Steel construction can be viewed in two phases - ‘pre-detailed’ and ‘post-detailed’.

In the pre-detailed phase the prime source of data is architects and engineers drawings, and that information is typically informally structured or completely unstructured. The Material Take-Off (MTO) in this phase tends to pick up only the major components, and allowances are generally made for the balance. Many estimators still prefer to do pencil and paper takeoffs in the first instance, then use Manual Data Input (MDI) to enter the data into a spread sheet for extending to weights etc.

In the post-detailed phase, Material Lists are very detailed, specific and complete. It is this data which the estimator has attempted to forecast in the pre-detailed phase. The information is now highly structured, with every individual component and assembly of components receiving a formal identity (name, or number). Where detail drawings have been manually drafted, there is no alternative to Manual Data Input (MDI) for compiling the MTO.

Use of general purpose CAD software represents an advance for the draftsman, but not necessarily for anyone compiling an MTO unless the CAD software has some means of converting each Material List into a meaningful electronic form. Most general purpose CAD software contains some sort of ‘BOM facility’ which can count countable commodities, but usually falls far short when dealing with commodities measured by length or by area etc. as we are faced with.

Specialized CAD software such as StruCAD, BoCAD, Xsteel, being purpose written for steel detailing, have the capability of producing meaningful material lists in electronic form. So theoretically we can avoid MDI, but in practice it doesn't work because there's no standard output. So we copy some of the data into spreadsheets and 'push it around' or fall back once again on total MDI.

The spread sheet itself isn't a solution to the MTO task because of the need to consult catalogs and enter relevant product properties. You can write macros to look them up from tables entered into the spread sheet but there are other problems. The need to always describe the same product in the same way, (is that UB200*25 on the drawing a 200UB25 or 200UB25.7 in our lookup table?) and ‘explode’ plates to thickness and width, and so on.

Having been aware of the problem for years, our aim was to create a tool with all the functionality of a spread sheet but without the inherent problems. Source data could be totally unstructured or highly structured. And more importantly, allow for data exchange through the use of a standard format exchange file.

FastCAM® MTO solves the Materials Take-Off problem by producing fast and simple 'sortable' lists for estimating and factory production. Simply enter data direct from the command line or use the drop down catalogue list to select sections. Create lists in seconds...sort on material, section, type.. export the data, create reports, BOM's, lists, production sheets etc.

We've made FastCAM® MTO Free to all parties because of the need to establish a Take-Off Standard for the Steel Industry. It is NOT a trial version or a demo like our other downloads. It is not time-limited or restricted in any way. You can use the software indefinitely. You do not need any other FastCAM® or 3rd party software other than Microsoft Windows. We only require that you register your details with us. For more information or to download go to www.fastcamusa.com/mto

Rectircle is probably the most powerful and versatile product in our FastSHAPES® software series, a range of powerful transition programs designed for thick plate (unlike simple sheetmetal developments). The rectircle program is unique, allowing for large forming radii and compensation for material thickness, forming allowances (green) and even marking of weld preparation.

Rectircle transitions can be specified as any one of eight different inlet or outlet shapes or even a simple circular offset. Most commonly used for basic square to round transitions however the variations are endless (but not always obvious!). Rectircle covers circular, obround, conical, rectangle to round and frogmouth transitions. Elliptical cross-sections are also provided for. It's even possible to define a `half-shape' at one end, most useful in applications like Coal bunkering.

Applications include Bulk Materials Handling (hoppers and chutes) Fluids Conveying (ducts, transitions, transformers, hoods, shrouds). `Industrial strength' structures (thick plate) and more.

Rectircle is so simple to use even "non-experts" can readily operate the software. A preview of the development model and flat pattern allows you to make sure the job is right before you cut any steel. More FastSHAPES® information.

Traditionally, FastCAM® users have nested NC code. This has required users to Load or Draw a part in FastCAM®, output the NC code, then nest the part.

Nesting of parts in this way has benefits however FastNEST v5.0 now has the ability to load and nest geometry (CAM, DXF, DWG, IGES) directly which makes nesting a simple One Step process.

When nesting geometry directly, FastNEST® empowers the user with the ability to add entries and exits either before or after nesting. When entries are added before nesting they can be interactively moved around parts either on a group basis or part by part. Entry lengths can be changed making them longer or shorter and the entry and exit angle can also be adjusted.

Combining moveable entries with the TAG Function enables the user to create 'leadin and leadouts' that cross outside the part, thus reducing the tendency of gouging parts when cutting with a plasma process.

How do I nest DXF files directly in FastNEST®?
1. Start FastNEST®.
2. Select File Cut List -> Set File Types.
3. Input file type DXF, Add pierce Before Nesting, Output file type NC.
4. Select File Cut List -> Set Pierce.
5. The FastPATH® settings will be displayed. If they are not then select Edit Settings from the menu displayed.
6. Edit FastPATH® settings as required. Information on the FastPATH® settings can be found in the FastNEST® manual (download from our members area if required).
7. Add your parts.
8. The entries on the parts can be moved by selecting the Move Entries button on the part data form. They can also be moved when outputting NC code by answering "Yes" to the question 'Move entries?'

We're interested in hearing from customers and resellers! If you have news or can suggest a topic that you think will be of interest to our reader base, we invite you to email us!

Copyright 2003, FastCAM Inc.

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