SigmaNEST can run every type of machine, which makes it the most versatile nesting software available. But how accurate is SigmaNEST’s estimated cutting time compared to other nesting software out there?
In a previous SigmaNEST blog Show Me The Money – SigmaNEST, Glen Durham stated that very few factors have a bigger impact on the sales, health and bottom line of your business than costing and quoting.
Accurate costing and quoting are most often the result of accurate estimated cutting times. SigmaNEST can be customized to your specific machines, making sure you always get an accurate estimated cutting time. In this blog I discuss the steps we follow to ensure you get an accurate estimated cutting time, every time.
Step 1: Post Processor
Your SigmaNEST Post-Processor is customized to your exact machine specifications.
| mm/min | mm/sec | |
| Rapid Feedrate (mm/min) | 120000 | 2000 |
| Vaporizing Feedrate (mm/min) | 50000 | 833.3333333 |
| Time (sec) | Quantity | |
| Head Up Time (s) | 0.4 | 1 |
| Head Down Time (s) | 0.4 | 1 |
| Process Changing Time (s) | 6 | 1 |
| Single Punch Time (s) | 1 | 0 |
| Exact Stop Time (s) | 0.4 | 0 |
| Punching Tool Change Time (s) | 1 | 0 |
| Setup Time (s) | 120 | 0 |
Step 2: Tech Table
Your SigmaNEST Tech Table is customized to your exact machine cutting charts.
| m/min | mm/min | mm/s | |
| Large Contour Feedrate (mm/s) | 2.8 | 2800 | 46.66666667 |
| Medium Contour Feedrate (mm/s) | 1.6 | 1600 | 26.66666667 |
| Small Contour Feedrate (mm/s) | 1 | 1000 | 16.66666667 |
| Time (s) | Quantity | |
| Large Contour Pierce Time (s) | 0.18 | 1 |
| Medium Contour Pierce Time (s) | 0.18 | 0 |
| Small Contour Pierce Time (s) | 0.8 | 0 |
Step 3: Cutting Time Calculation
Here are the variables most often required to calculate the estimated cutting time. These will vary from machine to machine.
- Rapid Feedate (Step 1)
- Head Up & Down Time (Step 1)
- Head Up & Down Quantity (Calculated in SigmaNEST)
- Process Change Time (Step 1)
- Cutting Speed/Feedrate (Step 2)
- Pierce Time (Step 2)
- Pierce Quantity (Calculated in SigmaNEST)
- Part Cutting Length (Calculated in SigmaNEST)
Step 4: Operating Cost
Operating Cost is calculated by either multiplying the parts cutting time by the Operating Cost factor (R/sec) or by multiplying the weight of the parts by the Cutting Cost factor (R/mm).
In my blog post ‘Production Cost’, this topic is discussed in more detail.
Step 5: Material Cost
Your SigmaNEST Material Database is customized to your exact material, thickness, density, and cost. Material Cost can also be customized by thickness as shown below.
Material Cost is calculated by multiplying the part weight by the material cost specified in the material database.
Step 6: Other Cost
Other Cost can be used to define any additional costing associated with the part, such as additional handling, bending, welding, and painting.
Refer to my previous blog for more on this. (Production Cost – MECAD Manufacturing (mecadmfg.co.za)).
