Ⅰ. Introduction

When the software identifies tubing, the part must retain its complete cross-section; otherwise, it cannot determine which tube the sheet metal part will be machined onto.

For instance, the sheet-body shown below could be cut from a rectangular tube or a non-rectangular profile.

Therefore, when the part drawing is a sheet metal part, the original tube's complete cross-section must be preserved to enable the software to identify and confirm the tube type.

Note:  The content in 【】or [] is all tutorial links that can be jumped to. Clicking the link allows you to view the detailed parameter description and usage method corresponding to the function.

II. Foundational General Knowledge

Before starting the operation, please make sure you have read the 【What is TubesT?】 and understand the role of the nesting software in the entire processing flow, as well as the usage methods of various file formats and the meanings of version types.

III. The Nesting Process

1. Pre-Process and Auto Technique

There are some common operations, such as:

Automatically adding marking text to parts (recommended)

Familiar with some basic processes, want the software to automatically add leader lines and compensation to tube holes (recommended)

For features you're highly familiar with and commonly use in your industry—such as weld compensation and intersect holes—you may want the software to handle them automatically (on demand).

You can configure these settings in advance under 【Auto Process】 before importing parts. The software will then execute the operations automatically during part import.

★ After importing parts, you only need to review them—no manual setup required. This significantly boosts nesting efficiency.

★ If you notice unusual toolpaths or undesired results after importing parts, check whether any unnecessary automatic processes are enabled.

2. Drafting Parts and Toolpath Processing

Whether parts can be re-edited within the software determines how drawings are processed. For specific methods, refer to the 【Tutorial on Toolpath Processing for Sheet Metal Parts】

★ If prompted with “Performing <Normal Vector Error Detection>” after drawing or importing a bevel part, click OK.

This function checks bevel toolpaths for recognized bevel parts. Parts with obvious errors will be flagged with a small yellow triangle.

If errors appear, refer to the 【Normal Vector Error Detection】tutorial for resolution. Non-bevel machines may ignore this step.

3. Check the Mark

If you need to mark part numbers on components, please verify the marking text position after toolpath processing:

When evenly dividing a tube into multiple sections, ensure marking text is added to each section;

When actual cutting involves both scrap and usable parts, check whether the text is positioned on the scrap or the usable section.

To delete text, select it and press the keyboard's Delete key. To add text, refer to the 【Add Text on Tubes】 guide.

4. Nest

After parts inspection is complete, nest can proceed. The figure below provides a functional overview. For detailed parameter specifications and usage instructions, refer to 【Apply Auto Nest】.

5. Auto Sort and Inspection

Note: After manually adding marking text, even if the toolpath has been inspected for a single part, you must re-sort it again!!

Sorting parameters can be selected as needed. For detailed parameter explanations, see: 【Auto Sort】.

6. Toolpath Check

After parts are sorted, path inspection can be performed. The software will pop up warnings for toolpaths that may pose risks. — For detailed instructions, refer to【Check Path 】 

7. Simulate

Regardless of whether modifications were made based on the path check prompts, simulation must be performed.

8. Export Task Package

After sorting the nesting layout, you can export the nesting results. For detailed instructions, refer to【Export】.

You can also export the nesting report. For detailed instructions, refer to: 【Nest Report】.