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Table of Contents
Part I ProMotion Nest

Part II Toolbar

Send to ................................................................................
Cutting
7

New Plate
................................................................................ 7

Open

Macro Shapes
................................................................................ 9

Rows and
................................................................................
Columns
14

MicroCAD
................................................................................ 16

NestInfo
................................................................................ 18

Cost Calculator
................................................................................ 20

................................................................................ 8

Compare

............................................................................ 24

Material Cost Calculator

............................................................................ 25

9
10

Nest

................................................................................ 25

Feed Rates
................................................................................ 26
Feed rate profiles ............................................................................ 29

11

Optimize
................................................................................ 30

12

Plate Editor
................................................................................ 32
Edit Plate

............................................................................ 32

Edit Plate with the Machine

............................................................................
motion
33
Teach plate

............................................................................ 33

Set Origin

............................................................................ 34

Show nesting area ............................................................................ 34

13

Align Plate

............................................................................ 35

Change Split

............................................................................ 35

Rotate Plate

............................................................................ 35

Mirror Plate

............................................................................ 35

Move to Origin

............................................................................ 35

Undo Plate Edit

............................................................................ 36

Zooming
................................................................................ 36
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14

Pan View
................................................................................ 36

15

Undo ................................................................................ 36

16

Trash ................................................................................ 37

Part III File Menu

38

Save As
................................................................................ 38

Print ................................................................................ 39

ESSI/EIA
................................................................................
Raw import
39

DNC

Import ................................................................................ 40

Export ................................................................................ 40

Exit

................................................................................ 39

................................................................................ 40

Part IV View Menu

41

Part V Tools Menu

42

Remove
................................................................................ 42

Copy ................................................................................ 42

Cut

Paste ................................................................................ 43

Edit

................................................................................ 43

................................................................................ 43

Move Shape

............................................................................ 43

Rotate Shape

............................................................................ 44

Mirror

............................................................................ 45

Change Piercing Point

............................................................................ 45
Change Compensation
............................................................................
Side
45
Change Cutting Direction
............................................................................ 45

Split Element

............................................................................ 46

Join Profiles

............................................................................ 46

Leadins

............................................................................ 46

Marking
................................................................................ 50
Marking Text

............................................................................ 50

Hole to Point

............................................................................ 50

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Cut to Line Marking............................................................................ 51

Autonest
................................................................................ 51
Triangle Nest

............................................................................ 51

MultiNest

............................................................................ 51

Groups

............................................................................ 51

Freeze

............................................................................ 53

AutoFill

............................................................................ 53

Cutting................................................................................ 54
Optimize Cutting Order
............................................................................ 54
Change Cutting Order
............................................................................ 54
Bridge

............................................................................ 56

Chain Cutting

............................................................................ 57

Add Transferline Point

............................................................................ 58
Scrap Cutting

............................................................................ 58

Special................................................................................
Tools
59
Point Marking

............................................................................ 59

Coating Lines

............................................................................ 60

Machining Allowance
............................................................................ 60
Offset

............................................................................ 61

Anchor

............................................................................ 61

Common Cut

............................................................................ 61

Drill Select

............................................................................ 62

Plate-Part-Plate

............................................................................ 62

Single/Multitorch settings
............................................................................ 62

10

Pick Part

............................................................................ 64

Show Parts

............................................................................ 65

Ruler ................................................................................ 65

Part VI Options Menu

66

Handling
................................................................................
Options
66

Special................................................................................
Tool Options
69

ESSI Options
................................................................................ 70
Code Sequences

............................................................................ 71

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EIA Input
................................................................................
Options
72
Advanced EIA

............................................................................ 74

EIA Output
................................................................................
Options
75

Nesting................................................................................
Options
77

Language
................................................................................
Options
79

Part VII Registration Menu

80

Registration
................................................................................
Form
80

Registrate
................................................................................ 80

Part VIII Help Menu

81

Part IX List Windows

82

Plate List
................................................................................ 82

Part List
................................................................................ 83

Part X Miscellaneous

85

Terminology
................................................................................ 85

Problems?
................................................................................ 85

DXF

CNC-2 ................................................................................ 87

Line and
................................................................................
Point marking
87

EIA Programming
................................................................................ 88

SendTo................................................................................ 89

ini files................................................................................ 89

Command
................................................................................
line parameters
90

................................................................................ 86

91

Index

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ProMotion Nest
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ProMotion Nest v4.32

ProMotion Nest
ProMotion Nest is software which converts CAD pictures (DXF
format) to cutting programs. It is also possible to modify existing
cutting programs (EIA, ESSI or CNC-2 format).
Basics
When ProMotion Nest loads a CAD picture it adds cutting
technology (kerf side, piercing points, cutting order, etc.) to shapes
automatically. If you want, you can easily change any of those
settings. Copy the shapes to a plate, nest, set cutting order, etc. and
either send the cutting program to ProMotion Cut or save it for
later use.
ProMotion Nest user interface
ProMotion Nest user interface is a collection of several small
windows, buttons and bars. Below is a brief description of all of
them.

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ProMotion Nest

1. Title bar
The Title Bar is at the top of the ProMotion Nest window. It
contains the version number, the name of the registered user and
the name of the active job.
2. Menu bar
The Menu Bar lies just below the Title Bar and allows you to choose
one of the following:
File Menu
View Menu
Tools Menu
Options Menu
Registration Menu
Help Menu
3. Toolbar
The Toolbar lies just below the menu bar. The Toolbar contains
buttons for quick access to most of the important tools of
ProMotion Nest (i.e.: load, save, macros). See more at chapter
Toolbar.
4. Work window
The Work Window is the large white area in the middle of the
screen. The Active Job is displayed here and editing is also done
here.
5. Coordinates
Y-coordinates are displayed on the left side of the work window and
X-coordinates are just below the work window.
6. Status bar
The Status Bar lies at bottom of the ProMotion Nest window. The
Status Bar displays messages and hints from ProMotion Nest . It
also displays the current coordinates of the mouse cursor, when it is
on in the work window.
7. Toolbox
The Toolbox is located at the top right corner of the ProMotion
Nest window. It contains buttons for most editing tools.

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8. Plate list
The Plate List is located just below of the toolbox. The Plate List
contains a list of all plates loaded to ProMotion Nest. See Plate list
for more information.
9. Part list
The Part List is located at the bottom right corner of the ProMotion
Nest window. The Part List shows all of the shapes loaded to
ProMotion Nest. See Part list for more information.

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ProMotion Nest

Contact Info:
North America, South America International Office
ProMotion Controls, Inc.
1484 Medina Road
Suite 118
Medina, OH 44256
USA

Victor Technologies Oy
Ilmailunkatu 13
FIN-33900 Tampere
Finland

Tel: +1 330 721 1464

Fax: +1 330 239 1531
[email protected]
www.promotioncontrols.com

Tel: +358 3 276 0500

Fax: +358 3 222 5967
[email protected]
www.VictorTechnologies.eu

Technical support
[email protected] [email protected]
Other European offices
Victor Technologies Limited UK
Victor Technologies SRL Italy

Tel: +44 1257 224824

Tel: +39 02 36546801

[email protected]

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Toolbar
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ProMotion Nest v4.32

Toolbar
ProMotion Nest toolbar looks like this:

or if using large buttons like this:

Here is a brief description of each tool:

Send to cutting Sends the current nesting to ProMotion

Cut and activates it.

New Plate Creates a new plate. See more info at topic New
Plate under File Menu

File open Opens a CNC or a DXF file.

Macro Starts the macro tool. See more info at topic Macro
under File Menu.

Rows and Columns Multiplies part or parts. See more info

at topic Rows and Columns.

MicroCAD Starts the MicroCAD tool. See more info at topic

MicroCAD.

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NestInfo Activates the NestInfo window. See more info at

topic NestInfo.

Cost Calculator Activates the Cost Calculator tool. See

more info at topic Cost Calculator.

Nest Automatic nesting. See more info at topic Nest.

Feed Rates Add feed rates to your cutting program. See

more info at topic Feed Rates.

Optimized Holes Add optimized cutting parameters for

holes to get best possible cutting quality. Requires ProMotion
Optimizer software.

Plate Editor Edit the plate with this tool. See more at
chapter Plate Editor.

Zooming See more at Zooming.

Pan You can pan the view by moving the mouse cursor over
the work window and pressing the left mouse button.

Undo Undoes the last editing you made for the current

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nesting.

Trash Trashes the current nesting.

2.1

Send to Cutting

When the nesting is ready for cutting click this button to send it to
ProMotion Cut.
Note: This tool works only on ProMotion iCNC controllers.
2.2

New Plate

When you activate this tool a window appears asking the length and
width of the new plate.

Insert the values, click Ok and a new empty plate appears. The
name of the plate appears in the Plate List.
To create round plates simply check the round plate option and
enter the diameter of the circle.

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2.3

Toolbar

Open

Opens a file. ProMotion Nest can open DXF, EIA, ESSI, CNC-2
and DSTV files.
DXF-files:

If you load a file that is in DXF-format and that file includes more
than one layer, ProMotion Nest will ask you to select which layers
are loaded to the nesting.
If there are line and/or point markings in the DXF-file, they must be
in their own separate layers. Line and point marking layers are
chosen in the same dialog as the profile layers. In the example
above the layer "PROFILES" is selected for containing the profiles.
The layer "POWDER" is selected as line marking layer and there is

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no selected point marking layer.

Select all loads all layers to the nesting.
To speed up the loading process and to cut off all auxiliary elements
(like measure lines) ProMotion Nest starts to load elements from
the DXF file after it has found a certain keyword from the file.
Sometimes there is a need to load elements before that keyword.
Raw Load is made for cases like this. It loads every possible
element from the DXF file to your nesting.
Other files:
ESSI and EIA files don't have any layers to choose. Just make sure
that your options are set correctly.
See also Line and point marking.
Opening DSTV-files is an optional module.

2.4

Macro Shapes

When you select this tool, the macro list window (picture 1) opens.
This window displays small images of the available macros. There
are only 20 macros displayed at a time, but you can see more
macros by choosing "NEXT" and "PREVIOUS".

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Picture 1.
Creating a new shape with macros
Select the macro you want by double-clicking it. The window below
(picture 2) opens. Enter your measurements in the boxes provided.
In the picture on the left side of the window you can see the shape
and red lines. Those red lines are measure lines and they show you
which measurement you are entering. When you have entered all
the measurements, you can preview the shape by choosing
"PREVIEW". If you want to change the measurements after you
have previewed them, simply choose BACK and adjust your
measurements. When you are satisfied, choose "OK" and the shape
appears in ProMotion Nest's work window.
Note: You can input numbers by using the number pad or the wheel
of your mouse.

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Picture 2.
Chain cutting macros
Chain cutting macros are simple shapes - circles, triangles and
rectangles - which are cut in a single line with just one piercing. It is
also possible to make common cut shapes, where two rectangles or
triangles have one mutual side.
Using chain cutting macros is really simple. Just insert the correct
parameter values and click OK. When you change the parameters
you can see the effect of those changes immediately in the preview
area.

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Toolbar

Picture 3.
Editing the macrolist
Choose "EDIT MACROLIST" in the first window (picture 1) to open
the macrolist edit window (see below). The list "CURRENT
MACROS" shows the macros currently in the list. The list
"AVAILABLE MACROS" shows all the macros, which you can add to
the macrolist. The dashed line in the "CURRENT MACROS" list
shows where the page break is. There can be only 20 macros
visible in any time in the macro list (see picture 1).

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Picture 4.
How to change the order of macros in the macro list:
Select one of the macros in the list CURRENT MACROS ". The
macro you selected is displayed in the small picture box just below
the list.
Choose UP to move the selected macro one step towards the
beginning of the list.
Choose DOWN to move the selected macro one step towards
the end of the list.
How to remove a macro from the macro list:
Select one of the macros in the list "CURRENT MACROS". The
macro you selected is displayed in the small picture box just below
the list.
Choose REMOVE" and the macro you selected is removed from
the list.
How to add a macro to the macro list:
Select one of the macros in the list "AVAILABLE MARCROS". The
macro you selected is displayed in the small picture box just below
the list.

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Toolbar

Choose "ADD" and the macro you selected is added to the end of
the list.

2.5

Rows and Columns

Use this tool to multiply parts. You can set the number of rows and
columns. The final number of copies will be rows x columns. For
example 3 rows times 4 columns will result as 3 x 4 = 12 copies.

Rows defines how many rows of copies there will be.

Columns defines how many columns of copies there will be.
Kerf width The minimum kerf width is zero.
Clearance and kerf width define the distance between copies. The
distance is clearance + 2 x kerf width. The clearance may also be
negative, if you want to copy the parts closer to each other.

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Hint: If you need different clearance values in X and Y directions,

then do the columns first (rows = 1, colums = n) and then the rows
(rows = m, columns = 1). This way you will get m x n copies. Please
see the below picture as an example of negative Y clearance.

Collar width is an extra distance that is left on the edges of the

nesting. This is used to avoid the edges of plate which may not be of
good quality. For example if you have roughly a 50" x 50" plate, but
the edges are not perfectly straight, then you can set the collar as 1"
and the usable area is then 48" x 48". The minimum collar is zero,
but if the clearance is greater than the collar, then the clearance is
used as the collar.
Required area shows the minimum width and length of the plate
that the current parts need when multiplied and used the given
parameters kerf, clearance and collar.
Note: Kerf, clearance and collar are the same that are in the Nesting
Options. If you change them here, their values are applied to the
nesting options as well. The only exception is the clearance. If the

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clearance is negative here, automatic nesting still uses zero as the

minimum clearance.
2.6

MicroCAD

Use this set of tools to edit profiles. The tools are described below.

Add Circle
Type the diameter and the coordinates of the center point to the
corresponding text fields. Click Apply and the circle is added to the
shape. The new circle will be the first one in the cutting order.
Add Rectangle
First choose the center point or the bottom left corner of the
rectangle. Enter the length, width and the coordinates in the
corresponding text fields. Click Apply and the rectangle is added to
the shape. The new rectangle will be the first one in the cutting
order.

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Round Corner
Insert the radius of the rounding to the Radius text field and click
Apply to verify the radius. Moving the cursor over a corner changes
the cursor to a cross. Click the corner and it will be rounded with the
radius you just set.
Remove Rounding
Changes arcs to two (2) lines. Move the mouse cursor over an arc
and it changes to a cross. Click to remove rounding.
Add Point
Adds points (lines) to a shape. If the shape contains open profiles,
the line is drawn from the last point of the first open profile to the
point you added. If there are no open profiles, then new line (and
profile) is created from the 0,0 point to the point you added. Adding
new points is simple. Just type in the coordinates and click Apply.
Remove Point
Removes single points from a profile. Move the mouse cursor over a
point and it changes to a cross. Click and the point is removed. If
the point was the last or the first point of the profile, then the entire
element is removed, otherwise the previous and the next point are
connected with a line.
Move Point
This tool moves a point to another location. Click a point to select it
(a small box appears over the point). Enter the new coordinates to
the coordinate fields and click Apply. The point moves to the new
location.
Add Corner Loop
This tool adds a loop to a
corner. First select the
radius of the loop and then
left click the corner where
you want the loop.'
Loops like this make it
possible to cut very sharp
corners.
Split Part
This tool splits parts. Select the option and insert parameters if
required, then apply and click the part you want to split. There are

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three options to split parts.

1.
Equal length: Use this option to split part equally to a given
number of parts.
2.
Max length: This option splits the part maximizing the length
of new parts. The max length of new parts is given as parameter.
3.
Manual: Use this option to manually split parts. Hold the left
mouse button down and draw a line across the part and then
release the button. The part is split along that line you drew.
Bend Part
This tool bends a rectangular
part. Set the bending value,
apply, and then click on the
part to bend it.

The bending value is the height of the arc at its highest (center)
point as shown in the picture above. Bending value is displayed as
the red line. If there are any holes inside the part they are shifted
accordingly, but they are not bent.
Note: This tool can bend rectangles only. Any other shapes are
bent incorrectly or not at all.

2.7

NestInfo

NestInfo displays information about the current nesting. NestInfo

contains following information:
Plate
Plate name - the name of the current plate.
Area - the area of the plate. (square foot or square meters)
Plate width (inches or millimeters)
Plate height (inches or millimeters)
Collar width - this is defined in Nesting Options.(inches or
millimeters)
Net usage (%) - the relation between the parts area and the plate

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area in percentage.
Part
Parts nested - the number of parts in the nesting.
Nest width - the width of the nesting.
Nest height - the height of the nesting.
Parts area - the total area of all parts. (square foot or square
meters)
Piercings - the number of the piercing points in the nesting.
Nominal Areas
Parts - the total of all parts' nominal sizes.
Used Plate - nominal size of used plate. This is exactly (nest width
+ 2 x collar width) x (nest height + 2 x collar width).
Nominal Usage (%) - the relation between nominal size of all parts
and used plate.
Real Usage (%) - the relation between real area of all parts and
used plate.

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If you have checked the No area calculations option in Handling

options there is no data in the fields Area, Parts area, Real usage or
Net usage. If you want to know areas, click Calculate area or go to
Handling options and uncheck the No area calculations option.
Info
You can type additional info related to the current nesting or part to
the Info field. This info is saved to CNC2 files and when you open
such files, you can see the written notes. To enable the Info field you
must click Edit info. The notes you make won't be stored until you
click Save info.

2.8

Cost Calculator

Use this tool to approximate the cost to cut a part or a nesting. The
calculator gets the nesting data automatically, but you need to
provide the cost profile data, such as the cutting speed of the
machine. If you want to use your cost profile at a later time, you can
save it on your hard drive. You can also compare prices of different
nestings. It's amazing how much you can save simply by using the
bridge tool only!

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DATA:
Cost Profile
Cost profile is a collection of variables that describe how the
machine, user or material affects the costs.

Name Profile name (e.g. "plasma1 iron 0.25 inches").

Rapid speed Usually a constant value.
Cutting speed Dependent on the tool, material (type and
thickness) and process.
Cut start time Time between the torch coming to the piercing
point and the start of the cutting movement.
Cut end time Time between the torch coming to the end of a cut
profile and the start of the rapid movement.
Machine hour The correct value of machine hour cost is essential
to get reliable results.
The cost of machine hour is often priced so that it includes the
profit expectations that were set when the machine was purchased.
This cost is usually 60-100 $, if the machine is in active use. 60 -

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100 $ is also a correct value, if you need to order some of the work
from subcontractors.
If the machine is used only occasionally, you can choose to use
just the cost of labor.
Job preparation The time that the machine stands idle during job
preparation. Job preparation time includes not only bringing the
plate to the cutting table, setting plate alignment, loading the cutting
program, setting the cutting parameters but also those actions taken
after the program is cut: collecting the cut parts from the table,
cutting scraps off the remnant plate, taking the remnant plate away,
etc. This time should be set so that it covers all the time between the
moment the cutting table is empty and the moment when the table is
empty again - excluding the time when the machine is running a
cutting program.
Effective usage An alternative to the Job preparation. If you know
that the job preparation time in your machine is usually half of the
machine time, set this to 50%.
Consumable set The cost of a consumable set.
Pierces per set How many piercings can be done with a single
consumable set.
Change time The time it takes to change a consumable set.
Gas per cut hour
Electricity per cut hour
Other per machine hour
Material cost How much does a square foot (or meter) of plate
cost.
Torches Quantity of torches.
Acceleration Machine acceleration that affects the average rapid
speed.
Nesting Info
This data is provided automatically by the software.

Name Name of the nesting

Plate area
Plate width
Plate length
Collar A safety zone left by automatic nesting to the edges of a

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plate.
Real usage Percentage of the parts area to the plate area.
Nominal usage Percentage of the nominal area of the parts
compared to the plate area or compared to the area of a rectangle,
which is drawn around the parts.
Parts
Piercings
Nesting width
Nesting length
Parts area
Cut length
Arc seconds
Arc seconds per piercing
Average rapid speed This is affected by the machine
acceleration. If the machine has slow acceleration and/or the
average rapid movement is short, then the machine probably never
reaches the maximum rapid speed.
Machine time
Shows the active and inactive times along with their costs,
calculated from the given data. Active time is the time that it takes to
run the cutting program. Inactive time is the time that it takes to
prepare a job (like changing the plate) and change the
consumables.
Material costs
This frame shows the consumption of material, consumables,
gases, etc. and their costs. The material consumption can be
handled in several ways:
You can select the entire plate to be consumed or just the
rectangle surrounding the nesting.
If there is no plate or ready nesting, then you can approximate the
material consumption with a probable effective usage.
TOOLS:
Save Offer saves your current price calculation as a simple text file.
Material Cost Calculator Allows you to calculate how much a
square foot (or meter) of plate cost. See more in chapter Material

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Cost Calculator.
Save for Comparison This saves the current cost calculation to the
computer memory. You can compare this to later calculations by
using the compare tool.
Compare Opens the compare window. See more in chapter
Compare.
Load Loads a saved cost profile.
Save Saves the current cost profile.
Close Closes the cost calculator.
2.8.1

Compare

This window compares the costs. The Previous frame shows the
results of that cost calculation, which you saved for comparison in
Cost Calculator The Current frame shows the latest cost calculation
- the one you were looking, when you chose Compare in the Cost
Calculator. You can see the difference of these two in the Difference
frame.
If you look at the Current frame, you can see that there is a
checkbox Relative to parts area. That is because sometimes you
can fit more parts to the same plate by nesting the parts better. This

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kind of situation gives false results, because if you cut more parts
out of plate, you will use more time (and money). But when you
compare the parts area, you can see that you have less wasted
material and thus you have saved more. That's why this option is
here. If both nestings have same parts, then this option has no
effect to the result.
Savings per day is the sum, how much you save, if you cut this kind
of jobs for 8 hours. Savings per week is the same, but for 40 hours.
Productivity increase shows how much less time you need to cut this
job.
2.8.2

Material Cost Calculator

Use to calculate the price of one square foot (or meter) of your
plate. Select first the material from the material frame. If you
selected any other material than the Other, then the calculator
automatically sets the material density. Set the plate thickness and
the material price per pound (or kilogram). Choose Calculate and
you are ready.

2.9

Nest

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This tool activates the automatic nesting process. It nests all the
parts in the current nesting to the current plate. If you haven't
defined a special nesting area (see Show nesting area), automatic
nesting uses the whole plate. You can modify the process by
changing the nesting options.
In the following cases part is not nested, but moved to the right side
of the plate:
The part does not fit on the plate or on the nesting area.
There is at least one open profile in the part.
If you are using multitorch and the number of copies of the part are
not evenly divided between the torches, the remaining (modulo)
parts are not nested.
See also MultiNest, Triangle Nest and NestInfo.

2.10

Feed Rates

Use this tool to add feed rates (i.e. cutting speeds) to your cutting
program. You can set feed rates for individual profiles or elements.
While you are using this tool, you can see several flags with different
colors on screen. Each of those flags display what is the feed rate
after the flag. The color of the flag indicates the type of feed rate
(i.e.: program, profile and element feed rates). Red flags mean error
and you shouldn't see them. If you do see a red flag, just reset the
feed rate for that element.
Definition of different feed rates:
Program feed rate - The default feed rate for the whole cutting
program, if there are no profile or element feed rates set.
Profile feed rate - The feed rate for a single profile. The whole
profile is cut with this feed rate, if there are no element feed rates
set. The profile feed rate can be set to program feed rate or custom
feed rate.
Element feed rate - The feed rate of a single element which can be
set to program, profile or custom feed rate.
Feed rate modes:

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ProMotion Nest v4.32

Absolute - Feed rates are given in millimeters (or inches) per

minute.
Relative - Feed rates are given relative (1-100%) to the current
cutting feed rate. This type is supported only in ProMotion iCNC
controllers. This would be similar to turning the feed rate override
potentiometer of the controller.

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Toolbar

How to use this tool:

When you start this tool it requests the program feed rate. This
feed rate is set to all profiles and elements, which do not have a
feed rate. If every element already has a feed rate, then the tool
starts immediately.
To change a program feed rate, insert the new value in the
corresponding text field and click Apply.
When you choose the profiles or elements, their feed rates
change. If the Profiles tab in on top then your click changes the feed
rate of profiles. It the Elements tab in on top then your click changes
the feed rate of elements. Profiles and elements get that feed rate,
which is set in the tab.
You can set the profile feed rate type in the Profiles tab. If you
want to use the custom feed rate, type its value in the text field and
choose Apply. The feed rate that you select here is set to all profiles
which you choose after this. This change has no effect on feed rates
which are already set. It is applied only to those profiles that you
choose.
To set the element feed rate type in the Elements tab. If you want
to use the custom feed rate, type its value to the text field and

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Toolbar

ProMotion Nest v4.32

choose Apply. The feed rate that you select here is set to all
elements which you choose after this. This change has no effect on
feed rates which are already set. It is applied only to those elements
that you choose.
If you have checked Click applies to single elements in the
Elements tab, then your clicks change the feed rates of single
elements. If it is not checked, then you have to click the start and the
end element. All the elements between start and end also get the
same feed rate.
If you click an element with the left mouse button, then the whole
element is selected. Right click splits the element and the feed rate
is set only to the other half. Right click works only, if Click applies to
single elements is not checked.
You can remove all the feed rates by choosing Remove and exit.
This also closes this tool.
You can easily set all feed rates to the whole nesting with the use
of Feed rate profiles tool.
2.10.1

Feed rate profiles

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Toolbar

Feed rate profiles let you set feed rates to all arcs and circles at the
same time. You don't need to choose each of them separately.
This is how you use feed rate profiles:
Start this tool by choosing Profiles in the Feed Rates dialog.
Select absolute or relative feed rates.
Set the diameter and the corresponding feed rate values for
circles. If you don't need all the diameter + feed rate pairs, you
can disable them by un-checking the box at the beginning of the
line.
Set the radius and the corresponding feed rate values for arcs.
Disable extra lines.
Set program feed rate, if you use absolute feed rates.
Click Apply to set the feed rates according to your given profile. All
existing feed rates are removed and the feed rates defined in the
profile are applied to the nesting.
Save the profiles for future use. This is handy when you need
different profiles for different tools.
Click Save and enter the file name. Click Load to reuse the file.
2.11

Optimize

Optimize tool applies optimized process data to the current nesting.

Optimized data has the best known cutting parameters for the
selected process. Optimizing sets cutting speeds, leadins, leadouts
and many other things. Optimizing should be done just before you
send the nesting to cutting.
Basic information about the currently selected process is displayed
on this window (please see the picture below). There you can see
the process ID, material, thickness and current. And a note, if there
is something special in this process. This is the same information
that you can see in your ProMotion Plasma software.

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ProMotion Nest v4.32

There are a few options how you can affect the optimizing process.
Optimize round holes makes the optimizer to optimize round
holes. There is a certain limit for the hole diameter. If the hole is
smaller than that, then the hole is not tried to optimize, unless you
have checked the Include under sized holes option. The usual
limit for the hole diameter is about the same as the plate thickness.
Select Inner contours - Optimize elements to optimize all holes that
are not round. There is the same setting for outer contours.
If you have your own speed settings that you want to keep, but still
use the optimize tool, then select Keep programmed reduced
speeds.

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Toolbar

There are two ways to optimize the cutting program.

1. Optimize button optimizes all round holes in the current nesting.
2. Click any cutting profile to optimize it.
If there were any problems in optimizing, then a Show errors...
button is displayed. Click that button to get more detailed info about
what went wrong.
Note: Optimizing requires ProMotion Optimizer to work.
2.12

Plate Editor

Plate editor is a set of tools which are used to change the shape and
position of a plate. Click Plate Editor button to activate the editor.
The button stays down until you click it again. A small tool window
appears. The tool window contains the plate editor's tools. Click the
button again to close the plate editor.

2.12.1

Edit Plate

Use this tool to remove parts out of a plate. Follow these steps:
Move the mouse cursor over the edge of a plate and click it.
Move the mouse cursor to the next position and click again. A new
line appears from the previous point to this point.
Continue as above until you reach the edge of the plate. Click the
edge and the plate is split into two parts, but only one of them is
displayed.
If the wrong part is displayed, use the Change Split tool to change
it.

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Toolbar
2.12.2

ProMotion Nest v4.32

Edit Plate with the Machine motion

This tool is exactly the same as the Edit Plate tool with the following
exceptions.
Mouse cursor does not respond to the mouse movement. Mouse
cursor shows the position of the torch and moves, if the torch
moves.
The plate in the ProMotion Nest's work window is rotated to the
same angle as the real plate. When you stop using this tool, the
plate is rotated back to its original angle.
The Space button works as the left mouse button (the left mouse
button works too).
The Esc button cancels editing. The original plate is displayed and
the mouse works normally.
This tool is usable only with ProMotion iCNC controller.

2.12.3

Teach plate

Use this tool to teach the shape of the plate. Just drop the plate on
the cutting table and then use the laser pointer or the torch to show
the edges of the plate.

Follow these steps:

Place the plate on the cutting table.
Start this tool. A new window opens (see above).
Move the laser pointer (or the torch) over the edge of the plate.
Then click Accept point.

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Toolbar

Move the laser pointer over the next corner of the plate. Click
Accept point again. Repeat this step while you have shown all
the corners of the plate.
Finally click Close shape and your plate is ready.
If you ever do a mistake while teaching the shape, just click
Cancel point to remove the last point.
Hint: You can use this tool to teach new parts for cutting if you
convert the plate to a part by using the tool Plate-Part-Plate.
Note: This tool can be used only with a ProMotion iCNC controller.

2.12.4

Set Origin

This tool sets one of the plate corners* to the origin.

Click one of the corners to set it as a new origin.
* In this case "CORNER" means one end of an element, which is
one of those elements that form the plate profile. Thus it is possible
that it is not a corner at all.
2.12.5

Show nesting area

Use this tool to define nesting areas on the plate. Nesting areas are
useful with combination of automatic nesting and multitorch tools.
Follow these steps to show nesting area:
Start Plate editor.
Select this tool. A red rectangle appears inside the plate. The
rectangle is the new nesting area.
Move the mouse cursor over the edge of the rectangle and press
the left mouse button down. The border of the rectangle now follows
the movements of the mouse.
Modify the rectangle as you like and finally close Plate editor to
confirm your changes.

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Toolbar
2.12.6

ProMotion Nest v4.32

Align Plate

Use this tool to align the plate with the X or the Y axis. Why?
Automatic nesting performs better if the bottom edge of the plate is
aligned with the X or the Y axis.

2.12.7

Change Split

Use this tool to change between parts displayed. See Edit Plate.
2.12.8

Rotate Plate

This tool rotates the current plate 90 degrees counter clockwise.

2.12.9

Mirror Plate

Use this tool to mirror the current plate in Y-axis.

2.12.10

Move to Origin

This tool repositions the current plate. After the plate is repositioned,
its minimum X-and Y-coordinates are equal to zero.

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2.12.11

Toolbar

Undo Plate Edit

Edit Plate-tool splits a plate into two parts. If you made some errors
during editing, use this tool to bring the original plate back.

2.13

Zooming

The easiest way to zoom in and out is using your mouse wheel. You
can use it anytime. If you don't have mouse with a wheel, then you
can use Zoom Minus and Zoom Plus buttons. Then the zooming
continues until you release the button.
To get back to the normal view i.e. where the whole nesting is visible
and as large as possible, just click the Zoom 100% button.

2.14

Pan View

You can pan the view by moving the mouse cursor over the work
window while pressing the left mouse button. The picture will follow
the mouse movement until you release the left mouse button.
2.15

Undo

Use this tool to cancel the last action.

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Toolbar
2.16

ProMotion Nest v4.32

Trash

Closes the current nesting which is seen in the work window. If there
are more than one nesting open, the next one will be displayed in
the work window.

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File Menu

File Menu
The File menu is used to open existing files, save new files and exit
the application. Here is a list of all items in the File menu.
Item
New
Open
Trash
Save As
Macro
Print
ESSI/EIA Raw import
DNC
Import
Export
Exit

Action
Create a new blank plate.
Open an existing file.
Close current nesting.
Save current nesting.
Create a new shape with macros.
Print the current nesting.
Imports ESSI and EIA files as
they are.
Download from DNC
Import nesting from ProMotion
Cut.
Export nesting to ProMotion
Cut.
Exit ProMotion Nest application.

Note: Some of these tools were already explained in the Toolbar

chapter. Those tools are not repeated in this chapter.

3.1

Save As
Saves the current nesting (the one in the work window) in the
chosen format. Possible formats are ESSI, EIA, DXF, ROBOTIC
CNC and CNC-2. For more information about ESSI and EIA see
ESSI Options and EIA Options.
In the demo version of ProMotion Nest no saving is possible.
It is also possible to save point marking programs. This is an
optional module. See more at topic Point Marking.
Note: ProMotion Nest cannot read ROBOTIC CNC. If you want to
edit your cutting programs later, then the best format is CNC-2.

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File Menu
3.2

ProMotion Nest v4.32

Print
This tool prints the current nesting to the default printer.

3.3

ESSI/EIA Raw import

Use this tool to load ESSI and EIA files to ProMotion Nest when
you have a cutting program that is ready to be sent to cutting without
editing.
Basically this is just like the normal file open. This tool uses the
same ESSI and EIA options than the file open does. Where it
differs from the normal file open is that keeps things simple. It does
not try to reason which shapes are holes or where the leadins or
anything else is. Raw import just reads the file in as it is. This way
you can utilize any kind of cutting program which is not otherwise
supported by the logic of ProMotion Nest (i.e.: common cutting
and programmed stops).

3.4

DNC
Use this tool to load files from DNC connection. ProMotion iLink
must be running on the PC you are downloading the files from.

Next Allows the user to browse the files available in ProMotion

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File Menu

iLink working directory (folder). Available filenames are displayed in

the text field just below this button.
Load Allows the user to start DNC download. The file currently
displayed in the text field starts loading. You can just type the file
name into the text field and choose Load.
Abort Allows the user to abort DNC download
Load Previous Allows the user to utilize the last file again without
downloading.
File Open Allows user to change to normal File Open dialog. Use
this to locate a file in the controllers hard drive or on the network
that is accessible.

3.5

Import
This tool imports a nesting created by ProMotion Cut.

3.6

Export
This tool exports the current nesting to ProMotion Cut. Please note
that the exported nesting won't open automatically in ProMotion
Cut. To open it, you must use the import tool of ProMotion Cut.

3.7

Exit
This tool closes the ProMotion Nest software.
Important! All nestings will be closed and all data they contain will be
lost upon exiting. If you want to save one or more of those nestings,
you should save them before exiting.

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View Menu
4

ProMotion Nest v4.32

View Menu
In View menu you can change the appearance of ProMotion Nest
and the way how it draws your nestings.
Black and White view
This option turns drawing color to black.
Outbits
If this option is checked, then ProMotion Nest displays special
outbits, if there are any in the nesting. For more info see the
ProMotion Cut manual.
Transferlines
Hide All Transferlines can be toggled on or off by selecting this
option.
Show Cut When selected, you can see transferlines between
cutting profiles. This is the default setting.
Show Line Marking When selected, you can see transferlines
between line marking profiles.
Show Point Marking When selected, you can see transferlines
between point marking points.
Show Large Buttons
This option turns all buttons in ProMotion Nest toolbar and
toolboxes to large ones. This setting is recommended for touch
screen use.
Note: You need to restart ProMotion Nest to have this change take
effect.

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Tools Menu

Tools Menu
Tools menu contains tools to manipulate nestings. You can fix parts,
add marking, nest manually or automatically, set cutting order, add
bridges and do many other things. The tools are organized in an
order where they are usually used. For example you should do
automatic nesting before you add bridges.
Note: Some tools are not part of the standard ProMotion Nest, but
they are options that may be bought separately. Depending on the
options in your license some tools may not be available.
Note: Some tools of this menu were already explained in the Toolbar
chapter. Those tools are not repeated here.

5.1

Remove

The left mouse button activates area deletion. Keep the left mouse
button pressed down and move the mouse. A rectangle will follow
the movement of the mouse. When you release the left mouse
button, all the profiles that are completely inside the rectangle will be
deleted. If you click the right mouse button, only a single element or
a transferline point will be deleted.

5.2

Copy

This tool allows user to copy different objects to the clipboard from
where she/he can paste them to any nesting. The object that is to be
copied can be chosen from the "Options" menu. There are two kinds
of objects that can be copied: shapes and nestings. An object can
be copied by moving the mouse cursor over the part and clicking the

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Tools Menu

ProMotion Nest v4.32

left mouse button.

5.3

Cut

Use "Cut" to move shapes to the clipboard. You can paste shapes
from the clipboard to nestings.
Follow these steps:
1. Activate the "Cut" tool by choosing "Cut" (see the picture above).
2. Press the left mouse button and keep it down. A focus rectangle
appears.
3. Surround the shapes you want to cut with the focus rectangle and
release the left mouse button.
5.4

Paste

Use this tool to paste the copied/cut objects to a nesting. When you
choose
a dialog window appears (see below). If you want more
than one copy, change the paste multiplier in the dialog window. The
paste multiplier tells how many times the copied objects are to be
pasted. Click on the editing area and the objects are pasted.

5.5

Edit

5.5.1

Move Shape

Use this tool to manually change the position of a shape. Move the

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Tools Menu

cursor over a shape and press the left mouse button down. Now the
shape will follow the movement of the mouse until you release the
button.
This tool also activates Collision Tools

Colliding means that you move a shape as close to another as

possible. ProMotion Nest provides collision tools for this purpose.
To collide a shape you should first move the shape close to its final
position and then use the appropriate collision tool. There are four
tools for colliding shapes: up, down, right or left.
There is a
button in the middle of collision tools (buttons).
Pressing this button will cause the shapes to appear in a different
color if they do not have enough space between them. Releasing
the button allows the parts to revert to their normal color.
So, how great should the distance be between two shapes? In the
Nesting Options check the kerf width and clearance parameters.
The distance between two shapes should be twice the kerf width
and once the clearance. This formula is used by the colliding tools
and overlap checking.
Note: Collision tools are visible only when the Move Shape tool is
active.

5.5.2

Rotate Shape

Allows the user to rotate a shape simply by grabbing it with a

mouse. The part will follow the mouse movement (rotate).
The rotation steps can be set in Handling Options. Recommended
steps are 5 or less degrees.

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Tools Menu
5.5.3

ProMotion Nest v4.32

Mirror

This tool allows you to mirror shapes in X or Y axis. If you move the
mouse cursor over a shape and click the left mouse button, the
shape will be mirrored in Y axis. If you click the right mouse button,
the shape will be mirrored in X axis.

5.5.4

Change Piercing Point

There are two ways to change the current piercing point. To change
the pierce point to the first point of the element, move the mouse
cursor over the element and click the left mouse button. If you want
to choose any point on the element, move the mouse cursor to the
desired start point and click the right mouse button. This tool can
only be used on complete profiles.

5.5.5

Change Compensation Side

Change the compensation side by moving the mouse cursor over

the element and clicking the left button.

5.5.6

Change Cutting Direction

Change the cutting direction by moving the mouse cursor over the
element and clicking the left button.

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5.5.7

Tools Menu

Split Element

An element can be split in two by moving the mouse cursor to the

desired split point and clicking the left mouse button.

5.5.8

Join Profiles

Use this tool to close an open profile or join two or more open
profiles.
Follow these steps:
Hold down the left mouse button.
Drag a rectangle around start/end points of open profile(s).
Release the mouse button.

5.5.9

Leadins

By using this tool you can add, remove and modify leadins and
leadouts. When the Leadins tool is active, the dialog window below
is visible. Use that window to change the parameters of the leadins
and leadouts.

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Tools Menu

Leadin and leadout types:

Nothing

Straight
90 degrees

Arc

0-179 degrees

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ProMotion Nest v4.32

No leadin or leadout. This type

has a special purpose, if you
generate CNC code for old
ProMotion controllers. If there is
no leadin, then the controller adds
one.
A straight line which has the same
direction as the first (or the last)
element of a profile.
A straight line which is on 90
degrees angle (on the kerf side)
compared to the first (or the last)
element of a profile.
An arc which has a 90 degrees
central angle. Connects the first
(or the last) element of a profile
tangentially.
A straight line which is on 1 to 179
degrees angle (on the kerf side)
compared to the first (or the last)

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Custom

Tools Menu
element of a profile.
This is a user defined type read
from
a
file.
ESSIand
EIA-programs often has this kind
of leadins (or leadouts). You
cannot add this kind of leadins.

Leadin / Leadout selection:

To add, remove or modify leadins check the "Leadins" box. When
checked, you can choose a leadin from four available options.
Check the "Leadouts" box to modify leadouts.
Length:
On the left side is the length of the leadins and on the right side is
the length of the leadouts. Confirm your selections by clicking "OK".
The length of the type "NOTHING" is always zero regardless of this
setting.
Overburn length:
Overburn means that when the machine has cut around a profile, it
starts to cut the profile again (it goes for a next round) and cuts it
some length. That length is defined here. Just enter the value to the
text box and click "OK".
Replace existing leadins:
Check this option, if you want to change existing leadins or leadouts.
Otherwise you can only add new leadins (or leadouts) to profiles,
which has no leadins (or leadouts). Note: type "NOTHING" is same
as no leadin (or leadout).
Modify leadins/outs of:
First select the type of profiles you want to modify. Choose
REMOVE to remove all (according to your selections) and ADD
to add all.
Examples:
How to add a leadin:
1. Check the "LEADIN" box.
2. Choose the type of leadin you want.
3. Uncheck the "LEADOUT" box. See the picture below.

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Tools Menu

ProMotion Nest v4.32

4. Click the profile where you want to add a leadin.

How to change a leadin into another:
Repeat steps 1-3 above.
4. Check the "REPLACE EXISTING LEADINS box.
5. Click the profile that has the leadin you want to change.
How to add a leadin and leadout to a profile:
1. Check the "LEADIN" box.
2. Choose the type of leadin you want.
3. Check the "LEADOUT" box.
4. Choose the type of leadout you want.
5. Click the profile to add the leadin and leadout.
How to change all leadins and leadouts of Hole profiles:
Repeat steps 1-4 above.
5. Check the " REPLACE EXISTING LEADINS " box.
6. Select "HOLE PROFILES"
7. Choose "ADD".
How to remove all leadouts:
1. Uncheck the "LEADINS" box.

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Tools Menu

2. Check the "LEADOUTS" box.

3. Select "ALL PROFILES"
4. Choose "REMOVE".
5.6

Marking

5.6.1

Marking Text

With this tool you can insert text on plates for marking. Selecting this
tool activates the window below:

To Insert text for marking:

1. Write the text you wish to mark into the field Insert the marking
text here.
2. Set the text height. The minimum allowed height is 5 mm (0.2
inches).
3. Set the text angle (0-360 degrees).
4. Click Apply to confirm the changes.
5. Click the part you want to mark. The text is inserted to the spot
you clicked.
Note: This is an additional module and it is not included in the basic
version of ProMotion Nest.

5.6.2

Hole to Point

This tool converts round holes to point marking points. You only
need to click those holes you want to convert.

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Tools Menu

ProMotion Nest v4.32

Note: You cannot reverse the conversion. If you make a mistake,

please use Undo tool.
5.6.3

Cut to Line Marking

This tool converts holes to line marking profiles. You only need to
click those holes you want to convert.
Note: You cannot reverse the conversion. If you make a mistake,
please use Undo tool.
5.7

Autonest

5.7.1

Triangle Nest

This tool nests the parts into the smallest possible rectangle. For
example two triangles are nested so that their sides are facing each
other. This tool works well with triangles and that's where the name
comes.

5.7.2

MultiNest

MultiNest nests all shapes automatically. If shapes do not fit on the

current plate, MultiNest creates new copies of the current plate and
continues nesting on them until all the shapes are nested.

5.7.3

Groups

This tool allows you to copy shapes to nesting groups. Nesting

group is a group of parts, which all move and autonest together like
a single shape. When this tool is active the dialog below is visible.

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Tools Menu

When this tool is active, you can select (and unselect) shapes by
clicking on them or drawing a rectangle around them.
The list Select group where to copy shows all possible groups
where you can copy shapes. Actually this list contains all geometries
from the geometry window and you can later turn them to groups
(see example below).
Copy button copies all the selected shapes to the group selected
from the list.
If you want to create a new group, write its name to the field and
choose Create. Now you can see the new group in the list and in the
geometry list window.
When you have copied all the shapes you want from this nesting,
choose Close.
Please note that all other tools are disabled while this tool is active.
How to create a nesting group:
Activate Groups tool.
Create a new group (type its name to the text field labeled. "The
name of a new group" and choose Create).
Select the group you just created from the list Select group
where to copy.
Select the shapes you want add to your group (click all of them).
Choose Copy.
Close groups tool and activate your group from the geometry list

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Tools Menu

ProMotion Nest v4.32

(left click the name of your group in the list).

Right click the geometry list and select Toggle Group On/Off
from the pop-up dialog box. Now you can see an asterisk in front of
the geometry name. This means that this geometry is actually a
group.
Now you can manually move and rotate the parts in your group.
Move them close to each other.
When your group is ready, right click the geometry list again and
this time select Copy to Nesting. Enter the number of groups you
want to nest and finally you have groups in your nesting!
5.7.4

Freeze

Use this tool to freeze parts for the duration of the automatic nesting
process. Frozen parts do not change their position during automatic
nesting process.

Click the part you want to freeze. You will now see the parts
highlighted in bright blue.
To freeze multiple parts, draw a rectangle around the desired
parts.
To unfreeze a part, click it again.
Notice! Automatic nesting cannot nest inside holes of frozen parts.
If you want to nest to those holes, you should do it manually and
then freeze the parts inside of them too.

5.7.5

AutoFill

This tool fills the remaining area of the plate with the copied shapes.
ProMotion Nest nests all shapes automatically to get optimal fill.
The nesting options affect to the performance of this tool.
Follow these steps to fill a sheet:
1. Copy a shape by using the Copy tool.

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Tools Menu

2. Click the AutoFill button .

5.8

Cutting

5.8.1

Optimize Cutting Order

Use this tool to let ProMotion Nest to make cutting order for you.
ProMotion Nest will calculate the optimum cutting order so that
parts are always cut near the edge of the plate. Please note that
when a part is cut off the plate it leaves a hole, which is now the
edge. The idea is to prevent the heat to bend the plate.
If you are not happy with the result, you can easily change the
cutting order using the Change Cutting Order tool.
5.8.2

Change Cutting Order

When this tool is activated, the following dialog will appear.

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Tools Menu

ProMotion Nest v4.32

You can let ProMotion Nest to do the cutting order for you by
clicking the Optimize order button. See more details at Optimize
Cutting Order. You can also do the cutting order yourself by using
this tool.
The cutting order can be changed between Parts (shapes), Holes, L
ine Marking Profiles and Point Marking points.
There are five methods which can be used to change the cutting
order: Show Order, Swap, Move One Step, Line and Free Select.
In the Show Order method you just click the objects in that order
they are about to be cut or marked. When you click an object, it will
change its color to indicate that it is selected. If the color of the
object will not change, then you cannot change its order (it's
probably the wrong type). Selections can be removed by clicking the
Unselect button. The option Lock First Object can be used with this
method. If it is selected, then you cannot change the cutting order of
the objects which are before the first selected object in the cutting
order. When you are ready, choose Apply to create the new cutting
order. This is the only method that you can use on line and point
markings.
In the Swap method you choose two objects and their positions in
the cutting order will be changed between them. When you click the
first object, it will change color to indicate selection. When you click
the second object, the first object will become unselected and the
cutting order will change.
In the Move One Step method you just choose the object, which
cutting order you want to change, and then use the Step arrows to
change the cutting order. If you click the left step arrow, the selected
object will be cut earlier and if you click the right arrow, it will be cut
later.
In the Line method you draw a line over the parts or holes whose
order you want to change. The cutting order of the first part/hole that
the line overlaps won't change. The rest of the overlapped
parts/holes will come immediately after the first one.
In the Free select method you just click the profiles in the order you
want to cut them and then choose apply. This method is named
free select, because you can select any cutting order between parts

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and holes (e.g. you can first cut all the holes in your nesting and
then all the parts). This method may disarrange the internal data
structures of ProMotion Nest, which may cause automatic nesting
and some other tools to fail. You should only use this method if you
can't set the cutting order with the other methods. If you decide to
use this method, use this when you have done everything else for
your nesting.
Apply button is used in combination with the Show order and the
Free select methods. Unselect button removes all selections.
Close button closes the dialog.
5.8.3

Bridge

With this tool it is possible to create a bridge between two or more

complete shapes. Bridge is a two-way line which unites two shapes.
Bridge can be created by pressing the left mouse button down and
moving the cursor over all the shapes which will be bridged. A
"RUBBER BAND" will follow the mouse movement and shows the
location of the future bridge. When the left button is released, the
bridge will be created.
If Vertical-Horizontal Bridging option is chosen from Handling
Options, then all the bridges will be either vertical or horizontal. If the
"RUBBER BAND " is more horizontal than vertical, then the bridge
will be horizontal. Otherwise it will be vertical. The Y-coordinate of
the horizontal bridge is the same as the Y-coordinate of the starting
point of the "RUBBER BAND ". Likewise the X-coordinate of the
vertical bridge matches the X-coordinate of the starting point of the
"RUBBER BAND ".
Notes: Leadin and leadout of the first shape will be copied to the
final shape. Possible leadins and leadouts of the other shapes are
removed.
Wide Bridge
Wide bridge is like a normal bridge above, but it leaves a solid area
between two profiles. You can create wide bridges just like normal
bridges. The only exception is that when you release the mouse

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button the window below appears.

The black line represents the line you just drew. It is also the other
side of the bridge. The red line is the other side. The wide bridge
will be created between these lines.
Select the side of the red line: left or right.
Enter the width of the bridge. If you enter a width that is less than
0.1 mm (0.004 inches), a normal bridge is created instead of a wide
one.
Click OK.
Activate Wide Bridge feature in handling options.
5.8.4

Chain Cutting

This tool is used to chain profiles together. This way you can cut
several profiles with a single piercing.
Follow these steps:
Click the point where you want the chain to begin. Now a
RUBBER BAND follows your mouse movement and shows the
route of the chain.
Move the mouse cursor to the next point you want the chain to go
and click again.
When you click a profile, it is added to the chain.
Continue these steps until your chain is ready. Choose READY
on the chain cutting dialog (see picture below).

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The chain is ready. If you want create a new chain, repeat the
procedure above.
Special cases:
If the profile has a leadin or leadout, the chain automatically goes
to the beginning of the leadin and continues from the end of the
leadout.
If the profile is not closed, the chain automatically goes to the
beginning of the profile and continues from the end of it.

5.8.5

Add Transferline Point

A new transferline point can be added by clicking the left mouse

button. The new transferline point will be the last in the cutting order.
The cutting order can be changed by the Change Cutting Order
tool.
5.8.6

Scrap Cutting

Use this tool to create scrap cutting lines to your nesting. Scrap
cutting lines are used to cut the scrap out of the plate, when the
cutting program is completed. Use this tool only on ready nestings.
Do like this:
Click the point where you want to start your scrap cutting line. This
point should be outside of the plate or inside of a part.
Now a "RUBBER BAND" follows your mouse.
Click the next point of the scrap cutting line. If that point is outside
of a part and inside of the plate, it will become a waypoint. That
means that the scrap cutting line goes through this point. If the point

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is inside of another part or outside of the plate, the scrap cutting line
ends at the boundary of the part or the plate.
A margin is left to the beginning and to the end of the scrap cutting
line. These margins can be set in the Handling options.
Hint: When crossing the plate's edge do it by drawing the scrap
cutting line from part's edge to the plate's edge. This way you don't
have to be that exact when setting the plate's edge.
5.9

Special Tools
Special Tools are tools which are not needed by every user of this
software but can be utilized in special cases.

5.9.1

Point Marking

Use this tool to select which holes will be point marked. This tool is
part of an optional point marking module.
Follow these steps to select holes for point marking:
1. Hold the left mouse button down and drag a rectangle around all
the holes you want to mark.
2. Release the left mouse button and all holes which are inside the
rectangle turn to black. They are selected for marking.
3. When you have selected all the holes you want to mark, save the
point marking program by using the "Save As -> Point" tool.
If you accidentally selected a wrong hole, you can unselect it by
drawing a new rectangle around it.
If you want to (un)select just one hole, you can just left click it.
Note: This tool works only for single shapes - not for entire nesting.
Note: This is an additional module and it's not included in the basic
version of ProMotion Nest.

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5.9.2

Tools Menu

Coating Lines

If your machine has a welding torch, you can coat shapes easily with
this tool.
Follow these steps:
1. Set the distance between lines and other settings in Special Tool
Options.
2. Activate this tool from the menu Actions->Special Tools->Coating
Lines.
3. Hold the left mouse button down and drag a rectangle around
those shapes you want to coat.
4. Release the mouse button and all the selected shapes are filled
with black horizontal lines - coating lines.
ProMotion Nest saves the coating lines as line marking lines. You
should configure your machine so that the welding torch replaces
the line marker. Alternatively, if your ProMotion Nest has ESSI/EIA
saving option, you can redefine the line marking code sequences to
correspond the welding torch control commands.

5.9.3

Machining Allowance

Machining Allowance is an additional area left on cut pieces to be

processed by a machining tool. When activated, the program
displays a window with a short description of how to use this tool.
More important, the window contains a setting needed to set
machining tolerance on profiles.
A profile is pointed with the mouse cursor and by clicking the right
mouse button the machining tolerance will be added to the whole
profile. If the tolerance is needed only for a part of the profile, the
tolerance is set with two clicks of the left button: first click the point
where the tolerance should start and again where the tolerance
should end.
The machining tolerance variable is set in the Machining Allowance
dialog window. Enter the width of the tolerance into the edit box and
click Ok. The dialog window will disappear and the given width is in
effect.
You can activate this tool also by pressing Control and "A"

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simultaneously.
5.9.4

Offset

This tool calculates the real cutting path, when kerf compensation is
added. This is an advantage, if your controller can't do it properly or
it takes too much time.
Kerf compensation's value is half of the kerf width set in Nesting
Options.
Note: This is an additional module and it's not included in the basic
version of ProMotion Nest.
5.9.5

Anchor

Use this tool to anchor the part on plate during cutting. This is done
by creating small gaps on the cutting profile so the cutting is ceased
on these gaps. The length of the gaps can be set in the tools.ini (see
ini files).

5.9.6

Common Cut

Common Cut tool let's you join two parts in a way that their common
section (line) is cut with a single cut. This can save a lot of time if the
cutting speed is low.
Follow these steps:
Move two parts close to each other.
Select this tool.
Move mouse pointer inside one of the parts and press left mouse
button.
Move mouse pointer inside the other part while pressing the left
mouse button.
Release the mouse button and the parts will be merged.
Note: The correct kerf must be set in the Nesting Options before the
use of this tool.

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5.9.7

Tools Menu

Drill Select

Adds a special tool selection code for a point marking (drill) point.
Select the tool from the menu that pops up when you right-click the
screen. When this tool is active you can see small flags on each
point marking point. The flags show the currently selected tool.
5.9.8

Plate-Part-Plate

This tool simply converts a plate to a part and vice versa.

Exceptions: Conversion does not work if...
There are any parts on the plate.
There are multiple parts on screen.
5.9.9

Single/Multitorch settings

Select the type of the operation from the following list:

Normal nesting Removes all multitorch data from the plate and it
becomes a normal plate again.
Strip There is only one torch, but the automatic nesting process
uses only a narrow strip instead of the whole plate. The strip's width
is given to the textbox Nest area width. It is also possible to show
nesting area with Show nesting area tool.
n torches You can set the maximum number of torches in
Handling options. This operation divides the plate into n parts of
equal size and divides the shapes of the current nesting between
them. Only those shapes which the first torch will cut are displayed
normally and the rest are displayed as shadows.

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Multitorch options:
First torch Sets the first torch on left or right.
Torch distance tolerance The maximum error allowed in
distance between two torches and also in distance measured from
the first torch.
Torch distance The distance between two torches. The system
calculates this for you, if you haven't chosen the fixed torch
distance.
Fixed torch distance If you want to set the torch distance by
yourself, check this option. This way you can define narrow nesting
areas.

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Tools Menu

Nest area width:

Nest area is the area (per torch)which is left when the plate collar,
the torch distance tolerance and the nesting clearance has been
taken out of it. The nest area should be wide enough for the parts to
be nested. Minimum width for the nest area is the part's width plus
two times the kerf width.
Finally:
When you have selected the type of the operation and set all the
necessary options, choose Apply and then Ok.
Important:
Nesting options Clearance and Collar are used during the torch
distance calculations. Thus you should set them before you set any
of the multitorch settings.
5.9.10

Pick Part

Use this tool to pick any part from a nesting. The picked part will be
copied to its own nesting and then moved to the origin.
When you have activated this tool, just click the part that you want to
pick.

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5.9.11

ProMotion Nest v4.32

Show Parts

Lists the names of all parts in the current nesting. Even if there are
several copies of a part, its name is listed only once. Click a name in
the list and all parts of that name will be colored in the work window.

5.10

Ruler
Use this tool to measure distances in your nesting. Press the left
mouse button where you want to start the measuring. Then move
the mouse and keep the mouse button pressed. On top right corner
is a yellow label where you can see the distance from the start point
to the current mouse location.

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Options Menu

Options Menu
The Options menu provides tools to configure the ProMotion Nest
software.

6.1

Handling Options

Measurement
Measurement is either in millimeters or inches. This option defines
which.
DXF Options
Point Distance If two points are this close to each other, then they
are assumed to be the same point. Important! Note: Change the
point distance before loading a file.
Scale always 1:1 When reading DXF files ProMotion Nest tries
to detect which measurement is used in the file. This detection is
ignored, if Scale always 1:1 is checked. Then the DXF file is read
in millimeters or inches depending on the measurement setting.
Move Shapes to Origin If this option is selected, then the shape in
DXF file is moved so that its minimum coordinates are at 0,0
point. If the DXF file contains a nesting (more than one shape),

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then the nesting is moved so that its minimum coordinates are at

0,0 point. All the shapes in the nesting are moved exactly the
same distance, so their relative position to each other does not
change.
Convert text to marking If this option is checked, ProMotion Nest
converts DXF text entities (TEXT and MTEXT) to marking lines.
Those marking lines form the same text that was in the DXF file.
Note: This option is part of the marking text module. Marking text
module is an optional module and it's not part of the basic module.
Extended text search Usually ProMotion Nest searches the text
entities at the same region (of DXF file), where the other entities
are located. If you check this option ProMotion Nest searches
text entities from the beginning of the file to the end of the file.
CNC options
Enable advanced CNC Some new features have been added to
the Robotic CNC language. Old versions of WinRobo and Pro3Nest
softwares do not support these new features. If you are making
code to WinRobo older than version 7.5.2 or to Pro3Nest older than
version 7.0.9, then do not check this option. Note: Export always
uses the most advanced version. This setting applies only to Save
As CNC.
Add plate to CNC program When saving in Robotic CNC, this
option saves the plate with all the geometries.
Use old style leadins This option supports older versions of
Robotic and ProMotion Controllers. When saving in Robotic CNC
and if there are no leadins or leadouts given for a shape, this option
adds a special leadin code that the controller recognizes. The
controller has its own leadin settings which apply in cases like this.
Note: Export always uses the leadins that you can see on screen.
This setting applies only to Save As CNC.
Rotation Angle
Defines the rotation angle, that the Rotate tool uses. The angle is in
degrees. Recommended setting is Custom: 5 degrees.
Scrap Cutting
These values define the distance between the scrap cutting line
piercing/end point and the edge of part/plate. In the FROM field a
negative number means that the scrap cutting starts before the
edge (e.g. outside of the plate or inside of a part). In the 'TO' field a
negative number means that the scrap cutting stops before the edge

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Options Menu

(e.g. inside of the plate or outside of a part). Suggested values are:

From Part >= kerf width, To Part <= negative kerf width, From Plate
edge = 0 (if the plate edge is set correctly else < 0) and To Plate
edge > 0.
Default Leadins
In this section you can define what kind of leadins and leadouts are
automatically added to all profiles when loading DXF or creating
macros. If you load EIA or ESSI files, no leadins or leadouts are
added, because they usually have programmed leadins and
leadouts.
Marking Options
These settings affect how and which markings are saved to a CNC
file and then eventually marked.
If Mark all is selected then both line markings and point markings
are saved.
If Skip all marking is selected, then none of the markings are
saved. This is a useful option if you just want to print the part
names (on paper), but not really mark them.
If Skip line marking is selected, then only point markings are
saved.
If Skip point marking is selected, then only line markings are
saved.
If Extended part marking is checked, then the Line marking start
block (please see Code Sequences) is saved just before every
line marking and the end block is saved right after every line
marking. This applies to point markings as well. This option is
disabled, if you have Do all markings first option checked.
If Do all markings first is checked, then all the markings are saved
first and after them the parts to be cut. Go to origin after marking
moves the machine to the zero point of the plate, when all the
markings are done. If Stop after marking is checked, then the
machine stops after markings.
Miscellaneous Options
Show Crosshair If this box is checked, a crosshair will be drawn at
the current cursor position.
Vertical-Horizontal Bridging If this box is checked, bridging is done
vertically or horizontally. See Bridge tool for further information.
Use Wide Bridges This is an option for bridging tool. If this option

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is selected, a solid area is left between bridged profiles so they will

stay together when cut from the plate. See Bridge tool for more
information.
Torch on right Changes the origin point from the bottom left corner
to the bottom right corner.
Software keyboard If you don't have a keyboard, you can always
use the software keyboard for text input. If you set this option, then
the software keyboard is automatically displayed when text input is
needed. Please note that you can use the mouse wheel for
numerical input in ProMotion Nest
DNC enabled This option sets the default download behavior of
ProMotion Nest , when requested from ProMotion Cut. If this
option is set, then DNC download automatically activates when you
click DOWNLOAD in ProMotion Cut. See more info about DNC in
chapter File Menu.
6.2

Special Tool Options

These are options for special tools.
Coating Lines
Distance between lines is the distance between two coating lines.
Leadin / Leadout is the measure how much the coating lines will be
drawn over the edges of a shape.
Minimum Gap is the smallest width of a hole that is not jumped over
when the coating lines are drawn.

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6.3

Options Menu

ESSI Options

These options are used when reading and writing ESSI files.
Essi Codes
ESSI files are interpreted according to these codes. These codes
should match the codes used in the ESSI file.
Program Rotation
If the rotation is selected, all the new nestings which are read from
ESSI files will be rotated 90 degrees counter clockwise.
Unit / Scale
These options set the default units and scale used in ESSI files.
Code Generation
Use these commands to define start and end sequences of different
actions. These sequences are used in writing ESSI files. See Code
Sequences for more information.

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6.3.1

ProMotion Nest v4.32

Code Sequences

In ESSI and EIA options it is possible to modify the code sequences,

which are added to the beginning and the end of certain actions,
when saving files.
The caption of the upper frame shows which actions sequences are
currently being modified (e.g. in the picture above they are the
sequences of gas cutting). Start and end sequences can be seen in
the edit fields. Some actions need the specification of the kerf side
(e.g. all cutting sequences).
Sequence

Explanation - The beginning

and the end of...
...a cutting program
...a profile to be cut with gas torch
...a profile to be cut with plasma
torch. Not supported at the
moment
...a profile to be cut with plasma 2
torch. Not supported at the
moment
...a single line marking profile
...a single point marking
...all line markings
...all point markings

Program
Gas Cutting
Plasma
Plasma 2
Line Marking
Point Marking
Line Marking Block
Point Marking Block

Example
The picture above shows the gas cutting sequences of ESSI files.

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Kerf side is set to the left. The start sequence is 6 (rapid move off),
29 (kerf left), 7 (gas cutting on). The end sequence is 8 (gas cutting
off), 38 (kerf off), 5 (rapid move on). With these settings the
following code is generated:
6
29
7
++1000
+1000+
+-1000
-1000+
8
38
5

6.4

(start sequence)
(start sequence)
(start sequence)
(a profile)
(a profile)
(a profile)
(a profile)
(end sequence)
(end sequence)
(end sequence)

EIA Input Options

These options are used when ProMotion Nest reads EIA files.
Codes

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EIA files are interpreted according to these codes. These codes

should match the codes used in the EIA file.
Null G is linear
When this option is set, ProMotion Nest interprets lines without
G-codes as linear movement. If the cutting is on, then it is linear
cutting, otherwise it is just rapid movement. When this option is not
set, lines without G-codes are interpreted as the same type that was
the last read G-code.
Unit / Scale
These options set the default units and scale used in EIA files. If an
EIA file has unit definition, then that overrides this setting. The scale
is always defined here.
Coding
If coding is set to absolute, then all X and Y coordinates are
absolute. Otherwise they are incremental.
I and J codes
I and J codes are the coordinates of the center point of an arc. If set
to absolute all I and J codes, as well as X and Y codes, are
absolute, if not they are incremental. If X and Y codes are set to
incremental then I and J are also incremental.
Note: "Coding" and "I and J codes" have effect only when they are
not defined in the EIA file.
Program Rotation
If rotation is selected, then all new nestings read from EIA files are
rotated 90 degrees counter clockwise.
Feed Rate and Kerf
Ignore F codes If this option is set, then all F codes (feed rates)
are ignored when reading files.
Ignore K codes If this option is set, then all K codes (kerf) are
ignored when reading files.
K Codes
Value is kerf width If this option is set, then the value of the K
code is interpreted as kerf width.
Value is kerf compensation If this option is set, then the value of

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Options Menu

the K code is interpreted as kerf compensation.

F Codes
Relative If this option is set then F codes are interpreted as
percentage of the full feed rate.
Absolute If this option is set then F codes are interpreted as
millimeters or inches per minute.
Load & Save As...
If you need to read different EIA files from different sources it is
useful to save the settings for each EIA type separately. Save the
settings by using the Save as button and load them back with the
Load button.
See also EIA Programming.
6.4.1

Advanced EIA

Here you can configure the outbits for EIA input. The meaning of
these outbits are explained in the ProMotion Cut manual.
D codes are predefined kerfs used in some systems. Choose
Configure to change the kerf values of D codes.

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6.5

ProMotion Nest v4.32

EIA Output Options

These options apply to the saving of EIA files.

Code Generation
Use these commands to define start and end sequences of different
actions. See Code Sequences for more information.
Unit / Scale
These options set the unit and scale used in saved EIA files.
Coding
If coding is set to absolute, then all the X and Y coordinates are
absolute. Otherwise they are incremental.
I and J codes
I and J codes are the coordinates of the center point of an arc. If set
to absolute, all I and J codes are absolute. Otherwise they are
incremental. If X and Y codes are set to incremental, then I and J
are also incremental.
Program Rotation
If rotation is selected then all generated EIA files are rotated 90
degrees counter clockwise.

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Options Menu

Feed rate codes

No Rapid feed rate If this option is set, then feed rates are not
saved for rapid speed.
Feed rates at the end of line/on separate line Feed rates can be
saved on their own lines or at the end of a code line. This option
determines which way is used. See examples below.
Example 1 (at the end of line):
G01 X10 Y10 F200
Example 2 (on separate line):
F200
G01 X10 Y10
Codes
Rapid move, Linear cut, Arc CW and Arc CCW set the codes, which
are used when saving EIA files. If Null G is linear is selected, then
there will be no code before rapid movement or linear cut.
Load & Save As...
If you need to save different EIA files from different sources which
use various types of EIA, it is useful to save the settings for each
EIA type separately. Save the settings by choosing Save as and
load them back by choosing Load.
See also EIA Programming.

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6.6

ProMotion Nest v4.32

Nesting Options

Common options
Kerf width The kerf width of the selected cutting process.
Clearance Specifies the minimum distance always to be left
between shapes nested on a plate. If this variable is set to zero (0),
the program places them as close to each other as the kerf width
allows.
Fit Part in Part If selected, the program will attempt to place
smaller shapes to the holes of the larger ones.
Part sequence method Shapes can be nested either in an order
set by their surface area or their perimeter. If sort by area is chosen,
then those shapes that have largest surface area will be nested first.
When sort by perimeter is chosen, the shapes which have largest
perimeter will be nested first. (A shape which is long, but thin, has a
great perimeter, but a small surface area.)
Part Options
Step angle When nesting shapes onto a plate, ProMotion Nest
attempts to place them on it in different positions. Between each
attempt, ProMotion Nest rotates the shapes as many degrees as

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Options Menu

given here. A full circle is 360 degrees. Thus, if this variable is set to
90, the shapes will be attempted to nest in four different positions; if
set to 1 degree ProMotion Nest tries 360 different positions.
Obviously, the smaller the step angle, the better the result, but a
small step angle naturally extends the nesting time.
Type of Fit Shapes can be nested according to two principles, the
First Fit and the Center of Gravity Fit. The First Fit setting tells
ProMotion Nestto place the shape in the first position it determines
will work. The Center of Gravity Fit setting tells ProMotion Nest to
calculate the position where the center of gravity of the shape is as
close to the bottom line of the plate as possible. The bottom line of
the plate is selected in the Plate Options (see below).
Plate Options
Collar width Sets the distance to be left between the plates edges
and the outermost shapes. In other words, shapes are never to be
placed closer to the edge of the plate than stated in this variable.
Nesting direction This option sets the axis on what the nesting
process proceeds. Whether the nesting process proceeds to the left
or the right depends on the starting corner setting.
Starting corner Determines which corner the nesting begins at.
Note: If Clearance is greater than Collar width, then Collar width is
set to same as Clearance.
Leadin Options
Ignore leadins during nesting When selected all leadins and
leadouts are ignored during the nesting process. This is a useful
option if shapes are going to be nested and then bridged. Bridging
removes extra leadins that can be ignored.

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6.7

ProMotion Nest v4.32

Language Options

Changes the language used by the user interface of ProMotion

Nest.

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Registration Menu

Registration Menu
Tools to register your ProMotion Nest. software.

7.1

Registration Form
Please fill this form to order software or new software options.
It is also recommended to use this form if you have some technical
problems, especially license related.

7.2

Registrate
Use this dialog to enter your new license number. If you received
your new license as a license file simply copy that file to the
ProMotion Nest directory. If you received the license by fax, then
you should fill in the form carefully and completely.

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Help Menu
8

ProMotion Nest v4.32

Help Menu
Help menu has following items:
Contents Opens the help file on your screen.
About... Provides information about your version of ProMotion
Nest software.

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List Windows

List Windows
There are two list windows on the right hand side of ProMotion
Nest user interface. Those windows are Plate List and Part List.
They both offer several tools for your use.

9.1

Plate List
This window contains a list of all plates, which are opened. The list
is sorted alphabetically. The active plate has a blue bar on it (it is
selected). These tools are available in the plate window:
Activate - Click the name of the plate to activate it.
Nest - Double-Click the name of the plate and it will be automatically
nested.
Popup menu - Right-Click the window to open a popup menu. The
menu contains following commands:
New Plate Creates a new plate
Change plate Changes the plate's size.
Trash Trashes the current plate and the nesting in it.
Rename Renames the current plate.
Nest Automatic nesting on the current plate
Move Nesting to (see below)
Marking Text Activates the marking text tool.
Print Extras (see below)
Move Nesting to
This tool changes the position of the whole nesting. When you
select this tool, the window below appears.

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List Windows

ProMotion Nest v4.32

Left is the nestings distance to the left side of the plate. If this
number is negative, it means that the nesting is over the plate's
edge. Right, bottom and top work in the same way.
You can change left and bottom values. When you choose APPLY
the nesting moves and the values (right and top) in this window are
updated. OK is like APPLY but it also closes this window.
Print Extras
Use this tool to add your own notes at the end of print sheet. When
you print a nesting, these four lines will be at the bottom of the
sheet.

9.2

Part List
This window contains a list of all geometries, which are opened. The
list is sorted alphabetically. The active geometry has a blue bar on it
(it is selected).
These tools are available in the geometry window:
Activate - Choose the name of the geometry to activate it.
Copy to the active plate Double Click the name of the geometry.

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List Windows

Popup menu Right Click the window to open a popup menu. The
menu contains following commands:
Open
Trash
Rename, which renames the active geometry.
Copy to nesting, which copies the active geometry to the active
plate.
Move shapes to origin moves the nesting so that it's minimum X
and Y values are equal to zero.
Add plate creates a plate, puts the nesting on that and moves the
job to the plate list (plate window).
Toggle Group On/Off toggles the status of the active geometry
(geometries) to group or to normal. If there is an asterisk (*) before
the name of the geometry, then it is considered as a group.
DSTV properties shows a little window, which displays data read
from a DSTV file.
Nominal size is by default the part's width x part's length. This
opens a dialog box, which shows the part's nominal size and you
can change it, if you wish. Nominal size is used in NestInfo.
Marking Text

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Miscellaneous
10

Miscellaneous

10.1

Terminology

ProMotion Nest v4.32

Nesting
Nesting is divided in the following way:
Element is the atom of a nesting. Element is the smallest part that
can be edited. There are four different kinds of elements: lines, arcs,
circles and points.
Profile is a combination of one or more elements, which are
connected to each other. At the starting point of a profile the sheet is
pierced and cutting starts. At the end point of a profile the torch is
raised up and cutting stops.
Shape contains one or more profiles. Shape is a logical part, which
has a boundary and possibly has some holes.
Nesting contains all the shapes, but can also be empty.
Transferline
Transferline is a path that the torch follows when it is not cutting.
10.2

Problems?
We have listed here some problems, which occur time to time, and
solutions to them.
1. When starting ProMotion Nest displays the following
message "Registration error! Please, contact your dealer.
Running in demo mode." and starts in the demo mode.
OFFICE PC:
ProMotion Nest requires an activation file (license.txt) and a
dongle to work. Please check the following things:
The dongle is plugged into the PC's USB or LPT port.
You have installed drivers for the dongle.
There is a license file (license.txt) in the ProMotion Nest folder.
If all of the above are ok, then there may be something wrong with

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Miscellaneous

your license file. Please contact your dealer.

ICNC CONTROLLER:
Try to close ProMotion Nest and then start it again. If that didn't
help, please contact your dealer.
10.3

DXF
Overview
DXF format is supported by most present day CAD softwares. DXF
files can be either ASCII or binary formats. Because ASCII DXF files
are more common than the binary format, the term DXF file is used
to refer to ASCII DXF files.
Requirements and Recommendations
DXF files are an interface between CADs and nesting software, like
ProMotion Nest. There are certain recommendations and
requirements when creating and converting DXF to ProMotion
Nest, which should be noticed:
It is useful to put geometries on their own separate layer and
name that layer so that it is easily recognized (e.g. PROFILES).
ProMotion Nest detects different layers and allows the user to
choose which layers to load.
If there are multiple parts, it is a good idea to put each of them on
their own separate layer (e.g. PART1, PART2, etc.).
Line and point markings must be placed on their own layers. Use
POINT or CIRCLE entities for point marking.
Use AutoCAD DXF version 12, when you export files from your
AutoCAD software. Later versions have some new unsupported
features. Those features are not supported, because they give no
extra value to exporting geometric data from AutoCAD to
ProMotion Nest
Draw the parts in 1:1 ratio. Do not scale them. ProMotion Nest
reads the coordinates as they are in a DXF file.
Try to avoid open gaps between different elements. Use
POLYLINE or other objects that draw a continuous line.
All marking objects (point marking, line marking or text objects)
must be inside parts. Outside objects are ignored.
Supported objects are LINE, ARC, CIRCLE, POINT, POLYLINE,
VERTEX, ELLIPSE, TEXT, MTEXT and SEQEND.

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Miscellaneous

ProMotion Nest v4.32

Unsupported CAD features

DWG or binary DXF files are not supported at all.
SPLINE objects are not supported.
Other unsupported objects are INSERT, IMAGE and HATCH.
There are others too, but these are the most common.
Additional Notes
ELLIPSE objects are converted to lines with maximum allowed
error of 0.1 mm. The error level can be adjusted in ini files..
Marking text (TEXT and MTEXT objects) requires the optional
"Advanced Marking" software module.
Scanned drawings which are converted to DXF, usually make poor
CNC code. The scanner generates unnecessary short lines e.g. a
one-inch long straight line may be formed of one-hundred 0.01"
lines. Often times the lines may be too short to be accepted at all.
When that happens ProMotion Nest leaves empty gaps in those
places indicating an open profile, which cannot be nested until all
entities are joined. That is time consuming and in-efficient. This will
cause much larger CNC files to be generated, which leads to longer
operation time at the CNC controller.
When using scanned drawings build them with as long elements as
possible.
10.4

CNC-2
We have developed an advanced CNC-language - Robotic CNC-2.
CNC-2 is more accurate than old Robotic CNC-, ESSI- or
EIA-languages. So far ProMotion Nest is the only software that
supports CNC-2.
CNC-2 is an excellent choice for making backup copies. It saves not
only the nesting, but also the plate.

10.5

Line and Point marking

If a nesting contains line or point markings, they are merged to the
shapes of the nesting. You cannot add, move or alter the markings,
unless you also move the shapes. The only thing you can do to the

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ProMotion Nest v4.32

Miscellaneous

markings themselves is to remove them.

When ProMotion Nest generates cutting program, it will place
possible markings before the cutting in the cutting order. That
means: if shape contains line or point markings, the markings will be
done first and the cutting is done after the markings.
The line marking profiles are drawn in black color.
The point marking points are drawn as black circles with a cross
inside the circle.
10.6

EIA Programming
About functions
There are two types of functions. Those which define movement of
the cutter and those which define some other specific action (i.e.:
"torch on"). All functions have a certain identifier, which can be
changed in EIA options (see ProMotion Nest's options). Syntax of
functions:
Key to syntax:
ID is a string that defines the function.
X, Y, I and J are coordinates. Character X, Y, I or J must be first and
immediately after them should the coordinates follow (like X123.456
Y-12.3 I1234 J0).
Rapid movement: ID X Y
Linear cut (line): ID X Y
Arc: ID X Y I J
Circle: ID I J
All other functions: ID
Example 1
(Comments are in parenthesis)
G90
(Absolute mode)
G21
(Use metric units (millimeters))
G00X100Y300
(Move to point 100, 300)
G41
(Kerf compensation left)
M03

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Miscellaneous

ProMotion Nest v4.32

(Gas torch on)

G01X100Y400
(Linear cut to point 100, 400)
G02X200Y400I150J400
(Clockwise arc to point 200, 400 arc's center at position 150, 400)
G32I150J350
(Clockwise circle of radius 50 and center at position 150, 350)
M05
(Gas torch off)
M02
(End of program)
Example 2
G00X100Y100
M03
G32I50J0
M05
M02
As you can see there is no definition of the kerf compensation,
programming mode or units type. In this case the defaults are used.
The defaults can be set in ProMotion Nest's EIA options. Let us
assume that the programming mode is absolute, but I and J codes
are incremental and units are millimeters. In that case the program
would create a circle which center would be at position 150
(100+50), 100 (100+0). If I and J codes would also be absolute then
the center of the circle would be 50, 0.
10.7

SendTo
If you add a shortcut to ProMotion Nest into Windows' Send To
folder, you can send files to ProMotion Nest directly from the
Windows Explorer.

10.8

ini files
In the folder where ProMotion Nest is installed, there is a folder
named ini. That folder contains some configuration files, which are
really useful in some cases.
The format of each ini file is the same. The format is:

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Miscellaneous

ID, TYPE, DATA, INFO

ID is the identification number of that setting. Do not change it!
TYPE is the type of the DATA. Do not change it!
DATA is the actual setting. You can modify this.
INFO is a short description of the setting. You can modify this, if you
want to.
This is an example from tools.ini
10,1,1,DNC COM Port [default: 1]
ID = 10
TYPE = 1
DATA = 1
INFO = DNC COM Port [default: 1]
A brief description of some ini files:
tools.ini is probably the most important of ini files. There you can
change the behavior of some tools and set some error margins. The
settings here are such that you shouldn't need to touch these in
most of the cases. These settings are for special cases where
standard is not working well enough.
ui.ini contains some settings related to the user interface.
10.9

Command line parameters

There are a couple of command line parameters which can be used
when starting ProMotion Nest.
-min Starts the software with its window minimized.
-is This parameter must be used with a cnc file. When using this
parameter ProMotion Nest reads the file in with raw import. After
that it sends the file to cutting, trashes the nesting and minimizes
itself. This parameter is useful only when using an iCNC controller.
Example of usage:
pmnest.exe -is C:\CuttingPrograms\testFile.eia

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ProMotion Nest v4.32

cutting order

Index

-D-

-Aadd transferline point

advanced EIA 74
anchor 61
autofill 53

DNC 39
drill select
dxf 86

58

62

-E-

-Bbridge

54

56

-Cchain cutting 9, 57
change compensation side 45
change cutting direction 45
change cutting order 54
change piercing point 45
change split 35
cnc2 87
coating lines 60
code sequences 71
collision 43
command line parameters 90
common cut 61
common cutting 39
compare 24
copy 42
cost calculator 20
cut 43
cut to line marking 51
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edit plate 32
edit plate with the machine
EIA options 72
EIA output 75
eia programming 88
ESSI options 70
exit 40
export 40

33

-Ffeed rate profile

feed rates 26
file menu 38
freeze 53

29

-Ggroups

51

-Hhandling options
help menu 81

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hole to point

50

-N-

-Iimport
ini files

nest 25
nestinfo 18
nesting options
new plate 7

40
89

-Jjoin profiles

77

-O46

-Llanguage options
leadin 46
leadout 46
line marking 51
list windows 82

79

-Mmachining tolerance 60
macro 9
marking 50, 51, 87
marking text 50
material cost 25
MicroCAD 16
mirror 45
mirror plate 35
move 43
move to origin 35
multinest 51
multitorch 62

offset 61
open 8
optimize 54
optimize cutting order
options menu 66
outbits 41

-Ppan view 36
part list 83
paste 43
pick part 64
plate editor 32, 33
plate list 82
plate-part-plate 62
point marking 50, 59
print 39
problems 85
programmed stop 39
ProMotion Nest 1

-Rraw import

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39

54

ProMotion Nest v4.32

registrate 80
registration form 80
registration menu 80
remove 42
rotate 44
rotate plate 35
rows and columns 14
ruler 65

-VValue is kerf width

view menu 41

72

-Z-

-S-

zoom

36

save as 38
scrap cutting 58
SendTo 89
set origin 34
show nesting area 34
show parts 65
special tool options 69
special tools 59
split element 46
stop 39

-Tteach 33
terminology 85
toolbar 5, 41
transferlines 41
trash 37
triangle nest 51

-Uundo

36

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