Nesting sign letters before SheetCam

SheetCam is the CAM program many shops use to turn a DXF into G-code for a plasma table, and for some routers. NestSigns does the step before it: it lays the letters out on the sheet, so each DXF you import into SheetCam is already one full, nested sheet.

The workflow, sheet by sheet

1. Nest in NestSigns. Open the letters as .ai, PDF, DXF, SVG or CorelDRAW .cdr, choose the sheet size of your table and run the nest.
2. Download the DXF zip. You get one R12 DXF per sheet, with true arcs, plus a one-page layout summary.
3. Import one sheet into SheetCam. Pick the same units you exported (inches or cm) in the import dialog, then check the drawing size against the sheet.
4. Add your cutting operation. Use your saved plasma or router tool, so kerf, lead-ins and feed come from the settings you already trust.
5. Post the G-code and cut. Repeat for the next sheet's DXF.

Spacing for plasma is not the same as for a router bit

On a router, NestSigns can set the part spacing from the bit diameter. A plasma kerf is much thinner, but the cut also needs room for lead-ins and lead-outs and for the heat, which can pull thin sheet out of shape when cuts sit too close. So on a plasma table, type the part spacing by hand: leave room for the longest lead-in you use, plus some extra on thin steel or aluminum. NestSigns then measures the smallest real gap after every nest and shows it, so a tight spot is visible before you open SheetCam.

Inside contours first

Letters such as O, A, B and R have counters (the inside holes). Cut those before the outside, or the letter can drop or shift before its hole is finished. In SheetCam, check the cut order so inside contours come before the outside of the same letter, and place lead-ins on the scrap side: inside the hole for counters, outside the letter for outlines. NestSigns keeps every hole with its letter, so the counters are where they should be in the DXF.

Table size, edge margin and slats

Plasma tables come in many sizes, so type the size you actually load, for example 48 × 96 in, 48 × 48 in or 60 × 120 in, and add an edge margin if the torch cannot reach the very edge or the sheet is clamped. Offcuts big enough to keep can go into your material inventory, and NestSigns fills the smallest piece that fits before it starts a new sheet.

Sorting cut letters off the table

Each part carries a number, and the layout summary shows the same numbers on the original design, so letters cut on several sheets go back into words quickly. See sorting and labeling channel letters after cutting and estimating sheets and material cost.

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 Mach3 machines, nesting aluminum composite and online DXF nesting.

Questions

Does NestSigns make G-code for my plasma table?

No. NestSigns nests the parts and exports the layout. SheetCam, or the CAM program you use, makes the toolpaths and G-code.

Why one DXF per sheet?

So each SheetCam job is exactly one sheet on the table. You import, post and cut one file, then move on to the next sheet.

What part spacing should I use for plasma?

Enough for your lead-ins plus some room for heat. Type it by hand; after the nest, NestSigns shows the smallest real gap so you can check it.

Is NestSigns connected to SheetCam?

No. NestSigns is separate software and is not affiliated with SheetCam or Stable Design.

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