Nesting and Optimization Software - PLUS 2D

• How PLUS 2D is helpful Or

• I want to reduce my wastage while cutting rings or panels.

When you are having multiple stock and using that you want to nest required part quantity, at that time PLUS 2D helps you to choose proper of stock with proper quantity so that your wastage will be minimize. Also if you want to use some stock 1st and then remain this problem can also be solve in PLUS 2D. 

• Simple User Interface, be productive in 5 minutes.

The user interface provided in PLUS 2D is so simple and easy to understand, within 5 min you can get the output. You just start the package and do your work from left to right. Only you have to go through Stock , Part, Settings and your output will be ready. Its so easy that by seeing the user interface you can comfortably use it.

• No limit on number of parts.

PLUS 2D doesn't have limitation on the number of parts that can be nested.

You will find that in an other software there is limitation of part to be nested, or it takes  much time for higher quantity or result will not be constant. In this there will be no limitation on number of parts and also it take very less time. Another important thing is if you nest again and again, the result will not change, until you change the settings or the stock or the parts.

• Multiple stocks sheets in a single job. Optimum sheets are automatically selected.

When you are having multiple stock and using that you want to nest required part quantity, at that time PLUS 2D helps you to choose proper of stock with proper quantity so that your wastage will be minimize.

• Estimates panels/boards/sheets (Stock) required.

PLUS 2D helps to estimate the panels/ boards/ sheet (Stock) required for a job. Suppose you have a job ie there are no. of parts you want to nest and the you want to order stock for that. Then you just enter the different stocks in stock pages with some higher quantity and optimize the job. The summary results will show the necessary stock to be ordered - this will be the stocks consumed to complete the job.

• Specify Stock margins (Optional feature)

PLUS 2D have an option where you can specify margin for stock during its use. Above dialog shows that you can specify margin 3 ways.  If you don't want to specify margin then select 'No Margin', for specifying margin in all sides of stock select 'Same Margin on all sides', and to specify different margin in all sides of stock select 'Different Margin on each sides'.

• Import data from spreadsheets and databases.

PLUS 2D provide the facility of importing data list (Stock list or part list) from spreadsheet. You can select the data and paste it to a particular table i.e. for stock or part. Lets take an example : Your customer sends some part detail and you want to enter that in to PLUS 2D then copy a column block say the Length and paste it into corresponding column of part table.

• Import data from text files with CSV file wizard.

PLUS 2D having a facility of importing data from CSV (Comma separated Variable) file. Its very easy to understand and learn. 

Import via CSV files, is very flexible as 

• The fields can be separated by any Delimiter (Comma, Semi-colon, colon, Tab) 
• The file does not need to match any particular format.
• The columns do not need to be in any special order.
• The column names do not need to match the ones used in PLUS 2D. You can even omit the column headers, if you prefer.

For more details Click here!!

• Metric and English units (mm or Inches). 

In PLUS 2D you can work in Metric unit or English unit. There is no restriction to work in any specific unit . Also you can switch to any unit though  have entered data earlier. Also there is a conversion option to convert any value from one unit to another.

See the Unit Setting Dialog.

• Grain direction / Part rotation -  controlled by the user

Generally in wood working industries you have to consider grain direction. If there are patterns or grains in the panel, part can not be rotated as design on the product will change.  An option "Rotation" - whether the part can be rotated or not is provided. Simply uncheck this option, if the part cannot be rotated.

• Will the software help if the parts are more than 1m width?

// To Do - Specific to Grating Industry :  Need to get input from Tech. guys

• Specify Kerf or Cutting loss or Cutting Allowance.

The Kerf loss or the cutting loss is considered by PLUS 2D, if the value is provided along with other settings. It very simple what you have to do is that in setting page you will see the one of below Kerf setting value box (It will be according to you industry you will one of below pic.), just add Kerf Value in it before optimization. PLUS 2D Nest the all required parts considering this Kerf value.

Kerf Loss in Sheet Metal Cutting	Kerf Loss in Wood Panel Cutting	Kerf Loss in Glass Sheet Cutting (Generally in Glass kerf loss in zero)

• User control over cut complexity.

In PLUS 2D user can control over the cutting complexity. There are some cutting complexity options given below. User can prefer any one from  five options.

• First X cut: If the First cut should be parallel to Y-axis and cut should be Simple Guillotine cut, this is the option to choose.

• First Y cut: If user needs first cut should be parallel to X-axis and cut should be guillotine cut, user has to choose this option.

• Simple cut: For 2 Stage Simple Guillotine cut

• 3 Stage cut: For 3 stage Cut.

• Complex cut: If user needs N stage cut (depth of cut is more than 3) then he/she can choose this option.

 

Different type of Cut Complexity

• Customize your output, download a sample. For Test cases  Click here!! 

During optimization of the parts there are different thing which you need in output. PLUS 2D provides facility of customizing output report. There are some options given below which are coming in output. The option which you want can select by marking on check box in front it. Also if you want to change the order you can move the row using up and down button.

See the Report Setting Dialog to customize the output.

• Cut simulation, and cutting instruction output.

PLUS 2D provides  the facility of cut simulation. Cut simulation gives the track about cutting a nested sheet or panel ie how the to cut nested pattern from sheet or panel. Also in output there is a table "Cutting Instruction" which also gives an idea about cutting the parts.

• Has inventory built-in.

PLUS 2D Standard version has a built in inventory, using which you can enter your available stock. This typically is the shop floor inventory.  This is an optional feature in the Light Version.  If you want a full-fledged inventory management system, please take a look at our Order Processing & Inventory Management software or Bill of Material Generation software.  Click Here!!

• Has built-in shape library, can also import DXF files for shapes.

In many cases you require different parametric shapes or non-rectangular shapes. PLUS 2D provides facility of adding shape and optimize these as per the rules. PLUS 2D has built in parametric shapes library which contain different shapes required in :

• Glass Industry.
• Sheet Metal Industry.
• Woodworking industry.

According to industry requirements, some standard libraries have been made. To use of this library is too easy to enter input your data. Click here!! 

Pairing of Shapes : some time shape you are adding for optimization can be pair with each there. There are some option given in shapes that allows you to pair shapes or not. To know more about these Click here!!.

User Defined Pattern : Like shape pairing provides another option to create you pattern for shapes you have added.  For detail information about Pattern Click Here!!

Add your Shapes to PLUS 2D Shape Library Package : If you want to add some of your own shape, then please contact us.  We will analyze and if feasible,  we will do customization to add these shapes to the Library.  This may involve commercial discussions.

Shapes for Glass

Shapes for Metal

Shapes for Wood

Pairing of Shapes

• Accepts CAD drawings for input. 

PLUS 2D has a facility to import CAD base files (DXF files). is very simple and easy thing to add a CAD drawing parts to nest. It required a single button click. In PLUS 2D you can import single as well as multiple CAD files together. For more detail click here. Click here!!

• Design products and reuse in different jobs.

For more detail Click here!!

• Track and use offcuts.

Offcut - a reusable parts that remains from an earlier job. PLUS 2D has an option ' Allow Offcut', where you can specify the minimum area of the Offcut. If during optimization, any optimized layout contains unutilized area having size equal to or more than that, then it is considered as a offcut and it is tracked by PLUS 2D. In summary page 'Total No. offcut' are shown. Also number of Offcuts for a particular row also shown in Layout summary table. And in detail page you can  see the offcut position and size. Also if you are using stock from inventory then at the time of updating inventory this offcut will also get added into Inventory , which can be further used in next job. And another good thing is at whenever you are optimizing a Job and in that you are using Offcut generated in a previous job then PLUS 2D first uses that offcut then uses prime stock. 

See the offcut tracked in the layout. Here offcut size is 988 * 911

Tracking of Offcut

• Does the software save non-rectangular standard shapes like trapezoid, pentagon or octagonal offcuts?    

Currently, only regular rectangular shaped offcuts are being stored. We do customize the software to enhance its value for our customers. We may take up this feature after due technical and commercial discussion.

• Re-nest option : reject some layouts, and nest the remaining problem.

Re-nest - is a special option provided in PLUS 2D. For a particular job after nesting if you don't like the some layouts (more than one ) or you feel there is a better alternative, then you can reject such layouts and Re-Nest that. For details Click Here!!

• PLUS LABEL Maker - design and print your own Bar Coded labels - tracking of parts and even offcuts resolved.

If each part has a label to identify the customer to which is made, its dimensions, etc. the problem is solved. You can add an option to PLUS 2D - link it with PLUS Label Maker software. This will allow you to make Bar Coded Labels at a click of a button. You can print labels using an ordinary Inkjet, Laser or even Thermal Printer. PLUS Label Maker will print to nearly all PC compatible printers on any type of paper
PLUS Label Maker can generate labels for parts and offcuts. These can be printed for the optimized layouts and for quantity. The user can design his/her own label.  The features of the software is given below.

• Features of PLUS Label Maker

• Design labels as per your requirements or choose from installed templates. 

• Edit both size and content.

•  Use low cost off the shelf labels.Select the criteria, say either for layouts or for parts, for making the labels.

• You can print empty labels with no data.Add part pictures or layout pictures on every label. 

• Unique Bar Code values generated as per the formula specified by you.

• Also you can print part position in layout on labels so that its easily to find the part after cutting and sticking labels on it.

• The Bar code is made using the Code39 standard which is one of the most popular format used for inventory and tracking.

• Choose from over 15 different formats. The label templates are made so that you get all the information required but without label looking too complicated.

• You can preview the labels generated and print them on any ordinary printers.

PLUS Label Maker

• Has links to the many saws - find yours here.

PLUS 2D export the layout drawings as DXF with information on different layers which you can import into your cutting table link software. We also write out the data in standard formats. To know whether your CNC controller is supported or not Click Here!!  Also if you have any table and to use PLUS 2d along with that please contact with for customization.

Link From PLUS 2D to
Glass CNC Machine	Sheet Metal Machine	Woodworking Panel Saw

• Implementation of new features

Yes, they can. Many features have been implemented at our clients request. Cost and time vary according to the complexity and exclusiveness of the function to be implemented.  If the new feature can be useful to other clients, it could even be implemented free of charge.

• Many Saws, Cutting Table, Cutting machines supported

PLUS 2D supports links to many CNC cutting machine. To check the list of available  Click Here!! If the machine you are using is not present in our list, you can write to us. We will customize PLUS 2D to interface its output with you machine.  If you are a CNC based Cutting machine manufacturer or a reseller, we can also offer PLUS 2D as an OEM solution with your saw or cutting table or other cutting machine. Please get in touch with us.

• Pattern amendment allows you to use the place your own parts.

Pattern amendment allows you to edit the nested layout. In some case it happens that there is a big offcut generated in a layout where you want to add another part or some part you want to replace by another parts. This optional add on module in PLUS 2D helps you to edit the desired nested layout.

• Integrates with PLUS BOMGen if you require estimation for other non-wood items.

BOMGen - a bill material software is integrated with PLUS 2D.  For more details Click Here!!

• How to reduce wastage during cutting of panels?

When you have more no of part quantity and want to cut that parts from stock so that wastage will be reduce. If you are trying this manually you will face no of problem, need to lots of calculation, wastage of time, insecurity of  perfection. To avoid all this simply switch to PLUS 2D, simple understand, take less time to use and give better output. Using  PLUS 2D you can save material and time.

• Can I see a 3d model?

PLUS 2D support only 2 dimensional  parts. It only do the nesting of two dimensional parts like nesting from panels, boards, sheet, coils and etc.. so you are not able to see the 3D model.

• Pallet optimization option      

When you are cutting the stocks/boards into required sizes, you have to use number of pallets to place different cut sizes in different pallet. Because of this you will have number of open pallets, that can waste lots of place, time in keeping the parts on pallets and energy of the workers doing so. Hence overall it decreases the efficiency of the process, which may further lead to delays in delivery.
        To avoid this, PLUS 2D has a special optional add - on module called as Pallet Optimization. On pallet optimization, PLUS 2D tries to reduce the number of open racks to minimal required at any point of time, saving space, time and energy thus increasing the efficiency of workers. For details Click Here!!

• Define your filler parts
• I have standard parts that need to be cut. Will I be able to place these parts on the layout directly?    

PLUS 2D have an optional add on module called Filler Parts. During the nesting of required parts many times big offcuts are remain. Instead of keeping this offcut for later use you can use this offcut directly by specifying the regular used parts (Filler Parts) length. What PLUS 2D will do in this it checks, is there any offcut remain having length larger filler parts length and add part in it.

• User definable columns for documentation   

In PLUS 2D  you can specify fine define your own column to add information you required for the documentation purpose, Also you can give name to this column so that its easy to recognize. Most beneficial thing is that if you required to add some data in bar coded labels at time also this column are very useful.

• I use hydraulic shears and press brakes. Will the software be useful?
• I have to nest some parts and shear manually, is there any easy solution which will solve my problem?

Whether you are cutting manually or with hydraulic shears or CNC based Punch presses or Gas/plasma machines, PLUS 2D generates cutting layouts or plans that gives you optimum utilization of the stock.  They are easy to cut and there is an option - Cut Complexity that helps you to select cutting plans of lesser complexity where required.

• Will the software interface with ERP software?   

Yes PLUS 2D can be interface with ERP system. We can do customization for interfacing with ERP like SAP, BAAN, Ramco, etc.