Adding completed G Codes for one single run

[Metal and Wood Customz]

Hello all. Newbie here. Had a question. I have multiple files completed and post process is completed (g file). Is there a fast way to add all the completed g files on one g file?

[cuttinparts]

Are you trying to nest these files onto one sheet?

[acourtjester]

You may look at a text editor to connect them (notepad, Notepad++) using a copy and paste function. The save the combination under a name you can ID so you know it is a larger cutting operation. You may put a M0 between each one to stop the G-code after each completion. Hitting the enter key would start the operations for the next section of the operation.

[Metal and Wood Customz]

Are you trying to nest these files onto one sheet?

Yes. That's what I am seeking for. Can you help me out?

[Metal and Wood Customz]

You may look at a text editor to connect them (notepad, Notepad++) using a copy and paste function. The save the combination under a name you can ID so you know it is a larger cutting operation. You may put a M0 between each one to stop the G-code after each completion. Hitting the enter key would start the operations for the next section of the operation.

But if I do this how does it know where to start next on the sheet? Is there a layout that I can see all the pictures grouped together so I can manuver them and minimize my scrap.

[acourtjester]

The grouping of items to cut is part of the CAM software, your original question was about grouping G-codes.
Most Plasma software with show an image on the screen of the cut parts, but this is after you generate the G-code in a CAM program.
Here is a site with tutorial video showing things you will use, there are many videos and they are grouped as to topics.
https://arclightcnc.com/support/support-videos

[Metal and Wood Customz]

Thank you!

[adbuch]

There are also some free nesting programs available for grouping of your different parts onto a single sheet and optimizing the spacing to minimize the metal used for the parts.
David

[cuttinparts]

Yes. That's what I am seeking for. Can you help me out?

In your situation I think you are best to manually nest the parts on your computer how you want them layed out on your sheet and the post process that and take that g code file to the table.

[Metal and Wood Customz]

Ok. Thank y'all for the comments!

[adbuch]

Yes. That's what I am seeking for. Can you help me out?

In your situation I think you are best to manually nest the parts on your computer how you want them layed out on your sheet and the post process that and take that g code file to the table.

I agree! Manually laying them out and creating cut paths/post processing for the entire layout would seem to be the most efficient way to do this.
David

[acourtjester]

One thing to add is you can also plan the sequence that you cut the parts one a sheet. You may want to cut all small parts or ones you think may cause a tip up to watch for.

[adbuch]

One thing to add is you can also plan the sequence that you cut the parts one a sheet. You may want to cut all small parts or ones you think may cause a tip up to watch for.

Tom - that is great advise! Perhaps cut all the small parts first, then do the larger ones as a group so you can stand there and monitor in case of tip ups.
David

[djreiswig]

I cut in order across the sheet in case one part messes up. Then I can stop and rearrange the parts in SheetCam to avoid the mis cut and not waste a bunch of material.

[adbuch]

I cut in order across the sheet in case one part messes up. Then I can stop and rearrange the parts in SheetCam to avoid the mis cut and not waste a bunch of material.

That is also a great idea! I more or less do the same thing - usually manually placing the parts as close as possible on the drawing. With Design Edge, I can drag the cut paths around on the sheet "on the fly". Then I save the drawing for next time, so it matches the sheet as far as the "already cut" parts locations go.
David