<< Click to Display Table of Contents >> Navigation:  Tutorials > Nesting Tutorials > Nesting - Arraying

PrimeCut allows you to create an array of parts by dropping the part on the plate, and then dragging the array handle.  This is often a simple, quick and effective method of nesting a plate.  

You should be familiar with the basic task of creating an array from working through the workflow tutorial (Sequencing and Creating a Cropped Plate Remnant ).  Here we will build upon that knowledge, and cover some of the added functionality available when using arrays.  The tutorial contains five exercises, each of which stands alone so that it can be used to brush up on a particular topic as required.

The following topics will be covered:

▪Staggered array.  This is useful for shapes with a round (or close to it) shape.  By using staggering on such shapes a much more efficient array can be achieved.

▪Manual spacing adjustment of arrays.  This can be used when an array is modified, and you need to re-adjust the spacing as a result.  The section also covers part rotation within the array, and rotation of the whole array.

▪Automatic spacing adjustment of arrays.  This has the same purpose as manual spacing adjustment, but PrimeCut determines the spacing.  Part rotation within the array is also used here.

▪Arraying a cluster.  In some cases (where the shape of the part suits it) we can vastly increase the effectiveness of the array by clustering the part first, and then arraying that cluster.

▪Arraying with clustering and copying.  Here we will create an array, then turn that array into a cluster. By copying this cluster and rotating it alternately we are able to produce a highly efficient interlocking nest arrangement.