6. ProNest External Nesting

Tekla PowerFab
Not version-specific
Tekla PowerFab Tekla PowerFab GO

Taking a Nesting run to ProNest and back

Use this process to take advantage of ProNest's Nesting capabilities within a Tekla PowerFab job.

  • Open a job in Combining, Estimating, Production Control or Purchasing.
  • Choose "Combine" from the menu.
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combine

 

  • Click "Nest" or "Mult & Nest" at the bottom to start a new combining run.
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nest

 

  • From the "Combining Run Filters" screen, filter for the plates you want to nest, and select "Optimizations" (bottom left) to select the nesting software to use
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filter

 

  • If PNL/SNL Nesting File format is used, the inventory available to this Combining Run can be restricted using the INV Filter (next to Optimization button).
  • Choose ProNest as the Nesting Software, unless you have ProNest as default (in which case ProNest will already be selected).
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software

 

  • On the Combining Run Filter screen, click Nest (or Mult&Nest).
  • Running "Nest" with ProNest as your Nesting Software initially results in all pieces "Not Combined"
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combining run

 

  • These pieces can then be exported to ProNest for nesting. Note: Make sure you save the combining run so you can import the results later.
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export

Export using PNL/SNL Format

  • If the Nesting Request Format is PNL/SNL, choose a due date for this Work order.
  • To allow ProNest to nest onto current stock (rectangular), check "Include Sheets". To give this stock priority, set the priority to 1. To set priority elsewhere, make the number higher than other options.
  • To allow ProNest to nest onto remnants, check "Include Remnants". To give priority to remnants, set the priority to 1. To set priority elsewhere, make the number higher than other options.
  • To allow ProNest to nest onto Purchasable inventory, check "Include Orderable Sizes". To give orderable stock priority, set the priority to 1. To set priority elsewhere, make the number higher than other options.
  • If desired, check "Automatically Open PNL". This will launch ProNest with this PNL file once it has been created.
  • If desired, check "Include Job Number in Piecemark". This will change the piecemark of the part from something like "p1.dxf" to "Job123'-'p1.dxf". It is useful for identifying parts from different jobs when they are in dxf format (where the job information is not included in the CNC file).
  • Checking Auto-Tab will tell ProNest to use their setup for mirroring.
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export settings

 

  • The download creates two files. The PNL contains the parts to nest, and the SNL contains the inventory plates available to this combining run.
  • +If ProNest was not automatically launched with the files, import them into ProNest by choosing Edit Part List->Import Part List from the Home tab. Selecting the PNL file to import results in ProNest importing the matching SNL also.
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pronest

Export using Work Order Format

  • If the Nesting Request Format is Work Order format, choose a due date, then select whether to allow ProNest to mirror and/or rotate plates in the nest.
  • If desired, check "Include Job Number in Piecemark". This will change the piecemark of the part from something like "p1.dxf" to "Job123'-'p1.dxf". It is useful for identifying parts from different jobs when they are in dxf format (where the job information is not included in the CNC file).
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work order
  • The file will be created and automatically imported to ProNest using a batch file command. The name of the output file and where it is saved does not matter. After the export completes, open ProNest, and click "Add Parts" on the left or select the menu item Job, then Home Tab->Edit Part List->Edit Part List. The Edit Parts List screen comes up. On the Work Orders tab will appear the pieces just imported. Select them all (or however many you wish), and drag them down to the Part List. When finished, click the red "x" in the upper left corner to return to Nesting.
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pronest

 

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pronest

 

  • All parts in the parts list should have a valid entry in the "Material" field. If this field contains "(none)", update the MRP Material Map.

Process Nest in ProNest

  • To take advantage of a restricted inventory (from a PNL import, or a manually set up Plate List), run the nest using plates from the Plate List.
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pronest

 

  • Crop the nests.
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crop

 

  • Save Remnants so that they can be retrieved by PowerFab. This will allow remnants to be used again in future nests. It is not necessary to save skeletons.
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pronest

Prepare Nesting results for PowerFab

  • Run Report from the Home Tab: Reports → Custom reports; select ProNest to Tekla PowerFab Nest Summary, then Send to → HTML
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report

 

  • When the report is finished, a panel at the bottom will appear to show that the html file was created.
Note: This report can be exported either before or after CNC is sent out from ProNest. Exporting the report and importing it into PowerFab before CNC is sent out will allow you to review the nest results in PowerFab before the ProNest inventory is relieved. Sending the nest to machine before exporting the report will eliminate a step (importing the ProNest cut list) later.

Import Nest from ProNest into Tekla PowerFab.

  • Back in Tekla PowerFab, open the combining run, and choose "Import Nested Parts".
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import

 

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import status

 

  • After the Import finishes, the results show on the Combining Run window. Select a row, and click "View Nest" to show the ProNest-generated nest and it's pieces.
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view nest

 

  • The top left shows the External Nest ID, and the software creating this nest, followed by a list of all the parts on this nest. The middle shows the ProNest image of the Nest, and tabs across the top show each remnant and each part in the nest.
  • The number after "Remnant" or "Skeleton" is the PowerFab Remnant ID for this remnant. This number uniquely identifies this remnant in PowerFab, and will not change. If you wish to see this ID in ProNest, map the field.
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trueshape nest

 

Note: Parts for which there is no CNC file do not have tabs.
  • Click "Save Displayed Results and Close" to reserve these pieces in Inventory.
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save

 

  • If items need to be ordered, choose a purchase order or requisition.
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req or po

 

  • When Import Items finishes, the inventory used by this combining run is reserved for this job.
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inventory

 

  • Double-clicking one of these nests will show the ProNest image, with the details of the nest.
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view nest

 

  • The top left shows the External Nest ID, and the software creating this nest, followed by a list of all the parts on this nest. The middle shows the ProNest image of the Nest, and tabs across the top show each remnant and each part in the nest. The PowerFab ID of each Remnant and Skeleton is shown in the tab name. This ID will not change.
  • Finally, cut the nest, and import the ProNest cut list to inventory. As production goes through the shop, Cut and Take From Stock this ProNest data.


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