Nesting sign letters for a Mach3 router

Mach3 is the control software on many older and home-built CNC routers. It runs G-code but does not lay parts out on a sheet. NestSigns does that step: it places the letters on the sheet first, so the file you take into your CAM program is already nested.

Where NestSigns fits

1. Nest in NestSigns. Open the letters as .ai, PDF, DXF, SVG or CorelDRAW .cdr, pick the sheet and run the nest.
2. Export DXF or SVG. The DXF is R12 with true arcs, which most CAM programs read cleanly.
3. Make toolpaths in your CAM. VCarve, SheetCam, Fusion 360 or whatever post-processor you use for Mach3.
4. Cut with Mach3 as you do now.

Set the gap from the bit you cut with

Type the bit diameter, for example 1/4 in, and NestSigns sets the part spacing from it so the toolpath has room between letters. After each nest the smallest real gap is measured and shown, so you know before the G-code is made. More in router bit size and part spacing.

Older machines, smaller beds

Many Mach3 machines have a bed smaller than a full 4 × 8 sheet. Type the size that fits your table, such as 48 × 48 in or 48 × 24 in, and add an edge margin if you clamp or screw the sheet down. Leftover pieces can go into your material stock, and NestSigns fills the smallest one that fits first.

Sorting after the cut

Every part carries a number, and the summary PDF shows the same numbers on the original design, so letters go back into words quickly. See sorting and labeling channel letters after 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.

See also nesting letters for VCarve, nesting for Fusion 360 and online DXF nesting.

Questions

Does NestSigns make G-code for Mach3?

No. NestSigns only nests the parts and exports the layout. Your CAM program makes the toolpaths and G-code, and Mach3 runs them.

Will the DXF open in SheetCam?

NestSigns exports R12 DXF with true arcs, a format SheetCam and most CAM programs import. Check the units when you import.

Is NestSigns connected to Mach3 or ArtSoft?

No. NestSigns is separate software and is not affiliated with Mach3, ArtSoft or Newfangled Solutions.

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