SigmaNEST for Laser

Part Quality

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

• Automatic selection of optimal cutting conditions based on material and grade
• Appropriate Quality Cutting (AQC)
• Entity level condition override to manually adapt cutting conditions inside parts
• Automatic feedrate and power ramping around corners and for intricate geometry
• Automatic generation of appropriate lead-in and lead-out geometry
• Automatically smoothes vector strings from scanned images, through Filter module
• Geometry area and characteristics analysis to adjust the feedrate
• Automatic dwell and exact stops
• Selected vaporizing at a low wattage to cut protective layer

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 AutoDesk Inventor parts and assemblies directly
• Read geometry files from Unigraphics, CATIA, and Pro/Engineer
• Supports AutoCAD 2004 DWG, DXF
• Supports STEP and IGES file formats
• Open architecture allows users to customize post processors and management reports
• Automated links to MRP software for batch and bill of material processing

Capabilities

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

• Program laser, plasma, water jet, and punching machines from one single system
• Advanced machine motion optimization including:
• Automatic continuous cutting
• Automatic tip-up part avoidance
• Common line cutting
• SigmaNEST supports advanced laser machine functions such as:
• Vaporizing to burn off protective layer
• Micro welds
• Fine pierce, fast pierce, and normal pierce
• Etch marking
• Supports 5-axis bevel cutting on flat sheets
• Cutting technology management with automatic pulsing, power ramping, feedrate, focal height, assist gas, and pressure adjustment
• Repositioning and automatic cut pickup allow cutting on plates that extend beyond the cutting area
• Automatic smoothing of vector strings from scanned images, through Filter module and geometry "cleanup" of CAD files
• Effortlessly nest large volumes of parts through bill of material processing function or direct MRP interface
• Compact large nested layouts into sub-routine program that is easy to run

Material Utilization

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

• Advanced True Shape™ automatic nesting
  

  

• Nesting in dead zone and under clamps
• Nesting for common line cutting
• Remnant tracking and selection
• Multiple laser head nesting (Trumpf HSL 4002 C)
• Nesting for variable head spacing (Trumpf HSL 4002 C)
• Interactive nesting toolbox to manually manipulate nestings

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:

• Dynamic cutting condition selection for best performance while maintaining part quality
• Automatic tip-up part avoidance for head-down rapid move
• Automatic continuous cutting and pierce elimination
• Variation of cut quality using Appropriate Quality Cutting (AQC) technology
• Advanced part sequencing functions to create the most optimal cutting path possible
• "Pierce on the fly" function for machines capable of this technology ("SprintLas" on Trumpf)
• Pre-piercing

Material Handling

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

• Automatic cropping and scrap cut functions reduce skeletons into manageable pieces and remnants into manageable shapes
• Advanced automatic micro-tabbing for easy off-loading
• Micro-welds
• Automatic tip-up part avoidance reduces risk of machine damage

Estimating

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

SigmaNEST can generate:

• Complete order and work-in-process tracking
• Reliable cost estimates based on material grade and thickness
• Accurate cutting time estimates include changing feedrates