ShapeMaster Software allows you to create a collection of machining files e.g. DXF format etc. These files contain machining information for each component in the current drawing (or list) which is configured to output machining data. And if you are using nested based manufacturing, it integrates seamlessly into EzyNest and EnRoute, which optimises the shapes onto sheets ready for production.

Pictorial Explanation

Users can create their own shapes using the powerful machining options or use the pre-prepared library and many administrative facilities that comes with the product. Instead of dealing with complex CNC programming environments, you create the machining data from a user friendly environment. Elements of the design are changed by clicking on checkboxes and drop lists, and typing in required sizes and quantities. Then ShapeMaster takes care of generating the precise blending arcs and lines to create the design, and outputs it, in seconds, ready for machining.

CNC Config

CNC Config, accessed using the  command button on the Machining View [Current Drawing] command tab, replaces the need for accessing the ATP in EzyNest as well as allowing you to set required Preferences and Driver Selection options.

This provides a simpler method of setting up the configurations required to process parts contained in external DXF geometry files and process large numbers of parts as part of a Nested-Based Manufacturing (NBM) process.

ATP Process

When DXF files are created in the design applications, different types of machining operations are separated onto different layers in the DXF files. The geometry on all the Layers in a file represents a single part, and all the machining (such as drilling, milling and cutting) that is to be performed on that part. In order to process the part, the ATP needs to be instructed about what operations, called Strategies, should be applied to each layer of geometry in each DXF file.

When EzyNest processes a part, it uses this mapping of toolpath strategies to apply toolpaths to each piece of geometry in the part. After all the parts have been imported and have had toolpaths applied, they are nested together onto sheets and then machining output files are created based on the ordering preferences defined.

After the desired parameters for Layer/Strategy mapping, ordering and output are defined, they can be saved in an ATP configuration file. Then when it is time to process another job the ATP file can be opened to recall all of the desired settings. As few as three mouse clicks can be required to process a job that may contain dozens of parts.

CNC Configurations / Setting Up EzyNest

Whether you are using the CNC Config (from within ShapeMaster) or the ATP (from within (EzyNest), the steps involved in setting up are:-

1. Setup Tools to be used;
2. Setup the Machine Driver i.e. selecting tools into tool changer positions;
3. Setup Strategies i.e. what to do with tools for each operation;
4. Setup mapping DXF Layers to strategies and setting Nesting Options.

ATP Preferences

The behaviour of EzyNest can be adjusted through user preferences.

To open the Set Preferences window, select Setup > Preferences

If a 'single stroke' Hershey font is required for text to be engraved inside the part, then ensure that...

1. in CabMasterPro, the Machine Vector Font checkbox is turned ON which allows the use of a pen in one of the tool-holders to "write" directly onto the machined parts.
   • The pen in the spindle option is still recommended for Tekcel CNC Routers and a couple of CNC Manufacturers.
     
     
2. in EzyNest, to correctly import DXF's, the DXF Import Option needs to be set to Legacy on the AutoTP tab of Preferences, as shown.

Preparing DXT Batch Files

Batches of files are generally prepared directly from ShapeMaster which includes nesting, applying tooling and preparing CNC files for the machine. This is done by simply exporting the machining data for the currently open job. See topic on Machining View Current.

Simply take note of the DXT files created and where they are located as you will use a DXT batch file to prepare your job for the CNC machine.