Frequently asked questions

Parts

What is the minimum input required ?

The two basic input requirements are Stocks and Parts. Every Stock requires an ID (this has to be unique), Size (Length X Width) and Quantity. Similarly parts require an ID (has to be unique), Size (Length X Width) and Quantity.

Does the ID of the Stock/Part have to be numeric ?

The ID of the stocks and parts can be made of any alphanumeric characters. Only keep in mind that the ID's have to be unique.

In what units are the sizes of the stocks and parts input ?

All the dimensions are by default input in millimeters ("mm").

Why are some parts highlighted in RED color ?

Parts that cannot fit in any of the selected stocks are flagged off in RED. This means that there is no appropriate stock in which the part can fit. The program will try to fit the part in one of the valid stocks of matching material and thickness that is entered in the stocks table. 

This could happen because of the following reasons:

  1. The stock quantity ZERO.
  2. The stock is too small for the part to fit in.
  3. Rotation of the part is not allowed and Length of part is not along the length of stock and width is along the width.
  4. In case you have specified Multiple Materials, i.e.,  if you have the material and thickness column in the stock and part tables, then perhaps a matching material and thickness is not being found.

Lastly if all the above is not true. 

   5.    In case you are using MARGINS on the stock, then perhaps the stock is too small after the margins are cut, to fit the parts.

 

What is the significance of Rotation in parts ?

Grain Direction is a direction along which the material exhibits a critical property. If  it is critical for a part then the rotation should not be allowed else Rotation can  be allowed. The software will try and rotate the part (by 90degrees) to achieve better utilization if rotation is allowed.

What is a product library ?

To have complete information on this topic see

What is the use of the Product Library. Can I add to it ?

To have complete information on this topic see following topic,

How do I edit existing products?  

Simply make 1 copy of the product, make the required changes, and save it under the same name. Note: If the product with same name exists, then the existing product data is replaced. Hence you can use this feature to also edit a product definition. 

What are shapes?

Shapes are the non rectangular parts or parts with Joints that have to be nested in the layouts. In the parts table only rectangular parts can be defined by simply specifying their width and height. But for shapes many more parameters need to be specified. This can be done in the shape page.  

What are Parts with Joints? or What is a Large Part?

To have complete information on this topic see following topic.

Can I add Parts with Joints which are Non Rectangular?

Yes, you can add Non Rectangular Parts, like Trapeziums and Triangles, as Large parts. There is an  option available on Add Large parts Dialog to input part as Rectangle or Trapezium, as this are the most used shapes. You can add a Triangular part also by giving values for length, width and L0 or L1.

Can I specify the Joints to be made in a part with Joints?

Yes, you can specify the Joints of your wish. But there are some rules to be followed explained in the following page. 

 What is a DXF file?

DXF stands for drawing exchange format. When the shapes are designed in a CAD package than the file is stored with a DXF format. When the user wants to import the design in PLUS 2D he has to import the corresponding DXF file containing the design.  

When I try to import a DXF file I get the message ?disconnected polylines, circle present?

If the file you have imported contains a discontinuous drawing i.e. if the drawing is not a closed figure than such parts cannot be nested. This message is to warn the user that he is importing a shape which cannot be practically nested.

How can I input a non-rectangular part without creating a DXF file for it ?

The package automatically calculates the exact "Area" utilized by the part, and its "Bounding Length and Width" from the data in the DXF file. If you do not have a DXF file, input this data directly in the dialog. The advantage of the DXF file is that, these can be calculated automatically by the software, and in the nested layout diagrams, the shape can be correctly displayed.

How can I merge two Job Files ?

Simply select the rows of  the Stocks and Parts tables from one job, copy, and paste  into the other.

I have all the stocks/part information in a spreadsheet. How can I import it into the software ?

Simply copy the table data into the clipboard, and pass it into the table in PLUS 2D.

Can I change the default material shown in Add Large part or Edit Large Part Dialog?

Yes, you can change the default material shown on these dialogs. See Material Selection. But you cannot work with stocks of different materials and thickness for parts with joints.

Is the DXF file with some information about the part read by PLUS 2D?

Yes, PLUS 2D can read some information like part name, material, thickness, qty required, rotation and remarks written in a DXF file only if they are written in format excepted by PLUS 2D. For more information see User Info In DXF file.

What does the Red dot in the Shape picture signify?

The red dot in the shape picture specifies the cut starting point of that shape. This is the point from where the CNC machine will start cutting the shape from.