and other cutting or router machine.

In the final stage before release, we are looking for Beta customers who are interested in nesting software and like to try new tool in their work. All Beta customers would receive a license file without any limitation (full function and permanent). We hope to hear more first-hand suggestions and feedback for you.

Please send us email support@nestprofessor.com with note of your business application and machines.

The following are nesting results snapshot:


Now that's different and very interesting....email sent.
Great for saved skeletons and saving cash.

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[mauricio_daniel_62]

e-mail sent

[Nestprofessor]

Thanks for the support of our product, there are many emails we received this morning.

The program download link is send out by email, please check!

A notice I like to said that the program is a demo program for the new algorithm, the interface may isn't convenient enough, hope your understanding. We would integrate it into NestLeader after the nesting algorithm released.

[Mick120]

I have to say, this new algorithm works a treat.....I can see myself saving a ton of material.
Well done.....:drinkup:

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[Mick120]

Hmmmmmm....Well I've just been shown something about the nesting software I have now (Design Edge by Plasmacam) and, turns out I already have the option for nesting within skeletons, without the need for third party software and, also without the need to save offcuts as dxf files....:blush:
I still appreciate the offer of free software tho...:drinkup:

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[Nestprofessor]

We have new activity may interest someone now! We have a product CutLeader with nesting, automatic optimize the spline and curve, generate NC code. save many cutting technology for different materials. a complete CAD/CAM software.

You can apply FREE license file, the license we provide is full function and no time limitation. it means you can use it whole life and never expired.

Visit this link http://www.cutleader.com/ad/cutleader.htm and download relate files please!

[Nestprofessor]

In order have a more good material utilization for complex parts, we developed a new nesting algorithm. It would be a really true shape nesting tool and can meet higher requirement. It can nest on any shape of material (import material from DXF/DWG file) even there are holes in it. It would be a good assist tool for many applications like wood, cloth, sheet metal, glass, leather, etc. You can use the nesting result for laser, plasma, waterjet and other cutting or router machine.

In the final stage before release, we are looking for Beta customers who are interested in nesting software and like to try new tool in their work. All Beta customers would receive a license file without any limitation (full function and permanent). We hope to hear more first-hand suggestions and feedback for you.

Please send us email support@nestprofessor.com with note of your business application and machines.



The following are nesting results snapshot:


The demo program may not easy to use enough, so we enhanced it with some new feature like batch import and more easy to edit part and material property. you can download from here directly.
www.cutleader.com/download/NestProfessor-3.1-win-demo-enhance.zip (http://www.cutleader.com/download/NestProfessor-3.1-win-demo-enhance.zip)