Nesting sign letters for an Avid CNC router

Avid CNC machines are common in smaller sign shops that build their own letters. NestSigns takes the letters from your design file and nests them onto your sheet sizes, so you spend less time dragging letters around before you make toolpaths.

Start free: 20 runs, no credit card

Where NestSigns fits

Step	Tool
1. Design the letters	Illustrator, CorelDRAW or another design program
2. Nest the letters	NestSigns: open the .ai, .cdr, PDF, DXF or SVG file and pick the sheet size
3. Make toolpaths	The CAM software you use with the Avid: import the nested DXF
4. Cut	The Avid machine controller

Any sheet size your table takes

Pick a common size such as 96 × 48, 48 × 32, 48 × 24 or 46 × 46 in, or type your own. If a letter is bigger than the sheet, NestSigns can divide it into pieces that fit, and the pieces keep matching numbers so they go back together.

Spacing set from your bit

Type the bit diameter and NestSigns sets the part spacing from it. After each run it measures the smallest gap actually left between parts and shows it with the result. Smaller shops often hold parts down with tabs or screws, so leaving the right gap matters; see router bit size and part spacing.

Numbers for sorting after the cut

The layout summary PDF gives every part a number on the sheet and on the original layout, so you can sort the cut letters quickly. More on that in sorting and labeling channel letters after CNC cutting.

What else it does for letter jobs

True-shape nesting by the real letter outlines: any angle, 0/180° only, or no rotation.
Exact spacing. Type the gap or your bit diameter; every layout is checked and shows the smallest gap measured.
Parts inside letter holes. Small pieces go inside O, A, B and D, and holes stay with their letter.
Leftovers first. Full sheets and leftover pieces per material, smallest leftovers used first, stock updated when the job is done.
Oversize letters left out, divided, or divided with a 1 in joining strip, pieces labeled A1, A2…
Every part numbered on the sheets and on the original artwork in the layout summary PDF.

Questions

Does NestSigns make toolpaths for my Avid CNC?

No. NestSigns does the nesting and exports DXF, PDF or AI. You make toolpaths in the CAM software you already use.

Is NestSigns made by Avid CNC?

No. NestSigns is separate software and is not affiliated with Avid CNC. It works with any router that can cut from a DXF or PDF layout.

Try it on your own job. Open your artwork, pick a sheet, and see how many sheets you need. 20 free nesting runs, no credit card. After that, $14.99 per month, cancel anytime.
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More: All features · NestSigns for your machine and software · FAQ