ProNest Extension for Tekla PowerFab - Step 1 Setup

ProNest Extension - Step 1 Setup

1. Enable Extension Directory: 
   File -> Administration
   Check the box for Enable Extension Directory 

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2. Assign a directory for Extensions:
   File -> Default Directories 

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3. Important Configuration Note:

   When defining the Extension Default Directory path, you must use a local path (e.g., C:\Users\Public\Documents\Tekla\Tekla PowerFab\Extensions) rather than a shared network drive. Ensure the .json and .dll files are saved locally on the machine running the extension to prevent communication errors.

    

4. Add the folder for the ProNest Extension to the Extension directory 

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5. Setup ProNest Integration Settings in PowerFab
   Maintenance -> Integration Settings -> ProNest
   Check the box to "Enable ProNest for Plate Nesting:"
   From the Nesting Request Format selection choose "Extension"
   This integration is much simpler than the previous integration, so most options will now be disabled. Just verify that Material Display Format is set to the same setting as ProNest. 

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6. Use the Extension
   To make the ProNest Extension available as the nesting software, when Combining select Optimizations and select Extension as the Plate Nesting Software. "Extension" can be set as the default under Combining Optimizations in each module's (that supports combining) Company Standards. Now ProNest Server will be available when exporting the Combining nest request.