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OptiShip™ is a powerful automated nesting and NC Programming software package designed to meet the specific production requirements of shipbuilders. The flow chart below illustrates how the features of this software work together to deliver the range of benefits OptiShip™ users enjoy.
In addition to the information below, you can click on any of the modules identified here for a more detailed explanation of how it works.
Working with Part Designs
CAD drawings along with pertinent pre-programmed inputs and manufacturing attributes are imported into Optimation® software. OptiShip™ is compatible with a wider range of CAD formats than any other nesting software.
OptiShip™ also:
- Includes symbol name, location, orientation and scale in part geometry when specified.
- Includes Beveling Configuration Table contains torch setting information (angle, offset, on/off) for single and triple head bevel torches.
- Accepts part information in the DFREC format.
From CAD to CAM
The software automatically checks and cleans the CAD geometries and translates them into an NC Part Program . . . or alerts you if errors are present. It also assigns the machining process and creates the tool paths. Parts are stored in the Master File of the Part Library to allow for quality control mechanisms such as First Article Inspection and engineering changes.
OptiShip™ also:
- Automatically creates and libraries center and starboard versions of the port part input, if symmetry parts are required.
- Automatically updates nest to accommodate part revisions, including replacing the geometry of any modified part with the updated part geometry.
A Storehouse of Knowledge
Material, machine and tool parameters are stored in the Knowledge Base, 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 situation.
Entering The Orders
Users can manually key orders into OptiShip™ directly, or it can be interfaced to any scheduling system that outputs an ASCII file, eliminating the need to manually re-enter. Orders are automatically checked to ensure that the part can be produced and "flagged," if needed (for First Article Inspection, for example, or if engineering changes are detected). All clean orders are placed in the Active Order File while those not passing inspection are sent to the Suspended Orders File.
Creating the Nest
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's Master File and, drawing on the parameters you have established in the "Knowledge Base," create the optimal nesting pattern. The Nesting Module's ability to use several intelligent tools to create the nest is one of the primary advantages of Optimation's® software and, ultimately, the feature that enables you to get the parts you need, when you need them, in their exact quantities, at the lowest cost.
OptiShip™ also:
- Efficiently nests flat bar parts, known as stiffeners.
- Automatically creates production plans for efficient cutting of parts from profile materials (I-beams, C-channels, etc.).
- Automatically switches from symmetry to double plate to single plate when nesting efficiencies fall below predefined minimum acceptable limits.
- Automatically considers part from user-defined alternative materials if there is empty space in the nest.
- Nests together parts from alternative work centers.
Communicating with the Operator and Machine Tool
Finally, the nest code is sent to the machine tool for fabrication in machine specific numeric code. In addition, the software automatically generates a nest summary report and plot to give the operator a comprehensive overview of each nest.
OptiShip™ also:
- Adds bridging between parts to manage the heat build up.
- Modifies cutting contour by changing it to a marking contour for later manual cutting.
- Converts all cutting geometry to marking geometry.
- Allows the user to move either a single part or group of parts by digitizing a reference point on the part and then digitizing a target point.
- Allows user to interactively place tabs anywhere on the nest.
- Can display machine process sequence on a part-by-part or whole nest basis for verification before creating the NC commands.
- Creates text labeling commands based on the characters' geometry.
- Outputs NC or ESSI formats.
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