[August 01, 2008]

Shipbuilders Nesting Software by Optimation Automates Process

�Powerful automated nesting and NC Programming software packages are required to meet the specific production requirements of shipbuilders,� according to Michael D. Lundy, P.E., President & CEO of Optimation.

Working with Part Designs is critical for shipbuilders who must utilize CAD drawings along with pertinent pre-programmed inputs and manufacturing attributes. OptiShip� is compatible with a wider range of CAD formats than any other nesting software and includes symbol name, location, orientation and scale in part geometry when specified.

Lundy also noted that the nesting solution for shipbuilders, �Includes Beveling Configuration Table contains torch setting information (angle, offset, on/off) for single and triple head bevel torches.�

Optimation�s OptiShip software solution automatically checks and cleans the CAD geometries and translates them into an NC Part Program or alerts users if errors are present. It also assigns the machining process and creates the tool paths. Parts are stored in the Master File of the Part Library to allow for quality control mechanisms such as First Article Inspection and engineering changes.

OptiShip automatically creates and libraries center and starboard versions of the port part input, if symmetry parts are required; it also automatically updates nest to accommodate part revisions, including replacing the geometry of any modified part with the updated part geometry.

Creating the Nest: This Optimation module enables the software to read the Active Order File for the current demand of parts, extract the appropriate ready-to-nest parts from the Part Library's Master File and, drawing on the parameters you have established in the "Knowledge Base (News - Alert)," create the optimal nesting pattern. Lundy proudly notes, �The Nesting Module's ability to use several intelligent tools to create the nest is one of the primary advantages of Optimation's software and, ultimately, the feature that enables shipbuilders to get the parts needed, when needed, in their exact quantities, at the lowest cost.

Communicating with the Operator and Machine Tool: The nest code is sent to the machine tool for fabrication in machine specific numeric code. In addition, the software automatically generates a nest summary report and plot to give the operator a comprehensive overview of each nest.

For 30 years Optimation® (www.optimation.com) has been the world leader in Part Nesting for Optimized Material and Labor utilization. Consistently providing product advancement leadership to industry, the company�s new Nesting Technology, AxiomVE make previous nesting methods obsolete. The new technology, Vision Emulation�, allows the system to �see� the shape of parts, just as human eyes would view them. When a person looks at a part, they see the whole shape and any special features on the part. This information is then used to determine if the part will fit in an area of the nest. Vision Emulation eliminates excessive trial and error as well as excessive rotation.
Optimation (www.optimation.com) offers benchmarking against any other method of part nesting; recent benchmarks have show improvements up to 15% in material efficiency alone. As lean efficiencies are essential, the most advanced nesting technology guarantees the most important parts are always nested in the next available machine, providing advanced information to integrated costing, labor reporting, and material inventory systems. Because Optimation is strong financially and has the most advanced technology; the company offers direct financing from its own capital resources.

Optimation
www.optimation.com
Michael D Lundy P.E.
Opti1@optinest.com
877-827-2100

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