Punching

May 2007

www.sigmanest.com

Notice
This manual and the software that it relates to is subject to a
separate license agreement, which must be signed prior to use
of the software.
This manual is copyrighted. All rights are reserved. This document may not in whole or part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated, or reduced to any electronic medium or
machine readable form without prior consent, in writing, from
SigmaTEK Corporation.
SigmaTEK and SigmaNEST are trademarks of SigmaTEK Corporation. All other marks are owned by their respective owners.
Copyright SIGMATEK CORPORATION 19932007

8.0.1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Overview ...............................................................................................................
Software Protection .........................................................................................
1.2 Folder Structure .....................................................................................................
1.3 Terminology ..........................................................................................................

1-1
1-3
1-3
1-5

Chapter 2
SYSTEM BASICS
2.1 Screen Layout ........................................................................................................ 2-1
Main Menu Area .............................................................................................. 2-3
Pull-down Menu .............................................................................................. 2-4
Status Menu ..................................................................................................... 2-5
Tool Bars ....................................................................................................... 2-12
2.2 Dialog Operation ................................................................................................. 2-38
Moving between Fields ................................................................................. 2-38
Selecting Entries ............................................................................................ 2-38
Column Sorting ............................................................................................. 2-38
2.3 Selection Menu .................................................................................................... 2-39
2.4 Position Menu ..................................................................................................... 2-42
2.5 Quick Keys .......................................................................................................... 2-45
2.6 Macros ................................................................................................................. 2-46
2.7 Conventions ......................................................................................................... 2-47
Manual Conventions ...................................................................................... 2-47
Coordinate System ......................................................................................... 2-48
Chapter 3
TOOL MANAGER
3.1 Tool Library .......................................................................................................... 3-2
Defining Tools ................................................................................................. 3-3
Defining Special Tools .................................................................................. 3-10
Defining Multi-tool Mini-tools ...................................................................... 3-13
Defining Cluster Tools .................................................................................. 3-15
Defining Drilling Tools ................................................................................. 3-16
Tool Editing ................................................................................................... 3-20
Copying Tools ............................................................................................... 3-22
Tagging Tools ................................................................................................ 3-22
Deleting Tools ............................................................................................... 3-23
3.2 Die Library .......................................................................................................... 3-23
Defining Dies ................................................................................................. 3-24
Defining Special Dies .................................................................................... 3-29

Table of Contents
Die Editing .....................................................................................................
Die Assignment .............................................................................................
Copying Dies .................................................................................................
Tagging Dies .................................................................................................
Deleting Dies .................................................................................................
3.3 Reporting .............................................................................................................
3.4 Import and Export ...............................................................................................
Export ............................................................................................................
Import ............................................................................................................

3-30
3-31
3-35
3-35
3-36
3-36
3-37
3-37
3-38

Chapter 4
TOOL STATION
4.1 Tool Station Layout ............................................................................................... 4-2
Station Sizes .................................................................................................... 4-2
Compatibility ................................................................................................... 4-2
Keying ............................................................................................................. 4-6
4.2 Import Layout ........................................................................................................ 4-8
4.3 Editing ................................................................................................................... 4-8
4.4 Turret Library ........................................................................................................ 4-8
New Turret ....................................................................................................... 4-9
4.5 Populating Station ................................................................................................. 4-9
4.6 Forming Tools ..................................................................................................... 4-10
Chapter 5
PART MODE TOOLING
5.1 Setup ...................................................................................................................... 5-1
5.2 Tooling .................................................................................................................. 5-4
Chapter 6
AUTOMATIC TOOLING
6.1 Auto Tool .............................................................................................................. 6-1
Punching Parameters ....................................................................................... 6-2
6.2 Tabbing ................................................................................................................ 6-22
6.3 Special Tooling ................................................................................................... 6-22
Forming ......................................................................................................... 6-23
6.4 Auto Slot ............................................................................................................. 6-23
6.5 Auto Destruct ...................................................................................................... 6-24
6.6 Dynamic Auto Tooling ........................................................................................ 6-24

ii

Table of Contents
Chapter 7
MANUAL TOOLING
7.1 Manual Punch ........................................................................................................ 7-1
Single Punch .................................................................................................... 7-2
Entity Punch .................................................................................................... 7-3
Punch Point to Point ........................................................................................ 7-7
Punch Slots and Holes ................................................................................... 7-10
Destruct .......................................................................................................... 7-12
Apply to Same ............................................................................................... 7-14
7.2 Edit Punch ........................................................................................................... 7-16
Edit ................................................................................................................ 7-16
Clear .............................................................................................................. 7-16
Delete ............................................................................................................. 7-17
Back-1 ............................................................................................................ 7-17
Punch Explode ............................................................................................... 7-17
7.3 Tabbing ................................................................................................................ 7-18
Add Tab ......................................................................................................... 7-18
Delete Tab ..................................................................................................... 7-19
Display Tab Points ........................................................................................ 7-19
7.4 Pre-tabs ................................................................................................................ 7-20
Automatic Pre-tabs ........................................................................................ 7-20
Add Pre-tab .................................................................................................... 7-23
Remove Pre-tab ............................................................................................. 7-23
Remove All Pre-tabs ...................................................................................... 7-24
Show Pre-tabs ................................................................................................ 7-24
7.5 Tool Viewer ......................................................................................................... 7-25
Chapter 8
REPOSITIONING
8.1 Repositioning ........................................................................................................ 8-1
General Tab ..................................................................................................... 8-2
Clamps Tab ...................................................................................................... 8-3
Options Tab ..................................................................................................... 8-5
Hold Downs Tab .............................................................................................. 8-6
Display Tab ..................................................................................................... 8-8
Sequencing Tab ............................................................................................... 8-9
Manual Tab .................................................................................................... 8-10
Chapter 9
MOTION OPTIMIZATION
9.1 Tool Sorting .......................................................................................................... 9-1

iii

Table of Contents
Chapter 10
REPORTING
10.1 Tool Manager ......................................................................................................
Selected Turret ...............................................................................................
Selected Tools ...............................................................................................
All Active Tools ............................................................................................
Die Reports ....................................................................................................
10.2 Nesting Task List ................................................................................................

10-1
10-2
10-3
10-3
10-3
10-4

Chapter 11
TABBING
11.1 Tab Settings ......................................................................................................... 11-1

iv

Chapter

1
INTRODUCTION

Chapter

1
INTRODUCTION

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION
This manual is a reference to the features of SigmaNEST. Some of the features included in
this manual might not pertain to your installation. Contact your SigmaNEST sales representative to obtain features described in this manual that are not installed at your site.
This manual follows the organization SigmaNEST's menus. Each section relates to a major
menu item and each subsection delves deeper into that feature's functionality.

1.1

Overview

SigmaNEST is an integrated nesting, profile cutting and punching CAD/CAM

system. The software interfaces with most CAD programs for geometry data
transfer and with production management software for work order management
and inventory control.
SigmaNEST employs an advanced automatic nesting algorithm. The algorithm is
feature-based enabling it to accommodate arbitrarily shaped parts while recognizing inside contours and geometric irregularities. The nesting algorithm fully
supports automatic parts-in-parts nesting to ensure optimal material utilization.

1-1

SigmaNEST

Reference

A common sequence of tasks to proceed from order to NC using SigmaNEST is:

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SigmaNEST's productivity-enhancing features include:

Reducing scrap material through improved utilization

Saving time in profile cutting activity

Improving parts quality and accuracy

Dynamic auto tooling in punching operations

Advanced repositioning algorithms

Inspection parts

Advanced auto tabbing algorithms

Estimating more accurate and competitive quotes based on computer generated material

AutoCAD, CADKEY, MASTERCAM, and other CAD/CAM systems can interface directly with SigmaNEST.

1-2

Chapter 1

Introduction

Software Protection
In order for the program to operate correctly, a SIM device must be
attached to the parallel port on the computer at all times. If the SIM is
removed during operation of the program, the software will not function
correctly.
You can attach a parallel printer cable or additional SIMs to the SigmaNEST SIM without affecting the operation of the software.
The SIM must be in place at all times when using SigmaNEST. When a printer
is attached to the SIM, the printer must be turned on to run SigmaNEST.

1.2

Folder Structure

SigmaNEST places files and folders in two primary locations:

The installation folder is shown as Install in the following table. It is normally

\Program Files\SigmaTEK\SigmaNEST version 8.

The location of the configuration data is desginated as SNData in the following table.

File System Folders Used by SigmaNEST

FOLDER

DESCRIPTION

\Install\

Main program folder containing executable files and device

drivers

\Install\Font

Fonts folder

\Install\Mac

Macro data files

\Install\NCI

Intermediate NC files

\Install\Print

Printing files

\Install\SysFiles

Language and help files for each supported language

\Install\Temp

Temporary files

\SNData\

Master data folder

\SNData\BOM

Bill of Materials

1-3

SigmaNEST

Reference

File System Folders Used by SigmaNEST

FOLDER

1-4

DESCRIPTION

\SNData\CDL

CADKey's CDL geometry transfer format

\SNData\DBase

Database contents

\SNData\DWG

CAD system's DWG geometry transfer format

\SNData\DXF

CAD system's DXF geometry transfer format

\SNData\eReport

Electronic report files

\SNData\IGES

CAD system's IGES geometry transfer format

\SNData\NC

NC program (post processed)

\SNData\Parts

SigmaNEST parts

\SNData\Post

Post processor files

\SNData\PTN

Pattern files

\SNData\Reports

Report setup files

\SNData\RevNC

Reverse NC files

\SNData\Shapes

Standard Shapes files

\SNData\Sheets

Material inventory files, including remnants

\SNData\Static

Static Nests

\SNData\Tools

Tool files used for punching

\SNData\WO

Work order files

\SNData\WOL

Work order list files

\SNData\WS

Work space files

Chapter 1

1.3

Introduction

Terminology

The following are key terms found in this manual and in SigmaNEST that may be
unfamiliar:

DNC
Direct Numerical Control transfers machine - cutting data into the
machine control by means of a direct wire link. It can take the following
three forms:

Drip feed - The program is transferred step-by-step to the control.

Download from computer - The program is transferred to the control

by sending it from the computer.

Download from control - The program is transferred to the control

retrieving it from the computer by entering the download command
at the control.

Entity
An entity is a geometric element that is considered the geometric building
blocks of SigmaNEST. These entities can created, deleted, moved, copied,
and otherwise manipulated using the CAD program functions. Typical
entities include lines, arcs, circles, points, and text notes.

Kerf
Kerf is the slot of material that is removed by the cutting process. In SigmaNEST, the kerf value is equal to half the total slot width or, in other
words, it is equal to the tool radius.

Kerf Cut
Kerf cut is a cutting motion, which takes into account the width of the slot
created by the cutter, whether it is a flame, a beam, or a router tool. Compensation for kerf can be in the machine control, in which case a special
kerf offset direction command is sent to the control. Compensation for
kerf can also be in the computer, in which case the computer calculates
the new position of the cutter while taking the kerf offset into consideration. In this case, the kerf-offset option in the machine control is not
used.
1-5

SigmaNEST

Reference

NC Tool Path
A tool path is a graphic representation of the cutting motion. This path is
created by SigmaNEST or created manually. Once a tool path is created, it
is post processed to generate the code for the cutting machine.

Nesting
A nesting is the completed layout of parts. A nest can be created manually or automatically. At any time, additional parts can be added to the
nest and it can be re-nested as the requirements change.

Nesting Task
A nesting task consists of parts selected for nesting, sheet information,
and nesting parameters. These include:

Sheet size, material, thickness, and quantity

Edge distance

Clearance between parts

Number of torches and spacing

Nesting type and strategy

Object
An object is a data group that often contains geometry and text information. An object behaves as a unit. Parts, nesting tasks, and sheets are
examples of SigmaNEST objects.

Part
A part consists of sequenced geometry (kerf cut, mark, etc.) combined
with part parameters that include:

1-6

Material type

Thickness

Quantity

Lead-in and lead-out

Chapter 1

Introduction
After creating and saving a part to the Parts Database, it can be recalled at
any time for nesting. Geometry must be converted into a part before nesting.

Post Processor
After the NC tool path is graphically created on the screen, the tool path
is translated into machine code by means of the proper translator. This
translator, which is specifically configured for each machine, is called a
post processor.

Text Editor
The text editor, supplied with SigmaNEST, is a computer program that
permits the creation or modification of text files.

Work Order (Job)

A work order contains information about part productionincluding customer name, due date, and part name. SigmaNEST automatically schedules and monitors progress on work orders.

Work Space
A work space contains all current settings, active part objects, and nesting
objects. It can be saved under a specific file name and later restored to
allow resumption of work from the saved point. Regular saving of work
space information is essential to maintain up-to-date data files in the
event of a power loss.

1-7

SigmaNEST

1-8

Reference

Chapter

2
SYSTEM BASICS

Chapter

2
SYSTEM BASICS

Chapter 2

SYSTEM BASICS
It is important to become familiar with SigmaNESTs basic interface. This chapter covers
information on menus, screens, usability issues, and some drafting conventions. It is
important to understand the concepts presented in this chapter in orderF to make the best
use of SigmaNEST.

2.1

Screen Layout

The screen is divided into six different areas, as illustrated below:

Screen Layout

Pull-down Menu
A selection of frequently used SigmaNEST functions is available from the
standard Windows menu structure.

Tool Bar Icons

These tool bars contain shortcut buttons to specific SigmaNEST functions.

2-1

SigmaNEST

Punching

Main Menu
The menu contains all available menu functions for SigmaNEST.

Status Menu
Displays variables for SigmaNEST functions and attributes that are
adjustable. Some of the values are purely for information (e.g. Scale), but
most are active in the sense that selecting them changes the state of the
system (e.g. Mode) or permits a value to be changed (e.g. Decimals).

Graphic Area
This area displays drafting entities, part objects, nesting objects, etc.

Prompt Line
Messages are displayed on the prompt line and commands and parameters are input from here. The following buttons are available for functions
subordinate to the Create main menu item:
Prompt Line Buttons

In c

2-2

Smart Cursor
On/Off

This turns the smart cursor on or off. The smart

cursor automatically selects the middle or end of
an entity even if the mouse is not exactly at its
middle or end. Turn the smart cursor off to create
an open contour.

Incremental/

When entering exact coordinates choose between

incremental or absolute locations. Incremental
begins the entity at the end of the last specified
coordinate. Absolute uses the last specified zero
position as the reference point.

Zero Position

This creates a new absolute zero position reference

point.

Absolute

Chapter 2

System Basics

Main Menu Area

The following methods are used to select main menu options:

Mouse Pointer
Position the mouse pointer on the menu item and press the left mouse
button.

Function Keys
Press the number displayed next to the menu options on the corresponding keyboard function key. For example, the number 1 on the main
menu corresponds to the function key F1, the number 3 corresponds
to function key F3 and the number 0 corresponds to function key
F10. Esc represents the Esc or escape key.

Underlined Letters
Pressing the underlined letter corresponding to the function in the main
menu invokes that function. The Main Menu is summarized below:
1 File

File handling, opening, saving, import/export: Saving

and retrieving data files

2 Edit

Deleting, recalling and modifying geometry, parts and

sheets

3 Create

Creating lines, arcs, etc.: creating new geometry, SigmaNEST part objects, sheets, and shapes

4 Nesting

Task setup, sheet selection, AutoNest, autotask, NC code

5 NC

NC edit options? manual only

6 X-Form

Scale, copy, move, rotate, and mirror geometry: copying

and moving geometry and objects

7 Display

Image control: redraw, pan, zoom, and level

8 Utility

Verification, print, plot, configuration, communication

program, text editor, file manager, version, and module
information

9 Detail

Notes, dimensions, and display settings for notes and

dimensions

0 Backup

Back to previous menu

2-3

SigmaNEST

Punching
Esc Main Menu

Back to Main Menu

Pull-down Menu
The Pull-down Menu is manipulated by using standard Windows interface functions. There are two ways to select menu options:

Mouse Pointer
Position the mouse pointer on the menu item and press the left mouse
button.

Underlined Letters
When a pull-down menu item has an underlined letter in its name, that
item may be invoked by pressing the Alt key plus that letter. On each
pull-down menu, some items have Ctrl or Alt key combinations
shown to the right of the function. These functions may be invoked
immediately with the specified Ctrl or Alt key combination.
For example, on the View menu, the Auto Scale function lists Alt+A as
its shortcut key sequence. Using the Alt+A key combination, invokes the
Auto Scale function immediately, even when the View menu is not
selected.
For the most part, the same functions are available via the main menu
and the pull-down menu. The pull-down menu is summarized below:

2-4

File

File handling, opening, saving, import/export, saving

and retrieving data files

Edit

Deleting geometry, trim, break: modifying existing

geometry

Create

Creating lines, arcs, etc.: creating new geometry, SigmaNEST part objects, sheets, and shapes

View

Image control: Auto scale, half, double, window, and

pan. Redraws existing geometry and returns to previous
view function

NC

NC edit options? manual only

Nesting

Task setup, sheet selection, AutoNest, autotask, and NC

code

Chapter 2

System Basics
X-Form

Scale, copy, move, rotate, and mirror geometry: copying

and moving geometry and objects

Utility

Verification, print, plot, configuration, communication

program, text editor and file manager

Detail

Notes, dimensions and display settings for notes and

dimensions

Tools

Select scripts to run

ToolBars

Hides or displays tool bars

Macros

Creating macros: start and stop recording, list macros

Help

Provides additional information on SigmaNEST and

Internet links to the SigmaTEK web site

Status Menu
The Status menu displays the status of commonly used features. The features in the Status menu may change depending on the area of SigmaNEST that is in use. For example, when using the NC programming
module of SigmaNEST, the NC Step feature is available. Select the individual status menu items with the mouse to change them. In some cases
the value toggles from one state to another. In other cases a dialog is presented to enable a new value to be selected. A few items on the status
menu, such as Scale (S) are for information only and cannot be changed.

Properties
Properties is only available on the Status Menu while nesting.
Properties displays a dialog showing key nesting layout attributes. It is of
primary use when defining a static nest, but is not restricted to that.

2-5

SigmaNEST

Punching
Task Properties Dialog

Selecting a layout displays it in the work space. The number of sheets, the
stack quantity and the number of parts visible on that layout are all multiplied to arrive at the total number of parts for the layout. The Parts
Nested value is the sum of the total number of parts on each layout.
Delete
Removes the selected layout from the work space.
Clear
Clears the layout of all parts and markings.
Edit
Displays the Nesting Layout dialog as described for Sheet Qty on page 2-6
later in this section.
Add
Permits the addition of sheets to the nest.
Copy
Creates a copy the selected layout.

Sheet Qty
Sheet Qty is only available on the Status Menu while nesting.
Sheet Qty shows the number of sheets in use for the layout on display in
the work space. Selecting Sheet Qty displays the Nesting Layout dialog
2-6

Chapter 2

System Basics
that permits adjustment of sheet quantities, sheet attributes and the specification of remnants for the layout.
Nesting Layout Dialog

Sheet Name
If a sheet name is present, then selecting the ellipsis (), to the left of
the name, invokes the sheet dialog that enables the sheet parameters to be
changed.
Number of Sheets
This is the number of sheets to use with this layout. The number of parts
on this layout is multiplied by the number of sheets. The result is
reflected in the Parts Nested value. Selecting the adjacent
lates the value.

button calcu-

Stack Quantity
The stack quantity is the number of sheets that are stacked and cut
together. The number of parts on the layout is multiplied by this number
and reflected in the Parts Nested value. The initial stack quantity is set in
the nesting Task Parameters Dialog. For more information refer to Stack
Quantity in Chapter 7, Nesting of the User Reference Manual.
Remnant List
If there are any remnants associated with this layout, they are listed here.
Double-clicking the remnant invokes a sheet dialog that permits changing the remnants parameters. The
list removes the selected remnant.

button at the left of the remnants

2-7

SigmaNEST

Punching

Mode
This toggles between Workspace Mode and Part Mode. Workspace Mode
is the default mode, while Part Mode is used to detail or pre-program SigmaNEST parts one at a time. All nesting is done in Workspace Mode.

Alev (Active Level)

This indicates the level (or layer) that is currently active. New geometry is
created on the current level. Parts and nesting layouts are stored on different levels. Selecting Alev enables the active level to be set or changed,
levels to be added or removed, and entities to be moved between levels.

Color
The color that appears in the status window is the active color when
drawing new geometry. Selecting Color field presents a dialog of available
colors.

S (Scale)
This is the scale factor of the view on the screen. It only refers to the view.
It does not influence or modify the actual size of parts or geometry. The
scale cannot be adjusted from the status menu. It is adjusted using the
View menu.

Arrows
The arrow direction is used for displaying dimensions. Change them to
either point in or out.

Decimal
This is the number of decimal places (to the right of the decimal point)
shown in dimensions. It is not the number of decimal places used for
internal coordinates. Internal locations always use maximum precision.
Always create geometry and parts to scale

NH (Note Height)
This is the text size for displaying notes and dimensions.
2-8

Chapter 2

System Basics

Attributes
Shows a dialog that permits the setting and display of general and bevel
attributes in the graphics area.
Attributes Dialog

Use Ctrl+R or the

changes.

tool bar button to redraw the display after making

Help
Displays on-line help.

Units
This displays the current units of measure. They can be set to either
inches or millimeters during installation and changed using the SNConfig
function on the Utility menu.

NC Step
NC Step is available on the Status Menu only in Nesting mode or Part Mode.
After creating an NC tool path, the program can display the tool motion
step-by-step or contour-by-contour (also referred to as a cutting simulation) by setting the NC step to On. The NC Simulate dialog is displayed.
The dialog is removed by setting the NC step to Off.
2-9

SigmaNEST

Punching
NC Simulate Dialog

G-Code
G-Code simulates the machine code for the NC Tool path. The forward
button advances one G-Code line each time it is selected. Step, Part and
G-Code are mutually exclusive.
Step
Step advances through the NC tool path entity by entity. The forward
button advances by one entity each time it is selected. Step, Part and GCode are mutually exclusive.
Part
Part advances through the NC tool path part by part. The forward button
advances by one part each time it is selected. Step, Part and G-Code are
mutually exclusive.
In part mode, Part behaves like Step.
Close
Choose close ( ) to discontinue the NC tool path simulation and close
the dialog. The NCStep attribute changes to Off.
Beginning
Beginning (

) removes the previous NC tool path simulation positions

the current point at the beginning. Select forward (

tion again.

) to start the simula-

Reverse
Reverse ( ) steps backwards through the NC tool path simulation. The
last step in the sequence is removed each time.
Forward
Forward (
2-10

) advances one step through the NC tool path simulation.

Chapter 2

System Basics
More
The More button expands the NC simulate dialog downwards to show
the G-Code or entities (depending on whether G-Code or Step is selected)
on the NC Path and highlights each one as it is processed. When the dia-

log is in its expanded state the More button changes to Less Selecting it
shrinks the dialog to its original state.
Options
Displays the Simulate Options dialog to control how the simulation is
performed

Text
This function displays or hides text on the graphics screen. During part
creation-any text associated with a part is not affected. The part detail is
not affected by this function. To remove the text, select text off, and then
choose Ctrl+R or the

tool bar button.

NCPath
NCPath cycles through three states:

On

displays the NC path in the graphics area

No Rapids

area.

displays the NC path without rapid moves in the graphics

2-11

SigmaNEST

Punching

does not display the NC path in the graphics area, even if one is
defined. It is sometimes used for printing or plotting without the NC
path.

Off

It is necessary to redraw the graphics area with Ctrl+R or the

button.

tool bar

Tool Bars
The tool bars are located, by default, at the top of the screen underneath
the Pull-down Menu and at the left-hand side of the screen just to the
right of the Main Menu.
Their positions can be rearranged around the edge of the graphics area by
dragging them to the desired position. They can be placed at the top and
bottom and on either side of the graphics area. They can also be dragged
into position underneath a horizontal row of tool bars to form two rows
or next to a vertical column of tool bars to form two columns.
Each tool bar has a handle at the left if it is horizontal or at the
top if it is vertical. Select the handle with the mouse pointer to
drag the tool bar. Tool bars can be dragged out of their docking areas around the graphics area. They then become free
floating. A tool bar can also be made free floating by double clicking its
handle.

A free floating tool bar can be dragged to any position on the screen using
its title bar. If it is dragged over a docking area around the graphics
area it snaps into place in that position. It can also be returned to its original docked position by double clicking the title bar.
Some tool bars have buttons with small downward or right-facing arrow
heads on them. Selecting one of these buttons causes an expanded bar of

buttons to be displayed. Select one of these expanded buttons using the

mouse pointer. Once selected, they snap back into the main tool bar.

2-12

Chapter 2

System Basics
Selecting a tool bar button activates the corresponding function immediately, without having to navigate a series of menus.

Use the mouse pointer to select tool bar buttons.

Changing Tool Bars

Tool bars can be hidden, removed and changed and new ones can be
added. All tool bar functions are accessible from the ToolBars pull-down
menu. The menu shows the current list of tool bars with a check mark
next to each tool bar that is visible. Select the tool bar name in the menu to
toggle its state between visible and hidden.
Add a New Tool Bar
It is recommended that new custom tool bars be created instead of modifying
existing tool bars.
1.

Select Custom from the ToolBars pull-down menu. The following

dialog appears.

Custom Tool Bars Dialog - Tool Bars Tab:

2.

Select the New Toolbar button and supply a name for the tool bar.

3.

The tool bar appears in the list at the left of the dialog and in one of
the standard SigmaNEST tool bar locations either immediately
under the pull-down menus or to the right of the main menu.

4.

At this point the tool bar is empty. Add commands as described in

Change a Tool Bar on page 2-14.

2-13

SigmaNEST

Punching
Remove a Tool Bar
This procedure permanently removes a tool bar. A tool bar may be hidden by selecting the tool bar name in the ToolBars pull-down menu or by
removing its selection in the Custom Tool Bars dialog.
1.

Select Custom from the ToolBars pull-down menu. The Custom tool
bars dialog appears.

2.

Select the tool bar from the list in the left pane of the dialog.

3.

Select the Delete button and confirm the choice.

Change a Tool Bar

It is recommended that new custom tool bars be created instead of modifying
existing tool bars.
1.

Select Custom from the ToolBars pull-down menu and select the
tab.

Command

Custom tool bars - Commands Dialog

2-14

2.

Select a command category from the left pane.

3.

Drag the desired command from the right pane and drop it on the
tool bar that must be changed. A button representing that command
is placed on the tool bar.

4.

Repeat steps 2 and 3 until all the desired commands have been added
to the tool bar.

5.

Select the tool bars tab and select the tool bar name in the left pane.
The commands on that tool bar appear in the right pane.

Chapter 2

System Basics
6.

Select a command and use the up and down arrow buttons to change
the order of the commands on the tool bar.

7.

Select a command and use the

bar.

8.

Select a command and use the

button to place a separator between
it and the previous command in the list.

button to remove it from the tool

Migrating Changed Tool Bars from a Previous

Release
Custom changes to tool bars are not automatically carried forward from
one release of SigmaNEST to another. In most cases, the tool bars from
one release may be transferred to the new release by following this procedure:
1.

Ensure that SigmaNEST is not running.

2.

Locate the files, SNToolBar.ini and SNToolBarPos.ini, in the new

releases installation folder and rename them to SNToolBar.ini.original and SNToolBarPos.ini.original. This ensures that the original tool
bars are still available should the transfer of the old tool bar files not
produce the desired results.

3.

Copy both files (SNToolBar.ini and SNToolBarPos.ini) from the previous releases installation folder to the new releases installation
folder.

4.

Open the new release of SigmaNEST. It now displays the tool bars
from the previous release.

This procedure cannot be used for the transition from release 5.0 of SigmaNEST
to release 6.0. The method of retaining tool bar settings changed between releases
5.0 and 5.2. When making this transition, custom tool bars must be recreated
manually. The transition from release 5.2 or 5.5 to release 6.0 can be accomplished using the procedure described here.
If the results of the previous procedure are not to your liking then restore
the original tool bar as follows. This procedure can only be used to
reverse the effects of the previous procedure to transfer tool bars from a
previous release:
1.

Ensure that SigmaNEST is not running.

2.

Delete the files, SNToolBar.ini and SNToolBarPos.ini, from the new

releases installation folder.
2-15

SigmaNEST

Punching
3.

Rename the files, SNToolBar.ini.original and SNToolBarPos.ini.original, to SNToolBar.ini and SNToolBarPos.ini.

4.

Start the new release of SigmaNEST. The original tool bars are displayed.

Work Space Tool Bars

This section shows the default tool bars that are available in work space
mode. Tool bar icons can be changed by the user, so your configuration
may not match what is documented here.
WS Tool Bar

2-16

New

Opens a new work space

Open

Opens an existing work space file

Save

Saves a work space to a specified directory

Print

Prints the objects on the work space

Import DXF

Opens the DXF directory, allowing the file to be

imported into the work space

Import Batch

Opens a Batch file directory, allowing the file to be

imported into the work space

DWG

Opens the DWG directory, allowing the file to be

imported into the work space

Shapes

Opens the Shapes library

Develop

Starts the Develop module, if installed

Create Part

Create a part out of geometry with the Selection

Menu

Edit Part

Provides the part list from the default parts directory

Chapter 2

System Basics
WS Tool Bar
Part List

Displays the part list from the default parts directory

Create Sheet

Creates a new sheet opening the Sheet Parameters

dialog

Sheet List

Displays a list of sheets in the Sheet List dialog

Part Tool Bar

Nesting

Allows access to the nesting module

Part Tile

Arranges parts on the work space evenly

View Work
Orders

Displays a list of all work orders

View Tool Bar

Window Zoom

Enlarges a specific area using the window selection

Auto Scale

Displays the parts to fit in the size of the work

space

View Double
Scale

Displays the object enlarged by 50 percent

View Half Scale

Displays the object reduced by 50 percent

Redraw

Redraws the work space, while clearing any

marks existing

Pan

Shows a rectangle the size of the viewing area

with a cursor (+). Wherever the mouse is clicked,
that position becomes the center of the screen

Back 1

Returns to the previous view up to 8 times (9

times returns to the first view)

2-17

SigmaNEST

Punching

Create Tool Bar

Create line
between 2
points

Creates a line between two specified points

Line String

Creates lines in a string, start of next is end of previous

Line Parallel at
a Distance

Creates a line parallel to another line by a specified distance

Line Horizontal and Vertical

Creates both a horizontal and vertical line at a

specified position

Arc Center
Radius

Creates an arc with a specified radius

Circle Center
Diameter

Creates an arc with a specified diameter

Fillet

Creates an arc between two entities

Rectangle Corners

Creates a rectangle with two opposite corner positions specified

Rectangle
Width and
Height

Creates a rectangle by specifying the width,

height and lower left corner

Offset

Creates an offset for the selected geometry at a

specified distance

Position Tool Bar

2-18

Cursor

The cursor is used to indicate a position on the

screen

Point

Use the x and y values in the prompt line to enter

point locations

Entity End

The nearest end point is selected as a definition

position

Chapter 2

System Basics
Position Tool Bar
Midpoint

Place a definition point at the midpoint of a line or

halfway along the length of an arc

Center

The center point of an arc or circle is used as a definition position

Quadrant

The closest quadrant point on an arc or a circle is

used as the definition position.

Intersection

Selects the physical or logically extended intersection of two geometric entities.

Create Part Tool Bar

Kerf Cut

The kerf for all selected geometry, except that

which is already defined with a different kerf
type, is set to left kerf. This is not the same as Left
Kerf Cut described below. Refer to Create Part in
the Users Reference Manual for more information.

No Kerf

The cut is made exactly on the line.

Left Kerf

Creates a left kerf cutting contour that is not used

by the nesting algorithm.

Right Kerf

Creates a right kerf cutting contour that is not

used by the nesting algorithm.

Leadin

Creates a manual lead-in. For use when the automatic lead-in is not suitable.

Mark

Defines part of the geometry as a surface mark

instead of a cut.

No Cut Geometry

Selected geometry is not cut.

Special Punching

Places selected entities on a special punching

layer. This is mostly used for special tools so that
their geometry is not confused with the parts contours.

2-19

SigmaNEST

Punching
Create Part Tool Bar
No Cut Detail

Selected detail is not cut.

Layer Mapping

Places the selected items on a separate layer.

Options

Displays the part options dialog.

Done

Indicates that the create part operation is complete.

WSCreate - Create Line Tool Bar

2-20

Create Line
Options

Displays an expanded create line tool bar

2 Points

Creates a line between two specified positions

there is a big difference in SigmaNEST

String

Creates lines in a string, start of next is end of previous

At Distance

Creates a line parallel to another line by a specified distance

Line Parallel
Point

Creates a line parallel to a specified position

Line Horizontal
and vertical

Creates both a horizontal and vertical line at a

specified position

Line Horizontal

Creates a horizontal line through a specified position

Line Tangent
Tangent

Create a line connecting two specified tangents

(only on arcs or circles)

Line Vertical

Creates a vertical line through a specified position

Line at absolute
angle

Creates a line with the same degree as a specified

angle

Line at relative
angle

Creates a line by rotating an existing line at a

specified position

Chapter 2

System Basics
WSCreate - Create Line Tool Bar
Line at Angle
Tangent

Creates a line at a specified angle, tangent to an

arc or circle

Line parallel
Tangent

Creates a line parallel to a reference line at a specified distance and tangent to the specified arc or
circle

Line Point Tangent

Create a line from the selected position tangent to

a specified arc or circle

Line Point Perpendicular

Creates a line from the selected position perpendicular to an entity

Rectangle Corners

Creates a rectangle from two opposite (diagonal)

corner positions

Rectangle
Width and
Height

Creates a rectangle by specifying the width,

height, and starting in the lower left corner

Create Offset

Creates an offset for the selected geometry at a

specified distance

Create Obround

Creates an obround with a specified diameter,

length and rotation angle

WSCreate Create Arc Tool Bar

Create Arc
Options

Displays an expanded Create Arc tool bar

Arc Center
Edge

Creates an arc with a radius of the indicated point

from the edge of the arc

Arc 3 Points

Creates an arc passing through three specified

points

Arc Center
Radius

Creates an arc with a specified radius

Arc 2 Points
and Radius

Creates an arc with a specified radius between

tow points

Arc Radius Tangent

Creates an arc that is tangent to two selected arcs

or circles

2-21

SigmaNEST

Punching
WSCreate Create Arc Tool Bar
Arc Spline

Creates an arc spline through a series of points

Arc Continue

Continues an arc definition

WSCreate Create Circle Tool Bar

2-22

Create Circle
Options

Displays an expanded Create Circle tool bar

Circle Center
and Edge

Creates a circle by specifying the center and any

position on the circumference of the circle

Circle Center
Radius

Creates a circle by specifying the radius and the

center of the circle

Circle Center
Diameter

Creates an arc with a specified circle diameter

Circle 3 Points

Creates a circle passing through three specified

positions

Circle 2 Points

Create a circle passing through two specified

positions

Tan 2 Entities

Creates a circle of a specified radius that is tangential to two selected entities

Tan 1 Entity

Creates a circle with a specified center that is tangential to a single selected entity

Ellipse

Creates an ellipse with specified x and y dimensions at a desired location

Tan 3 Entities

Create a circle that is tangential to three selected

entities. If more than one circle is possible, they
are all drawn and the desired one is selected.

Chapter 2

System Basics

WSCreate Create Fillet and Chamfer Tool Bar

Fillet and
Chamfer

Displays an expanded Fillet and chamfer tool bar

Chamfer

Create a line junction between two entities

Fillet

Creates a radius between two entities

No Trim

Creates an arc tangential to two selected entities.

It does not trim the sections of the chosen entities

Corner Loop

Create a tear drop junction between two line

entities

Notch

Creates a loop junction between two line entities

WSCreate Transformation Tool Bar

Transformation
Options

Displays an expanded Transformation tool bar

Array

Creates an array of selected entities

Copy delta distance

Copies entities to and copies them to a new location

Move delta distance

Moves selected entities to a new location

Copy Old New

Copies selected entities to a selected destination

indicated by delta values

Move Old New

Moves selected entities to a new destination indicated by delta values

Copy Rotate

Rotates the selected entities through a specified

angle around a specified point

Move Rotate

Moves and rotates selected entities to a new destination with a new orientation (this is only available in the XForm CAD tool bar)
2-23

SigmaNEST

Punching
WSCreate Transformation Tool Bar
Scale Copy

Copies and scales entities to an origin point by a

chosen scale factor

Scale Move

Scales entities to an origin point by a chosen scale

factor

Mirror Horizontal

Mirrors selected entities on a horizontal plane

Mirror Vertical

Mirrors selected entities on a vertical plane

Dynamic Move

Moves dynamically moves selected entities (this

is only available in the XForm CAD tool bar)

WSCreate Standard Shapes Tool Bar

2-24

STD Shapes

Displays an expanded standard shapes tool bar

Std. Shapes

Displays a selection of base standard shapes that

can be copied onto the work space.

Rings

Displays a selection of ring-based standard

shapes that can be copied onto the work space.

Flanges

Displays a selection of standard flange shapes

that can be copied onto the work space.

Gussets

Displays a selection of standard gusset shapes

that can be copied onto the work space.

Brackets

Displays a selection of standard bracket shapes

that can be copied onto the work space.

Chapter 2

System Basics

WSEdit Tool Bar

Trim First

Shortens or lengthens the first selected entity

Trim Both

Shortens or lengthens both selected entities

Trim Divide

Trims the first entity between two selected entities

Trim to Point

Shortens or lengthens an entity by the point

selected

Edit Quick
Trim

Trims a single entity selected

Break First

Breaks or splits the first selected entity

Break Both

Breaks or splits both selected entities

Break to Point

Breaks or splits an entity at the selected point

Break All

Breaks or splits all intersecting entities within the

selected window

Filter

Reduces the amount of entities through scanned

images

Delete

Deletes selected entities

Recall (Last)

Reverses previous Delete operations

Color Change

Changes the color of selected entities (this is only

available in WS tool bar)

Undo

Reverses the last keystroke or task performed

2-25

SigmaNEST

Punching

Import Tool Bar

Solid Edge

Imports a shape directly from Solid Edge

Solid Works

Imports a shape directly from Solid Works

Inventor

Imports a shape directly from Autodesk Inventor

CDL

Imports a CDL shape

Verify Tool Bar

2 Positions

Displays the distance and X and Y offsets between

two points on the prompt line

Coordinate

Displays the start and end X and Y co-ordinates of

the selected entity on the prompt line

2 Entities

Displays the distance and X and Y offsets between

two selected entities on the prompt line

Position &
Entity

Displays the distance between a selected entity

and a point on the prompt line

Position

Displays the co-ordinates of a point on the

prompt line

Entity

Displays the length of a selected line or the arc

radius, diameter and center point of a selected arc
on the prompt line

Detail Tool Bar

2-26

Horizontal

Displays horizontal dimensions (this is only available in WS Tool Bar)

Vertical

Displays vertical dimensions (this is only available in WS Tool Bar)

Chapter 2

System Basics
Detail Tool Bar
Radius

Displays radius dimensions (this is only available

in WS Tool Bar)

Diameter

Displays diameter dimensions (this is only available in WS Tool Bar)

Parallel

Displays dimensions parallel to the entity (this is

only available in WS Tool Bar)

Note

Adds details to a part by adding a note

Part Mode Tool Bars

This section shows the additional default tool bars that are available in
part mode. Some tool bars that are available in work space mode are also
available here and are not documented again. A tool bar is only repeated
here if it has extra buttons in part mode. For information on the work
space tool bars, refer to Work Space Tool Bars on page 2-16. Tool bar icons
can be changed by the user, so your configuration may not match what is
documented here.
NC Tool Bar
Part List

Displays the part list from the default parts directory

Save

Saves a work space to a specified directory

Print

Prints the objects on the work space

Auto NC

Automatically creates a cutting order, and then

displays the tool path

Post

Post the NC path to the machine

Editor

Opens the SigmaNEST editor

Part NC Clear

Removes the tool path on the part

2-27

SigmaNEST

Punching

Detail Tool Bar

Auto Part

Automatically adds dimensions to the part

Part

Displays the part detail frame

Note Pos.

Changes the position of the Detail dimensions

Horizontal

Displays horizontal dimensions (this is only available in WS Tool Bar)

Vertical

Displays vertical dimensions (this is only available in WS Tool Bar)

Radius

Displays radius dimensions (this is only available

in WS Tool Bar)

Diameter

Displays diameter dimensions (this is only available in WS Tool Bar)

Parallel

Displays dimensions parallel to the entity (this is

only available in WS Tool Bar)

Note

Adds details to a part by adding a note

Part Mode Tool Bar

2-28

Part Param

Displays the part parameters window

Geometry

Turns the part back into geometry for editing

Edit Leadin

Move lead-in position

Spec Lead

Places a Special Lead-in on the part

Move Leadin

Lead-in stays fixed during nesting (Hard lead-in)

Chapter 2

System Basics
Part Mode Tool Bar
Quality

Changes the cut quality for a specified contour

Change

Changes cutting process

Verify

Verifies cutting process

Part Order

Chooses part cutting order

Corner Loop

Create a tear drop junction between two line

entities

Punching Tool Bar

Setup

Invokes the punching setup dialog

Tool Manager

Invokes the tool manager dialog for defining and

editing tools and turret layouts

Parameters

Invokes the punching parameters dialog

Auto Tool

Automatically assigns appropriate tools and generates NC path

Edit Punch

Permits display and modification of punch tooling

Add Tabs

Places tabs on the part

Delete Tabs

Removes tabs from the part

Display Tabs

Toggles between displaying tabs and not showing

them.

2-29

SigmaNEST

Punching
Punching Tool Bar
Clear NC

Removes all NC from the part

Delete Hit

Removes a single hit or run from the part

Manual Punch Tool Bar

Auto Tool

Automatically assigns appropriate tools and generates NC path

Single Punch

Places single hits on the part

Nibble

Places nibble runs on the part

Point to Point

Places a point to point punching run on the part

Slots & Holes

Punches slots and holes

Destruct

Destroys round and rectangular areas on the part

Nesting NC Tool Bars

This section shows the additional default tool bars that are available
while in the nesting NC area. Some tool bars that are available in work
space mode are also available here and are not documented again. A tool
bar is only repeated here if it has extra buttons when nesting. For information on the work space tool bars, refer to Work Space Tool Bars on page 216. Tool bar icons can be changed by the user, so your configuration may
not match what is documented here.
Advanced NC Tool Bar

2-30

Lead In/Out

Changes the type of lead-in

Lead Posn

Allows the selected lead-in to be to moved to the

desired position

Chapter 2

System Basics
Advanced NC Tool Bar
Pre-Pierce

Creates a pre-pierce by burning a pierce point,

cutting a circle or punching

Add Tabs

Adds tabs to the nest

Delete All Tabs

Removes all tabs from the nest

Delete Single
Tab

Removes individual tabs from the nest

Auto Bridge

Allows automatic bridging of parts once the NC

path is placed

Manual Bridge

Allows manual bridging of parts once the NC

path is placed

Auto Chain

Cuts the first part and keeps cutting to the second

part

CommonCut

Makes a single cut between two parts that share

the same cut line

Part Avoidance

Invokes the part avoidance function

Fillet Corners

Permits all corners on a sheet or in the nest,

greater than a specified angle, to be filleted

Vaporizing

Specifies which contours must be vaporized

Reorder

Change the part cutting order

Crop Tool Bar

Crop Rem

Allows a crop step to be set up. It is necessary to

specify an offset

Manual Crop

Allows manual cropping of the sheet to create a

remnant

2-31

SigmaNEST

Punching
Crop Tool Bar
Combo Crop

Invokes the combo crop dialog

Cut Scrap

Generates an NC path on the remaining scrap

Remnant

Creates a remnant

Clear Crop

Removes the crop line NC tool path

Clear Scrap Cut

Removes the NC tool path for a scrap cut

Cancel Remnant

Removes a previously defined remnant

NC Tool Bar

2-32

Auto NC

Displays the Auto NC dialog

By Part

Generates the NC code for each part when it is

selected

Setup

Displays the NC options dialog

Erase Part

Removes the NC from the selected part

Back-1

Undo the previous NC action

Erase Current
Sheet

Removes the NC path from the current sheet

Erase All Sheets

Removes the NC path from the all sheets in the

nest

All Sheets

Permits the posting of all the sheets used in the

nest. It is necessary to specify an NC program file
name

Chapter 2

System Basics
NC Tool Bar
Single Sheet

Permits the posting of a single sheet. It is necessary to specify an NC program file name

Editor

Displays the NC code in SigmaNEST editor

Profile Tool Bar

Profile

Invokes the profile parameters dialog for the

selected contours

Go To

Generates an NC path to the selected entity

Flame

Toggles the flame state for the selected move

Insert Move

Inserts a move operation

Move Point

Moves an NC node point

Back-1

Undo the previous NC action

Punching Tool Bar

Tool Manager

Invokes the tool manager dialog for defining and

editing tools and turret layouts

Parameters

Invokes the punching parameters dialog

Single Punch

Places single hits on the part

Nibble

Places nibble runs on the part

Point to Point

Places a point to point punching run on the part

2-33

SigmaNEST

Punching
Punching Tool Bar
Slots & Holes

Punches slots and holes

Destruct

Destroys round and rectangular areas on the part

Tool Sort

Allows the choice of punching method by completing each tool or each part

Part Removal

Displays the part removal dialog

Reposition

Displays the Reposition dialog

Reorder

Change the part cutting order

Delete Hit

Removes a selected hit

Display Tabs

Toggles between displaying tabs and not showing

them.

Delete All Tabs

Removes all tabs from the nest

Delete Single
Tab

Removes individual tabs from the nest

Special Tool Bar

2-34

Bevel

Permits setting or changing bevel attributes

Knife Cutter

Displays the knife cutting dialog

Manual Drill

Permits manual selection of drilling positions

Automatic Drill

Generates drilling NC

Chapter 2

System Basics

Verify Tool Bar

Interference

Verifies that there is no interference

2 Positions

Displays the distance and X and Y offsets between

two points on the prompt line

Position &
Entity

Displays the distance between a selected entity

and a point on the prompt line

2 Entities

Displays the distance and X and Y offsets between

two selected entities on the prompt line

Position

Displays the co-ordinates of a point on the prompt

line

Manual Nesting Tool Bars

This section shows the additional default tool bars that are available
while manual nesting. Some tool bars that are available in work space
mode are also available here and are not documented again. A tool bar is
only repeated here if it has extra buttons when nesting. For information
on the work space tool bars, refer to Work Space Tool Bars on page 2-16.
Tool bar icons can be changed by the user, so your configuration may not
match what is documented here.
Nest Manual Tool Bar
Snap

Allows the use of the snap functions, A part must

already be on the sheet before choosing this icon

Get Part

Displays the Get Part dialog

Move

Moves part to a specified location

Copy

Copies part and places new part in specified location

Array

Arranges the selected parts in an array

2-35

SigmaNEST

Punching
Nest Manual Tool Bar
Delete

Removes the selected entity

Origin

Sets the nests starting point

Lead Posn

Allows the selected lead-in to be to moved to the

desired position

Lead In/Out

Changes the type of lead-in

Spec Lead

Creates a special lead-in

Quality

Changes the cut quality for a specified contour

Cut Direction

Specifies the cutting direction

Verify Tool Bar

2-36

Interference

Verifies that there is no interference

Part

Displays a dialog showing part information

2 Positions

Displays the distance and X and Y offsets between

two points on the prompt line

Position &
Entity

Displays the distance between a selected entity

and a point on the prompt line

2 Entities

Displays the distance and X and Y offsets between

two selected entities on the prompt line

Position

Displays the co-ordinates of a point on the prompt

line

Chapter 2

System Basics

Nesting Detail Tool Bars

This section shows the additional default tool bars that are available in
nesting detail. Some tool bars that are available in work space mode are
also available here and are not documented again. A tool bar is only
repeated here if it has extra buttons when nesting. For information on the
work space tool bars, refer to Work Space Tool Bars on page 2-16. Tool bar
icons can be changed by the user, so your configuration may not match
what is documented here.
Nest Detail Tool Bar
Detail All

Adds a detail to all the sheets used in the nest

Detail Sgl

This adds a detail to a single sheet

Print

Displays the Task Report Printing dialog. Choose

the type of reposts to print.

Clear

Clears details from the nesting layout

Delete

Removes the selected entity

Horizontal

Displays horizontal dimensions (this is only available in WS Tool Bar)

Vertical

Displays vertical dimensions (this is only available

in WS Tool Bar)

Parallel

Displays dimensions parallel to the entity (this is

only available in WS Tool Bar)

Radius

Displays radius dimensions (this is only available

in WS Tool Bar)

Diameter

Displays diameter dimensions (this is only available in WS Tool Bar)

Note Pos

Changes the position of the Detail dimensions

Note

Adds details to a part by adding a note

2-37

SigmaNEST

2.2

Punching

Dialog Operation

The dialogs in the SigmaNEST software work the same way as in most standard
Microsoft Windows applications.

Moving between Fields

Use Tab to move from one entry in the window to the next; use Shift+Tab to
move back to the previous entry.

Selecting Entries
To select an entry in a list box, click on the entry with the mouse. To select
a contiguous list of entries, select the first entry to be included in the
selection list and depress the Shift key while selecting the last entry to be
included in the list. All the items in between are selected.
To select a non-contiguous list of entries, select the first entry to be
included in the selection and depress the Ctrl key while selecting additional items to be included in the list. Clicking a selected item a second
time with the Ctrl key depressed removes it from the selection list.

Column Sorting
If the dialog contains column headingstypically found when working
with a list containing multiple attributesyou can sort each attribute in
either ascending or descending chronological or alphabetical order,
depending on the attributes type.
For example:

Selecting the Name column header, causes the system to

arrange the names in ascending alphabetical order.
Selecting Name again to arranges the names in descending alphabetical order.

This operates in the way same for columns containing numbers. Select
the column heading to arrange the numbers in ascending chronological
order. Select the column header again to arrange the numbers in descending chronological order.

2-38

Chapter 2

2.3

System Basics

Selection Menu

There are several methods of selecting drawing entities or parts for functions such
as deleting, copying, moving, and scaling.

Single
Select single elements, entities, or parts by clicking on them with the
mouse. Single select enables individual selection of lines, arcs, etc. If an
incorrect entity is selected, it can undone by choosing Backup. Select text
near its start point.

Chain
Use this method to select a chain or string of entities. Chain selection also
indicates cutting direction. The cutting direction always first traverses the
longer part the entity that receives the first selection point. If the first
selection point is place to the right of, or below the entitys midpoint, the
cutting direction is counter-clockwise. This is illustrated below where
two selection points are used to select the three entities with arrow heads
and in an anti-clockwise direction.

1. Select start of chain to the right of entity midpoint

2. Select last entity in chain
Three entities are selected in an anti-clockwise direction

By contrast, the next diagram illustrates a clockwise cutting direction,

because the first selection point (in this case the only one) is placed to the

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SigmaNEST

Punching
left of the entitys midpoint. The Close function ensures that all four entities are selected.

1. Select start of chain to the left of the entity midpoint

2. Select Close from the menu
All entities are selected in a clockwise direction

The entity's cutting or chain direction determines the kerf offset direction for left
or right kerf. With a clockwise cutting direction, left kerf is on the outside of the
illustrated entity. With an anti-clockwise cutting direction, right kerf is on the
outside of the illustrated entity.

Window
A rectangular window is created by dragging the mouse pointer from
one corner to the one diagonally opposite it or by individually specifying
the opposite corners with the mouse pointer. All entities completely
enclosed by the window are selected.

All
This option selects all visible entities. Entities on levels that are not displayed are not selected. Selections are masked using the following
attributes:
Color
All entities, text or parts of the same color are selected.

2-40

Chapter 2

System Basics
Geometry
All entities, elements or parts of similar geometric values are selected (i.e.
arcs, lines or points). For example, all arcs can be selected.
Notes
All text is selected, except for text associated with a nesting layout. (Notes
added to a nest cannot be selected with this option).
Level
All entities, text or parts on a specific level are selected.
Duplicates
All duplicate entities can be selected, i.e. lines with the same start and end
points, and arcs with the same radius, start and end angle, and center
point.
All
All displayed entities, sheets, parts or nesting are selected.

Open End
Closed contours that have one protruding entity attached to them are
selected.

Attached
Entities that are connected to the selected entity or part are selected.

Contour
Entities that form part of the same contour are selected.

Unselect
With this option, the individual selected entities can be removed from the
list of selected items.

2-41

SigmaNEST

2.4

Punching

Position Menu
Entities, such as lines, arcs, and circles, are placed at an exact location or
coordinate with the Position Menu. Coordinates are typed in the prompt
line, or specified with the mouse pointer using the Cursor, Point, Entity End,
Mid Point, Center, Quadrant and Intersection functions. The following buttons
are displayed on the prompt line for functions subordinate to the Create
main menu item:

Prompt Line Buttons

In c

Smart Cursor
On/Off

This turns the smart cursor on or off. The smart

cursor automatically selects the middle or end of
an entity even if the mouse is not exactly at its
middle or end. Turn the smart cursor off to create
an open contour.

Incremental/

When entering exact coordinates choose between

incremental or absolute locations. Incremental
begins the entity at the end of the last specified
coordinate. Absolute uses the last specified zero
position as the reference point.

Zero Position

This creates a new absolute zero position reference

point.

Absolute

Mouse Pointer
The mouse pointer (cursor) is used to indicate a position on the screen.
Turning Smart Cursor On enables the selection of any position on the
entity and it automatically locates the end or the center of the entity
depending on where the mouse pointer is placed. When Cursor is selected,
definition points (for lines, circles, etc.) are placed at the position of the
mouse pointer.
This function is for freehand drafting only and is not useful for entering exact
coordinate positions. Enter the coordinates in the prompt line for precise placement of an entity.

2-42

Chapter 2

System Basics

Point
Point selects the point entity closest to the mouse pointer or the X and Y
values entered on the prompt line.

EntEnd (Entity Endpoint)

When geometry is selected with EntityEnd, the nearest endpoint is selected
as a definition position.
End Point

1. Cursor selection point

2. The end point actually selected

All SigmaNEST drawing entities have endpoints.

Midpoint
Use this function to locate the midpoint of a line or arc, or to place a definition point at the midpoint of a line.
With the arc function, midpoint selects a position halfway along the
length of the arc not at its' center.

Center
The center point of an arc or circle is used as a definition position. The
center of a line is the same as the midpoint of the line.

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SigmaNEST

Punching

Quadrant
The closest quadrant point on an arc or a circle is used as the definition
point.

Intersection
This function selects the intersection of any two geometric entities. If they
do not intersect, but could be made to intersect by extending them, then
the virtual intersection point is used.

1. Intersection
2. Virtual Intersection

Enter X and Y Values

This function enables dimensions to be entered in absolute or incremental
values.
Abs (Absolute Incremental)
Enter absolute X and Y values referenced from 0, 0.
Inc
Enter the incremental value from the previous position defined by the
diamond ().
Partial
Click on the X to define only that value of the point.

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Chapter 2

System Basics
X and Y values can be defined by clicking on the X and selecting a point
and then clicking the Y. The position is composed of the X values of the
first position and the Y value of the second position.

2.5

Quick Keys

Many functions are available, without navigating the menu system, by using the
Quick Keys. These functions may be invoked from within another function.
A quick-key function is activated by holding down the Alt key or the Ctrl key, and
then pressing the appropriate letter or function key.
The following quick-key functions are available:
Auto Scale

Alt+A

Fits all geometry onto the screen

Backup

Alt+B

Displays the previous view

Double Scale

Alt+D

Doubles the scale of the image on screen.

Geometry is still internally stored 1:1

Half Scale

Alt+H

Reduces the current viewing scale by

50%

Open

Alt+O

Open a new file

Pan

Alt+P

Moves the image on the screen in order

to view a new area

Save

Alt+S

Save the current work space

Window

Alt+W

Zooms the view in and out of the display

Exit

Alt+X

Exit from SigmaNEST

Execute

Ctrl+E

Execute or run scripts

Record Macro

Ctrl+F12

Start or stop recording a macro

New

Ctrl+N

Creates a new work space

Delete

Ctrl+Q

Activates the delete function. Objects or

functions are deleted

Redraw

Ctrl+R

Refreshes the display by removing all

temporary marks and geometry

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SigmaNEST

2.6

Punching

Macros

Macros are a series of functions that are recorded and assigned to an individual
control key. Executing the macro automatically executes all the recorded functions in sequence.
Macros are not available for dialogs
The following control keys are pre-assigned and cannot be assigned to a macro:
Ctrl+E
Ctrl+N
Ctrl+Q
Ctrl+R

Example:
The following is an example of how to create a macro to import a DXF
file:

2-46

1.

Decide what letter to assign the Macro to:

2.

Start Macro recording by selecting Macros from the Pull-down Menu,

followed by Start/Stop Recording

3.

Now select the File, Import, DXF function from the Main Menu and cancel the dialog that appears

4.

Complete Macro recording by selecting Macros from the Pull-down

Menu, followed by Start/Stop Recording

5.

Select the I key as the key to assign the Macro to, and name the
Macro Import DXF. The Macro is now assigned to the <Ctrl+I>
key.

Chapter 2

2.7

System Basics

Conventions

These are conventions that assist in understanding the manual.

Manual Conventions
Item Selection
In operational guides, discussed later in this section, menu selection is
shown in brackets, e.g. [File]. In all other cases selected items, whether
menu items, buttons or keys, are shown using the following font and
style characteristics: File.
When multiple keys are depressed at the same time, as in a Ctrl or Alt key
combination, the combination is shown with an intervening plus sign,
e.g. Alt+A.

Operational Guides
The operational guides are shown below a function or menu option if it is
not just a selection. For example:
Single
[Create] >[Offset] >[Single] >Select Entity >[Done] >Specify Distance
>Select Side
In the previous example, the words enclosed in brackets indicate a menu
selection, while the words without brackets indicate procedures. In operational guides buttons and key-strokes are also shown within brackets,
e.g. [OK].

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SigmaNEST

Punching

Coordinate System
The X-axis is horizontal to the right. The X-axis normally corresponds to
the long axis of the cutting machine.

Theta is positive in an anti-clockwise direction

The global coordinate origin is the intersection of the X and Y-axes. The
coordinate system can be rotated by plus or minus 90 to suit the
machines coordinate system by changing line 9 of the machines post file.
Angles are measured in a counter-clockwise direction from the X-axis.

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Chapter

3
TOOL MANAGER

Chapter

3
TOOL MANAGER

Chapter 3

TOOL MANAGER
The tool manager is central to punching operations. It is used to define all tools and dies
available to the system. It also permits the definition of multiple turret layouts that specify
which tools are placed in specific locations. The following filter buttons from the Tool
Manager dialog show the types of punching tools that may be defined:

Drill, ream, tap, counter sink and counter bore tools are also defined using the tool manager dialog.
For each tool, a usage is specified. The tools usage specifies the most
advanced use to which the tool can be put. It is not its actual usage in any
particular circumstance. Usages range from marking through varieties of
single hits and forming to single hit tabs
Tool Manager Dialog

3-1

SigmaNEST

Punching

The tool manager is divided into two main sections. The top half is concerned with tool
and die definition and availability and is described in this chapter under Tool Library on
page 3-2. The bottom half relates to turret or tool station management and is described in
Chapter 4, Tool Station.
The Tool Manager dialog is accessible from the work space (NC and Nesting, NC) and
from part mode. When it is invoked from part mode, it only shows the tools relevant to
that part and its machine. The material and thickness are also fixed when defining or editing dies. When it is invoked from the work space it shows all available tools for each
machine. If desired, visible tools can be restricted to those that are compatible with the
machine or all tools can be shown.

3.1

Tool Library

[NC] >[Tools]
[Part mode] >[NC Punch] >[Tool Manager]
This section describes the tool library part of the Tool Manager dialog. The dialog
may be invoked from the work space or from part mode. Use the above menu
items or the
tool bar button. The only difference is that in part mode the displayed tools are limited to those that are relevant to the parts active machine.

The tool library shows the unique ID, description, holder size and dimensions for
each tool and die in the library. To view dies, select the Dies tab. The displayed
tools and dies can be filtered by selecting one of the buttons beneath the grid to
show only round tools, square tools, rectangular tools, special tools, etc.

The displayed tools and dies may be restricted to those compatible with the
selected machine by selecting the Show Only Compatible Tools field in the station

3-2

Chapter 3

Tool Manager

manager part of the Tool Manager dialog. When the tool manager is invoked
from part mode, the machine is fixed and Show Only Compatible Tools is selected.
When a tool or die is selected in the tool list, an image of that tool or die is displayed at the right of the Tool Manager dialog.

Defining Tools
This section applies to the creation of round, square, rectangular and obround
tools. To create special tools refer to Defining Special Tools on page 3-10. Multitool mini-tools are described in Defining Multi-tool Mini-tools on page 3-13 and
drilling tools are described in Defining Drilling Tools on page 3-16.
Marking tools must be defined as special tools.
To define a new tool, select the an existing tool in the tool
library that most closely matches the characteristics of the
new tool and then select the New button that is positioned
under the image of the tool at the right of the Tool Manager dialog. The Add Tool dialog displays with all the
parameters from the selected existing tool displayed. It is
only necessary to change the characteristics that are different for the new toolthus simplifying its definition. To
further assist with definition, an image of the tool and its
holder is displayed in the dialog. The image adjusts as
parameters are changed. The holder shows the existence
and position of any defined keys.
The Add Tool dialog has two tabs: The primary, Physical tab is concerned
with the physical attributes of the tool. The Miscellaneous tab is more concerned with the way the tool is used.

3-3

SigmaNEST

Punching

Physical Tab
Add Tool Dialog Physical Tab

Automatic Tool Name

When Automatic Tool Name is not selected, any name may be entered in
the Tool Name field. When Automatic Tool Name is selected, the tool
name is composed of the tool type and its dimensions. Any change to the
dimensions is automatically reflected in the Tool Name field.
Tool Name
The name by which this tool is known. Duplicate tool names are permitted. When Automatic Tool Name is not selected any name may be entered.
When Automatic Tool Name is selected, the tool name is entered automatically and updated whenever any of the dimensions changes. Entering a
name turns automatic tool naming off. The tool name appears in the
Description column of the tool library.
Tool Description
Enter any value that describes the tool. It is purely descriptive. It has no
intrinsic meaning. This is not the value that appears in the Description
column of the tool library. That is the tool name.

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Chapter 3

Tool Manager
Compatibility
Select a named compatibility configuration from the drop down list that
this tool is compatible with. This determines whether the tool is displayed when Show Only Compatible Tools is selected. More than one compatibility configuration can be associated with a particular machine, but each
tool in SigmaNEST is only associated with one configuration. Compatibility on page 4-2 describes the relationship between tools, compatibility and
machines in detail.
Holder Size
Select the size of the tools holder from the drop-down list. Some
machines (e.g. Trumpf) do not require a holder size, but SigmaNEST
always does. If the machine does not require the specification of a holder
size, a value of 0.5 must be entered in this field.
Guide Key Type
The guide key type specifies the type and location of one or more guide
keys on the tool. These determine the positions the tool can occupy in the
tool station and how they may be oriented in it. The permitted values are:

Male

If Male is selected, a pin angle must be supplied.

No Key

Select No Key if the tool has no key or index. This would

typically be the case with a round or other symmetrical
tool where orientation is meaningless.

Female

If Female is selected the key angles must be specified.

Note that more than one angle can be supplied in a
comma-separated list. When more than angle is specified, the system prompts for the orientation of the tool,

3-5

SigmaNEST

Punching
using these values, when the tool is placed in a position
in the tool station.
Male and female refer to protrusions or indentations on the toolnot
the holder. If there is any confusion, select an option and review the
image of the tool at the top, right of the dialog.

The diagram is always drawn looking down on the mount of the tool so that it
moves away from the observer to strike the material.

Miscellaneous Tab
Add Tool Dialog Miscellaneous Tab

Available
A tool can remain in the library and even in the tool station, but be temporarily marked as unavailable for tooling by clearing the selection of the
Available field.
Check Tonnage
When Check Tonnage is selected, SigmaNEST checks the appropriateness
of each tool when doing automatic tool assignment based on the material,
its thickness and the size of the tool.

3-6

Chapter 3

Tool Manager
Tool Data
Selecting the button next to the tool data label, with the ellipsis () on it,
displays a dialog that permits the entry of four additional user-defined
values that can be associated with this tool. They are analogous with
additional part data and supplement the Tool Description field. A common example of additional data that might be entered here is the manufacturers tool number.
Usage
The usage specifies the most advanced usage the tool is capable off. It is
not the expected usage in any particular nest. Specifying the tools greatest capabilities permits the automatic tooling algorithm to use the tool
most effectively. Lesser capabilities are always assumed. Thus a smaller
parting tool may be used for nibbling, but a single hit tool is never used
for nibbling or on a parts outer contours.
Avoid Type
The avoidance type defines how tools avoid raised or formed features. It
is set on the tool that creates the raised feature. SigmaNEST then determines which other tools need to have their paths adjusted to avoid the
feature.
If this tool does not create a raised feature, the avoidance type is set to
None. The Head-up value causes tools to be raised to travel over the feature.
The Move-around value causes the the tool path to be altered so that tools
travel around the feature. In some cases this can be faster than raising and
lowering the tool. The path it follows is a direct line from the previous
punch to the next one until it encounters the smallest bounding rectangle
around the raised feature. It then follows the contour of the bounding

3-7

SigmaNEST

Punching
rectangle. If there is no suitable path around or between raised features,
the tool is raised and travels over the raised feature.

a Previously formed feature

b Tool path around previously formed feature

In the preceeding diagram a is a previously formed feature and b is the

path the tool takes from the bottom punch hit to the top one.
Stripper
This is the stripper height. Select a value from the drop down list to specify by how much the tool must be raised to avoid forming features. The
Default value causes SigmaNEST to use the machines default value, which
is one of Normal, Extended or Fully Retracted. Setting one of these values in
SigmaNEST causes it to override the machines default. If the machine
does not have a stripper, set this value to No Stripper.
Die Management
When die management is selected, one may either select Automatic Die
Assignment, in which case SigmaNEST automatically selects an appropriate die from the library using the materials die clearance percentage to
select the best die, or one may select manual Dedicated Die assignment.

3-8

Chapter 3

Tool Manager
For manual die assignment, the die ID must be supplied. This may be
entered manually in the field, it may be selected from a list of compatible
dies in the library using the Select Die dialog or new die may be created
and used immediately.

Die Selection Buttons

Select Die

Invokes the Select Die dialog to enable selection of

a die from the die library. A list of appropriate
dies is shown together with details for the selected
die.

Create Die

Displays a dialog that permits the immediate definition of a new die. This new die is added to the
library and selected for use with this tool.

For more details on selecting dies, refer to Die Assignment on page 3-31. For
details on creating dies, refer to Defining Dies on page 3-24.
Tool-specific Tolerance
There is a global tolerance for the machine and there is a tolerances configuration file that permits the specification of different tolerances for different contours. This setting group is used if the tool has specific different
tolerances that must override the global and contour values. If the global
and contour values are sufficient, do not specify anything here.
The positive and negative tolerance value fields are only active if the tolerance check box is selected.
Add Die Button
The Add Die button invokes a dialog that permits the immediate definition of a new die. This new die is added to the library and selected for use
with this tool. For details on creating dies, refer to Defining Dies on page 324.

3-9

SigmaNEST

Punching

Defining Special Tools

This section applies to the creation of special tools. To create round, square, rectangular and obround (OB) tools refer to Defining Tools on page 3-3. Multi-tool
mini-tools are described in Defining Multi-tool Mini-tools on page 3-13 and
drilling tools are described in Defining Drilling Tools on page 3-16.
The default SigmaNEST tool library contains several standard shape tools
with adjustable dimensions to suit the most common punching requirements. SigmaNEST also permits the creation of tools with arbitrary
shapes and dimensions. The creation of these tools is described in this
section. All marking tools are considered special tools and are defined as
described in this section.
Special tools are created in three steps:
1.

Create the tools geometry.

2.

Convert the geometry into a tool.

3.

Specify the tools characteristics and add it to the tool library.

Create Geometry
The geometry of the tool may be drawn using SigmaNESTs CAD functions or the geometry may be imported from another CAD product using
any of the supported formats, such as CDL, DXF, etc.
The shape and dimensions of the geometry must match that of the physical tool. In addition, the geometry must include a point, the location of
which is the tools contact reference point.
The geometry of the tool does not have to be accurate in every respect.
The geometry is a symbol that represents the actual tool. For example, the
geometry for a tool to form a circular dimple would look like a series of
concentric curves when viewed head-on to the forming surface, but the
geometry for use by SigmaNEST should only be the outer circle that represents the overall size and shape of the tool. This is illustrated in the following diagram. The inner contour, represented by the dotted circle, is

3-10

Chapter 3

Tool Manager
not included in the tools definition for use by SigmaNESTonly the
solid outer contour.

When the geometry is complete, it is converted into a tool.

Convert Geometry to Tool

[NC] >[Add Spec. Tool] >Select geometry >[Done]
When a special tools geometry is complete in the SigmaNEST work
space, it is converted into a tool:
1.

Select the NC and then Add Spec. Tool menu items.

2.

Use one of the selection options (Single, Chain, Window, All) to select
the complete geometry.

3.

Select Done.

4.

Specify a tool name that is no more than 25 characters long.

The new part is placed in a catalog of special parts that is distinct from the
tool library, because its characteristics must be specified before it is
placed in the tool library.

Add Tool to Library

Ensure that the Special filter button on the Tool Manager dialog is selected
before selecting the New button on the same dialog.

3-11

SigmaNEST

Punching
A variation of the Add Tool dialog, the Add Special
Tool dialog, is displayed with addition information on
its left and right. At the top, left there is an additional
list of tool geometry that has been converted to tools.
The geometry converted to a tool in step 2 appears in
this list.
Select a tool from this list and adjust its parameters in the rest of the dialog to suit its characteristics.
Tool Edge Definition
The lower, left of the dialog has a list of entities defined for
the selected special tool. The number and the types of the
listed entities changes, depending on the shape and complexity of the selected special tool geometry. They are
listed in a counter-clockwise order.
Most tools have some edges that are used for punching
and others that are never used. For example, with the tool
shape depicted in the accompanying image, it would be
common to punch with the top and bottom edges of the
tool, but not with the two side arcs.
Select the entities that are used for punching and remove the selection
from those that are not. As each entity is selected, it is marked in the
image of the part at the top, right of the dialog. Selected entities are
shown in white. Entities that are not selected are shown in red.
Symmetry
The Add Special Tools dialog also adds a section describing the symmetry of the part. Some
tools have irregular shapes and are not symmetricalmeaning that the tool must have a particular orientation in order to achieve correct
results.
Other tools, such as a circular tool, can be oriented at any angle and still
achieve the desired results. These are infinitely symmetrical. The more
common case is a tool that is symmetrical along a 180 axisthat is, mirrored horizontally or vertically (e.g. a rectangular tool)or in 90 degree
steps, as would be the case with a square shaped tool. These tools have
fixed symmetry and their angles about which they are symmetrical are
specified as a comma-delimited list.

3-12

Chapter 3

Tool Manager
Interference Zone Definition
The Add Special Tools dialog adds a section for
specifying the size of an interference zone
around the tool. It is only active when the
Usage field is set to Form, Louver. It applies to
cases where the die protrudes and the tool is
recessed. Each distance is measured from the
center of the tool in the specified direction to the edge of the interference
zone.
The regions marked arepresent the interference zone for the tool in the
following diagram:

Causes Interference
When it is selected the Causes Interference field blocks surrounding interfering stations when there are adjacent punching stations that can cause
the material to bend as it punches next to the protruding die of the forming tool.

Defining Multi-tool Mini-tools

This section applies to the creation of Multi-tool mini-tools. To create round,
square, rectangular and obround (OB) tools refer to Defining Tools on page 3-3.
Special tools are described in Defining Special Tools on page 3-10 and drilling
tools are described in Defining Drilling Tools on page 3-16.

3-13

SigmaNEST

Punching
Multi-tool mini-tools are tools that are placed in a tool that is itself a miniturret. This section describes how to define the container tool and how to
assign its multi-tools.

Add Multi-tool Dialog

Ensure that the Multi-tool filter button on the Tool Manager dialog is
selected before selecting the New button on the same dialog. The Add
Multi-tool dialog is displayed. Much of the dialog is essentially the same
as the Add Tools dialog, but the Add Multi-tool dialog includes the following section for defining and assigning multi-tools.

The mini-tools available for inclusion in the multi-tool are listed in the top
grid. The list can be filtered using the buttons (Round, Square, Rect, OB and
Special) located below the grid.
The mini-tools assigned to the multi-tool are shown in the bottom grid.
They are assigned by dragging the tool from the top grid and releasing it
in the bottom one.
A mini-tool is removed from the multi-tool by selecting it and then selecting the Remove MiniTool button. All multi-tools are removed from the
multi-tool in a single operation with the Clear Multi-tool button.
With the exception of the Multi-tool Type field, which is described next,
all remaining fields have the same meaning as for the Add Tools dialog
described in Defining Tools on page 3-3.

3-14

Chapter 3

Tool Manager
Multi-tool Type
Multi-tool types are defined in the post file. Each definition determines
the number of tools that the multi-tool can hold. Select a multi-tool type
from the drop-down list.

Defining Cluster Tools

Cluster tools have multiple punching surfaces on a single tool. For example, a single tool might be able to punch a grid of six holes with a single
strike. Cluster tools are not confined to grid shapes. It would be quite
legitmate to have tool that punches and hole and adjacent slot.
Cluster tools should not be confused with grid punching. With grid
punching there is an array of identical features. Each feature is struck
independently, but SigmaNEST generates NC code that specifies the start
position and the dimensions of the array. The machine then takes over
and punches the whole array. SigmaNEST does not generate NC code for
each strike individually.
By contrast, with cluster tooling, a single strike with one tool creates more
than one feature.
From SigmaNESTs perspective cluster tools are special tools and are
defined in exactly the same way. Refer to Defining Special Tools on page 310 for more information.

3-15

SigmaNEST

Punching

Defining Drilling Tools

This section applies to the creation of Drilling tools. To create round, square,
rectangular and obround (OB) tools refer to Defining Tools on page 3-3. Special
tools are described in Defining Special Tools on page 3-10 and multi-tool minitools are described in Defining Multi-tool Mini-tools on page 3-13.
Several of the filter buttons on the Tool Manager dialog deal with drilling
operations. These are: Drill, Ream, Tap, Counter Sink and Counter Bore. To
define tools for any of these operations, select the corresponding filter
button and then select New. The Drill Parameters dialog displays, with
minor variations for each operation.
Drill Parameters Dialog

Drill Type
The drill type indicates which filter button was used to invoke the dialog.

Tool Name
The tool name may be any user-defined value or, if Automatic Tool Name is
selected, it is automatically constructed from a combination of the Drill
Type value and the Diameter value.

3-16

Chapter 3

Tool Manager

Compatibility
Select the named compatibility configuration from the drop down list
that this tool is compatible with.

Diameter
The diameter is the diameter of the hole that is created by the tool. In the
case of a counter sink tool, it is the widest, top diameter.

Min Diameter
This field is only active for Counter Sink tools and represents the smallest
diameter at the bottom of the counter sink.

Drill Angle
The drill angle is only active for Drill tools. It is the angle of the point of the
drill.

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The two most common values

are 118 and 135. The material
thickness, the diameter of the
drill, the drill angle and the
depth adjustment are all taken
into account to determine the
extent of the vertical movement
of the drill.

The distance between the two dashed lines in the diagram is calculated
from the drill diameter and the drill angle. This calculated value is displayed next to the Depth Adjustment field on the drill parameters dialog,
because it is added to the entered depth adjustment to obtain the total
vertical adjustment for the tapered point of the drill.

Depth Adjustment
The depth adjustment field is only active for Drill tools. Refer to the diagram in the Drill Angle section. It defines the logical bottom of the tool.
The nominal compensation for the tapered point of the drill is automatically calculated by SigmaNEST and combined with the material thickness
to determine the required vertical movement to obtain a clean hole.

3-17

SigmaNEST

Punching
The adjustment for the tapered point of the drill is displayed next to the
depth adjustment field when both the drill diameter and drill angle are
entered. The value entered into the depth adjustment field is added to
this value.
If the depth adjustment value is positive, the total adjustment is larger
and the drill protrudes further through the bottom of the material. If the
depth adjustment value is negative, the total adjustment is smaller and
the drill does not protrude as far through the bottom of the material.

Counter Sink Angle

The counter sink angle is only active for Counter Sink tools and replaces the
Drill Angle field.
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The counter sink angle is the angle between the two tapering faces of the
counter sink.

Tap Type
The tap type field is only active for Tap tools. Select a coarse or a fine
thread from the drop-down list. It is critical that this setting be synchronized correctly with the spindle speed, feed rate and drill cycle type fields
in order to obtain the desired result.

Holder Size
The holder size determines the eligible positions in the tool station. Select
a size from the drop-down list or enter a size directly.

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Chapter 3

Tool Manager

Tool Description
The tool description is any text that helps identify or describe the tool to
the operator. It has no intrinsic meaning.

Drill Cycle Type

Select a drill cycle type from the drop-down list. For example:
G81

Drilling cycle, spot boring

G82

Drilling cycle, counter boring

G83

Peck drilling cycle

G84

Tapping cycle

If the cycle specifies peck drilling, enter the peck depth in the Peck Depth
field.

Rotation Direction
Select the rotation direction from:
CCW

Counter clockwise

CW

Clockwise

Offset Number
The offset number specifies the number of the H register that holds the
height value for this tool in the control. When tools have different
heights, the distance from the top of the material to the bottom of each
tool in the tool station is stored in an H register. This does not specify
the height value, but it tells the control which register number to use for
this tool.

Tool Data
Selecting the button next to the tool data label, with the ellipsis () on it,
displays a dialog that permits the entry of four additional user-defined
values that can be associated with this tool. They are analogous with
additional part data and supplement the Tool Description field. A common example of additional data that might be entered here is the manufacturers tool number.

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SigmaNEST

Punching

Tool Editing
Changing a tools parameters invokes the same dialogs as those used to
create the tool in the first place. These dialogs are described in sections:
Defining Tools on page 3-3, Defining Special Tools on page 3-10, Defining
Multi-tool Mini-tools on page 3-13 and Defining Drilling Tools on page 3-16.
There are two ways to change a tools parameters:

Select the tool in the upper grid panel of the Tool Manager dialog and
then select the Edit button.

Double click the tool in the upper grid panel of the Tool Manager dialog.

In both cases, the dialog that corresponds with that tool type opens. The
Edit Special Tools dialog differs from the Add Special Tools dialog only
in that the list of available tools created from custom geometry is not
present in the former.
The filter buttons below the grid may be used to more easily locate the
desired tool by only displaying tools of the specified type in the grid.

Changing Multiple Tools

There are several parameters that are common to most or all tools. These
parameters can be altered for many parts at once.
More than one tool can be selected in the tools grid of the Global Tools
List dialog by:

Holding the Ctrl key down and selecting individual tools.

Holding the Shift key down and selecting the tools at the start and end
of a range. All the tools in between are selected.

With more than one tool selected, select the Edit button. The Tool Edit dialog displays.
Tools of multiple types, for example, round, square and special tools can be
selected and altered at the same time.

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Chapter 3

Tool Manager
Tool Edit Dialog

Each attribute is preceded by a check box. If the check box is not selected
the corresponding attribute is disabled and has no effect on the selected
parts.
All fields with selected check boxes are active and their current values are
applied to all the selected parts when the OK button is selected.
For example, to mark all tools as available:
1.

Select the All filter button on the Tool Manager dialog. This ensures
that all tools are displayed in the grid.

2.

Scroll to the first tool in the grid.

3.

With the Shift key depressed, select the first tool in the grid.

4.

With the Shift key still depressed, scroll to the last tool in the grid and
select it. All the tools in the grid are now selected.

5.

Select the Edit button. The Tool Edit dialog displays.

6.

Select the check box next to the Available attribute and select the Availattribute itself.

able

7.

Ensure that none of the check boxes adjacent to any other attributes
are selected.

8.

Select OK. All the tools are now available for use in a nest.

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SigmaNEST

Punching

Copying Tools
To copy tools:
1.

Select one or more tools from the tools grid on the

Tool Manager dialog.

2.

Select the Copy button on the right of the dialog.

3.

Enter the number of copies desired and select the OK

button.

4.

The selected tools are copied the specified number of times with new
tool IDs and, assuming the grid is sorted on the tool ID (the default),
they appear at the end of the list.

Tagging Tools
The Tag button, at the right of the Tool Manager dialog, allows the selection of all the tools that match specified criteria:
1.

Select the Tag button. The Tool Tag Dialog displays.

Tool Tag Dialog

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Chapter 3

Tool Manager
2.

Select the check boxes to the left of each field that participates in the
tool selection process. In the shown dialog, the holder size and face
type are used to select tools. The other fields are not considered.

3.

Enter the desired values in each selected field. Tools that have these
values in their corresponding fields are selected.

Deleting Tools
To delete tools:

3.2

1.

Select on or more tools to delete from the tools grid on the Tool Manager dialog.

2.

Select the Delete button at the right of the dialog.

3.

Confirm the delete by selecting the OK button on the ensuing dialog.

Die Library

[NC] >[Tools]
[Part mode] >[NC Punch] >[Tool Manager]
This section describes the die library part of the Tool Manager dialog. The dialog
may be invoked from the work space or from part mode. The only difference is
that in part mode the displayed dies are limited to those that are relevant to the
part and its machine.

The tool library shows the unique ID, description, holder size and dimensions for
each die in the library. To view dies, select the Dies tab. The displayed dies can be
3-23

SigmaNEST

Punching

filtered by selecting one of the buttons beneath the grid to show only round dies,
square dies, rectangular dies, special dies, etc. Only the first six filter buttons are
relevant. Dies are not applicable to multi-tools or drilling tools.
The displayed dies may be restricted to those compatible with the selected
machine by selecting the Show Only Compatible Tools field in the station manager
part of the Tool Manager dialog.
When a die is selected in the tool list, an image of that die is displayed at the right
of the Tool Manager dialog.

Defining Dies
This section applies to the creation of round, square, rectangular and obround
(OB) dies. To create special dies refer to Defining Special Dies on page 3-29.
There are a few ways to define a new die. The most direct
is to select the an existing die in the tool library that most
closely matches the characteristics of the new die and then
select the New button that is positioned under the image of
the die at the right of the Tool Manager dialog. The Add
Die dialog displays with all the parameters from the
selected existing die displayed. It is only necessary to
change the characteristics that are different for the new
diethus simplifying its definition.
A second method is:
1.

Select the tool that is associated with the die on the

tab of the Global Tools List dialog.

Tools

2.

3-24

Select the Edit button. The Tool Edit dialog displays.

Chapter 3

Tool Manager
3.

Select the Create Die button ( ) in the Die Management section of

the Tool Edit dialog or select the dialogs Add Die button. The Add Die

dialog displays.
The third method is the least direct, but provides an automatically calculated die size:
1.

Select the tool that is associated with the die on the Tools tab of the
Global Tools List dialog.

2.

Select the Edit button. The Tool Edit dialog displays.

3.

Select the Select Die button ( ) in the Die Management section of the
Tool Edit dialog or select the dialogs Add Die button. The Select Die

dialog displays.
4.

Enter the material, thickness and clearance tolerance percentage. The

ideal die dimensions are displayed.

5.

Select the Add Die button. The Add Die dialog is displayed with the
dimensions pre-filled with the ideal values calculated from the previous dialog.

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SigmaNEST

Punching
Add Die Dialog

Available
A die can remain in the library, but be temporarily marked as unavailable
for nesting by clearing the selection of the Available field.

Automatic Die Name

When Automatic Die Name is not selected, any name may be entered in
the Die Name field. When Automatic Die Name is selected, the tool name
is composed of the die type and its dimensions. Any change to the dimensions is automatically reflected in the Die Name field.

Die Name
The name by which this die is known. Duplicate die names are permitted.
When Automatic Die Name is not selected any name may be entered. When
Automatic Die Name is selected, the die name is entered automatically and
updated whenever any of the dimensions changes. Entering a name turns
automatic die naming off. The die name appears in the Description column of the die library.

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Chapter 3

Tool Manager

Compatibility
Select a machine from the drop down list that this die is compatible with.
This determines whether the die is displayed when Show Only Compatible
Tools is selected. If the die is compatible with more than one machine,

copy the die using the Copy button and change the compatibility for the
copy. There are thus duplicate dies in SigmaNEST for one physical die,
but that ensures that die shows up in the compatibility list for both
machines.

Holder Size
Select the size of the dies holder from the drop-down list. Some machines
(e.g. Trumpf) do not require a holder size, but SigmaNEST always does. If
the machine does not require the specification of a holder size, a value of
0.5 must be entered in this field.

Dimensions
The dimensions required for the die vary depending on its overall shape.
For example, a circular die requires only a diameter, a rectangular die
requires a length and width, while an obround requires a length and
diameter. The dimensions entered here determine the clearance between
the tool and the die and this, in turn, has a direct bearing on automatic die
assignment.

Die Description
Enter any value that describes the die. It is purely descriptive. It has no
intrinsic meaning. This is not the value that appears in the Description
column of the die library. That is the die name.

Die Data
Selecting the button next to the die data label, with the ellipsis () on it,
displays a dialog that permits the entry of four additional user-defined
values that can be associated with this die. They are analogous with additional part data and supplement the Die Description field. A common

3-27

SigmaNEST

Punching
example of additional data that might be entered here is the manufacturers die number.

Guide Key Type

The guide key type specifies the type and location of one or more guide
keys on the die. These determine the positions the die can occupy and
how they may be oriented. The permitted values are:

Male

If Male is selected, a pin angle must be supplied.

No Key

Select No Key if the die has no key or index. This would

typically be the case with a round or other symmetrical
die where orientation is meaningless.

Female

If Female is selected the key angles must be specified.

Note that more than one angle can be supplied in a
comma-separated list.

Male and female refer to protrusions or indentations on the dienot

the holder.

Clearance Tolerance %
The clearance tolerance percentage expresses
the maximum (Looser) and minimum (Tighter)
tolerance permitted for the clearance between
the tool and the die.
The clearance tolerance is used, together with the material thickness, to
determine the suitability of a die when doing automatic die assignment.
SigmaNEST calculates a required clearance and any dies with a clearance,
adjusted by the tolerance values, that correspond to it are selected as candidates.

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Chapter 3

Tool Manager

Defining Special Dies

This section applies to the creation of special dies. To create round, square, rectangular and obround (OB) dies refer to Defining Dies on page 3-24.
The default SigmaNEST die library contains several standard shape dies
with adjustable dimensions to suit the most common punching requirements. SigmaNEST also permits the creation of tools and dies with arbitrary shapes and dimensions. The creation of these dies is described in
this section. For a full understanding of the process also refer to Defining
Special Tools on page 3-10.
Special tools are created in three steps:
1.

Create the tools geometry.

2.

Convert the geometry into a tool.

3.

Specify the tools characteristics and add it to the tool library.

By contrast, creating a corresponding die is much simpler, because it

builds on the steps employed to create the tool.
Ensure that the Special filter button on the Tool Manager dialog is selected
before selecting the New button on the same dialog. The Add Special Die
dialog displays.
Alternatively:
1.

Select the special tool that is associated with the die on the Tools tab of
the Global Tools List dialog.

2.

Select the Edit button. The Tool Edit dialog displays.

3.

Select the Create Die button ( ) in the Die Management section of

the Tool Edit dialog or select the dialogs Add Die button. The Add

Special Die dialog displays.

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SigmaNEST

Punching
Add Special Die Dialog

Most of the fields on the dialog are identical to the Add Die dialog
described in Defining Dies on page 3-24. Refer to that section for an explanation of them. This section describes the parts of the dialog that are
unique to special dies.
A list of the geometries that have been converted to
tools appears to the left of the dialog. .
Select a tool from this list that corresponds to the die to
be created.
It is not necessary to create special, separate geometry
for the die. The tools geometry is sufficient.

Die Clearance
Specify the clearance between the die and the corresponding tool. When
creating a standard die, the difference between the dies dimensions and
the tools dimensions specifies the clearance. With dies for special tools,
the clearance is specified explicitly.

Die Editing
Changing a dies parameters invokes the same dialogs as those used to
create the die in the first place. These dialogs are described in sections:
Defining Dies on page 3-24 and Defining Special Dies on page 3-29.
There are two ways to change a dies parameters:
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Chapter 3

Tool Manager

Select the die in the upper grid panel of the Tool Manager dialog and
then select the Edit button.

Double click the die in the upper grid panel of the Tool Manager dialog.

In both cases, the dialog that corresponds with that die type opens. The
filter buttons below the grid may be used to more easily locate the desired
die by only displaying dies of the specified type in the grid.

Changing Multiple Dies

It is not possible to alter multiple dies at the same time by selecting more
than one die in the grid before selecting the Edit buttonas can be done
with tools. Each die must be changed individually.

Die Assignment
Die assignment is available from the Add
Tool and Tool Edit dialogs when Die Management is selected.
Die assignment can either be manual, in
which case the operator selects the die that
corresponds to the tool, or SigmaNEST can
automatically assign the die the tool.

3-31

SigmaNEST

Punching

Manual Die Assignment

For manual die assignment, Dedicated Die must be selected in the Die Management group of controls on the Add Tool or Tool Edit dialogs and the
die ID must be entered. The die ID may be entered directly or it may be
selected using one of the two buttons to the right of the Die ID field.
Die Management

must also be selected.

Die Selection Buttons

Select Die

Invokes the Select Die dialog to enable selection of

a die from the die library. A list of appropriate
dies is shown together with details for the selected
die.

Create Die

Displays a dialog that permits the immediate definition of a new die. This new die is added to the
library and selected for use with this tool. For
information on the use of the Add Die dialog, refer
to Defining Dies on page 3-24.

Selecting the

button invokes the Select Die dialog.

Select Die Dialog

The grid in the lower part of the dialog displays all the candidate dies for
the tool that was selected when this dialog was invoked. Initially, the Die
Clearance (%) column contains ?% values. These change to actual values when the Ideal Die values are calculated.
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Chapter 3

Tool Manager
Ideal Die
The Ideal Die area shows the ideal die dimensions when the material
information has been supplied. These dimensions can then be used to
locate the best die from the list in the grid, or the Filter button can be used
to reduce the length of the list.
Material

When the Tool Manager dialog is invoked from part mode, the material is fixed
for the selected part.
Select the material from the drop-down list. The material information is
used to calculate the ideal die size.
Selection of the material populates two percentage fields that can be manually adjusted. The first is the percentage of the material thickness that is
used to determine the clearance. The second percentage is the tolerance
percentage applied to the calculated clearance. In the captured image of
the dialog, the clearance is 14 percent of the material thickness with a tolerance of plus or minus 1 percent.
Thickness
When the Tool Manager dialog is invoked from part mode, the thickness is fixed
for the selected part.
Enter the materials thickness. This value is used, in conjunction with the
clearance percentage, to determine the die clearance. In the captured
image of the dialog, the clearance is 0.21:
Thickness ClearancePercentage 2 or 0.75 0.14 2

When the material information (including thickness and clearance and

tolerance percentages) has been entered the ideal die dimensions are
shown and the Die Clearance (%) column shows actual values. These can
be used to assist in selecting the best die.
In the captured image of the dialog, die ID number 8 has a clearance percentage of 14% and is therefore considered an ideal candidate. The die
with ID number 3 has an actual clearance percentage of 13.33%. This falls
within the plus and minus 1% tolerance specified, so it should also be
considered a possible candidate. These two dies can be selected more
conveniently from a long list by selecting the Filter button.

3-33

SigmaNEST

Punching
Filter
The Filter button limits the list of dies in the grid to those that have a
clearance percentage within tolerance of the clearance percentage. In the
capture image of the dialog where the clearance percentage is 14 and the
tolerance is 1. The list of displayed dies is limited to those with actual
clearance percentages in the range of 13% to 15%, or dies with IDs 3 and
8.
Add Die
The Add Die button invokes the Add Die dialog, from which a new die
can be created. Any die dimensions can be specified in this dialog but,
provided that the ideal dimensions have been calculated by entering the
material information, the Add Die dialogs die dimensions will be prefilled with the ideal die dimensions. This makes it easy to create a suitable
die.

Automatic Die Assignment

For automatic die assignment, Automatic Die Assignment must be selected in
the Die Management group of controls on the Add Tool or Tool Edit dialogs. A die is automatically assigned based on the material thickness and
its clearance percentage and tolerance using the same calculations as
those shown on the Select Die Dialog (refer to page 3-32).
The ideal clearance is calculated and the list of candidate dies is restricted
to those that have an actual clearance within the specified tolerance
range. Of those, the one with the clearance closest to the ideal is selected.

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Chapter 3

Tool Manager

Copying Dies
To copy dies:
1.

Select one or more dies from the dies grid on the Tool
Manager dialog.

2.

Select the Copy button on the right of the dialog.

3.

Enter the number of copies desired and select the OK

button.

4.

The selected dies are copied the specified number of times with new
die IDs and, assuming the grid is sorted on the die ID (the default),
they appear at the end of the list.

Tagging Dies
The Tag button, at the right of the Tool Manager dialog, allows the selection of all the dies that match specified criteria:
1.

Select the Tag button. The Die Tag Dialog displays.

Die Tag Dialog

2.

Select the check boxes to the left of each field that participates in the
die selection process. In the shown dialog, the holder size and guide
key type are used to select tools. The other fields are not considered.

3-35

SigmaNEST

Punching
3.

Enter the desired values in each selected field. Dies that have these
values in their corresponding fields are selected.

Deleting Dies
To delete dies:

3.3

1.

Select one or more dies to delete from the dies grid on the Tool Manager dialog.

2.

Select the Delete button at the right of the dialog.

3.

Confirm the delete by selecting the OK button on the ensuing dialog.

Reporting

Reports are available by selecting the Print button on the Tool

Manager dialog. The tool manager printing dialog displays.
Tool Manager Printing

Available reports are listed at the bottom left of the dialog. The actual
reports available depends on what has been defined for your site, but
will, at a minimum, include a report summarizing the contents of the tur3-36

Chapter 3

Tool Manager
ret, tool capabilities and a list of tools by machine. More than one report
may be selected at once and when this occurs, each report is processed in
sequence.
The reports may be viewed on screen by selecting the Preview button.
Print the reports by selecting the Print button.
For more information on reporting, refer to Chapter 10, Reporting.

3.4

Import and Export

Any tools can be exported, either individually or in groups. Exported tools are
exported as a series of batch commands (with a .wol file extension) that can be
used to import them to another system.

Export
Use the following procedure to export tools:
1.

If all tools will be exported, select the Export button at the bottom of
the Tool Manager dialog. If all the tools in a particular category will
be exported, then use the filter buttons to select the desired category
and select the Export button. If only selected tools will be exported
then select the tools to be exported and then select the Export button.
The Tools Export dialog is displayed.

Although the Export button is located at the bottom of the Global Tools List dialog, it applies to the tools in the top half of the dialog and not the tool station
shown in the lower half of the dialog.

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SigmaNEST

Punching
Tools Export Dialog

2.

Select the type of export desired. Either All Tools, Displayed Tools or

Selected Tools.

3.

Specify the location of the batch file that contains the exported tools.

4.

Select OK.

Import
[File] >[Import] >[Batch]
Exported tool definitions are defined by batch commands in batch files.
Each file may contain definitions for on or more tools. Tool definitions
may be imported using the standard sequence of menu commands for
importing batch filesFile, Import, Batch and then providing the file name.

3-38

Chapter

4
TOOL STATION

Chapter

4
TOOL STATION

Chapter 4

TOOL STATION
Tool station management is controlled from the lower portion of the Tool Manager dialog.
It shows the assignment of tools to specific locations in the tool station and provides all
operations required to manipulate the configuration of the tool station.
Tool Manager Dialog

Multiple configurations of a tool station can be maintained in a library, complete configurations can be copied and modified to create new ones and configurations from other systems can be loaded.
When a tool is selected in its station, the tools shape and orientation are shown in the
lower diagram. In the above diagram, the rectangular tool is shown in its default orientation in the top diagram and it is shown oriented at 90 in its station in the lower diagram.
Sometimes a tool might block adjacent positions. These positions are shown in red.

4-1

SigmaNEST

4.1

Punching

Tool Station Layout

Station Sizes
The station sizes are specified using the actual sizesnot the manufacturers size labels. The manufacturers size labels are specified in the post
file and appear in the Size Descr column.
In order for a tool to be placed in a station its holder size must match the
tool station size.

Compatibility
Tool compatibility is used to determine which tools can be used with
which machines, but instead of a simple assignment of tools to machines,
an extra compatibility layer has been introduced. This layer adds a degree
of flexibility that is most frequently used to represent a location (bin) or to
represent a turret type, it can be used for any arbitrary organizing principle that makes sense at your site.
In order for a tool to be placed in a station it must be compatible with the
selected machine.

4-2

Chapter 4

Tool Station

Location
When used to represent a location, compatibility can be represented as
follows:

Tools in Bin A can only be used with Machine 1. Tools in Bin C can only
be used with Machine 2. Tools in Bin B can be used with either machine.
Bin A, Bin B and Bin C represent the compatibility values. Each tool has
only one compatibility assigned to it (refer to Compatibility on page 3-5 for
more details on assigning tool compatibility). If Tool 2 can be used by
machine 1 and machine 2, then it is assigned the Bin B compatibility.
Line 938 of the post file for each machine defines the compatibility configurations for that machine in a comma-separated list. Machine 1 defines
Bin A and Bin B on line 938 of its post file. Machine 2 defines Bin B and
Bin C on line 938 of its post file.
Thus, when Machine1 is selected with Show Only Compatible Tools selected on
the Global Tools List dialog, both tool 1 and tool 2 are displayed. When

Machine2

is selected, tools 2 and 3 are displayed.

4-3

SigmaNEST

Punching

Turret Type
Compatibility can be used to represent turret types as follows:

Tools in Turret Type A can only be used with Machine 1. Tools in Turret
Type C can only be used with Machine 2. Tools in Turret Type B can be
used with either machine.
Turret Type A, Turret Type B and Turret Type C represent the compatibility values. Each tool has only one compatibility assigned to it (refer to
Compatibility on page 3-5 for more details on assigning tool compatibility).
If Tool 2 can be used by machine 1 and machine 2, then it is assigned the
Turret Type B compatibility.
Line 938 of the post file for each machine defines the compatibility configurations for that machine in a comma-separated list. Machine 1 defines
Turret Type A and Turret Type B on line 938 of its post file. Machine 2
defines Turret Type B and Turret Type C on line 938 of its post file.
Thus, when Machine1 is selected with Show Only Compatible Tools selected on
the Global Tools List dialog, both tool 1 and tool 2 are displayed. When

Machine2

4-4

is selected, tools 2 and 3 are displayed.

Chapter 4

Tool Station

Simple Machine Compatibility

In the case where there are two separate incompatible machines, the configuration would appear as follows:

In this case, for simplicity, the compatibility configurations have the same
name as the machines. When compatibility is assigned to Tool 1, the
machine name, Machine 1, is used. When compatibility is assigned to Tool
3, its machine name, Machine 2, is used.
Line 938 of the post file for Machine 1 has one entry for Machine 1 and
the same line in the post file for Machine 2 has one entry for Machine 2.

4-5

SigmaNEST

Punching

Keying
SigmaNEST Keying Philosophy
SigmaNEST employs the concept of a reference
machine. All keys are specified for the reference machine and are translated to suit specific
machines as necessary.
A tools diagram is always drawn looking
down on the mount of the tool so that it moves
away from the observer to strike the material. It
is rotated to the zero key position of the reference machine. In a diagram the 0 position is
usually at the bottom and the 90 position is on
the right. That is, it is measured in a counterclockwise direction. However, to conform to
the conventions of some machines, both the
zero position and the direction of measurement
may be altered.
By contrast the SigmaNEST coordinate system
for geometry is always measured in a counterclockwise direction from the X-axis. For a diagram refer to Coordinate System on page 2-48.
The key angle of the tool for the machine does not necessarily correspond
to the tools geometric orientation within SigmaNEST. For example, a
female key angle of 90 may correspond to an orientation of the tools
punch shape that is at 270 within the SigmaNEST geometry co-ordinate
system (see Fixed Index later in this section).
When placing a tool with more than one key in the tool station with a
fixed index type, the key angles are displayed to determine the tools orientation. Subsequently SigmaNEST co-ordinates are used, except that the
report showing required tools, also shows the required key-angles.

4-6

Chapter 4

Tool Station

Fixed Index
This discussion conforms to the conventions of an Amada machine. In the
following diagram the holder has a male pin and the tool is keyed at 0

and 90. The SigmaNEST work space orientation angles are shown along
the bottom of the diagram for reference. When the tool is inserted on its
0 key, its orientation is the same as SigmaNESTs. However, when it is
inserted on its 90 key its orientation corresponds to SigmaNESTs 270
orientation.
By contrast, when the holder has female keys, as in the following diagram, and the tool has a single male pin at 0, the orientation matches

SigmaNESTs for both the 0 insertion and the 90 insertion.

4-7

SigmaNEST

Punching

Auto Index
When automatic indexing is available the tool should always be inserted
in the 0 key position. When this is done, there is no discrepancy between
the orientation of the tool and the SigmaNEST work space.

4.2

Import Layout

SigmaNEST provides a way to recover turret layouts for specific programs. When
the NC is generated and saved, the exact tool station layout for that program is
also saved with the program name as the file name and .trt as the file extension.
This layout is not saved in the turret library. By default, it is saved in the NC location.
It may be reloaded by selecting the Load button at the bottom of the Tool Manager
dialog and then selecting the corresponding turret file in the ensuing file open
dialog.

4.3

Editing

Tool stations are defined in the machines post file (with a .pst file extension) on
line types 650 and 651. These definitions are supplied by SigmaTEK and do not
normally need to be modified by the user, but if minor adjustments are required
they may be made here. For additional information on the tool station definition,
contact SigmaNEST technical support.

4.4

Turret Library

SigmaNEST maintains a library of turret configurations that may

be easily accessed for different purposes. Select a turret configuration from the list at the bottom-right of the Tool Manager dialog to
display that turret configuration, including the position of tools, in
the adjacent grid. The list of turret configurations changes whenever a new machine compatibility value is selected from the
Machine drop-down list above the grid.
A turret configuration is removed from the list by selecting its name in the list and
then selecting the Delete button.
4-8

Chapter 4

Tool Station

New Turret
A new turret configuration is created by:

4.5

1.

Selecting a turret configuration in the list to use as a base for the new
one.

2.

Selecting the Copy Button.

3.

Suppling the name of the new turret configuration in the ensuing dialog.

4.

Making changes to the copy of the base configuration.

Populating Station

In order for a tool to be added to a tool station the following conditions must be
met:

The tools holder size must match the tool stations holder size.

The tools compatibility value must match that shown in the Machine field.

The position in the tool station must have keying attributes that are compatible with the tools. For example a keyed tool must be placed in a keyed position. A non-keyed tool can be placed in a position that has a female key, but
not one that has a male pin.

The position must be vacant. A tool must first be removed from a position
before another can be placed there.

The position must not be blocked by a tool in a nearby position. This may
occur if a tool is sufficiently large, for example, that it overlaps adjacent positions. Blocked positions are shown in red.

A tool is added to the tool station by:

1.

Scroll the list of positions in the grid at the bottom of the Tool Manager dialog
so that the position to be filled is visible.

2.

Select a tool from the tools list at the top of the Tool Manager dialog. The filter
buttons may be used to limit the list to tools of specific shapes and types to
make it easier to find the desired tool.

4-9

SigmaNEST
3.

Punching
Drag the selected tool from the top grid to the desired position in the bottom
grid. As the cursor passes over positions that cannot be used the cursor
changes to the
shape and the status bar shows the reason the position cannot be used.When the cursor reaches a position that can be used, the cursor
changes to the
shape and the mouse button can be released. If the tool is
placed in a blocked location, the operator is informed, but the tool is accepted.
For more information blocked stations, refer to Forming Tools on page 4-10.

4.

If the tool has more than one key at different angles and the position is fixed
keyed, then when the tool is released in its new position, a dialog with the
available orientation angles appears at the cursor location.

5.

Select the required angle. The tool is placed in the position.

Selecting the tool in its station displays a diagram of its shape and orientation in
the lower diagram of the Tool Manager dialog.

4.6

Forming Tools

When a forming tool is used, the die protrudes. If a punch is placed in an adjacent
position, its use, with a conventional die, results in unacceptable deformation of
the material. SigmaNEST handles this situation automatically, by blocking tool
station positions that are adjacent to forming tools.
Tools may still be placed in these blocked positions, but the operator is warned
that they are blocked and they will not be used unless the forming tool is
removed.

4-10

Chapter

5
PART MODE TOOLING

Chapter

5
PART MODE TOOLING

Chapter 5

PART MODE TOOLING

By default, SigmaNEST starts in work space mode, but may be switched to part mode.
Work space mode supports most common tasks, such as working with files, nesting and
configuring the system. Part mode is used for specialized activities relating to a single
part, such as pre-programming, dimensioning and detailing it.
Switch between work space and part mode by selecting the corresponding tab at the bottom left of the work area.
Part mode cannot be accessed unless there is at least one part in the work space.
Before changing to Part mode either import or create a part in work space mode.
When part mode is selected, the first part fills the graphics area. Part mode automatically
recognizes all the parts in the work space. Other parts can be displayed by using the Page
Up or Page Down keys on the keyboard or by using the navigation keys on the prompt line.
Note that the part name is displayed in this area of the prompt line.
Part Navigation Area of Prompt Line

Once the desired part is on the screen, it can be customized using the part mode menu
items and tool bar buttons. Many functions appear to be similar to those available in work
space mode, but act on the single part on display instead of all parts in the work space.

5.1

Setup

Select the NC, Setup menu item or the

dialog.

tool bar button to invoke the NC Setup

5-1

SigmaNEST

Punching
Punching Setup Dialog

Multiple Machine NC Code

When Multiple Machine NC Code is selected and the part is tooled for
more than one machine, the NC code for all the tooled machines is saved
with the part. Switching from one machine to another, using the Machine
field, retrieves the previously saved NC code for that machine.
Multiple machine NC code only applies to automatic dynamic tooling.

Combine with Floor Turret

When this field is not selected, the turret specified in the Turret field is
used in its original configuration. When this field is selected, the configuration of the last used turret is retained and the turret specified in the Turret field is effectively superimposed on it.
The floor turret is the turret that results from the previous nesting layout.
It can differ from the base turret because tool changes might have been
required to complete the previous nesting layout. The nesting layout is a
configuration of parts on a sheet.
When the named turret is combined with the floor turret it is effectively
superimposed on the turret that results from the previous nesting layout.
When it is not comined with the floor turret, the turret that results from

5-2

Chapter 5

Part Mode Tooling

the previous nesting layout is discarded and the named turret is used
instead.
It is important to remember that this is not a nesting task parameter that
affects how the turret is changed while processing a nest. This parameter
applies to the tooling of this one part only.

Use Global Tools

When Use Global Tools is clear, only the tools already in the specified turret are used. If a required tool is not in the turret, tooling fails.
When Use Global Tools is selected, any required tools that are in the tool
manager are automatically selected and placed in the turret.

Check Die
When check die is selected, a tool will not be automatically placed in the
turret unless a corresponding die is available. When it is not selected, this
check is not performed.

Lock Base Turret

When lock base turret is selected no tools in the base turret may be
removed while processing the job. New tools may be added into empty
positions in the base turret as required. These newly added tools can be
replaced with others if necessary. This might occur if there are insufficient open positions in the turret to tool the current part.
This parameter applies to the tooling of this part only. Once the part is
placed on a nest, the equivalent nesting task parameter takes precedence.
If the nest can accommodate this parts request to the keep the base turret
locked, it will, but it is not required to.

Kerf
The kerf parameters are not relevant to a punching processes.

Apply to All
The Apply to All button applies the machine and turret management
parameters to all parts in the work space including the current part. By
contrast, the OK button applies all the parameters to the current part only.
5-3

SigmaNEST

5.2

Punching

Tooling

Both automatic and manual tooling is fully supported within part mode. For
information on automatic tooling, refer to Chapter 6, Automatic Tooling. For information on manual tooling refer to Chapter 7, Manual Tooling. When operating
within part mode, functions are constrained to the single part on display. When
operating in work space mode or on a nest, functions are not constrained in this
way.

5-4

Chapter

6
AUTOMATIC TOOLING

Chapter

6
AUTOMATIC TOOLING

Chapter 6

AUTOMATIC TOOLING
Automatic tooling is the default tooling action. It is influenced by a variety of factors,
including the available tool set and the parameters specified on the punching tab of the
nesting task parameters dialog and on the punching parameters dialog. Automatic tooling
is available from within part mode and while nesting.
Automatic and manual tooling can be combined. A part can be automatically tooled and
then parts of the tooling may be altered manually. Conversely, tooling changes that are
changed manually are not lost if automatic tooling is subsequently applied. This combines
the speed and convenience of automatic tooling with the precise control possible with
manual tooling.

6.1

Auto Tool

Automatic tooling is initiated by:

Selecting the NC Punch, Auto Tool menu items when the part mode tab at the
bottom of the work space is active.

Selecting the Punching, Auto Tool menu items when the nesting tab at the bottom of the work space is active.

Selecting the
tool bar button from the punching tool bar. The punching
tool bar is not visible by default. It can be displayed by selecting it from the
ToolBars menu item.

Automatic tooling examines the tools in the selected turret and the tool manager
(if this option has been selected in the setup dialogrefer to Use Global Tools on
page 5-3), selects the tools necessary to punch the part and then tools the part with
them.
When selecting tools from the tool manager, it always uses tools already in the
turret if possible and then empty positions in the tool station are filled first. When
all positions are filled unused tools are replaced if permitted by the turrent locking rules (refer to the punching parameters tab of the task parameters dialog). The system always works on the principle of minimum tool change for any given task.
Automatic tooling always tries to use the most suitable tool for the job. For example, when punching a rounded slot, the first choice would be an OBround tool of
the same size. If this is not available, as few hits as possible from a smaller

6-1

SigmaNEST

Punching

OBround tool are used. If no OBround tool is available, another reasonable

approach is to use a circular tool for the ends and as few hits as possible from a
rectangular tool for the interior.
Automatic tooling does not interfere with previously applied manual tooling.
This permits an operator to use manual tooling for a few critical areas or where
there are unusual requirements and then to apply automatic tooling to quickly
tool the rest of the part. The granularity for manual and automatic tooling is the
contour. Once a contour has manual tooling placed on it, even if it is not fully
tooled, it is off limits to automatic tooling.
If it is not possible to automatically tool the complete part, the operator is
informed that tooling is incomplete and the affected areas of the part are highlighted.
Automatic tooling is heavily influenced by the values specified in the punching
parameters dialog and the tab settings dialog. The tab settings dialog is described
in Chapter 11, Tabbing. The punching parameters dialog is described next.

Punching Parameters
The punching parameters dialog is invoked by:

Selecting the NC Punch, Punching Parameters menu items when the part
mode tab at the bottom of the work space is active.

Selecting the Punching, Punching Parameters menu items when the nesting tab at the bottom of the work space is active.

Selecting the
tool bar button from the punching tool bar. The
punching tool bar is not visible by default. It can be displayed by
selecting it from the ToolBars menu item.

It has four tabs. The general, general parting and auto tooling tabs are
described in this section. The tabbing tab is described in Chapter 11, Tabbing.

6-2

Chapter 6

Automatic Tooling
Punching Parameters Dialog - General Tab

Tool Tolerance
This is the tolerance between the tool size and the entity size. If the tool
matches the entitys size within this positive or negative tolerance, then
they are considered the same size. It is always entered as a positive value.

Angle Tolerance
If two angles match each other within this positive or negative tolerance,
then they are considered to be the same value. The angle tolerance is
always specified as a positive value.

Same Tool Tolerance

If the dimensions of two tools are the same within this positive or negative tolerance, then the two tools are considered identical. The tolerance is
always specified as a positive value.

6-3

SigmaNEST

Punching

Min. Circular Parting Area

If the area of a circular feature is smaller than this value then it will not be
tooled with multiple hits. It will be tooled with a single hit or, if a suitable
tool is not available, then the tooling process will fail.

Max. No. of Destruct Rings

When destroying a circular area, this is the maximum number of rings of
hits that are permitted. The diagram in Destruct on page 6-20 illustrates a
circular destruction with three destruct rings.

Min Destruct Tool Width / Length

The value is the tool width expressed as a percentage of the tool length. A
square is 100%. A tool that is four times as long as it is wide is 25%. It is
used to eliminate from consideration very thin tools that would cause
excessive lateral loading of the tool. If a value of 75% is specified, for
example, then only tools that have a width that is 75% of their length or
higher (nearly square) are considered as candidates for material destruction.
The constraint can also be specified as:
(tool width / tool length x 100) >= this fields value

Max. No. of Destruct Lines

When destroying a rectangular area, this is the maximum number of lines
of hits that are permitted. It is similar in concept to the maximum number
of destruct rings that is described above.

6-4

Chapter 6

Automatic Tooling

Max. External Protrusion Limit

a Maximum external protrusion limit

This is the maximum amount by which the tool can protrude from the
edge of the contour when tooling an external contour. It applies to single
hit tools creating an external relief.

Max. Internal Protrusion Limit

a Maximum internal protrusion limit

This is the maximum amount by which the tool can protrude from the
edge of the contour when tooling an internal contour. The maximum
internal protrusion limit is applied regardless of how much of the area
defined by the internal contour has already been tooled. If the punch hit
shown in the diagram happens to be the first internal contour hit, then
there is, in fact, no protrusion, but SigmaNEST always applies the limit
from the contour, regardless of what may or may not have already been
tooled.
6-5

SigmaNEST

Punching

Min. Tool Overlap Limit

This is the minimum amount by which two tool hits must overlap each
other.

Part Interference Distance

The part interference distance is the distance by which the tools dimensions can overlap a parts specified feature dimensions and still be considered a suitable tool.
The effect of the part interference distance is to reduce the apparent size of
the tool by the specified distance from
each of its actual edges. This is illustrated in the accompanying diagram,
where the actual dimensions of the
part are represented by the green,
outer rectangle and the apparent
dimensions are represented by the
inner, red rectangle.

The diagram shows a relatively large

part interference distance to make the a Part interference distance
illustration clearer. In practice, the
part interference distance is very small.
The part interference distance may also be thought of as the maximum
amount of the part that can be removed by a tool that is slightly too large.
If the part interference distance is exceeded then the tool is rejected and
others are used instead.
The following two diagrams illustrate part interference distance on external and internal contours. The circular symbols represent the tooled edge.
The tool is always aligned exactly on this edge. The outer, green rectangle

6-6

Chapter 6

Automatic Tooling
represents the tool and the inner, red rectangle represents the apparent
tool size reduced by the part interference distance.

The preceding diagram shows a case where the tool is slightly too large to
punch the feature perfectly. The area of the part that is removed is represented by the hatchted area. The left diagram illustrates an acceptable scenario, because the hatched area does not protrude into the tools red
zone or inner rectangle. The right diagram illustrates an unacceptable
scenario, because the part protrudes into the tools inner, red zone (the
cross hatched area). This tool is rejected and the automatic tooling algorithm attempts to find a suitable smaller tool.
The following diagram illustrates two cases involving an inner contour.
Note that there is overlap with the part on the bottom and right edges of
the tool. The top image is acceptable and the bottom is not. It requires

multiple hits from smaller tools.

6-7

SigmaNEST

Punching

Grid Punching
Grid punching applies to a grid of uniformly spaced hits by the same tool
at constant pitch in the x and y directions.
When grid punching is off and there is an array of features arranged in
columns and rows, each feature is punched individually.
When grid punching is selected and it is supported by the machine (specified in the post file), just the starting point of the grid and its dimensions
are specified to the machine in the output post and the machine punches
the grid automatically.
When grid punching is used, the displayed NC tool path shows a rapid
move to and from the start of the grid and no moves to the rest of the features in the grid.

Corner Radii Tooling

When corner radii tooling is selected then a tool with multiple radii for
tooling an arc corner (e.g. fillet or concave edge) is used if available. If
conrer radii tooling is not selected then the corner will probably be tooled
with a small radius nibbling tool instead.
The following diagram illustrates the use of a multiple radii tool on the
left (corner radii tooling selected) and nibbling on the right (corner radii
tooling not selected).

6-8

Chapter 6

Automatic Tooling

Special Tool Nibbling

Specifies that special tools can be used for nibbling. If an arc edge is being
nibbled than a special tool with a suitable arc can be selected. If a straight
edge is being nibbled then a rectangular special tool is selected. If special
tool nibbling is not selected, then special tools are not considered for nibbling.
If corner radii tooling is selected it always takes precedence over special
tool nibbling. For example, if corner radii tooling and special tool nibbling are both selected, then the tool selection sequence is:
1.

Select a tool with multiple radii.

2.

If there is no suitable multiple radii tool available, select a special

tool.

3.

If there is no suitable special tool available, use conventional tooling

algorithms.

Allow Symmetric Overhang

When this is set, a tool is permitted
to overhang the edge of a protrusion
D
D
when tooling its plateau surface.
This is illustrated in the diagram on
!
the right. a represents the symmetric overhang. The illustrated angle
must be greater than 180 on both
sides of the protrusion for the symmetric overhang setting to be in effect. When this field is cleared then
multiple hits from a smaller tool are used to avoid overhangs.

Ignore Corner Tabs

Applies to single hit tooling only. When selected, a single hit can be performed in circumstances that would eliminate a defined corner tab. When
ignore corner tabs is not selected, the single hit is not possible and multiple hits from a smaller tool are required in order to preserve the tab.
The following diagram illustrates, on the left, a desireable tooling, but
one that eliminates the corner tabs. When ignore corner tabs is selected,

6-9

SigmaNEST

Punching
this tooling is acceptable. The illustration on the right shows a possible
tooling when ignore corner tabs is not selected.

Ignore Regular Tabs

Applies to single hit tooling only. When selected, a single hit can be performed in circumstances that would eliminate a defined regular tab.
When ignore regular tabs is not selected, the single hit is not possible and
multiple hits from a smaller tool are required in order to preserve the tab.

6-10

Chapter 6

Automatic Tooling

Check for Floating Scrap

Floating scrap can occur when a series of punch hits leaves some free
floating material. Since it is free floating, it can interfere with subsequent
punching operations. Selecting this field causes the automatic tooling
algorithm to check for and inform the operator when floating scrap
occurs. When floating scrap is found, the operator uses manual tooling to
ensure that floating scrap does not occur. The check is only made for
automatic tooling.
The following diagram illustrates how floating scrap may occur. The

a floating scrap

sequence of punch hits leaves a section of material, marked a in the diagram.

6-11

SigmaNEST

Punching
Punching Parameters Dialog - General Parting Tab

Contour Tooling Selection

Contour tooling selection determines whether the tooling that results
from the application of the No Outside Sheet Tooling, In The Box Tooling and
Sheet Squaring functions is applied to all external contours or only contours that form a cut-outs.
When set to All, it applies to all external contours.
When set to Internals Only, it applies to the contours of cut-outs only.

No Outside Sheet Tooling

When no outside sheet tooling is selected, tooling does not take place on
the edges of parts that coincide with the edge of the sheet. This parameter
applies to nesting mode only.

In the Box Tooling

In the box tooling is primarily used with right-angle sheer nesting. It
causes the material from cut-out features to be destroyed so a right-angle
sheer can tool the remaining external contours to complete the part.

6-12

Chapter 6

Automatic Tooling
For example, the part in the following diagram might be tooled as shown
when in the box tooling is not selected.

When in the box tooling is selected it is likely to be tooled as shown in the

following diagram.

When all the material from the cut-out is removed, the part may be finished with three right angle sheer hits.

Over-punch Length
Over-punch length controls the amount of material that is removed by in
the box tooling. When it is set to 0, the block of material removed is flush
with the adjacent external contours. This is illustrated in the previous diagram.

6-13

SigmaNEST

Punching
When the over-punch length is greater than 0 it specifies how far the
block of removed material extends beyond the adjacent external contours,
as illustrated in the following diagram.

L-cut-out Pre-parting
L-cut-out pre-parting determines whether and under what circumstances
L-shaped cut-outs are tooled before other external contours.

6-14

When set to Off, L-shaped cut-outs are not tooled before other external contours.

When set to Only Corner Tabbed, contours that form part of an L-shaped
cut-out are tooled first if they also have a corner tab.

When set to All Edges, all contours that form part of an L-shaped cutout are tooled before other external contours and those cut-out contours that have corner tabs are also tooled before cut-out contours
that do not have corner tabs.

Chapter 6

Automatic Tooling
Punching Parameters Dialog - Auto Tooling Tab

Allow Extended Parting

When allow extended parting is
selected, the punch is permitted to
strike beyond the edge of the material. This allows a larger punch to be
used when there would otherwise be
excessive overlap between successive
hits. In contrast to corner overlap,
which is normally a small overlap to
overcome machine tolerances and
ensure clean punching of a corner, the
extended parting overlap may be relatively large, because its purpose is to
reduce the number of tool changes
required to keep the punch overlap
distance reasonable.

a Overlap with extended parting on

b Overlap with extended parting off

Corner Overlap
There are two corner overlap fields. When Do Corner Overlap is selected, the
amount of the overlap is specified in the Corner Overlap Distance field.

6-15

SigmaNEST

Punching
When it is not selected, the Corner Overlap Distance field is ignored. The
corner overlap distance is usually just enough to ensure a clean punch of
the corner. Its purpose is to compensate for machine tolerances that could
otherwise leave an unintended sliver on the corner.
Corner overlap is illustrated in the following diagram:

a No corner overlap; b Corner overlap

Corner tabs cannot be created by specifying a negative corner overlap distance.

To create corner tabs, refer to Tab Type on page 11-6.

Nibble Type
There are four nibble type options in the drop-down list:

Conventional hits along the punch line in a simple first to last sequence.

Bridge Punch hits along the punch line in a first to last sequence with
alternating full and partial hits.

Bridge (Forward) hits along the punch line in a first to last sequence
using full hits and then makes partial hits in the same sequence.

Bridge (Back) hits along the punch line in a first to last sequence using
full hits and then makes partial hits in last to first sequence.

These are illustrated in the following diagrams:

6-16

Chapter 6

Automatic Tooling
Conventional









Bridge







6-17

SigmaNEST

Punching
Bridge (Forward)









Bridge (Back)









Scallop
Scallop is the maximum height of unmachined material between successive
hits of a round tool moving along a
linear edge or between rectangular
tools moving along a curved edge. In
the accompanying illustration, a represents the scallop height.

6-18

Chapter 6

Automatic Tooling

Maximum Circular Relief Diameter

When the parts edge arc diameter exceeds this value it is nibbled even
though there may be a tool large enough to punch it in a single hit. This is
done because the protrusion of a large part beyond the edge of a part prevents close nesting of parts.
For example, if this value is set to 1 inch and there is a 2 inch relief on the
part, then even though there may be a 2 inch circular tool available, the
relief will be nibbled.

Maximum Side Tooling Length

This is the maximum length of a rectangular tool that may be used on its short edge
or widthtypically to punch a notch.
In the accompanying diagram a is the tool
length. The maximum side tooling length is
the maximum value of a that can be used
for side tooling. The topmost hit is a side
tooling hit, because it removes material
with its side edge only.

a Tool length

6-19

SigmaNEST

Punching

Destruct
The destruct group of fields determines when material is destroyed. Max
Rectangular Area specifies that rectangular areas larger than this are not
destroyed. Max Circular Area specifies that circular areas larger than this
are not destroyed.
Rough Scallop
The Rough Scallop value determines the maximum scallop height (see
Scallop on page 6-18) permitted when destroying inside contours.

a - Rough scallop; b - regular scallop

In the preceding diagram a is the rough scallop. Because these are

purely internal material destruction hits, it does not matter that the scallop value is large. The regular scallop value (b in the diagram) is much
smaller because these hits determine the finish of the internal contour.

6-20

Chapter 6

Automatic Tooling
Filleted Rectangular Destruct
The options for this field determine the tooling direction of the material
destruction hits when destoying filleted rectangles.
When destroying material in filleted
rectangles, the corners are typically processed with round tools. Three rectangular areas remain. In the top figure of the
adjacent diagram, the three rectangular
areas are numbered. The filleted rectangular destruct options determine how
these rectangular areas are tooled.





Long Strips is illustrated in the middle figure of the diagram. All the rectangular
areas are tooled horizontally.
Short Edge Trim is illustrated in the bottom figure of the diagram. The verti-

cal edges are tooled vertically and the rest is horizontal.

Arc Tooling Preference

The arc tooling preference specifies the preferred order in which tool
shapes are considered for tooling concave and convex arcs. Choose one of
round, square or rectangle for each order: first, second or third. Selecting
the same shape for two orders of preference produces a warning that the
shape has already been used.

Tool Overlap
These maximum overlaps are expressed in terms of percentages of the
tools length. There is an additional maximum value for lateral tolerance.
This applies when material is destroyed and specifies the overlap
between the parallel punching lines used to destroy the material.

6-21

SigmaNEST

6.2

Punching

Tabbing

SigmaNEST uses sophisticated algorithms to place tabs in logical locations. The

attributes of its approach are:

SigmaNEST tries to use corners when possible, but also automatically adds
tabs to straight edges when necessary.

When evaluating the suitability of corners, it intelligently assigns weights to

candidate corner tab positions. These weights are based on factors, such as
whether the corner is convex, the proximity of other entities to the corner and
the length of the entity preceding and following the corner. SigmaNEST then
automatically selects the best corner positions.

When placing tabs on straight edges, the default tab positions may be moved
to achieve the best tooling. If, by moving a tab position slightly, a single hit
with a large tool is possible instead of multiple hits with smaller tools, then
the tab is automatically moved.

Edge tabs may be placed on diagonal edges or constrained to horizontal and

vertical edges.

The parameters that influence the automatic placement of tabs are described in
Chapter 11, Tabbing. Manual placement of tabs is described in Chapter 7, Manual
Tooling.

6.3

Special Tooling
Geometry that must be processed by special tools must always be placed
on the special tooling layer. Anything other than a round that is placed on
the special tooling layer can only be processed with a special tool. This
means that special tooling contours (e.g. for forming) are not considered
part of the parts normal contours.
If contours that must be processed by special tools are not placed on the
special tooling layer, internal contours may sometimes be considered as
external contours of a separate part.
Contours are placed on the special tooling layer with Create, Part and then
selecting the

6-22

tool bar button.

Chapter 6

Automatic Tooling

Forming
A tool is marked as a forming tool in the usage field of
the Tool Edit dialog that is accessed from the Tool Manager dialog. This also shows the default tool sorting
order.

6.4

Auto Slot

SigmaNEST can automatically tool slots that have one or both ends rounded. It
automatically selects the correct combination of round and rectangular tools. It
can also automatically tool curved slots with rounded ends using a round tool
and curved slots with straight edgesprovided there is a suitably shaped tool
available.
Slot Shapes That Can be Auto Tooled

6-23

SigmaNEST

6.5

Punching

Auto Destruct

SigmaNEST can automatically destroy material in the following shapes:

Circles

Rectangles

Filleted rectangles
Auto Destruct Shapes

6.6

Dynamic Auto Tooling

It is possible to tool a part before nesting, but this can severely constrain the nest.
A required tool may not be available in the required orientation if a part is placed
on the nest in a different orientation to that in which it was tooled.
It is also possible to try to nest first and then tool. This approach can result in a
nest that cannot be tooled at all. Parts can be placed in orientations for which
there are no tools available, because the tools are not visible when nesting takes
place.
SigmaNEST can use both of these approaches, but it can also avoid the problems
associated with the above two approaches by employing dynamic automatic tooling. With dynamic automatic tooling, tools are assigned to the part while nesting
takes place. The nest is always valid and parts are never placed in an orientation
for which there is no available tool.
Nesting is more efficient, because SigmaNEST considers the full range of available tools when nesting and can optimize their selection. If, instead of one hit with
a large tool, two hits with a small tool at a different orientation will result in dra6-24

Chapter 6

Automatic Tooling

matically more efficient nest, SigmaNEST will use the small, re-oriented tool. This
optimization is only possible if the nesting and tooling processes interact with
each other.
Dynamic automatic tooling is set on the nesting task parameters dialog:
1.

On the nesting task list dialog, select the required task and then select the Modbutton.

ify

2.

On the ensuing task setup dialog, select the Task Parameters button.

3.

On the ensuing task parameters dialog, select the Punching Parameters tab and
then select Yes for the Auto Dynamic Nesting fields value.

If parts do not appear on the nest after automatically nesting with automatic
dynamic nesting selected, it may be because these parts cannot be tooled with the
available tool set.
To verify this, switch to part mode and perform an automatic tooling of the part.
If it does not tool completely, automatic dynamic tooling does not include it in
the nest.
On combination machines, external contours and material destruction areas are
typically cut with the profile cutting process. This is controlled in the post file.
However, if parting is turned on in the post file, it is still possible to prevent
external contours from being automatically tooled, on a case-by-case basis, by
selecting the Internals only field on the general parting tab of the punching
parameters dialog.

6-25

SigmaNEST

6-26

Punching

Chapter

7
MANUAL TOOLING

Chapter

7
MANUAL TOOLING

Chapter 7

MANUAL TOOLING
In addition to the parameter driven automatic tooling that is the default SigmaNEST
behavior, full manual tooling is available in both part mode and within nesting.
Automatic and manual tooling can be combined. A part can be automatically tooled and
then parts of the tooling may be altered manually. Conversely, tooling changes that are
changed manually are not lost if automatic tooling is subsequently applied. This combines
the speed and convenience of automatic tooling with the precise control possible with
manual tooling.

7.1

Manual Punch

[Part mode] >[NC Punch] >[Manual Punch]

[Nesting] >[Punching] >[Manual Punch]
SigmaNEST offers flexible manual punching options that allow the choice of
tools, location of strikes and the ability to partly tool the part manually and then
use automatic tooling to complete the job.
This permits precise manual control over key areas without having to tool the
whole part manually. This section covers:

Single punching

Nibbling or entity punching

Point to point punching

Slots and holes

Destructs

7-1

SigmaNEST

Punching

Single Punch
Single punch is initiated by:

Selecting the NC Punch, Manual punch, Single punch menu items when the
part mode tab at the bottom of the work space is active.

Selecting the Punching, Manual punch, Single punch menu items when the
nesting tab at the bottom of the work space is active.

Selecting the
tool bar button from the punching tool bar. The
punching tool bar is not visible by default. It can be displayed by
selecting it from the ToolBars menu item.

Single punch permits the selection of up to three

tools and the placement of individual punch hits
with them. When more than one tool is selected, a
single hit takes place with each tool in sequence.
Thus if three tools are selected there is a single hit
with the first tool, then a single hit in the same
location with second tool and finally, with the
third.
When single punch is invoked the punching
options panel displays with the currently selected
tools shown. Selecting the downward-facing arrow to the right of the
tools image or location, displays a list of available tools that may be
selected for that position in the sequence. Selecting Select Tool invokes the
Tool Manager dialog. Any of its tools may then be selected.
To place a single punch on the part:

7-2

1.

Use the currently selected tools, displayed in the punching options

panel, or select new tools from their drop-down lists or from the tool
manager. The newly selected tools and their orientations (if they have
fixed orientation) are displayed in the panel.

2.

Move the mouse pointer to the part. A scale outline of the selected
tools follows the mouse pointer and snaps to the nearest compatible
contour. If the tools are automatically indexed, they automatically
orientate themselves to the angle of the contour.

3.

Position the tools in the desired location on the part and use the left
mouse button to place them.

4.

Move the tools to a new location and place them again or select other
tools and repeat the procedure until it is complete.

Chapter 7

Manual Tooling
The previous procedure assumes the default Dynamic align behavior. In
status menu, it is possible to select one of the following tool placement
options:

Dynamic align causes the tool to snap to the contour nearest to the
mouse pointer and to automatically rotate to the contour angle if the
tool is automatically indexed.

Snap to Entity causes the tool to snap to a selected contour. It can then
only be positioned on that contour.

Position permits the specification of an absolute or incremental tool

position. For information on positioning, refer to Position Menu on
page 2-42.

Rotate

permits the specification of a fixed tool angle.

Entity Punch
[Part mode] >[NC Punch] >[Manual Punch] >[Entity Punch]
[Nesting] >[Punching] >[Manual Punch] >[Entity Punch]
Entity punch permits the selection of one or two tools
and the placement of individual nibbling runs with those
tools. If a secondary tool is chosen it may be used at the
start of the nibbling run, its end or both the start and end.
Where it is used is specified using the At Start and At End
check boxes.
Entity punch is invoked from the above menu item or the
tool bar button. When entity punch is invoked the status area to the left of the work space, under the main
menu, changes to show the currently selected tool. Selecting the downward-facing arrow to the right of the tools
image, displays a list of available tools that may be
selected instead. Selecting Select Tool invokes the Tool
Manager dialog. Any of its tools may then be selected.
To place a single nibble run on the part:
1.

Use the currently selected tools, as displayed in the

panel under the main menu, or select new tools from
their drop-down lists or from the tool manager. The newly selected
tools are displayed.

7-3

SigmaNEST

Punching
2.

Move the mouse pointer to the part. As it approaches a contour, a

representation of the nibble run snaps to that contour. Parameters
such as overlap and side are clearly visible in the on-screen representation.

3.

Position the nibble run in the desired location on the part and use the
left mouse button to place it.

4.

Move the nibble run to a new location and place it again or select
another tool and repeat the procedure or select another function to
continue.

Nibble Sequence
The first drop-down list is the nibble sequence. Select one of the following
values:

Conventional hits along the punch line in a simple first to last sequence.

Bridge Punch hits along the punch line in a first to last sequence with
alternating full and partial hits.

Bridge (Forward) hits along the punch line in a first to last sequence
using full hits and then makes partial hits in the same sequence.

Bridge (Back) hits along the punch line in a first to last sequence using
full hits and then makes partial hits in last to first sequence.

For diagrams illustrating nibble sequences refer to Nibble Type on page 616.

Line Tooling
Line tooling permits a variety of methods for specifying the spacing
between tool hits. It is used in conjunction with the numeric entry field
immediately below it. Select the Line Tooling icon to display a menu of line
tooling options:

7-4

permits the specification, in the accompanying entry field,

of the percentage overlap of tool hits.

OverlapPer

Overlap permits the specification, in the accompanying entry field, of

the actual amount of overlap of tool hits, using the system units.

Chapter 7

Manual Tooling
permits the specification, in the accompanying entry
field, of the distance between tool hits, using the system units. Note
that if the distance is greater than the dimension of the tool, there is
no overlap. There are gaps between the hits.

Overlap Step

Scallop

permits the specification, in the accompanying entry field, of

the scallop height that results from successive hits of a round tool. It
is specified in system units.

The following diagram illustrates the overlap of a 0.25 inch round tool.
Nibble Overlap

The vertical run shows an absolute overlap of 0.1 inches and the inclined
run shows an absolute overlap of 0.01 inches.

Arc Tooling
The arc tooling is always specified as a maximum permitted scallop
height. The actual scallop height may be smaller, depending on the geometry of the arc and the size of the tool.

Side
The side parameter specifies the relationship
between the entity and the nibbling hits. It only
applies to lines. For arcs, Auto Side is always in effect.
There are four possibilities:

specifies that the center-point of

the tool strikes the contour. This is illustrated in the next diagram.

Punch on Entity

7-5

SigmaNEST

Punching
With all other options, the edge of the tool strikes the contour. This is
illustrated in the diagram for Nibble Overlap on page 7-5.

Punch Left specifies that the tool strikes on the left of the contour when
moving in its direction of travel.

Punch Right

With Auto Side, the side of the contour the tool strikes is determined
by the side the mouse pointer is on when the nibble run is placed.

specifies that the tool strikes on the right of the contour

when moving in its direction of travel.

Start & End Conditions

The start and end conditions specify the location
of the start and end positions of a nibbling run. It
may be:

The outer edge of the tool (Tool Edge).

The center of the tool (Tool Center).

Tangential to the adjacent tool (Tangent to Next Entity).

For both the start and the end condition, there is a numeric entry field
that permits a positive or negative offset from the specified start and end
location. This may be used to overcome machine tolerances.

7-6

Chapter 7

Manual Tooling

Punch Point to Point

[Part mode] >[NC Punch] >[Manual Punch] >[Point to Point]
[Nesting] >[Punching] >[Manual Punch] >[Point to Point]
Point to point permits the selection of a tool and the placement of individual punching runs with that tool. Point to
point is invoked from the above menu item or the
tool
bar button. When point to point is invoked the status area
to the left of the work space, under the main menu,
changes to show the currently selected tool. Selecting the
downward-facing arrow to the right of the tools image,
displays a list of available tools that may be selected
instead. Selecting Select Tool invokes the Tool Manager
dialog. Any of its tools may then be selected.
To place a point to point punching run on the part:
1.

Use the currently selected tool, as displayed in the panel under the
main menu, or select a new tool from its drop-down list or from the
tool manager. The newly selected tool is displayed.

2.

Select Rotate Tool and specify the angle of rotation if it is necessary to

rotate the tool.

3.

Select one of the placement options describe in Placement Options on

page 7-7.

4.

Select the starting location based on the chosen placement option.

5.

Select the ending location based on the chosen placement option.

Parameters such as overlap are clearly visible in the on-screen representation.

6.

Repeat the procedure to place another point to point punching run.

Placement Options
There are three placement options:

is the default. As the cursor approaches an entity, the

tool snaps to it and, if it is automatically indexed, it is orientated to
the angle of the entity. Place the punching run by selecting the start
point and the end point. The end point may extend significantly
beyond the entity, but the start point may not. It snaps to a different

Dynamic Align

7-7

SigmaNEST

Punching
entity instead if it is extended more than half the tool length beyond
the start of the entity.
would typically be used when it is necessary to extend
the start point of a punching run significantly beyond the start point
of an entity. It is possible to extend the tool up to one tool length
beyond the start point. Place the punching run by first selecting the
entity and then the start and end points of the run. Once the entity is
selected, the tool is locked to that entity and cannot be moved to
another one until Backup or Escape is selected.

Snap to Entity

Position

invokes the position tool bar from which the type of start and

end position can be selected. For a description of the position tool bar
options, refer to Position Tool Bar on page 2-18. When using the position placement option, it is not necessary to place the punching run
on an entity. It can be placed anywhere in the work space. Place the
punching run by selecting the type of position and then the starting
point. Select other types of positions and points until the desired end
point is reached.

Point to Point Sequence

The first drop-down list is the point to point sequence. Select one of the
following values:

Conventional hits along the punch line in a simple first to last sequence.

Bridge Punch hits along the punch line in a first to last sequence with
alternating full and partial hits.

Bridge (Forward) hits along the punch line in a first to last sequence
using full hits and then makes partial hits in the same sequence.

Bridge (Back) hits along the punch line in a first to last sequence using
full hits and then makes partial hits in last to first sequence.

Line Tooling
Line tooling permits a variety of methods for specifying the maximum
spacing (minimum overlap) between tool hits. It is used in conjunction

7-8

Chapter 7

Manual Tooling
with the numeric entry field immediately below it. Select the Line Tooling
icon to display a menu of line tooling options:

permits the specification, in the accompanying entry field,

of the minimum percentage overlap of tool hits.

OverlapPer

Overlap permits the specification, in the accompanying entry field, of

the actual minimum amount of overlap of tool hits, using the system
units.

Overlap Step

Scallop

permits the specification, in the accompanying entry

field, of the maximum distance between tool hits, using the system
units. Note that if the distance is greater than the dimension of the
tool, there is no overlap. There are gaps between the hits.
permits the specification, in the accompanying entry field, of
the scallop height that results from successive hits of a round tool. It
is specified in system units.

If the length of the punching run is an exact multiple of the tool length
minus the overlap, then the specified overlap is used. In all other cases,
the tool hits are overlapped more to a accomplish the exact run distance
without exceeding the minimum overlap constraint.

Arc Tooling
The arc tooling is always specified as a maximum permitted scallop
height. The actual scallop height may be smaller, depending on the geometry of the arc and the size of the tool.

7-9

SigmaNEST

Punching

Punch Slots and Holes

[Part mode] >[NC Punch] >[Manual Punch] >[Slots and Holes]
[Nesting] >[Punching] >[Manual Punch] >[Slots and Holes]
Slots and holes permits the selection of a tool and the
punching of individual slots or holes with that tool. Slots
and Holes is invoked from the above menu item or the
tool bar button. When slots and holes is invoked the status
area to the left of the work space, under the main menu,
changes to show the currently selected tool. Selecting the
downward-facing arrow to the right of the tools image,
displays a list of available tools that may be selected
instead. Selecting Select Tool invokes the Tool Manager
dialog. Any of its tools may then be selected.
To place a point to point punching run on the part:
1.

Use the currently selected tool, as displayed in the panel under the
main menu, or select a new tool from its drop-down list or from the
tool manager or select Auto Tool Select. The newly selected tool is displayed if Auto Tool Select is not selected. The selected tool must match
the hole diameter or slot width if it is manually selected or, for automatic selection, there must be a tool available that matches the hole
diameter of slot width.

2.

Position the mouse pointer over the hole or slot. For holes and slots
that can be created with a single hit, the tool snaps to the hole or slot.

3.

For slots where multiple hits are required, the tool snaps to one end
of the slot. Drag the tool to the other end of the slot and select it.

4.

Repeat the procedure to place another hole or slot tool.

Auto Tool Select

When automatic tool selection is selected, the system automatically
selects the best tool available (if there is a suitable tool available) that minimizes the number of hits. If there is no suitable tool available, no tool will
snap into place when the mouse cursor is placed over the hole or slot.
In order to be suitable a tool must be same diameter as a hole or the same
width as a slot and less than or equal to the length of the slot.

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Chapter 7

Manual Tooling

Line Tooling
Line tooling permits a variety of methods for specifying the spacing
between tool hits. It only applies to slots that require more than one hit to
tool. It is used in conjunction with the numeric entry field immediately
below it. Select the Line Tooling icon to display a menu of line tooling
options:

permits the specification, in the accompanying entry field,

of the percentage overlap of tool hits.

OverlapPer

Overlap permits the specification, in the accompanying entry field, of

the actual amount of overlap of tool hits, using the system units.

Overlap Step

Scallop

permits the specification, in the accompanying entry

field, of the distance between tool hits, using the system units. Note
that if the distance is greater than the dimension of the tool, there is
no overlap. There are gaps between the hits.
permits the specification, in the accompanying entry field, of
the scallop height that results from successive hits of a round tool. It
is specified in system units.

Arc Tooling
The arc tooling is always specified as a maximum permitted scallop
height. The actual scallop height may be smaller, depending on the geometry of the arc and the size of the tool. Arc tooling only applies to slots
that require more than one hit to tool.

7-11

SigmaNEST

Punching

Destruct
[Part mode] >[NC Punch] >[Manual Punch] >[Destruct]
[Nesting] >[Punching] >[Manual Punch] >[Destruct]
Tools must have at least Nibble usage to be considered for material destruction.
Refer to Usage on page 3-7 for more details on usage.
Destruct permits the selection of a tool and the destruction
of all the material in a rectangular (with or without fillets)
or circular area with that tool. Destruct is invoked from
the above menu item or the
tool bar button. When
destruct is invoked the status area to the left of the work
space, under the main menu, changes to show the currently selected tool. Selecting the downward-facing arrow
to the right of the tools image, displays a list of available
tools that may be selected instead. Selecting Select Tool
invokes the Tool Manager dialog. Any of its tools may
then be selected.
To destroy a rectangular or circular area on the part:
1.

Use the currently selected tool, as displayed in the

panel under the main menu, or select a new tool from
its drop-down list or from the tool manager or select Auto Tool Select.
The newly selected tool is displayed if Auto Tool Select is not selected.

2.

Use one of the selection methods described in Selection Methods on

page 7-13 to select the area that must be destroyed.

3.

The selected tooling fills the area.

4.

Repeat the procedure to destroy another rectangular or circular area.

Auto Tool Select

When automatic tool selection is selected, the system automatically
selects the best tool available that minimizes the number of hits.

7-12

Chapter 7

Manual Tooling

Selection Methods
There are four methods to select the area to be destroyed:

Rect Dest 3Pts destroys a rectangular area that is defined by 3 points.

The three points must be defined in an counter-clockwise direction
and the first point must be the intersection of two entities. This is
illustrated in the following diagram, where the points 1, 2 and 3 are
defined in that order. When this method is selected, the position

selection menu, with options corresponding to the following tool bar,

is invoked to aid in the selection of the 3 points that define the rectangular area. For example, a fairly common approach would be select
Entity End and then select the end points of two entities that define the
rectangle (as illustrated in the preceding diagram), but it is also possible to be a bit creative and perhaps only destroy half the area by
selecting the first entity end point, then its midpoint and then the end
point of second entity. For a description of the position tool bar
options, refer to Position Tool Bar on page 2-18.

Rect Dest 2 Ent destroys a rectangular area defined by a length and the
a width entity. The length and width may be disjoint, as illustrated in

the diagram.

Circular Dest

destroys a circular area. Select the circle to destroy it.

7-13

SigmaNEST

Punching

Auto Recognition destroys a

rectangular, circular or filleted rectangular

area. As the mouse pointer is moved close to either a rectangular or
circular area, if an appropriate tool has been selected or if automatic
tool selection is on, the destruct pattern snaps into the area. Filleted
rectangular areas can only be selected using automatic recognition.

Overlap and Scallop

The Dest. Min. Overlap and Dest. Max. Scallop fields specify the minimum overlap between tool hits and the maximum scallop height permitted when round tools are used, respectively.

Apply to Same
[Part mode] >[NC Punch] >[Manual Punch] >[Apply to same]
[Nesting] >[Punching] >[Manual Punch] >[Apply to same]
The Apply to Same function applies the tooling of an internal feature to all
identical features. It operates slightly differently, depending on whether
it is used in part mode or nesting mode.

Part Mode
Use the following procedure when the part mode tab at the bottom of the
work space is active:

7-14

1.

Manually tool a feature on the part.

2.

Select the Punching, Manual punch, Apply to same menu items or the
tool bar button.

3.

Select the tooled feature and then the Enter key.

4.

The tooling is applied to all identical features on the part.

Chapter 7

Manual Tooling

Nesting Mode
Use the following procedure when the nesting tab at the bottom of the
work space is active:
1.

Manually tool a feature on one of the parts on the nest.

2.

Select the Punching, Manual punch, Apply to same menu items or the
tool bar button.

3.

Select the tooled feature and then the Enter key.

4.

Select one of the filters described below.

5.

Select the Enter key. The tooling is applied to all the contours that
match the filtering criteria.

The following filters are available for selecting contours:

all matching contours on all parts in the nest are selected.

All

Same contour all matching contours on matching parts are selected.

Matching parts with different rotations are selected if the tooling can
also be rotated.

Same rotation

Same part

all matching contours on matching parts with the

same rotation are selected.

all matching contours on the same instance of the part in

the the nest are selected. Other matching parts in the nest are ignored.

7-15

SigmaNEST

7.2

Punching

Edit Punch

[Part mode] >[NC Punch] >[Edit Punch]

[Nesting] >[Punching] >[Edit Punch]
These are a selection of commands that permits tooling and its parameters to be
changed, to undo individual actions or delete one or more NC items from the
part.

Edit
[Part mode] >[NC Punch] >[Edit Punch] >[Edit]
[Nesting] >[Punching] >[Edit Punch] >[Edit]
The edit function is also invoked using the
tool bar button. As the mouse pointer approaches tooling it is highlighted and the tool is displayed in a punching options
panel.
Selecting the highlighted tooling causes the punching
options panel to show the full tooling parameters and permits the tool or its parameters to be changed. Only the
pertinent parameters are displayed for each type of tooling. Select
tooling.

to cancel changes. Select

to replace the

Clear
[Part mode] >[NC Punch] >[Edit Punch] >[Clear All]
[Nesting] >[Punching] >[Edit Punch] >[Clear All]
The clear function is also invoked using the
tool bar button. It removes
all tooling and NC information from the part.

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Chapter 7

Manual Tooling

Delete
[Part mode] >[NC Punch] >[Edit Punch] >[Delete]
[Nesting] >[Punching] >[Edit Punch] >[Delete]
The delete function is also invoked using the
tool bar button. Select a
tooling component on the part. It may be a single hit or a series of hits
along an entity. Select Delete to remove the selected tooling.

Back-1
[Part mode] >[NC Punch] >[Edit Punch] >[Back-1]
[Nesting] >[Punching] >[Edit Punch] >[Back-1]
The Back-1 function effectively undoes the previous function. It may be
necessary to use CTRL+R to redraw the work space after using this function.

Punch Explode
[Part mode] >[NC Punch] >[Edit Punch] >[Punch Explode]
[Nesting] >[Punching] >[Edit Punch] >[Punch Explode]
The punch explode function is also invoked using the
tool bar button.
A run of nibble hits is considered a single unit in SigmaNEST. Deleting it,
for example, deletes all the nibble hits. The punch explode function permits the run of nibble hits to be exploded into separate units that can be
manipulated individually.
After selecting the punch explode function, select a run of nibble hits and
then the Enter key.

7-17

SigmaNEST

7.3

Punching

Tabbing

For information on tab settings refer to Tab Settings on page 11-1. Those tab settings
control the automatic placement of tabs. This section deals with manual placement and display of tab positions.
The constraints specified in the tab settings dialog are not honoured when manually placing and removing tabs. For example, it is possible to remove all tabs, even
though the tab settings might specify that there must be a minimum of 3 tabs.
Similarly, the number of tabs, the tab spacing and the types of lines on which tabs
can be placed, that are all specified in the tab settings dialog, do not constrain the
manual placement of tabs.

Add Tab
[Part mode] >[NC Punch] >[Tabbing] >[Add Tab]
[Nesting] >[Punching] >[Tabbing] >[Add Tab]
Tabs can only be added once the part is tooled. The best approach is to
tool the part, display the existing tab points and then place any additional
ones that may be required.
To place an additional tab:

7-18

1.

Select the above menu item or the

tool bar button.

2.

Place the mouse pointer where the new tab must be located. The location should be just outside the contour and preferably, near an intersection between two hits.

3.

Place the tab with the left mouse button.

4.

If it is possible to place a tab at that location, it will appear as a red

dot if Display Tab Points is on or as a gap if it is off, and the tooling will
be adjusted to accommodate it. If it is not possible to place a tab at
that location a dialog indicates that the operation was not completed.

5.

Additional tabs can be placed by repeating steps 2 and 3.

Chapter 7

Manual Tooling

Delete Tab
[Part mode] >[NC Punch] >[Tabbing] >[Delete Tab]
[Nesting] >[Punching] >[Tabbing] >[Delete Tab]
Tabs can only be removed once that part is tooled. The best approach is to
tool the part, display the existing tab points and then remove any tabs
that are not required.
To remove an unwanted tab:
1.

Select the above menu item or the

tool bar button.

2.

Place the mouse pointer on or close to the tab that must be removed.

3.

Remove the tab with the left mouse button.

4.

Additional tabs can be removed by repeating steps 2 and 3.

Display Tab Points

[Part mode] >[NC Punch] >[Tabbing] >[Disp Tab Points]
[Nesting] >[Punching] >[Tabbing] >[Disp Tab Points]
Tabs are relatively small on a tooled part and are thus difficult to see.
They are normally shown as a gap in the punching pattern and are therefore, shown in the same color as an external contour. They are thus invisible on a part with no tooling. In order to make them visible on a part
with no tooling and more easily visible on a tooled part, select the above
menu item or the

tool bar button.

Tab points are shown as red dots. Selecting the menu item or tool bar button again, turns their display off.

7-19

SigmaNEST

7.4

Punching

Pre-tabs

The parameters that control the automatic placement of tabs during automatic
tooling are described in Tab Settings on page 11-1. The manual manipulation of tabs
once tooling is complete is described in Tabbing on page 7-18. This section
describes the placement of tabs before tooling takes place.
Pre-tab functions are available from the Parameters, Pre Tabbing menu items or from
the punching tool bar when the part mode tab at the bottom of the work space is
active. The punching tool bar is not visible by default. It can be displayed by
selecting it from the ToolBars menu item.

Automatic Pre-tabs
Automatic pre-tabs is analagous to the automatic placement of tabs during tooling that is described in Tabbing on page 11-1, but this function
places the tabs before tooling takes place.
Some parameters, such as the tab style, are specified on the tabbing tab of
the punch parameters dialog described in Tab Settings on page 11-1.
Select the
tool bar button for automatic pre-tabs. The tab settings dialog displays.

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Chapter 7

Manual Tooling

Tab Type
The tab type determines how tabs are placed on the part. Select one of the
following values from the drop-down list:

When Number is selected, the Number of Tabs field is also supplied

and this number of tabs are placed at approximately equal distances
around the perimeter of the part.

When Spacing is selected, the Tab Spacing field is also completed and
tabs are placed around the perimeter of the part at intervals of
approximately this distance.

Corners

When Fixed is selected, tabs are placed at fixed distances from each
other (Tab Spacing) and this distance is maintained even when the
Move Tabs Away from Corners attribute is set. The whole set of tabs along
an entity may be moved to move a tab away from a corner, but the
distance between each is maintained.

specifies that tabs must be placed on corners where possible.

It does not mean that tabs will only be placed on corners. The nominal tab spacing distance and the tab search distance must also be supplied. The way these values are used to determine actual tab
positions is described in Corner Tab Placing Algorithm on page 11-6.
Tabs are more likely to be placed on corners when a large tab search
percentage is used.

Min Tabbed Entity Length

Tabs are not placed on entities that are shorter than this length.

Min Internal Tab Area

Tabs are not placed on internal features that have an area smaller than
this value.

Min External Tab Area

Tabs are not placed on external contours if the parts area, described by
its external contours, is smaller than this value.

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SigmaNEST

Punching

Minimum Number of Tabs

The minimum number of tabs that must be placed on the part. If necessary, other parameters, such as tab spacing, are ignored in order to ensure
that the minimum number of tabs are placed.

Tab Spacing
Tab spacing is the desired distance between tabs. That actual distance can
be modified by considerations described in Corner Tab Placing Algorithm
on page 11-6. This includes the tab search percentage, described next.

Tab Search Percentage

This is the percentage of the tab spacing distance that the tab placement
algorithm will use to search forwards or backwards from the nominal
distance specified by the tab spacing value in order to find a good tab
position. For example, if the tab spacing parameter specifies that tabs
should be placed 50 units apart and the search percentage is 50 percent,
then the tab placement algorithm will use any good tab position between
25 and 75 units from the previous tab.
The tab placing algorithm has more flexibility when the tab search percentage is large.

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Chapter 7

Manual Tooling

Move Tabs Away from Corners

If the normal tab spacing algorithm places a tab right next to a corner, the
selection of this attribute equalizes the spacing between the tabs on this
edge to move it away from the corner.
Though it seems counter-intuitive, this option may also be selected when
the tab type is set to Corners. In this case, true corners are still favoured,
but tabs are moved away from entity ends that abut arcs. This is illustrated in the following diagram, where the right-most tab is moved away
from the entity end that abuts an arc, the the left-most tab is placed on the
corner.

Add Pre-tab
The add pre-tab function supports the direct, manual placement of pretabs. Select the

tool bar button in part mode to add pre-tabs.

Position the mouse pointer on the contour where the pre-tab must be
placed and select the left mouse button. A tab is placed at that location.
The position of the pre-tab on the contour can also be modified using the
position menu. Refer to Position Menu on page 2-42 for more information
on using the position menu.
The characteristics of the placed pre-tabs are specified on the tabbing tab
of the punch parameters dialog described in Tab Settings on page 11-1.

Remove Pre-tab
Select the
tool bar button in part mode to remove individual pre-tabs.
Place the mouse pointer over the pre-tab to remove and select the left

7-23

SigmaNEST

Punching
mouse button. Pre-tabs that were placed manually and those that were
placed automatically can be removed.

Remove All Pre-tabs

Select the

tool bar button in part mode to remove all pre-tabs.

Show Pre-tabs
Select the
tool bar button in part mode to toggle between hiding and
showing all pre-tabs.

7-24

Chapter 7

7.5

Manual Tooling

Tool Viewer

Select the
tool bar button from the punching tool bar to open the tool viewer.
The punching tool bar is not visible by default. It can be displayed by selecting it
from the ToolBars menu item.
When the tool viewer is opened with a tooled part, it displays a list of all the tools
used for that part.

The tool viewer is available from part mode and nesting mode, but it does not display any tools if the nested parts were pre-tooled.

Select a tool in the tool viewer to highlight its usage on the part in the part
mode work space.

Select the Delete button to remove the selected tool from the part.

Select the Replace button to open the tool manager and select a new tool to
replace the selected one.

Select the Cancel button to undo all tool viewer changes and close it.

Select the OK button to accpet all tool viewer changes and close it.

7-25

SigmaNEST

7-26

Punching

Chapter

8
REPOSITIONING

Chapter

8
REPOSITIONING

Chapter 8

REPOSITIONING
Repositioning permits the manipulation of clamps and hold downs, plus control over the
processing sequence in the repositioning zones.

8.1

Repositioning

Repositioning is controlled from the Reposition dialog that is invoked by selecting NC from the Nesting dialog and then selecting the

tool bar button.

Reposition Dialog - General Tab

The positions are shown at the left of the dialog. Expanding a position by
selecting the plus sign to its left, shows the processes associated with that
position. Selecting the minus sign to the left of an expanded position, collapses it and hides the positions processes.
Selecting a position or its process shows its corresponding attributes,
depending on the selected tab, to its right.

Reset
The reset button restores all settings from all tabs to what they where
when the dialog was first opened.

Resolve
Resolve makes sure that no punching or cutting zones have been violated
and that all movements around the clamps are legitimate. It can rearrange cutting paths. If everything resolves correctly, the indicator at the

8-1

SigmaNEST

Punching
top right of the dialog is green. If some things are not resolved correctly, it
is red.

General Tab
The general tab specifies the number repositioning zones, where they are
located and the type of process that takes place within that zone. Punch
Machine

Reposition Offset
For position one, this is set in the post file for the machine and is usually
set to the origin (0.00). For remaining positions, it specifies the lateral offset from the origin to the start of that position zone. The position of the
selected zone can be specified by entering the offset value here directly or
the zones position can be specified interactively in conjunction with the
Move button.

Reposition Type
The reposition type can be set to one of the following values, reflecting
the processes that take place in the selected zone:

Empty

All

Normal punch only

Punch tabs only

Profile only

Move
The Move button is used to move the selected reposition zone interactively
with the mouse. Use the following procedure:

8-2

1.

Select the zone to move at the left of the dialog.

2.

Select the Move button.

3.

Place the mouse pointer near the displayed edge of the zone that
must define its new position.

4.

Select the left mouse button.

Chapter 8

Repositioning
5.

As the mouse pointer is moved in the direction of the new position,

the displayed zone boundary moves with it and the Reposition Offset
field changes to show its current location. Use the mouse pointer to
position it exactly where desired.

6.

Select the right mouse button. The zone is fixed in its new position
and the Move button is no longer selected.

The move button and the reposition offset field may be used in tandem
for effective zone positioning. Use the move button and the mouse to
place the zone close to its desired position and then set the reposition offset value to the precise location.

Delete
The Delete button removes the selected position. If there are following
positions, their attributes are not adjusted automatically. It may be necessary to change their locations manually.

Add
The Add button creates a new position after the selected one with the same
attributes as the selected position. Subsequent positions in the list are
renumbered, but their other attributes are not changed.

Equally Spaced
The Equally Spaced button spaces the position zones equally along the
length of the sheet. The first zone starts at the origin, the last one ends at
the end of the sheet and any others are equally spaced between them.

Clamps Tab
The clamps tab is used to change clamp positions. New clamp positions
can apply to the current task, all tasks in this SigmaNEST session or the
default positions can be changed.

8-3

SigmaNEST

Punching
Reposition Dialog - Clamps Tab

Clamps cannot be moved if the machine does not support moveable clamps.

All Positions
When All Positions is selected, the new clamp position is changed for all
position zones at the same time. It does not matter which position is
selected at the left of the dialog. When it is not selected, the clamp positions can be changed for each position independently and changes only
apply to the selected position at the left of the dialog.

Clamp Distance
The clamp distance applies to the clamp selected from the drop down list
above it only. The All Positions field determines whether it applies to this
clamp in all zone positions or only the selected one. The value specifies
the distance from the start of the zone position closest to the origin. When
the cursor leaves the field, the new clamp position is shown in the work
space. The clamp location can also be set interactively with the Move button.

Move
The Move button is used to move the selected clamp location interactively
with the mouse. Use the following procedure:

8-4

1.

Select the clamp to move from the drop down list.

2.

Select the Move button.

3.

Place the mouse pointer near the clamp displayed in the work space.

4.

Select the left mouse button.

5.

As the mouse pointer is moved in the direction of the new location,

the displayed clamp moves with it and the Clamp Distance field
changes to show its current location. Use the mouse pointer to position it exactly where desired.

Chapter 8

Repositioning
6.

Select the right mouse button. The clamp is fixed in its new position
and the Move button is no longer selected.

The move button and the clamp distance field may be used in tandem for
effective clamp positioning. Use the move button and the mouse to place
the clamp close to its desired position and then set the clamp distance
value to the precise location.

Save to PST
The Save to PST button writes the new clamp positions to the machines
post file. These become the default clamp positions until such time as the
post file is changed again. The settings are retained from one SigmaNEST
session to another.

Set Session
If the Set Session button is not selected, the new clamp locations only
apply to the current nesting task. If Set Session is selected, the new clamp
locations are also used for all new nesting tasks within this SigmaNEST
session. They revert to their default values when SigmaNEST is closed.
To retain them across SigmaNEST sessions, use the Save to PST button.

Options Tab
The options tab provides parameters for controlling cropping and breaking around clamps.
Reposition Dialog - Options Tab

Add Crop Line

If Add Crop Line is selected, the system cuts off the unused material after
every repositionthus acting much like the cut scrap function.
8-5

SigmaNEST

Punching
Specify the offset from the reposition for the crop line in the Crop Offset
field.

Reverse Split NC Direction

This is mostly used with large parts that span zone positions. When
Reverse Split NC Dir is selected, the NC path direction is the reverse in the
next zone of what it was in the previous zone.

Break Around Clamps

Break Around Clamps is selected if there are large parts nested under the
clamps. If the part is nested under both the clamps so that when the
clamps are repositioned, the part is still under the second clamp, it is
desirable to break the part. This allows the machine to create a stop or
break where the machine finishes cutting that section of the part. When
the claps move to the next position, the section under the first position
clamps are then cut. The Clamp Offset is the distance from the clamp where
the machine breaks the part. Specify the lead-in length (the lead-out is
the same size).

Lead-in Length
The lead-in length is not used for punching.

Break Percentage
When a large part spans repositioning zones, this specifies how far into
the overlap the break occurs. It is expressed as a percentage of the overlap
size, starting at the edge of the overlap nearest the origin.

Hold Downs Tab

The hold downs are placed on the sheet to hold it while the clamps are
moved. Hold downs can be placed at any position on the sheet. Typically,
they are placed somewhere on the sheet where there are no parts. The
hold downs are not available for the last position since there is no need
for repositioning of clamps on the last position.

8-6

Chapter 8

Repositioning

Hold downs are only active after an NC path has been generated.
Reposition Dialog - Hold Downs Tab

Hold Down Position

The hold down position specifies the X and Y coordinates of the hold
down location for the selected position. They are measured from the origin of the sheet. Enter values directly in the X and Y fields or move the
hold down interactively with the Move button.

Move
The Move button is used to move the selected hold down location interactively with the mouse. Use the following procedure:
1.

Select the position that must have its hold down moved from the list
at the left of the dialog.

2.

Select the Move button.

3.

Place the mouse pointer near the hold down displayed in the work
space.

4.

Select the left mouse button.

5.

As the mouse pointer is moved in the direction of the new location,

the displayed hold down moves with it and the hold down position
fields change to show its current location. Use the mouse pointer to
position it exactly where desired.

6.

Select the right mouse button. The hold down is fixed in its new position and the Move button is no longer selected.

The move button and the hold down position fields may be used in tandem for effective hold down positioning. Use the move button and the
mouse to place the hold down close to its desired position and then set
the hold down position values to the precise location.

8-7

SigmaNEST

Punching

Display Tab
The display tab determines what repositioning information is shown in
the work space.
Reposition Dialog - Display Tab

Show Overlap
When Show Overlap is selected, the intersection between the selected position and the next overlapping position is shaded or shown with a diagonal hatch. Nothing is shown for the last position.

Only Active Zone

When Only Active Zone is selected, only the selected position is superimposed on the sheet in the work space. When it is not selected, all positions are shown and the selected one is highlighted.

Highlight Active Process

When Highlight Active Process is selected, the section of the NC path that is
processed in the selected position or zone is shown in a different color.
An NC path must be present for this to have an effect.

Show Reposition
When Show Reposition is selected, the repositioning information remains
visible in the work space after the reposition dialog is closed. When it is
not selected, the repositioning information that is visible while the reposition dialog is active is removed from the work space image when the dialog is closed.

8-8

Chapter 8

Repositioning

Sequencing Tab
Parameters on the sequencing tab determine the processing sequence in
the overlap areas and the tab creation sequence.
Reposition Dialog - Sequencing Tab

Reposition Direction
The reposition direction is purely for information. It cannot be changed
here. It is machine specific and defined in the machines post file.

Overlap Rule
The overlap rule is set for all positions, regardless of which one is
selected, and takes one of the following values:

Expedite Processing

next one.

does all processing in a zone, before moving to the

Delay Processing only completes processing in the part of the zone that
does not overlap with the next one before moving on to the next one.
When the last zone or position is reached, all the remaining processing is completed.

Delay Only Forming

behaves like Expedite Processing for punching operations and like Delay Processing for forming operations.

Tab Tool Sequence Type

The tab tool sequence type determines when tabs are created. It takes one
of the following values:

With other Tools

the punching.

specifies that tab hits are interspersed with the rest of

Separate and Same Direction specifies that tab hits are a separate activity
and take place in the same direction as the main punching.

8-9

SigmaNEST

Punching

Separate and Opposite Direction specifies that tab hits are a separate
activity and take place in the opposite direction to the main punching.

Manual Tab
The manual tab enables NC segments that are not automatically included
in a selected zone to be manually included.
Reposition Dialog - Manual Tab

Use the following procedure:

1.

Select the position at the left of the dialog that the additional NC segments must be included in.

2.

Select the Change Part Repos button.

3.

Use the mouse pointer and left mouse button to select individual NC
segments from an adjacent zone (position) to include.

4.

When all desired segments are selected, use the right mouse button to
complete the selection. The Change Part Pos button is no longer
selected. All the NC segments are now processed in the selected zone
or position.

Reset Manual Repos may be used to clear the selected NC segments only
after the selection has been completed by depressing the right mouse button.

Remember to complete manual selection with the right mouse button when all
desired NC segments are selected. Failure to do this prevents the reposition dialog from being closed.

8-10

Chapter

9
MOTION OPTIMIZATION

Chapter

9
MOTION OPTIMIZATION

Chapter 9

MOTION OPTIMIZATION
9.1

Tool Sorting

[Nesting] >[Motion Opt] >[Drill Sort]

By default, tools are always sorted in the following order:

Single hit

Nibble

Parting

Forming

Louvres

Tabbing

Within each of these, tools are sorted from the smallest to the
largest area. The default tool sorting order is always visible by
expanding the drop-down list of the usage field on the tool edit
dialog. This list also shows the order of sub-categories, such as
Extrude Up and Extrude Down.
The sort order used on a particular machine may be altered, by changing the
order of the 652 lines in that machines post file, but that does not change the sort
order shown in the usage field of the tool edit dialog. The order in the usage field
is the standard SigmaNEST sort order.
Explicit tool sorting is available using the above menu items or the
tool bar
button to invoke the tool sorting dialog. A diagram of the selected tool is shown at
the top right of the dialog.
The tools are always initially shown in their default sort order.
For combination machines the larger order is:

Punching

Drilling from smallest diameter to largest

Counter sinks and bores

Profile cutting

9-1

SigmaNEST

Punching
Tool Sorting Dialog

Sorting Arrows
When the tool sorting dialog initially displays the tools are shown in
their default sort order as defined by the machines post file. The sort
order is changed by selecting a tool and using the up and down arrows to
move the it up or down in the sort order.

Complete Each Tool

When Complete each Tool is selected all the tooling for each tool is completed on all parts before starting with the next tool in the sort order.
When it is not selected each part is completed, using all its required tools,
before moving on to the next one. This is usually slower.

Group By Tool
This ensures that a tool is only loaded into the turret of a Trumpf machine
once. Otherwise it could be loaded, used, unloaded and then reloaded
again later.

Sort Direction
The general tooling direction can be set to one of the following values:

9-2

Left to right

Chapter 9

Motion Optimization

Right to left

Top to bottom

Bottom to top

This is used in conjunction with the strip width field.

Strip Width
The strip width field defines the size of horizontal or vertical bands across
the sheet. These bands define areas that are tooled before moving to the
next band. The are vertical when the sort direction is set to Left to right or
Right to left and horizontal when the sort direction is Top to bottom or Bottom
to top. When Complete each Tool is not selected, all the parts in a strip are
completed before parts in the next strip are started. When Complete each
Tool is selected, all the tooling in a strip with the current part is completed
before the next strip is started. When all the tooling for that tool is complete, then the next tool is selected and it starts from the first strip again.

9-3

SigmaNEST

9-4

Punching

Chapter

10
REPORTING

Chapter

10
REPORTING

Chapter 10

REPORTING
Punching reports are available from two sources:

The Tool Manager dialog

The nesting Task List dialog where there are two paths to the same reporting dialog
one through the Report button and the other through the Detail button.

10.1 Tool Manager

[NC] >[Tools]
[Part mode] >[NC] >[Punching] >[Tool Manager]
The Tool Manager dialog is also available from the
tool bar
button in all NC contextsincluding within part mode and within
a nest. To produce reports relating to the tool list, select the Print
button. This produces the tool and turret printing dialog.
Tool and Turret Printing Dialog

Available reports for each of the options are listed at the left of the dialog. The
actual reports available depends on what has been defined for your site, but will,
at a minimum, include a report summarizing the contents of the turret, details of
selected and all active tools and details of selected and all active dies. More than
one report may be selected at once and when this occurs, each report is processed
in sequence.
10-1

SigmaNEST

Punching

The reports may be viewed on screen by selecting the Preview button. Print the
reports by selecting that Print button.

Selected Turret
The turret setup report in the selected turret option shows what tools are
in each turret position.

10-2

Chapter 10

Reporting

Selected Tools
The reports under this option apply to the tools that are selected in the
tool manager dialog. Select the tools that must be reported on in the tool
manager dialog before selecting its Print button. Multiple contiguous tools
may be selected by using the Shift key and selecting the beginning and the
end of the desired list. Multiple non-contiguous tools may be selected bye
using the Ctrl key selecting each tool.
The tool manager report prints summary information on each selected
tool. The tool manager detail report prints an additional image of each
tool.

All Active Tools

These are the same report formats as those for the selected tools, but they
report on all the tools in the tool list dialog.

Die Reports
The die reports are analogous to the tool reports. Reports may be produced for all active dies or for a list of selected dies.

10-3

SigmaNEST

Punching

10.2 Nesting Task List

[Nesting]
Selecting the Nesting menu item or the
dialog.

tool bar button invokes the Task List

Task List Dialog

Select the Report button to invoke the Task Report dialog and then the Print button
to invoke the Task Report Printing dialog. These reports are also available via the
NC and Detail buttons on the Task List dialog using either menu items or tool bar
buttons.

10-4

Chapter 10

Reporting
Task Report Printing Dialog

The available reports are shown at the bottom-left of the dialog. Select as
many reports as are required. Select the Preview button to view the reports
on screen before choosing whether to print them and select Print to print
them directly.

10-5

SigmaNEST

10-6

Punching

Chapter

11
TABBING

Chapter

11
TABBING

Chapter 11

TABBING
This chapter describes the settings that affect the automatic placement of tabs. For information on the manual placement and removal of tabs, refer to Tabbing on page 7-18 and
Pre-tabs on page 7-20.

11.1 Tab Settings

[Part mode] >[NC Punch] >[Punch Parameters]
The Tab Settings dialog may also be invoked by selecting the
tool bar button.
Only fields pertinent to punching are described. For a description of the remaining fields refer to the description of the tab settings dialog in the SigmaNEST Reference Manual. For descriptions of the remaining tabs on this dialog as they pertain
to punching, refer to Auto Tool on page 6-1.
Tab Settings Dialog

Use Dedicated Tab Tool

When selected a specific tool is used to create the tab. When not selected
the parting tools are used to create the tab.
11-1

SigmaNEST

Punching

Linear Tab Style

This determines the way the tab is created or is style. Select one of the following values from the drop-down list:

specifies that no tab tool is used. The parting tool simply

leaves a tab width gap between two of its hits.

Simple Tab

- Tab

can be used with or without a dedicated tab tool. Initially a gap the width of the tab plus the width of the tool used to create the tab is retained, then at the end, the tab tool returns to strike
before the tab in the direction of motion. The first illustration shows
the use of a parting tool and the second, a dedicated tab tool. In both
cases the tab hits are represented by shaded shapes and the direction
of motion is from left to right.
Begin Delay Tab

- Tab

11-2

can be used with or without a dedicated tab tool. Initially a gap the width of the tab plus the width of the tool used to create the tab is retained, then at the end, the tab tool returns to strike
after the tab in the direction of motion. The first illustration shows the
use of a parting tool and the second, a dedicated tab tool. In both
End Delay Tab

Chapter 11

Tabbing
cases the tab hits are represented by shaded shapes and the direction
of motion is from left to right.

- Tab

can be used with or without a dedicated tab tool. Initially a gap the width of the tab plus twice the width of the tool used
to create the tab is retained then, at the end, the tab tool returns to
strike both before and after the tab in the direction of motion.This creates a single, double width tab. The first illustration shows the use of
a parting tool and the second, a dedicated tab tool. In both cases the
tab hits are represented by shaded shapes and the direction of motion
is from left to right.
Double Delay Tab

- Tab

can be used with or without a dedicated tab tool. Initially a gap the width of the two tabs plus the width of the tool used
to create the tab is retained, then at the end, the tab tool returns to
strike in the middle of the remaining material. This creates two tabs
one on each side of the final hit. The first illustration shows the use of
a parting tool and the second, a dedicated tab tool. In both cases the
Twin Delay Tab

11-3

SigmaNEST

Punching
tab hits are represented by shaded shapes and the direction of motion
is from left to right.

- Tab

Linear Tab Width

The simple width of the tab measured along the punching line.

Circular Tab Width

The minimum width of a tab created on an arc.

- Tab; Circular tab width is indicated by gap between vertical lines

Corner Tab Style

Determines the way corner tabs are created. Select one of the following
values from the drop-down list:

11-4

is placed on both sides of a corner. The tab width is

divided so that half the specified width occurs on each side. The sym-

Symmetric Tab

Chapter 11

Tabbing
metry setting is ignored if one side can be tooled with a single hit.
This is illustrated at the bottom right of the following diagram.

- Tab

tabs are applied to only one side of the corner the longest side. If both sides leading to a selected corner are the same length,
then a symmetric tab is used. This is illustrated at the top left in the
following diagram.
Auto Longest

- Tab

11-5

SigmaNEST

Punching

Corner Tab Width

The width of the tab material left on the side of the material adjacent to a
corner for tabs that occur before and after a corner and double the width
of the material left on each side adjacent to a corner when the tab is symmetrical. That is, for a symmetrical tab the remaining material on each
side of the corner is half this value.

Tab Type
The tab type determines how tabs are placed on the part. Select one of the
following values from the drop-down list:

When Number is selected, the Number of Tabs field is also supplied

and this number of tabs are placed at approximately equal distances
around the perimeter of the part.

When Spacing is selected, the Tab Spacing field is also completed and
tabs are placed around the perimeter of the part at intervals of
approximately this distance.

Corners

When Fixed is selected, tabs are placed at fixed distances from each
other (Tab Spacing) and this distance is maintained even when the
Move Tabs Away from Corners attribute is set. The whole set of tabs along
an entity may be moved to move a tab away from a corner, but the
distance between each is maintained.

specifies that tabs must be placed on corners where possible.

It does not mean that tabs will only be placed on corners. The nominal tab spacing distance and the tab search distance must also be supplied. The way these values are used to determine actual tab
positions is described in Corner Tab Placing Algorithm on page 11-6.
Tabs are more likely to be placed on corners when a large tab search
percentage is used.

Corner Tab Placing Algorithm

When the tab type is set to Corners, the position of the tabs on the part are
determined as follows:

11-6

All corners are evaluated and weighted based on factors such as whether it is
convex, the proximity of other entities to the corner and the length of the
entity preceding and following the corner.

The best corner is selected for the first tab.

Chapter 11

Tabbing

The desired tab spacing is used to select a candidate tab position at the specified distance around the perimeter of the part.

The specified search percentage is used to search forward and backwards

from the candidate position for a suitable corner within that range.

If one corner is found within the search distance from the candidate position
it is used.

If more than one corner is found within the search distance from the candidate position, the best one (with the highest weighting) is chosen.

If there are no corners within the search distance from the candidate position,
a tab is placed at or near the candidate positiondepending on attributes such
as Min Tab Entity Length, Tab Lines, Tab Arcs, etc.

The procedure continues by using the tab spacing distance to locate the next
candidate position.

Min Tabbed Entity Length

Tabs are not placed on entities that are shorter than this length.

Minimum Number of Tabs

The minimum number of tabs that must be placed on the part. If necessary, other parameters, such as tab spacing, are ignored in order to ensure
that the minimum number of tabs are placed.

Tab Spacing
Tab spacing is the desired distance between tabs. That actual distance can
be modified by considerations described in Corner Tab Placing Algorithm
on page 11-6. This includes the tab search percentage, described next.

Tab Search Percentage

This is the percentage of the tab spacing distance that the tab placement
algorithm will use to search forwards or backwards from the nominal
distance specified by the tab spacing value in order to find a good tab
position. For example, if the tab spacing parameter specifies that tabs
should be placed 50 units apart and the search percentage is 50 percent,
then the tab placement algorithm will use any good tab position between
25 and 75 units from the previous tab.

11-7

SigmaNEST

Punching
The tab placing algorithm has more flexibility when the tab search percentage is large.

Move Tabs Away from Corners

If the normal tab spacing algorithm places a tab right next to a corner, the
selection of this attribute equalizes the spacing between the tabs on this
edge to move it away from the corner.
Though it seems counter-intuitive, this option may also be selected when
the tab type is set to Corners. In this case, true corners are still favoured,
but tabs are moved away from entity ends that abut arcs. This is illustrated in the following diagram, where the right-most tab is moved away
from the entity end that abuts an arc, the the left-most tab is placed on the
corner.

11-8

Index
A
Active Level ................................................................................................................................ 2-8
Add .............................................................................................................................................. 8-3
Add Cassette Dialog .................................................................................................................. 3-14
Add Crop Line ............................................................................................................................. 8-5
Add Die ............................................................................................................................ 3-9, 3-34
Add Die Dialog ......................................................................................................................... 3-26
Add Special Die Dialog ............................................................................................................. 3-30
Add Tab ..................................................................................................................................... 7-18
Add Tool Dialog - Miscellaneous Tab ........................................................................................ 3-6
Add Tool Dialog - Physical Tab ................................................................................................. 3-4
Alev ............................................................................................................................................. 2-8
All .............................................................................................................................................. 2-40
All ....................................................................................................................................... 2-41
Color ................................................................................................................................... 2-40
Duplicates ........................................................................................................................... 2-41
Geometry ............................................................................................................................ 2-41
Level ................................................................................................................................... 2-41
Notes .................................................................................................................................. 2-41
All Positions ................................................................................................................................ 8-4
Allow Extended Parting ............................................................................................................ 6-15
Alt+A ......................................................................................................................................... 2-45
Alt+B ......................................................................................................................................... 2-45
Alt+D ......................................................................................................................................... 2-45
Alt+H ......................................................................................................................................... 2-45
Alt+O ......................................................................................................................................... 2-45
Alt+P ......................................................................................................................................... 2-45
Alt+S ......................................................................................................................................... 2-45
Alt+W ........................................................................................................................................ 2-45
Alt+X ......................................................................................................................................... 2-45
Angle Tolerance .......................................................................................................................... 6-3
Angles ........................................................................................................................................ 2-48
Apply to Same ........................................................................................................................... 7-14
Arc Tooling ............................................................................................................. 7-5, 7-9, 7-11
Arc Tooling Preference ............................................................................................................. 6-21
Arrows ......................................................................................................................................... 2-8
Attributes ..................................................................................................................................... 2-9
Auto Destruct ............................................................................................................................ 6-24
Auto Longest ............................................................................................................................. 11-5
Auto Recognition ...................................................................................................................... 7-14
i

Index
Auto Scale ................................................................................................................................. 2-45
Auto Side ..................................................................................................................................... 7-6
Auto Slot ................................................................................................................................... 6-23
Auto Tool .................................................................................................................................... 6-1
Auto Tool Select ............................................................................................................. 7-10, 7-12
Automatic Die Assignment ......................................................................................................... 3-8
Automatic Die Name ................................................................................................................. 3-26
Automatic Tool Name ................................................................................................................. 3-4
Available .......................................................................................................................... 3-6, 3-26
Avoid Type .................................................................................................................................. 3-7

B
Back-1 ....................................................................................................................................... 7-17
Backup .............................................................................................................................. 2-3, 2-45
Begin Delay Tab ........................................................................................................................ 11-2
Break Around Clamps ................................................................................................................. 8-6
Break Percentage ......................................................................................................................... 8-6
Bridge ...................................................................................................................... 6-16, 7-4, 7-8

C
Cassette Tools ........................................................................................................................... 3-13
Cassette Type ............................................................................................................................ 3-15
Causes Interference ................................................................................................................... 3-13
Center ........................................................................................................................................ 2-43
Chain ......................................................................................................................................... 2-39
Change Part Repos .................................................................................................................... 8-10
Changing Multiple Dies ............................................................................................................ 3-31
Check Die .................................................................................................................................... 5-3
Check Tonnage ............................................................................................................................ 3-6
Circular Dest ............................................................................................................................. 7-13
Clamp Distance ........................................................................................................................... 8-4
Clear .......................................................................................................................................... 7-16
Clearance Tolerance % .............................................................................................................. 3-28
Cluster Tools ............................................................................................................................. 3-15
Color ............................................................................................................................................ 2-8
Compatibility ......................................................................................................... 3-5, 3-17, 3-27
Complete Each Tool .................................................................................................................... 9-2
Contour Tooling Selection ........................................................................................................ 6-12
Conventions ............................................................................................................................... 2-47
Manual ............................................................................................................................... 2-47
Coordinate System .................................................................................................................... 2-48

ii

Index
Copying Dies ............................................................................................................................. 3-35
Copying Tools ........................................................................................................................... 3-22
Corner Overlap .......................................................................................................................... 6-15
Corner Overlap Distance ........................................................................................................... 6-16
Corner Radii Tooling .................................................................................................................. 6-8
Corner Tab Placing Algorithm .................................................................................................. 11-6
Corner Tab Style ....................................................................................................................... 11-4
Corner Tab Width ...................................................................................................................... 11-6
Corners ........................................................................................................................... 7-21, 11-6
Counter Sink Angle ................................................................................................................... 3-18
Ctrl+E ........................................................................................................................................ 2-45
Ctrl+F12 .................................................................................................................................... 2-45
Ctrl+N ........................................................................................................................................ 2-45
Ctrl+Q ........................................................................................................................................ 2-45
Ctrl+R ........................................................................................................................................ 2-45
Cursor ........................................................................................................................................ 2-42
Custom Tool Bars Dialog - Tool Bars Tab ............................................................................... 2-13
Custom ToolBars - Commands Dialog ..................................................................................... 2-14

D
Decimal ....................................................................................................................................... 2-8
Dedicated Die assignment ........................................................................................................... 3-8
Dedicated Tab Tool ................................................................................................................... 11-1
Defining Dies ............................................................................................................................ 3-24
Automatic Die Name ......................................................................................................... 3-26
Available ............................................................................................................................ 3-26
Clearance Tolerance % ...................................................................................................... 3-28
Compatibility ..................................................................................................................... 3-27
Die Data ............................................................................................................................. 3-27
Die Description .................................................................................................................. 3-27
Die Name ........................................................................................................................... 3-26
Dimensions ......................................................................................................................... 3-27
Guide Key Type ................................................................................................................. 3-28
Holder Size ......................................................................................................................... 3-27
Special Dies ........................................................................................................................ 3-29
Die Clearance .............................................................................................................. 3-30
Defining Tools ............................................................................................................................. 3-3
Add Die ................................................................................................................................ 3-9
Automatic Tool Name .......................................................................................................... 3-4
Available .............................................................................................................................. 3-6
Avoid Type .......................................................................................................................... 3-7
Cassette Tools .................................................................................................................... 3-13
iii

Index
Cassette Type .............................................................................................................. 3-15
Cluster Tools ...................................................................................................................... 3-15
Compatibility ....................................................................................................................... 3-5
Die Management .................................................................................................................. 3-8
Drilling Tools ..................................................................................................................... 3-16
Compatibility .............................................................................................................. 3-17
Counter Sink Angle .................................................................................................... 3-18
Depth Adjustment ....................................................................................................... 3-17
Diameter ...................................................................................................................... 3-17
Drill Angle .................................................................................................................. 3-17
Drill Cycle Type ......................................................................................................... 3-19
Drill Type .................................................................................................................... 3-16
Holder Size ................................................................................................................. 3-18
Min Diameter .............................................................................................................. 3-17
Offset Number ............................................................................................................ 3-19
Rotation Direction ....................................................................................................... 3-19
Tap Type ..................................................................................................................... 3-18
Tool Data .................................................................................................................... 3-19
Tool Description ......................................................................................................... 3-19
Tool Name .................................................................................................................. 3-16
Guide Key Type ................................................................................................................... 3-5
Holder Size ........................................................................................................................... 3-5
Special Tools ...................................................................................................................... 3-10
Causes Interferemce .................................................................................................... 3-13
Interference Zone ........................................................................................................ 3-13
Symmetry .................................................................................................................... 3-12
Stripper ................................................................................................................................. 3-8
Tool Data .............................................................................................................................. 3-7
Tool Description ......................................................................................................... 3-4, 3-6
Tool Name ............................................................................................................................ 3-4
Usage .................................................................................................................................... 3-7
Delete .................................................................................................................... 2-45, 7-17, 8-3
Delete Tab ................................................................................................................................. 7-19
Deleting Dies ............................................................................................................................. 3-36
Deleting Tools ........................................................................................................................... 3-23
Depth Adjustment ..................................................................................................................... 3-17
Dest. Max. Scallop .................................................................................................................... 7-14
Dest. Min. Overalp .................................................................................................................... 7-14
Destruct .......................................................................................................................... 6-20, 7-12
Detail ........................................................................................................................................... 2-3
Dialog Box Operation
Column Sorting .................................................................................................................. 2-38
Moving between Fields ...................................................................................................... 2-38
Selecting Entries ................................................................................................................ 2-38
Dialog Operation ....................................................................................................................... 2-38
iv

Index
Diameter .................................................................................................................................... 3-17
Die Assignment ......................................................................................................................... 3-31
Add Die .............................................................................................................................. 3-34
Automatic ........................................................................................................................... 3-34
Filter ................................................................................................................................... 3-34
Ideal Die ............................................................................................................................. 3-33
Manual ............................................................................................................................... 3-32
Material .............................................................................................................................. 3-33
Thickness ........................................................................................................................... 3-33
Die Clearance ............................................................................................................................ 3-30
Die Data ..................................................................................................................................... 3-27
Die Description ......................................................................................................................... 3-27
Die Management ......................................................................................................................... 3-8
Die Name ................................................................................................................................... 3-26
Die Selection Buttons ....................................................................................................... 3-9, 3-32
Die Tag Dialog .......................................................................................................................... 3-35
Dimensions ................................................................................................................................ 3-27
Display Tab ............................................................................................................................... 7-19
Display Tab Points .................................................................................................................... 7-18
DNC ............................................................................................................................................ 1-5
Double Delay Tab ..................................................................................................................... 11-3
Double Scale ............................................................................................................................. 2-45
Drill Angle ................................................................................................................................. 3-17
Drill Cycle Type ........................................................................................................................ 3-19
Drill Parameters Dialog ............................................................................................................. 3-16
Drill Type .................................................................................................................................. 3-16
Drilling Tools ............................................................................................................................ 3-16
Drip Feed ..................................................................................................................................... 1-5
Dynamic Align ............................................................................................................................ 7-7
Dynamic Auto Tooling .............................................................................................................. 6-24

E
Edit ............................................................................................................................................ 7-16
Edit Punch ................................................................................................................................. 7-16
Editing Dies ............................................................................................................................... 3-30
Changing Multiple Dies ..................................................................................................... 3-31
Editing Tools ............................................................................................................................. 3-20
Changing Multiple Tools ................................................................................................... 3-20
Editor ........................................................................................................................................... 1-7
End Conditions ............................................................................................................................ 7-6
End Delay Tab ........................................................................................................................... 11-2

Index
Entity ........................................................................................................................................... 1-5
Entity Endpoint ......................................................................................................................... 2-43
Entity Punch ................................................................................................................................ 7-3
Equally Spaced ............................................................................................................................ 8-3
ESC .............................................................................................................................................. 2-4
Execute ...................................................................................................................................... 2-45
Exit ............................................................................................................................................ 2-45
Export
Tools ................................................................................................................................... 3-37
External Tab Area ..................................................................................................................... 7-21

F
Female .............................................................................................................................. 3-5, 3-28
Filleted Rectangular Destruct .................................................................................................... 6-21
Filter .......................................................................................................................................... 3-34
Fixed ............................................................................................................................... 7-21, 11-6
Floating Scrap ........................................................................................................................... 6-11
Floor Turret ................................................................................................................................. 5-2
Forming ..................................................................................................................................... 6-23
Function Keys ............................................................................................................................. 2-3

G
G-Code ...................................................................................................................................... 2-10
Global List ................................................................................................................................. 7-10
Global Tools ................................................................................................................................ 5-3
Grid Punching ............................................................................................................................. 6-8
Group By Tool ............................................................................................................................ 9-2
Guide Key Type ............................................................................................................... 3-5, 3-28
Female .................................................................................................................................. 3-5
Male ..................................................................................................................................... 3-5
No Key ................................................................................................................................. 3-5

H
Half Scale .................................................................................................................................. 2-45
Help ............................................................................................................................................. 2-9
Highlight Active Process ............................................................................................................. 8-8
Holder Size ............................................................................................................ 3-5, 3-18, 3-27

I
Ideal Die .................................................................................................................................... 3-33

vi

Index
Ignore Corner Tabs ...................................................................................................................... 6-9
Ignore Regular Tabs .................................................................................................................. 6-10
Import
Tools ................................................................................................................................... 3-38
In the Box Tooling .................................................................................................................... 6-12
Interference Zone ...................................................................................................................... 3-13
Internal Tab Area ...................................................................................................................... 7-21
Intersection ................................................................................................................................ 2-44
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 1-1

J
Job ............................................................................................................................................... 1-7

K
Kerf ..................................................................................................................................... 1-5, 5-3

L
L-cut-out Pre-parting ................................................................................................................. 6-14
Lead-in Length ............................................................................................................................ 8-6
Letters
Underlined ............................................................................................................................ 2-3
Line Tooling ............................................................................................................ 7-4, 7-8, 7-11
Overlap ...................................................................................................................... 7-9, 7-11
Overlap Step .............................................................................................................. 7-9, 7-11
OverlapPer ................................................................................................................ 7-9, 7-11
Scallop ................................................................................................................................ 7-11
Linear Tab Style ........................................................................................................................ 11-2
Linear Tab Width ...................................................................................................................... 11-4
Lock Base Turret ......................................................................................................................... 5-3
Louvres ........................................................................................................................................ 9-1

M
Machine ....................................................................................................................................... 5-2
Macros ....................................................................................................................................... 2-46
Main Menu ......................................................................................................................... 2-2, 2-3
Male .................................................................................................................................. 3-5, 3-28
Manual Conventions ................................................................................................................. 2-47
Manual Punch .............................................................................................................................. 7-1
Material ..................................................................................................................................... 3-33
Max Circular Area ..................................................................................................................... 6-20

vii

Index
Max Rectangular Area .............................................................................................................. 6-20
Max. External Protrusion Limit .................................................................................................. 6-5
Max. Internal Protrusion Limit .................................................................................................... 6-5
Max. No. of Destruct Lines ......................................................................................................... 6-4
Max. No. of Destruct Rings ........................................................................................................ 6-4
Maximum Circular Relief Diameter ......................................................................................... 6-19
Maximum Side Tooling Length ................................................................................................ 6-19
Midpoint .................................................................................................................................... 2-43
Min Destruct Tool Width / Length .............................................................................................. 6-4
Min Diameter ............................................................................................................................ 3-17
Min External Tab Area .............................................................................................................. 7-21
Min Internal Tab Area ............................................................................................................... 7-21
Min Tabbed Entity Length ............................................................................................. 7-21, 11-7
Min. Circular Parting Area .......................................................................................................... 6-4
Min. Tool Overlap Limit ............................................................................................................. 6-6
Minimum Number of Tabs ............................................................................................. 7-22, 11-7
Mode ............................................................................................................................................ 2-8
Part ....................................................................................................................................... 2-8
Workspace ............................................................................................................................ 2-8
Mouse Pointer ......................................................................................................... 2-3, 2-4, 2-42
Move .......................................................................................................................... 8-2, 8-4, 8-7
Move Tabs Away from Corners ..................................................................................... 7-23, 11-8
Multiple Machine NC Code ........................................................................................................ 5-2

N
NC Setup Dialog ......................................................................................................................... 5-2
NC Simulate
Biginning ............................................................................................................................ 2-10
Close ................................................................................................................................... 2-10
End ..................................................................................................................................... 2-10
G-Code ............................................................................................................................... 2-10
More ................................................................................................................................... 2-11
Options ............................................................................................................................... 2-11
Part ..................................................................................................................................... 2-10
Reverse ............................................................................................................................... 2-10
Step ..................................................................................................................................... 2-10
NC Simulate Dialog .................................................................................................................. 2-10
NC Step ....................................................................................................................................... 2-9
NC Tool Path ............................................................................................................................... 1-6
NCPath ...................................................................................................................................... 2-11
Nesting ........................................................................................................................................ 1-6

viii

Index
Nesting Layout
Add ....................................................................................................................................... 2-6
Clear ..................................................................................................................................... 2-6
Copy ..................................................................................................................................... 2-6
Delete ................................................................................................................................... 2-6
Edit ....................................................................................................................................... 2-6
Nesting Layout Dialog ................................................................................................................ 2-7
Nesting Layout Properties ........................................................................................................... 2-5
Nesting Task ................................................................................................................................ 1-6
New ........................................................................................................................................... 2-45
NH ............................................................................................................................................... 2-8
Nibble Sequence .......................................................................................................................... 7-4
Nibble Type ............................................................................................................................... 6-16
No Key ............................................................................................................................. 3-5, 3-28
Note Height ................................................................................................................................. 2-8
Number ........................................................................................................................... 7-21, 11-6

O
Object .......................................................................................................................................... 1-6
Offset Number ........................................................................................................................... 3-19
Only Active Zone ........................................................................................................................ 8-8
Open .......................................................................................................................................... 2-45
Outside Sheet Tooling ............................................................................................................... 6-12
Overlap ............................................................................................. 6-21, 7-4, 7-9, 7-11, 7-14
Overlap Rule ............................................................................................................................... 8-9
Overlap Step ..................................................................................................................... 7-9, 7-11
OverlapPer ........................................................................................................................ 7-9, 7-11
Over-punch Length ................................................................................................................... 6-13

P
Page Down .................................................................................................................................. 5-1
Page Up ....................................................................................................................................... 5-1
Pan ............................................................................................................................................. 2-45
Part .............................................................................................................................................. 1-6
Part Interference Distance ........................................................................................................... 6-6
Part Mode ........................................................................................................................... 2-8, 3-2
Part mode ..................................................................................................................................... 5-1
Setup ..................................................................................................................................... 5-1
Part Navigation Area ................................................................................................................... 5-1
Placement Options ....................................................................................................................... 7-7
Dynamic Align ..................................................................................................................... 7-7

ix

Index
Position ................................................................................................................................. 7-8
Snap to Entity ....................................................................................................................... 7-8
Point .......................................................................................................................................... 2-43
Point to Point ............................................................................................................................... 7-7
Point to Point Sequence ............................................................................................................... 7-8
Position ........................................................................................................................................ 7-8
Position Menu ........................................................................................................................... 2-42
Center ................................................................................................................................. 2-43
Cursor ................................................................................................................................. 2-42
Entity Endpoint .................................................................................................................. 2-43
Intersection ......................................................................................................................... 2-44
Midpoint ............................................................................................................................. 2-43
Moust Pointer ..................................................................................................................... 2-42
Point ................................................................................................................................... 2-43
Quadrant ............................................................................................................................. 2-44
X and Y Values .................................................................................................................. 2-44
Post .............................................................................................................................................. 1-7
Post File .................................................................... 3-15, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4, 4-5, 4-8, 8-5, 9-1
Line 650 ............................................................................................................................... 4-8
Line 651 ............................................................................................................................... 4-8
Line 652 ............................................................................................................................... 9-1
Line 9 ................................................................................................................................. 2-48
Line 938 ............................................................................................................. 4-3, 4-4, 4-5
Pre-tabs ...................................................................................................................................... 7-20
Prompt Line ................................................................................................................................. 2-2
Properties ..................................................................................................................................... 2-5
Pull-down Menu .......................................................................................................................... 2-1
Punch Explode ........................................................................................................................... 7-17
Punch Left ................................................................................................................................... 7-6
Punch on Entity ........................................................................................................................... 7-5
Punch Right ................................................................................................................................. 7-6
Punching Parameters ................................................................................................................... 6-2
Punching Parameters Dialog - Auto Tooling Tab ..................................................................... 6-15
Punching Parameters Dialog - General Parting Tab ................................................................. 6-12
Punching Parameters Dialog - General Tab ................................................................................ 6-3

Q
Quadrant .................................................................................................................................... 2-44
Quick Keys ................................................................................................................................ 2-45

Index

R
Record Macro ............................................................................................................................ 2-45
Rect Dest 2 Ent .......................................................................................................................... 7-13
Rect Dest 3Pts ........................................................................................................................... 7-13
Redraw ...................................................................................................................................... 2-45
Remnant List ............................................................................................................................... 2-7
Reposition
Move .................................................................................................................. 8-2, 8-4, 8-7
Reposition Dialog
Clamps Tab .......................................................................................................................... 8-4
Display Tab .......................................................................................................................... 8-8
General Tab .......................................................................................................................... 8-1
Hold Downs Tab .................................................................................................................. 8-7
Manual Tab ........................................................................................................................ 8-10
Options Tab .......................................................................................................................... 8-5
Sequencing Tab .................................................................................................................... 8-9
Reposition Direction ................................................................................................................... 8-9
Reposition Offset ......................................................................................................................... 8-2
Reposition Type .......................................................................................................................... 8-2
Reset ............................................................................................................................................ 8-1
Reset Manual Repos .................................................................................................................. 8-10
Resolve ........................................................................................................................................ 8-1
Reverse Split NC Direction ......................................................................................................... 8-6
Rotate ........................................................................................................................................ 2-48
Rotate Tool .................................................................................................................................. 7-7
Rotation Direction ..................................................................................................................... 3-19
Rough Scallop ........................................................................................................................... 6-20

S
Same Tool Tolerance .................................................................................................................. 6-3
Save ........................................................................................................................................... 2-45
Save to PST ................................................................................................................................. 8-5
Scale ............................................................................................................................................ 2-8
Scallop .............................................................................................. 6-18, 7-5, 7-9, 7-11, 7-14
Screen Layout .............................................................................................................................. 2-1
Select Die Dialog ...................................................................................................................... 3-32
Select Tool ..................................................................................................... 7-2, 7-3, 7-7, 7-12
Selection Menu .......................................................................................................................... 2-39
Attached ............................................................................................................................. 2-41
Chain .................................................................................................................................. 2-39
Contour ............................................................................................................................... 2-41
xi

Index
Open End ............................................................................................................................ 2-41
see All
Single ................................................................................................................................. 2-39
Unselect .............................................................................................................................. 2-41
Window .............................................................................................................................. 2-40
Set Session ................................................................................................................................... 8-5
Setup
Part mode ............................................................................................................................. 5-1
Sheet Qty ..................................................................................................................................... 2-6
Show Overlap .............................................................................................................................. 8-8
Show Reposition ......................................................................................................................... 8-8
Side .............................................................................................................................................. 7-5
Auto Side .............................................................................................................................. 7-6
Punch Left ............................................................................................................................ 7-6
Punch on Entity .................................................................................................................... 7-5
Punch Right .......................................................................................................................... 7-6
SIM .............................................................................................................................................. 1-3
Single ......................................................................................................................................... 2-39
Single Punch ................................................................................................................................ 7-2
Slots and Holes .......................................................................................................................... 7-10
Snap to Entity .............................................................................................................................. 7-8
Software Protection ..................................................................................................................... 1-3
Sort Direction .............................................................................................................................. 9-2
Sorting Arrows ............................................................................................................................ 9-2
Spacing ........................................................................................................................... 7-21, 11-6
Special Dies ............................................................................................................................... 3-29
Special Tool Nibbling ................................................................................................................. 6-9
Special Tooling ......................................................................................................................... 6-22
Special Tooling Layer ............................................................................................................... 6-22
Special Tools ............................................................................................................................. 3-10
Stack Quantity ............................................................................................................................. 2-7
Start Conditions ........................................................................................................................... 7-6
Status Menu ........................................................................................................................ 2-2, 2-5
Strip Width .................................................................................................................................. 9-3
Stripper ........................................................................................................................................ 3-8
Symmetric Overhang ................................................................................................................... 6-9
Symmetric Tab .......................................................................................................................... 11-4
Symmetry .................................................................................................................................. 3-12
System Basics .............................................................................................................................. 2-1

xii

Index

T
Tab
Add ..................................................................................................................................... 7-18
Delete ................................................................................................................................. 7-19
Display ............................................................................................................................... 7-19
Tab Auto Longest ...................................................................................................................... 11-5
Tab Search Percentage ................................................................................................... 7-22, 11-7
Tab Settings ............................................................................................................................... 11-1
Tab Settings Dialog ................................................................................................................... 11-1
Tab Settings dialog .................................................................................................................... 7-20
Tab Spacing .................................................................................................................... 7-22, 11-7
Tab Style
Corner ................................................................................................................................. 11-4
Linear ................................................................................................................................. 11-2
Tab Tool Sequence Type ............................................................................................................. 8-9
Tab Type ........................................................................................................................ 7-21, 11-6
Corners .................................................................................................................... 7-21, 11-6
Fixed ........................................................................................................................ 7-21, 11-6
Number .................................................................................................................... 7-21, 11-6
Spacing .................................................................................................................... 7-21, 11-6
Tab Width
Circular ............................................................................................................................... 11-4
Corner ................................................................................................................................. 11-6
Linear ................................................................................................................................. 11-4
Tabbed Entity Length ................................................................................................................ 7-21
Tabbing ........................................................................................................................... 6-22, 7-18
Tagging Dies ............................................................................................................................. 3-35
Tagging Tools ........................................................................................................................... 3-22
Tangent to Next Tool .................................................................................................................. 7-6
Tap Type ................................................................................................................................... 3-18
Task List Dialog ........................................................................................................................ 10-4
Task Properties Dialog ................................................................................................................ 2-6
Task Report Printing Dialog ..................................................................................................... 10-5
Terminology ................................................................................................................................ 1-5
Text ............................................................................................................................................ 2-11
Text Editor ................................................................................................................................... 1-7
Thickness ................................................................................................................................... 3-33
Tool and Turret Printing Dialog ................................................................................................ 10-1
Tool Bar ....................................................................................................................................... 2-1
Tool Bars
Advanced NC ..................................................................................................................... 2-30

xiii

Index
Create ................................................................................................................................. 2-18
Create part .......................................................................................................................... 2-19
Crop .................................................................................................................................... 2-31
Detail ....................................................................................................................... 2-26, 2-28
Import ................................................................................................................................. 2-26
Manual Punch .................................................................................................................... 2-30
NC ........................................................................................................................... 2-27, 2-32
Nest Detail .......................................................................................................................... 2-37
Nest Manual ....................................................................................................................... 2-35
Part ..................................................................................................................................... 2-17
Part Mode ........................................................................................................................... 2-28
Position ............................................................................................................................... 2-18
Profile ................................................................................................................................. 2-33
Punching .................................................................................................................. 2-29, 2-33
Special ................................................................................................................................ 2-34
Verify ........................................................................................................... 2-26, 2-35, 2-36
View ................................................................................................................................... 2-17
WS ...................................................................................................................................... 2-16
WSCreate (Arc) .................................................................................................................. 2-21
WSCreate (Circle) .............................................................................................................. 2-22
WSCreate (Fillet & Chamfer) ............................................................................................ 2-23
WSCreate (Line) ................................................................................................................ 2-20
WSCreate (Standard Shapes) ............................................................................................. 2-24
WsCreate (Transformation) ............................................................................................... 2-23
WSEdit ............................................................................................................................... 2-25
Tool Center .................................................................................................................................. 7-6
Tool Data .......................................................................................................................... 3-7, 3-19
Tool Description ............................................................................................................... 3-4, 3-19
Tool Edge .................................................................................................................................... 7-6
Tool Edit Dialog ........................................................................................................................ 3-21
Tool Library ................................................................................................................................ 3-2
Defining Tools ..................................................................................................................... 3-3
Tool Manager Dialog ......................................................................................................... 3-1, 4-1
Tool Name ........................................................................................................................ 3-4, 3-16
Tool Overlap ............................................................................................................................. 6-21
Tool Sorting ................................................................................................................................. 9-1
Tool Sorting Dialog ..................................................................................................................... 9-2
Tool Tag Dialog ........................................................................................................................ 3-22
Tool Tolerance ............................................................................................................................ 6-3
Tool Viewer ............................................................................................................................... 7-25
Toolbar
Add New ............................................................................................................................ 2-13
xiv

Index
Change ............................................................................................................................... 2-14
Migrating ............................................................................................................................ 2-15
Remove .............................................................................................................................. 2-14
Tools
Export ................................................................................................................................. 3-37
Import ................................................................................................................................. 3-38
Tools Export Dialog .................................................................................................................. 3-38
Turret ........................................................................................................................................... 5-2
Twin Delay Tab ......................................................................................................................... 11-3

U
Units ............................................................................................................................................ 2-9
Usage ........................................................................................................................................... 3-7

W
Window .......................................................................................................................... 2-40, 2-45
Work Order ................................................................................................................................. 1-7
Workspace ................................................................................................................................... 1-7

X
X and Y Values ......................................................................................................................... 2-44

Z
Zero Position .................................................................................................................... 2-2, 2-42

xv