NEST Module > Cloning of Predefined Regions

The Machining Objects Browser located in the MILL module provides a Regions function that will clone an existing pre-defined region and propagate it to all identical geometry shapes. This allows such region characteristics as Start Point, Region Direction, and Bridge Points to be defined on one Part and then propagated to all identical parts in a Nest.

The following example describes the process to accomplish this:

Step 1: Commit the Nest

The nest must be Committed so that the nest geometry exists on one or more layers of the CAD file. The Commit Nest button is located on the Preview and Commit Nest tab of the Nesting Browser.

Step 2: Select the Regions tab

Exit the NEST module and then activate the MILL module to access the Regions tab of the Machining Objects Browser.

Regions tab of the Machining Objects Browser

Step 3: Create a Pre-defined Region

Using the Select Curves icon (2nd from left), select the geometry shape of one of the parts where the Start Point, Region Direction, and/or Bridge Points need to be defined and propagated throughout the nest.

Accept the selection and notice that the region is created in the Browser list, such as Curve Region 1 shown below.

Note: In this example the staged part was used to create the original pre-defined Region, but any of the identical parts in the nest may also be used to create the original pre-defined Region in this step.

Curve Region Defined

Step 4: Add characteristics needed for that Pre-defined Region

The Regions tab contains other commands to modify Regions. You can use these to modify the Start Point, change the Region Direction or add Bridge Points to that pre-defined region.

Locating the Modify Region Commands

Step 5: Clone the Pre-defined Region to all identical parts of the nest

When the pre-defined region is defined as desired and is highlighted in the Browser, select the Clone Selected Machining Regions icon (right-most). The system will find all other parts whose geometry is identical to the pre-defined Region and create a cloned pre-defined Region with the same characteristics on each those identical parts. See Notes below.

The Display of Cloned Regions

Note 1: Layers. The cloning process works only on visible geometry. Parts that are on invisible layers (multiple sheets) will not receive cloned Regions. Layer control is an important consideration in managing the cloned regions for machining purposes and ease of selection during the Machining Operations creation process.

Note 2: Duplication. If cloning is done multiple times using the same original pre-defined Region and the same target geometry (nested parts), then duplicate cloned Regions on each part will result.

Step 6: Clone additional Parts & Holes

Repeat Steps 3-5 for other Parts and Holes where needed.

Step 7: Cleanup

After all the pre-defined Curve Regions are created, go through the Curve Regions List and remove any Regions that are not needed, such as the Regions created on the original staged parts and any duplicate Regions.

Step 8: Modifications

If necessary, any of the resultant pre-defined Regions can be individually modified to meet machining needs, such as changing the Start Point and modifying Bridge Points.

Cloning of Predefined Regions (MILL Module)

Cloning of Predefined Regions (MILL Module)