Nesting Software Application for CNC Machines

Cygnet Infotech develops CNC nesting software for a Turkey based CNC manufacturer to minimize sheet metal wastage.

CNC stands for computer numerical control, and refers specifically to a computer "controller" that reads instructions, typically in GCode, and drives the machine tool, which is a powered mechanical device that is used to fabricate metal components by the selective removal of metal. Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Programming is used in manufacturing to instruct CNC machines on exactly how to produce these components. The most commonly used language in CNC Programming is GCode.

What is GCode?

GCode is the common name for the most widely used control language for CNC machines. It is a way to instruct the CNC machine to move the tool to various points along a two dimensional plane or three dimensional space. Using GCode, the programmer may also specify the desired speed at which the tool should move, control the spindle speed, turn on and off various coolants, and many other things.

What is CAD/CAM?

CAD/CAM is the acronym for Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing. It is basically the use of computer systems for both design and controlling manufacturing processes. For instance, once a design has been produced with the CAD component, the design itself can be implemented in the CNC machines by the CAM component.

Case Background

The Turkey-based client wanted a simple, cost effective CNC Machine application that provides an easy to use interface to operate a sheet cutting CNC machine. They were looking for a solution that was less complex in comparison to its counterparts.

The client was driven by the need for CAD/CAM software that would optimize sheet cutting to minimize wastage of metal. They required the application to be able to generate instructions for a CNC machine in GCode and also allow them to import shapes that were designed using other software.

Cygnet Infotech’s Solution

Using Microsoft .NET framework, Cygnet Infotech developed an application to address the client’s requirement.

Cygnet's solution was simple, integrated well with other CAD/CAM software, generated GCode instructions for CNC machines and minimized wastage in cutting metal. The program facilitates drawing shapes, importing new shapes to the library and optimizes cutting to reduce wastage. The application required minimal implementation training.

The solution was structured in two parts (CAD, CAM):

· The CAD part manages the functionality related to shapes and allowed drawing many types of 2D shapes like: Line, Oval, Rectangle, Arc etc. The tools also allowed to export and Import Shapes and modify existing shapes.

· CAM implemented the nesting software (automatic and manual nesting) to define Jobs with the Machine, Stock and Shape Information. The system generated the GCode for CNC Machines and set the Cutting Sequence and Cutting Cycle and also kept a tab on average cutting time.

Client Benefits

The application is a one-stop solution for the customers to make 2D shapes and nest the same using effective and comprehensive nesting algorithm which is capable of performing nesting functions automatically. This application also supports exporting and importing shapes designed using other software.This solution provides simple and effective ways to manage these shapes as well as the jobs to be nested.

As a result, Cygnet InfoTech was able to cater to the client’s need in a more than satisfactory way by designing an application that implemented CAD/CAM functions in a CNC sheet cutting machine using nesting software developed with Microsoft .NET.

Cygnet Infotech is a software services provider with expertise in Microsoft Technologies such as .NET, SharePoint, CRM, Cloud and Mobility. Cygnet assists ISVs and IT services companies in custom software development, testing and maintenance and also provides qualified technical manpower for resource augmentation.