Once the design phase is completed, your project moves into our CAM/Programming Department. In this stage of development, our programmers consider all aspects of the design layout and optimize the sheet layout and laser technologies to be used for cutting.

The first step in this process is sheet layout or nesting. Using our proprietary software, we layout all the parts of your job to ensure a maximum yield using the absolute minimum amount of material. The traditional method of sheet layout is to use simple grids. This method is very fast but the yield is usually much lower than can be achieved by spending some time nesting parts tightly together, even placing small parts into the cutouts of larger ones. The example below gives you an idea of the material savings complex CAM layouts can create.

Industry standard laser cutting layout

Maximized yield, better use of material

The savings are not limited to just materials. Complex CAM layouts will also save you money on Laser Processing by limiting the amount of time spent handling materials and eliminate machine downtime due to part tip-ups and tooling collisions.

The second step in our CAM process is determining what techniques will yield the highest quality parts in the least amount of time. Different types of material and detail levels require different approaches to get the best results. Even parts cut out of the same type of material and thickness can require vastly different cutting approaches. At this stage, our CAM Programmers take advantage of their extensive experience, and that of our Laser Operators, to make sure that all of your parts’ individual requirements are met, ensuring a top quality product every time.