FOCUS ON CAD / CAM
grouping parts together to reduce the number of different programs to run and spreading of parts( using space around parts nested within other parts, reducing potential heat damage).
Aquila DMM harnesses JETCAM’ s RCP( Remote Control Processing) to automate the generation of dynamic nests on the fly. The scheduler loads the top-level assembly into DMM, which explodes the BOM into individual parts. This then populates the demand list for several days in advance. JETCAM dynamically creates all nests, prioritising more urgent parts for earlier nests, quickly delivering NC code back to DMM for the operator to access.
An eye on efficiency
“ While FETCO’ s machine cycle time rose slightly due to nest density, better planning [ unlocked ] almost a full day of extra capacity per week. Less time was spent on the shop floor moving sheets by fork-lift truck, as orders for a given material would be grouped and scheduled for several days on a specific machine,” confirmed JETCAM.
Revision control was also tightened with the new system, as JETCAM produces nests dynamically based on the current revision, whereas operators were previously able to potentially re-run static nests with older revisions. The data that JETCAM provides has assisted FETCO ® operations further down the line. A traveller document generated by DMM is produced when all parts of the order have been cut and provided to the operator of the next process.
“ Since going live, FETCO ® has required virtually no support and the system performs fully automatically, mostly with no user input at all,” JETCAM added.
“ Once all our parts were initially loaded and configured, there was very little need to touch the software directly,” confirmed Michael Scheve of FETCO ®.
“ When we looked at the costs around purchasing additional hardware, the ROI was quite minimal and it didn’ t solve some of the other issues. With the software solution, the 20 % reduction of material delivered by JETCAM alone covered the cost of both JETCAM and Aquila DMM in under six months. On top of that were significant productivity and capacity increases,” concluded Scheve. n
Loading metal sheet into the laser cutter.
About Jetcam
JETCAM was founded in 1986 to develop and distribute software systems for CNC programming of punching and cutting machines for sheet metal fabrication and composite cutting. The company serves users in over 80 countries around the world.
Major machine manufacturers have standardised on JETCAM systems and supply them, together with their machines. Its main focus today is on automation, including support for Industry 4.0.
Originally founded in Australia in 1986, Jetcam relocated to Europe in 1990. Its administration headquarters are in Monaco, with satellite offices and resellers around the world.
Above and centre: FETCO ® personnel on the shop floor.
Assembly of nested parts. www. fetco. com
www. jetcam. com
www. the-aquila-group. com
50 | ismr. net | ISMR May 2025