DGNest+ is suitable for hobbyists and small start-up companies. It inherits basic functionality of DGNestPro except nesting algorithm. If you have mix of smaller and larger parts this software can produce 65-85% of utilization. DG Nest+ handles complex parts-mix better than DG Nest – hobby.
PRICE: $120
Test results:
DGNest – Hobby is suitable for hobbyists and small start-up companies. It inherits all functionality of DGNestPro except nesting algorithm.
Some nesting samples:
From CAD to CAM, Cleaning up 2D DWG files for CNC
http://cadsetterout.com/autocad-tutorials/cad-to-cam-cleaning-up-dwg-files-for-cnc/
Smart and the fast way to create predefined (parametric entry based) “part/shapes templates” is to use new
module ‘DG Shapes’ which will grow up as separately software in near future.
‘DG Shapes’ goal is to cover basic and advanced parts in metal industry, also to cover need for custom parts.
DG Nest Pro has a new option of export, until now it has just ‘explode all drawings as LINEs’. This new version has a little bit higher arc-circle points density by default settings, but it is more accurate when doing export of contours.
New export algorithm seek for suitable points in vertex and find ARCs and CIRCLEs everywhere where can.This is BETA testing version and it will be constantly updated.
Scale and kerf width (tool paths) are necessary in most cases of cutting process.
The first version of this new feature can handle the most vertex geometry and angles cases.
Lead In/Outs lie on the shape first/end point, which can be avoided in some next version.
Tool-paths feature leads to chain nesting update in some next version of ‘DG Nest Pro’.
‘DG Nest Pro’ has a new feature, import multi-parts from single DXF file (set of parts in one DXF file).
User have to prepare multi-part DXF in some CAD program:
1) Create layer ‘Shapes’
2) Put all parts in layer ‘Shapes’
3) Check or edit drawing to be closed polylines for all contours
4) Save the changes and import DXF into ‘DG Nest Pro’:
And do nesting:
‘DG Nest Pro’ support curves/splines and arcs (presents in DXF as bulge factor).
Also, software allow to reduce number of points while loading DXFs, just adjust points density in settings.
I already wrote about ‘DG Nest Pro’ scrap nesting feature but these days a new SheetCAM project named
Scanything inspired me to add a new feature into ‘DG Nest Pro’ which is a variation on a theme.
The first idea how to increase material utilization it was to remember material edges and (inside holes)
after nesting/cutting, and save scrap geometry into database (also save the physical scrap material into
the stock).
When fabricator has many small parts he can use this scrap sheet from the stockroom, put on table, open
virtual scrap sheet in ‘DG Nest Pro’ with the corresponding ID (from database) and do nesting on it.
It was a case where we know exactly what we currently cut, but what can we do when we have not saved
the geometry in ‘DG Nest Pro’?
There is two scenarios. The first one is case if we have saved dxf layout of some part somewhere in
computer, we can open that dxf file, save it as a scrap irregular sheet into database, open and nest
smaller parts over it, and that is a new feature in ‘DG Nest Pro’.
Unused irregular parts in stock can be used as irregular sheets, saved via corresponding dxf into
irregular sheets database, after saving dxf’s geometry we can open scrap sheets and do single or
multi-nesting.
The second scenario is more acceptable, fabricator can simple put part on cut table, do scan of part
contours via SheetCAM Scanything module, save as dxf file, open this dxf and save as irregular sheet
in ‘DG Nest Pro’.
Now the fabricator can easily nest on every possible irregular shape in stock:
