ProNest Extension for Tekla PowerFab - Step 2 Create a Nest Request
Tekla PowerFab has had an integration with ProNest for a long time. If you're using the original integration and need a refresher check out ProNest Integration (Start Here). Then contact Hypertherm about the new Extension outlined below. It's a much simpler workflow, and is a big timesaver.
If you're using the new ProNest Extension for Tekla PowerFab, this article will walk you through the workflow. If you haven't already, start with the ProNest Extension Setup.
Create a Combining Run
A combining run in Tekla PowerFab functions as a staging area for sending work orders or nest requests to ProNest. You can create a combining run in most PowerFab modules, including Combining, Estimating, Production Control, Purchasing (under Requisitions) and in Order Entry. Most users run external nest requests only from Production Control and Purchasing, and use Tekla PowerFab's internal nesting for the other modules.
1. Click Requisition or Production Control ribbon tab and select Combine.
2. Click the Nest (F2) button to bring up Combining Run Filters.
From this screen you can filter for the parts to nest, as well as Inventory and Suppliers to use.
3. After you've made your filter selections, click Optimizations.
4. On the Plate Nesting Settings tab, select Extension in the Plate Nesting Software list.
See Define combining optimizations for a combining job in the Tekla PowerFab Product Guide.
You can save these settings as defaults in Company Standards for each module:
5. Click Save then click Nest (F4).
The Combining Run Results screen lists the parts you've selected to send to ProNest to nest.
Note that in the tree at the left all parts are currently Not Combined as the external software will do the combining.
The Run Description is time-stamped by default, but you can click the lower-right button to customize the name.
Note: Be sure to save the combining run, as ProNest will be saving information to it.
6. On the Combining Run menu, select Export Parts for Nesting, then ProNest Server.
In the Export Parts for Combining dialog box, Include Available Inventory sends a list of compatible inventory based on your previous filter selections.
Include orderable Inventory sends a list based on what your selected supplier has available in Pricing Maintenance. Note that ProNest requires that Include CNC Files is set to Embed.
It's recommended that you have all CNC files loaded in PowerFab. If any included parts don't have CNC files, generic rectangle files will be generated and sent.
7. When you click Send the work order will be available for ProNest.