What’s integrated nesting? Imagine trying to get as many cookies out of one sheet of dough as possible. Takes ingenuity and some planning, doesn’t it? Well, imagine substituting one of our six high-power laser cutting machines for the cookie cutter and a 5’ X 10’ piece of expensive sheet metal for the dough. Before utilizing nesting software into our laser operation, we planned out templates for laser cutting parts the same way you bake – by hand.

We quickly discovered the benefits available to our customers and ourselves by integrating SigmaNEST, our state-of-the-art nesting software with Edge, our enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.

Today, we upload all the data from our active work orders (part numbers, specs, quantities, priorities, and due dates) from Edge into SigmaNEST, which contains the CAD software that we use for programming the lasers. Integrating the two programs creates a streamlined flow of information for our laser cutting operations from order to delivery.

Efficiency

The time savings in paperwork alone is enormous. Less time is spent in the office programming each work order. Approved part files are saved in the database to speed the process even more on re-orders. On the floor, all the operator has to do is make sure the machine is loaded with raw material, turn it on and then go off to work on other projects. In fact, one operator can oversee all six of our laser cutters. The machines can also be programmed to run overnight with no operator intervention at all. This allows for maximum utilization of operator and machine time.

“The laser operation is controlled digitally,” says Production/Engineering Manager Jason Ming. “I can load and manage the schedule right from my office or anywhere I can get Internet access.”

Waste Control

One of the biggest costs of creating parts is the raw material. Since SigmaNEST allows us to easily cut many different parts on one sheet, we get a much better yield of parts per sheet. The only provision is all the parts have to have the same material specification (material, grade, thickness, etc.). With the efficiencies built into the SigmaNEST software, we can arrange 20-30 average size parts in one nest.

“We generally try to cut only full sheets, so we have very little scrap left over,” says Ming. “If today’s work order only uses a quarter of a sheet, we can add pieces from the next day and fill out the rest of the sheet.” The combination of data from the ERP and nesting software tells us exactly how much material we need going forward, so inventory control is extremely tight.

Customer Benefit

Because so much time has been taken out of the process, we have been able to realize a huge increase in the volume of work we can handle for our customers. In addition, we can respond more quickly to customer changes or rush orders. Because up-to-date work orders are stored in the database, we don’t have to wade through a pile of paper orders and then manually reprogram the laser cutters. The opportunity for human error has also been reduced by eliminating manual steps and by having fewer people involved in the process.

As an industry thought leader, we are continually looking for creative solutions that lead to higher levels of accuracy and a superior on-time delivery record. The integration of our nesting and ERP software is just one example. If you would like to learn more about how to put our innovative thinking and metalworking capabilities to work for you, please contact us.