Optimation Dyanmic Nesting Software

There are a lot of terms tossed around to describe types of nesting.  “Dynamic” is one of those terms, and, unfortunately, often its meaning gets lots in translation.

What is Nesting?

First, let’s be clear about what nesting is and is not.  Nesting in fabrication describes the laying out of multiple 2D or 1D-parts in a defined space to be cut from flat stock (sheet metal, composite material, etc.).  Typically, the nesting goals include material efficiency and/or response time / throughput.

Additionally, the nesting process implies the creation of the part program suitable for manufacturing and a tool path to direct the cutting by CNC machine.

Not – Single Part Programming

What nesting doesn’t include is “single part programming.”  When single part programming, the programmer is placing one – often very large – part on a single sheet of material.  The reason single part programming isn’t under the umbrella of nesting is because of the single part nature of the program.  There aren’t multiple parts to arrange in an optimal manner to create a “nest.”

Dynamic Nesting

Dynamic nesting points to a fluid or varied part selection as to be distinguished from “static.”  Dynamic and can mean one or both of two things.  First, it can point to the variety and complexity of the orders.  There can be many, many different orders ranging in due date, size, number of parts, size of parts and even materials.  It also reflects the rapidity of change.  Orders can and often do come in with great frequency…creating a very dynamic environment.  The other aspect of dynamic nesting points to the variety and complexity of the parts.  Dynamic nesting manages many, many different part sizes, shapes, materials, cutting requirements, cutting constraints, tooling, and much more.

Dynamic nesting seeks to manage a real world environment of constant and rapid change sent down from scheduling and engineering/design.

Dynamic nesting realizes there is only one constant “change.”  And it is flexible enough to adapt to that environment and still control material and programming costs.

For more on advanced nesting check out these two reports:

1.  Eight Ways to Recognize a Quality Nest
2. Understanding Nesting Strategies and Tactics

For more on Dynamic Nesting visit this blog post – Dynamic Nesting v. Static Nesting | 6 Comparison Points

For more on advanced nesting software – capable of handling dynamic nesting visit – nesting software or contact Optimation.