Plate Nesting

Training Guide

Training Guide

Training Guide

Revision Log
Date 25/07/2004 Page(s) All Revision S. Kernen Description of Revision General Update Release M3-SP1

Updates Updates to this manual will be issued as replacement pages and a new Update History Sheet complete with instructions on which pages to remove and destroy, and where to insert the new sheets. Please ensure that you have received all the updates shown on the History Sheet. All updates are highlighted by a revision code marker, which appears to the left of new material. Suggestion/Problems If you have a suggestion about this manual, the system to which it refers, or are unfortunate enough to encounter a problem, please report it to the training department at Fax +44 191 201 0001 Email training@tribon.com Copyright 2004 Tribon Solutions All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, taping, or otherwise) without written permission of the publisher. Printed by Tribon Solutions (UK) Ltd on 17 January 2005

Contents
1 Introduction.............................................................................................................................................. 5

1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6

2

Aims ................................................................................................................................... 5 Objectives ......................................................................................................................... 5 Prerequisites ..................................................................................................................... 5 Training methods ............................................................................................................. 5 Duration ............................................................................................................................. 5 Nesting toolbar ................................................................................................................. 5

General overview and set-up ................................................................................................................. 6

2.1 Overview............................................................................................................................ 6 2.2 Set-up ................................................................................................................................ 6 2.2.1 System defaults ........................................................................................................... 6 2.2.2 Burning Machine Data ................................................................................................. 7
3 Getting Started......................................................................................................................................... 8

3.1 Opening and closing the nesting application ................................................................ 8 3.2 Starting a new nest........................................................................................................... 8 3.3 New nest using a stock/standard raw plate ................................................................... 9 3.3.1 New nest using a non-standard/stock raw plate ........................................................ 11 3.4 Storing a nest................................................................................................................ 12 .. 3.5 Deleting a nest ................................................................................................................ 13 3.6 Renaming a nest ............................................................................................................. 13 3.7 Opening an old nest ....................................................................................................... 13
Exercise 1....................................................................................................................................................... 14 4 Nesting plate parts ................................................................................................................................ 15

4.1 Adding individual plate parts to a nest ........................................................................ 15 4.2 Exchanging a nested plate part .................................................................................... 15 4.3 Deleting a nested plate part........................................................................................... 16 4.4 Exchanging a raw plate.................................................................................................. 16 4.5 Transforming plate parts ............................................................................................... 16 4.5.1 Bump ......................................................................................................................... 17 4.6 Transformation toolbar .................................................................................................. 17 4.6.1 Move Delta ................................................................................................................ 17 4.6.2 Move two positions .................................................................................................... 18 4.6.3 Rotate delta ............................................................................................................... 18 4.6.4 Rotate two positions .................................................................................................. 18 4.6.5 Rotate 45, 90, 180, -90 degrees................................................................................ 19 4.6.6 Mirror V...................................................................................................................... 19 4.6.7 Mirror U...................................................................................................................... 19 4.6.8 Parallel....................................................................................................................... 20 4.6.9 Mirror Parallel ............................................................................................................ 20 4.6.10 Transformation by four positions ............................................................................... 20 4.6.11 Lock U and lock V options ......................................................................................... 21 4.6.12 Centre........................................................................................................................ 21 4.6.13 Bump ......................................................................................................................... 21
Exercise 2....................................................................................................................................................... 22 5 Parts menu ............................................................................................................................................. 24 Exercise3........................................................................................................................................................ 25 6 Opening Multiple Nests......................................................................................................................... 26

6.1 6.2 7.1

Moving parts from one plate to another. ...................................................................... 27 Quicknesting ................................................................................................................... 29 Burning bridges .............................................................................................................. 32

Exercise 4....................................................................................................................................................... 28 Exercise 5....................................................................................................................................................... 30 7 Nesting Tools ......................................................................................................................................... 32

7.1.1 Defining a burning bridge .......................................................................................... 32 7.1.2 Deleting a burning bridge .......................................................................................... 34 7.2 Marking and burning starts ........................................................................................... 34 7.2.1 Defining a single marking start .................................................................................. 34 7.2.2 Automatic definition of all marking starts ................................................................... 34 7.2.3 Defining marking starts for all material to the left starts............................................. 35 7.2.4 Defining burning starts for all holes ........................................................................... 35 7.2.5 Defining a single burning start ................................................................................... 35 7.2.6 Defining an arbitrary cut line...................................................................................... 36 7.2.7 Deleting Starts ........................................................................................................... 36 7.2.8 Show Start Sequence................................................................................................ 36 7.2.9 Redefining the start sequence................................................................................... 37 7.2.10 Inserting a start into the start sequence .................................................................... 37 7.3 Corner Loops .................................................................................................................. 38 7.3.1 Defining a corner loop ............................................................................................... 38 7.3.2 Deleting a corner loop ............................................................................................... 38 7.4 Auxiliary functions ......................................................................................................... 39 7.4.1 Defining an auxiliary function..................................................................................... 39 7.4.2 Deleting an auxiliary function..................................................................................... 39 7.5 Verifying the burning sequence .................................................................................... 40
8 Shop Drawing Information.................................................................................................................... 41

8.1 Display the burning sketch............................................................................................ 41 8.2 Display the nested plate ................................................................................................ 41 8.3 Adding a drawing form to the burning sketch ............................................................. 41 8.4 Sketch Handling ............................................................................................................. 42 8.4.1 Showing and Changing Text ..................................................................................... 42 8.4.2 Show All Starts .......................................................................................................... 42 8.4.3 Show and Changing Position Numbers ..................................................................... 42 8.4.4 Showing Production Information................................................................................ 43 8.4.5 Adding dimensions .................................................................................................... 43 8.4.6 Adding symbols ......................................................................................................... 43 8.4.7 Delete from Sketch Functions ................................................................................... 43 8.5 Utilities............................................................................................................................. 44 8.5.1 Listing nesting databases .......................................................................................... 44
Exercise 6....................................................................................................................................................... 45 9 Post-processing .................................................................................................................................... 47

9.1 9.2
10

The Generic File.............................................................................................................. 47 Running the post-processor ......................................................................................... 48

Nesting Lists ...................................................................................................................................... 49

10.1

How to Create Nesting Lists ...................................................................................... 49

Chapter 1
1 Introduction
The system and course are designed for the personnel responsible for nesting plate parts, production of burning information (tapes/sketches) and control of the Shipyards stock of raw plates.

1.1

Aims

To provide the participants with the knowledge required to use some of the more common tasks in Tribon Plate Nesting.

1.2

Objectives

To learn how to define a new nest and perform basic nesting operations. To become familiar with the Tribon plate nesting tools and utilities. To provide the knowledge required to obtain production data, e.g. burning and marking lengths, scrap percentages, etc. To learn how to create burning sketches and place them in standard drawing forms. To learn how to create generic output files and understand the basics of post-processing.

1.3

Prerequisites

The participants of this course should have a good understanding of the Tribon Concept.

1.4

Training methods

Training will consist of presentations, demonstrations and practical exercises.

1.5
1 day

Duration

1.6

Nesting toolbar
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Verify start sequence. Toggle Shop Drawing / Nested Plate. Add starts automatically. Add parts. Production information.

Each of these functions will be discussed in the relevant chapter of this guide.

Chapter 2
2 General overview and set-up
2.1 Overview
The TRIBON Nesting System is a tool for nesting plate parts and for creating information relevant to the nesting work. The plate parts to be nested are usually supplied by other subsystems of TRIBON but can be created and modified within the Nesting System. With the system, parts are nested on a parent plate and the tool path is defined creating a generic file to be used as input to a suitable postprocessor. Optionally, a shop drawing (burning sketch) can be created and printed. The following information is used by the system: Plate parts. Standard parent plates. Standard start and end-hooks. Default information. Standard drawing forms. The results produced by the system are: Nested plates. (The nested plates are stored and later retrieved for modifications). Burning sketches Generic files. Plate parts. Standard plates. Post processor file. Lists.

2.2

Set-up

This chapter covers the setting of standards / parameters that apply globally to all the nesting practices of a customer. These settings can reflect a preferred way of working or reflect the limitations / capabilities of a specific burning machine. These setting are generally defined once, after the installation of TRIBON Nesting, and they are then automatically applied to every subsequent project. The setting of these defaults / requirements should be carried out by the relevant Manager / System Administrator. It is not the intention of this Training Guide to explain all of the options available, but only to highlight their existence and point the Manager/ System Administrator to the extensive Nesting User Guide where all options are explained.

2.2.1 System defaults

The default system is divided into two levels with each having its own default file. The higher, superior level (the system manager level) consists of global default variables that may not be changed by the operator. The inferior level consists of default variables that may be changed by the operator. The superior default file must be assigned to the environment variable SBH_NEST_DEF1 and the inferior default file to the environment variable SBH_NEST_DEF2. For a full description of all available parameters in these files please refer to the TRIBON M3 Users Guide Hull Manufacturing TRIBON M3 Hull Nesting TRIBON Hull Plate Nesting Initialisations for Nesting Defaults These defaults can be viewed and edited by starting the function, Nesting Status Defaults. The menu shown opposite will appear: To view the current settings simply scroll through the file and click Cancel when finished.

As an alternative to scrolling through the defaults, key in the first letter of the desired default and the system will take you directly to that section of the file. To modify a setting for the current Nesting session only, click on the desired default, modify the value to suit and click the OK button. This will modify the selected default for the duration of the current session. If the session is ended and another started the default will revert back to its original value. To permanently change a setting for the current and all subsequent Nesting sessions, click on the desired default and modify the value to suit. Click the Options button, the menu shown opposite will appear. Click the Store button to permanently store the new default values.

2.2.2 Burning Machine Data

The TRIBON Nesting system allows the handling of multiple burning machines. If a customer has access to more than one burning machine a file can be created which contains all relevant data for each burning machine. This file should be assigned to the environment variable SBH_BURNER_DATA. When a plate is nested a burning machine is selected and the system will then apply all information associated with that machine. For example the file contains information regarding burning and marking times for each machine and if a particular machine supports parallel burning, etc. For a full description of all available parameters in this file please refer to the TRIBON M3 Users Guide, Tribon M3 Hull, Manufacturing, Plate Nesting, Tribon Hull Plate Nesting, Initialisations for Nesting, The Burner Machine Data.

Chapter 3
3 Getting Started
3.1 Opening and closing the nesting application
To start a session of TRIBON Plate Nesting use the following command from your PC start menu: Start Programs TRIBON M3 Hull Plate Nesting The following interface will be displayed:

To close a session of TRIBON Plate Nesting use the command: File Exit

3.2
1. 2.

Starting a new nest

The first step when starting a new nest is to define the raw/stock plate to be used. This can be done in one of two ways, Select a stock plate from a previously defined available range. Key in all the relevant data for the raw plate, length, breadth, thickness, etc.

3.3

New nest using a stock/standard raw plate

Start the function Nesting Nest job New. The system will display the following dialogue:

Nesting name: Key in the desired name for the new nest. This name will also be used for any generic files and burning sketches produced for the nest. Quantity(Normal) Enter the number of plates to be burned as seen (this value will usually be 1, if slave heads are to be used then change this value accordingly). Quantity(Mirrored) Enter the number of plates to be burned mirrored. Production date: Enter a planned date when the parts in the nest will be required by production. This information can be extracted later to help prioritise burning order for nested plates. If no date is entered the current date will be assumed by the system. Purchase identification: If known, key in a purchase identification string for the raw plate (optional) Drawing number: Enter a drawing number (no spaces are allowed). The number can be added automatically to the burning sketch. Ship number: Enter the identification number of the current ship. Operator: Operators name, initials, or I.D. code. Treatment this side: Used to define surface treatments for the topside of the raw plate (optional). Treatment other: Used to define surface treatments for the underside of the raw plate (optional). After completing the form click the OK button. The system will display the following dialogue box.

Select 1 By name. The system will display a list of all the available thickness and quality combinations as shown below:

Select required material quality and thickness and click the OK button.

The system will display a list of all stock plate sizes available for the quality and thickness previously selected.

Select the desired plate dimensions from the list displayed then click the OK button.

The system will display an information dialogue as shown below:

To remove the dialogue box from the screen and continue, click the Yes button.

If multiple burning machines have been defined in a file assigned to SBH_BURNER_DATA then the system will display the following menu containing all the defined burning machines. Select the machine upon which the nest will be burned and click the OK button. If only one burning machine has been defined, this menu will not appear.

The system will now display a rectangle representing the raw plate. The plate will be scaled to fit the current window and is now ready for the addition of plate parts.

3.3.1

New nest using a non-standard/stock raw plate

Start the function Nesting Nest job New. If there is already a nest current the system will display the following prompt. Clicking Yes will save and remove the current nest from the workspace and allow the definition of a new nest. Clicking No will close the current nest without saving. The system will then display the following dialogue:

See page 9 for a description of inputs to this form.

After completing the form click the OK button.

The system will display the following dialogue box.

Select 2 By dimension. The system will display the dialogue shown on the next page:

Key in the desired length, width, thickness of the raw plate (eg. 9800,2900,15) and click the OK button. The system will display the following dialogue:

Key in the desired quality of the raw plate and click the OK button.

The system will display an information dialogue as shown below

To remove the dialogue from the screen and continue, click the Yes button.

If multiple burning machines have been defined in a file assigned to SBH_BURNER_DATA then the system will display the following menu containing all the defined burning machines. Select the machine upon which the nest will be burned and click the OK button. If only one burning machine has been defined, this menu will not appear.

The system will now display a rectangle representing the raw plate. The plate will be scaled to fit the current window and is now ready for the addition of plate parts.

3.4

Storing a nest

To save the current nest use the function Nesting Nest job Save If the nest has been previously stored on the database the system will display the following prompt: Click the Yes button to update the database with the current version. Click the No button to leave the last saved version on the database.

A raw plate can only be stored as a nest if a plate part has been added to it. If no plate parts have been nested and the Save function is used the system will save the plate as a standard/stock plate.

3.5

Deleting a nest

To delete an existing nest use the function Nesting Nest job Databank Delete The system will display the menu shown opposite. Select 1 Nested plates The system will display a list of all nested plates. If the list is empty or contains the wrong objects, clear the Object name field and use the List button to refresh the list. Select the nest to delete and click the OK button.

3.6

Renaming a nest

If it becomes necessary to change the name of an existing nest the following steps should be taken. With the relevant nest current use the function Nesting Nest job Rename The system will display the following dialogue box: Key in the new name for the nest and use the OK button.

The system will display the new name and ask if this is OK. If happy with the name click the Yes button. The system will create a copy of the original nest using the new name specified. Always remember to store the new nest before exiting. Also the original nest will still exist and should be delete from the databank as described previously.

3.7

Opening an old nest

To open an old or existing nest use the function Nesting Nest job Open. The system will ask for confirmation to store the current nest. A list of existing nests will now be displayed. If the list is empty or contains the wrong objects, clear the Object name field and use the List button to refresh the list. Select the nest to open and click the OK button. The system will display an information dialogue for the selected nest, click the Yes button to continue. The system will redisplay the options used when originally creating the nest to allow the modification of these details.(these will be displayed on separate input forms). If no details are to be modified use the OC button and the system will bypass the remaining options and display the nested plate.

Exercise 1
1. Open a new nesting job with the following details: Name: Length: Width: Thickness: Quality: Quantity, normal burning: Burner ID: STD01 9800 2900 15 A 1 C

Leave all other fields blank. Do not nest any plate parts on the raw plate. Save the raw plate as a standard plate. 2. Open a new nesting job with the following details: Name: Length: Width: Thickness: Quality: Quantity, normal burning: Burner ID: STD02 3000 2000 10 A 1 C

Leave all other fields blank. Do not nest any plate parts on the raw plate. Save the raw plate as a standard plate.

Chapter 4

Nesting plate parts

After the system has displayed the rectangle of a raw plate it is ready to add plate parts. These plate parts are read from the plate database (SB_PLDB). The plate database is populated with planar plate parts from the Plane Part Generation program and developed plates, bending templates and plate jigs from the Curved Hull Modelling application.

4.1

Adding individual plate parts to a nest

This is the basic nesting option and involves selecting an individual part by name from the plate databank and placing it on the raw plate. To start this operation use the function Nesting Nesting parts Nest The system will display the following menu: Select 1 By name. The system will display a list of all existing plate parts in the plate database. If the list is empty or contains the wrong objects, clear the Object name field and use the List button to refresh the list. Note: Wildcards may be used in the Object name field to filter the resulting list. Select the desired plate part from the list and click the Open button. The system will return to the view of the raw plate and the part selected will be attached to the cursor. Position the part somewhere on the plate and indicate once to release the part from the cursor. The system will now activate the transformation options to allow the part to be positioned as required. These options are covered in the next chapter. When happy with the position of the part use the OC button and the system will return to the list of the plate database allowing the selection of more parts to be nested. If no more parts are to be nested click the Cancel button to exit the function.

4.2

Exchanging a nested plate part

If a part has been revised since it was originally nested, the latest version of that part will be displayed within the nest when the nest is re-opened. Note: The position of parts nested around the revised part will not have changed, it will be necessary to transform these parts to avoid clashes and for optimum use of plate. Therefore the exchange function in current versions of Tribon Nesting is largely redundant, if one part is to be replaced by another it is advisable to delete the existing part and then bring in the new part. If a part is to be exchanged, the new part will be transformed exactly as the old one and all starts, burning bridges and other information involved will be recreated, if possible. Note that one part cannot be exchanged for a totally different part, unless they are both defined approximately at the same place in a common co-ordinate system. To exchange a part use the function Nesting Nesting parts Exchange Part The system will prompt Indicate part. Click once on the part to be exchanged. The system will highlight the part and display the following question If the desired part has been highlighted click the Yes button.

The system will display the following question Click Yes to exchange the part for the latest version of the part stored in the plate database. Click No and the system will display the following dialogue box:

Key in the name of the part to be used in the exchange, then click the OK button. The system will exchange the parts. If happy with the exchange use the Nesting Nest job Save option to store the nest. If unhappy with the exchange use the Nesting Nest job Open option and reopen the nest without saving the exchanged version.

4.3

Deleting a nested plate part

To remove a plate part from the current nest use the function Nesting Delete Part The system will prompt Indicate part. Click once on the part to be deleted. The system will draw a rectangle around the selected part and prompt for the indication of more parts to be deleted. After selecting all desired parts use the OC button and the system will remove the plate part from the nested plate. Please note this function removes the plate part from the nested plate, it does not delete it from the plate database. Therefore the plate part will still be available to be nested onto another raw plate.

4.4

Exchanging a raw plate

After nesting the desired plate parts it may become apparent that a smaller/larger raw plate would have led to a better nest arrangement. To exchange the raw plate for an existing nest use the function Nesting Nesting parts Exchange Raw plate The system will display the following menu. Select 1 By name and follow the prompts as described previously to select the new raw plate from the available standard/stock plates. Note: Separate dialogue boxes will be displayed for each of the items input on the Init nesting form (see page 9), complete these forms or simply click OK to accept the default values shown in parenthesis. Clicking OC will automatically accept all the values given on the original input form. Select 2 By dimension and follow the prompts as described previously to define the new raw plate for the nest. Note: Separate dialogue boxes will be displayed for each of the items input on the Init nesting form (see page 9), complete these forms or simply click OK to accept the default values shown in parenthesis. Clicking OC will automatically accept all the values given on the original input form. Select 3 Optimise The plate size will be adjusted to suit the items contained within it. (It may be necessary to transform the items if the plate origin has been displaced). At the end of any of the above options the system will exchange the raw plate and the rectangle on the screen will change to suit the new raw plate.

4.5

Transforming plate parts

When a plate part is initially placed on a raw plate the full range of transformation functions are automatically activated. If, after placing a plate part(s) on the raw plate it becomes necessary to reposition it, then the following steps should be taken. Start the function Nesting Nesting parts Transform. The system will prompt Identify. Click once inside the boundary of the part(s) to be moved. If multiple parts are selected they will be activated relative to each other and moved as one object. After selecting each part a rectangle will appear around it. After completing the selection click the OC button. The rectangle(s) will disappear and the selected parts will be highlighted and are ready to be moved. At the same time the BUMP menu will appear on the screen and the transformation toolbar will be activated.

4.5.1 Bump
When a part is initially placed on a raw plate, or when the transformation function is activated, the bump menu will automatically appear. This menu will initially appear at the right of the screen. To move the plate part, simply click on one of the direction arrows shown and the system will move the part as far as possible in the given direction. This movement will take into account any other plate parts on the raw plate as well as the predefined gaps between part/part and part/raw plate edge. If the Direction option is used the part(s) can be moved along an imaginary line described by two points. The user should indicate point 1 and then indicate point 2, the part will move from point 1 to point 2. After bumping the part(s) as required use the OC button to exit the function. The bump menu will disappear and the system will return to the Identify prompt, allowing the selection of more parts to be moved. Either, select more parts and move as required or, click the OC button again to completely exit the function.

4.6

Transformation toolbar

1 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.

9 10 11 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

12 13 14

15 16

17

Move Delta Move Two Positions Rotate Delta Rotate Two Positions Rotate 45 Degrees Rotate 90 Degrees Rotate 180 degrees Rotate 90 Degrees Mirror V Mirror U

Mirror Parallel Parallel Four Positions Bump Lock U Lock V Centre

4.6.1 Move Delta

This function moves the selected part(s) via keyed in distances. The system assumes the current position is 0,0 and the user keys in the desired Dx and Dy values separated by a comma.

4.6.2 Move two positions

This function moves the selected part(s) by picking a start point and then indicating a new position to move the start point to. Please note that the 2d Point Mode toolbar can be used here to identify explicit points, e.g. node points.

4.6.3 Rotate delta

This function rotates the selected part(s) a desired angle. The angle is defined by keying in an integer. A positive integer results in an anti-clockwise rotation. A negative integer results in a clockwise rotation

4.6.4 Rotate two positions

This function rotates the selected part(s) around the default centre of rotation by picking a starting point and then indicating a new position to move the starting point to.

4.6.5 Rotate 45, 90, 180, -90 degrees

This function rotates the selected part(s) around the default centre of rotation by predefined values of 45, 90, 180 and 90 degrees respectively. Simply press the desired button and the selected part(s) will be immediately rotated. Example using -90 degree rotation displayed opposite.

4.6.6 Mirror V
This function mirrors the selected part(s) by the vertical axis V. Please take extra care when mirroring parts with marking lines as these lines may be mirrored onto the other side of the raw plate.

4.6.7 Mirror U
This function mirrors the selected part(s) by the horizontal axis U. Please take extra care when mirroring parts with marking lines as these lines may be mirrored onto the other side of the raw plate.

4.6.8 Parallel
This function moves and rotates the selected part(s) In a way that one of the contours is parallel to a plate edge or to a contour of another part at a default distance from it. If an arc is selected the tangent at the indicated position will be used.

4.6.9 Mirror Parallel

This function moves, rotates and reflects the selected part(s) In a way that one of the contours is parallel to a plate edge or to a contour of another part at a default distance from it. If an arc is selected the tangent at the indicated position will be used.

4.6.10 Transformation by four positions

This function transforms the current part(s) by giving four cursor positions. The first and the third cursor positions define the movement of the part(s), the first is translated to the third. The rotation angle will be the angle between a line through the first two positions and a line through the last two.

4.6.11 Lock U and lock V options

These two functions are used to restrict the resulting movement from one of the other transformation functions. If we take the example shown below, the Lock U button is clicked before the Parallel button is clicked. The system still allows the indication of the first and second contour, but when it moves the part to be parallel with the raw plate edge it maintains the parts U position. The vertical blue line shown on the screen indicates that the Lock U is activated and the line represents the allowable direction of movement for the part. After one successful move the Lock U or Lock V will deactivate allowing full movement with the next move. If restriction in movement is still required the Lock U or Lock V button should be clicked again.

4.6.12 Centre
Each plate part has a default centre of rotation, which is used during the rotation transformations. By the use of this function the centre of rotation can be modified by the user.

4.6.13 Bump
This button is used to activate the bump direction arrow window. The arrow window should always be activated automatically so use of this button is not envisaged.

Exercise 2
1. 2. 3. 4. Open a new nesting job and name it EXERCISE2-01 Use the By name option for the parent plate and select 15mm thick, quality A. Select plate Use the following values: Production date: Quantity normal burning: Quantity mirrored burning: Treatment this side: Treatment other side: Drawing number: Ship number: Burner ID: STD01 (9800.0 x 2900.0)

Leave blank 1 0 Leave blank Leave blank Leave blank Leave blank C

5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Use the function Nesting Nesting parts Nest and select the 1 By name option. Enter the value BLOCK2-FL105* into the resulting menu. Scroll through the list and select plate part BLOCK2-FL1051SP. After highlighting the part click the Open button. Position the part on the raw plate. Use the Bump and Transformation functions to position the part as shown below. When happy with the parts position then click the OC button. The system will redisplay the previous list. Select part BLOCK2-FL105-3SP. Position the part as shown below use the OC button when happy with the position. The system will redisplay the previous list. Select part BLOCK2-FL105-5SP. Position the part as shown below use the OC button when happy with the position.

10. Use the Cancel button to remove the list and then store the nest. 11. Open a new nesting job and name it EXERCISE2-02 12. Use the By name option for the parent plate and select 15mm thick, quality A. 13. Select plate STD01 (9800.0 x 2900.0) 14. Use the following values: Production date: Quantity normal burning: Quantity mirrored burning: Treatment this side: Treatment other side: Drawing number: Ship number: Burner ID: Leave blank 1 0 Leave blank Leave blank Leave blank Leave blank C

15. Use the function Nesting Nesting parts Nest and select the 1 By name option. 16. Enter the value BLOCK2-FL65* into the resulting menu. Scroll through the list and select plate part BLOCK2-FL65-7SP. After highlighting the part click the Open button. 17. Position the part on the raw plate. Use the Bump and Transformation functions to position the part as shown below. When happy with the parts position then click the OC button. 18. The system will redisplay the previous list. Select part BLOCK2-FL6513SP. Position the part as shown opposite, use the OC button when happy with the position. 19. Use the Cancel button to remove the list. 20. Exchange the raw plate, use the Optimise option. 21. Store the nest.

Chapter 5

Parts menu

The previously discussed method of adding plate parts to a raw plate involves listing the plate database and selecting individual parts. Although this method works fine for the nesting of small numbers of parts, it is not really a practical approach to the nesting of large numbers of plate parts. To address this problem the system allows the extraction of groups of plate parts from the plate database. These parts can be extracted by a combination of filters Keep parts already in menu. If this box is ticked, Items previously collect (displayed in the parts window) will be retained and will be added to the results of the current selection. Include already nested plate parts in search. Usually only items that have not been nested would be included in a parts menu. It may be necessary if a part is damaged to select the part to be cut once again. Selecting this filter will add all parts matching the filter criteria to be added to the parts menu, whether the parts have already been nested or not. Plate part name. The name of the part to be collected to the parts menu, wildcards may be used. E.g. BLOCK2*. Plate part quality. The material quality of the part to be collected to the parts menu. E.g. A. Plate part thickness. The plate thickness of the part to be collected to the parts menu. E.g. 15. Additional search criteria. The following additional filters can also be applied. Note: only items that match all restrictions will be included in the resulting parts menu. Panel name. The name of the panel to be collected to the parts menu. Block Name. The name of the block to be collected to the parts menu. Assembly name. The name of the assembly to be collected to the parts menu. Using the above example displayed above, only items whose names start with BLOCK2, that are quality A, and are 15 thick will be added to the parts menu. Select OK and the parts menu will be created. Plate parts can then be selected interactively from the parts menu and nested onto the raw plate. While the parts menu window is open, select Nesting>Nest Parts>Nest. The following menu will be displayed. Select 2 From Menu. You can now select items from the parts menu window, as you select an item it will be attached to the cursor ready to be nested, indicate in the plate where the part should be placed, and use the bump and transformation options to position / orientate the part. When the part has been placed correctly select OC. Note: When the plate parts are displayed in the parts menu window, the shape of each part can be seen, making the visualisation of the nest much easier, however the true size of the part in relation to the plate in which it will be nested, cannot be established until the part has been selected and attached to the cursor ready for nesting, any parts which exceed the remaining plate size can be rejected using the cancel button part to be selected. , the part menu will remain active, allowing another

When a raw plate has an active parts menu window displayed, the quicknest option can be used. The system will then attempt to nest the plate parts onto the raw plate. This option is discussed later in this chapter.

Warning: Although wildcards may be used in selection of thickness and/or material quality this may cause errors in subsequent nests if parts occur that differ in thickness/quality. Changing the default values of the variables QUAL_CHECK and THICK_CHECK gives the program control over such possible user errors (by default their value is 0, which means no checking at all). If these values are changed to 1 it is impossible to start a nesting job of parts whose thickness/quality differs from that of the raw plate. If they are changed to 2 the program asks for user confirmation before allowing a nest with mismatching quality/thickness between parts and the raw plate. Further to the above two options the QUAL_CHECK variable can be set to 3. With this setting the qualities are checked according to the rules given in the file assigned to the logical variable SBH_QUALITY_EXCH. If they do not match, the plate part is automatically rejected.

Exercise3
1. 2. 3. 4. Open a new nesting job and name it EXERCISE3-01 Use the By name option for the parent plate and select 15mm thick, quality A. Select plate 015011A (10000.0 x 3000.0) Use the following values: Leave blank 1 0 Leave blank Leave blank Leave blank Leave blank C

Production date: Quantity normal burning: Quantity mirrored burning: Treatment this side: Treatment other side: Drawing number: Ship number: Burner ID: 5. 6.

Create a parts menu using the following filters: 15mm thick, quality A plate, parts in block BLOCK2. Nest parts BLOCK2-FL89-1SP, BLOCK2-FL89-3SP and BLOCK2-FL89-9SP from the parts menu as shown below:

7.

Store the nest.

Chapter 6
6 Opening Multiple Nests

It is possible to open a number of nests to allow the nesting of remaining items into any of the displayed plates. Select NestingNest Job Open Multiple

The following dialogue box will be displayed (wildcards may be used to restrict the search results).

It will be useful to include the thickness and quality (or a code to represent these) in the nest name, to allow wildcards to be used to list a specific thickness and quality of plate. Select OK. The following list will be displayed: Select the plates to be displayed and use the Add>> and <<Remove buttons to add or remove plates. Plates that will be displayed are listed in the right hand column. (The shift key or control key may be used to select a group or build a list of plates to be displayed). After selecting the plates to be displayed, select OK. The selected plates will be displayed.

Select NestingNest Parts Parts Menu, The following box will be displayed:

Complete the form as shown opposite. The parts matching the search criteria will be displayed.

The menu may be enlarged by selecting the corners of the window and stretching in the desired direction. The scroll bar may be used to navigate to the bottom of the parts menu. Where long part names are not fully displayed, the name may be selected, and the full name will be displayed. You can now use your Parts Menu to nest items in the plates that you have displayed. Select NestingNesting Parts Nest Select From Menu from the list. Select the part to be nested in the Parts Menu window, you are now prompted to indicate the plate to place the part in, select the plate you wish to use. Indicate the location on the plate near to the position you wish to place the part, then use the bump arrows to position the part accurately, select OC, always save the current nest before activating another plate. Continue to select the parts and the plates as prompted in the message window at the bottom of the screen.

6.1

Moving parts from one plate to another.

To move parts from one plate to another. Select NestingNesting Parts Move part. Select the part to be moved, select OC Select the new plate you wish to nest the part into. Use the bump options to position the part, then save the nest.

Exercise 4
1.Open multiple nests 15A-BLK2-NEST1 and 15A-BLK2-NEST2. 2. Add 15 thick, A quality parts belonging to BLOCK2 to the parts menu. 3.Move the last part on plate 15A-BLK-NEST2 (BLOCK2-FL105-9SP) to 15A-BLK-NEST1. 4. Add items BLOCK2-FL97-7SP and BLOCK2-FL97-13SP to nest 15A-BLK-NEST2. The completed nests should appear as shown below.

6.2

Quicknesting

As mentioned in the previous chapter, after creating a parts menu individual parts are selected added to the raw plate. An alternative to this is to use the systems quicknest function. Quicknest allows the system to automatically select the parts from the parts menu and nest them onto the raw plate. The following parameters in the default file control the behaviour of the quicknest function. QUICKNEST_ANGLE QUICKNEST_CLUSTER The rotation angle increment in quick nesting. Code for clustering of parts in quick nesting: No = No clustering Yes = Clustering Minimum area/perimeter ratio for the two parts to be clustered. Code for layout confirmation in quick nesting: 0 = No confirmation. 1 = Confirmation after each part. Code for nesting in holes in quick nesting: No = Do not use holes. Yes = Use holes. Code for mirroring parts in quick nesting: 0 = Do not mirror. 1 = Mirror only if the number of marking lines is equal on both sides 2 = Mirror always.

QUICKNEST_CLUSTER_RATIO QUICKNEST_CONFIRM

QUICKNEST_IN_HOLE

QUICKNEST_MIRROR

QUICKNEST_NEST_SELECTION Criteria for best nest in quick nesting: MinimumX = Minimise the extension in the x-direction. Scrap = Minimise the scrap of the circumscribed rectangle. QUICKNEST_PART_SELECTION Criteria for part selection in quick nesting: Area = Select the parts with decreasing area. Perimeter = Select the parts with decreasing perimeter. QUICKNEST_STARTPOS QUICKNEST_STRIPS The number of different starting positions used in quick nesting. The number of area strips used in quick nesting in the calculation of the remaining available raw plate area.

To start the quicknest function, activate a parts menu then use the command Nesting Nest parts Nest 3 Quicknest The system will prompt Verify Quicknest added parts. Yes will nest the next part or cluster then pause for confirmation. No will nest as many parts as possible before stopping (no confirmation). Cancel / Quit will end function. The system will sort the parts as per the default parameters. The first part will be positioned outside of the right hand side of the raw plate. The system will then use the Bump function to move the part across and down the raw plate until it is nested in the bottom left corner of the raw plate. The system will then select the next part and repeat the process. This process will continue, until the system can nest no more parts on the raw plate. Due to the fact the quicknest function utilises the Bump function rather than an advanced automatic nesting algorithm a serious limitation exists. This limitation means that free plate areas that are shaded by other parts cannot be utilised by the system. This must currently be compensated by manual intervention.

An example of this limitation is shown below: Raw plate free area 1 Nested part Raw plate free area 2

If we take the example shown above and assume that the quicknest function has positioned the first nested plate part as shown. Due to the quicknest function utilising the Bump function and not an automatic nesting algorithm, raw plate free area 1 is now redundant as far as the system is concerned due to the fact it cannot bump any part into that area. Therefore all subsequent parts nested by the quicknest function will be added to raw plate free area 2. To combat this problem the first part should be manually positioned as shown below and then the quicknest function started for all other parts.

After running the quicknest function all nested parts are available for modification through the Nesting Nest parts Transform function.

Exercise 5
1. 2. 3. 4. Open a new nesting job and name it EXERCISE5-01 Use the By name option for the parent plate and select 10mm thick, quality A. Select plate STD02 (3000.0 x 2000.0) Use the following values: Production date: Quantity normal burning: Quantity mirrored burning: Treatment this side: Treatment other side: Drawing number: Ship number: Burner ID: Leave blank 1 Leave blank Leave blank Leave blank Leave blank Leave blank C

5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Add 10 thick, A quality parts belonging to BLOCK1 to the parts menu. Use the quicknest function and the nest should appear as shown opposite. Store the nest. Open a new nesting job and name it EXERCISE5-02 Use the By name option for the parent plate and select 10mm thick, quality A..Select plate STD02 (3000.0 x 2000.0) and use the values given in Exercise5-01.

10. Add 10 thick, A quality parts belonging to BLOCK1 to the parts menu. (Only parts not previously nested should be displayed, see below) 11. Use the quicknest function and the nest should appear as shown below.

12. Store the nest.

Chapter 7
7
7.1 7.1.1

Nesting Tools
Burning bridges Defining a burning bridge

Use this function to define burning bridges on given cursor positions. Call the function by Nesting Nesting tools Bridge. Now select the type of bridge you want to create from the option menu:

Below and on the right are shown samples of the graphic symbols used to represent different bridge types (numbers corresponding to the option menu above) in the burning sketch:

The following figure illustrates the burning tool path for the first seven bridge types:

"Centred" and "asymmetric" refers to the positioning of the bridge relative to the cursor positions defining the bridge. A centred bridge is positioned so that the "control line" is in the centre of the bridge, while an asymmetric bridge is positioned so that the "control line" coincides with a bridge line or (for cross bridges) one end of the cross (see picture). Bridges of types 3, 5, 6 and 7 also need a position to determine the side, e.g. the side where to place the gaps (types 3 and 6) or the side where to place the second bridge line (type 5) or side where to place the cross (type 7). The width of the bridges is part of the default information. A type 1 gap is the simplest of the bridges and is simply defined using only one cursor position. The system works in the following way, when a gap is defined. A given position is used to identify the closest part contour. The "foot point" on that contour will be calculated and the gap will be placed around that "foot point". If the distance from the node point is larger than the one given by the defaults the result is the same as with one cursor position. A bridge defined with cursor position will be treated by the system in the following way. The given position is used to identify the two closest part contours. On each contour, the "foot point" will be calculated and the line between the foot points will be the control line. Bridges can also be defined to have a vertical direction (types 2, 3, 5 and 6) by setting a default value. If no intersection between the contours exists or if the bridge lines get too long, an ordinary bridge will be created. The bridge of type 8 is defined in the same way as the bridge of type 5. The difference is that in bridge 8 the bridge lines connect segments in the same contour. This bridge is primarily used in cutouts and when the tool path is verified (cf. VERIFY) the cutout will be burned as a hole. When the gap of type 9 is used the operator has the possibility to define a cut free geometry which has its origin in the gap. The gap itself is identical to the type 1 gap. The cut free geometry is a string line with an arbitrary number of line segments. When the last point is closer than a default distance to a plate part or the raw plate edge, this point will automatically be adjusted so that it is the default distance from the plate part/raw plate edge. The cut free geometry will automatically be included in the verification of the tool path. The automatic restart facility is then used to resume the burning of the plate part.

7.1.2 Deleting a burning bridge

This function is used to delete a bridge, which the operator will be prompted to identify. Any cut free geometry defined in the bridge will also be deleted automatically. The function is called from the Nesting Delete Bridge menu. The All button can be used to erase all existing bridges.

7.2

Marking and burning starts

7.2.1 Defining a single marking start

Use the function Nesting tools Start Mark. Select [1] Single from the option menu and click on or near to the end of the marking line you want to put the marking start on. RESULT

The start order will be the order in which starts are defined but can be changed using Start sequence

7.2.2 Automatic definition of all marking starts

Use the function Nesting tools Start Mark. S Select [2] All marking lines from the option menu. RESULT

7.2.3

Defining marking starts for all material to the left starts

Use the function Nesting tools Start Mark. Select the [3] Material to the left starts from the option menu. This will temporarily display marking starts at the end of the lines, the thickness of the stiffener/plate will be to the left hand side of the marking line when moving from the start position along the line (where v marks are already defined to indicate the direction of the material thickness this is unnecessary).

7.2.4

Defining burning starts for all holes

This function automatically generates starts in all the holes. If starts in gaps are used, gaps will be generated as well. The generation implies the deletion of possible existing starts in holes and gaps connected to starts. Use the function Nesting Nesting tools Start Burn. Select [2] All Holes from the option menu.

7.2.5

Defining a single burning start

Use the function Nesting Nesting tools Start Burn. Select the [1] Single from the option menu.

RESULT

The start order will be the order in which starts are defined but can be changed using Start sequence Note: By default START_CODE = 2 (Start in arbitrary point, end in same point or in next gap whichever comes first in the tool path). Sometimes it may be useful to change START_CODE value to 1 (Start in gap, end in next gap).

7.2.6

Defining an arbitrary cut line

Use the function Nesting Nesting tools Start Burn. Select the [3] Cut Line from the option menu. Indicate starting positions for cut line segments. 3 4 2

RESULT

7.2.7

Deleting Starts

Use the function Nesting Nesting tools Delete Start Indicate the starts you want to delete and press the OC button. The All button can be used to erase all starts simultaneously.

7.2.8

Show Start Sequence

This function is used to show the current start sequence. The sequence is displayed as the number at each start. Use the function Nesting Nesting tools Start Sequence. Select [1] Show sequence from the option menu.

7.2.9

Redefining the start sequence

This function is used to modify the current start sequence. Use the function Nesting Nesting tools Start Sequence. Select [2] Redefine sequence from the option menu. The sequence can be changed either by indicating all starts in the correct order or by keying in the order number of a single start and indicating the start on the screen.

RESULT

7.2.10

Inserting a start into the start sequence

The function redefines the sequence giving an indicated burning start a new number and renumbering all the rest of sequence (excluding starts with numbers lower than the new one). Use the function Nesting tools Start Sequence. Select [3] Insert sequence from the option menu. Enter the new start number and then indicate the start that should now correspond to that number. RESULT

7.3 7.3.1

Corner Loops Defining a corner loop

The function defines corner loops at user indicated corners. The main parameters length and radius are definable. Use the function Nesting Nesting tools Corner loops. After selecting a corner a dialog box will appear prompting for auxiliary functions entered as code numbers at this corner loop. The result will be a corner loop sketch with code numbers describing it, similar to the following:

If now this (or any other) corner loop is indicated with the cursor, a dialog box will appear asking if the user wants to modify the loop geometry. Now a new radius and corner loop length can be entered. The result is displayed immediately and should be similar to the following:

radius

length

7.3.2

Deleting a corner loop

Use the function Nesting Nesting tools Delete Auxiliary Functions Indicate the corner loops to be deleted. Confirm with the OK button. Warning; Be careful not to use the Select All icon here this will erase ALL other auxiliary functions that may have been defined (not only the corner loops).

7.4 7.4.1

Auxiliary functions Defining an auxiliary function

Sometimes for certain special purposes an auxiliary function should be defined to order the machines to perform nonstandard operations. This is done by means of inserting auxiliary function codes. These codes are supplied to the postprocessor and are the symbolic codes used in the Tribon system. Use the function Nesting Nesting tools Auxiliary Function. Select to which point the auxiliary function corresponds to from the menu shown opposite.

In the resulting dialog boxes enter the auxiliary function codes needed and select to which location these codes applies to.

Arbitrary point

Node

7.4.2

Deleting an auxiliary function

Use the function Nesting Delete Auxiliary Function. Point at each auxiliary function to be deleted and confirm by OK. Warning: Be careful not to use the Select All icon here this can erase ALL Corner Loops too (if any) and not only the presumed Auxiliary Functions.

7.5

Verifying the burning sequence

This function is used to perform verification of the burning sequence with tool simulation. The user is prompted to verify each start and each explicitly defined auxiliary function. Also shop drawings (burning sketch) can be created, containing the burning path (solid lines), the marking path (dashed and dotted lines), the idling path (dashed line) and the outline of the parent plate (solid lines). Use the function Nesting Nesting parts Verify. Now confirm the verification on screen, creation of burning sketch and Generic file. Click OK The output of a correct burning sequence to a Generic File is the purpose of Plate Nesting. This is the file to be sent to a post-processor. Generate it only after the complete sequence has been verified on screen. The Generic file will be stored in the directory assigned to SB_TAPE. The verification process will start prompting for confirmation of the first and then of each and every other start set in the burning sequence. The next box will ask for confirmation to continue with the next (or ALL) remaining starts in the current sequence. If ALL is used, the system will stop after making all marking starts. ALL can then be used again to process all burning starts. If auxiliary functions have been defined, the system will stop and wait for confirmation for each function. The result should be a marking/burning tool simulation scheme similar to the following:

Chapter 8
8 Shop Drawing Information

The shop drawing functions are used to create information on the shop drawing (burning sketch). The framework of the shop drawing containing the tool path is generated during the verification function.

8.1

Display the burning sketch

This function is used when the shop drawing is to be displayed on the screen instead of the nested plate. An automatic auto-scale is performed. To show the nesting sketch use Nesting Shop dwg I/O Display burning sketch RESULT

8.2

Display the nested plate

This function is used when the work with the shop drawing is finished. After actuation, the nested plate will be available on the screen. To show the nesting plate use Nesting Shop dwg I/O Display nested plate

8.3

Adding a drawing form to the burning sketch

To add a drawing form use Insert > Drawing Form. The form is chosen by selecting from the available list. (Form10 is used for our examples).

To change the scale factor of the drawing the default value of the AUTOSCALE_SKETCH code should be changed as follows: 0= 1= Semiautomatic scaling. A scale is suggested, the operator is prompted to decide the scale and to place the shop drawing in the form. Automatic scaling. The scaling of the drawing form and placing of the shop drawing is made automatically.

This is the scale in which the tool path shall be drawn in the drawing form. The scale can be given in either of two ways: As a reciprocal decimal (e.g. 100 meaning 1 to 100 or 0,1 meaning 10 to 1) or with a colon (e.g. 1:100 or 10:1). A meter ruler will be added automatically on the drawing form above the nested plate. When the drawing form is added to the burning sketch, any drawing form rules defined in the drawing form will be replaced by the corresponding variables, e.g. number of starts, burning length, marking length, scale, etc. The creation/customisation of burning sketch drawing forms is covered in the Hull Manager course.

8.4 8.4.1

Sketch Handling Showing and Changing Text

This function is used to define and place text, to move or copy text, and to define the text height, rotation angle or font. It is also used to place the start sequence or to place the plate name. It is also possible to change the text height, the text angle, the contents or the text font of an existing text. Adding Text - use Nesting Shop drawing information Text Key in. Copy/ Move Text - use Nesting Shop drawing information Text Copy/ Move. Change Text Height, Angle, Contents or Font - use Nesting Shop drawing information Text Change and then select from the option menu the text characteristic you want to be changed.

8.4.2

Show All Starts

To display all starts (both marking and burning) in the drawing sketch use the function Nesting Shop drawing information Text Starts/ Platename Select [1] All starts from the option menu.

8.4.3

Show and Changing Position Numbers

This function is used to place position numbers in the burning sketch. It is possible to create position numbers, to change the reference symbol, to change the position number symbol and to re-create the reference line for an existing position number. To show and/or change a position number in the drawing sketch use the function Nesting Shop drawing information Position numbers and then select from the option menu shown opposite.

8.4.4

Showing Production Information

To add and show in the drawing sketch production information about the part and panel name, weight, position numbers, side info, part id, bevel and excess info of input customers data use the function Nesting Shop drawing information Production information Select the desired option from the menu. Select cursor position to place the new text on drawing sketch and click to return to option menu. The bevel and excess info is generated during the hull modelling and if no such parts occur in the current nesting the [1] Bevel and [2] Excess option of the menu will be inactive.

To add and show in the drawing sketch production information about the number of starts, burning, marking and idle length, scrap values and time/date of verification use the function Nesting Shop drawing information Production information In the resulting menu click the Options button. From the new option menu select the production information topic you want to add to the sketch. Select cursor position to place the new text on drawing sketch and click to return to option menu.

8.4.5 8.4.6

Adding dimensions Adding symbols

Use the function Dimension. Select the type of dimension you want to enter

Upon activation of the function, a symbol menu is displayed at the top of the graphic display. A symbol is chosen by indication and it can then be dragged into the proper position. The function can also be used to define the symbol height or rotation angle. It is also possible to mirror the symbol in the u-axis or the v-axis. Use the function Nesting Shop drawing information Symbol Put and select the symbol you want to enter. Now select, with the cursor, the position you want to put the symbol in, pressing the ESC key or selecting the cancel button before placing the symbol will allow you to change the height or angle from the option menu.

8.4.7

Delete from Sketch Functions

This function is used to delete information from the shop drawing. A single item or all items of a kind can be deleted. The information of the nested plate (parent plate, plate parts, starts, burning bridges, restplate texts (special steel quality only), position numbers, measures etc.) can also be deleted. Use the function Nesting Delete Sketch and select the type of information you want to delete from the sketch.

To erase the whole sketch select [1] All To erase the current form of the sketch select [2] Form To erase text, symbol, lines etc. select [3] General info

Now select [2] Text, [3] Symbol, [4] Line, [5] Measure, [6] Position number, [7] All positions, [8] Bevel info, [9] Excess info, [10] Side info, from the option menu (shown opposite), and then select the entity to deletefrom the drawing. (Check menu line for option to delete all if required). To erase the tool path select [4] Tool Path and then choose the part of the tool path you want to delete from the option menu. To erase the restplate info select [5] Restplate info. If such info is not available this option will be inactive.

8.5 8.5.1

Utilities Listing nesting databases

With this function the user can view lists of existing nested plates, plate parts and standards. Use the function Nesting Nesting job Databank List The system will display the following menu:

Select the type of object to be listed. In the resulting dialog box key in the name of the nested plates, plate parts or standards you want to see in the resulting list. Wildcards may also be used.

Exercise 6
1. 2. Open nest EXERCISE2-01. Add marking starts at all marking lines using the function Nesting Nesting tools Start Mark and option 2 All marking lines. Add a single burning start and double centred burning bridge in the positions shown below:

3.

Double centred burning bridge

Single burning start 4. Verify the tool path one step at a time while also creating a burning sketch and generic file. Add drawing form FORM10 and remove the idle toolpath from the sketch. The resulting burning sketch should appear as shown below:

5.

Store the nest.

6. 7. 8. 9.

Open nest EXERCISE3-01. Use the function Nesting nesting tools Start Automatic. Verify the tool path using the All option while also creating a burning sketch and generic file. The verification on the screen should appear a shown below:

10. Add a drawing form FORM10 to the sketch and delete the idle tool path from the sketch. When finished the sketch should appear as shown on the next page. 11. Store the nest.

Chapter 9
9
9.1

Post-processing
The Generic File

The generic file is a text file containing all the information verified in the burning sequence e.g. part positions, bridges, marking and burning starts, auxiliary functions, etc. This file is produced during the tool path verification function if the default CL_DESCR_TYPE is set to Generic or Both. The Generic file will be stored in the directory assigned to the variable SB_TAPE. An extract from a generic file is show below.

GENERAL_DATA TYPE_OF_GENERIC_FILE=PLATE_PART TYPE_OF_MANUFACT=2AXIS BURNER_ID= NEST_NAME=PL-NEST RAW_NAME=FLOORS RAW_LENGTH=8000.00 RAW_WIDTH=4700.00 RAW_THICKNESS=15.00 RAW_AREA=37.60 QUALITY=A DENSITY=7860.00 SURF_TREAT_TS= SURF_TREAT_OS= REST_LENGTH=0.00 PRODUCTION_DATE= NO_OF_PARTS=2 TOTAL_IDLE=14894.51 TOTAL_MARKING=8863.32 TOTAL_BURNING=3675.30 TOTAL_BLASTING=0.00 TOTAL_NO_OF_STARTS=18 NO_OF_BURNING_STARTS=2 NO_OF_MARKING_STARTS=16 NO_OF_BLASTING_STARTS=0 STARTING_POS_X=0.00 STARTING_POS_Y=0.00 QUANTITY_NORMAL=1 QUANTITY_MIRRORED=0 TOOL_ID=0 END_OF_GENERAL_DATA PART_DATA NAME=50A-DEMOFLRS47-1 POSNO=31 PARTNAME_LONG=50A-31
Etc For detailed description of the generic file format see the Robotics user guide.

9.2

Running the post-processor

The generic file is produced in a neutral format and normally requires processing by a post processor to create a file that can be read by the relevant burning machine. The Tribon M3 system contains a Generic Post processor (GPP) which can handle a large range of file formats required by various burning machines (e.g. ESSI, EIA, ISO, etc). Before running the GPP, a default file should be in place that contains parameters specifying the machine controller and variant, burner type, format of output, machine restrictions and fixed speeds. When the GPP is ran it refers to this file and produces output to suit the contents of the file. The creation and maintenance of this file should be the responsibility of the Tribon Hull Manager and is therefore not covered in this course. For certain combinations of controller and variant a kerf data file is required to determine various values (e.g. kerf preselect offset values and burning speeds) for a given plate thickness and bevel side, angle and depth. The value(s) are retrieved from the file and in some cases interpolated from values in the file. The user normally creates the kerf data file from experience. The expected format is decided by the assignments to controller and variant. The creation and maintenance of this file should be the responsibility of the Tribon Hull Manager and is therefore not covered in this course. Please note the Generic Post Processor can only be ran interactively if the parameter GPP_CTRL_FILE is set in the nesting default file and the variable SBH_GPP_CTRL is set in the project definition file. If these parameters are not set then please consult your designated Tribon Hull Manager To interactively run the GPP against an existing generic file the following steps should be taken Start the function Nesting Nesting tools Nest PPI Generic Post Processor The system will display the directory assigned to the variable SB_TAPE Select the desired generic file and click the Open button. The system will produce a log file and also a file with the extension specified in the default file. Both these files will appear in the directory assigned to SB_TAPE. Alternatively the same result can be achieved by running the following command from the Tribon\M3\Bin directory. sf001 d <full path and file name for default file> -g <full path and name for generic file> (Ensure the correct path and the file extensions are included in the above command) Please note: Depending on the combination of controller and variant that the GPP is being ran against, an additional feature may be required in the users license file. Please contact Tribon Solutions for further details.

Chapter 10
10
10.1

Nesting Lists
How to Create Nesting Lists

Obviously, the Tribon M3 Nesting System generates a rather large amount of data that has to be monitored, checked and presented by means of some Data Extraction Utilities, in accordance to the needs of the different users in the production chain. In order for such Data Lists to be generated, M3 utilises some VBA-scripts using MicrosoftExcel (v.97 or newer) as a working environment. The scripts are supplied as a part of the NestList.xls workbook that can be found in the \customise subdirectory of the M3 installation. In order to be able to use this workbook the User must be sure that the Data Extraction COM-object is already activated. By default, this class of objects is activated during the M3 installation. However, this can be checked by the following procedure: Start MS Excel open the NestLIst workbook; select Tools Macro Visual Basic Editor In the VBA Editor choose Tools References and make sure that the checkbox for "tbdexint 1.0 Type Library" is activated. If not, click on it in order to activate the COM-object class.

To start the script, move to the main Excel window and push the Start Data Extraction Lists for nesting button in the NestLIst worksheet of the Workbook. The following form will appear:

Note that the system correctly recognises the current project name, environment variables, data paths etc., so it will automatically start the Data Extraction procedure for the correct object databases, without any User intervention. The functionality of the buttons in the above form are self explanatory from their names, however here is a brief description of each of them: Standard Parent Plates List: Generates lists of the used and the unused parent plates, as well as the number of the used plates by types. (To list all plates select OK) Plate Part Quality List: Generates lists of the used qualities and thickness for each used parent plate. (Key in the name of the nest). Path Time & Scrap List: The system performs extraction of the path time and scrap information from each saved nesting job. (Key in name of nest). Check Nested Parts: Generates a list of plate parts that have not been nested, plate parts that have been nested in too many copies and nested plate parts that no longer exist on the plate data bank, but exist as names in the saved nesting jobs.

Nested Plate Information: Generates lists of all nested parts for all or for a selected nesting job. List of Modified Plate Parts: Generates lists of the plate parts that have been modified since the previous nesting for all or for a selected nesting job. List of Panels, Parts and Nested Plates: Extraction of information about panels, panel parts and on which nested plate these parts have been nested. List of Rest Plates - Normal Steel Quality: Extraction of information from rest plates, normal steel quality. List of Rest Plates - Special Steel Quality: Extraction of information from rest plates, special steel quality. List of Workshop Rest Plates: Extraction of information from workshop rest plates. After invoking each function, in order to perform additional selection of a plate or a part, the User is presented a dialog box like in the examples below:

The User should note the following: The selection can be done for one particular plate, part, panel or nesting job. It is not allowed to have multiple entries of any kind in the selection row(s). If the User needs information on all objects covered by the currently invoked function, then he must leave the fields in these selection boxes blank. No wildcard symbols (such as * and ?) are necessary, as the input will automatically be treated as a wildcard. E.g. If MULTI is used as the input string then MULTI-01, MULTI-02, MULTI03 etc. will be found. If there is no parent plates with the name of MULTI, you will get as a result an empty worksheet. The output of each function is a worksheet that automatically is named after the short functions name and positioned just before the NestLIst worksheet. Although the fields in each worksheet are self-explanatory, a complete list of these can be found in the Tribon M3 Hull, Manufacturing, Plate Nesting, Tribon Hull Plate Nesting, Nesting Lists As a typical example let us follow the procedure for creation of Path Time & Scrap lists: Make sure everything is prepared for Data Extraction all nesting jobs are complete and saved, with the all Burning Sequences developed and verified. Open the NestList.xls workbook. Click on the Nest List Generation button, then in the next menu the Path Time & Scrap List button. A dialog box appears prompting the User to enter either a particular Nesting Job name, or to leave the field blank in order to gain information on the Path Time and the Scrap on each and every of the currently saved nesting jobs. Presuming that a complete listing is needed, press OK. The data extraction process is started. Wait for its completion. The result will be a new worksheet, beginning much like the one below: