Nesting sign letters for a CAMaster router
Many sign shops cut letters on a CAMaster router. NestSigns does the step before toolpaths: it nests the letters from your design file onto your sheets and leftovers, so you load one clean layout into CAM.
Start free: 20 runs, no credit cardWhere NestSigns fits
| Step | Tool |
|---|---|
| 1. Design the letters | Illustrator, CorelDRAW or FlexiSIGN |
| 2. Nest the letters | NestSigns: open the .ai, .cdr, PDF, DXF or SVG file and choose full sheets or leftovers |
| 3. Make toolpaths | The CAM software you use with the CAMaster: import the nested DXF |
| 4. Cut | The CAMaster controller |
Use the leftovers first
Shops that run a router every day collect a rack of offcuts. In NestSigns you can keep your full sheets and leftover pieces in a small inventory per material. When you nest a job, it fills the leftovers you pick before it starts a new full sheet, and the summary shows what each sheet holds.
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, so you can check the layout before you make toolpaths. If you are not sure what spacing to use, see router bit size and part spacing.
Smooth curves in the DXF
NestSigns exports DXF R12 with true arcs on one layer, so round letters stay smooth when you import them. Each sheet can be its own file, or all sheets can go in one file. PDF, AI, SVG and LightBurn files are there too if another machine in the shop needs them.
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.
See also nesting letters for MultiCam routers, DXF nesting online and how to cut less acrylic waste on a CNC router.
Questions
Does NestSigns make toolpaths for my CAMaster?
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 CAMaster?
No. NestSigns is separate software and is not affiliated with CAMaster. It works with any router that can cut from a DXF or PDF layout.
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