An Autodesk University 2021 session on nesting provided insight into its benefits and a demonstration of the process.
Minimizing waste, cost reductions and inventory overhead are key ways to maximize production. During Autodesk University 2021, Wayne Griffenberg, Autodesk senior technical specialist, hosted a session to achieve those benefits by adding Fusion 360 nesting software into the CNC workflow to increase profitability and productivity.
Whether using a router, plasma cutter or laser cutter, the optimal layout of the material is an essential component of the process. Instead of having to rely on manual labor, which creates the additional risk of human error, nesting automates the process to ensure cutting patterns are maximized, and allows for different geometries to be used. The two main factors associated with this process are material and time.
“If we can make a more efficient process, or reuse and optimize much more of that material with less waste between, such as placing components really close to each other to use the same cut to get that maximum yield, we can also use that to minimize the amount of waste,” Griffenberg said. “The more parts we can pack onto a sheet, the less waste we’re going to get out of that sheet. It also enables you to program your machines a lot faster.”
Nesting is also a versatile option across industries. While the aerospace, automotive and similar industries rely on sheet metal, woodworking and cabinetry are additional areas of focus that benefit from this type of software. It allows for producing the various components more efficiently while streamlining associated processes. Industries aren’t just limited to sheet metal for CNC nesting. From bars and rods to wood, foam, plastic, honeycomb, carbon fiber, concrete and more, it presents many options for different manufacturers.
The benefits of using nesting are visible throughout the process.
“Design and manufacturing is an iterative process,” Griffenberg said. “You change your components, you change your parts. Change happens. You want to be able to have that change in your manufacturing process and reflect it in a design, whether it’s a customer design or if you’re working with an engineering team. It’s an integrated workflow in one platform of Fusion 360 to have the nest and all your tool parts update.”
From beginning to end, nesting software allows for codes to be easily sent to CNC machines. The built-in tools make it easier for collaboration, providing the entire team with shared standards, processes and toolpaths. There are also reporting tools that allow for comparisons, which offers easy demonstrations to a potential customer during a bid.
During the session, Griffenberg walked step by step through the process. The example was from a customer that used sheet metal to produce toolboxes and tool chests, as well as tool carts. The processes to make these items was being done by manual nesting on a water jet capable of 12-by-6-foot sheets. The products used the same base components, casters and bolts, so it was ideal to find a nesting solution to produce those components together. The material used was 16-gauge, 304 stainless steel.
A key benefit of the software is the ability to conduct multiple nest studies. It provides a quick and easy way to compare layouts for the best results. In the example, a nest study was done on a 6-by-12-foot sheet and 5-by-10-foot sheet that included total cost. By using the smaller sheet, there were savings of $1,000.
Autodesk has created eight tutorials featuring nesting and fabrication. The first video in the series can be found here. For more information on the latest Autodesk updates, check out Autodesk University Shows Off Big Changes to Fusion 360 Simulation.
