How OptiLaser^™ Works

Working with Part Designs

CAD drawings along with pertinent pre-programmed inputs and manufacturing attributes are imported into Optimation^® software directly from your CAD system or in combination with your CAD system and your manufacturing database. This design allows you to have a single database where you store your design and manufacturing database allowing Concurrent Engineering practices. Optimation is compatible with a wider range of CAD formats than any other nesting software. Learn More about the CAD Interface.

From CAD to CAM

The software automatically checks and cleans the CAD geometries and translates them into a CNC Part Program . . . or alerts you if uncorrectable errors are present. It also assigns the machining process and creates the tool paths. Parts are stored in the Part Library to allow for quality control mechanisms such as First Article Inspection and engineering changes. For manufacturers using Solidworks, AutoDesk Inventor, or Pro-Engineer/Creo CAD 3D solid modeling programs, our Partners offer an embedded CAD interface that extracts the 3D model and converts it to flat patterns for automated nesting. Learn more about Automatic Part Programming.

Storehouse of Knowledge

Optimation has the only expert system for programming and nesting. Our expert system uses a knowledge base of information that includes general parameters, material parameters, machine parameters and tool parameters, along with other key attributes about your operation. Similarly, design and key values of the ready-to-nest part program are stored in the Part Library where they are available for immediate use. Considered together, these variables can be used to create the most "intelligent" nesting pattern possible . . . i.e. the one best suited to the needs of your manufacturing environment. Learn More about the Knowledge Base.

Entering The Orders

Optimation integrates into your system by taking orders directly from your order generation software. This avoids manually keying orders into Optimation directly. We provide interfaces to any scheduling system through a variety of formats and options. Orders are automatically checked to ensure that the part can be produced including revision checking. Exceptions are "flagged" for review if needed. Clean orders with their scheduling requirements are placed in the Active Order File ready to be nested automatically and intelligently on schedule, in exact quantities. Part orders are automatically sorted into like material families (no need to sort them by material in the scheduling software). Learn More about the Automatic Order Entry.

Creating the Nest

Sometimes a new technology overtakes and obsoletes all previous methods. Optimation is the only company to develop Vision Emulation^™ and Multi-Dimensional-Combinatorial Nesting^™ technology that obsoletes all other nesting methods. See our full explanation of how the new technology greatly improves your nest efficiency and machine performance. This module enables the software to read the Active Order File for the current demand of parts, extract the appropriate ready-to-nest parts from the Part Library and, drawing on the parameters you have established in the "Knowledge Base," create the optimal nesting pattern. The Nesting Module enables you to get the parts you need, when you need them, in their exact quantities, at the lowest cost. Learn More about the AxiomVE Nesting Engine.

Communicating with the Operator and Machine Tool

Finally, the nest code is sent to the machine tool for fabrication in machine specific numeric code that optimizes the machine's performance. In addition, the software automatically generates a nest summary report and plot to give the operator a comprehensive overview of each nest. Counting and memory tasks are eliminated through our unique human interface. The operator stays focused on cutting the parts and shipping them to the next operation; no complex tasks of part count and tracking. Learn more about the Machine Interface.