Hypertherm announced a minor version update to ProNest 2019, its advanced CAD/CAM nesting software for automated cutting. The new release contains targeted features and enhancements designed to make customers more efficient and profitable.
The PDF import function allows programmers and operators to directly import vector-based PDF files such as engineering drawings or specification sheets, eliminating the need for separate .dxf and .dwg files to make the importing of parts and job quoting easier and faster. Scribe text additions make it possible to automatically mark parts during import with unique identifying information such as a part name, customer name, or work order number. Reposition work zones allows parts to span multiple work zones in a single nest as reposition machines can now cut parts in sections, beginning the cut in one work zone before repositioning and completing the cut in another zone.
The ProNest 2019 software, released in May 2018, already featured new functionalities such as raster to vector conversion to quickly convert .jpeg and similar images into CAD files for cutting, fly cutting for faster laser cutting on thin material and the ability to pierce without slowing down or stopping the cutting head. The integration of Design2Fab also allows customers cutting sheet metal to access fitting directly from ProNest. Drag rotation finally enables faster manual nesting and even better plate utilization, especially when nesting around the contours of larger parts.
Overall, with ProNest 2019 customers can more fully automate the cutting process, regardless of the cutting method (plasma, laser, water jet, oxyfuel or combination lunch), and expand user capabilities through smart factory and Industry 4.0 integration with ERP/MRP systems and a host of other supporting software.