Use customized extensions for combining

Tekla PowerFab
Modified: 8 Mar 2024
2024i
Tekla PowerFab Tekla PowerFab GO

Use customized extensions for combining

You can create your own extensions that send multing and nesting requests from Tekla PowerFab to other software. This way, using external multing or nesting software becomes smoother.

Note:

Before you can use extensions with Tekla PowerFab, users with administrator rights need to enable using extensions in the Administration - Settings dialog box. For more information, see Define Tekla PowerFab administration settings.

Add and save an extension

  1. Create the extension with a suitable tool.

    For example, you can use Microsoft Visual Studio.

    Remember to create the necessary error messages if something goes wrong when you use or test the extension.

  2. To check where the extension needs to be saved, click the File ribbon tab in the upper-left corner of the Tekla PowerFab window.
  3. On the File menu, select Default Directories.

  4. Save your extension to the default folder for extensions.

Export materials for combining

To test and use your extensions:

  1. Open a job and click the contextual ribbon tab.

    For example, in an open production control job, click the Production Control tab.

  2. On the menu, select Combine.
  3. Select a combining command: Mult, Nest, or Mult & Nest.
  4. Set the combining filters.
  5. Click Optimizations.

    The Combining Setup dialog box opens.

  6. In Multing Software or Plate Nesting Software, select Extension.
  7. Click Save.
  8. Combine the items.

    The Combining Run Results dialog box opens.

  9. Click the Combining Run ribbon tab.
  10. On the menu, select Export Parts for Nesting and select your extension.

    The Export Parts for Combining dialog box opens.

  11. Adjust the settings:
    • To include existing inventory materials in the export, select the Include available inventory checkbox.
    • To include materials that are configured in Pricing Maintenance and available to order in the export, select the Include orderable inventory.
    • In the CNC files list, select Embed (required by ProNest)

      Note that rectangles are generated without cuts or holes for any CNC that is not already loaded in Tekla PowerFab.

  12. Click Export Parts.
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