N
NunYa Bidness
- Jan 1, 1970
- 0
This is not a trivial problem.
For a modern computer, it is. One needs to be a good programmer to
write a good nesting application though. Hell, it was on hercules
graphics at the time!
What methods were used? Software? With what economic
success, compared to perfect?
Oh it was a tried and true HVAC industry package. I do not recall
the name of the software as I was strictly involved with breaking down
the individual pieces into their constituent cutouts. Once that was
done, the figures for their shapes were input by me and when done, the
nesting program did the rest. A machine operator loaded the plasma
cutter, and losses were less than 55 per 4' x 8' sheet. It was nearly
always stainless.
As far as I know, there was no method used by a human that could do
the job with less losses. I am certain that nesting software has come
even farther since... it isn't all that involved.
It was a Vax/Vms desktop PC, and I think it was dated out to the mid
80's as/and the I/O module was 100 wire wrap. It used standard serial
RS-232 ports. The forms created were for HVAC. Almost always 100%
fully welded stainless as the mainstay of their business was
institutional, hospital, dust collection, jails, etc.
It was an interesting job. Well beneath my capacity, however. It
was... after all, a mere data entry position essentially.
When I brought the interface problem to their attention, I likely
saved them gobs-O-cash because their volume required that that third
machine get running. I probably stepped on some toes when I solved it
for them... a mere data entry dude. Didn't even get a pat on the
back.