The Nesting modules in ShipConstructor provide manual and automated methods for optimising plate and profile usage with integrated material management and change control capabilities.
ShipConstructor's nesting modules ensure optimum usage of all material in the project. They also provide for change control so that modified parts can be detected and updated and parts can be flagged as issued to production.
ManualNest
is tightly integrated in to the central database providing features to
nest by assembly, stock, material, surface treatment, port/starboard,
like/mirror cut, and full remnant control. The ability to check already
nested parts for changes allows you to start nesting in parallel to the
structural modelling. Changed parts can be located and re-nested at any
time. This is particularly helpful when late pipe penetrations are
made, reducing time to production. Also included is a feature allowing
users to nest flatbar complete with end cuts should flatbar stock be
temporarily unavailable.
Collision Checking, whether Hard
(actual collisions) or Soft (too close), is done simply by selecting
the function and picking the nests to check. A convenient dialog lists
all collisions and zooms automatically to the selected collision for
error correction.
Bridging is the method of connecting parts
to prevent them from falling through the grid if they are small, or
preventing the plate from distorting due to heat or internal strain
release. ShipConstructor introduces SMART-BRIDGES to allow automatic
re-nesting of changed parts without the need to break or re-implement
the bridge.
AutomaticNest optionally automates the nesting of
dozens, hundreds, or thousands of parts. AutomaticNest uses the proven
NestLib engine from Geometric Software Solutions Inc. to achieve high
plate utilisation. Simply select the AutomaticNest option when
inserting the parts into the nest drawing, tell Structure what plates
sizes to make available and then AutomaticNest handles the rest quickly
and efficiently.
After the automatic nesting is complete, all
parts are inserted into the nest drawing, just as if it had been done
manually. The powerful manual nesting tools can then be used to tweak
the nest configuration for maximum efficiency.
ProfileNest
provides linear nesting of structural profiles to optimise bar usage.
Not only does it minimise wasteage, but also keeps track of heat
numbers and provides a range of production reports. When combined with
the profile plots automatically generated from the Structure module,
this provides a complete solution for fabrication of all stiffeners in
the vessel.
