Abstract: A method and system of cutting parts from sheet material is disclosed. The system identifies critical segments of the cutting path where cutting difficulties may arise and modifies the data that guide the cutting tool for more accurate cutting through the critical segments. In particular, the system identifies segments of the cutting path proximately close to one another called “common line segments” and generates a optimized cutting path using a single pass to cut common line segments and minimizing total cutting time, including dry haul time. The method and system of the present invention provide an optimal cutting path and control of a cutting tool resulting in higher quality cut pieces and the higher throughput. Therefore, the method disclosed allows for and makes desirable the close nesting of templates without buffers.

Abstract: A method and system of cutting parts from sheet material comprising a numerically-controlled cutting system having a cutting tool for cutting along a path, the method comprising the steps of: (a) placing a plurality of templates which define the shapes and sizes of the parts to be cut upon the sheet material while minimizing the spaces between the templates to form a closely-packed marker; (b) entering the marker into a pre-processor; (c) detecting common lines and tangencies between templates in the marker; (d) determining a path and speed for said cutting tool; and (e) directing the cutting tool in accordance with the path and speed such that the parts are cut from the sheet material. The pre-processor identifies critical segments of the cutting path where cutting difficulties may arise and modifies the data that guide the cutting tool for more accurate cutting through the critical segments.