SigmaNEST for Oxyfuel

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 cut sequencing to minimize thermal distortion
• Automatic lead-in and lead-out definition from built-in technology database
• Previous cut pick-up to minimize piercing thick material

Integration

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

• Direct integration with Solid Edge, SolidWorks, and AutoCad through OLE automation.
• Support for DWG (AutoCAD 2000), DXF, and IGES file formats with dynamic layer mapping and automatic process assignment by layer (or color). An example would be marking on layer "MARK" and cutting on layer "CUT".
• Open architecture allows users to customize post processors and management reports
• Automated links to MRP software for batch and bill of material processing
• Dynamic job status feedback from the machine control for part costing

Capabilities

SigmaNEST is the leading CAD/CAM system for programming multi-torch oxyfuel profile cutting machines:

• SigmaNEST supports machines equipped with automatic torch spacing. If torches have to be set manually, SigmaNEST provides the operator with spacing information.
• SigmaNEST features edge burning capability, which begins the cutting process from the edge of a thick plate. Edge burning is also established between parts in a nesting layout without damaging existing part edge. This function avoids costly pierces, saving time and money.
• In automatic true shape nesting, layouts may be composed of parts-in-parts and/or interlocking parts.
• Tip-up part avoidance is cutting logic that ensures that the machine head will not pass over previously cut parts. The function automatically determines the cutting order for the parts in a nesting layout to achieve this. One of the very significant benefits of this function is that it allows unattended cutting.
• The work order tracking function allows different work orders to be placed on one plate. SigmaNEST tracks leftover quantities of parts so that they can be nested on subsequent sheets of similar thickness. Our software allows the operator the freedom of mixing orders without losing parts.
• SigmaNEST provides an optimal nesting layout though automatic true shape nesting on irregularly shaped remnant material. This function can be used on singular and multiple torch machines.
• SigmaNEST easily and fully supports manual and automatic machines with a triple torch bevel arrangement.

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 7 seconds on a Pentium IV 1.8GHz
• Automatic true shape nesting on irregularly shaped remnant material on machines with single and multiple nozzles
• Advanced multi-torch nesting
• 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 technology reduces machine cutting cycle time thus improving machine throughput by up to 20%. Automatic common line cutting, chain cutting, and other techniques of pierce minimization not only reduces cutting time but results in increased material utilization and consumable life. Contact SigmaTEK for cutting study results from different companies.

• Common line nest example
  

  

• In approximately 3 out of 4 programs tested, SigmaNEST was able to reduce the cutting cycle time by between 7% and 28%

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 part and nesting databases contain information that can be used to produce accurate and repeatable part cost estimates. Specifically, SigmaNEST automatically determines and stores:

• Total cut length
• True part weight
• Blank and scrap allowance weight
• Number of starts
• Process based nominal feedrates
• Quality based feedrates

For the nesting layout, the complete machine parameters are available including number of torches, pre-heat and pierce time, number of sheets required, and cutting time. The cutting time is calculated including the acc/dec (acceleration/ deceleration) of the machine. Based on a user definable production cost model, part cost can be estimated to within 5% of real cost. Reliable part costing is obviously essential to be competitive and profitable at the same time.