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MOST 2D

Operation Manual
For
Nesting & Cutting Module

Kartik Cad Cam Consultants


15, Vardhamanpuri,
Sant Janabai Road,
Vile Parle(East),
Mumbai 400 057,
India.
Phone: 0091 22 26191082
Fax: 0091 22 26176136
Email: sales@most2d.com
Website: http://www.most2d.com

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Introduction
Thank you for choosing MOST 2D. This is the main module of the software which
supports nesting as well as cutting features. Once you generate the input shape drawings,
you can nest the shapes and generate g-codes for cnc gas / plasma / laser / waterjet
cutting machines using this module.

The document Know More enclosed with your package will help you get started with the
software with simple instructions. For more details, kindly select the Contents section in
the main help window, which describes stepwise procedure for nesting and cutting. Note,
the hotkey for stocklist (inventory) is F11, shapelist (bill of materials) is F12 and
automatic nesting is F5.

You will find sample job files under samples directory inside your installation folder.
You can open the nested job files (like cnctest.job) by pressing Control+O and input job
files (like smartest.ajb & firstest.ajb) by pressing Control+A on your keyboard. The
installation folder also contains number of shape drawing files (like frame.mdf) using
which you can create your own jobs and nest them.

ITEM, the cad module accompanying this software allows you to generate simple 2-D
shape drawings and supports a batch mode converter for reading dxf / dwg / g-code files.
Material Engineer is another module that allows you to define cutting properties (like
kerf/ speed / leadin length) for various types of raw materials. For customized
applications, the software may support additional modules / functions as mutually agreed.

After installing the software, you will need to attach the dongle / hardware lock behind
your computer and copy the necessary drivers, in order to run the professional as well as
standard edition of the software. For installation procedure, please refer to the
installation guide enclosed with your package. If you face any problem while installing
or using the software, kindly send us an email along with the necessary description / data
files at sales@most2d.com or ksa@vsnl.com.

Thanx again.

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Features
MOST 2D - Professional supports the following modules / features.

• ITEM module for generating standard shapes and 2-D part drawings.
• Converter for reading dxf / dwg / g-code files from other cad / cam
software.
• Automatic nesting on multiple stocks as well as offcuts / remnant stocks.
• Interactive nesting using add, remove, move, rotate and mirror
commands.
• Automatic as well as interactive toolpath generation and sequencing.
• Automatic as well as interactive leadin - leadout generation.
• Automatic as well as interactive offcut generation.
• Multiple torch cutting.
• Common edge cutting.
• Stitch cutting for reducing thermal distortion.
• Chain cutting for reducing the number of piercing operations.
• Shortcut contours for scrap cutting.
• CNC code generation for multiple cutting machines.
• Printed report for each nested layout.
• Customizable statistical report for single as well as multiple nested jobs.
• Material engineer module for user defined database of raw material
properties.

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How to set units of measurement
You can define the units of measurement as shown below.

1. Select the command Job Units.


2. You will see the Units dialog box. Define the units of your choice in the dialog box.
3. Select the OK button in the dialog box.

MOST 2D uses these units at all the places in the software where the unit of measurement
is not stated explicitly. Moreover, these units are carried forward to the next session, so
that your selections stay in effect permanently until you change them again using the
same procedure as described here.

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How to define settings
You can configure your working environment by setting the appropriate options, as
described below.

1. Select the command Job Options.


2. MOST 2D will show you the current settings in a property sheet.
3. Select the appropriate group from the top of the property sheet and modify the options
defined within the group as per your choice. Select the OK button in the end.

Note, these options are carried forward to the next session, so that your selections stay in
effect permanently until you change them again using the same procedure as described
here.

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Define a job
The first step is to define a job. MOST 2D maintains all its data in the form of jobs.

At the input stage, a job consists of list of shapes (bill of materials), list of stocks
(inventory) and constraints (nesting / cutting parameters). You can define this data one by
one as described in the following topics.

Topics

 How to create an item drawing


 How to define constraints
 How to add a fresh shape to a job
 How to modify properties of a shape
 How to remove a shape from a job
 How to add a fresh stock to a job
 How to add a used stock to a job
 How to modify properties of a stock
 How to remove a stock from a job
 Stepwise procedure for creating a job

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How to create an item drawing
Typically, an item drawing used by MOST 2D contains some more information than a
traditional manufacturing drawing and hence, such a drawing needs to be defined more
carefully. Item drawings can be generated from ITEM software, which is the cad module
accompanying MOST 2D software. However, it is also possible to generate an item
drawing in another cad software and read it in MOST 2D software. It is also possible to
generate an item drawing in another cad software, import it into ITEM software, edit it
suitably (like adding leadin/leadout profile to the drawing) and save it again, which can
be later nested using MOST 2D software.

Experience tells us that more than 50% of problems reported by our users are due to
incorrect drawing creation. Hence, we suggest you to observe the following guidelines
while saving item drawings either in a dxf file or in an item drawing file.

• Typically, a cutting tool is supposed to travel over each point in an item profile and
hence, it is necessary that each profile in an item drawing is a continuous profile. In
other words, each entity in an item profile should be connected end-to-end with its
immediate neighbours. The start point of each entity must coincide exactly with the
end point of the previous entity in the profile. There should not be any gap,
intersection or overlap at the start point as well as the end point of each entity in a
profile. This condition is automatically ensured when you define the profile as a
polyline in a dxf file.

• Some profiles in an item drawing represent physical boundaries of a component and


they should be defined as close profiles. The start point of such a profile must
coincide exactly with the end point of the profile. There should not be any gap,
intersection or overlap at the beginning (which should be same as the end) of the
profile. This condition is automatically ensured when you close a polyline explicitly
in a dxf file.

• No profile in an item drawing should intersect or overlap any other profile in the
same drawing. (The only exception to this rule are the leadin and leadout profiles
which can touch the parent profile at a common point.) Similarly, no profile should
intersect or overlap itself in a drawing.

• An item drawing may consist of different types of profiles, each playing a different
and definite role during the subsequent stages of nesting and cutting. Hence, it is
necessary to associate appropriate type with each input profile, as explained in dxf
file and item drawing file sections.

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• A close profile may either enclose material or void. In other words, it can either be an
outermost boundary of a component or it could represent a hole in the component.
Accordingly, the profile should be defined as either a matter profile or a space profile,
since MOST 2D treats them differently during the nesting and cutting phases. This is
done by defining the type of area enclosed by each close profile, as explained in dxf
file and item drawing file sections. (Note, this information is irrelevant for open
profiles.)

• Typically, an open profile (like leadin or leadout) represents the movement of the
cutting tool. In such cases, one must be careful about the overall trace of the profile.
For example, if the cutting tool has to trace a leadin profile from point A to point B,
you have to start the leadin profile at point A and end it at point B. The reverse trace
will not work. (Note, this information is irrelevant for close profiles.)

• While defining an open profile (like leadin or leadout), one must also be careful about
the location of the cutting tool with respect to the overall trace of the profile. In other
words, you must define the position of the cutting tool (on the left side or on the right
side), as explained in dxf file and item drawing file sections. You must ensure that the
cutting tool position is the same for leadin as well as leadout, whenever they are
defined together for a close item profile. (Note, this information is not necessary for
close profiles.)

• Leadin must end exactly on a close body profile and leadout (if present) must start
exactly from a close body profile. Besides, both the leadin and leadout (if present)
must meet exactly at the same point on the close body profile and they must have
identical cutting tool location i.e. left or right.

• All the above mentioned checks are performed on floating point numbers (real
numbers) and are performed within a certain tolerance limit. For proper results, it is
necessary to save a dxf file as well as an item drawing file with a precision of at least
8 digits after the decimal point.

• No two points in a close profile should be closer to each other than the minimum
separation (2*T+C), as specified under the constraints. (Actually, MOST 2D can
handle such profiles successfully in almost all possible cases. However, it can fail
under certain exceptional circumstances.)

Finally, all the drawings must be created and saved as per the additional instructions
under dxf file and item drawing file sections.

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How to define constraints
You can define the constraints while creating a new job as shown below.

1. Select the command Job Constraints.


2. You will see the Constraints dialog box. Define the constraints in this dialog box.
3. Select the OK button in the dialog box.

You can define and edit the constraints any number of times before nesting a job.
However, MOST 2D will not allow you to edit certain constraints (like clearance and
toolsize) once you have nested the job.

Note
If you are using material engineer with the selected job, then MOST 2D will read the
constraints directly from the material engineer file. In that case, MOST 2D will not
display the Constraints dialog box in response to this command and you will have to edit
the material engineering file for modifying the constraints.

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How to add a fresh shape to a job
You can add a new shape to the active job as described below.

1. Define a shape drawing and save it in a file. (See How to create an item drawing.)
2. Select the command Job Shapelist.
3. You will see the Shapelist dialog box. Select the Add button in the shapelist dialog
box. (MOST 2D skips this step in teach mode, if the active job does not contain any
input shape.)
4. You will see the File Open dialog box. Select the name of the shape drawing file and
click the Open button in the File Open dialog box. (You can select 2 or more shape
drawing files in this step itself. In that case, the following two steps will be executed
once for each shape drawing file selected.)
5. Next, you will see the New Shape dialog box on the screen, asking you to input the
description of the new shape. Type the description (either a name or an identification
code) and click the OK button in the dialog box.
6. MOST 2D will display the default properties of the shape. Modify them if you want
and click the OK button in the end.
7. Select the Close button in the shapelist dialog box.

Note
You can also add a complete model consisting of multiple shapes to the active job using
the command File Import Model.

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How to modify the properties of a shape
You can modify the properties of a shape as described below.

1. Select the command Job Shapelist.


2. You will see the Shapelist dialog box. Traverse the Shape description list using the up
/ down arrow keys on the keyboard or select the desired shape using the left mouse
button. The selected shape is highlighted, with its drawing displayed inside the preview
area. (Note, you can also select multiple shapes from the list by keeping the Control
key pressed, while selecting each shape from the list.)
3. Select the Properties button in the shapelist dialog box or click on the selected area
with right mouse button.
4. MOST 2D will display the properties of the shape. Modify the properties as per your
choice and click the OK button in the end.
5. Select the Close button in the shapelist dialog box.

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How to remove a shape from a job
You can remove a shape from a job as shown below.

1. Select the command Job Shapelist.


2. You will see the Shapelist dialog box. Traverse the Shape description list using the up
/ down arrow keys on the keyboard or select the desired shape using the left mouse
button. The selected shape is highlighted, with its drawing displayed inside the preview
area.
3. Select the Remove button in the shapelist dialog box or press the Delete key on the
keyboard.
4. Select the Yes button in the confirmation dialog box that appears on the screen.
5. Select the Close button in the shapelist dialog box.

Note
You can not remove a shape which has been already nested on one of the layouts. In such
a case, you must first remove the layout using Layout Rejection menu before removing
the shape from the job.

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How to add a fresh stock to a job
You can add a fresh rectangular stock to a job as described below.

1. Select the command Job Stocklist.


2. You will see the Stocklist dialog box. Select the Add fresh stock button in the stocklist
dialog box. (MOST 2D will skip this step in teach mode if the active job does not
contain any input stock.)
3. You will see another dialog box asking you to input the dimensions of the stock
rectangle. Type the size of the rectangle in this dialog box.
4. The next dialog box will ask you to type the description of the new stock. Type the
description (either a name or an identification code) of the stock and click the OK
button in the description dialog box.
5. MOST 2D will display the default properties of the stock. Modify them if you want and
click the OK button in the end.
6. Select the Close button in the stocklist dialog box.

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How to add a used stock to a job
You can add a used stock to a job as described below.

1. Define the stock drawing and save it in an appropriate drawing file. (See How to create
an item drawing and How to create an offcut stock.)
2. Select the command Job Stocklist.
3. You will see the Stocklist dialog box. Select the Add used stock button in the dialog
box. (MOST 2D will skip this step in teach mode if the active job does not contain any
input stock and will prompt you to define the size of a new rectangular stock. In that
case, select the Cancel button in the dialog box that appears on the screen and then,
carry out this step.)
4. You will see the File Open dialog box. Select the name of the stock drawing file and
click the Open button in the File Open dialog box.
5. Next, you will see the New Stock dialog box asking you to input the description of the
used stock. Type the description (either a name or an identification code) of the stock
and click the OK button in the description dialog box.
6. MOST 2D will display the default properties of the stock. Modify them if you want and
click the OK button in the end.
7. Select the Close button in the stocklist dialog box.

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How to modify the properties of a stock
You can modify the properties of a stock as described below.

1. Select the command Job Stocklist.


2. You will see the Stocklist dialog box. Traverse the Stock description list using the up /
down arrow keys on the keyboard or select the desired stock using the left mouse
button. The selected stock is highlighted, with its drawing displayed inside the preview
area.
3. Select the Properties button in the stocklist dialog box or double click on the selected
stock.
4. MOST 2D will display the properties of the stock. Modify the properties as per your
choice and click the OK button in the end.
5. Select the Close button in the stocklist dialog box.

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How to remove a stock from a job
You can remove a stock from a job as shown below.

1. Select the command Job Stocklist.


2. You will see the Stocklist dialog box. Traverse the Stock description list using the up /
down arrow keys on the keyboard or select the desired stock using the left mouse
button. The selected stock is highlighted, with its drawing displayed inside the preview
area.
3. Select the Remove button in the stocklist dialog box or press the Delete key on the
keyboard.
4. Select the Yes button in the confirmation dialog box that appears on the screen.
5. Select the Close button in the stocklist dialog box.

Note
You can not remove a stock which has been already nested on one of the layouts. In such
a case, you must first remove the layout using Layout Rejection menu before removing
the stock from the job.

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Stepwise procedure for creating a job
You can create a new job in MOST 2D, as shown below.

1. Select the command File New to begin a new job.


2. Define the constraints. (See How to define constraints.)
3. Add all the stocks which are available for nesting, one by one. (See How to add a fresh
stock and How to add a used stock.)
4. Add all the models to be produced using the command File Import Model.
5. Add all the shapes to be nested, one by one. (See How to add a fresh shape.)
6. Select the command File Save in order to save the job in a job file.

Alternatively, you can also define a job by reading a job file using the command File
Open. Finally, you can also read an existing job from a foundation file using the
command File Import Foundation File.

Note
If you are working in teach mode, MOST 2D will automatically prompt you to provide
the above data one by one and will start the nesting process as soon as it receives all the
data, whenever you start a new job.

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How to nest a job
You can nest a job automatically as described below.

1. Create a job. If the job is already defined in MOST 2D, click on the job window to
activate it. (See How to create a job for details.)
2. Select the command Fit Go.
3. You will see the progress window on the screen indicating the nesting status. This
window remains on the screen while MOST 2D is nesting the job.
4. After some time, the progress window will disappear from the screen, indicating that
the job has been nested. Now, you can see the nested layouts using commands under
View menu.

If you re-nest a job using the above-mentioned method, MOST 2D removes all the nested
layouts from the active job, except those which have been confirmed using the Layout
Confirmation menu. Hence, before re-nesting a job, it is advisable to save the nested job
in a job file using the command File Save or File Save As, in order to maintain a
copy of the work done so far.

However, if you re-nest a stock using the command Fit Build, you can retain the
changes made by you manually and nest new shapes only in the remaining empty area of
the nested layout. In this case also, before executing the command, it is advisable to save
the nested job in a job file in order to maintain a copy of the work done so far.

Note
While working in teach mode, if you start a new job, MOST 2D will automatically
prompt you to specify the constraints, stocklist and shapelist, one by one. At the end of it
(i.e. after you specify the shapelist), MOST 2D will automatically start nesting the job. In
that case, you do not have to carry out the above mentioned procedure for nesting the
newly created job.

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How to view the results
MOST 2D displays the first nested layout on your screen, after completing the nesting
process. One by one, you can view each nested layout in detail using commands like
zoom / pan / simulate under the View menu. You may also get detailed statistical
information like cost / time / consumption for the nested job, as described in the
following topics.

Topics

 How to get nesting statistics


 How to estimate consumption (Material and cutting agent)
 How to estimate cost (Material and cutting agent)
 How to estimate time
 How to study a nested layout
 How to study a cutting plan

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How to get nesting statistics
You can view the nesting statistics for a job by selecting the command File Statistics.
MOST 2D displays the information in Job Statistics dialog box on the screen.

After viewing the statistics, you can close the dialog box by selecting the OK button.

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How to estimate consumption
(Material and cutting agent)
You can obtain the consumption data for a nested layout as described below.

1. Display the desired layout on the screen using commands under View menu.
2. Select the command Result Report.
3. MOST 2D will display the layout property sheet on the screen.
4. Select the Layout tab from the top of the property sheet.
5. You will see the raw material consumption data in the layout property page.
6. Select the Cut tab from the top of the property sheet.
7. You will see the consumption of cutting agents in the cutting property page.
8. Select the OK button in the property sheet after noting down the data.

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How to estimate cost (Material and cutting agent)
You can calculate the cost associated with a nested layout as shown below.

1. Display the desired layout on the screen using commands under View menu.
2. Select the command Result Estimate.
3. You will see the cost figures in the Estimation dialog box.
4. Select the OK button in the dialog box after noting down the costs.

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How to estimate time
You can obtain the total cutting time for a nested layout as described below.

1. Display the desired layout on the screen using commands under View menu.
2. Select the command Result Estimate.
3. You will see the cutting time and other related information in the Estimation dialog
box.
4. Select the OK button in the dialog box after noting down the relevant details.

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How to study a nested layout
You can study a nested layout as shown below.

1. Maximize MOST 2D window to cover the entire screen.


2. Maximize the active job window to cover the entire MOST 2D window.
3. Display the desired layout on the screen using commands under View menu.
4. Select the command View Details Clearance Limits to check the clearance limits.
5. For viewing other details (like cutting sequence), select the appropriate command under
View Details submenu.
6. You can also get more information about the geometry of the nested layout using
commands under Tools Inquiry submenu.

You can use the above procedure with the Zoom in, Zoom out and Pan commands under
View menu, in order to examine the nested layout at different locations. You can also
find the coordinates of a point in a nested layout from the Status Bar by positioning the
mouse at that location on the screen.

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How to study a cutting plan
You can study the cutting plan of a nested layout as described below.

1. Maximize MOST 2D window to cover the entire screen.


2. Maximize the active job window to cover the entire MOST 2D window.
3. Display the desired layout on the screen using commands under View menu.
4. Select the command View Details Cutting Sequence to view the cutting plan on
the screen, along with all the cutting sequence numbers.
5. For viewing other details (like cutting sense), select the appropriate command under
View Details submenu.
6. You can also get more information about the cutting plan using commands under Tools
Inquiry submenu.

You can use the above procedure with the Zoom in, Zoom out and Pan commands under
View menu, in order to examine the cutting plan at different locations. You can also find
the coordinates of a point in the cutting plan from the Status Bar by positioning the
mouse at that location on the screen.

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How to modify a nested layout
MOST 2D allows you to fine tune a nested layout manually after completing the
automatic nesting process. The software also allows you to nest automatically in the
empty region of a stock using the Fit Build command, after modifying the layout
manually. While executing manual nesting commands, MOST 2D also checks the layout
for common mistakes and reports errors, whenever required.

The following topics describe different ways of modifying a nested layout.

Topics

• How to select a nested shape from a layout


• How to add a new shape to a layout
• How to remove nested shapes from a layout
• How to make an array of nested shapes in a layout
• How to move nested shapes to another location in a layout
• How to rotate nested shapes around a point in a layout
• How to mirror nested shapes around X-Y axis in a layout
• How to validate a layout
• How to renest a layout by ignoring all modifications & nesting the entire stock
again
• How to build a layout by keeping all modifications & nesting on the rest of the
stock area only

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How to select a nested shape from a layout

You can select a nested shape by clicking the left mouse button near any one of its
profiles within a nested layout. The selected shape will be immediately drawn with dotted
lines on the screen, instead of the usual continuous lines.

You can select more than one shape in a nested layout by clicking on different shape
drawings one after the other. At each stage, the status bar shows the total number of
shapes selected by you.

You can also select nested shapes by drawing a rubber band rectangle on the screen. (See
How to draw a rubber band rectangle.) All the shapes which lie completely inside the
rubber band rectangle can be selected together, using this single command.

Finally, whenever required, you can select all the shapes in a nested layout simply by
selecting the command Select All from Edit menu.

You can reject a shape (i.e. un-select a shape) by clicking the left mouse button near any
one of the selected shape profiles, keeping the Shift key pressed. You can reject all the
selected shapes by pressing the Escape key. Note, this procedure does not remove a
nested shape from the active layout, it just removes it from the list of selected shapes.

Note

• While selecting (or rejecting) a nested shape using the mouse, you must click the left
mouse button near one of the native shape profiles only. The shape may not be
selected, if you click near a clearance boundary or a cutting cycle.
• In multiple torch cutting application, MOST 2D will allow you to select shapes from
the nested layout generated by the main (reference) torch only. The nested shapes for
the remaining torches (which are drawn with different color) can not be selected
using the above mentioned procedure.

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• In a multiple torch cutting application MOST 2D allows you to use different
combinations of multiple torches on different regions of a nested layout. In such
cases, you can perform manual nesting on the nested layout, just like any other
layout. (See How to modify a nested layout.) However, for each such editing
operation, you must take care to select shapes from the same torch group i.e. shapes
which have to cut with identical number of cutting torches, with identical torch
separation distance.

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How to add a new shape to a layout
You can add a new shape to the active layout as described below.

1. Select the command Fit Add.


2. You will see the Shapelist dialog box. This dialog box will show you the list of all the
shapes in the input job. Traverse the Shape description list using the up / down arrow
keys on the keyboard or select the desired shape using the left mouse button. (The
selected shape is always highlighted.)
3. Specify the number of torches required to cut the selected shape, if you would like to
cut the shape with multiple torches.
4. Select the button Add this shape to layout in the shapelist dialog box.
5. The new shape will be added at the top-right corner of the nested area. You may have
to use the commands View Zoom out or View Pan in order to see the shape. Later,
you can fit the new shape manually at desired location using other commands under the
Fit menu.

Note, this procedure can not be used if the active layout has already been confirmed using
the Layout Confirmation menu.

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How to remove nested shapes from a layout
You can remove a group of nested shapes from the active layout as described below.

1. Select the shapes which you would like to remove from the active layout. (The selected
shapes will be drawn with dotted lines.)
2. Select the command Fit Delete or press the Delete on the keyboard.
3. Select the Yes button in the confirmation dialog box that appears on the screen.

This procedure can not be used if the active layout has already been confirmed using the
Layout Confirmation menu.

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How to make an array of nested shapes in a layout
You can generate a rectangular array of a group of nested shapes in the active layout as
shown below.

1. Select the group of shapes which you would like to repeat in the array.
2. Select the command Fit Repeat.
3. You will see the Array dialog box. Specify the distance and total number required in
both horizontal and vertical directions.
4. Select the OK button in the dialog box.
5. MOST 2D will create the array as per your specifications. (Note, you may have to use
the command View Zoom out or View Pan in order to see the complete array.)

Note, this procedure can not be used if the active layout has already been confirmed using
the Layout Confirmation menu.

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How to move nested shapes
You can move a group of nested shapes to a different location in the active layout using
one of the following methods.

Method 1

1. Select the group of shapes which you would like to slide. (The selected shapes will be
drawn with dotted lines.)
2. Select the appropriate command from Fit Slide submenu in order to slide the selected
shapes along the desired direction.
3. MOST 2D moves the selected shapes along the specified direction by maximum
possible distance, so as to touch the nearest stock boundary or the nearest shape profile
in the active layout.

Method 2

1. Select the group of shapes which you would like to move. (The selected shapes will be
drawn with dotted lines.)
2. Select the command Fit Move.
3. MOST 2D will prompt you to select start point as well as end point for the shift, one by
one. The imaginary line that joins the two points represents the direction as well as
distance by which the selected shapes will be moved eventually. You can use the point
snapping facility while specifying these points.
4. Once you specify both the points successfully, MOST 2D moves the selected shapes in
the specified direction by the specified distance.

Method 3

1. Select the group of shapes which you would like to move. (The selected shapes will be
drawn with dotted lines.)
2. Select the command Fit Transform.
3. You will see the Transformation dialog box. Specify the shift distance along the
horizontal as well as vertical direction in Step 2 inside the dialog box. (Keep all the
values under Step 1 as zero.)
4. Select the OK button in the transformation dialog box. MOST 2D will move the
selected shapes by the specified values.

You may have to use the Zoom out and Pan commands under the View menu in order to
see the selected shapes at their new location. Note, you can not use any of the above-
mentioned procedures if the active layout has already been confirmed using the Layout
Confirmation menu.

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How to rotate nested shapes
You can rotate a group of nested shapes by specified angle around a given point in the
active layout, using one of the following methods.

Method 1

1. Select the group of shapes which you would like to rotate. (The selected shapes will be
drawn with dotted lines.)
2. Select the command Fit Rotate Any Angle.
3. MOST 2D will prompt you to select the center of rotation. Select the center-point by
clicking the left mouse button at the appropriate location in the layout. You can use the
point snapping facility while selecting the center of rotation.
4. Next, MOST 2D will prompt you to select another point on the screen to find the angle
of rotation. Until you select this point, the software keeps on rotating the selected
shapes as you keep changing the position of the mouse on the screen, in order to give
you an idea about the resulting orientation of the nested shapes at that location.
5. Once you select the second point successfully, MOST 2D rotates the selected shapes by
the specified angle, around the specified point.

Method 2

1. Select the group of shapes which you would like to rotate. (The selected shapes will be
drawn with dotted lines.)
2. Based on the exact angle by which you would like to rotate the shapes, select the
appropriate command from the Fit Rotate submenu.
3. MOST 2D will prompt you to select the center of rotation. Select the center-point by
clicking the left mouse button at the appropriate location in the layout. You can use the
point snapping facility while selecting the center of rotation.
4. Once you specify the center, MOST 2D rotates the selected shapes by the specified
angle, around the specified point.

Method 3

Page 33 of 66
1. Select the group of shapes which you would like to rotate. (The selected shapes will be
drawn with dotted lines.)
2. Select the command Fit Transform.
3. You will see the Transformation dialog box. Specify the center as well as angle of
rotation accurately in Step 1 inside the dialog box. (Keep all the values under Step 2 as
zero.)
4. Select the OK button in the transformation dialog box. MOST 2D will rotate the
selected shapes by the specified amount.

You may have to use the Zoom out and Pan commands under the View menu in order to
see the selected shapes at their new location. Note, you can not use any of the above-
mentioned procedures if the active layout has already been confirmed using the Layout
Confirmation menu.

Page 34 of 66
How to mirror nested shapes
You can mirror a group of nested shapes about the specified axis in the active layout as
described below.

1. Select the group of shapes which you would like to mirror. (The selected shapes will be
drawn with dotted lines.)
2. Select the appropriate command from the Fit Mirror submenu in order to mirror the
selected shapes about the desired axis.
3. MOST 2D will prompt you to select the location of the mirror axis. Select the position
of mirror axis by clicking the left mouse button at the appropriate location in the layout
drawing. You can use the point snapping facility while selecting the axis location.
(Until you select the point, MOST 2D keeps showing the mirrored location of selected
shapes dynamically as you keep moving the mouse.)
4. Once you specify the location of the mirror axis, MOST 2D mirrors the selected shapes
about the specified axis.

You may have to use the Zoom out and Pan commands under the View menu in order to
see the selected shapes at their new location. Note, you can not use any of the above-
mentioned procedures if the active layout has already been confirmed using the Layout
Confirmation menu.

Page 35 of 66
How to validate a layout
You can check the active layout for common mistakes by selecting the command Tools
Validate. If there is any problem with the layout, MOST 2D will show the
corresponding warning message in the Validation dialog box.

Although this command detects almost all the common types of errors possible within a
layout, you must not take its result as the final statement. Ideally, you should also check
the layout visually, particularly if you have modified the layout manually after executing
the command Fit Go for automatic nesting.

It is always advisable to run this command once, just before confirming any nested
layout. (See How to confirm a layout.) This is necessary because MOST 2D does NOT
allow you to modify, correct or remove a confirmed layout.

You can select (or omit) different types of validation checks using the Validation settings.
(See How to define MOST 2D settings.)

Note
You can select the relevant warning messages from the Validation dialog box using the
mouse, copy them (by pressing the Control+C keys) on the clipboard and paste them (by
pressing the Control+V keys) in Notepad. This mechanism can be useful if you get too
many errors in a layout and would like to store them temporarily in a text document.

Page 36 of 66
How to build a layout after manual nesting
MOST 2D allows you to fit additional shapes (automatically) after manual nesting, such
that you can retain your modifications and nest new shapes only in the remaining area of
the nested layout as described below.

1. Nest a job automatically using the command Fit Go.


2. Modify the layout manually using the appropriate commands under Fit menu.
3. Save the changes in a job file using the command File Save.
4. Select the command Fit Build.
5. MOST 2D will show you a dialog box where you can specify whether you would like
to modify the active layout only or would like to update all the subsequent layouts in
the nested job also. Select the No button, if you would like to update the active layout
only.
6. In the next dialog box, MOST 2D will remind you to save the changes in a job file
before proceeding further. Since you have already done so in step no. 3 earlier, select
the Yes button in this dialog box.
7. You will see the progress window on the screen indicating the nesting status. This
window remains on the screen while MOST 2D is nesting the job.
8. After some time, the progress window will automatically disappear from the screen,
indicating that the job has been nested. Now, you can see the newly nested layouts on
the screen using commands under View menu.

Page 37 of 66
Snap A Point

Before selecting any point on the screen using the mouse, you can press the F8 key on the
keyboard in order to invoke the snapping dialog box. This dialog box helps you select the
point accurately using one or more of the following snapping options.

(Note, it is not always necessary to invoke the above mentioned dialog box in order to set
the snapping options. You can set many of these options directly using keyboard based
shortcuts, while selecting a point using the mouse. These keyboard based shortcuts for
relevant options have also been mentioned below, against the corresponding option
names.)

Snap ON
(Shortcut:- Insert to put it ON and Delete to put it OFF.)

Indicates whether you would like to enable the snapping options specified in this dialog
box or ignore them. (Note, the Axial tracking option works differently, as explained
below.)

Axial tracking
(Shortcut:- Page up to put it ON and Page down to put it OFF.)

Indicates whether you would like to restrict the movement of the cursor along the
horizontal and vertical lines passing through the previously selected reference point.
Note, this option will work only if the Snap ON option (described earlier) is NOT
selected. If Snap ON option is activated, the Axial tracking option will be ignored.

Clearance profiles
(Shortcut:- Home key to put it ON/OFF. Toggle key.)

Indicates whether you would like to snap the point on the clearance boundary as well
around each nested shape and stock.

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Objects
Select the type of object on which you would like to snap your point. You can select one
of the following types of objects.

All objects
Snap on any object on the screen.

Shapes only
Snap on the nested shapes only.

Stock only
(Shortcut:- Space bar)
Snap on the stock drawing only.

Points
Specify the exact location of the point on the nearest entity on which you would like to
snap your point. You can select one of the following locations.

Endpoint
(Shortcut:- End)

Intersection
(Shortcut:- Tab)

Midpoint

Centre

Quadrant

None
(Shortcut:- Back space)

OK
Select the snapping options you have just specified in the dialog box and close the dialog
box.

Cancel
Ignore the snapping options you have just specified in the dialog box. Retain the old
snapping options and close the dialog box.

Once you select the desired snapping options and close the dialog box, MOST 2D starts
snapping the cursor position automatically as you move the mouse. The software
highlights the snapped point by drawing a small square around the snapped point, as
shown below. You can select the snapped point at any stage by clicking on it using the
left mouse button.

Page 39 of 66
Note

• While you are selecting a point on the screen, MOST 2D allows you to refresh the
view at any instant by pressing the F9 key.
• As an alternative to snapping, MOST 2D also allows you to type the X-Y coordinates
of the point to be selected, if you press the F7 key.

Page 40 of 66
Elastic Line

To draw an elastic line, first take your mouse to the start point of the line and click the
left mouse button. Next, release the left mouse button and take the mouse to the end point
of the line. While moving the mouse to the end point of the line, you will see the elastic
line on the screen.

As you move the mouse, you will also see the X-Y coordinates of the cursor in the status
bar, at the bottom of the main window. If required, you can use the point snapping
facility while defining the start point or the end point of the elastic line, by pressing the
F8 key before selecting the point.

You can complete the line definition by clicking the left mouse button at the end point of
the elastic line. Alternatively, you can break out of the process by pressing the Escape
key.

Page 41 of 66
Rubberband Rectangle

To draw a rubber band rectangle on the screen, first select a corner of the rectangle by
taking the mouse to the desired location and pressing the left mouse button. Without
releasing the left mouse button, you must now take the mouse to the diagonally opposite
corner of the rectangle. While you are moving the mouse, you will see the rubber band
rectangle drawn on the screen. Upon reaching the other corner of the rectangle, you can
release the mouse button and thus, complete the definition of the rubber band rectangle.

While defining the rubber band rectangle, you can break out of the process at any stage
by pressing the Escape key.

Page 42 of 66
How to define text in a nested layout
MOST 2D allows you to add text in a nested layout as described below.

1. Display the desired layout on the screen using commands under View menu.
2. Select View Details Text command to display text on the screen.
3. Select Tools Text Add command to add new text.
4. Select the point where you would like to add new text with the mouse.
5. Next, define the text (sentence or word) and its attributes in Text Attributes dialog
box.
6. Select the OK button in the dialog box to add text at the specified location.
7. You can use other commands from the Tools Text submenu in order to edit the text
further, if required.

Note
You can define automatic annotations (i.e. list of all the shapes nested in the active
layout) by selecting the command Contour Draw Automatic Annotations. These text
objects are automatically added (or updated) in the nested layout when you select this
command.

Page 43 of 66
How to modify the cutting plan
MOST 2D generates a default cutting plan during the automatic nesting process itself.
Later, you can modify the cutting plan manually, as discussed in following topics.

Topics

 How to select a cutting cycle


 How to define leadin and leadout
 How to define auto-sequencing_method
 How to modify the sequence number of a cutting cycle
 How to modify cutting sense (clockwise / anti-clockwise)
 How to modify the neutral position of the cutting tool
 How to carry out multiple torch cutting
 How to stitch a cutting cycle
 How to chain adjacent cutting cycles
 How to link adjacent cutting cycles
 How to define corner loops
 How to take a common cut

Page 44 of 66
How to select a cutting cycle
You can select a cutting cycle by clicking the left mouse button near the drawing of the
cutting cycle.

Page 45 of 66
How to define leadin and leadout
You can define the leadin and leadout profiles within the input shape drawing itself. (See
How to create an item drawing.) In particular, you can define leadin/leadout
automatically as well as interactively while drawing the input shape in ITEM, which is
the cad module associated with MOST 2D software. The simplest way to do so is to read
a shape drawing file using the command Insert Drawing File, followed by a call to the
command Insert Automatic Leadin/Leadout.

You can also define and edit leadin/leadout profiles after nesting, using one of the
following submenus under the Leadio menu, as described below.

1. You can add leadin to a cutting cycle using commands under the submenu Leadio
menu Add Leadin. These commands also allows you to generate a default leadout
automatically, if the selected cutting cycle does not contain a leadout.
2. You can remove leadin from a cutting cycle or from a list of selected shapes using
commands under the submenu Leadio menu Remove Leadin.
3. You can add leadout to a cutting cycle using commands under the submenu Leadio
menu Add Leadout. These commands also allows you to generate a default leadin
automatically, if the selected cutting cycle does not contain a leadin.
4. You can remove leadout from a cutting cycle or from a list of selected shapes using
commands under the submenu Leadio menu Remove Leadout.
5. You can define automatic leadin for a cutting cycle or for selected shapes using
commands under the submenu Leadio menu Automatic Leadin.
6. You can define automatic leadin as well as default leadout for a cutting cycle or for
selected shapes using commands under the submenu Leadio menu Automatic
Leadin-out.

Note, the above mentioned commands can not be used if the active layout has already
been confirmed using the Layout Confirmation menu.

Page 46 of 66
How to define auto-sequencing method
You can define the method for automatic sequencing as shown below.

1. Select the command Job Options.


2. MOST 2D will display the current settings in a property sheet. From the top of this
property sheet, select Toolpath.
3. MOST 2D will display the Toolpath settings. Select the automatic sequencing direction
from the list under Automatic sequencing direction.
4. Select the OK button in the end.

Note, MOST 2D will use the new auto-sequencing method when you run the automatic
nesting command Fit Go next time. If you would like to modify the sequencing
direction without re-nesting, you can do so using the command Cut Sequence
Regenerate.

Page 47 of 66
How to modify the sequence number of a cutting cycle
You can modify the sequence number of a cutting cycle, as described below.

1. Display the active cutting plan on the screen by selecting the command View Details
Cutting Sequence.
2. Select the command Cut Sequence Edit Sequence No..
3. MOST 2D will prompt you to select a cutting cycle. Select a cutting cycle from the
screen using the mouse.
4. Next, MOST 2D will display the current sequence number of the selected cutting cycle
in the Cutting Cycle Number dialog box. Type the new sequence number in this dialog
box.
5. Select the OK button in the dialog box. MOST 2D will update the sequence number of
the selected cutting cycle.

You can re-generate the cutting sequence numbers of all the cutting cycles along a
different direction using the command Cut Sequence Regenerate. You can also
generate the cutting sequence numbers automatically in order to reduce the rapid motion
time using the command Cut Sequence Optimize.

Note, this procedure can not be used if the active layout has already been confirmed using
the Layout Confirmation menu.

Page 48 of 66
How to edit the sense of a cutting cycle
You can define the default cutting sense for body profiles as well as holes using the
Toolpath options before nesting a job. (See How to define MOST 2D settings.)

However, you can also reverse the cutting sense after nesting as described below.

1. Display the cutting sense of each cutting cycle on the screen using the command View
Details Cutting Sense.
2. Select the command Cut Reverse Sense.
3. MOST 2D will prompt you to select a cutting cycle. Select a cutting cycle from the
screen using the mouse.
4. MOST 2D will reverse the sense as soon as you select the cutting cycle.

Note, this procedure can not be used if the active layout has already been confirmed using
the Layout Confirmation menu.

Page 49 of 66
How to modify the neutral position
You can modify the neutral position of the cutting tool as described below.

1. Select the command Cut Neutral Position.


2. Next, select a point on the screen using the left mouse button. By default, MOST 2D
will snap this point to one of the endpoints on the stock boundary, as you move the
mouse on the screen.
3. As soon as you select the point, MOST 2D shifts the neutral position of the active
cutting plan to the specified point.

This procedure can not be used if the active layout has already been confirmed using the
Layout Confirmation menu. Also, you can specify the default choice of the neutral
position using the Cutting options.

Page 50 of 66
How to carry out multiple torch cutting
MOST 2D allows you to perform multiple torch cutting in a nested layout as described
below.

1. Define the minimum and maximum torch limits for those input shapes which you
would like to cut with multiple torches, using their cutting properties. (See How to
modify properties of a shape.)
2. Maximum torch limit for any shape in a job is further limited by the total number of
torches on the cutting machine, as specified in CNC machine settings. Hence, set the
total number of torches on the cutting machine accordingly. (See How to define
MOST 2D settings.)
3. Nest the job automatically. You will be able to see the layouts generated with
multiple torches.
4. If required, you can select a group of nested shapes from the layout and modify their
multiple torch parameters (like torch separation) using the command Cut Multiple
Torches.
5. You can also perform manual nesting on shapes which have been nested with
multiple torches. (See How to edit a nested layout.) However, for each such editing
operation, you must select shapes from the same torch group i.e. shapes which have
to cut with identical number of cutting torches and identical torch separation distance.
(See How to select a nested shape for editing.)

Page 51 of 66
How to perform stitch cutting
MOST 2D allows you to add a stitch in a nested layout using the following command.

Cut menu Stitch submenu Add Stitch command

Alternatively, you can also define stitches in an input shape drawing using ITEM
software, which is the cad module accompanying MOST 2D. You can add stitches to a
shape drawing using the command Cut Stitch Add Stitch. In that case, you do not
have to define stitches at all the locations where you have nested the shape after
automatic nesting process.

You can remove stitches from a nested layout using one of the following commands.

Cut menu Stitch submenu Remove a Stitch command


Cut menu Stitch submenu Remove from Cutting Cycle command

Note
The above-mentioned commands can not be used if the active layout has already been
confirmed using the Layout Confirmation menu.

Page 52 of 66
How to carry out chain cutting
MOST 2D allows you to define chains in a nested layout using the following command.

Cut menu Chain submenu Add chains

You can remove chains from a nested layout using one of the following commands.

Cut menu Chain submenu Remove Chains command


Cut menu Chain submenu Remove All Chains command

Note
The above-mentioned commands can not be used if the active layout has already been
confirmed using the Layout Confirmation menu.

Page 53 of 66
How to link 2 cutting cycles
MOST 2D allows you to connect two cutting cycles using a link using the following
command.

Cut menu Link command

MOST 2D defines a link as a special type of shortcut. Hence, you have to use the
following command for removing a link from a nested layout.

Contour menu Remove Contour command

Note
The above-mentioned commands can not be used if the active layout has already been
confirmed using the Layout Confirmation menu.

Page 54 of 66
How to carry out corner loop cutting
MOST 2D allows you to define corner loops in a nested layout using the following
command.

Cut menu Corner Loop submenu Add Loop

Alternatively, you can also define corner loops in an input shape drawing using ITEM
software, which is the cad module accompanying MOST 2D. You can add corner loops
to a shape drawing using the command Cut Corner Loop Add Loop while defining
the shape drawing. If you do so, you will not have to define corner loops at all the
locations where you have nested the shape after automatic nesting process.

Note

• You can remove corner loops from a nested layout using one of the following
commands.

Cut menu Corner Loop submenu Remove a Loop


Cut menu Corner Loop submenu Remove from Cutting Cycle

• The above-mentioned commands can not be used if the active layout has already
been confirmed using the Layout Confirmation menu.

Page 55 of 66
How to take a common cut
In order to define a common cut for a shape during the automatic nesting process itself,
you must set the following shape properties before nesting the job. (See How to modify
the properties of a shape.)

• Select the option Common cutting in the cut properties.


• Set the layout method equal to Matrix method in the input properties.
• Select the option Pair generation in the input properties.

You can also define a common cut manually in a nested layout by sliding one or more
nested shapes in the desired direction, using the appropriate command under Cut
Common Cut submenu.

Note

• You can use following command to define leadin for the second cutting cycle in a
common cut.

Cut menu Common Cut submenu Draw Leadin Shortcut command

• You can use following command in order to combine common cuts, wherever
possible.

Cut menu Common Cut submenu Common Shortcut command

• Most of the above-mentioned commands can not be used if the active layout has
already been confirmed using the Layout Confirmation menu.

Page 56 of 66
How to define shortcut contours
You can define a shortcut in the active layout as described below.

1. Display the desired layout on the screen using commands under View menu.
2. Select the command View Details Contours to view the contours on the screen.
3. Select the command Contour Draw Shortcut to start drawing the shortcut. Select
the Yes button in the next dialog box that appears on the screen.
4. Draw the shortcut on the screen using the line and arc drawing commands in the
Contour menu. (For detailed description, see the help topic How to draw contours in a
nested layout.)
5. If required, you can reverse the shortcut or modify its attributes using the appropriate
command under the Contour Shortcut submenu.
6. You can remove a shortcut from a nested layout using the command Contour
Remove Contour.

Note
The above-mentioned commands can not be used if the active layout has already been
confirmed using the Layout Confirmation menu.

Page 57 of 66
How to work with Machine List
You can generate cnc code files for All the nested layouts and for All your cutting
machines quite easily using the following command, if you have already defined the
machine list.

Result menu CNC Codes submenu Machine List command

You can define the machine list as shown below.

1. Select the command Job Options.


2. Select Machine from the top of the settings window.
3. MOST 2D will display the Machine settings. Here, select the button Machine list.
4. MOST 2D will show you the Cutting Machines dialog box on the screen. You can add
a new machine using the Add button, remove an unwanted machine using the Remove
button and edit the specification of an existing machine using the Properties button in
this dialog box. Update the machine list and select the Close button in the dialog box to
complete the process.

Page 58 of 66
How to save results
MOST 2D allows you to generate detailed reports as well as cnc codes for your cutting
machines, as described in the following topics.

Topics

 How to generate cnc codes for a nested layout


 How to create an offcut stock from a nested layout
 How to save the remnant job
 How to prepare report
 How to export a layout drawing to a dxf file
 How to confirm a layout

Page 59 of 66
How to save a layout drawing in a dxf file
You can save the drawing of a nested layout in a dxf file as shown below.

1. Display the desired layout on the screen using the commands under View menu.
2. Select the command Result Convert Dxf File.
3. Select Yes in the next dialog box, if you would like to output all the nested layouts
together in the dxf file. If you select No, MOST 2D will output only the active layout in
the dxf file.
4. Specify the name / location of the output dxf file in the File Save dialog box and select
the Save button in the dialog box.

The output dxf file generated in this fashion can be read in another cad software.
However, after reading the dxf file, you may have to set the View to Model Space
(Tilemode=1) and Zoom to Extents once in order to see the whole nested layout.

Page 60 of 66
How to create an offcut stock from a nested layout
You can save the re-usable portion of the active layout as an offcut as shown below.

1. Display the desired layout on the screen using commands under View menu.
2. Select the command View Details Contours to display contours on the screen.
3. Start an offcut contour by selecting the command Contour Draw Offcut. When you
select this command, MOST 2D will display a dialog box that asks you whether you
would like to generate the offcut automatically. If you select the Yes button in the
dialog box, MOST 2D will generate the offcut drawing automatically and skip the
following step. Alternatively, if you select the No button in the dialog box, you will
have to draw the offcut manually on the screen as described in the next step.
4. MOST 2D shows you a dialog box informing you that an empty active contour has
been created and you can draw it further using line/arc drawing commands under
Contour menu. Note, the offcut must be drawn as a close profile. Hence, while defining
the end point of the last entity in the offcut contour, you must invoke the Snap dialog
box by pressing the F8 key and enable the options Snap ON, Objects - All objects and
Points - Endpoint in the dialog box. After this, if you click near the start point of the
active contour, MOST 2D will close the offcut automatically and hatch the offcut
region.
5. Save the offcut using the command Contour Offcut Export Offcut File. MOST 2D
will save the drawing of the offcut in the specified drawing file.
6. Mark the neutral position on the new offcut and note it down separately for subsequent
use.
7. You can use such an offcut drawing later in another job in order to fit additional
shapes. (See the section How to add an offcut stock to a job.)

Page 61 of 66
How to save the remnant job
After nesting, you can save the remnant job in a foundation file as shown below. (A
remnant job contains the list of shapes and stocks which have not been nested in the
active job so far.)

1. After automatic as well as manual nesting, generate offcuts from the relevant layouts in
the active job. (See How to create an offcut from a nested layout.)
2. Confirm the layouts in the active job. (See How to confirm a layout.)
3. Select the command File Export Remnant Job.
4. Specify the name / location of the remnant job file in File Save dialog box that appears
on the screen and select the OK button.
5. During your next session with MOST 2D software, you can recall the remnant job by
selecting the command File Import Foundation File.

Note

• Typically, this command is executed after confirming all the nested layouts in the
active job using the Layout Confirmation menu. In fact, MOST 2D will prompt you
to update the remnant job file as soon as you confirm a nested layout, when you work
in teach mode.
• If you work in teach mode, while launching MOST 2D next time, you will see the
Define Job dialog box right at the beginning of the session. You can start working
with the remnant job of the previous session simply by selecting the Open Remnant
Job button from this dialog box.

Page 62 of 66
How to create the job report file
You can generate comprehensive report for one or more nested jobs in the form of a table
as described below.

1. Select the command File Export Job Report.


2. MOST 2D will display the Job Report dialog box where you can specify the structure
of the report table. Each column in the table can contain data type of your own choice,
in the unit / size specified by you. Each row in the table can correspond to either a
nested layout or a nested shape. Specify the structure of the rows and columns in this
dialog box and select the OK button.
3. MOST 2D will display the File Save dialog box to get the name of the output file. Type
the name of the report file.
4. Select the OK (or Save) button in the File Save dialog box. MOST 2D will save the
job report in the specified output file. Note, this command may take a long time if you
are generating report for a large number of jobs.

You can open the report file in any spread-sheet software (like MS-Excel) for formatting
and beautification. MOST 2D inserts a | (i.e. a pipe character) between each successive
column in the report file. While opening such a file in a spread-sheet software, you must
open it as a Delimited text file and must specify the pipe character as the delimiter.

Page 63 of 66
How to generate CNC codes
You can generate cnc code files for all the nested layouts and for all your cutting
machines quickly using the following procedure, if you have already defined the machine
list.

1. Define the machine list if you have not defined it so far. (See How to work with
machine list.)
2. Select the command Result CNC Codes Machine List.
3. MOST 2D displays the Machine and Layout Selection dialog box. Select All from the
list of cnc machines shown. Also, select the option Generate codes for all the layouts.
4. Once you select the OK button in the dialog box, MOST 2D generates all the cnc code
files, as per the description of each cutting machine in the machine list.

Alternatively, you can also generate cnc code file for the active cutting plan as described
below.

1. Display the desired layout on the screen using commands under View menu.
2. Select the submenu Result CNC Codes.
3. You will see a list of cnc controllers / machines for which you can generate the cutting
codes. Select the post-processor of your choice using the left mouse button.
4. You will see the cnc code options dialog box on the screen. Set the appropriate code
options and select the OK button.
5. Next, MOST 2D will show you the File Save dialog box. Select the output folder and
type the name of the output cnc code file.
6. Select the Save button in the File Save dialog box. MOST 2D will write the cnc codes
in the specified output file.
7. MOST 2D allows you to use different combinations of multiple torches for cutting
different regions in a nested stock. If you use two or more torch combinations for
cutting a nested layout, MOST 2D generates as many cnc code files as the number of
torch combinations used on the nested layout. In such cases, you will have to repeat
steps 5 & 6 above, for each multiple torch combination used in the active layout.

After generating cnc code file on your computer, you need to transfer this file from your
computer to the cutting machine, using a floppy disk or modem or DNC link or other
suitable means.

Page 64 of 66
How to confirm a nested layout
You can confirm a nested layout as described below.

1. Display the desired layout on the screen using commands under View menu.
2. Select the submenu Result Confirm. MOST 2D will display a set of commands to
confirm one or more nested layouts. Select the appropriate command from the
submenu.
3. MOST 2D will show you a dialog box to ensure that confirmation command was not
selected by mistake. Select the Yes button in this dialog box.
4. If you are working in teach mode, MOST 2D will also show you another dialog box in
order to update the remnant job after confirming the layouts. Select the appropriate
button in this dialog box.
5. Save the active job in a job file using the File Save command.

When you confirm a layout, MOST 2D automatically updates the active job by reducing
the quantity of each shape nested in the layout and the stock which was used for
generating the layout. In other words, MOST 2D tells the active job that we no longer
have to cut the shapes which have been nested on the confirmed layout and we can no
longer use the stock which has been already consumed by the confirmed layout.

Note
Once a layout is confirmed, MOST 2D will NOT allow you to make any change in the
layout. Such a layout becomes a permanent part of the active job and it can NOT be
removed using the Result Layout Rejection menu. Hence, it is necessary to make all
the modifications in the layout before confirming it. In particular, you must validate the
layout and correct the errors (if any) before confirming a nested layout. Ideally one
should confirm a layout only after its cnc codes have been sent to the corresponding
cutting machine.

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D How to mirror nested shapes................35
Define a job............................................6 How to modify a nested layout............26
E How to modify the cutting plan...........44
Elastic Line..........................................41 How to modify the neutral position.....50
F How to modify the properties of a shape
Features..................................................3 ..........................................................11
H How to modify the properties of a stock
How to add a fresh shape to a job........10 ..........................................................15
How to add a fresh stock to a job.........13 How to modify the sequence number of
How to add a new shape to a layout.....29 a cutting cycle..................................48
How to add a used stock to a job.........14 How to move nested shapes.................32
How to build a layout after manual How to nest a job.................................18
nesting..............................................37 How to perform stitch cutting..............52
How to carry out chain cutting.............53 How to remove a shape from a job......12
How to carry out corner loop cutting...55 How to remove a stock from a job.......16
How to carry out multiple torch cutting How to remove nested shapes from a
..........................................................51 layout................................................30
How to confirm a nested layout...........65 How to rotate nested shapes.................33
How to create an item drawing..............7 How to save a layout drawing in a dxf
How to create an offcut stock from a file....................................................60
nested layout....................................61 How to save results..............................59
How to create the job report file..........63 How to save the remnant job................62
How to define auto-sequencing method How to select a cutting cycle...............45
..........................................................47 How to select a nested shape from a
How to define constraints......................9 layout................................................27
How to define leadin and leadout........46 How to set units of measurement...........4
How to define settings............................5 How to study a cutting plan.................25
How to define shortcut contours..........57 How to study a nested layout...............24
How to define text in a nested layout...43 How to take a common cut..................56
How to edit the sense of a cutting cycle How to validate a layout......................36
..........................................................49 How to view the results........................19
How to estimate consumption (Material How to work with Machine List..........58
and cutting agent).............................21 I
How to estimate cost (Material and Introduction............................................2
cutting agent)....................................22 R
How to estimate time...........................23 Rubberband Rectangle.........................42
How to generate CNC codes................64 S
How to get nesting statistics.................20 Snap A Point........................................38
How to link 2 cutting cycles................54 Stepwise procedure for creating a job..17
How to make an array of nested shapes
in a layout.........................................31

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