ART releases Nesting Software ToolShop 2.0

Brisbane, 14 May 2012 - Advanced Robotic Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia’s premier manufacturer of CNC routers and plasma cutters, has released version 2.0 of its popular toolpathing and nesting software ToolShop.

ToolShop, ART’s in-house developed and industry leading CAM package, has undergone a major re-engineering and now offers a whole suite of new features.

“The primary focus of version 2.0 was on the integration with factory processes,” says ART Director David White. “ToolShop 2.0 can now talk to MRP software (manufacturing scheduling software) and enables manufacturers to schedule parts in the office and have them automatically cut in the factory.”

ART ToolShop is a Windows-based software package that allows users to draw and import components using standard CAD tools. Using the many automated features found in ART ToolShop, users can quickly apply machining toolpaths and nest into material for minimal waste, ready for output to their CNC router or plasma cutter.

ToolShop 2.0 can be fully integrated in existing processes and manages all necessary data such as CAD drawings, parts libraries or customer data. The software now features a full remote material library on the company network that allows the entry of sheet and plate stock levels, which are automatically subtracted when a nest is created on that sheet.

“Although our customers have consistently been able to reduce production times with the current version of ToolShop, we realised that there was still room for improvement, particularly in inventory and off-cut management,” Mr White explains. “If a remnant is left over for instance, it is then added back to the material library as a unique one-off sheet. Priority is given to using remnants up first. Moreover, the software gives information about tool life and costs, so users have more control over their processes.”

The extended material database can be hosted on a central server, so multiple ToolShop users can simultaneously get up-to-date information of current stock levels. The intelligent post processor is suitable for different machines, brands and processes including plasma cutters, lasers, routers or waterjets.

Improved features include fully automatic toolpathing, auto nesting function, automatic cut order, auto lead in sizing and position, nest reports, cut time projections, remnant cut-off and full material management, excel and CSV file importing, improved true shape nesting algorithms and many more.

“While ART is committed to producing high-tech solutions, we endeavour to keep the user controls as easy to use as possible,” Mr White explains. “Users will find that the simple and direct functionality of ART ToolShop is fast to learn and gives them excellent control over all production processes.”