NESPERT CAM

NESPERT CAM is a fully-functional CAM system for programming of CNC machines for true shape nesting, which:

• supports geometry and data in Database of parts by orders,
  
• imports geometry and attributes of the parts for nesting,
  
• sets cutting type, plates and material by choosing a machine from Technological Datasets,
  
• automatically and interactively nests parts and blocks,
  
• nests parts from orders according to priorities,
  
• applies a processing technology according to material, machine and cutting type,
  
• generates NC programs and processing documents,
  
• calculates processing duration, cost price and creates offers.
  

NESPERT CAM can work together with the system for technological preparation management NESPERT Manager, with NESPERT MES for nesting production management, as well as in the composition of complex enterprise management systems.

The NESPERT CAM bundle includes:

• NESPERT CAM – CAM system for true shape nesting and NC programming,
  
• Library Parametric parts,
  
• Library NESPERT rPipe – parts from cylindrical pipe connections,
  
• Library NESPERT rJet – water-jet cutting technology,
  
• Library NESPERT rAMT – variable number and distance between parallel torches,
  
• Library NESPERT rLaser – laser cutting technology,
  
• Library NESPERT rSales – pricing and offering by orders for multi-plate nesting,
  
• NESPERT NCV – System for verification of NC programs for thermal cutting.
  

• Library NESPERT rBevel – bevel cutting technology.
  
• Library NESPERT rDrill – Drilling, boring and milling technology.
  
• Multi-user DB for NESPERT CAM and NESPERT Manager.
  

NESPERT CAM creates part geometry by importing from CAD geometry or by running parametric macros from its own libraries.

• Geometry import
  NESPERT CAM imports parts from 2D CAD geometry or from the projection in the OXY plane of 3D wire-frame geometry.
  It can import the following geometry primitives from a CAD file: segments, circular and elliptic arcs, polylines, NURBS splines, point sets and text. While importing the system transforms the CAD primitives into contours, consisting of segments and arcs. Under certain conditions points and text are added to the part so that processing could be done on them.
  
  NESPERT CAM intelligently corrects geometric defects and marks the locations of the remaining errors.
  
  It defines the contour type in the part as: outer and inner closed, hole, slot, geometry for marking and point set. It allows manual changing, enabling/disabling of types of processing as per the layer or the colour of the input contours as well as changing the units of measurement of the input geometry.
  
  NESPERT CAM imports geometry from CAD files in DXF, DWG*, SVG, ESSI, NX XML, DSTV, CDW*, FRW*, PSM* format.
  If SolidEdge is installed NESPERT CAM can import CAD geometry of plane parts from PSM files, and if KOMPAS-3D/KOMPAS-Graphic is installed – CAD geometry from CDW files.
  When a CAD file contains geometry of multiple parts, all of the parts are loaded at the same time without changing their mutual position – as a multipart.
  
  It loads selected parts from a DXF file, containing multiple AutoCAD blocks.
  When the name of file or the AutoCAD block contains quantities, the system automatically fills in the quantities of the parts in the nesting Job.
  
• Parametric parts
  The library contains a variety of parametric macros. Each macro opens a draft and from the entered dimensions and parameters saves a part in NESPERT CAM.
  

NESPERT CAM has a variety of options for nesting managemnt and creating processing technology.

It is possible to perform fully automatic design with one push of a button, as well as to interrupt the nesting at any time and apply interactive functions, as well as interactively nest and apply functions to create and change the processing technology.

The user interface is visually oriented, with integrated and homogeneous methods for nesting and managing processing technology.

• Project
  NESPERT CAM saves the data during the nesting process in a project file in a folder of the operating system.
  The system supports all necessary data in the project file to allow openning the project both by the user who created it and by a remote user of the system.
  
• Nesting management
  To manage the design process the system uses Job, Nesting queue, Project navigator, Project tree and galleries – Parts, Blocks and Nesting layouts.
  
• Plates for nesting in project
  NESPERT CAM nests on multiple whole plates or usable remnants (UR). It specifies the plates by direct input of dimensions, by a selection from the Plates dataset or by geometry import from a CAD file. It allows setting a limit for each plate. It can nest on plates with pre-set sizes in a project.
  Manages intelligently the multiplicity of the plate/nesting layout. Shortens or extends a plate at any time, creates danger zones for clamps. Defines UR with rectangular, free or stepped form.
  
• Nesting layouts variants
  NESPERT CAM can disable layouts from the project, after which they become unusable and their parts return for nesting. NESPERT CAM can lock layouts, after which they become uneditable and their parts do not return for nesting. Reports and NC programs can be generated for both locked and disabled layouts.
  
• Interactive tools for nesting
  The system puts "handles"of the following nesting functions around the objects selected for interactive nesting: continuous and step-by-step rotation, mirror flip, matrix nesting management, automatic snap and dinamic orientation, common cut nesting.
  
• Creating technology at any time
  Distinctive characteristic of NESPERT CAM is that it can create or change the processing technology for the whole layout or for a part of it at any time. It is permissible to nest parts without technology and to create the cutting technology before generating the NC program. It is also possible to create technology for each part and to nest parts with technology.
  

• NESPERT CAM nests with high efficiency.
  It uses algorithms for tight step-by-step nesting and on-line control against overlapping, which forbids nesting an object on top of already nested ones.
  It has advanced functionality for automatic or interactive nesting.
  NESPERT CAM allows interrupting the automatic nesting, interactive action and resuming the automatic nesting at any time.
  
• Working with blocks
  NESPERT CAM includes a large number of functions for working with groups of nested parts, called blocks.
  The blocks can be used as created or broken down and edited on site. Blocks are used everywhere in the system.
  
• Automatic nesting
  For certain angular positions the system optimises, finds place and orientation of a part or a block on the plate and then nests it tightly to the already nested objects. The automatic nesting is performed in the order, set in the nesting queue and with quantities, set in the job, on a single or multiple plates, until the allowed plates or the parts in the job are expended.
  

Unlimited part-in-part nesting
NESPERT CAM nests parts in a hole of another part. The nesting levels are unlimited.

• Interactive nesting
  The nesting in interactive mode can be with true shape or in a pattern, controlled by the corresponding “handles”.
  Using the cursor the parts can be dragged, pushed or manipulated until they are placed close to the desired position on the plate. After dropping them, the algorithms for on-line control against overlapping, nest them tightly to the already nested objects on the plate.
  
• Special nesting methods
  NESPERT CAM provides functions which take into account the characteristics of the CNC machines such as: Nesting on the edge of the plate; Common cut nesting; Parallel nesting with fixed spacing between the torches and additional nesting after the parallel nesting; Parallel nesting with variable spacing and number of torches.
  

• Open Database with Technological Datasets
  NESPERT CAM automates the creation of processing technologies by taking into account the specifics and requirements of every cutting type - laser, plasma, oxy-fuel, water-jet or mechanical. It saves information according to the ongoing physical and chemical processes inside the cut, the type and thickness of the material and the type of the processed contour. The system supports all repeatedly used information in the SQL database, which is hidden for the user (i.e. system support is not required). The information in the database is organised in accessible for review and editing Datasets.
  
  • Technological Datasets
    NESPERT CAM supports specific technological knowledge in Technological Datasets (TD) for Machines, Carriages, Tools, Gases, Postprocessors, Material types and grades, Producers, Processing technologies, Technological tables.
    NESPERT CAM uses them to specify and apply the processing technology in the project based on machine, material grade and thickness, processing type, type and length of the contours.
    
  • Dataset Plates
    Supports geometry and attributive information for Rectangular plates and Usable Remnants (UR). The plates are organized by the following criteria in the dataset: material, thickness, standard, shape – rectangular or complex. The plates can be imported in the dataset through direct input, from CAD files or through saving usable remnants from a nesting layout.
    
  • Dataset Blocks
    Supports nested groups of parts, organised by material, thickness, machine, energy source, tool and kerf. It is used in repetitive production of parts from the same product.
    
  • Datasets with Work and materials norms
    Supports normative data, needed for pricing and creating offers in datasets: Prices for materials and processing, Company details of customers and suppliers, Additional expenses, Delivery conditions, Settings for pricing.
    
• Cutting paths and route of rapid moves
  NESPERT CAM provides powerful tools for cutting paths and route of rapid moves management.
  
  • Cutting path is the path of the jet, which walks along a separate contour from a part in a way, set by the processing technology.
    NESPERT CAM knows which contours are outer, inner, circular holes, slots, which paths are marked (or engraved), and also which are the centring points.
    The paths are created automatically, with on-line control against overlapping, in correspondence with material, type and length of the contours. NESPERT CAM uses the information from the Technological Datasets to create the paths and path elements associated with them.
    The system finds space for the path elements, so that they do not overlap neighbouring objects, using the on-line control against overlapping.
    
  • The route of rapid moves defines the sequence of processing the separate paths in a block, in a zone and in a nesting layout. The route is generated automatically or interactively.
    
• NESPERT CAM automatically creates paths for cutting, marking (engraving), cleaning. The visualisation of the paths is performed when a path element is created.
  The automatically created path elements are:
  
  • Start/End points; Gaps; Loops and sharp corner operations,
    
  • path segments for controlling the speed and acceleration in corners, including radius of roundings for smooth circumvention of corners,
    
  • path segments for accurate cutting of holes, when the plasma source allows turn-off control.
    
  • chain cutting with circumventing,
    
  • fly cutting paths.
    
• NESPERT CAM interactively creates paths and path elements:
  NESPERT CAM creates:
  
  • Cutting with bridges; including corner and negative bridges,
    
  • common cuts,
    
  • pseudo-bridges with leading line, including on common cuts,
    
  • paths of parts nested on the edge of the plate,
    
  • paths with “eyelets” for Lead-In from adjacent path,
    
  • “L-locks” on the path,
    
  • chain cutting paths,
    
  • fly cutting paths.
    
• Interactive editing
  Changes the place of Lead-In/Out or Gap by dragging along the path, edits the slope and length of Lead-In and Lead-Out by dragging the relevant „handles“, changes the type of Lead-In/Out using „halos“.
  
• Transferring a nesting layout between machines
  NESPERT CAM supports advanced functions for transfer of NC programs between different types of machines.
  NESPERT CAM allows automatic change of machine, cutting regime, technology, kerf and post-processor in the project at any time.
  
• Creating a route
  NESPERT CAM provides advanced functions for automatic and interactive work with rapid moves.
  
  • Creates a route of rapid moves with "wave", z-shaped, disperced, with backward route and other optimisation types,
    
  • works with partial and full routes,
    
  • takes into accound the part-by-part nesting and nesting levels,
    
  • automatically creates rapid moves without cutting for circumventing cut areas on the plate in order to avoid collisions,
    
  • controls the rapid moves with enabled tracking,
    
  • traces a route.
    
• Copying a technology from parts with technology to nested parts without technology.
  
  • Supports powerful functions for transferring NC programs between different types of machines.
    NESPERT CAM allows automatic change of machine, cutting regime, technology, kerf and postprocessor in the project at any time.
    
• Special tasks for true shape nesting
  
  • Common cuts: by pairs, in matrix of rectangular parts, in multitudes of variable parts, common cut of nested parts,
    
  • avoiding collisions by reorientation of Start/End points according to the sequence of contour cutting; Automatic circumvention of cut areas with rapid moves,
    
  • creating nesting layouts with continuous cutting and lead-in from the edge of the plate,
    
  • slicing the scrap skeleton,
    
  • cutting gaps after the main processing,
    
  • creating technologies for processing by frames (with repositioning) of plates longer than the work stroke of the machine,
    
  • automatically splitting a nesting layout into successive settings for two machines in two ways:
    
• Generating reports and documents
  Saves HTML, PDF and DXF documents for a single layout or all layouts in the project.
  
• Generating NC programs in ISO/EIA, ESSI and other command systems
  NESPERT CAM creates NC programs using Universal or External postprocessor. It generates programs for:
  
  • all thermal cutting types,
    
  • water-jet cutting,
    
  • bevel cutting
    
  • drilling and boring with tool change from tool magazine,
    
  • cutting with tangential knife or band,
    
  • vector and text marking,
    
  • cutting with different systems for automatic control of the cutting regime.

NESPERT CAM has advanced functionality for programming modern laser cutting machines with specific technological tables for the type of machine. Creates nesting and cutting technology with a wide range of features for laser processing taking into account material, thickness, type and length of the contour. Programs cutting, cleaning and engraving. It generates NC code with rotation and translation of subroutines.

NESPERT CAM has advanced functionality for programming plasma and oxy-fuel cutting machines. It nests and creates cutting technology for both plasma cutting of thin metals as well as for oxy-fuel or plasma cutting for thick metals.

The system programs thermal cutting combined with:

• dust, percussion, plasma or jet marking of vector geometry with a special tool,
  
• preliminary or part-by-part marking of texts with text-printing heads,
  
• preliminary or part-by-part marking/engraving of vector geometry with plasma cutter.
  

Programs thermal cutting combined with drilling with sized tool in advance. It drills start holes for piercing but does not drill start holes when piercing from the edge or from already cut contour.

It generates NC code, including for controlling the automatic gas consoles and programmable plasma sources.

NESPERT CAM creates bevels and NC programs for plasma and oxy-fuel bevel cutting through the optional library NESPERT rBevel.

The library provides flexible tools for creating nesting layouts with bevel cutting. It can be used to interactively create and manage:

• single bevels - lower, upper, lower and upper chamfer,
  
• complex - Y, K, X, bevels,
  
• variable bevels and chamfers,
  
• bevels on whole contours or contour segments, without limitation.
  

The library creates a technology for bevel paths, according to the capacities of the CNC machine, the bevel head and the tracking system by controlling:

• specific path elements, including Technological Points for management of the auxiliary bevel cutting functions,
  
• different types of processing with bevel paths of corners: with separate paths, loop, rounding, sweep, point; of corners at external and internal paths,
  
• angular transitions between paths with equal or with different angle of the bevel,
  
• transition between bevel and vertical paths.
  

The library provides advanced capacities for control of dimensional accuracy in bevel parts using the NC program or the CNC controller.

It creates NC programs for bevel cutting with different bevel heads constructions with 4- and 5-axis control with movements along axis XYCA, XY45°CA, XYAB, XYZAB.

NESPERT CAM creates technology for drilling, boring and milling of holes combined with thermal cutting using the optional library NESPERT rDrill:

• On top of flat part geometry, defines complex processing of step holes and 2D milling contours,
  
• supports a library with drilling, boring and milling tools and relevant cutting regimes,
  
• assigns the order of the tools from the NC program in the tool magazine,
  
• creates NC programs for thermal cutting combined with drilling, boring and milling with tool change from the tool magazine.

NESPERT CAM creates geometry of flat pattern of a part from a pipe connection by executing a parametric macro-part from the NESPERT rPipe library, and:

• shows a 2D general arrangement draft, a draft of the flat pattern and a 3D image of the processed part,
  
• creates structural elements, such as slots and assembly markers on the flat pattern; the flat pattern takes into account how the connection is assembled,
  
• creates matrix-nested round or rectangular openings on a pipe part using the Single pipe macros.

NESPERT CAM creates true shape nesting and NC programs for plasma or oxy-fuel cutting machines with the functionality of changing the number of parallel torches and the distance between them (Advanced Multi Torch) with the module NESPERT rAMT:

• creates nesting layouts with automatically or interactively nested groups of parts for parallel processing,
  
• creates cutting paths and route of rapid moves,
  
• visualises and traces parallel processing,
  
• interactively creates nesting and technology for multi-torch parallel processing of long parts with parallel edges.

NESPERT CAM is successfully used for programming: combined thermal cutting with dimensional punching processing, water-jet cutting, cutting with tangential knife (knife cutting), cutting with tangential band (polyurethane foams cutting), 2D contour milling (CNC routers).

NESPERT CAM defines prices from the nesting layouts in a project and creates commercial documents using the library NESPERT rSales.

The library accurately calculates the spent metal and time based on the cutting, marking and cleaning program, and distributes them by parts, by layouts, by nesting jobs and by orders.

Calculates cost based on norms from Datasets by:

• Length or time for processing,
  
• weight (or area) of the parts in the order, usable remnants, remnants to order and waste scrap.
  

Adds profit or discount, additional costs and factory expenses in the calculations.

Creates:

• Commercial documents such as Pro-forma invoice or offer,
  
• document sets, such as list of plates and usable remnants, nesting layouts, specifications or other reports.
  

Allows the documents to be generated for sales:

• In national currency, with or without VAT,
  
• in foreign currency, in multiple languages.

The CAM systems NESPERT CAM and NESPERT NCV work in 64 bit mode, depending on the operating system used, which can be:

• Microsoft Windows 10, 11
  
• Linux – Ubuntu, in native mode without emulation.
  

The CAM systems are localized in English and Bulgarian. There are no limitations for the localization language in the system.

The licenses are activated by a hardware network key WIBUBox/U+. The key is installed in a USB port of a local computer or file server in the factory's network.

The licenses of NESPERT CAM and NESPERT NCV are network licenses, which allows the installation of the CAM systems on multiple workplaces, connected to the factory's network, while the number of simultaneously working users is equal to the number of purchased licenses.

Normally, each license of NESPERT CAM uses a local database (DB) and because of this everyone uses their own settings and Technological datasets. Therefore, each user has to take care of the up-to-date definitions of the settings of the machines, the postprocessors and the processing technology.

NESPERT CAM comes with a network DB that supports uniform Settings, Technological datasets and DB with parts on nesting orders, to which the NESPERT CAM licenses can be connected.

The network DB is optional. It is installed on SQL and CMF server that are working on file server under Linux OS.

The SQL server is PostgreSQL, the CMF server is Django and they are distributed as an open source software.
VINTECH CADCAM can install the above stated software on demand.

When NESPERT CAM works together with NESPERT Manager the network DB must be set in order to support specifications of nesting, nesting plans and planned jobs.