Networked nesting

The enhancements in the new SigmaSuite version of Cambrio affect all areas of the product portfolio, including CAD/CAM nesting for milling, bevel cutting, punching and cut-to-length. In addition, the possibilities for networked manufacturing operations are expanded.

“SigmaNest is committed to supporting its customers not only through a wide range of CAD/CAM enhancements, but also through our innovative ‘Connected Shop’ solutions designed specifically for manufacturing operations,” said Glenn Durham, vice president of engineering.

Programmers benefit from improved import capabilities for the latest native CAD formats, such as mapping sketches to SigmaNest operations for NX and mapping 3D part properties for SolidWorks. In addition, the SigmaNest contour library has been enhanced to enable super-fast parametric geometry operations for more efficient CAD programming.

With SigmaNest version 22, an improved user interface is available. Sheet metal designations can now be changed in the list of processing steps, finer gradation of hatch density improves the readability of reports, multiple views can be arranged more easily. Users can now select the appropriate machine bed directly from the machine parameter configuration menu to view their material in relation to the bed size and support bar positions.

Also new is the ability to use a graphic marker to check the position of the attached bars for the entire nesting before sending the program to production. In addition, the part report generation functions have been enhanced: process parameters such as current strength or gas type are now supported. Visual aids for text on nesting details, as well as the ability to highlight mirrored parts with hatching, provide improved reports.
Finally, SigmaNest has been optimized in terms of direct transactions within SigmaSuite. As a result, the processes that previously required the SimTrans transaction manager experience a performance increase of up to 30 percent. Customers who do not have MRP/ERP connectivity can now upgrade without a SimTrans license and save money. Installations that require an MRP/ERP connection are also significantly faster.

SigmaNest Punch includes many new features for increased productivity, including special nesting for automated cutting on a common line for single, similar and multi-part geometries. Different tool sizes are recalculated. Clamping devices can now be repositioned during operation. The new program simulation of multiple burners highlights active burners and burner spacing. Programming flexibility is greatly increased by the automatic arrangement of the die sequence during part removal and allows the use of user-defined criteria, such as removing small parts at the beginning or working in the direction of the clamps to maintain the rigidity of the plate. The new tool manager allows tools to be quickly added, saved as a group, and transferred between jobs.

Other modules within the SigmaSuite portfolio have also received major updates. SigmaDevelop provides flange collar options to create transitions from rectangular to round/oval shapes. Furthermore, there is the possibility to define zero radius corners at the transition from a rectangle to a round shape for sharp-edged bends. SigmaBend AP now offers additional machine support, reusable tool configurations for future machining and 3D assembly filters.

In another integrated component, the “Connected Shop” solution, the enhancements in SigmaCTL provide better quoting and order creation, as well as parts tracking and unloading. SigmaCTL now works with both SigmaSchedule and Load Manager, and is complemented by a new CTL feedback app for managing programs on the machine. In addition, users can now specify the orientation for placement and even mix parts from different jobs to achieve more material savings using optimal nesting. SigmaCTL together with SigmaTube can now export 3D nesting as step or Iges files. This offers the possibility of connecting additional machines from other manufacturers.

SigmaSchedule now checks jobs for items that require secondary operations and prioritizes them for better efficiency, consistent workloads and reduced idle time. The Load Manager can now intelligently distribute machining operations within a group of machines to improve production capacity through automatic workload control.

More powerful access permissions are now available for SigmaMRP and SigmaQuote thanks to “View-Only” mode, which provides full visibility but no editing capabilities. Both modules break down into fractional costs to ensure accurate accounting. The “smart” purchase button allows the user to select multiple orders to calculate material requirements and combine common items into a single purchase order that can be used for all orders.
Finally, estimators can quickly copy line items along with price adjustments or additional cost factors from one job to another, greatly speeding up quoting for similar projects.
Glenn Durham concludes, “Team communication is a critical component to success in manufacturing. The need to connect all operations and track workflows across the plant is becoming increasingly important. Version 22 is a significant release and another step in optimally connecting the various operations functions to ensure our customers are best equipped to take advantage of the latest technological advances and innovation drivers.”

Web:
www.cambrio.com