Ⅰ. Overview

To improve material utilization and machining efficiency, the Auto Nest function helps you arrange processed parts onto the tube in an optimized layout.

In TubesT 2026V2, the Auto Nest interface has been redesigned to improve the layout and overall user experience. This tutorial introduces the components of the new Auto Nest interface, explains the available parameters, and shows how to use them.

Ⅱ. Interface Introduction

1.Auto Nest Interface

Click Nest on the main window to open the Auto Nest interface. This interface consists of three sections: Parts Selection, Nesting Area, and Nesting Parameters, as shown below.

(1) Parts Selection

• • • Nest All Parts:  Refers to all parts in the Part List on the left side of the TubesT main window. When selected, all sections are displayed in the Nesting Area.

• • • Nest Selected Parts: Refers to the parts selected in the Part List on the left side of the TubesT main window. When selected, only the corresponding sections of the selected parts are displayed in the Nesting Area.

(2) Nesting Aera

Used to manage the tubes included in the current auto nesting operation. Tubes are grouped by section:

• • • • Allows you to rename nesting tubes.
      • Allows you to adjust the nesting priority of tubes.
      • Allows you to modify the quantity and length of tubes.
      • ...

During auto nesting, TubesT first groups parts by their section specifications, such as circular tube, square tube, rectangular tube and so on. Each section corresponds to a section group.

You can configure one or more tubes with different lengths and quantities under each section. Parts are nested only on tubes with the corresponding section. Parts with different sections are not nested together.

The following table explains the difference between a section and a tube.

Tip: If you have a small amount of tube remnants and want to nest them before using full-length tubes, select the remnants and click Remnant first to move them to the top of the list. As shown below, the software nests the two 6 m remnants first, followed by the 12 m full-length tubes.

Compared with earlier versions, the following functions and parameters have been updated.

(3) Nesting Parameters

For details, see Ⅲ. Parameter Description.

2.Nesting Results Panel Interface

After auto nesting is complete, the nesting results are displayed in the Nesting Results Panel. You can view the nesting results for each tube and lock, clear, or sort the results.

Ⅲ. Parameter Description

1.Nesting Strategy

2. Co-edge Type

3. Utilization First

This function can improve tube utilization. The following parameters are available only when this option is enabled.

• • • • Straight cut position: Ensures that the front/rear-end cut in the nesting result is straight. This can improve utilization and reduce toolpaths. For details, see Front/Rear-end Srtaight Cut.

• • • • Nest in Tail-Short part/Long part: For machines supporting short or zero tail cutting, you may require specific parts to be placed at the end of the tube. For details, see Auto Nest: Nest in Tail for Long/Short Parts.

• • • • Loop Nesting: Allows a long part to be split into two shorter parts to improve tube utilization. After enabling this parameter, you can configure Joint Type, Min tube end, and Weld Access Holes, as well as other parameters under Detailed Settings. For details, refer to Loop Nesting.

Notice: Loop Nesting is an exclusive feature of the Steel Structure Package. If the nesting interface does not show the Loop Nesting option, you need to claim or enable the permission first.

Ⅳ. FAQs

1.How to manually adjust nesting results if unsatisfied?

2.How to stop the nesting progress if the nesting time is too long?

From version 7.1.39, a progress bar of auto nesting is available.

If you terminate the progress during nesting, TubesT will exit the algorithm within 2 minutes and retain the current optimal result.

Do not forcibly terminate the progress within 2 minutes.

To manually stop and keep the result immediately, please click Use current result.

3.Manual Nest

In most cases, Auto Nest can meet most of your nesting requirements. If it cannot satisfy specific production needs, you can use the Manual Nest function instead.

For details, refer to TubesT – Manual Nest.