2. Optimize & Nest

Once you're satisfied with your sheet and part setup, click the Optimize & Nest button. The parts are automatically placed onto sheets using the nesting algorithm to optimize material usage and minimize waste.

  1. Nesting is automatically started.
  2. You can manually start and stop nesting using the play and stop icons in the left panel.
  3. On the right side you see the nesting progress and real-time part placement.
  4. Once nesting is complete, you can review the results and export them as DXF files one by one or download results as a ZIP archive for all sheets.
  5. If needed, you can adjust nesting parameters in the left panel and re-run nesting.
  6. Unplaced Parts – If some parts do not fit on the current sheets, the sidebar will show a warning with the list of unplaced items. You may need to add more sheets or use a larger sheet size. In rectangular sheet mode, additional sheets are added automatically as needed.
  7. You can move back and adjust part quantities or sheet settings as needed.
Nesting execution
Running the nesting algorithm — parts are placed automatically onto sheets

Nesting Algorithm Parameters

You can configure various parameters that affect how the nesting algorithm operates. Normally you do not need to adjust these, but you can achieve better results by fine-tuning them, especially for some specific part types. If you need to, you can reset them to default values.

Rotations

The nesting algorithm can rotate parts to fit them more efficiently onto the sheet. You can configure the allowed rotation angles in the nesting settings.

Search step

Search step is the distance that the algorithm moves parts when searching for optimal placement. Smaller values can lead to better nesting results but may increase nesting time, especially for larger sheets and smaller parts. On the other hand, if the algorithm skips good placements, you might need to decrease the search step.

Curve Tolerance

The nesting algorithm approximates parts for placement based on the curve tolerance setting. Higher tolerance values result in less precise placement, while lower values ensure more accurate placement, especially for complex sharp shapes.

Curve tolerance 0.5
Curve tolerance: 0.5 — high tolerance leads to part overlap
Curve tolerance 0.1
Curve tolerance: 0.1 — low tolerance places parts correctly

Use Holes For Placement (Part-in-Part Nesting)

Part in part nesting disabled
Use holes: Off — parts are not placed inside holes of other parts
Part in part nesting enabled
Use holes: On — smaller parts are placed inside holes of larger parts

Lookahead

Sometimes, it can happen that optimal placement of one part blocks the placement of another part. Lookahead is a feature that allows the nesting algorithm to consider future placements when optimizing the current placement of parts. Lookahead slows down the nesting process but it can lead to more efficient results for certain part shapes.

Lookahead disabled
Lookahead: Off — the algorithm does not consider future placements
Lookahead enabled
Lookahead: On — the algorithm considers future placements to optimize nesting

Placement Strategy

Nesting algorithm fills up the sheet based on the selected placement strategy. Choose one that gives you the best remnants from partially filled sheets.

Placement Strategy: Bottom to Top
Placement Strategy: Bottom to Top
Placement Strategy: Left to Right
Placement Strategy: Left to Right
Placement Strategy: From Corner
Placement Strategy: From Corner

Continue to Generate G-code to learn more about generating G-code for your laser cutter.