Software Update Includes Tool to Ease Job Cost Calculation

Hypertherm has released version 11.1 of its ProNest 2015 CAD/CAM software featuring a quoting tool that can calculate per-part and total job costs, among other updates. This tool is ideal for job shops, metal service centers and other fabricators who need to quote work to external customers. In addition to using baseline material and production costs, the tool is capable of including secondary operations as well as markups or discounts for certain customers and jobs in the final cost calculation.

This version also includes enhancements supporting waterjet cutting, such as the ability to apply four waterjet pierce types (dynamic, circle, wiggle and stationary) automatically through the use of embedded process parameters. The software applies the right pierce type and duration based on lead length, material type and thickness, and the available space around the pierce site, all without the need for programmer input. A “quality colors” feature enables programmers to color-code parts based on quality values while in 2D CAD mode or while using ProNest’s Advanced Edit feature. Other enhancements include interior cut-up for laser cutting, improved SolidWorks assembly import, cut process class selection, and material mapping by grade and type.