We recently developed a simple browser-based DXF nesting tool that allows manufacturers to arrange multiple DXF parts onto a sheet and export the completed layout as a single DXF file ready for use with CNC software.
The tool originally started as part of a larger bespoke manufacturing system Apslo is developing for a factory. One of the requirements was to improve material utilisation and simplify the preparation of cutting files for CNC machines.
As the nesting functionality could be useful to other manufacturers, we decided to make it publicly available as a free tool.
What does the DXF nesting tool do?
The tool allows you to import multiple DXF files and automatically arrange the parts within a defined sheet or material size.
You can:
- Import multiple DXF parts
- Specify the quantity required for each part
- Set the sheet dimensions
- Define the minimum gap between parts
- Automatically nest parts to improve material utilisation
- Manually move and adjust parts after nesting
- Add an optional blade travel path
- Export the completed layout as a single DXF file
The exported DXF can then be imported into compatible CNC control or CAM software.
Designed with two-axis cutting machines in mind
The tool was initially developed for foam cutting machines that operate on the X and Y axes without a Z axis.
For these machines, simply arranging the parts is not always enough. The cutting blade may need a continuous travel path between individual shapes.
The optional blade travel path functionality can generate these connecting movements as part of the final DXF layout.
While foam cutting was the original use case, the nesting functionality may also be useful for other CNC cutting processes that work with 2D DXF geometry.
Your DXF files stay in your browser
The entire nesting process runs directly in the browser.
DXF files are processed locally and are not uploaded to an Apslo server. This means manufacturers can use the tool with production drawings without having to transfer those files to an external service.
There is also nothing to install.
Free to use
The DXF nesting tool is currently completely free to use.
Try it here:
No account or registration is required.
We would like your feedback
The tool is actively being developed based on real manufacturing requirements.
If you use CNC cutting equipment, particularly foam cutting machines or other two-axis machines, we would be interested in hearing how the tool works with your production process.
In particular, we would like to know:
- What CNC machine do you use?
- What CNC or CAM software do you use?
- Does the exported DXF import correctly?
- Are there additional nesting or cutting-path features that would make the tool more useful?
Feedback from real production environments will help us decide what functionality to develop next.
Bespoke manufacturing software
This tool is also an example of the type of manufacturing software we develop at Apslo.
We build bespoke systems for manufacturers where standard software does not fit the actual production process, including quotation systems, configurable product catalogues, order management, production tracking, CNC-related workflows and integrations between existing systems.
If your manufacturing process still depends on spreadsheets, manual file preparation or disconnected software, feel free to get in touch and tell us about the problem you are trying to solve.
