"Powerful automated nesting and NC Programming software packages are rarely available to fabricators using laser machines --flying or fixed optic, hybrid," according to Michael D. Lundy, P.E., President & CEO of Optimation.

 

OptiLaser, by Optimation, determines kerf side and direction automatically as well as sets feed rates and powersetting based on geometry. Users can manually key orders into OptiLaser directly, or it can be interfaced to any scheduling system that outputs an ASCII file, eliminating the need to manually re-enter. Orders are automatically checked to ensure that the part can be produced and "flagged," if needed (for First Article Inspection, for example, or if engineering changes are detected). All clean orders are placed in the Active Order File while those not passing inspection are sent to the Suspended Orders File.  This module enables the software to read the Active Order File for the current demand of parts, extract the appropriate ready-to-nest parts from the Part Library's Master File and, drawing on the parameters you have established in the "Knowledge Base," create the optimal nesting pattern. The Nesting Module's ability to use several intelligent tools to create the nest is one of the primary advantages of Optimation's software and, ultimately, the feature that enables you to get the parts you need, when you need them, in their exact quantities, at the lowest cost.

OptiLaser also utilizes a Collision Avoidance expert system in order to optimize the toolpath by maintaining a head-down position during rapid traverse whenever possible, avoiding tipped-up pieces; it provides a full-featured approach that allows the user to specify which parts can be common edge cut when a part is libraried.

Lundy noted,"OptiLaser reads and applies key manufacturing information marks for bend lines, weld lines, grain direction, part numbers, order numbers, or anything you need with Geometric Marking and Text Etching.  It also provides "Point and Shoot" tab placement after a nest is created as well as automatically creates lead-in/lead-out based on a lead-in library."

Machine tools OptiLaser runs by vendor:
Alabama Laser Systems
Amada
Bystronics
Cincinnati
Heid
Laser Lab
Mazak
MG
Mitsubishi
Murata Wiedemann
Strippit LVD
Tanaka
Trumpf

For 30 years OptimationÂ(r) has been the world leader in Part Nesting for Optimized Material and Labor utilization. Consistently providing product advancement leadership to industry, the company's new Nesting Technology, AxiomVE make previous nesting methods obsolete.   The new technology, Vision Emulationâ„¢, allows the system to "see" the shape of parts, just as human eyes would view them.  When a person looks at a part, they see the whole shape and any special features on the part.  This information is then used to determine if the part will fit in an area of the nest.  Vision Emulation eliminates excessive trial and error as well as excessive rotation.

Optimation (www.optimation.com) offers benchmarking against any other method of part nesting; recent benchmarks have show improvements up to 15% in material efficiency alone.  As lean efficiencies are essential, the most advanced nesting technology guarantees the most important parts are always nested in the next available machine, providing advanced information to integrated costing, labor reporting, and material inventory systems. Because Optimation is strong financially and has the most advanced technology; the company offers direct financing from its own capital resources.

 

Optimation

www.optimation.com

Michael D Lundy P.E.

Opti1@optinest.com

877-827-2100