USING STEEL SOLUTIONS

STEEL SOLUTIONS OVERVIEW

COMMAND TOOLBAR

The command toolbar is where most controls for Steel Solutions main interface are located.

MANAGE FILES
The first 3 buttons allow you to manage your files. Click on Open to access your files. The edit button loads the part editor to
correct any issues with the parts. Finally, convert your parts or generate pdf drawings with the Export button.
You can save your current project, or access it later, by clicking on the red button in the top left corner and
selecting the desired operation (Save Project or Load Project).

VIEWER COMMANDS
The next group of controls in the toolbar affects the part view window.

MOUSE MEASURE
When mouse measure is turned on, you can click on two
points in the part view (2d only) to measure the distance between the two points.
Results are listed in x-distance, y-distance and actual distance. Click on the Mouse
Measure switch to activate it.

SHOW DIMENSIONS
Check the Show Dimensions box (or pres F7 on your keyboard) to display part
dimensions (2d views only). You can either display all dimensions or dimensions just
the currently selected object using the radio buttons.

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PARTS PANEL
This panel is divided into two sections: the top part contains the list of loaded
parts and assemblies, while the bottom section gives details on the currently
selected parts.

PARTS LIST
When files are loaded into Steel Solutions, they are sorted into the part list
section. The loaded files will file into one of three tabs: parts, assemblies and file
conversion errors. As you view files that loaded successfully, they will show a
checkmark in the list verifying that it has been viewed.
On the Assemblies tab, each part in the assembly is grouped under a collapsible
tree for easy browsing of assemblies.
The Errors tab will display any file conversion errors that may have occurred.

SELECTED PART DETAILS

This will show the data on the currently selected part or parts. You can change
the details, such as job or part name, by clicking on the field and typing in the new
data. Click the Apply button to finalize the changes.

PART VIEW PANEL

This panel contains 3 tabs, each with a different
view of the current part or assembly

3D View (shown) displays a full 3d

rendering of the selected part or
assembly.
Tab View shows a 2d drawing of the
part, from only one surface. You can
change the surface by clicking on the
corresponding tab.
Split View shows a 2d drawing of all
surfaces of the part.

Atek Automation | Steel Solutions Overview

FILE MANAGEMENT
Here we discuss Importing and exporting parts in various file formats.

LOADING FILES
The first step in using Steel Solutions is loading your files for viewing. Files can be loaded
form a number of sources: DSTV, DXF or Assemblies exported from your design software.

OPENING NEW PARTS

Press the button labeled Open at the top of the screen to
enter the file selection dialog. Once in the selection dialog,
you can click on the dropdown menu to select the type of file
you want to load.
There are several choices to choose from, highlighted below:

Select the file type you want to load, find the files in the open
dialog, then click Open to load them into Steel Solutions.

DSTV IMPORTING
DSTV files (commonly called nc files due
to their .nc file extension) are a simple
way to pull in parts from your detailer.
They already have the job information
attached, and work with all standard
shapes with little configuration.
If there is any adjustment needed to the
parts, you can find the DSTV Import tab in
the Steel Solutions settings screen.

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DXF IMPORTING
Loading DXF files will occasionally require a more in-depth configuration to ensure the layers in the DXF file are set properly
in the Steel Solutions settings. If there are any problems loading a DXF file, open the settings and click the DXF Import tab.

Here, you can specify the layers by clicking the Add button corresponding to the needed layer, and typing in the missing
layer from the DXF file. You can also set the default plate thickness / quantity, and the units used (Imperial or Metric).

ASSEMBLY IMPORTING
Steel Solutions can import assemblies directly from a
Tekla or SDS/2 model, generating layout marks and
weld symbols on the assembly main member using
the connection information of the detail connections.

EXPORTING FROM TEKLA

Atek Automation | File Management

While in Tekla, select the section of the Tekla model you want to export. Launch the ATek Export Assembly Module, and click
the Populate Assemblies button. All the selected assemblies will be loaded into the module.
In the Export Module, select the assemblies you want to export, or select none to export all, and click the Export to XML
button. When you select a specific assembly in the
list, the related assemby in the Tekla model will be
highlighted to verify the selected assembly. The filter
can be used to load a targeted gropu of assemblies,
and the search to locate specfic assembiles in the list.
Note: To load all assemblies in the model, uncheck the
Populated Selected checkbox.

LOADING INTO STEEL SOLUTIONS

The process for loading assemblies into Steel
Solutions is the same as opening any other files. Click
the Open button to access the file selection dialog.
Use the file type dropdown to select Assembly files
(.xml files), go to the export folder set in the Export
Modules options, and load the desired assembly.
When loaded into Steel Solutions, the assembly will
be grouped together into a single item. You can expand the group by clicking the plus (+) symbol.

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Atek Automation | File Management

CONVERTING AND EXPORTING PARTS

Parts in Steel Solutions can be exported to multiple formats by pressing the Export
button.

EXPORT FORMAT SELECTION

After clicking Export, the configuration dialog will pop up
giving you several formats to output: SICAM, DSTV, DXF
and PDF. Select your desired output format and
destination folder, and then click the Export button at the
bottom to finish the export. When exporting DSTV files,
you can select from multiple manufacturer-compatible
formats.

DXF EXPORT SETTINGS

Found in the Steel Solutions settings, this allows you to
define the layer settings for DXF files generated, as well
as the size of dimensions shown on the drawings.

DSTV EXPORT SETTINGS

You can provide different

settings for multiple
manufacturers using the DSTV
Export settings dialog. Settings
can be tweaked for multiple
manufacturers to ensure file
compatibility.

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PART EDITING
PART EDITOR INTRODUCTION
The Steel Solutions part editing interface is divided up
into toolbars and tabbed sections.

MAIN TOOLBAR

DRAWING TOOLBAR

OPERATION BOX

PART VIEW

OPTIONS

CONTROLLING YOUR VIEW

Part Programming User Interface

The part displayed in the main view can be moved around by holding down the middle-mouse button and
repositioning until the part is in the desired location. The scroll wheel can be used to zoom in and out.
You can also choose your zoom level using the magnifying glass icon, or in the right-click menu
You can change sides in the viewport quickly by using the tabs to switch
between Web and Flange views by clicking on the tabs displayed above
the viewport, or by pressing the Page Up and Page Down keys on your
keyboard.

ALL OPERATIONS

DIMENSIONING TAB

The dimensioning tab, located on the right side of the screen, activates
dimensions in the viewer to verify if things are properly measured on
the part. You can choose to view either the dimensions of the selected
operation, or view all dimensions on the current side. If the
dimensions are changed from selected to all, dimensions will need
to be turned off via the checkbox then turned back on.

SELECTED OPERATIONS

The dimensions can be quickly toggled by pressing the F7 key.

Atek Automation | Part Editing

MAIN TOOLBAR

MODIFY PART
If a part needs modifications, the Modify Part button, found in the
main toolbar, will open the dialog allowing the settings of the part
to be changed. The length and shape of the part can be modified, as well
as the width of plates and the quantity needed.

FILE MANAGEMENT
SAVE

Saves the changes to the part

SAVE AS

Saves the changes under a different part

SAVE AND NEW Saves the changes, and create a new part
PRINT

Brings up the print options menu to print

details for the part, or create a PDF

MISC TOOLS
CONTOUR PLATE
If more complex shapes than the standard square plate are needed, a plate can be converted to a contour plate. This
allows you to draw any shape you need to cut out of the plate. However, once converted it cannot revert back to a
standard plate.

ROLL PART AND FLIP PART

Rolling the part will move all operations to the opposite flange, while flipping the part will rotate all operations on the
part end over end.
CAUTION: ROLLING OR FLIPPING THE PART CANNOT BE UNDONE

SHIFT OPERATIONS
If there are operations that are in the wrong location or if the location changes, you can use the Shift Operations tool
to move them. It will either move selected operations in the direction and distance specified, or move all operations
on the active surface if required.

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FIND DUPLICATES
This will check for any operations that may be entered multiple times, and marks them for review. To clear the
markings after removing the duplicates, press the Find Duplicates button again.

SCROLL LEFT/SCROLL RIGHT

Quickly moves the view to the left or right ends of the part.
You can also press Shift
Shift + or Shift
Shift + without having to use the mouse

EXPLODE & EXPLODE ALL

The Explode tool can be used on both operations and built drawings. It will split patterns into individual operations, or
convert a built tool path back into the original drawing elements. To use, select the desired operation, then click the
explode tool. The Explode All tool will explode all toolpaths on the part.

FIND BAD CONNECTIONS & FIX TOOLPATH ERRORS

The button to find gaps in toolpath connections will highlight any bad connections with a red circle. If there are any
errors in the toolpath, click the Fix button and Steel Solutions will attempt to automatically correct the errors.

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OPERATIONS

Programming operation patterns on to parts takes a simple x/y coordinate input to quickly
modify a part. Patterns can be created using a variety of tools, from circles and rectangles,
to setting a stencil on the part. The coordinates can be moved and rotated on the part to
accommodate input from any design.

COORDINATE SYSTEM
The coordinate system gives an orientation to any operation entered. By default, it runs from the upper left of
the part, or the head top. X typically refers to the horizontal direction, with positive numbers going in the
direction of the coordinate arrow, while Y operates vertically.
coordinate system hotkeys.
The position of the Coordinate SystemDefault
can be
altered by using the buttons in the toolbar or
with customizable keyboard hotkeys.

Head Top
Tail Top
Head Bottom
Tail Bottom
Head Center
Tail Center
Center
Custom Coordinate
Miter Slope HT
Miter Slope HB
Miter Slope TT
Miter Slope TB
Toggle Centered
Rotate
Change Quadrant
Set Horizontal
Shift Coordinate System*
*Use dropdown menu to change coordinates

COORDINATE ROTATION
If operations are needed that run at a diagonal angle, the coordinates can be rotated using either
Custom Coordinates or the Rotate option. The angle can be given if that is known, or it can use a
rise and run to find the angle. The rise is the vertical distance to first operation, and the run is the
horizontal distance.

INCREMENT X
When two patterns need to be added sequentially along the X axis, select the
first pattern, then if the Increment X box is checked when the next pattern is
added, it will automatically change the coordinates to the previous operation.

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NEW PATTERNS
Operation patterns are added to the active side by choosing a tool in the New Operations tab and giving it the desired x and y
coordinates. The default coordinate system is at head top, but can be moved and rotated if needed.

INPUTTING COORDINATES FOR OPERATIONS

Entering coordinates using the

keyboard:
-

Start X defines how far in the X direction to place the first operation
Start Y defines how far in the Y direction to place the first operation
#X is how many times you want to repeat the operation in the X direction
X Increment is the gap needed between each operation for #X
#Y is how many times you want to repeat the operation in the Y direction
Y Increment is the gap needed between each operation for #Y

[+] key for Feet

[-] key for Inches
[/] key for Fractions
[] to Start Input
[Tab] for Next coordinate
[Enter] to Create
Operation

Ex: 1 3 / 4 will give 1 & 3/4th

OPERATIONS ENTRY
Depending on the tool shape being used, different options are available for
programming a pattern:

[] and [] will navigate

between operations.

Circles can be added in a linear pattern, or changed to a ring pattern.

Rectangles and most other shapes can be rotated with different alignments.
Layout Marks can be toggled between a front and a back layout.
Stencils have font size and spacing options.

MIRROR AND COPY

MIRROR PATTERN OR TOOL PATH ABOUT LENGTH

Ctrl

+W

Ctrl

+M

Mirrors the currently selected pattern horizontally to the opposite end of the surface.

MIRROR PATTERN OR TOOL PATH ABOUT WIDTH

Mirrors the currently selected pattern vertically to the opposite end of the surface.

COPY SELECTED PATTERN TO OPPOSITE SURFACE

F1

Copies the currently selected pattern to the opposing flange or web.

COPY FACE COPY ALL OPERATIONS TO OPPOSITE SURFACE

Copies the all operations on the surface to the opposite flange or web.

COPY OPERATIONS AND TOOL PATHS

Ctrl

Ctrl+

C,

+V

Operations and tool paths can be copied from one part to another by right clicking on the operation and selecting Copy.
Next, close the part and open the part that needs the operation. Select the surface to apply it to, right click on the part and
select Paste.

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TOOLS
To change tools, click the Load button. Tools are sorted by shape and size.
If there are certain tools that are used frequently, they can also be added
to the common tools menu to be quickly selected. Tools can be colorcoded for parts to be quickly read without having to double-check sizes.
To access common tools menu, click the icon. From here you can select
one of your common tools, or from
a list of tools already used on the part. At the bottom you can add the tool youre
currently using to the common tools, or bring up the load menu to add a common tool. If you need to remove a tool from
the list, right click on the tool and choose Remove Tool From List.

CREATE NEW TOOL

The new tool dialog will let you set unit type and color. The dimensions
needed are context-sensitive, changing depending on the type of tool being
created.

CHANGE TOOL COLOR

Select the tool to change & Double-click or
Color (2). Select the preferred color, and
all parts using that tool.

click the Modify button. Then, Choose

then SAVE. The tools color will change on

STENCILS
QUICK STENCIL
The Stencil button (Ctrl
Ctrl + Q) can be used to enter in a string and coordinates
without having to select a tool or enter size information. It can be programmed
from either the head or the tail. The default spacing & height can be adjusted
using the same process as changing tool colors. The initial string and location can
be altered in the Steel Solutions options menu.

CREATE NEW STENCIL OPERATION

When
programming a stencil using the New Operation box, you can
set the character spacing and height, as well as the x/y location
and angle of the text.

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EDIT EXISTING OPERATIONS

Use the Edit Existing Operations tab to make any changes to operations already programmed onto the part. You can cycle
through the operations with the left and right arrows to select an operation, or click on the operation needing changes. The
Edit Operations tab functions the same as the New Operations tab. After making any changes, you will need to click on the
Update button to apply the changes.
When cut paths or exterior paths are selected, the
box will report the coordinates and if the path is a
curve, the radius.

FORCE OPERATION BURN / DRILL

The way an operation is processed by machines can be overridden by forcing an
operation to be either burned or drilled. Select a part with the mouse, and rightclick to open the context menu. Then, select Force Contour Machine to Burn Hole Pattern to prevent holes from being
drilled, or Force Machine To Drill Hole Pattern to prevent holes from being burned.

MITER CUT
If a miter cut is needed, select the head or tail cut of the part and use the Edit
Existing Operations tab. Alternately, cycle through Previous or Next until the end
needing to be mitered is selected. Enter the needed cut angle and press Update
to miter the part.

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ADVANCED OPERATIONS
The Advanced Operations button is used for specialized objects, such as stored copes and weld marks.

COPE LIBRARY
Several different types of copes can be generated from the cope library. Preset values can be stored in the
database for quick reference, or the cope dimensions can be entered in manually.

TYPES OF COPES
Note: Other cope types may be available.

Standard Cope

Rat Hole Cope

Fema Cope

Flange Thinning Cope

LENGTH CUTS
The Length Cuts section is for adding a castellation and or a rip cut to the surface
of a beam. Pick Castellation or Rip Cut from the Type dropdown menu. The type
of castellation is chosen with a radio button in the data entry area.

CASTELLATION
Generating a castellation requires giving a Hole Height (ho) (Diameter (do) for cellular) value, a Post
Width (e) value. For a hexagonal castellation, a Slope Width (b) value is needed. For a cellular
castellation, enter in the torch Kerf and the optimal gap for hole spacing will be automatically
determined.
There are several other controls to adjust the tool path, such as adding a stitch cut or setting a
cellular rise. The diagram in on the right of the window will show a diagram detailing the changes of
the currently selected field.

RIP CUT
The rip cut will add a straight cut down the length of a beam. There are options for adding a stitch cut, the length of a partial
cut, or setting how far off the cut will be from the center of the beam.

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TOOL PATHS
Using the drawing tools allows for simple designing of special shapes, slopes and edges to create any
feature the part needs.

DRAWING OPTIONS
The drawing options menu has options to enable a grid as well as
snapping to ensure quick and accurate placement of drawing
elements. Turning on tracking lines will measure distances
dynamically by following the mouse. It also has a toggle to switch
between cutting and scribing the part.

CONSTRUCTION LINES
Right click in the part view window to add construction lines, as well as horizontal and
vertical center lines, to help ensure accuracy when drawing objects.

Width center line with

2 construction lines

BEVEL
When using a drawing tool, bevels can be added by entering an angle and depth into the drawing tab. For a back surface
bevel, use a negative value instead.

EDITING A DRAWING
SELECT

The select tool is used to select any drawing element

on the object. It also allows click + drag to select
multiple elements. Drawing elements can be deleted
by selecting them and pressing the delete key.

The ESC key will switch to the Select tool at any time.
Pressing Enter will return to the last used tool.

Dragging the box to the right

selects all drawing objects
fully contained by the box.
Only the square will be
selected.

Dragging to the left will select

all drawing objects touching
the box. The square and lower
circle will be selected, but
nothing else.

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UNDO

+Z
Ctrl

Cancels last drawing. It will not be able to undo anything that has been built.

REDO

Ctrl

+Y

Redraws anything removed by the undo tool.

DRAWING TOOLS
LINES
LINE
The Line tool draws continuous lines from one point to another until you double-click or select
another tool. Lines can also be entered in the drawing tab by giving the start point an x/y
coordinate, and then either giving the end point an x/y coordinate, or a length and angle to
travel.

1 Horizontal Line

DRAW RECTANGLE
With the Draw Rectangle tool, click once to start the rectangle, and click again to complete it. It will automatically create 4
separate lines at right angles to each other.

DRAW NOTCH
Enter the x and y length of the notch and any radius needed, then click on a corner to add a notch to the part.

CHAMFER FROM INTERSECT POINT

To use the Chamfer From Intersect Point tool, enter the distance from the intersection of two lines in the
drawing tab. Next, click on the intersection needing the chamfer and the line will automatically be drawn at
the correct distance.

CHAMFER FROM D1 AND D2

The Chamfer From D1 and D2 tool uses 2 separate distances from the corner along the intersecting lines to
create the start point and end point. Click on or enter the start and end coordinate to place the line.

CURVES

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DRAW CIRCLE
To draw a circle, click on the center point (1), and then click on the end of the radius (2).

DRAW ELLIPSE
Drawing an ellipse uses the same steps as a circle, but a third point will need to be clicked to determine width.

DRAW CENTER POINT ARC

Start by drawing the radius, ending at the start of the arc (2). Then click to place the endpoint of the
arc (3). Click where you want the arc to start (1), and then click where you need to place the midpoint (2) of
the arc. Finally, add the endpoint of the arc (3).

DRAW START-END-MID ARC

First set the desired start point (1) followed by the arcs end point (2), then place the center point (3) where
needed to complete the arc.

FILLET
To fillet two lines, select the Fillet tool and then click on the two joining lines (1 & 2) that you need to connect.

DRAW START-END-RADIUS ARC

This works similar to the Start-End-Mid arc, except a radius must be
manually entered in the drawing tab. Then, click on the side you want
to the arc to go.

OTHER TOOLS
TRIM
The Trim tool will remove part of a line that extends past an intersection. Click on the part of the line to
be removed (1) and it will be deleted from the intersect point.

EXTEND
Extend will extend a line to the nearest tangential line. To extend a line, click on the line that needs to
be extended (1), and then click on the line that it needs to extend to (2).

MIRROR SELECTED ELEMENTS ABOUT LENGTH / WIDTH

These two tools will mirror all selected drawing elements either horizontally or vertically.

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MEASURE DISTANCE
The Measure Distance tool operates similar to the Line tool, but it shows a dialog box listing the
distance between the points instead of drawing a line on the part.

CMEASURE ANGLE
To use the Measure Angle tool, click on a center point, then the base line. Next, click on the angle of the item you wish
to measure. A dialog will display all the relevant information.

OFFSET LINE
When using the Offset Line tool, click on a line you want to copy, enter the distance from the original line needed for
the new line, and then click again in the direction you need to have it copied. It will automatically draw the line again parallel
to the original line.

COPY ELEMENTS
Using the Copy Elements tool, click on the element to be copied and press enter.
Next, click on an origin point, then click the distance and direction where it needs to be
copied.

MOVE ELEMENTS
Using this tool is the same as the Copy Elements tool. Click on the element to be moved and press enter. Next, click on an
origin point, then click the distance and direction where it needs to be moved.

ROTATE ELEMENTS
Select the elements you want to rotate, then click on the base location to be the pivot point of the selected elements. Move
the mouse (or enter the rotate angle into the Drawing tab) for the desired rotation, then click to set the new position.

BUILD
Lines that have not been built.

The Build tool is used to finalize any drawings

made to the part. Until the drawings are built,
they will not show up when finally creating the
part. Once the drawing has been built, the undo
tool will no longer affect those elements.

KERF SIDE

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Drawing with Layout Marks after

running the Build tool.

Atek Automation

Kerf side normal and reversed.

Steel Solutions
If the drawing is removing material from the wrong side of the drawing,
flipping the kerf side will often resolve the issue. Press the Flip Kerf
Side button under the Edit Existing Operations tab, then the update
button to apply the changes. This will affect tool paths that connect
two opposing sides of the part.

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LEAD IN/OUT
Setting the lead in/out point correctly will insure that any cuts on the part will be as
clean as possible.

MOVE LEAD IN/OUT LOCATION

This tool moves the lead in/out location to anywhere on the edges of the part, as
well as for any interior cuts.

CHANGE LEAD IN/OUT

This brings up the options box for adjusting the options for your lead in/out. It can
change from a curved or straight lead out, adjust the angle of lead in and out, and
the length of the lead in and lead out.

REGENERATE LEAD IN/OUT

Lead In/Out options

This will regenerate the lead in/out on the part to update settings or fix any errors
with the lead in/out.

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NESTING
Utilize Steel Solutions nesting to create efficient plates, creating and running nests are all done under the Nesting Tab.

CREATE A NEW NEST

Once the Nesting Tab has been selected a blank default plate will appear, this plate will be the
default 10 x 10. To add a new plate simply click on the Add Plate / Remnant tab, a Nest Plate
Property page will pop up. In this page you can name the plate
change the height, width, quantity, grain direction and
material grade. You can also add a PO, Vendor and Heat
number in the property page.

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NESTING PARTS
Nesting parts starts with importing parts into the parts area. To imports the parts, click on the Open Parts tab. After clicking
the tab a page will pop up where files are stored on the network, select the parts needed to be cut. When importing DXF files
you will have to
add the Part
Information; Job,
Sequence, Jobpage,
Grade, Qty and
plate size.

Once selected, the parts will

showing part names,
show the number of parts
cut.

appear in the parts area

quantities and thickness. It will
and the quantity available to

When you select the part you have the ability to change its properties in the Selected
Parts display which is under the parts area. These properties include tabs for the Part Info,
Shape Data, Extract Data and Extra File Data.

Part Info tab will allow changes to the Job, Sequence, Job Page, MaterialGrade, Part Name
and the Quantity.
Shape Data tab will let you change the Section, Shape, and size
of the part.

Extra Data tab will let you change the part location

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Extra File Data Tab will allow changes to the Code
Profile, DXF Layers Found, File Name, File Path, File
Shape, Force Mirror, Grain Direction and Prioity.
Force Mirror will tell the Auto Nest feature mirror only
that selected part
You can set the Priority of the part, Auto Nest will nest
the higher priority parts first.

In the Parts Details area there is a selection for Ignore Part Thickness, if
this box is checked all parts will be nested onto the plate regardless of
thickness. The box should be unchecked so parts will be nested onto the
proper plates.

AUTO NESTING
Pressing the Auto Nest tab will nest parts onto all open plates. To nest on one platen only have one plate
open, to nest on multiple plates have multiple open. Auto Nest will nest all parts available onto each plate
available per the thickness of the plates.

AUTONEST CONFIGURATION
To configure the Autonest function press the
Plate Settings button. A screen will pop up
with two tabs, General and Nesting, select the
Nesting tab to configure. In this tab there are
many settings that adjust the Autonest process.

TRUE SHAPE
True Shape Nest feature allows for the optimum utilization of the material by letting smaller parts
be nested within the holes of bigger parts, and interlocks parts together. It also nests parts along
the edges of remnant plates. Default will be checked.
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ZONE NEST
Zone Nest

OPTIMIZER
The Optimizer Slow uses multiple algorithms to determine the most optimal arrangement of
parts on the plate. However, due to its intensive algorithms, this can take a very long time to
run. The time depends on several factors, such as the processing power of the computer, how many parts there are, and the
step angle setting. This can be enabled or disabled by checking the box in the plate settings menu. Due to the time required
to run, this feature is best used on more expensive materials.
Turbo Mode does not arrange parts as well as the Optimizer Slow but it is quite a bit faster.
Turbo mode will be the selected default.

BEST NEST DIRECTION

Best Nest Direction will nest parts by either horizontally or vertically, whichever allows for
best utilization. Will be unselected as default.

NEST PLATE ALONG WIDTH

Nest Along Plate Width will nest parts along the width of the plate other than the length.
Will be unselected as default.

DISABLE QUICK ORIENTATION REJECTION

Disable Quick Orientation Rejection allows the part to be nested in any orientation,
disregarding the step angle. Will be unselected as default.

PART IN PART
Having this feature on will allow parts to be nested within each other. Will be selected as
default.
Sheets generated from incremental nesting can possess material islands lying entirely
within holes in the sheet geometry. These material islands exist due to the holes present
in the parts that were nested on the sheet in the previous nesting session. The user may want to use these material islands
first and then nest the parts on the remaining sheet space. Due to this feature, the space lying within material islands will not
go waste. Will be selected as default.

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Some parts contain large holes. In nesting smaller parts can fit within the holes of the larger
parts. However, while cutting, if the larger parts get cut first, then the entire area that lies
within the holes also gets cut first, and could be wasted. This feature will nest the smaller parts in the holes of the larger parts
first. This will ensure that the space lying within the holes of the larger parts does not go waste. This optimizes the material
usage while cutting the nested parts. Will be selected as default.

FLAT END FIT

Flat End Fit will match the last parts of nest by their flat end to leave a square or rectangle
remnant. Will be unselected as default.

TOLERANCE
Tolerance function will allow parts larger than the plate to be nested and cut. Will be
unselected as default

CONNECTED DISTANCE
Connected Distance sets the minimum distance to be considered for joining two parts.

STEP ANGLE
The Step Angle option defines how many degrees of rotation the auto-nesting algorithm will
test for each part before deciding how it should be placed on the plate nest. The smaller this
degree is set, the longer the nesting algorithm will take to complete the nest. Default will be 90 for structural parts.

CUTTER DIAMETER
Cutter Diameter indicates the diameter of the tool used for cutting the parts.

MAX PART LIST

Max Part List sets the max amount of parts listed. Default will be 1000

RESOLUTION
Resolution is the degree of accuracy of the nested pattern. The resolution value can be
set based on the size of the parts and sheets. The higher the resolution the faster the
nesting process, the smaller the resolution the more accurate the process is. Default will be .01

SEQUENCE PART
Sequence Part sets the type of sequence in which parts are to be nested. In Area the
parts are nested in decreasing order by their surface are, in Perimeter the parts are
nested by their outmost perimeter. Default will be By Area.

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PART-PART DISTANCE
Part-Part Distance tells Steel Solutions how to compute the minimum distance
between parts. Default will be D1+D2+C

OFFSET CORNER TYPES

Offset Corner Types tells how to change the corner type of the offset, Fillet will be
angled, Linear will be straight. Default will be Linear.

MIRROR PARTS
Mirror Parts is used for nesting the mirror image of all parts to utilize maximum space.
Default will be unselected.

MANUAL NESTING
A part can be nested manually by double clicking on it while it is in the parts area. From there, click on the part in the work
area and drag it to where needed. Using CTRL + arrow keys on the keyboard will quickly snap the part in the direction
pressed. Clicking on the black boxes surrounding the part will allow finer control of the part. The boxes in the corners will let
you rotate the part, with the other boxes snapping the part in a direction.

COLLISION DETECTION
If a part overlaps or is placed too close to another part, it will be highlighted red. Adjust the part
to a safe location and the color will return to normal. Detection can be forced by right clicking in
the work area and clicking Check Collision.

ROTATE NEST
You can rotate a part by right-clicking on it and selecting Rotate Nest. This opens a window asking for the degree of rotation
desired for the selected part. The part can also be rotated dragging the black box in one of
the four corners, or pressing SHIFT +any arrow key.
Parts can also be mirrored by right-clicking on the part and selecting Mirror X, or Mirror Y.

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Nesting | Atek Automation

Atek Automation

Steel Solutions

COMMONLINE PARTS
Multiple quantity parts can be combined into a single common line part so
they can cut in a single pass. Clicking Auto Common line All Parts will allow
all selected parts to find common lines.

CHAIN CUT
A chain cut will connect multiple parts from lead-in to lead-out,
causing the parts to be burned all at once. Any changes to the group
will be performed as if it was a single part. To chain parts together,
enable the Chain Cut button, and click on the exterior paths of the parts to link together.
Press chain cut again to end the chain and save it. You can build a chain cut by right
clicking on the plate then selecting Build Chain Cut.

PLATE REMNANT
When a plate has run through production, the remaining material is saved in an assigned folder for re-use. Crop lines can be
added to plates, and nest creation can load the remnant in inventory. Steel Solution will Auto Nest around the crop lines.

ADD CROP LINE

Opens the remnant editor to add crop line to the plate for remnant creation. Can also be
accessed by right clicking on the plate.

DELETE CROP LINE

Removes the crop lines from the plate.

LOAD REMNANTS
Opens and loads saved remnant plates.

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ADD CROP LINES

Press the Add Crop Line button to load the crop line application. From here, lines are drawn on the plate
using the tools from Steel Solutions programming application. A line must be drawn separating the
remnant area from the scrap.
Once the crop line has been drawn on the plate, use
Remnant to have the remnant material added back

Create New
into inventory.

CREATE NEW REMNANT

After pressing Create New Remnant, click on the side of the plate that needs to be saved as the remnant. A screen will pop
up asking where to save and what to name the plate.

LOAD REMNANT
Loading a remnant plate can be done by pressing the Remnants button. A list of available remnant plates will be shown,
along with a preview of the plates. Select the remnant from the list and then load remnant to add it to the nesting screen.

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plate remnant | Atek Automation

Atek Automation

Steel Solutions

OTHER TOOLS
MEASURE
After activating the Measure tool, clicking once will place a marker,
and clicking on another part of the nest will report the distance
between that spot and the first marker. You can also right-click on
the plate to access the Measure tool.

LEAD IN/LEAD OUT

To move the Lead In/Lead Out simply right click on a part, select Move LIO, then click the location desired
on the part.

CUT ORDER
Displays the order in which the parts will be cut from the plate. The order can be changed by right clicking on the
plate, selecting Cut Order then clicking the parts in the order desired.

MAKE CLUSTER
To group multiple parts together on the plate, hold down the CTRL key and click on the parts you
want to group together. Then right click and select Make Clusters.

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PRINTING
Print Preview shows a preview of the nest as it will prints.

Print Nest sends the current nest to the printer.

The Nest Print Option pops up after clicking on both Print Preview and Print Nest. The
Print Option screen allows you to decide how detailed your nest will be when printed.
Print nest plate drawing will print the shape of the plate and the parts on the plate. It
will print the cut order of the parts, the plate summary and part details will print the
part name, hole sizes on part, thickness, size of plate, grain direction and name of
plate.

CNC EXPORT
Click the Export CNC button to export the nest to different cutting systems. A screen will pop us after
clicking where you can choose your system.

Type Choose between Controlled Automation, Burny10, and Hypertherm.

Start Corner will export a different start corner.
Dwell Time
You can also choose not to export interior cut paths, or to export layout
marks for holes by checking the two boxes.

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Steel Solutions

GENERAL SETTINGS
The General Settings are located under the plate setup button.

The General Settings will allow changes to

the Default Plate, Cut Order, Drill Pierce,
Cut Sequence and Export Path. The Default
Plate will let you change the default plate
name, height and width, quantity and grain
direction. On Cut Order you can have the
machine scribe the paths before cutting
and to point and drill before cutting by
selecting the boxes. On Drill Pierce you can
select the box to have the holes drilled
instead of burned. You can also turn off the
crash detects and part color fills, which is
not advised. The distance between nested
parts and distance moved are also changed
here. Under Cut Sequence you can change
the start corner, direction of the plate, and
style of cut. The start corner will be set at
Lower Left, the direction will be Width, and
the style will be Continuous. Finally, you
can change the export path selecting browse and choose the desired location.

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