Pattern Design software » Nesting and driver software

Pattern layout and nesting window

Nesting software has two distinct functions.

• Organise and nest the patterns to be drawn and cut on to the fabric.
• Drive the plotter or Plotter-Cutter machine.

Once the patterns have been sent to Nesting, they open in a window that corresponds to the fabric as it would lie on the table. Nesting will automatically group panels of the same colour to simplify the fabric layout.

Imported panels can then be precisely rotated and moved to match the warp and weft of the fabric, duplicated, flipped, mirrored, multiple selected, grouped and then compacted to reduce the amount of fabric needed.

The length of fabric required is constantly updated during the compacting process so fabric stocks can be precisely controlled. Especially useful when ordering expensive material for one off jobs.

Nesting software's semi automatic compacting functions, together with simple drag and drop using the mouse, will result in nesting so accurate, the horizontal or vertical edges of two panels can literally be on top of each other and drawn or cut as one line.

If you do not have a plotter to draw out the patterns, Nesting can generate offsets that will enable the patterns to be drawn by hand.

Driving the machine

This is completely computer controlled and requires no operator input apart from starting the machine by selecting "plot" from the menu. The software automatically calculates the most efficient path for the machine to travel and guides it around using a series of signals sent to the stepping motors, pneumatic valves and solenoids, that allow for acceleration and deceleration of the machine, as well as lifting and lowering the pen and cutting blade at the appropriate times.