Most Index

MOST 2D
Reference Manual
For
Nesting & Cutting Module
Kartik Cad Cam Consultants

15, Vardhamanpuri,
Sant Janabai Road,
Vile Parle(East),
Mumbai 400 057,
India.
Phone: 0091 22 26191082
Fax: 0091 22 26176136
Email: sales@most2d.com
Website: http://www.most2d.com
Page 1 of 425
Active Contour
MOST 2D allows you to maintain an active contour in a nested layout. It is a contour

which is ready for undergoing further modifications and editing operations. In general,
whenever you draw an entity in a nested layout using the line and arc drawing commands
of MOST 2D, it is appended at the end point (or the start point) of the active contour on
the screen.
MOST 2D always highlights the active contour on the screen by drawing it in thick line.
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Active Sketch Point
MOST 2D allows you to define either the start point or the end point of the active contour
as the active sketch point. The sketch point serves as the start point for the next line/arc
entity to be attached to the active contour.
Like active contour, MOST 2D also highlights the active sketch point by drawing a small
square around it. The software also allows you to switch (alternate) the position of the
sketch point between the start point and the end point of the active contour.
Page 3 of 425
Foundation File
A foundation file is a text file which stores the input job data. Such a job file has the
extension .AJB.
A foundation file contains the information about the input job, but does not store its
nested results. Hence, you can not use this file to save your work (including the
modifications you make in all the nested layouts and cutting plans) across your sessions
with MOST 2D.
However, this file can be very useful if you want to link MOST 2D with your database
system. All you need is a small application which can run on your database system,
create a job within the database system by comparing various attributes (like due dates,
inventory position, etc.) and write the job in a simple text based file format like the
foundation file. Depending on your existing database system, such a customized
application can be developed either in house or from a third party developer.
A foundation file consists of three sections viz. constraint section, shape section and
stock section. The constraint section must always be the first section in the file, whereas
the other two sections can follow in any sequence.
In a foundation file, a line starting with the character # represents a comment line. You
can insert a comment line anywhere in the file. While reading a foundation file, MOST
2D ignores all the comment lines.
File Format
The constraint section defines the constraints as shown below.

Line Significance / Interpretation Remark
ALLCONSTRAINTS Beginning of the section.
CLEARANCE value Clearance. value is a non-negative
number, specified in MM.
TOOLSIZE value Common toolsize. value is a non-negative
LEADINSPAN value Default leadin span. value is a non-negative
LEADOUTSPAN value Default leadout span. value is a non-negative
ENDCONSTRAINTS End of the section.
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The shape section contains the list of all the shapes to be nested, as shown below.
ALLSHAPES Beginning of the section.
STARTSHAPE Beginning of a shape definition.
DRAWINGFILE “name” The file containing the shape “name” contains maximum
drawing. 50 characters and
represents either an item
drawing file or a DXF file.
DESCRIPTION “name” Shape description. “name” contains maximum
50 characters.
ITEMNUMBER “name” Item number. “name” contains maximum
40 characters.
SALESORDER “name” Sales order number. “name” contains maximum
40 characters.
INTERNALORDER Internal order number (project). “name” contains maximum
“name” 40 characters.
REMARKS “name” Remarks. “name” contains maximum
80 characters.
DRAWINGNUMBER Drawing number. “name” contains maximum
“name” 40 characters.
MATERIAL “name” Material. “name” contains the
material name.
THICKNESS value Thickness. value is a non-negative
GRAIN “name” Grain line. “name” is either “X” or
“Y” or “NONE”.
QUANTITY value Quantity. value is always positive.
TORCHRANGE min max Torch limits. min max are always
positive.
PRIORITY value Priority. value is always positive.
LAYOUTMETHOD layout method. “name” is either “QUICK”
“name” or “REGULAR” or
“NONE”.
STEPANGLE value Step angle. value always lies in the
range [0.5,360] degrees.
SKIPME value Whether to skip / omit the current value is either TRUE or
shape from the nesting process. FALSE.
SKIPPAIRS value Whether to skip / omit all the value is either TRUE or
internal pairs of the current shape FALSE.
from the nesting process.
ENDSHAPE End of a shape definition.
STARTSHAPE Beginning of the next shape Next shape.
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definition.
...
ENDSHAPE End of the shape definition.
... List of all the other shapes.
...
...
ENDSHAPES End of the section.
The stock section contains the list of all the stocks available for nesting, as shown below.
Note, a rectangular stock is usually defined in the stand-up position, with the smaller side
defined along horizontal direction and bigger side defined along vertical direction. In
such cases, you must take extra care while reading / writing the size of the stock rectangle
and stock margins.
ALLSTOCKS Beginning of the section.
STARTSTOCK Beginning of a stock definition.
This is an example of a
rectangular stock.
RECTANGLE x0 y0 x1 Size of the stock rectangle. (Only (x0,y0) represents the
y1 for a rectangular stock.) lower left corner whereas
(x1,y1) represents the
upper right corner of the
rectangle. All values are in
MM.
DESCRIPTION “name” Stock description. “name” contains
maximum 50 characters.
ITEMNUMBER “name” Item number. “name” contains
SALESORDER “name” Sales order number. “name” contains
INTERNALORDER Internal order number (project). “name” contains
“name” maximum 40 characters.
REMARKS “name” Remarks. “name” contains
REVISIONNUMBER Stock revision number. value is a non-negative
value integer number.
material name.
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QUANTITY value Quantity. value is either 0 or
positive.
MARGIN mL mR mT Stock margins. (Only for a mL is the left margin, mR
mB rectangular stock.) is the right margin, mT is
the top margin and mB is
the bottom margin. All
values are in MM and
must be non-negative.
stock from the nesting process. FALSE.
ENDSTOCK End of the stock definition.
STARTSTOCK Beginning of another stock This is an example of a
definition. non-rectangular stock.
DRAWINGFILE “name” The file containing the stock “name” contains
drawing. (Only for a non- maximum 50 characters
rectangular stock.) and represents either an
item drawing file or a DXF
file.
DESCRIPTION “name” Stock description. “name” contains
ITEMNUMBER “name” Item number. “name” contains
SALESORDER “name” Sales order number. “name” contains
INTERNALORDER Internal order number (project). “name” contains
“name” maximum 40 characters.
REMARKS “name” Remarks. “name” contains
REVISIONNUMBER Stock revision number. value is a non-negative
value integer number.
material name.
QUANTITY value Quantity. value is either 0 or
positive.
stock from the nesting process. FALSE.
ENDSTOCK End of a stock definition.
Page 7 of 425
STARTSTOCK Beginning of the next stock Next stock.
definition.
...
ENDSTOCK End of the stock definition.
... List of all the other stocks.
...
...
ENDSTOCKS End of the section.
You will be able to find a number of sample foundation files like smartest.ajb and
firstest.ajb in the Demo sub-folder, inside your installation folder. (Typically, the
installation folder for MOST 2D is C:\MOST 2D.) A sample foundation file is
reproduced below.
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Automatic Leadin
Typically, one defines the leadin profile while drawing the input shape in a cad software.
However, that fixes the position of the leadin profile on the nested layout. In certain
cases, you may feel the need to remove the original leadin and define it somewhere else
on the nested stock.
Drawing the leadin manually for each nested shape may take substantial time and effort.
Instead, MOST 2D allows you to define automatic leadin. You can select one or more
nested shapes in the active layout and choose the appropriate command from the
Automatic Leadin-out or the Automatic Leadin submenu for automatic leadin generation.
In general, you can save a lot of time and effort by defining extra clearance so that MOST
2D can always attach a leadin to each nested shape in the layout. In such cases, you
neither have to draw the leadin while drawing the input shape, nor one-by-one for each
nested shape in the active layout. You can generate the leadin for all the nested shapes in
the layout using just one command from one of the above-mentioned menus.
Note
• The above mentioned commands have limitations and may also generate invalid
leadin in certain cases. Hence, you must always validate the results produced by
these commands later. (See How to validate a layout.)
• MOST 2D will not attach automatic leadin to those cutting cycles which already
contain either a leadin or a leadout profile.
• Depending on the complexity of the layout as well as nested shapes, these
commands may take long time for completion.
• The leadin defined at the start / end of a common cut using the command Draw
Leadin Shortcut serves the same purpose, but is handled differently. Such a leadin
profile is defined as a shortcut contour.
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Auto-sequencing Method
MOST 2D generates the cutting sequence numbers for all the cutting cycles
automatically, when you nest a job using the automatic nesting command. The automatic
sequencing is done based on the overall cutting direction set in the Toolpath settings. The
overall cutting direction indicates how the cutting wave progresses on the nested stock.
Note
The user can also regenerate the cutting sequence along a different direction after nesting
using the Regenerate command under the Cut menu.
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Batch Mode
Sometimes the user may have to execute the same command continuously (one after
another) and would not like to select the command from the menu bar every time. These
commands, which may have to be called continuously, have been implemented in batch
mode.
While working in batch mode, you can repeat a command simply by selecting another
location (or data) for the next action, without selecting the command itself. In general,
each command may require different input from the user for repeating itself. The status
bar at the bottom of the screen indicates next input to be specified by the user for
continuing with the same command. You may check the status bar and accordingly,
specify the input required for repeating the same command.
You can stop the command working in batch mode by pressing the Escape key on the
keyboard.
For example, View menu supports Zoom in command, which works in batch mode.
Page 11 of 425
Chain Cutting
MOST 2D allows you to leave a partially cut cycle and start tracing another cutting cycle
nearby in a nested layout such that the first cutting cycle is resumed after completing the
second one. This feature, called chain cutting, allows the user to connect multiple cutting
cycles so that they can be cut continuously, without piercing afresh for each new cutting
cycle.
Note, you will not be able to use the chain cutting feature for those cutting cycles which
have to be cut with stitch cutting facility or for those cycles which share one or more
common cuts with adjacent nested shapes. Besides, MOST 2D requires that all the
cutting cycles which have to be chained together should have the same cutting sense i.e.
clockwise or counter-clockwise. Typically, chain cutting is performed on external shape
boundaries, after cutting all the holes lying inside the chained shapes.
Piercing on thick material is usually difficult and is also a time consuming operation.
Chain cutting is primarily used for reducing the number of piercing operations while
cutting thick plates/stocks.
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Clearance Boundary
The clearance boundary of an item represents a region which must be reserved

exclusively for that item only, during the nesting process. The clearance boundaries are
usually drawn at a distance of common toolsize plus half the clearance (T+C/2) away
from the corresponding item boundaries.
In general, clearance boundaries of a nested shape should not intersect the clearance
boundary of any another shape in a nested layout. However, in certain situations (like,
while performing common cutting), clearance boundaries of adjacent nested shapes may
cross each other.
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Clearance
The minimum distance to be maintained between two adjacent shapes in a nested layout
is called the clearance distance. It is also the minimum distance to be maintained between
a nested shape and the stock.
The clearance distance is applied in addition to the size of the cutting tool. For example,
consider two nested shapes to be cut using the common toolsize T. If the clearance is C,
then the minimum separation between the two nested shapes should be equal to (2*T+C).
The clearance distance should be a non-negative, real number.
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About MOST 2D command (Help menu)
You can use this command to display the copyright notice and version number of your
copy of MOST 2D.
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Add Chains command (Cut menu)
You can use this command in order to chain two adjacent cutting cycles.
When you select this command, MOST 2D will ask you to specify the width of the
chained link in the Chain Attributes dialog box. Once you specify the chain width and
select the OK button in the dialog box, MOST 2D will prompt you to specify the meeting
point of the chained link on the first cutting cycle. Next, MOST 2D will prompt you to
specify the meeting point of the chained link on the second cutting cycle. Once you select
both the cutting cycles correctly, MOST 2D will immediately chain the two cutting
cycles at the specified location.
This command works in batch mode and hence, you can run it continuously, if required.
You can stop the command by pressing the Escape key on the keyboard.
This command will not work if the active layout has already been confirmed using the
Layout Confirmation menu.
Note
• Typically, chain cutting is performed on external shape boundaries, after cutting all
the holes (if any) lying inside the chained shapes.
• MOST 2D requires that all the cutting cycles which have to be chained together
should have the same cutting sense i.e. clockwise or counter-clockwise.
• You will not be able to use the chain cutting feature for those cutting cycles which
have to be cut with stitch cutting facility or for those cycles which share one or more
common cuts with adjacent nested shapes.
• In certain situations, it may be possible to use Link command under the Cut menu as
an alternative to this command.
Jumps
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Add Corner Loop command (Cut menu)
You can use this command in order to add a corner loop on a cutting cycle.
When you select this command, MOST 2D will ask you to specify the extended length of
the loop in Corner Loop Extension dialog box. Once you specify the loop size and select
the OK button in the dialog box, MOST 2D will prompt you to select the corner on a
shape profile where you would like to add the corner loop. As soon as you select the
corner point, MOST 2D adds a corner loop at the specified location.
Note
You can define corner loops in the input shape drawing file itself using the following
command in ITEM.(The cad module bundled with MOST 2D package is called ITEM.)
Cut Corner Loop Add Loop

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Add Stitch command (Cut menu)
You can use this command in order to add a stitch on a cutting cycle.
When you select this command, MOST 2D will ask you to specify the stitched-gap as
well as other attributes in Stitch Attributes dialog box. Once you specify the stitch
attributes and select the OK button in the dialog box, MOST 2D will prompt you to
select the midpoint of the stitch. As soon as you select the midpoint successfully, MOST
2D will immediately add a stitch at the specified location.
Note
You can define stitches in the input shape drawing file itself using the following
command in ITEM.(The cad module bundled with MOST 2D package is called ITEM.)
Cut Stitch Add Stitch
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Add Text command (Tools menu)
You can use this command for adding text to the active layout.
When you select this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select the start point of the
text. Once you select the start point, MOST 2D displays the Text Attributes dialog box,
where you can define the text (sentence) and its properties. MOST 2D will add the text to
the layout, once you select the OK button in the dialog box.
Jumps CTRL+F12
Page 19 of 425
Add command (Fit menu)
This command allows you to add a new shape to the active layout.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D will open the Shapelist dialog box. Click on the
desired shape in the dialog box and select the button Add this shape to the layout in
order to add the shape to the layout.
(Note, the shape will NOT be added to the nested layout if you select multiple shapes or
if you select the Close button in the dialog box. You must select exactly one shape and
close the dialog box by selecting the above mentioned button, in order to add the shape.)
The new shape is always added at the top-right corner of the nested area. Hence, you may
have to use the zoom out and pan commands under the View menu in order to see the
new shape on the screen. You can select the new shape with the mouse and move it to the
desired location in the nested layout using the appropriate commands under the Fit menu.
Layout Confirmation menu. In such cases, the command button will appear in grey color
and you will not be able to select it from the menu.
Jumps Insert
Page 20 of 425
Draw Automatic Annotations command (Contour menu)
You can use this command in order to generate (or update) text to be used for identifying
different types of shapes in the active layout.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D displays a dialog box which asks you to specify
whether you would like to refer to the shapes using numbers or using their description.
Once you specify your choice in the dialog box, MOST 2D will update the annotations on
the screen. Old annotations, if already present, will be erased and new annotations will be
generated as per the latest nesting arrangement when you execute this command.
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Arc – 3 Points command (Contour menu)
You can use this command in order to draw a circular arc between the given pair of end
points and passing through the third specified point, in the active layout.
When you select this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to specify the start point, end
point and the third point on the arc, one by one. Once you specify all the 3 points
successfully, MOST 2D will draw the arc on the screen.
If the nested layout already contains an active contour, MOST 2D will automatically
append the new arc segment to the active contour at its active sketch point. However, if
the active layout does not contain any active contour, MOST 2D will start a free-form
contour and add the new arc segment to the same.
Moreover, if you have already defined the active sketch point (which will be the case, if
the active contour is not empty), MOST 2D will automatically recognize this point as the
start point of the new arc segment and it will not ask you to specify the start point for this
command.
Note
You can use the point snapping facility while defining the input points for this command,
by pressing the F8 key on your keyboard. You may also press the F7 key on the keyboard
for typing the X and Y coordinates of the points inside a dialog box, instead of selecting
them using the mouse.
Jumps
Page 22 of 425
Arc – Start, Center, Angle (Contour menu)
You can use this command in order to draw a circular arc with the specified start point,
center and included angle, in the active layout.
When you select this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to specify the start point and
the center of the arc, one by one. Then the software will ask you to specify the included
angle of the arc in degrees. The angle should be negative for clockwise arc and positive
for counter-clockwise arc. Once you specify the angle, MOST 2D will draw the arc on
the screen.
command.
Note
Jumps
Page 23 of 425
Arc – Start, End, Center (Contour menu)
points and with the specified center, in the active layout.
When you select this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to specify the start point, end
point and center of the arc, one by one. At the end , the software will ask you to specify
the sense of the arc viz. clockwise or counter-clockwise. Once you specify all these
parameters, MOST 2D will draw the arc on the screen.
command.
Note
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Page 24 of 425
Arc – Start, End, Direction (Contour menu)
points and with the specified starting angle, in the active layout.
When you select this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to specify the start point and
the end point of the arc, one by one. Then the software will ask you to specify the
direction (i.e. angle in degrees) of the tangent at the start point of the arc. Once you
specify the direction, MOST 2D will draw the arc on the screen.
command.
Note
Jumps
Page 25 of 425
Arrange Icons command (Window menu)
Use this command to arrange the icons of minimized windows at the bottom of the main
window. If there is an open job window at the bottom of the main window, then some or
all of the icons may not be visible because they will be underneath this job window.
Page 26 of 425
Repeat command (Fit menu)
This command allows you to create a rectangular array of selected shapes in the active
layout. In case you have not selected any shape at the time of executing this command,
MOST 2D will prompt you to select a nested shape using the mouse, before proceeding
further.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D will open the Array dialog box. Specify all the
parameters in the dialog box and select the OK button, to create the array of selected
shapes in the layout.
Note
You may have to use the zoom out and pan commands under the View menu in order to
see the complete array, after executing this command.
Jumps
Page 27 of 425
Automatic Leadin-out for Cutting Cycle command
(Leadio menu)
This command allows you to attach automatic leadin as well as default leadout to the
selected cutting cycle.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select the cutting cycle to
which the leadin and leadout profiles have to be attached. Once this is done, MOST 2D
attaches the leadin and leadout profiles automatically at appropriate location.
Note
• You can also define leadin/leadout automatically as well as interactively within each
input shape drawing file using ITEM, which is the CAD module accompanying
MOST 2D software. The simplest way to do so is to read a shape drawing file in
ITEM using its Insert - Drawing File command, followed by a call to its Insert -
Automatic Leadin/Leadout command.
• This command may generate incorrect results under certain conditions. You are
advised to validate the results after running this command. (See How to validate a
layout.)
• The lead profiles will not be attached to the cutting cycle if it already contains either
a leadin or a leadout profile.
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Automatic Leadin-out for Selected Shapes command
(Leadio menu)
This command allows you to attach automatic leadins as well as default leadouts
automatically to the selected shapes in the active layout. In case you have not selected
any shape at the time of executing this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select a
nested shape using the mouse before proceeding further.
Once you select the shapes, MOST 2D attaches the leadin and leadout profiles
automatically at appropriate locations. Note, this step may take long time if you have
selected a large number of shapes.
Note
layout.)
• The lead profiles will not be attached to those cutting cycles which already contain
either a leadin or a leadout profile.
Page 29 of 425
Automatic Leadin for Cutting Cycle command
(Leadio menu)
This command allows you to attach automatic leadin to the selected cutting cycle.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select the cutting cycle to
which the leadin profile has to be attached. Once this is done, MOST 2D attaches the
leadin profile automatically at appropriate location.
Note
layout.)
• The leadin profile will not be attached to the cutting cycle if it already contains
either a leadin or a leadout profile.
Page 30 of 425
Automatic Leadin for Selected Shapes command
(Leadio menu)
This command allows you to attach automatic leadins to the selected shapes in the active
further.
Once you select the shape, MOST 2D attaches the leadin profiles automatically at
appropriate locations. Note, this step may take long time if you have selected a large
number of shapes.
Note
layout.)
• The leadin profiles will not be attached to those cutting cycles which already
contain either a leadin or a leadout profile.
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Break Contour command (Contour menu)
You can use this command in order to break a contour at a specified point.
When you select this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select the point on a
contour where you would like to break it. If the selected contour is an open profile,
MOST 2D breaks it into two separate contours at the selected point. If the selected
contour is a close profile, MOST 2D merely shifts the start point of the close contour to
the selected location.
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Build command (Fit menu)
You can use this command to re-nest a nested stock, keeping the manually nested region
unchanged. Unlike the Go (automatic nesting) command, this command does not
generate the entire layout once again, but fits new shapes only in that space on the stock
which is still left vacant (empty) after manual nesting.
Sample Case
Step 1 - Result after automatic nesting
Step 2 - Result after moving up 6 parts to create space in the

middle
Page 33 of 425
Step 3 - Result after running the build command
When you select this command, MOST 2D pops up a dialog box asking whether you
would like to update the active layout only or you would also like to re-generate the
subsequent layouts. Select the Yes button in the dialog box if you would like to remove
all the subsequent nested layouts and generate them once again. Alternatively, select the
No button if you would like to update the active layout only. (Please note, if you select
the Yes button, MOST 2D will build the active layout and will re-generate all the
subsequent layouts.)
Next, MOST 2D displays another dialog box suggesting that the active job should be
saved in another job file before proceeding further, since MOST 2D does not support
Undo function for this command. If you have already made a backup of the active job or
would like to proceed anyway, you can select the Yes button in the dialog box in order to
begin the nesting process.
While nesting, MOST 2D pops up a small window to indicate which shape and which
stock are being nested at different points of time. Presence of this window indicates that
the nesting process is still going on. The window automatically disappears at the end of
the nesting process.
It is desirable to save the result in a job file using the Save command after running this
command.
Note
• This command is different from the Go (automatic nesting) command which
removes all the nested layouts in the active job and generates them all over again.
• MOST 2D removes all the offcuts, shortcuts, contours, chains and similar cutting
data from the active layout, while running this command. MOST 2D also re-
generates annotations while building a nested layout. Hence, it is advisable to define
the above mentioned data (like contours, text, etc.) after you build the complete
nested layout.
Jumps SHIFT+F5
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Burny CNC Codes command (Result menu)
You can execute this command in order to write cnc code file for the active layout, which
can be run on Burny controller.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D displays CNC Options dialog box, where you can
specify the parameters for generating cnc codes. Next, MOST 2D displays Save As
dialog box so that you can specify the name of the output file. After successful
completion of both these steps, MOST 2D generates a text file containing cnc codes for
cutting the active layout.
For layouts which use 2 or more combinations of multiple torches, MOST 2D will keep
on asking you the names of the cnc code files for different torch combinations by
displaying Save As dialog box for each combination. MOST 2D will also suggest a
default filename containing the text A x B for each torch combination, where A indicates
the number of torches and B indicates the torch separation distance used for the
corresponding torch combination. Note, all the cnc code files are generated with the same
set of parameters which are defined using the CNC Options dialog box earlier and with
respect to the same neutral position of the reference torch.
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Bypass command (Cut menu)
You can use this command in order to modify the rapid motion path between two
successive cutting cycles. You can use this command in order to avoid torch collision
with an already cut shape during the rapid motion.
When you select this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select the cutting cycle
before which you would like to take a bypass. Next, the software will ask you to select
the points one by one through which the rapid movement should take place. You can stop
selecting the points by pressing the Escape key on the keyboard.
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Bystronic CNC Codes command (Result menu)
can be run on Bystronic machine.
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Cascade command (Window menu)
Use this command in order to arrange multiple opened windows in an overlapped
fashion.
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Common Shortcut command (Cut menu)
You can use this command in order to draw a new shortcut along the center line of a
common cut so that this shortcut is sequenced (and cut) before both the cutting cycles
which share a common cut at that location.
When you select this command, MOST 2D displays a dialog box asking you whether you
would like to generate (and combine) such common shortcuts automatically for all the
relevant common cuts or would like to create the shortcut manually for a selected
common cut.
If you select the Yes button in the dialog box, MOST 2D shows you another dialog box
where you can specify the leadin – leadout size. (MOST 2D extends each shortcut by the
specified distance on either side.) Once you specify the distance, MOST 2D will process
all the common cuts in the nested layout for a while and will stop the command as soon
as it generates all the common shortcuts. Note, while doing so, the software also tries to
combine collinear common cuts automatically, if they are separated by distance less than
the parameter minimum length of common cut, specified in Toolpath settings. We
suggest that you validate the nested layout by pressing the F6 key and also check the
common shortcuts visually at critical locations after executing this command.
Alternatively, if you select the No button in the first dialog box, MOST 2D shows you
another dialog box where you can specify the leadin – leadout size. (MOST 2D extends
the shortcut by the specified distance on either side.) Once you specify the distance,
MOST 2D will prompt you to select the common cut where you would like to generate
the common shortcut. As soon as you select the common cut successfully, MOST 2D will
immediately add a shortcut at the specified location.
MOST 2D generates the common shortcut such that its primary sequence number is same
as the cutting sequence number of the first cutting cycle among the two, which create the
common cut at that location.
Page 39 of 425
Note
• You may need to set the view appropriately using the Display Contours and Display
Common Cuts commands under the View menu, in order to view the process
properly, before executing this command.
• If you change the nested position of the two cutting cycles after creating the
shortcut, it may break the common cut and this may produce undesirable result. For
example, this may happen if you move, rotate or mirror the cutting cycles after
executing this command.
• If you run any command that can change the cutting sequence number of the two
cutting cycles, it may lead to undesirable result. (The sequence number of a cutting
cycle may change even when you remove a nested shape from the layout.)
• MOST 2D allows you to modify the properties of a shortcut manually using the
commands under Shortcut submenu under the Contour menu. If you modify the
properties of a common shortcut manually, it can lead to undesirable result.
• You can use the command Contour menu
Remove Contour in order to remove a

common shortcut, whenever required.
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Confirm Active Layout command (Result menu)
This command can be used for confirming the active nested layout. In other words, this
command indicates that the user has made all the necessary changes in the layout,
validated the same, generated its cnc cutting codes and sent the cnc file to the appropriate
cutting machine.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D displays a dialog box, asking you whether you
would indeed like to confirm the active nested layout. MOST 2D will confirm the nested
layout if you select the Yes button in this dialog box.
(If you are working in teach mode, MOST 2D will also show you another dialog box to
indicate whether you would like to update the remnant job as well, after confirming the
layout.)
When you confirm a layout, MOST 2D automatically updates the active job by reducing
the quantity of each shape nested in the layout and the stock which was used for
generating the layout. (The confirmed quantity of each such item is displayed under
Confirmed Quantity when you see its General Properties.) In other words, MOST 2D
tells the active job that we no longer have to cut the shapes which have been nested on
the confirmed layout and we can no longer use the stock which has been already
consumed by the confirmed layout.
Note
Once a layout is confirmed, MOST 2D will NOT allow you to make any change in the
layout. Such a layout becomes a permanent part of the active job and it can NOT be
removed using the Layout Rejection menu. Hence, it is necessary to make all the
modifications in the layout before confirming it. In particular, you must validate the
layout and correct the errors (if any) before confirming any nested layout. Ideally (repeat)
one should confirm a layout only after its cnc codes have been sent to the cutting
machine.
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Confirm All Layouts command (Result menu)
This command can be used for confirming all the nested layouts in the active job. In other
words, this command indicates that the user has made all the necessary changes in these
layouts, validated them, generated their cnc cutting codes and sent the cnc files to the
appropriate cutting machine.
would indeed like to confirm the nested layouts. MOST 2D will confirm the nested
layouts if you select the Yes button in this dialog box.
(If you are working in teach mode, MOST 2D will also show you another dialog box,
where you can indicate whether you would like to update the remnant job as well, after
confirming the layouts.)
the confirmed layouts and we can no longer use the stocks which have been already
consumed by the confirmed layouts.
Note
modifications in EACH nested layout before confirming it. In particular, you must
validate each layout and correct the errors (if any) before executing this command.
Ideally (repeat) one should execute this step only after the cnc codes for all the nested
layouts have been sent to the cutting machine.
Page 42 of 425
Confirm All Except Last Layout command (Result menu)
This command can be used for confirming all the nested layouts in the active job except
the last one. In other words, this command indicates that the user has made all the
necessary changes in these layouts, validated them, generated their cnc cutting codes and
sent the cnc files to the appropriate cutting machine.
would indeed like to confirm the nested layouts. MOST 2D will confirm the nested
layouts if you select the Yes button in this dialog box.
(If you are working in teach mode, MOST 2D will also show you another dialog box,
where you can indicate whether you would like to update the remnant job as well, after
confirming the layouts.)
the confirmed layouts and we can no longer use the stocks which have been already
consumed by the confirmed layouts.
Note
modifications in EACH nested layout before confirming it. In particular, you must
validate each layout (except the last one) and correct the errors (if any) before executing
this command. Ideally (repeat) one should execute this step only after the cnc codes for
all the nested layouts (except the last one) have been sent to the cutting machine.
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Constraints command (Job menu)
The Constraints command opens the Constraints dialog box in order to view and edit the
constraints for the active job.
Note, if you are using material engineer for the active job, then MOST 2D will read the
constraints automatically from the material engineer. In that case, MOST 2D will not
display the Constraints dialog box in response to this command.
Jumps F10
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Convert Layout into Dxf (Result menu)
You can use this command in order to write the drawing of a nested layout in a dxf file.
When you select this command, MOST 2D shows you a dialog box where you can
indicate, whether you would like to write all the nested layouts or only the active layout
in the dxf file. Once you indicate your choice in this dialog box, MOST 2D displays the
Save As dialog box on the screen. Once you specify a valid file name in this dialog box,
MOST 2D writes the selected nested layout/s in the specified dxf file.
Note
The output dxf file generated in this fashion can be read in another cad software.
However, after reading the dxf file, you may have to set the View to Model Space (set
Tilemode=1) and Zoom to Extents once in order to see the whole nested layout.
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Customized CNC Codes (Result menu)
You can execute this command in order to write cnc code file for the active layout, in
customized format, as per mutually agreed specification.
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Cut Entity command (Contour menu)
You can use this command in order to remove an entity from a contour.
When you select this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select an entity from one
of the contours in the active layout. As soon as you select the entity, MOST 2D will
remove it from the contour.
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Delete command (Fit menu)
This command allows you to remove the selected shapes from the active layout. In case
you have not selected any shape at the time of executing this command, MOST 2D will
prompt you to select a nested shape using the mouse, before proceeding further.
Next, MOST 2D will pop up a confirmation dialog box and ask you whether you would
really like to remove the selected shapes. You can confirm your action by selecting the
OK button in the dialog box.
Jumps Delete
Page 48 of 425
Distance Inquiry command (Tools menu)
This command allows you to find distance between any 2 points in the active layout.
When you select this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select the first point in the
active layout. Next, MOST 2D will prompt you to select the second point in the active
layout. (For better viewing, MOST 2D shows an elastic line on the screen while asking
you to select the second point.)
As soon as you select the second point on the screen, MOST 2D will show you the
distance between the two points in a separate dialog box.
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Report command (Result menu)
The Report command displays the nesting / cutting data for the active layout in the layout
property sheet.
Jumps CTRL+R
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Draw Offcut command (Contour menu)
You can use this command in order to draw an offcut contour in the active layout.
would like to generate the offcut automatically or would like to draw it manually.
If you select the Yes button in the dialog box, MOST 2D shows you another dialog box
where you can specify the minimum distance to be kept between the offcut and any
nested shape in the layout. Once you specify the clearance distance, MOST 2D generates
the offcut automatically, along with the corresponding shortcut lines.
Alternatively, if you select the No button in the first dialog box, MOST 2D shows you a
dialog box informing you that an empty active contour has been created and you can
draw it further using line/arc drawing commands, as explained in the help topic How to
draw contours in a nested layout. While defining the offcut in this fashion, one must
generate a close profile in order to represent the offcut. For that, while defining the end
point of the last entity in the offcut contour, you must invoke the Snap dialog box by
pressing the F8 key and enable the options Snap ON, Objects - All objects and Points -
Endpoint in the dialog box. After this, if you click near the start point of the active
contour, MOST 2D will close the offcut automatically and hatch the offcut region.
In both the above cases (i.e. whether you generate the offcut automatically or manually),
MOST 2D will show you the File Save dialog box after you have drawn the offcut. You
can specify the name of the item drawing file in which you would like to save the offcut
drawing using this dialog box. (You will be specifying this filename while adding this
offcut later in another job for nesting additional shapes.)
Note
• Automatic offcut generation process may not generate desired result if the nested
layout is not compact and it contains isolated groups of nested shapes. (This may
happen when the user modifies the nested layout manually.) To avoid that, slide the
nested shapes appropriately using the commands under Slide submenu, after editing
the layout manually.
• Please select the Undo command twice, if you do not like the offcut or the shortcuts
generated by the software during the automatic offcut generation process.
Jumps CTRL+F9
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Draw Shape Contour (Contour menu)
You can use this command in order to copy one of the nested shape profiles as a free
form contour in the active layout.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select one of the boundaries of
any nested shape using the mouse. Once you select the shape boundary successfully,
MOST 2D will immediately create a free form contour along the specified profile.
Note, MOST 2D does not delete the original shape profile as a result of using this
command.
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Draw Shortcut command (Contour menu)
You can use this command in order to start drawing a shortcut contour on the active
layout. When you select this command, MOST 2D creates an empty active contour on the
screen, which can be drawn later using line/arc drawing commands, as explained in the
help topic How to draw contours in a nested layout.
You can stop drawing the shortcut profile by selecting the Stop Editing command under
the Contour menu.
Jumps CTRL+F10
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Edit Cutting Sequence Number command (Cut menu)
The Edit Sequence Number command allows you to modify the cutting sequence number
of the selected cutting cycle.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select a cutting cycle using the
mouse. Once you select the cutting cycle, MOST 2D will display the current sequence
number of the selected cutting cycle in the Cutting Cycle Number dialog box. You can
type a new sequence number in the dialog box and select the OK button, to change the
sequence number of the selected cutting cycle.
Jumps CTRL+Q
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Entity Inquiry command (Tools menu)
This command allows you to view and set the properties of a geometric entity (line, arc
or circle) belonging to a nested shape.
When you select this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select an entity from a
nested shape drawing. Once you select the entity, MOST 2D will show you the Entity
Data dialog box where you can view geometric as well as cutting properties of the
selected entity. You can select the Close button to exit from the dialog box after viewing
the entity data.
Note, this command works for entities belonging to nested shapes only.
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ESSI Codes command (Result menu)
You can execute this command in order to write cnc code file for the active layout in
ESSI format.
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Fagor CNC Codes command (Result menu)
can be run on Fagor controller.
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Estimate command (Result menu)
The Estimate command displays the cost and time estimates for the active layout in the
estimation dialog box.
Jumps CTRL+E
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Exit command (File menu)
Use this command to end your MOST 2D session.
Before ending the session, MOST 2D may prompt you to save jobs with unsaved
changes, if any.
Jumps ALT+F4
Double-click the application’s Control menu button.
Page 59 of 425
Export Foundation File (File menu)
You can use this command to save the input job in a foundation file.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D opens the File Save As dialog box to get the name
of the foundation file. Type the name of the foundation file and select the OK (or Save)
button in the dialog box, to save the active job in the specified output file.
Jumps CTRL+F
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Export Offcut command (Contour menu)
You can use this command in order to save an offcut contour in an item drawing file. In
future, when you want to add this offcut to another job for nesting additional shapes, you
will have to specify this filename for reading the offcut drawing.
When you select this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select an offcut contour
from the layout. Once you select the offcut contour, MOST 2D will ask you to specify the
name of the output file in which you would like to save the offcut in the File Save As
dialog box. Once you specify the filename, MOST 2D will save the offcut drawing in the
specified drawing file.
Note
• You must close the offcut contour using the point snapping facility before executing
this command. MOST 2D will not allow you to save the offcut drawing, if the
selected contour is open.
• While cutting the active layout on the cnc machine, it is necessary to mark the
neutral position of the cutting tool on this offcut so as to align it properly on the
machine bed, when you load it again for the next cutting operation. This mark must
be made physically on the stock itself and its coordinates should be noted down
separately for subsequent use. (See Neutral Position command from Cut menu.)
• This command automatically sets the stock revision number of the resultant offcut,
which can be read from the offcut drawing file and re-used later in the next job.
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Export Remnant Job command (File menu)
You can use this command to save the remnant job i.e. the un-nested (left over) portion of
the active job in a foundation file. This file contains the list of shapes and stocks which
have not been nested so far. During your next session with MOST 2D, you can read the
remnant job from the remnant job file, update it by adding new shapes / stocks to it and
nest it once again.
of the remnant job file. Type the name of the remnant job file and select the OK (or
Save) button in the dialog box, to save the remnant job in the specified file.
Note
Typically, this command is executed after confirming all the nested layouts in the active
job using the Layout Confirmation menu. If you select this command before confirming
the nested layouts, MOST 2D will show you a dialog box to confirm whether new offcuts
generated from the active job should also be added to the remnant job. (If you have
already confirmed the nested layouts, MOST 2D will automatically add these offcuts to
the remnant job.)
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Fanuc CNC Codes (Result menu)
can be run on Fanuc controller.
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Rotate by any Angle command (Fit menu)
This command allows you to rotate the selected shapes by specified angle in the active
further.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select the center of rotation
with the mouse. Next, it will prompt you to specify the angle of rotation by selecting the
appropriate point on the screen. Once the angle is specified successfully, MOST 2D
rotates the selected shapes by the specified angle.
Jumps ALT+F2
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Automatic Nesting command (Fit menu)
You can use this command to nest the active job automatically.
While nesting, MOST 2D pops up a small window to indicate which shape and which
stock are being nested at different instants of time. Presence of this window indicates that
the nesting process is still going on. The window automatically disappears at the end of
the automatic nesting process.
While executing this step, MOST 2D removes all the existing layouts from the active job,
except those which have been already confirmed using the Layout Confirmation menu.
This consideration becomes important when you are nesting a job once again, after
making certain modifications to it. In such cases, you must ensure that you have already
confirmed the relevant layouts before executing this command again on the same job.
Ideally, you must save the result in a job file using the Save command each time after you
execute this command.
Note
This command is different from the Build command which allows you to re-nest on a
nested stock, keeping the manually nested region unchanged.
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Index command (Help menu)
You can use this command in order to display the opening screen of online help. From
the opening screen, you can jump to stepwise instructions for using MOST 2D software
and various types of reference information.
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Import Foundation File (File menu)
You can use this command to read an existing job from a foundation file. MOST 2D
automatically opens a new window when you open a job using this command.
This command is particularly useful if you want to connect MOST 2D with your database
system. All you need is a small application which can run on your database system,
create a job within the database system by comparing various attributes (like due dates,
inventory position, etc.) and write the job in a simple text based file format viz. the
foundation file. Depending on your existing database system, such a customized
application can be developed either in house or from a third party developer.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D displays the File Open dialog box to get the name
of the job file. Type the name of the foundation file and select the OK (or Open) button
in the dialog box, to read the job from the specified file.
Note, you can also read a nested job from a file using the Open command from the File
menu. Alternatively, you can start a new job using the New command from the File
menu.
Jumps CTRL+A
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Import Model command (File menu)
You can use this command to read all the shapes belonging to a model (or equipment)
from a model file and add them to the active job. Alternatively, this command can also be
used for reading bill of materials (BOM) stored in a model file.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D displays File Open dialog box to get the name of
the model file. Next, it shows the New Model dialog box, where you can define the
required quantity (number of units required) of the selected model and the corresponding
new sales order number. Specify these values and select the OK (or Open) button in the
dialog box to import the model from the specified model file.
Jumps CTRL+M
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Join Contours command (Contour menu)
You can use this command in order to connect a contour at the start (or end) of another
contour in order to form a single joint contour.
When you select this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select both the contours,
one by one. Once you select both the contours, MOST 2D will remove the second
contour and attach all the entities in the second contour at the end of the first one.
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Kirloskar CNC Codes (Result menu)
can be run on Kirloskar Viking controller.
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Koike CNC Codes command (Result menu)
can be run on Koike machine.
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Convert Layout into Prenested Offcut (Result menu)
You can use this command in order to create the drawing of a pre-nested offcut from the
active layout and save the same in an item drawing file. It is possible to add this offcut as
an input stock to another job and cut additional shapes from it, later on.
When you select this command, MOST 2D displays the Save As dialog box on the
screen. Once you specify a valid file name in the dialog box, MOST 2D saves the offcut
drawing in the specified file.
Note
MOST 2D automatically ensures that no shapes are nested in the holes created by the
earlier shapes. However, MOST 2D may nest small shapes in the tiny gaps / voids left out
between adjacent shapes in the earlier layout. Many of these gaps would have been cut
completely while cutting the previous job and they may not be physically present on the
new offcut stock. In such cases, it is advisable not to use this feature and define the offcut
drawing as described in the help topic How to define an offcut from a nested layout.
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Add Leadin using Corner command (Leadio menu)
This command allows you to draw a leadin line at the specified corner (common end
point of two successive entities) on the selected cutting cycle. The length of the leadin
line will be equal to the default leadin span.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select the meeting point (i.e.
the corner) on the cutting cycle using the mouse. The meeting point serves as the
endpoint of the leadin profile. As soon as you select the meeting point, MOST 2D
automatically draws the leadin line tangent to the cutting cycle at the specified corner.
If the selected cutting cycle does not contain a leadout profile, MOST 2D will also pop
up a dialog box and ask you whether you would like to create the leadout profile
automatically. If you select the YES button in the dialog box, MOST 2D will generate
the leadout profile and attach it at the common meeting point.
Note
• MOST 2D will not allow you to draw the leadin if the selected cutting cycle already
contains a leadin profile.
• If the cutting cycle already contains a leadout profile, MOST 2D will allow you to
draw the leadin profile only at the common meeting point i.e. at the start point of the
leadout profile.
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Add Leadin using Direction command (Leadio menu)
This command allows you to draw a leadin line along the specified direction, for the
selected cutting cycle. The length of the leadin line will be equal to the default leadin
span.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select the meeting point on the
cutting cycle using the mouse. The meeting point serves as the endpoint of the leadin
profile.
Next, MOST 2D will prompt you to select the direction of the leadin line using the
mouse. While selecting the direction, you will see an elastic line on the screen, which
represents the angle of the leadin line with respect to the meeting point, changing
dynamically with the mouse movement. (See How to draw an elastic line.) Once the
direction is selected successfully, MOST 2D automatically draws a leadin line along the
specified direction such that it ends at the selected meeting point on the cutting cycle.
Note
leadout profile.
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Add Leadin using Line command (Leadio menu)
This command allows you to draw a leadin line for the selected cutting cycle. This
command allows you to specify the length as well as direction of the leadin line.
profile.
Next, MOST 2D will prompt you to select the start point of the leadin using the mouse.
While selecting the start point, you will see an elastic line on the screen, which represents
the leadin line, changing dynamically with the mouse movement. (See How to draw an
elastic line.) Once the point is selected successfully, MOST 2D automatically draws a
leadin profile from the specified point to the meeting point on the selected cutting cycle.
Note
leadout profile.
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Add Leadin using Point command (Leadio menu)
This command allows you to draw a leadin line at the specified point on the selected
cutting cycle. The length of the leadin line will be equal to the default leadin span.
profile. As soon as you select the meeting point, MOST 2D automatically draws an
angled leadin line at the specified point on the cutting cycle.
Note
leadout profile.
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Add Radial Leadin command (Leadio menu)
This command allows you to draw a leadin arc at the specified point on the selected
cutting cycle. The radius of the leadin arc will be equal to (0.7 * default leadin span) and
the angle of the arc will be equal to 90 degrees.
profile. As soon as you select the meeting point, MOST 2D automatically draws a leadin
arc at the specified point on the cutting cycle.
Note
leadout profile.
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Add Leadin From Shape command (Leadio menu)
This command allows you to draw a leadin from a nested shape (typically, the nearest
nested shape) to the selected cutting cycle. While cutting thick stocks, you can increase
the life of the cutting torch by drawing the leadin from the edge of a previously cut shape,
rather than starting it from somewhere in the middle of the stock.
profile.
Next, MOST 2D will prompt you to select a point on one of previously nested shapes
using the mouse. While selecting the point on the shape profile, you will see an elastic
line on the screen, which represents the leadin line, changing dynamically with the mouse
movement. (See How to draw an elastic line.) Once the point is selected successfully,
MOST 2D automatically draws a leadin profile from the specified point on the shape to
the meeting point on the selected cutting cycle.
Page 78 of 425
Note
leadout profile.
Jumps SHIFT+CTRL+H
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Draw Leadin Shortcut command (Cut menu)
You can use this command in order to draw a leadin shortcut (i.e. a shortcut which works
as a leadin) to a cutting cycle which starts from a common cut. In other words, this
command helps you draw a leadin for the second cutting cycle in a common cut.
would like to generate such leadin shortcuts automatically for all the relevant common
cuts or would like to draw the leadin shortcut manually for a specific common cut.
Select the Yes button in the dialog box if you would like to generate the leadin shortcuts
for all the common cuts automatically. In that case, the software will process all the
common cuts in the nested layout for a while and will stop the command as soon as it
generates all the leadin shortcuts. We suggest that you validate the nested layout by
pressing the F6 key and also check the leadin shortcuts visually at critical locations after
executing this command.
Alternatively, if you select the No button in the above dialog box, MOST 2D will ask you
to select the start point of the second cutting cycle, where you would like to attach the
leadin. (Here, you must take care not to select the first cutting cycle and also, not to select
the end point of the second cutting cycle by mistake. You can judge which of the two
cutting cycles requires a leadin shortcut, by observing the toolpath on the screen. You can
also identify the start point of the second cutting cycle visually by observing the cutting
sense of each cutting cycle on the screen.)
Once you select the start point of the cutting cycle, MOST 2D will prompt you to select
another point which is used for determining the direction of the leadin shortcut. As soon
as you specify this point, MOST 2D will draw the leadin shortcut of default length along
the specified direction at the selected location.
MOST 2D generates the leadin by drawing a special type of shortcut whose primary
sequence number is same as the cutting sequence number of the selected cutting cycle
and whose cutting direction (left / right side) also matches with the direction of the
Page 80 of 425
Note
• You may need to set the view appropriately using the Display Contours and Display
Cutting Sequence commands under the View menu, in order to view the process
properly, before executing this command.
• If you change the nested position of the selected cutting cycle after generating the
leadin shortcut, it may produce undesirable result. For example, this may happen if
you move, rotate or mirror the cutting cycle after executing this command.
• If you run any command that can change the cutting sequence number or cutting
direction of the selected cutting cycle, it may lead to undesirable result. (The
sequence number of a cutting cycle may change even when you remove a nested
shape from the layout.)
• MOST 2D allows you to modify the properties of a shortcut manually using the
properties of such a leadin (which is represented by a shortcut) manually, it can lead
to undesirable result.
• You can use the command Contour menu Remove Contour in order to remove a
leadin shortcut, whenever required.
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Add Leadin From Stock command (Leadio menu)
This command allows you to draw a leadin from the stock to the selected cutting cycle.
While cutting thick stocks, you can increase the life of the cutting torch by drawing the
leadin from the edge of the stock, rather than starting it from somewhere in the middle of
the stock.
profile.
Next, MOST 2D will prompt you to select a point on one of the stock profiles using the
mouse. While selecting the point on the stock, you will see an elastic line on the screen,
which represents the leadin line, changing dynamically with the mouse movement. (See
How to draw an elastic line.) Once the point is selected successfully, MOST 2D
automatically draws a leadin profile from the specified point on the stock to the meeting
point on the selected cutting cycle.
Note
leadout profile.
Jumps SHIFT+CTRL+T
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Add Leadout using Corner command (Leadio menu)
This command allows you to draw a leadout line at the specified corner (common end
point of two successive entities) on the selected cutting cycle. The length of the leadout
line will be equal to the default leadout span.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select the meeting point (i.e.
the corner) on the cutting cycle using the mouse. The meeting point serves as the start
point of the leadout profile. As soon as you select the meeting point, MOST 2D
automatically draws the leadout line tangent to the cutting cycle at the specified corner.
If the selected cutting cycle does not contain a leadin profile, MOST 2D will also pop up
a dialog box and ask you whether you would like to create the leadin profile
the leadin profile and attach it at the common meeting point.
Note
• MOST 2D will not allow you to draw the leadout if the selected cutting cycle
already contains a leadout profile.
• If the cutting cycle already contains a leadin profile, MOST 2D will allow you to
draw the leadout profile only at the common meeting point i.e. at the end point of
the leadin profile.
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Add Leadout using Direction command (Leadio menu)
This command allows you to draw a leadout line along the specified direction, for the
selected cutting cycle. The length of the leadout line will be equal to the default leadout
span.
cutting cycle using the mouse. The meeting point serves as the start point of the leadout
profile.
Next, MOST 2D will prompt you to select the direction of the leadout line using the
mouse. While selecting the direction, you will see an elastic line on the screen, which
represents the angle of the leadout line with respect to the meeting point, changing
dynamically with the mouse movement. (See How to draw an elastic line.) Once the
direction is selected successfully, MOST 2D automatically draws a leadout line along the
specified direction such that it starts at the selected meeting point on the cutting cycle.
Note
the leadin profile.
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Add Leadout using Line command (Leadio menu)
This command allows you to draw a leadout line for the selected cutting cycle. This
command allows you to specify the length as well as direction of the leadout line.
profile.
Next, MOST 2D will prompt you to select the end point of the leadout using the mouse.
While selecting the end point, you will see an elastic line on the screen, which represents
the leadout line, changing dynamically with the mouse movement. (See How to draw an
elastic line.) Once the point is selected successfully, MOST 2D automatically draws a
leadout profile from the meeting point to the specified point.
Note
the leadin profile.
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Add Leadout using Point command (Leadio menu)
This command allows you to draw a leadout line at the specified point on the selected
cutting cycle. The length of the leadout line will be equal to the default leadout span.
profile. As soon as you select the meeting point, MOST 2D automatically draws an
angled leadout line at the specified point on the cutting cycle.
Note
the leadin profile.
• Jumps
Page 86 of 425
Add Radial Leadout command (Leadio menu)
This command allows you to draw a leadout arc at the specified point on the selected
cutting cycle. The radius of the leadout arc will be equal to (0.7 * default leadout span)
and the angle of the arc will be equal to 90 degrees.
profile. As soon as you select the meeting point, MOST 2D automatically draws a leadout
arc at the specified point on the cutting cycle.
Note
 You can also define leadin/leadout automatically as well as interactively
within each input shape drawing file using ITEM, which is the CAD module
accompanying MOST 2D software. The simplest way to do so is to read a shape
drawing file in ITEM using its Insert - Drawing File command, followed by a
call to its Insert - Automatic Leadin/Leadout command.
 MOST 2D will not allow you to draw the leadout if the selected cutting cycle
 If the cutting cycle already contains a leadin profile, MOST 2D will allow you
to draw the leadout profile only at the common meeting point i.e. at the end point
of the leadin profile.
•
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Linde CNC Codes command (Result menu)
can be run on Linde / ESAB controller.
Page 88 of 425
Line – Start, End command (Contour menu)
You can use this command in order to draw a line between any two points in the active
layout.
When you select this command, MOST 2D prompts you to specify the start point of the
line. Next, the software will prompt you to specify the end point of the line. Once you
specify the two points successfully, MOST 2D will draw the line on the screen.
append each new line segment to the active contour at its active sketch point. However, if
contour and add the new line segment to the same.
start point of the new line segment and it will not ask you to specify the start point for
this command.
Note
Jumps Shift+L
Page 89 of 425
Line – Start, Angle, Length (Contour menu)
You can use this command to draw a line of specified length at specified angle in the
active layout.
line. Next, the software will prompt you to specify the angle of the line, in degrees.
Finally, you will be asked to specify the length of the line. Once you specify the length,
MOST 2D will draw the line on the screen.
append the new line segment to the active contour at its active sketch point. However, if
this command.
Note
You can use the point snapping facility while defining the start point for this command,
for typing the X and Y coordinates of the start point inside a dialog box, instead of
selecting the start point using the mouse.
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Line – Start, Bottom, Length (Contour menu)
You can use this command to draw a downward line of specified length in the active
layout.
line. Next, the software will prompt you to specify the length of the line. Once you
specify the length, MOST 2D will draw the line on the screen.
this command.
Note
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Line – Start, Left, Length (Contour menu)
You can use this command to draw a line of specified length towards the left side in the
active layout.
this command.
Note
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Line – Start, Right, Length (Contour menu)
You can use this command to draw a line of specified length towards the right side, in the
active layout.
this command.
Note
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Line – Start, Top, Length (Contour menu)
You can use this command to draw an upward line of specified length in the active
layout.
this command.
Note
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Page 94 of 425
Link command (Cut menu)
You can use this command in order to link two successive cutting cycles so that the
second cutting cycle does not require a fresh piercing operation.
You can create a link by specifying its start point and end point. When you select this
command, MOST 2D prompts you to select the end point of the first cutting cycle, from
where the link starts. Here, you can select the end point of the leadout of the first cutting
cycle. Next, MOST 2D prompts you to select the start point of the second cutting cycle,
where the link should end. Here, you can select the start point of the leadin of the second
cutting cycle. As soon as you select both the points, MOST 2D draws a link between the
two cutting cycles.
MOST 2D establishes the link by drawing a special type of shortcut whose primary
sequence number is same as the cutting sequence number of the second cutting cycle in
the link and whose cutting direction (left / right side) matches with the direction of both
preceding as well as succeeding cutting cycle.
Note
• If you change the nested position of any of the two cutting cycles after linking them,
it will break the link and this may produce undesirable result. For example, the link
will be broken if you move, rotate or mirror a nested shape which has been linked
with another shape.
• The second piercing operation is avoided between the two cutting cycles only when
their cutting sequence number are successive (one after the other) and they have
identical cutting direction (left / right / middle). If you run any command that can
change the cutting sequence number or cutting direction of these two cutting cycles,
the link can be broken and this may lead to undesirable result. (The sequence
number of a cutting cycle may change even when you remove a nested shape from
the layout.)
• MOST 2D allows you to modify the properties of the shortcut manually using the
properties of a link (which is represented by a shortcut) manually, it can break the
link and this may lead to undesirable result.
• You can use the command Contour menu Remove Contour in order to remove a
link, whenever required.
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Lynx CNC Codes command (Result menu)
can be run on Lynx controller.
Page 96 of 425
CNC Codes for Machine List (Result menu)
You can use this command in order to generate cnc code files for one or more cnc
machines defined in the machine list. This command also allows you to generate cnc
code files for all the layouts in the nested job using a single command.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D displays Machine and Layout Selection dialog
box where you can select an individual cnc machine or all the machines in the machine
list for cnc code generation. You can also specify whether you would like to generate cnc
codes for all the nested layouts or active layout only. As soon as you select the OK
button in the dialog box, MOST 2D writes all the corresponding cnc files.
Jumps F4
Page 97 of 425
Pdf 32 CNC Codes command (Result menu)
can be run on Pdf 32 based controller.
Page 98 of 425
Mirror about Horizontal Axis (Fit menu)
This command allows you to mirror the selected shapes about the specified horizontal
axis in the active layout. In case you have not selected any shape at the time of executing
this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select a nested shape using the mouse,
before proceeding further.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to specify the location of the
mirroring axis using the mouse. Once the axis is specified successfully, MOST 2D
mirrors the selected shapes about the specified horizontal axis.
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Mirror about Vertical Axis (Fit menu)
This command allows you to mirror the selected shapes about the specified vertical axis
in the active layout. In case you have not selected any shape at the time of executing this
command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select a nested shape using the mouse, before
proceeding further.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to specify the location of the
mirroring axis using the mouse. Once the axis is specified successfully, MOST 2D
mirrors the selected shapes about the specified vertical axis.
Jumps ALT+F3
Page 100 of 425

Most on the Web command (Help menu)
You can use this command to visit the website of MOST 2D software, if you are already
connected to the internet.
Page 101 of 425

Move Text command (Tools menu)
This command allows you to move a text object to a different location in the active
layout.
When you select this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select the text object to be
moved. Once you select the text object, MOST 2D will prompt you to draw an elastic line
on the screen. (See How to draw an elastic line.) This elastic line represents the direction
as well as the distance by which the selected text object will be moved eventually. Once
the line is drawn successfully, MOST 2D moves the selected text object in the specified
direction by the specified distance.
(Note, many a times, you may have to move other text objects also by the same distance
& direction. To facilitate that, after moving the selected text object as described above,
MOST 2D displays another dialog box. You can select Yes button in this dialog box, if
you would like to move other text objects as well by the same distance & direction. In
that case, you can select other text objects one by one with the mouse. You can stop this
process by pressing the Escape key on the keyboard.)
Jumps Shift+T
Page 102 of 425

Move command (Fit menu)
This command allows you to move the selected shapes to a different location in the active
further.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to specify the line along which
the selected shapes have to be moved. You can define the line by selecting the start point
and the end point of the line one after the other, using the mouse. (If required, you can
also use the point snapping facility while defining the start point or the end point of the
line, by pressing the F8 key before selecting each point.) Once the line is drawn
successfully, MOST 2D moves the selected shapes along the specified direction by the
specified distance.
Note
Fit menu supports additional commands under Slide submenu which can automatically
move the selected shapes by maximum possible distance, so as to touch the nearest shape
or stock boundary, along the specified direction. You may find it easier to work with
slide commands, at times.
Jumps ALT+F1
Page 103 of 425

Multiple Torches command (Cut menu)
This command allows you to set torch parameters for the selected nested shapes in
multiple torch cutting application. In case you have not selected any shape at the time of
executing this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select a nested shape using the
mouse, before proceeding further.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D will display the total number of torches used for
cutting the selected shapes as well as torch separation distance in the Torch Separation
dialog box. You can type the new number of torches as well as torch separation distance
and select the OK button in the dialog box in order to update the active cutting plan.
Note
• MOST 2D will allow you to select shapes cut by the main (reference) torch only.
The nested shapes for the remaining torches (which are drawn with different color)
can not be selected for this command.
• MOST 2D allows you to use different combinations of multiple torches on different
regions of a nested layout. For this command, you must select shapes from the
same torch group i.e. shapes which have to cut with identical number of cutting
torches and having identical torch separation distance.
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Neutral Position command (Cut menu)
The Neutral Position command allows you to set the neutral position of the cutting tool
for the active cutting plan. This setting is particularly important if the active layout has
been generated using an offcut.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select the new neutral position
using the mouse. (By default, MOST 2D snaps the selected point to one of the endpoints
on the stock boundary. However, you can modify / avoid snapping options using the Snap
Point dialog box which can be viewed by pressing the F8 key. Alternatively, you may
also press the F7 key on the keyboard for typing the X and Y coordinates of the neutral
position inside a dialog box, instead of selecting the point using the mouse.) As soon as
you select a point on the screen, MOST 2D stores it as the new neutral position.
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Resume command (Cut menu)
You can use this command in order to generate partial cutting plan starting from a point
specified by the user and ignoring all the cutting cycles which are cut before reaching this
point.
If your cutting machine has stopped midway while cutting a nested layout, you can return
to your computer, view the corresponding layout in MOST 2D once again and generate a
fresh cnc code file after using this command, in order to resume the cutting operation
from the last point cut by the machine.
When you select this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to specify the point at which
the machine had stopped. You may either specify the point using the mouse or type the
X-Y coordinates of the point by pressing the F7 key on the keyboard. Once you specify
this point, the software will show you the modified cutting plan on the screen.
In the next step, you can generate the cnc code file and transfer the same to the cutting
machine in order to resume the cutting operation.
Page 106 of 425

New command (File menu)
Use this command in order to create a new job.
When you select this command, MOST 2D displays the New Job dialog box and will ask
you to specify whether you would like to read the data from material engineer while
working with the new job. MOST 2D will also ask you to specify the type of cutting
device as well as inventory file (optional) for the new job. Select the OK button in the
dialog box after specifying these values in order to begin a new job.
Teach mode
If you are working in teach mode, MOST 2D will automatically prompt you to specify
the necessary job data by running the below-mentioned commands one by one, after
completing this command. The software will also nest the job automatically after
receiving all the inputs from your side, in this case.
1. Define constraints
2. Define stocklist
3. Define shapelist
4. Nest the job automatically
Note, you can also read an existing job either using the Open command or using the
Import Foundation File command from the File menu.
Jumps CTRL+N
Page 107 of 425

Next Layout command (View menu)
If the nested job contains more than one layout, then you can use this command to
display the next nested layout. The new layout will be automatically scaled so as to
display the entire layout drawing within the active view window.
You can display the previous layout using the Previous Layout command or any other
layout using the Layout Number command.
Jumps
Page 108 of 425

Export Offcut as DXF File (Contour menu)
You can use this command in order to save an offcut contour in a dxf file. In future, when
you want to add this offcut to another job for nesting additional shapes, you will have to
specify this filename for reading the offcut drawing.
from the layout. Once you select the offcut contour, MOST 2D will ask you to specify the
name of the output file in the File Save As dialog box. Once you specify the filename,
MOST 2D will save the offcut drawing in the specified dxf file.
Note
• You must close the offcut contour using the point snapping facility before
executing this command. MOST 2D will not allow you to save the offcut drawing, if
the selected contour is open.
• While cutting the active layout on the cnc machine, it is necessary to mark the
neutral position of the cutting tool on this offcut so as to align it properly on the
machine bed, when you load it again for the next cutting operation. This mark must
be made physically on the stock itself and its coordinates should be noted down
• This command does NOT save the stock revision number of the resultant offcut.
You will have to define the same while adding the offcut to a new job later on.
Page 109 of 425

Offcut Type command (Contour menu)
MOST 2D allows you to define two types of offcuts viz. re-usable offcuts and un-usable
offcuts. Re-usable offcuts can be saved in offcut files and can be used again for nesting
additional shapes later. Un-usable offcuts can not be nested again. This command allows
you to define the type of an offcut.
from the layout. (Note, you need not select the offcut contour if there is only one offcut in
the active layout. In that case, MOST 2D will automatically select the solitary offcut.)
Once you select the offcut, MOST 2D will display a dialog box indicating the type of the
selected offcut. Select the Yes button in the dialog box, if you would like to reverse the
type of offcut. Alternatively, you can select the No button, if you would not like to
modify the type of offcut.
Page 110 of 425

Offcut Generation dialog box
The following options allow you to generate one or more offcuts in the active layout.
Automatic
This option automatically generates an offcut at the end of the nested stock along with the
corresponding shortcut lines. Once you select this option in the dialog box, MOST 2D
shows you another dialog box where you can specify the minimum distance to be kept
between the offcut and any nested shape in the layout. Once you specify the clearance
distance, MOST 2D generates the offcut automatically.
Semi automatic
This option allows you to select a blank (empty) area in the active layout using the mouse
and generates the largest offcut possible around the selected point. Once you select this
option in the dialog box, MOST 2D shows you another dialog box where you can specify
the minimum distance to be kept between the offcut and any nested shape in the layout.
Once you specify the clearance distance, MOST 2D prompts you to click inside any
blank region in the active layout where you would like to generate an offcut. As soon as
you select this point with the mouse, the software generates an offcut in the selected
region and prompts you to select another region in the layout for generating the next
offcut. This command works in batch mode and hence, you can run it continuously, if
required. You can stop the command by pressing the Escape key on the keyboard.
While generating an offcut, this command also generates the corresponding shortcut
lines. However, this command does not generate an offcut if the user clicks at the end of
the nested stock. It is necessary to select the Automatic option mentioned above, in order
to generate such an offcut.
Manual
Page 111 of 425

This option allows you to draw an offcut contour interactively, as explained in the help
topic How to draw contours in a nested layout. As soon as you select this option, MOST
2D generates an empty contour which can be drawn further using line/arc drawing
commands under the Contour menu. While defining an offcut in this fashion, one must
generate a close profile in order to represent the offcut. For that, while defining the end
point of the last entity in the offcut contour, you must invoke the Snap dialog box by
pressing the F8 key and enable the options Snap ON, Objects - All objects and Points -
Endpoint in the dialog box. After this, if you click near the start point of the active
contour, MOST 2D will close the offcut automatically and hatch the offcut region.
Page 112 of 425

Open command (File menu)
Use this command in order to read an existing job from a job file. MOST 2D
automatically opens a new window when you open a job using this command.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D displays the File Open dialog box to get the name
of the job file. Type the name of the job file and select the OK (or Open) button in the
dialog box, to read the job from the specified job file.
Note, you can also read an input job from a foundation file using the Import Foundation
File command from the File menu. Alternatively, you can start a new job using the New
command from the File menu.
Jumps CTRL+O
Page 113 of 425

Optimize Cutting Sequence (Cut menu)
This command modifies the cutting sequence numbers of all the cutting cycles in the
active layout so as to reduce the rapid movement time of the cutting tool. Depending on
the complexity of the nested layout, this command may take some time to complete.
Page 114 of 425

Options command (Job menu)
This command displays the settings for MOST 2D and allows you to set a variety of
options for configuring your working environment. Some options define the default
values of certain key parameters, like thickness. Some other options define the default
location of various types of input and output folders for MOST 2D files. Finally, there are
some special options which are used for estimating time, cost and consumption after
nesting a job.
Note, these options are carried forward to the next session of MOST 2D, so that your
selections stay in effect permanently until you change them again using this command.
Page 115 of 425

Pan command (View menu)
You can use this command to inspect the neighbourhood of the current view, without
changing the zoom factor. In other words, it allows you to examine the adjacent area in
the active layout.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to draw an elastic line on the
screen. (See How to draw an elastic line.) This elastic line represents the direction as well
as the distance by which the view has to be shifted. Once the line is drawn successfully,
MOST 2D shifts the view in the specified direction by the specified distance.
Jumps SHIFT+N
Page 116 of 425

Pilot CNC Codes command (Result menu)
can be run on Pilot controller.
Page 117 of 425

RS 274D CNC Codes command (Result menu)
can be run on RS 274D based controller.
Page 118 of 425

Rutex CNC Codes command (Result menu)
can be run on Rutex controller.
Page 119 of 425

Print Preview command (File menu)
Use this command in order to display the active document as it would appear when
printed. When you choose this command, the main window will be replaced with a print
preview window in which one or two pages will be displayed in their printed format. The
print preview toolbar offers you options to view either one or two pages at a time; move
back and forth through the document; zoom in and out of pages; and initiate a print job.
Page 120 of 425

Previous Layout command (View menu)
If the nested job contains more than one layout, then you can use this command to
display the previous nested layout. The new layout will be automatically scaled so as to
display the entire layout drawing within the active view window.
You can display the next layout using the Next Layout command or any other layout
using the Layout Number command.
Jumps
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Print Setup command (File menu)
This command shows the Print Setup dialog box, where you can specify the printer and
its connection.
Page 122 of 425

Print command (File menu)
Use this command in order to print the report generated by MOST 2D. The default paper
size is 8.5 inch X 11 inch.
When you select this command, MOST 2D will show you the Print dialog box, where
you may specify the range of pages to be printed, the number of copies, the destination
printer, and other printer setup options.
Note
You can select the contents of the printed report as well as the size of the printed page by
defining the appropriate options under Print settings, as described in section How to
define MOST 2D settings.
Jumps CTRL+P
Page 123 of 425

Redo command (Edit menu)
This command reverses the effect of the last Undo command executed on the active
layout. In other words, this command allows you to go further and restore one of the
earlier states of the layout, if you do not like result generated by the last Undo command
you have executed on the active layout.
Jumps CTRL+Y
Page 124 of 425

Regenerate Cutting Sequence (Cut menu)
This command allows you to re-generate the cutting sequence numbers of all the cutting
cycles in the active layout along a different direction.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D will ask you to select a new sequencing direction
from the Sequence Direction dialog box. You can click on the desired sequencing
direction with the left mouse button and select the OK button in the dialog box in order
to regenerate all the sequence numbers along the specified direction.
Page 125 of 425

Reject Active Layout command (Result menu)
This command can be used for removing the active layout from the current job. However,
this command will NOT remove the current layout, if it has been confirmed earlier using
the Layout Confirmation menu.
Note
MOST 2D removes all the nested layouts from the active job while executing the
Automatic Nesting Command. Hence, you do not have to run this command explicitly
while re-nesting a job.
Jumps
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Reject All Layouts command (Result menu)
This command can be used for removing all the nested layouts from the active job.
However, this command does NOT remove those layouts which have been confirmed
earlier using the Layout Confirmation menu.
Note
MOST 2D removes all the nested layouts from the active job while executing the
Automatic Nesting Command. Hence, you do not have to run this command explicitly
while re-nesting a job.
Jumps
Page 127 of 425

Export Customized Report (File menu)
You can use this command in order to generate detailed statistical report for one or more
nested jobs in the form of a formatted text file. The report is generated in the form of a
table (consisting of rows and columns) which can be read later in a spread sheet package
(like MS-Excel) for formatting and beautification.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D opens the Customized Job Report dialog box
where you can specify the structure of the report table. Each column in the table can
contain data of your own choice, in the unit / size specified by you. Each row in the table
can correspond to either a nested layout or a nested shape. Specify the structure of the
rows and columns in this dialog box and select the OK button.
Next, you will see the File Save As dialog box where you will be able to specify the
name of the output file. Type the name of the output file and select the OK (or Save)
button in the dialog box, to save the report in the specified output file.
Note
• While nesting, MOST 2D also generates a temporary file named Tmp.job. Before
generating report for multiple job files, you must ensure that the specified job folder
does not contain this as well as any other temporary job file that you may have
saved during the course of nesting process earlier. Otherwise, the report may contain
invalid entries. Similarly, duplicate job files must be removed from the specified job
folder before generating report for multiple jobs.
• While generating report for multiple job files, MOST 2D searches for job files only
in the specified folder and not under its sub-folders.
• MOST 2D inserts a | (i.e. a pipe character) between each successive column in the
report file. While opening such a file in a spread-sheet package like MS-Excel, you
must open it as a Delimited text file and must specify the pipe character as the
delimiter.
• This command may take a long time if you are generating report for a large number
of jobs.
Jumps CTRL+J
Page 128 of 425

Reverse Cutting Sense command (Cut menu)
This command allows you to reverse the cutting sense (clockwise to counter-clockwise or
vice versa) of the selected cutting cycle.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select a cutting cycle using the
mouse. MOST 2D will immediately reverse the cutting sense, if the cutting cycle is
selected successfully.
Jumps CTRL+K
Page 129 of 425

Reverse Shortcut command (Contour menu)
You can use this command in order to reverse the sense of a shortcut. MOST 2D displays
the sense of a shortcut using arrows, drawn in the direction of the tool movement.
After selecting this command, all you have to do is to select the shortcut to be reversed.
MOST 2D will immediately reverse the sense of the selected contour.
Page 130 of 425

Remove All Chains command (Cut menu)
You can use this command in order to remove all the chains from the active layout.
Note
You may need to set the view appropriately using the Chain Details command under the
View menu, in order to display the chains on the screen, before executing this command.
Page 131 of 425

Remove Chains command (Cut menu)
You can use this command in order to remove a chain from the active layout.
When you select this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select the chain to be
removed from the active layout. Once you select the chain, MOST 2D will immediately
remove it from the layout.
Note
You may need to set the view appropriately using the Chain Details command under the
View menu, in order to display the chains on the screen, before executing this command.
Page 132 of 425

Remove Contour command (Contour menu)
You can use this command in order to remove a contour from the active layout.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select a contour from the
active layout. Once you select the contour, MOST 2D will remove it from the active
layout.
Jumps CTRL+DEL
Page 133 of 425

Remove Leadin from Cutting Cycle command (Leadio menu)
This command allows you to remove a leadin profile from the selected cutting cycle.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select the leadin profile to be
removed. Once you select the leadin profile, MOST 2D displays the confirmation dialog
box, where you can select the YES button in order to remove the leadin profile from the
Jumps
Page 134 of 425

Remove Leadin from Selected Shapes command
(Leadio menu)
This command allows you to remove the leadin profiles from the selected shapes in the
active layout. In case you have not selected any shape at the time of executing this
proceeding further.
Before removing the leadin profiles, MOST 2D displays the confirmation dialog box.
You can confirm your action by selecting the YES button in the dialog box and remove
the leadin profiles from the selected shapes.
Page 135 of 425

Remove Leadout from Selected Shapes command
(Leadio menu)
This command allows you to remove the leadout profiles from the selected shapes in the
proceeding further.
Before removing the leadout profiles, MOST 2D displays the confirmation dialog box.
You can confirm your action by selecting the YES button in the dialog box and remove
the leadout profiles from the selected shapes.
Page 136 of 425

Remove Corner Loops from Cutting Cycle (Cut menu)
You can use this command in order to remove all the corner loops from a cutting cycle.
from which all the corner loops have to be removed. Once you select the cutting cycle,
MOST 2D will immediately remove all the corner loops defined on the selected cutting
cycle.
Page 137 of 425

Remove a Corner Loop (Cut menu)
You can use this command in order to remove a corner loop from the active layout.
When you select this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select the corner loop to
be removed. Once you select the corner loop, MOST 2D will immediately remove it from
the layout.
Page 138 of 425

Remove Stitches from a Cutting Cycle (Cut menu)
You can use this command in order to remove all the stitches from a cutting cycle.
from which all the stitches have to be removed. Once you select the cutting cycle, MOST
2D will immediately remove all the stitches defined on the selected cutting cycle.
Note
You may need to set the view appropriately using the Stitch Details command under the
View menu, in order to display the stitches on the screen, before executing this
command.
Page 139 of 425

Remove a Stitch command (Cut menu)
You can use this command in order to remove a stitch from the active layout.
When you select this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select the stitch to be
removed. Once you select the stitch, MOST 2D will immediately remove it from the
layout.
Note
You may need to set the view appropriately using the Stitch Details command under the
View menu, in order to display the stitches on the screen, before executing this
command.
Page 140 of 425

Remove Text command (Tools menu)
You can use this command in order to remove text from the active layout.
Once you select this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select a text object from
the screen. As soon as you select the text object, MOST 2D will remove it from the active
layout.
Page 141 of 425

Rotate by 10 degree command (Fit menu)
This command allows you to rotate the selected shapes counter-clockwise by 10 degrees
proceeding further.
with the mouse. As soon as you specify the center of rotation, MOST 2D rotates the
selected shapes by 10 degrees.
Jumps
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This command allows you to rotate the selected shapes by 180 degrees in the active
further.
Jumps
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This command allows you to rotate the selected shapes counter-clockwise by 1 degree in
the active layout. In case you have not selected any shape at the time of executing this
proceeding further.
selected shapes by 1 degree.
Jumps
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This command allows you to rotate the selected shapes clockwise by 90 degrees in the
proceeding further.
Jumps
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Rotate Clockwise by 10 degree (Fit menu)
This command allows you to rotate the selected shapes clockwise by 10 degrees in the
proceeding further.
selected shapes by -10 degrees.
Jumps
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Rotate Clockwise by 1 degree command (Fit menu)
This command allows you to rotate the selected shapes clockwise by 1 degree in the
proceeding further.
selected shapes by -1 degree.
Jumps
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This command allows you to rotate the selected shapes counter-clockwise by 90 degrees
proceeding further.
Jumps
Page 148 of 425

Sahajanand CNC Codes command (Result menu)
can be run on Sahajanand machine.
Page 149 of 425

Save As command (File menu)
Use this command to save the active job in a different job file.
of the new job file. Type the name of the new job file and select the OK (or Save) button
in the dialog box, to save the job in the specified job file.
Page 150 of 425

Save command (File menu)
Use this command to save the active job in the corresponding job file. If you are saving
the job for the first time, MOST 2D displays the File Save As dialog box to get the name
of the job file.
Jumps CTRL+S
Page 151 of 425

Select All command (Edit menu)
You can select all the nested shapes in the active layout simply by selecting this
command.
When you want to perform an editing operation on all the nested shapes, it is much more
easier to use this command as compared to selecting the shapes one by one.
Page 152 of 425

Shapelist command (Job menu)
The Shapelist command displays the Shapelist dialog box in order to view and manage
the list of shapes in the active job.
Note, if the active job does not contain any shape and if you are working in teach mode,
MOST 2D will first show you the Shape Selection dialog box using which you can select
one or more shape drawing files for nesting. MOST 2D will display the Shapelist dialog
box after you add the first shape, in this case.
As a special case, if you are in the process of defining a new job and are working in teach
mode, MOST 2D will nest the new job automatically as soon as you close the Shapelist
dialog box.
Jumps F12
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Shapelist command (Job menu)
The Shapelist command displays the Shapelist dialog box in order to view and manage
the list of shapes in the active job.
Note, if the active job does not contain any shape and if you are working in teach mode,
MOST 2D will first show you the Shape Selection dialog box using which you can select
one or more shape drawing files for nesting. MOST 2D will display the Shapelist dialog
box after you add the first shape, in this case.
As a special case, if you are in the process of defining a new job and are working in teach
mode, MOST 2D will nest the new job automatically as soon as you close the Shapelist
dialog box.
Jumps F12
Page 154 of 425

Export Shape Reconciliation (File menu)
You can use this command in order to generate the shape reconciliation file. This file
shows the consumption of each shape, indicating how many pieces of each shape were
nested on different layouts in the active job. The consumption record is generated for the
entire nested job.
system. All you need is a small application which can run on your database system, read
the nested quantity of each shape from a simple text based file format (viz. shape
reconciliation file) and update the relevant records in the database. Depending on your
existing database system, such a customized application can be developed either in house
or from a third party developer.
of the shape reconciliation file. Type the name of the output file and select the OK (or
Save) button in the dialog box, to write the reconciliation statement in the specified
output file.
Note
job using the Layout Confirmation menu.
Page 155 of 425

Shortcut Attributes (Contour menu)
You can use this command for modifying the properties of a shortcut.
When you select this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select a shortcut from the
active layout. Once you select the shortcut contour, MOST 2D displays the Shortcut
Attributes dialog box, where you can edit the properties of the selected shortcut.
Jumps Shift+F10
Page 156 of 425

Cutting Simulation command (View menu)
You can use this command to simulate the cutting plan on the screen. Note, the
simulation process has been deliberately made slow, so that you can examine the results
more closely.
As soon as you select this command, MOST 2D will ask you to specify the total
simulation time (maximum 2 minutes) as well as multiple torch combination for which
you would like to view the simulation, in the Simulation dialog box. The dialog box also
allows you to specify whether you would like to view the kerf compensated path i.e. tool
path generated along the centerline of the cutting tool. Once you input this data and select
the OK button in the dialog box, MOST 2D starts simulating the cutting path on the
screen in slow motion.
You can use this command to check the cutting sequence, cutting sense as well as
geometry of various cuts in greater detail.
Note
• MOST 2D will not allow you to stop this command mid way, before the simulation
is over.
• You can also run this command only for limited number of nested shapes, after
zooming inside the layout.
Page 157 of 425

Dimensions command (View menu)
You can use this command to display or hide dimensions within the active layout. A
check mark appears next to the menu item when this command is enabled.
Jumps
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Sinumeric CNC Codes command (Result menu)
can be run on Sinumeric controller.
Page 159 of 425

Slide in Any Direction command (Fit menu)
This command allows you to slide the selected shapes along the specified direction by
maximum possible distance, so as to touch the nearest stock boundary or the nearest
shape profile in the active layout. In case you have not selected any shape at the time of
executing this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select a nested shape using the
mouse, before proceeding further.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to draw an elastic line on the
screen. (See How to draw an elastic line.) This elastic line represents the sliding direction
for the selected shapes to be shifted. Once the line is drawn successfully, MOST 2D
slides the selected shapes in the specified direction by the maximum possible distance.
Note
While using this command for multiple torch cutting application, MOST 2D will
recognize only those shapes which have been nested with the main (reference) torch.
Page 160 of 425

Slide in Any Direction to Create Common Cut command
(Cut menu)
This command allows you to move a nested shape along the specified direction in the
active layout so as to create a new common edge with another nested shape. In case you
have not selected any shape at the time of executing this command, MOST 2D will
On selecting this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select a line entity on one of
the nested shapes, which you would like to shift in order to create a common cut. Next,
the software will ask you to select another line entity from a different nested shape, where
you would like to define the new common cut.
After this, MOST 2D will prompt you to draw an elastic line on the screen. (See How to
draw an elastic line.) This elastic line represents the direction along which the selected
shapes will have to be moved. Once the line is drawn successfully, MOST 2D moves the
selected shapes in the specified direction so as to create a new common cut at the
specified location.
Layout Confirmation menu. Besides, if you have already selected multiple shapes before
executing this command, then MOST 2D will move all the selected shapes, along with
the first shape selected for this command, towards the second nested shape.
Page 161 of 425

Slide Down to Create Common Cut command
(Cut menu)
This command allows you to move a nested shape downwards in the active layout so as
to create a new common edge with another nested shape. In case you have not selected
nested shape using the mouse, before proceeding further.
you would like to define the new common cut. Once you select both the lines
successfully, MOST 2D moves the selected shapes downwards so as to create a new
common cut at the specified location.
Jumps
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Slide on Left to Create Common Cut command
(Cut menu)
This command allows you to move a nested shape towards left in the active layout so as
successfully, MOST 2D moves the selected shapes towards left so as to create a new
Jumps
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Slide on Right to Create Common Cut command
(Cut menu)
This command allows you to move a nested shape towards right in the active layout so as
successfully, MOST 2D moves the selected shapes towards right so as to create a new
Jumps
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Slide Up to Create Common Cut command (Cut menu)
This command allows you to move a nested shape upwards in the active layout so as to
create a new common edge with another nested shape. In case you have not selected any
shape at the time of executing this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select a
successfully, MOST 2D moves the selected shapes upwards so as to create a new
Jumps
Page 165 of 425

Slide Bottom command (Fit menu)
This command allows you to slide the selected shapes downwards by maximum possible
distance, so as to touch the nearest stock boundary or the nearest shape profile in the
proceeding further.
Note
Page 166 of 425

Slide Left command (Fit menu)
This command allows you to slide the selected shapes along the left side by maximum
possible distance, so as to touch the nearest stock boundary or the nearest shape profile in
proceeding further.
Note
Page 167 of 425

Slide Right command (Fit menu)
This command allows you to slide the selected shapes along the right side by maximum
possible distance, so as to touch the nearest stock boundary or the nearest shape profile in
proceeding further.
Note
Page 168 of 425

Slide Top command (Fit menu)
This command allows you to slide the selected shapes upwards by maximum possible
distance, so as to touch the nearest stock boundary or the nearest shape profile in the
proceeding further.
Note
Page 169 of 425

Start Editing Contour (Contour menu)
You can use this command to select one of the contours in the active layout and make it
the active contour.
As soon as you make your selection on the screen, you will see the selected contour re-
drawn on the screen with thick line. Now you can edit this active contour using other
editing commands, as explained in the help topic How to draw contours in a nested
layout.
Note
You can activate a contour simply by clicking on it, if the nested layout does not contain
any active contour at the time of contour selection. It means, you need to use this
command only when an active contour already exists in the nested layout and you would
like to active another contour from the layout.
Page 170 of 425

Statistics command (File menu)
Use this command to see the nesting statistics in the Job Statistics dialog box.
Jumps CTRL+T
Note
You are requested to cross-check the cost, time and consumption data mentioned in this
report using another independent method as well, before putting these figures to actual
use.
Page 171 of 425

Status Bar command (View menu)
Use this command to display / hide the Status Bar, which describes the action to be
executed by the selected menu item or depressed toolbar button. A check mark appears
next to the menu item when the Status Bar is displayed.
See Status Bar for more details about the status bar.
Page 172 of 425

Standard CNC Codes command (Result menu)
You can execute this command in order to write cnc code file for the active layout, in the
standard (default) format. MOST 2D generates cnc file as per the codes specified in CNC
settings. (See How to define MOST 2D settings.)
MOST 2D allows you to use different combinations of multiple torches on different
regions of the nested layout. In such cases, you need to generate as many cnc code files
as the number of torch combinations used on the active layout. For example, you may use
4 torches for cutting the bottom side of the stock and only 1 torch for cutting the top side
of the stock. In that case, you need to generate 2 cnc code files, one for 4-torch cutting
and one for 1-torch cutting operation.
Page 173 of 425

Draw Stock Contour (Contour menu)
You can use this command in order to copy one of the nested stock profiles as a free form
contour in the active layout.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select one of the boundaries of
the nested stock using the mouse. Once you select the stock boundary successfully,
MOST 2D will immediately create a free form contour along the specified profile.
For rectangular stocks, MOST 2D will automatically generate the rectangular contour as
soon as you select this command. In other words, you do not have to select the stock
profile if the active layout has been generated on a rectangular stock.
Note, MOST 2D does not delete the original stock profile as a result of using this
command.
Page 174 of 425

Stocklist command (Job menu)
This command displays the Stocklist dialog box in order to view and manage the list of
stocks in the active job.
Note, if the active job does not contain any stock and if you are working in teach mode,
MOST 2D will first show you the Stock Size dialog box using which you can add a fresh
rectangular stock to the active job. In that case, MOST 2D will show you the Stocklist
dialog box after you add the first stock.
Jumps F11
Page 175 of 425

Stocklist command (Job menu)
This command displays the Stocklist dialog box in order to view and manage the list of
stocks in the active job.
Note, if the active job does not contain any stock and if you are working in teach mode,
MOST 2D will first show you the Stock Size dialog box using which you can add a fresh
rectangular stock to the active job. In that case, MOST 2D will show you the Stocklist
dialog box after you add the first stock.
Jumps F11
Page 176 of 425

Export Stock Reconciliation (File menu)
You can use this command to generate the stock reconciliation file. This file shows the
consumption of each stock, in the active job. The consumption record is generated for the
entire nested job.
the nested quantity of each stock from a simple text based file format (viz. stock
reconciliation file) and update the relevant records in the database. Depending on your
existing database system, such a customized application can be developed either in house
or from a third party developer.
of the stock reconciliation file. Type the name of the output file and select the OK (or
Save) button in the dialog box, to write the reconciliation statement in the specified
output file.
Note
job using the Layout Confirmation menu.
Page 177 of 425

Stop Editing command (Contour menu)
You can use this command in order to stop the editing operations on the active contour.
When you select this command, MOST 2D de-activates the active contour on the screen.
You will observe that the active contour is no longer highlighted once you select this
command.
Page 178 of 425

Tanaka CNC Codes command (Result menu)
can be run on Tanaka machine.
Page 179 of 425

Tekmov CNC Codes command (Result menu)
can be run on Tekmov controller.
Page 180 of 425

Trumpf CNC Codes command (Result menu)
can be run on Trumpf machine.
Page 181 of 425

Text Attributes command (Tools menu)
You can use this command for modifying the attributes of selected text object.
When you select this command, MOST 2D will prompt you to select the text object using
the mouse. Once you select the text object, MOST 2D displays the Text Attributes dialog
box, where you can edit the text (sentence) and its properties. MOST 2D will modify the
text object accordingly, as soon as you select the OK button in the dialog box.
(Note, many a times, you may have to make similar changes in the attributes of other text
objects also. To facilitate that, after modifying the selected text object as described above,
MOST 2D displays another dialog box. You can select Yes button in this dialog box, if
you would like to copy the new attributes to other text objects as well. In that case, you
can select other text objects one by one with the mouse. You can stop this process by
pressing the Escape key on the keyboard.)
Jumps Shift+F12
Page 182 of 425

Tile command (Window menu)
Use this command to arrange multiple opened windows in non-overlapped fashion.
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Toggle Sketch-point command (Contour menu)
When you select this command, MOST 2D shifts the active sketch point to the other end
point of the active contour.
Page 184 of 425

Transform command (Fit menu)
This command allows you to rotate as well as translate the selected shapes by the
specified angle & distance in the active layout in a single combined operation. In case
you have not selected any shape at the time of executing this command, MOST 2D will
On selecting this command, MOST 2D will open the Transformation dialog box. Specify
the parameters for transformation (rotation as well as movement) in this dialog box and
select the OK button, to transform the selected shapes to new positions in the nested
layout.
The transformation is performed in two steps. In the first step, the selected shapes are
rotated by the specified angle, about the given center point, as specified in the dialog box.
In the second step, these rotated shapes are moved along X and Y directions by the
corresponding distance values, as specified in the dialog box.
Page 185 of 425

Undo command (Edit menu)
You can use this command in order to undo (ignore) the last editing operation performed
on the active layout. In other words, this command allows you to go back and restore one
of the previous states of the layout, if you do not like the last few changes you have made
in the active layout. You will be able to use the Undo command on the fresh layouts
generated by the software after executing the automatic nesting command.
You can undo any number of operations performed on the active layout. However, you
will not be able to use this command, after executing one of the following commands on
any of the nested layouts.
1. Automatic nesting (Go) command
2. Edit Constraints command
3. Edit Stocklist command
4. Edit Shapelist command
5. Commands under Confirm submenu
6. Commands under Reject submenu
Jumps CTRL+Z
Page 186 of 425

Units command (Job menu)
The Units command opens the Units dialog box to view and set the units of measurement.
MOST 2D uses these units at all the places in the software where the unit of measurement
is not stated explicitly. Moreover, these units are carried forward to the next session of
MOST 2D, so that your selections stay in effect permanently until you change them again
using this command.
Page 187 of 425

Validate command (Tools menu)
This command checks the active layout for some common mistakes and shows the
corresponding warning messages in the Validation dialog box. Although this command
detects almost all the common types of errors possible within a layout, you must not take
its result as the final statement. Ideally, you should also check the layout visually,
particularly if you have modified the layout manually after executing the Automatic
Nesting Command.
It is always advisable to run this command before confirming a nested layout. (See How
to confirm a layout.) This is necessary because MOST 2D does NOT allow you to modify
or remove a confirmed layout from a job. In other words, detecting the errors after
confirmation may not serve any purpose and hence, it must be done in advance.
Note
• You can select (or omit) certain types of validation checks by editing the Validation
settings. (See How to define MOST 2D settings.)
• You can select the relevant warning messages from the Validation dialog box using
a mouse, copy them (by pressing the Control+C keys) on the clipboard and paste
them (by pressing the Control+V keys) in a text editor like Notepad. This
mechanism can be useful if you get too many errors in a layout and would like to
store them temporarily in a text document.
Jumps F6
Page 188 of 425

Common Cuts command (View menu)
You can use this command to display or hide common cuts within the active layout. A
check mark appears next to the menu item when this command is enabled.
Jumps
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Chains command (View menu)
You can use this command to display or hide chains within the active layout. A check
mark appears next to the menu item when this command is enabled.
Jumps
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Clearance Limit command (View menu)
You can use this command to display or hide clearance boundaries of all the nested items
in the current layout. A check mark appears next to the menu item when this command is
enabled.
You can display the clearance boundaries to check whether any two items in the active
layout are closer to each other than desired. In general, you should ensure that the
clearance boundaries of no two nested items cut each other. (Note, there are exceptions,
where the clearance boundaries may intersect each other, like when you are taking a
common cut.)
Jumps
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View Contour Toolbar command (View menu)
Use this command to display or hide the contour toolbar, which includes buttons for
managing contours on the screen. A check mark appears next to the menu item when the
contour toolbar is displayed.
Jumps
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Display Contours command (View menu)
You can use this command to display or hide contours in the active layout. A check mark
appears next to the menu item when this command is enabled.
Jumps
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View Cutting Toolbar command (View menu)
Use this command to display or hide the cutting toolbar, which includes buttons for
managing basic cutting operations and related commands in a nested layout. A check
mark appears next to the menu item when the cutting toolbar is displayed.
Jumps
Page 194 of 425

Detail Viewing Toolbar command (View menu)
Use this command to display or hide the detail viewing toolbar, which includes buttons
for managing different views and related details on the screen. A check mark appears
next to the menu item when the detail viewing toolbar is displayed.
Jumps
Page 195 of 425

View Entity Toolbar command (View menu)
Use this command to display or hide the entity toolbar, which includes buttons for
drawing and managing entities (like lines and arcs) on the screen. A check mark appears
next to the menu item when the entity toolbar is displayed.
Jumps
Page 196 of 425

Layout Number command (View menu)
If a job contains more than one nested layout, you can use this command in order to
display a layout having the specified serial number in the active view window.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D displays the Layout Number dialog box on the
screen. Type the serial number of the layout you want to display and select the OK
button, to display the desired layout on the screen.
Note, you can also display the previous layout using the Previous Layout command or the
next layout using the Next Layout command under the View menu.
Note
If the active job contains only one layout, the name of the command appears as Layout
instead of Layout Number. In such a case, MOST 2D does not display the Layout
Number dialog box, but directly displays the solitary layout drawing.
Page 197 of 425

View Leadin Leadout Toolbar command (View menu)
Use this command to display or hide the leadin-leadout toolbar, which includes buttons
for managing leadin and leadout profiles on the screen. A check mark appears next to the
menu item when the leadin-leadout toolbar is displayed.
Jumps
Page 198 of 425

View Main Toolbar command (View menu)
Use this command to display or hide the Main Toolbar, which includes buttons for some
of the most frequently used commands in the software, such as File Open. A check mark
appears next to the menu item when the Main Toolbar is displayed.
Jumps
Page 199 of 425

View Nest Toolbar command (View menu)
Use this command to display or hide the nest toolbar, which includes buttons for
performing manual nesting operations in a nested layout. A check mark appears next to
the menu item when the nest toolbar is displayed.
Jumps
Page 200 of 425

View Objects command (View menu)
You can use this command in order to hatch all the nested shapes in the active layout.
Note, this command may take some time for completion.
The purpose of this command is to distinguish the usable area from the scrap area in the
nested layout at a glance. Note, the hatches are temporary and are not re-drawn
automatically on the screen.
Page 201 of 425

Cutting Sense command (View menu)
You can use this command to display or hide the cutting sense of each cutting cycle in
the active cutting plan. The cutting sense is indicated by arrows, drawn along the cutting
direction. A check mark appears next to the menu item when this command is enabled.
Jumps
Page 202 of 425

Cutting Sequence command (View menu)
You can use this command to display or hide all the cutting cycles in the active cutting
plan along with their cutting sequence numbers. A check mark appears next to the menu
item when this command is enabled.
Jumps
Page 203 of 425

Stitches command (View menu)
You can use this command to display or hide stitches in the active cutting plan. A check
mark appears next to the menu item when this command is enabled.
Jumps
Page 204 of 425

Display Text command (View menu)
You can use this command to display or hide text in the active layout. A check mark
appears next to the menu item when this command is enabled.
Jumps
Page 205 of 425

Zinser CNC Codes command (Result menu)
can be run on Zinser controller.
Page 206 of 425

CNC Code File
CNC codes are used for controlling the motion and action of the torch on a cnc cutting
machine. In general, this file contains codes for starting a cutting cycle, cutting along a
specified path, ending the cutting cycle, travelling rapidly to the next cutting location in
the nested layout and other similar actions.
CNC code file is a text file. Its format/structure varies depending on the type of cutting
machine and the type of cnc controller being used for the cutting process.
You can generate the cnc code file for each nested layout on your computer, after nesting
a job. After that, you must transfer this file from your computer to the cutting machine,
using a floppy disk or modem or DNC link or other suitable means.
Note
In general, the software generates one cnc code file for each nested layout. However,
MOST 2D also allows you to use different combinations of multiple torches on different
regions of a nested layout. In such cases, you need to generate as many cnc code files as
the number of torch combinations used on the active layout. For example, you may use 4
torches for cutting the bottom side of the stock and only 1 torch for cutting the top side of
the stock. In that case, you need to generate 2 cnc code files, one for 4-torch cutting and
one for 1-torch cutting operation.
Page 207 of 425

Common Cut
Common cut refers to that part of the cutting plan where the cutting tool simultaneously
cuts two parallel edges belonging to two different nested shapes in a single pass. For
using the common cut feature, it is necessary to nest the shapes such that the distance
between two parallel edges (called common edges) is exactly equal to the tool diameter.
While generating cnc codes for such a layout, MOST 2D can recognize common cuts and
does not generate cnc codes for the common lengths twice. However, MOST 2D does not
define leadin automatically while generating a common cut and the user must define
leadin for each common cut separately using the following command. (MOST 2D uses a
shortcut for representing such a leadin.)
Cut Common Cut Draw Leadin Shortcut
Common cut can be used for reducing the consumption of cutting agents, reducing the
cutting time and reducing the overall cost of a cutting operation.
Page 208 of 425

Common Toolsize
Common toolsize T indicates the size of the cutting tool (flame diameter / kerf) to be
used for cutting all the shape profiles.
Note, the common toolsize is ignored for those shape profiles for which a specific
toolsize has been specified.
The common toolsize should be bigger than 0.001 MM and it can be specified as a real
number.
Page 209 of 425

Constraints
Constraints represent a collection of nesting and cutting parameters. For example,
clearance distance is a constraint.
Note
MOST 2D allows you to define constraints for the entire job. However, these parameters
may not be uniform for the whole job, if the job consists of shapes and stocks of different
materials and thickness. In such cases, it is advisable to read the corresponding
parameters for each individual shape and stock from the material engineer file, based on
individual material and thickness of each item. While processing such jobs, MOST 2D
ignores the constraints and reads the corresponding parameters directly from the material
engineer file.
Page 210 of 425

Contour
Any profile in a nested layout which neither belongs to the nested shapes nor to the stock
drawing is called a contour. MOST 2D supports following types of contours.
Free form contours are used for illustration and beautification of the layout
drawing.
Offcut contours are used for defining offcut stocks which can be reused later.
Shortcut contours are used for drawing additional cutting profiles in a nested
layout.
Page 211 of 425

Corner Loop
In order to maintain good quality at corners, sometimes it is advisable to extend the

cutting path slightly beyond the actual turning point in a shape drawing. You may get
better finish at such a location, if you carry the cutting torch a bit away from the actual
corner and form a loop there. These loops are called corner loops.
MOST 2D allows you to select corners and generate corner loops at suitable locations in
a nested layout.
Note, you can also define corner loops while drawing the input shape using the following
command in ITEM, which is the cad module accompanying MOST 2D.
Cut Corner Loop Add Loop
Page 212 of 425

Cutting Agent
Cutting agent refers to the gas (like oxygen) or any other consumable used by the
selected cutting device.
Certain cutting devices may require more than one cutting agent. For example, flame
cutting machines typically require both oxygen and acetylene gases for cutting. In such
cases, MOST 2D identifies each agent separately as cutting agent 1 and cutting agent 2.
Page 213 of 425

Cutting Cycle
A cutting cycle represents the path traced by the profile cutting tool while cutting a shape
profile from a nested layout. Typically, a cutting cycle consists of a leadin, a leadout and
an item profile. However, in certain cases, it may also consist of only one powder
marking profile or only one punch marking line.
In general, each close profile in a shape drawing requires one cutting cycle for a complete
cut. For example, if a nested shape contains N1 body profiles, N1 leadin profiles, N1
leadout profiles and N2 powder marking profile, then it will require (N1+N2) number of
cutting cycles for complete cutting.
Page 214 of 425

Cutting Device
A cutting device refers to one of the following types of cutting machines.
• Gas cutting machine, also called the Oxyfuel Cutting Device.
• Plasma cutting machine, also called the Plasma Cutting Device.
• High power plasma cutting machine, also called the High Plasma Cutting Device.
• Laser cutting machine, also called the Laser Cutting Device.
• Waterjet (abrasive) cutting machine, also called the Waterjet Cutting Device.
• Diamond tip cutting machine, also called the Diamond Cutting Device.
Page 215 of 425

Cutting Plan
Cutting plan is a well arranged sequence of all the cutting cycles and shortcuts in a nested
layout. It indicates when and how to cut each shape profile from the nested stock.
Typically, the user converts a cutting plan into cnc codes after studying it on the screen.
Page 216 of 425

Cutting Sense
The sense of cutting indicates the direction of tool motion (clockwise or counter
clockwise) while cutting a close profile from a nested stock.
You can define the default cutting sense of all the body profiles as well as holes using the
Toolpath settings. You can also modify the cutting sense of any cutting cycle in a nested
layout using the Reverse Cutting Sense command, after nesting.
Page 217 of 425

Cutting Sequence
Each cutting cycle in a nested layout has a unique cutting sequence number.
MOST 2D generates the cutting sequence numbers for all the cutting cycles
automatically, when you nest a job using the automatic nesting command. (See How to
nest a job.). You can modify these sequence numbers later, if required.
Page 218 of 425

Data Type
Any type of value that can be output from the software is called a data type. A data type
represents a value either supplied by the user earlier (like the thickness of a stock) or
calculated internally (like the time required to cut a nested layout) by the software.
Page 219 of 425

Model Requirement dialog box
The following options allow you to add one or more sets of the selected model to the
active job.
Quantity
Type the number of sets of the specified model which you have to produce. (Input 1 if
you want to use the model file as the consolidated bill of materials / BOM.)
Priority
Type the priority number of each input shape in the model. MOST 2D will assign this
priority number to each shape within this model. As a special case, if you input 0 in this
field, MOST 2D will read the priority number from the model file.
Sales order
Type the sales order number pertaining to the new requirement for the selected model.
Note, MOST 2D will assign this sales order number to each shape within this model,
overriding the sales order number specified in the model file. However, if you leave this
field blank, MOST 2D will assign the same sales order number as specified in the model
file to each input shape.
OK
Close the dialog box and add the model.
Cancel
Close the dialog box and stop the command.
Page 220 of 425

Array dialog box
This dialog box allows you to set the parameters for creating a rectangular array of
selected objects.
Total Number along X axis
Type the total number of objects to be repeated along the X axis. The rectangular array
includes the original objects also and hence this number should be greater than or equal
to 1.
Distance along X axis
Type the distance between successive objects along the X axis. This distance should be
greater than 0.001 mm.
Total Number along Y axis
Type the total number of objects required along the Y axis. The rectangular array
includes the original objects also and hence this number should be greater than or equal
to 1.
Distance along Y axis
Type the distance between successive objects along the Y axis. This distance should be
OK
Close the dialog box and create the rectangular array.
Cancel
Close the dialog box, but do not create the rectangular array.
Page 221 of 425

Search Specification dialog box
This dialog box allows you to set filters (i.e. conditions) for selecting the data, using the
following options.
Buttons 1 to 5
Each of these buttons represents a search condition. The software will select only that
data which matches all of these conditions for further processing. You can view and
modify a search condition by selecting the corresponding button in this dialog box. (For
example, if you want to modify search condition number 3, then select the button named
3 from this dialog box.) You will see the Condition Specification dialog box which will
allow you to define the condition for selecting the data.
OK
Select the new search specification you have just defined and close the dialog box.
Cancel
Ignore the search specification you have just defined. Retain the old search specification
and close the dialog box.
Page 222 of 425

Shape Drawing Files dialog box
If you are defining a new job in teach mode, MOST 2D shows you this dialog box
immediately after you input the list of stocks to be nested. You can either start adding
shapes to the new job right away or define them later, using the options described below.
Define Shapelist
Select this button if you would like to define the shapes for nesting right away. (If you are
new to the software, please select this option.)
Break
Select this button, if you would like to add the shapes later.
Page 223 of 425

Sequence Direction dialog box
This dialog box allows you to view and regenerate the cutting sequence for the entire
cutting plan along the selected sequence direction, after nesting. You can select the
appropriate sequence direction by clicking the relevant option in the dialog box with the
left mouse button.
As you select different options from the dialog box using the mouse, the Estimated
length field in the dialog box displays the total distance to be traversed by the cutting tool
in rapid motion, while cutting along the selected sequence.
Page 224 of 425

Chain Attributes dialog box
This dialog box allows you to view and set the following attributes of a chain.
P1
Type the width of the chain.
OK
Close the dialog box and proceed to the next step.
Page 225 of 425

Machine and Layout Selection dialog box
This dialog box allows you to select the cutting machine as well as the nested layout for
which you would like to generate cnc code file using the following options.
Machine names
Displays the names of all the machines in the machine list in the form of a scrollable list.
You can traverse the list using the up / down arrow keys on the keyboard or select a
machine using the left mouse button. The selected machine is highlighted. (As a special
case, you can also select the item All from the list. In that case, MOST 2D will generate
cnc codes for all the machines in the machine list.)
Generate codes for all the layouts
Allows you to generate cnc code files for all the nested layouts in the active job by
inserting a check mark in the adjoining check box. (Otherwise, MOST 2D will generate
cnc codes for the active layout only.)
OK
Closes the dialog box and generates the cnc code files.
Cancel
Closes the dialog box and stops the command.
Page 226 of 425

CNC Code Options dialog box
This dialog box allows you to view and modify the options for generating cnc code file
for the selected cnc controller / machine.
Program name
Type the name of the cnc program which you are about to generate.
Code version
This is primarily meant for customizing the cnc code generation facility to suit specific
requirements of certain users. If you would like to generate standard cnc codes for the
selected controller, you do not have to modify this number. Otherwise, you have to
specify the appropriate cnc code version number in this field.
Cutting device
Select the type of cutting device from the given list. Note, the codes can be different for
different cutting devices, even for the same type of controller.
Machine axes
Type the angle at which the current layout needs to be rotated, in order to match the X
and Y axes on the cnc cutting machine. The angle of rotation should be specified in
degrees.
Compact codes
Allows you to reduce the size of cnc code file by inserting a check mark in the check box
on its right side.
Absolute codes
Allows you to write absolute (or incremental) codes in the cnc code file by inserting (or
removing) a check mark in the check box on its right side.
Trace centerline
Allows you to generate cnc codes along the centerline of the cutting tool by inserting a
check mark in the check box on its right side. (Note, the usual practice is to generate cnc
codes by tracing the actual shape boundary keeping the cutting tool on left or right side of
the tool path.)
Comments
Allows you to keep (or remove) the comment lines in the cnc code file by inserting (or
Page 227 of 425

Customized code parameters (P1 - P5)
These are additional parameters specified by the user, which can be written at appropriate
locations in the cnc code file. These parameters can be used for specifying either the
delay period after starting each cut or the torch height during rapid motion or the initial
X-Y offset on the cutting table or similar data. The exact meaning of each parameter
depends on the nature of customization.
OK
Close the dialog box and proceed to the next step for generating cnc code file.
Cancel
Page 228 of 425

Column Specification dialog box
This dialog box allows you to specify a column using the following options.
Type
Shows the data type associated with this column. If you want to change the data type,
click on the adjacent button i.e. the box that displays the name of the current data type.
You will see the Data Type dialog box which will allow you to associate a new data type
with this column.
Title
Specify the title of this column. In the output, it will be written at the top of this column.
Size
For numerical data type, it indicates the number of digits to be shown after the decimal
point. For text data type, it indicates the maximum number of characters to be shown. For
example, if your column represents the length of a 2.5 M long stock and if you specify 4
as the size, then the length will be written as 2.5000. However, if your column represents
the name of a job file C:\MOST\X.JOB and if you specify 4 as the size, then the
filename will be written as C:\M only.
Factor
For numerical data type, it indicates the number by which the default value needs to be
multiplied with, in order to generate the final value in the appropriate output unit. For
example, if your column represents the length of a 2000 MM long stock (which is stored
in MM, by default) and if you specify the factor as 0.001, then the length will be written
as 2.
OK
Select the new column specification you have just defined and close the dialog box.
Cancel
Ignore the column specification you have just defined. Retain the old column
specification and close the dialog box.
Page 229 of 425

Condition Specification dialog box
This dialog box allows you to specify a condition for selecting the data using the
following options.
Type
Shows the data type associated with this condition. If you want to change the data type,
click on the adjacent button i.e. the box that displays the name of the current data type.
You will see the Data Type dialog box which will allow you to associate a new data type
with this condition.
Find number within range
If you have selected a numerical data type, you must specify the selection range in terms
of minimum as well as maximum value allowed for the data type. If required, you may
also specify a conversion factor, which will be multiplied with the minimum and
maximum values while calculating the range, to facilitate unit conversion. For example,
you may base your comparison on the length of a stock and specify minimum limit as 1,
maximum limit as 2 and factor as 0.001. Since by default, MOST 2D stores the length of
the stock in MM, this condition will allow you to select only those stocks whose length is
between 1 and 2 M.
Find text containing word

If the selected data type represents text, you must specify a word to be searched. MOST
2D will accept the data only if the corresponding text contains the specified word. For
example, you may base your comparison on material name and specify the search for the
word ss. In that case, you will be able to select those nested stocks whose material name
is either ss or Stainless Steel, but not the ones whose material name is Mild Steel.
Find date within range

If the selected data type represents date, you must specify the search range in terms of
start date and end date. MOST 2D will accept the data only if the corresponding date falls
between the above mentioned dates. For example, you may base your comparison on job
creation date and specify the start date as April 1 2000 and end date as June 30 2000. In
that case, you will be able to select all the job files created between the above dates,
including those created on start as well as end date.
OK
Select the new condition specification you have just defined and close the dialog box.
Cancel
Ignore the condition specification you have just defined. Retain the old condition
specification and close the dialog box.
Page 230 of 425

Constraints dialog box
The following options allow you to view and edit the constraints for the active job.
Note, if you are using material engineer file with this job, then MOST 2D will read the
constraints directly from the material engineer file. In that case, MOST 2D will not
display this dialog box.
Clearance
Type the clearance distance. The clearance must be a non-negative real number. Note,
you can not edit this value after nesting the active job.
Tool size
Type the common toolsize. The common toolsize must be more than 0.001 MM. Note,
you can not edit this value after nesting the active job.
Leadin span
Type the default leadin span. The default leadin span must be more than 0.001 MM.
Leadout span
Type the default leadout span. The default leadout span must be more than 0.001 MM.
OK
Select the new constraints you have just defined and close the dialog box.
Cancel
Ignore the constraints you have just defined. Retain the old constraints and close the
dialog box.
Page 231 of 425

Corner Loop Attributes dialog box
This dialog box allows you to view and set the following attributes of a corner loop.
P1
Type the corner loop extension. This is the additional length traversed by the cutting tool
beyond the actual corner point on the cutting cycle, before it takes the turn.
OK
Cancel
Page 232 of 425

Data Type dialog box
This dialog box allows you to specify the data type by selecting the appropriate item from
the list shown. You can move up and down the list using the scroll bar.
Select the OK button to confirm the choice and close the dialog box. Otherwise, select
the Cancel button, to retain the old data type and close the dialog box.
Page 233 of 425

Entity Data dialog box
This dialog box handles the data associated with the selected entity as described below.
Line / Arc / Circle
Indicates whether the selected entity is a line or a circular arc or a circle.
Start X
Displays the X coordinate of the start point of the selected line / arc.
Start Y
Displays the Y coordinate of the start point of the selected line / arc.
End X
Displays the X coordinate of the end point of the selected line / arc.
End Y
Displays the Y coordinate of the end point of the selected line / arc.
Span X
Displays the length of the entity along X axis.
Span Y
Displays the length of the entity along Y axis.
Length
Displays the total length of the entity.
Center X
Displays the X coordinate of the center of the selected arc / circle.
Center Y
Displays the Y coordinate of the center of the selected arc / circle.
Page 234 of 425

Radius
Displays the radius of the selected arc / circle.
Angle 1
Displays the start angle of the selected arc in degrees.
Angle 2
Displays the end angle of the selected arc in degrees.
Advanced
Allows you to set the parameters for the selected entity. When you select this button, the
software shows you the Entity Parameters dialog box which will allow you to define the
parameters for the selected entity. Once you specify the parameters successfully for the
selected entity and come out of the Entity Parameters dialog box, the software will
show you another dialog box, asking you whether you would like to associate new
parameters to all the entities in the selected profile. If you select the OK button in this
dialog box, the software will associate new parameters to all the entities in the profile.
Otherwise, it will associate new parameters only to the selected entity.
Previous entity
Allows you to view the data associated with the previous entity in the profile.
Next entity
Allows you to view the data associated with the next entity in the profile.
Close
Closes this dialog box.
Page 235 of 425

Entity Parameters dialog box
This dialog box allows you to specify entity parameters for the selected entity in a profile
using the following options.
P1 – P5
Specify the parameters in appropriate units. The meaning of each parameter may differ
from user to user and also across the application type. Hence, these parameters have been
given generic (common) names viz. P1 – P5.
OK
Select the new entity parameters you have just specified and close this dialog box.
Cancel
Ignore the entity parameters you have just defined. Retain the old entity parameters and
close the dialog box.
Page 236 of 425

Job Report dialog box
MOST 2D allows you to save the report for one or more nested jobs in a text file, called
the report file. The report is generated in the form of a table (consisting of rows and
columns) which can be read later in a spread sheet package like MS-Excel.
This dialog box allows you to define the structure of the report table. Each column in the
table can contain data type of your own choice, in the unit / size specified by you. Each
row in the table corresponds to either a nested layout or a nested shape from the selected
jobs as described below.
Select jobs for report generation
You can generate the report either for the active job only or for multiple job files, as
described below.
Active job
Select this option if you want to generate the report for active (current) job only.
All jobs in a folder
If you select this option, MOST 2D will generate a combined report for all the job files
saved in the specified folder. You can specify the folder name either by typing the
complete path name of the job folder in the edit box provided nearby or by selecting the
adjacent Browse button.
Include the description of each nested shape

Insert the check mark in the adjacent check box, if you would like to generate a detailed
report, where each row in the table corresponds to a nested shape in the job. If you do not
select this option, each row in the table will correspond to a nested layout in the job.
(Note, it may take a long time as it is to generate a report based on the nested layouts, for
multiple job files. It may take even longer, if you choose to generate a report based on
nested shapes, for multiple job files.)
Column settings
If you select this button, MOST 2D will show you the Table Specification dialog box
where you can define the structure of one or more columns in the report.
Page 237 of 425

Search settings
If you select this button, MOST 2D will show you the Search Specification dialog box
which will allow you to define data selection conditions for generating the report.
OK
When you select this button, MOST 2D closes this dialog box and displays the File Save
dialog box where you can specify the name of the report file. Once you specify the name
of the report file, you can select the OK button in the File Save dialog box, in order to
generate the report file. Note, it may take a long time to generate the report file,
particularly while generating a report for multiple job files.
Cancel
If you select this button, MOST 2D will close the dialog box and will not generate the
report file.
Note
• While nesting, MOST 2D also generates a temporary file named Tmp.job. Before
generating report for multiple job files, you must ensure that the specified job folder
does not contain this as well as any other temporary job file that you may have
saved during the course of nesting process earlier. Otherwise, the report file may
contain invalid entries. In general, duplicate job files must be removed from the
specified job folder before generating the report.
• While generating report for multiple job files, MOST 2D searches for job files only
in the specified folder and not under its sub-folders.
• MOST 2D inserts a | (i.e. a pipe character) between each successive column in the
report file. While opening such a file in a spread-sheet package like MS-Excel, you
must open it as a Delimited text file and must specify the pipe character as the
delimiter.
Page 238 of 425

Cut menu commands
The Cut menu offers the following commands.

Sequence Pops up a submenu for editing cutting sequence.
Reverse Sense Allows you to reverse the cutting sense of a cutting cycle.
Neutral Position Allows you to define a new neutral position for the active cutting
plan.
Multiple Torches Allows you to perform multiple torch cutting on selected shapes.
Link Allows you to link adjacent cutting cycles.
Stitch Pops up a submenu for stitch cutting.
Chain Pops up a submenu for chain cutting.
Corner Loop Pops up a submenu for corner loop cutting.
Common Cut Pops up a submenu for common edge cutting.
Resume Allows you to restart the cutting plan at specified point.
Bypass Allows you to bypass the default rapid movement path.
Page 239 of 425

Cutting Machines dialog box
This dialog box allows you to edit the machine list using the following options.
Machine names
Displays the names of all the machines in the machine list in the form of a scrollable list.
You can traverse the list using the up / down arrow keys on the keyboard or select a
machine using the left mouse button. The selected machine is highlighted.
Close
Closes the dialog box.
Add
Allows you to add a new machine to the machine list. First, you will be asked to specify
the name of the machine using the Machine Name dialog box. Next, you will be asked to
specify the properties of the new machine in the Machine Properties dialog box. Once
you specify the machine properties, MOST 2D will add it to the machine list.
Remove
Allows you to remove the selected machine (whose name is highlighted) from the
machine list.
Properties
Displays the properties of the selected machine (whose name is highlighted) in the
Machine Properties dialog box, which you can modify, if required.
Page 240 of 425

CNC Machine Properties dialog box
This dialog box allows you to view and modify the properties of a cnc machine in the
machine list using the following options. These properties are used while generating cnc
code file for the selected machine.
Neutral position of the cutting torch
Select the neutral position of the cutting torch.
Left torch alignment for multiple torch cutting
Specify which torch (left or right) should be used as a reference torch during multiple
torch cutting.
Code type
Select the type of machine / controller for which you would like to generate cnc codes.
Code version
MOST 2D can generate cnc codes in different styles for the same controller, so as to meet
specific (customized) requirements of certain users. Each coding style is identified by a
unique code version number. Type the appropriate cnc code version number so that the
output file is compatible with your cutting machine.
Cutting device
Select the type of cutting device from the given list. Note, the codes can be different for
different cutting devices, even for the same type of controller.
Page 241 of 425

Machine axes
Type the angle at which the nested layout needs to be rotated, in order to match the X and
Y axes on the cnc cutting machine. The angle of rotation should be specified in degrees.
Compact codes
Allows you to reduce the size of cnc code file by inserting a check mark in the check box
on its right side.
Absolute codes
Allows you to write absolute (or incremental) codes in the cnc code file by inserting (or
Trace centerline
Allows you to generate cnc codes along the centerline of the cutting tool by inserting a
check mark in the check box on its right side. (Note, the usual practice is to generate cnc
codes by tracing the actual shape boundary keeping the cutting tool on left or right side of
the tool path.)
Comments
Allows you to keep (or remove) the comment lines in the cnc code file by inserting (or
Prefix
Type the prefix, which will be automatically inserted at the beginning of the filename,
while generating cnc code file.
Suffix
Type the suffix, which will be automatically appended at the end of the filename, while
generating cnc code file.
File extension
Type the filename extension to be used while generating cnc code file.
Page 242 of 425

Machine Name dialog box
This dialog box allows you to specify the name of the new machine to be added to the
machine list. The machine name must be specified as a single word, which should not
contain space, tab or any other special character.
You can select the OK button in the dialog box after specifying the machine name, in
order to proceed to the next step for adding the machine. Alternatively, you can select the
Cancel button in the dialog box, in order to stop this command.
Page 243 of 425

New Job dialog box
MOST 2D displays this dialog box whenever you create a new job. This dialog box will
allow you to associate the following information with the new job.
Use material engineer
Indicate whether you would like to read the material data automatically from the material
engineering file while working with the new job. (Note, you will not be able to modify
this setting for the new job later on. Hence, please specify this option carefully whenever
you define a new job.)
Read inventory file

Indicate whether you would like to read the list of available stocks automatically from the
inventory file while creating the new job. For reading the inventory file, you need to type
the complete pathname of the inventory file in the space provided on the side or click on
the adjoining Browse button to select the file from the file-system.
Cutting device
Select the type of cutting device to be used for the given job, from the specified list.
OK
Select the options specified above, close this dialog box and proceed to the next step.
Page 244 of 425

New Stock dialog box
The following options define the identity of an input stock while adding it to the active
job. Note, the following attributes are defined only once for each input stock and they can
not be modified later.
Stock description
Type the name of the stock. Note, the name can not be empty or null.
Stock revision number
Type the revision number of the selected stock.
OK
Cancel
Page 245 of 425

Cutting Sequence Number dialog box
This dialog box allows you to modify the cutting sequence number of the selected cutting
cycle as described below.
Number
Type the new sequence number of the selected cutting cycle.
Profile cutting code
Insert the check mark in the adjacent check box, if you would like the software to
generate cnc cutting codes for the selected profile. If the check box is empty, the software
will not generate cutting codes for the selected cutting cycle. (Note, when you indicate
that a cutting cycle should not be cut by removing the check mark from the check box,
the software removes all the cutting related information associated with the cutting cycle,
including leadin and leadout. Some of this information can not be retrieved back
automatically when you reverse the change i.e. when you insert the check mark once
again and you may have to define such cutting data once again.)
OK
Select the new sequence number you have just specified and close the dialog box.
Cancel
Ignore the sequence number you have just specified. Retain the old sequence number and
Page 246 of 425

Shapelist dialog box
This dialog box allow you to view and manage the list of shapes to be nested. It is also
called while adding a new shape to the active layout during manual nesting. The
appearance as well as behaviour of the dialog box is somewhat different in each case, as
described below.
Shape descriptions
Displays description and other attributes of each shape in the active job, in the form of a
scrollable list. You can traverse the list using the up / down arrow keys on the keyboard
or select a shape using the left mouse button. The selected shape is highlighted, with its
drawing displayed inside the preview area.
You can also select multiple shapes from the list at a time, if required. However, in that
case, you will not be able to view the drawing of the selected shapes in the preview area.
You can also sort the list by clicking the left mouse button on the appropriate column
header. The software appends "+" sign to the column name by which the list is sorted.
Select highlighted shape
Allows you to select shapes for nesting. If the check box on the right hand side contains a
check mark, it means that the current shape (whose description is highlighted) should be
nested. If the check box is empty, it means that the shape should be skipped. Click on the
check box whenever you want to reverse the skipping condition of the selected shape.
This field remains inactive when you select multiple shapes from the list.
Page 247 of 425

Torches
While adding a new shape to the active layout, you can specify the total number of
torches to be used for cutting the new shape in a multiple torch cutting application. (This
field will remain inactive, if you have called this dialog box only for editing the input
shapelist.)
You can type 1, if you do not want to cut the new shape with multiple torches.
Add this shape to the layout

Closes the current dialog box and adds the selected shape to the active layout. Note, the
software will not add any shape to the layout if you select multiple shapes from the list.
(This field will remain inactive, if you have called this dialog box only for editing the
input shapelist.)
Download shape
Saves the drawing of the selected shape in a new shape drawing file. When you select
this button, MOST 2D will show you the file selection dialog box to get the name of the
file in which the shape drawing is to be saved. Once you specify the name of the shape
drawing file, MOST 2D will save the selected drawing in the specified file. Note, this
button remains inactive, when you select multiple shapes from the list.
Reload shape
Replaces the drawing of the selected shape using another drawing stored in the specified
shape drawing file. When you select this button, MOST 2D will show you the file
selection dialog box to get the name of the file from which the shape drawing should be
read. Once you specify the name of the shape drawing file, MOST 2D will replace the old
shape drawing with the new one. Note, this button remains inactive, when you select
multiple shapes from the list
During the above process, the software also replaces the drawing of the selected shape in
all the nested layouts in the active job. Hence, you can use this command in order to
update the nested layouts, if the drawing of one or more shapes is revised after nesting.
However, it is advisable to validate the modified layouts after reloading a new shape
drawing, because the origin, position and orientation of the old and new shape drawings
may be different.
Close
Closes the current dialog box. Note, if you want to add a new shape to the active layout,
you must close the dialog box using the button Add this shape to the layout and not this
one.
Page 248 of 425

Add
Allows you to add one or more new shapes to the active job in 3 distinct steps. First, you
will be asked to select the name of the shape drawing file from the file selection dialog
box. (Note, MOST 2D also allows you to select multiple drawing files from this dialog
box.) Next, one by one, you will be asked to type the description of each input shape in
the New Shape dialog box. Finally, you will be shown the default properties of each
shape, which you can modify. One by one, each shape will be added to the job on
successful completion of the above-mentioned steps.
Remove
Allows you to remove the current shape (whose description is highlighted) from the
active job, provided it is not nested anywhere in the active job. Note, this button remains
inactive, when you select multiple shapes from the list.
You can also remove the highlighted shape from the list by pressing the Delete key on
the keyboard.
Properties
Displays the properties of the selected shapes and allows you to modify them.
You can also view the properties of highlighted shapes by clicking the right mouse button
on the selected list.
Preview
Displays the drawing of the selected shape in the preview area. Note, this area remains
inactive, when you select multiple shapes from the list.
Page 249 of 425

Shortcut Attributes dialog box
This dialog box allows you to view and modify the properties of a shortcut.
Type
Select the type of shortcut contour from the given list.
Tool position
Select the location of the cutting tool (left / right side) with respect to the path of the
shortcut contour.
Main Sequence
Allows you to determine the sequence number of the shortcut contour using the following
options.
Start
Run the shortcut before executing any cutting cycle on the nested layout.
End
Run the shortcut after executing all the cutting cycles on the nested layout.
Number
Run the shortcut just before that cutting cycle which has the given sequence
number.
Group serial number

Allows you to sort a group of shortcut contours which have to be cut together i.e. whose
Main Sequence number is the same. Here, you can specify the serial number of the
selected shortcut within its group and cut the contours as per these serial numbers.
Page 250 of 425

Advanced Properties
Allows you to set the cutting properties of all the entities in the shortcut contour. When
you select this button, MOST 2D will show you the Entity Parameters dialog box which
will allow you to define the entity parameters for the entire contour.
OK
Select the new attributes you have just defined and close the dialog box.
Cancel
Ignore the attributes you have just defined. Retain the old attributes and close the dialog
box.
Page 251 of 425

Cutting Simulation dialog box
This dialog box allows you to specify how you would like to simulate the cutting plan on
the screen.
Select the simulation period
Indicate the time period (maximum 2 minutes) for which you would like to view the
cutting simulation on the screen.
Group number
MOST 2D allows you to define different combinations (or groups) of multiple torches on
single nested layout. Type the serial number of the multiple torch group whose path you
would like to simulate on the screen. (Type 1 if you are using only one combination of
cutting torches on the nested layout.)
Trace centerline
You can view the trace of the centerline of the cutting torch if you insert a check mark in
the adjacent check box. (If you do not select this option, the software will display the
actual shape boundaries to be cut along the toolpath.)
Remove self intersecting loops

When you select the Trace centerline option in the dialog box, you can also indicate
whether you would like to remove the self intersecting loops generated along the
centerline of the cutting torch.
OK
Close the dialog box and start the simulation.
Page 252 of 425

Job Statistics dialog box
This dialog box displays the nesting statistics with the following data. Note, these figures
are generated for the entire job and not for an individual layout.
Total Shapes Remaining
Displays the total number of shapes which could not be nested on any stock.
Number of Stocks Consumed

Displays the total number of stocks consumed during the nesting process.
Consumption of Agent 1
Displays the total consumption of cutting agent 1 in local units. (The software uses the
same units as were used while specifying the consumption of cutting agent 1 in machine
settings.)
Consumption of Agent 2
Displays the total consumption of cutting agent 2 in local units. (The software uses the
same units as were used while specifying the consumption of cutting agent 2 in machine
settings.)
Total Time
Displays the total time required for completing the entire operation in minutes.
Total Cost
Displays the total cost of completing the entire operation in local currency. (The software
uses the same currency unit as was used while specifying cost settings.)
OK
Close this dialog box.
Page 253 of 425

Stitch Attributes dialog box
This dialog box allows you to view and set the attributes of a stitch as described below.
Gap
Type the length of the stitch. This is the length to be skipped (avoided) while generating
the corresponding cutting cycle.
Leadin Length
Displays the length of the leadin profile for the stitch.
OK
Cancel
Page 254 of 425

Stocklist dialog box
The following options allow you to view and manage the list of stocks available for
nesting.
Stock descriptions
Displays description and other attributes of each stock in the active job, in the form of a
scrollable list. You can traverse the list using the up / down arrow keys on the keyboard
or select a stock using the left mouse button. The selected stock is highlighted, with its
drawing displayed inside the preview area.
You can also sort the list by clicking the left mouse button on the appropriate column
header. The software appends “+” sign to the column name by which the list is sorted.
Select highlighted stock

Allows you to select a stock for nesting. If the check box on the right hand side contains a
check mark, it means that the current stock (whose description is highlighted) should be
nested. If the check box is empty, it means that the stock should be skipped. Click on the
check box whenever you want to reverse the skipping condition of the selected stock.
Close
Closes the current dialog box.
Page 255 of 425

Add fresh stock
Allows you to add a fresh rectangular stock to the active job in 3 distinct steps. First, you
will be asked to input the dimensions of the stock rectangle using the Stock Size dialog
box. Next, you will be asked to type the description of the new stock in the New Stock
dialog box. Finally, you will be shown the default properties of the stock, which you can
modify. The stock will be added to the job on successful completion of these 3 steps.
Add used stock

Allows you to add either an offcut stock or a non-rectangular stock to the active job in 3
distinct steps. First, you will be asked to select the name of the stock drawing file from
the drawing file dialog box. Next, you will be asked to type the description of the new
stock in the New Stock dialog box. Finally, you will be shown the default properties of
the stock, which you can modify. The stock will be added to the job on successful
completion of these 3 steps.
Remove
Allows you to remove the selected stock (whose description is highlighted) from the
active job, provided it is not nested anywhere in the active job.
You can also remove the highlighted stock from the list by pressing the Delete key on the
keyboard.
Properties
Displays the properties of the selected stock and allows you to modify them.
You can also view the properties of the highlighted stock by double clicking on it.
Preview
Displays the drawing of the selected stock in the preview area.
Page 256 of 425

Stock Rectangle dialog box
This dialog box allows you to define the dimensions of a rectangular stock using the
following options.
P1
Specify the length of the smaller side of the rectangle.
P2
Specify the length of the bigger side of the rectangle.
OK
Cancel
Page 257 of 425

Table Specification dialog box
This dialog box allows you to specify a table using the following options.
Buttons 1 to 20
Each of these buttons represents a column in the table. You can view and modify the
specification of each column by selecting the corresponding button in this dialog box.
(For example, if you want to modify the structure of column number 10, then select the
button named 10 from this dialog box.) You will see the Column Specification dialog box
which will allow you to define the specification for the selected column.
OK
Select the new table specification you have just defined and close the dialog box.
Cancel
Ignore the table specification you have just defined. Retain the old table specification and
Page 258 of 425

Text Attributes dialog box
This dialog box allows you to view and modify the properties of a text object.
String
Type the alpha-numeric text i.e. a word or a sentence. The text should not be empty or
null.
Fixed height
MOST 2D will assign one of the pre-fixed height values (listed in the Height list,
mentioned below) for the selected text, if you put a check mark in the adjacent check box.
Otherwise, it will read the text height from the Size box, described below.
Size
Type the height of the text object.
Height
Select one of the pre-fixed height values for the text object from the list.
Angle
Type the text angle, in degrees.
Bold
Allows you to make the text bold if you insert a check mark in the check box on its right
side.
Italic
Allows you to make the text italic if you insert a check mark in the check box on its right
side.
Underline
Allows you to underline the text , if you insert a check mark in the check box on its right
side.
Page 259 of 425

Punch mark
Allows you to treat the text object as a punch mark, if you insert a check mark in the
check box on its right side.
OK
Select the new attributes you have just defined and close the dialog box.
Cancel
Ignore the attributes you have just defined. Retain the old attributes and close the dialog
box.
Page 260 of 425

Torch Separation dialog box
This dialog box allows you to define torch settings for the selected nested shapes in a
multiple torch cutting application, as described below.
Number of torches
Specify the total number of torches to be used for cutting the selected shapes.
Torch separation
Specify the torch separation distance for the selected nested shapes.
OK
Select the new settings you have just defined and close the dialog box.
Cancel
Ignore the settings you have just defined. Retain the old settings and close the dialog box.
Page 261 of 425

Transformation dialog box
This dialog box allows you to set the parameters for rotating and moving the selected
nested shapes, in a two step process. In the first step, MOST 2D rotates the selected
shapes by the specified angle around the given center of rotation. Later, MOST 2D moves
the rotated shapes in X and Y directions by the distance specified in step 2.
Step 1
Type the angle of rotation in degrees along with the X and Y coordinates of the center of
rotation.
Step 2
Type the distance by which the selected shapes have to be moved along the X and Y
directions.
OK
Close the dialog box and transform the selected shapes.
Cancel
Close the dialog box, but do not transform the selected shapes.
Page 262 of 425

Units dialog box
The following options allow you to set the units of measurement in MOST 2D.
Unit for linear measurement
Select the unit for measuring length, width, height and other linear dimensions. MOST
2D will use this unit everywhere for measuring linear dimensions, unless clearly
indicated otherwise.
OK
Select the new units you have just defined and close the dialog box.
Cancel
Ignore the units you have just defined. Retain the old units and close the dialog box.
Page 263 of 425

Drawing Library File
Drawing Library File is a text file which stores the user-defined names of standard 2-D
parametric drawings in the following format.
File Format
Column 1 Column 2
Customized Name 1 Id of the corresponding parametric shape.
Customized Name 2 Id of another parametric shape.
... ...
For example,
RECTANGLE 1001
A sample drawing library file named Dwg lib.txt can be found in the Demo sub-folder,
inside your installation folder. (Typically, the installation folder for MOST 2D is
C:\MOST 2D.)
Page 264 of 425

Elastic Line
To draw an elastic line, first take your mouse to the start point of the line and click the
left mouse button. Next, release the left mouse button and take the mouse to the end point
of the line. While moving the mouse to the end point of the line, you will see the elastic
line on the screen.
As you move the mouse, you will also see the X-Y coordinates of the cursor in the status
bar, at the bottom of the main window. If required, you can use the point snapping
facility while defining the start point or the end point of the elastic line, by pressing the
F8 key before selecting the point.
You can complete the line definition by clicking the left mouse button at the end point of
the elastic line. Alternatively, you can break out of the process by pressing the Escape
key.
Page 265 of 425

Enclosure Type
Enclosure type indicates the type of region enclosed by a close profile. The enclosure
type can be one of the following.
Matter, which indicates the body or external boundary of an item.
Space, which indicates a hole.
Enclosure type is ignored for an open profile.
Page 266 of 425

Entity
An entity is the smallest data item in a drawing. MOST 2D supports following types of
entities.
• Line
• Circular arc
• Circle
Page 267 of 425

Entity Parameters
The software allows you to associate a set of parameters with each entity in a profile.
These parameters are called entity parameters.
It is possible to associate a distinct meaning to each parameter in a customized
application. Generally, these parameters are used for representing cutting data like speed,
dwell, pressure, etc. to be attached with each entity in the profile. The software can
output this data suitably in the corresponding cnc code file after nesting, as per the
specification given by the user.
Page 268 of 425

Mathematical Expression
In specific cases, the software can accept data from the user in the form of a
mathematical expression instead of a fixed / constant value. Such an expression must be
written as a single word (without any blank space or TAB character in between) and it
must be enclosed within round brackets i.e. between ( and ) .
It is possible to use a sub-expression within an expression. While evaluating an
expression, the software evaluates all the sub-expressions first and then evaluates the
entire expression from left to right. Note, the software does not assign higher priority to
multiplication and division operations over addition and subtraction operations. The order
of evaluation is strictly from left to right.
The following table contains a list of valid symbols / words which can be used inside an
expression, along with the meaning of each.
Word Interpretation
N N is a constant number consisting of [0-9] and an optional decimal point.
V V is a valid variable already defined before evaluating this expression.
(X) X is a sub-expression. Note, X must be enclosed within round brackets.
+ Add.
- Subtract.
* Multiply.
/ Divide.
SQUARE(X) Square function. X is a sub-expression.
ROOT(X) Square root function. X is a sub-expression.
SIN(X) Trigonometric sine function. X is a sub-expression for angle in degrees.
COS(X) Trigonometric cosine function. X is a sub-expression for angle in
degrees.
TAN(X) Trigonometric tangent function. X is a sub-expression for angle in
degrees.
ASIN(X) Sine invert function to get angle in degrees. X is a sub-expression.
ACOS(X) Cosine invert function to get angle in degrees. X is a sub-expression.
ATAN(X) Tangent invert function to get angle in degrees. X is a sub-expression.
As a special case, if an expression consists of only a constant number, it is not necessary

to enclose it within round brackets. However, even if an expression consists of just one
variable, it is still necessary to enclose it within round brackets.
The following is the list of valid expressions.
Page 269 of 425

20
ROOT((SQUARE(300)+SQUARE(400))
(100.0*SIN(45))
ASIN(V1) … Here, V1 should be a valid variable defined earlier in the software.
The following is the list of invalid expressions.
V1 … Brackets missing. It is an error, even if V1 is a valid variable.
ROOT((((((((SQUARE(300)+SQUARE(400)) … Bracket mismatch
ASIN( V1) … Blank space within an expression
Page 270 of 425

Grain Line
A grain line is a straight line along which the given item exhibits a crucial property. In
general, grain line represents the rolling direction of a stock and is useful for those shapes
which may have to undergo bending stress or similar load later.
If the grain line has been specified for a shape, then the shape must be cut such that the
grain line of the shape is parallel to the grain line of the stock. The grain line can be either
horizontal or vertical and is usually specified while adding a shape / stock to the input
job.
Note, you can also specify the grain line while drawing a shape by adding the following
text in the shape drawing.
GRAIN value
where value can be one of the following:
X
Y
none
Page 271 of 425

Hole (Space Profile)
A close profile which contains void (i.e. it does not contain any material within itself) is
called a space profile. Usually, a space profile represents a hole in an item drawing.
Page 272 of 425

How to nest a job
You can nest a job automatically as described below.
1. Create a job. If the job is already defined in MOST 2D, click on the job window to
activate it. (See How to create a job for details.)
2. Select the command Fit Go.
3. You will see the progress window on the screen indicating the nesting status. This
window remains on the screen while MOST 2D is nesting the job.
4. After some time, the progress window will disappear from the screen, indicating that
the job has been nested. Now, you can see the nested layouts using commands under
View menu.
If you re-nest a job using the above-mentioned method, MOST 2D removes all the nested
layouts from the active job, except those which have been confirmed using the Layout
Confirmation menu. Hence, before re-nesting a job, it is advisable to save the nested job
in a job file using the command File Save or File Save As, in order to maintain a
copy of the work done so far.
However, if you re-nest a stock using the command Fit Build, you can retain the
changes made by you manually and nest new shapes only in the remaining empty area of
the nested layout. In this case also, before executing the command, it is advisable to save
the nested job in a job file in order to maintain a copy of the work done so far.
Note
While working in teach mode, if you start a new job, MOST 2D will automatically
prompt you to specify the constraints, stocklist and shapelist, one by one. At the end of it
(i.e. after you specify the shapelist), MOST 2D will automatically start nesting the job. In
that case, you do not have to carry out the above mentioned procedure for nesting the
newly created job.
Page 273 of 425

Stepwise procedure for creating a job
You can create a new job in MOST 2D, as shown below.
1. Select the command File New to begin a new job.
2. Define the constraints. (See How to define constraints.)
3. Add all the stocks which are available for nesting, one by one. (See How to add a fresh
stock and How to add a used stock.)
4. Add all the models to be produced using the command File Import Model.
5. Add all the shapes to be nested, one by one. (See How to add a fresh shape.)
6. Select the command File Save in order to save the job in a job file.
Alternatively, you can also define a job by reading a job file using the command File
Open. Finally, you can also read an existing job from a foundation file using the
command File Import Foundation File.
Note
If you are working in teach mode, MOST 2D will automatically prompt you to provide
the above data one by one and will start the nesting process as soon as it receives all the
data, whenever you start a new job.
Page 274 of 425

Dimension menu commands (Tools menu)
The Dimension menu offers the following commands for defining and managing
dimensions in a nested layout.
Horizontal Allows you to add a horizontal dimension to the active layout.
Vertical Allows you to add a vertical dimension to the active layout.
Inclined Allows you to add an inclined dimension to the active layout.
Diametrical Allows you to add a diametrical dimension to the active
layout.
Radial Allows you to add a radial dimension to the active layout.
Edit Dimension Allows you to modify the dimension text.
Move Dimension Allows you to move dimensions to another location in the
layout.
Remove Dimension Allows you to remove dimensions from the active layout.
Page 275 of 425

Diametrical Dimension command (Tools menu)
You can use this command in order to dimension the diameter of a circle / arc on the
screen.
When you select this command, the software will first prompt you to select the circle /
arc which you would like to dimension. Next, the software will prompt you to select the
direction (angle) along which you would like to generate the dimension line. Finally, the
software will prompt you to select the location of dimension text. Once you select these 3
points using the mouse, the software will show you the corresponding dimension line and
dimension text on the screen.
Page 276 of 425

Edit Dimension command (Tools menu)
You can use this command in order to modify the dimension text.
When you select this command, the software will prompt you to select a dimension entity
by clicking near its dimension line or its leader line. Once you select the dimension
entity, you will see the Text Attributes dialog box, where you can edit the dimension text
and its properties. The software will modify the dimension text as soon as you select the
OK button in the dialog box.
Page 277 of 425

Horizontal Dimension command (Tools menu)
You can use this command in order to draw a horizontal dimension between the selected
pair of points on the screen.
When you select this command, the software will prompt you to select the two points
between which you would like to generate the dimension entity. Next, the software will
prompt you to select the location of dimension text. Once you select these 3 points using
the mouse, the software will show you the corresponding leader lines, dimension line and
Jumps
Page 278 of 425

Inclined Dimension command (Tools menu)
You can use this command in order to draw an inclined dimension between the selected
Page 279 of 425

Radial Dimension command (Tools menu)
You can use this command in order to dimension the radius of a circle / arc on the screen.
When you select this command, the software will first prompt you to select the circle /
arc which you would like to dimension. Next, the software will prompt you to select the
direction (angle) along which you would like to generate the dimension line. Finally, the
software will prompt you to select the location of dimension text. Once you select these 3
points using the mouse, the software will show you the corresponding dimension line and
Page 280 of 425

Remove Dimension command (Tools menu)
You can use this command in order to remove dimensions from the screen.
Once you select this command, the software will prompt you to select a dimension entity
by clicking near its dimension line or its leader line. As soon as you select it, the software
will remove it from the screen.
Page 281 of 425

Vertical Dimension command (Tools menu)
You can use this command in order to draw a vertical dimension between the selected
Jumps
Page 282 of 425

Snap A Point
Before selecting any point on the screen using the mouse, you can press the F8 key on the
keyboard in order to invoke the snapping dialog box. This dialog box helps you select the
point accurately using one or more of the following snapping options.
(Note, it is not always necessary to invoke the above mentioned dialog box in order to set
the snapping options. You can set many of these options directly using keyboard based
shortcuts, while selecting a point using the mouse. These keyboard based shortcuts for
relevant options have also been mentioned below, against the corresponding option
names.)
Snap ON
(Shortcut:- Insert to put it ON and Delete to put it OFF.)
Indicates whether you would like to enable the snapping options specified in this dialog
box or ignore them. (Note, the Axial tracking option works differently, as explained
below.)
Axial tracking
(Shortcut:- Page up to put it ON and Page down to put it OFF.)
Indicates whether you would like to restrict the movement of the cursor along the
horizontal and vertical lines passing through the previously selected reference point.
Note, this option will work only if the Snap ON option (described earlier) is NOT
selected. If Snap ON option is activated, the Axial tracking option will be ignored.
Page 283 of 425

Clearance profiles
(Shortcut:- Home key to put it ON/OFF. Toggle key.)
Indicates whether you would like to snap the point on the clearance boundary as well
around each nested shape and stock.
Objects
Select the type of object on which you would like to snap your point. You can select one
of the following types of objects.
All objects
Snap on any object on the screen.
Shapes only
Snap on the nested shapes only.
Stock only
(Shortcut:- Space bar)
Snap on the stock drawing only.
Points
Specify the exact location of the point on the nearest entity on which you would like to
snap your point. You can select one of the following locations.
Endpoint
(Shortcut:- End)
Intersection
(Shortcut:- Tab)
Midpoint
Centre
Quadrant
None
(Shortcut:- Back space)
OK
Select the snapping options you have just specified in the dialog box and close the dialog
box.
Page 284 of 425

Cancel
Ignore the snapping options you have just specified in the dialog box. Retain the old
snapping options and close the dialog box.
Once you select the desired snapping options and close the dialog box, MOST 2D starts
snapping the cursor position automatically as you move the mouse. The software
highlights the snapped point by drawing a small square around the snapped point, as
shown below. You can select the snapped point at any stage by clicking on it using the
left mouse button.
Note
• While you are selecting a point on the screen, MOST 2D allows you to refresh the
view at any instant by pressing the F9 key.
• As an alternative to snapping, MOST 2D also allows you to type the X-Y
coordinates of the point to be selected, if you press the F7 key.
Page 285 of 425

How to validate a layout
You can check the active layout for common mistakes by selecting the command Tools
Validate. If there is any problem with the layout, MOST 2D will show the
corresponding warning message in the Validation dialog box.
Although this command detects almost all the common types of errors possible within a
layout, you must not take its result as the final statement. Ideally, you should also check
the layout visually, particularly if you have modified the layout manually after executing
the command Fit Go for automatic nesting.
It is always advisable to run this command once, just before confirming any nested
layout. (See How to confirm a layout.) This is necessary because MOST 2D does NOT
allow you to modify, correct or remove a confirmed layout.
You can select (or omit) different types of validation checks using the Validation settings.
(See How to define MOST 2D settings.)
Note
You can select the relevant warning messages from the Validation dialog box using the
mouse, copy them (by pressing the Control+C keys) on the clipboard and paste them (by
pressing the Control+V keys) in Notepad. This mechanism can be useful if you get too
many errors in a layout and would like to store them temporarily in a text document.
Page 286 of 425

Internal Order Number
You can associate internal order number (or project name) with each input shape as well
as each input stock. This attribute can be used to track progress on each project.
Internal order number can be defined as a text string having maximum 40 characters
while adding a shape / stock to the input job.
Note, you can also define the internal order number while drawing a shape by adding the
following text in the drawing.
INTERNALORDER value
where value contains the internal order number.
Page 287 of 425

Inventory File
MOST 2D allows you to store the list of all the available stocks in a text file, called the
Inventory File. You can read the inventory file while defining a new job using the New
Job command. If you specify the name of the inventory file at this stage, MOST 2D will
automatically add all the stocks from the inventory file to the newly created job.
In general, an inventory file may consist of stocks of different material and thickness. In
that case, it may not be appropriate to use the same global (uniform) constraints for the
entire job. Instead, it may be a good idea to read the cutting parameters for each material
grade and thickness from the material engineer file for such jobs.
File Format
Each line in the inventory file corresponds to a stock in the inventory. Accordingly, each
line in the file should contain the following information about a stock in columnar
fashion. The columns should be separated from each other using a TAB character. The
following list shows the contents of each field (column) along with the maximum length
of each.
Column Significance Format

1 Name of the stock i.e. stock description Maximum 40 characters
2 Drawing data, as explained in Note 1 below. Maximum 80 characters
3 Material name Maximum 40 characters
4 Thickness in MM Double precision number
5 Stock quantity Integer
6 Grain orientation Input X or Y or NONE
7 Item number Maximum 40 characters
8 Stock revision number Integer
9 Sales order number Maximum 40 characters
10 Internal order number (project) Maximum 40 characters
11 Remarks Maximum 80 characters
12 Blank field, reserved for future use
16-40 Parameters for defining standard 2-D Double precision
parametric drawing, as defined in column 2. numbers.
Page 288 of 425

Note 1
• Column 2 in the above-mentioned format can be used for defining either a standard
2-D parametric drawing from the standard drawing library or the pathname of the
stock drawing file (dxf file or item drawing file). First, MOST 2D checks whether
the standard drawing library defines any drawing whose code number matches with
the number specified in column 2. (The code numbers have been listed in a separate
document, along with the list of parameters required for each code. For example,
code 1001 represents a rectangle, which can be defined using length and width.)
While performing this check, the software also compares the user-defined drawing
names with the name specified in column 2. (The user-defined drawing names are
read automatically from the drawing library file while launching the software.) If a
parametric drawing with the specified code/name is found from the standard library,
the software will read the drawing parameters from columns 16 to 40 in order to
create the stock drawing. However, if such a parametric shape is not found in the
standard library, the software will automatically read column 2 as the pathname of
the stock drawing file and will try to read the stock drawing from the same.
• A sample inventory file named My inventory.txt can be found in the Demo sub-
folder, inside your installation folder. (Typically, the installation folder for MOST
2D is C:\MOST 2D.)
Page 289 of 425

Item Number
Item number can be used for storing additional information about an input shape or an
input stock. For example, you can use this attribute to identify the assembly to which the
given shape belongs. Or, you can use this number to assign a specific heat number to a
given stock.
Item number can be defined as a text string having maximum 40 characters while adding
a shape / stock to the input job.
Note, you can also define the item number while drawing a shape by adding the
ITEMNUMBER value
where value contains the item number.
Page 290 of 425

Item
A flat object having constant thickness is called an item. An item drawing consists of one
or more 2 dimensional profiles. The important attributes of an item are its material,
thickness and grain line.
Note, an item represents a type of object and not an individual object. For example,
consider two rectangular stock objects A and B having the same dimensions and the same
attributes. Though they represent two different physical objects in the inventory, they are
represented by a single stock item in MOST 2D. However, if the stock object B was
either non-rectangular or if some of its attributes were different from those of A, the two
stock objects would have been represented by two different stock items in MOST 2D.
Page 291 of 425

Job File
A job file is a binary file which stores a nested job. A job file has the extension .JOB.
A job file contains the information about the input job as well as its nested results. You
can use this file to save your work (including the modifications made by you in all the
nested layouts and cutting plans) across multiple sessions with MOST 2D. In other
words, you can use this file to store the nested results at the end of your working session
with MOST 2D and open the file again next day to continue working from that stage
onwards.
A sample job file named cnctest.job can be found in the Demo sub-folder, inside your
installation folder. (Typically, the installation folder for MOST 2D is C:\MOST 2D.)
Page 292 of 425

Job
A job is a complete description of a profile cutting operation. MOST 2D reads, writes and
maintains all its data in the form of jobs.
A job consists of the following data.
• Constraints
• Stocklist / inventory available for nesting
• Shapelist / bill of materials to be nested
• Layouts generated after nesting
• Cutting plans for the nested layouts
Page 293 of 425

Layout Method
Layout method indicates the procedure used by the software for fitting a given shape.
MOST 2D supports two such procedures, Matrix procedure (shown in the figure above)
and Quick procedure.
Each method has its own merits and it is difficult to predict which one will offer the best
result in a given situation. The following table offers some guidelines for selecting the
layout method for any given input shape.
Size Recommended Layout Method
Big Matrix procedure
Medium Matrix procedure for small quantity. Quick procedure, otherwise.
Small Quick procedure
The Quick procedure generates the layouts quickly. The Matrix procedure takes more
time, but offers more regular (matrix like) arrangement of shapes.
Page 294 of 425

Leadin
The path traced by a cutting tool while approaching a shape profile is called the leadin.
Leadin is required in order to keep the point of piercing away from the parent shape
profile. Whenever required, a leadin is included as an open profile within the input shape
drawing. You can also add and remove leadin after nesting.
A leadin profile must always be defined along its logical direction, when defined within
the input shape drawing file. In other words, a leadin profile must always be defined in
such a way that it starts away from the parent item profile and ends exactly on the parent
item profile. MOST 2D will not reverse the leadin profile internally, since this will
conflict with the cutting tool location associated with the leadin.
Note
The leadin defined at the start / end of a common cut using the command Draw Leadin
Shortcut serves the same purpose, but is handled differently. Such a leadin profile is
defined as a shortcut contour.
Page 295 of 425

Leadout
The path traced by a cutting tool while coming out of a shape profile is called the leadout.
Whenever required, a leadout is included as an open profile within the input shape
drawing. You can also add and remove leadout after nesting.
A leadout profile must always be defined along its logical direction, when defined within
the input shape drawing file. In other words, a leadout profile must always be defined in
such a way that it starts exactly on the parent item profile and ends away from the parent
item profile. MOST 2D will not reverse the leadout profile internally, since this will
conflict with the cutting tool location associated with the leadout.
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Link
After finishing a cutting cycle, MOST 2D allows you to begin the next cutting cycle in a
nested layout without piercing again, if the two cutting cycles are linked with each other.
Note, you can link two cutting cycles only if their cutting sequence numbers are
successive (one after the other) and they have the same (clockwise / anti-clockwise)
cutting direction. This may not remain so, if you change the cutting sequence number of
any cutting cycle or if you remove a shape from the nested layout or change the cutting
sense of any cutting cycle after adding the link. Hence, it is advisable to use this feature
after completing all the basic editing operations on the nested layout.
Piercing on thick material is usually difficult and is also a time consuming operation.
Linking is primarily used for reducing the number of piercing operations while cutting
thick plates/stocks.
Note
MOST 2D uses a shortcut for representing a link.
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Machine List
You can define cnc code generation settings for multiple machines by adding them to
machine list. After nesting, you can generate separate cnc code files for ALL the
machines in the machine list using a single command shown below. (Note, this command
also allows you to generate cnc codes for ALL the nested layouts in the active job.)
Result menu CNC Codes submenu Machine List command
MOST 2D writes all the cnc files in the cnc directory, the location of which can be
specified using Folder settings. (See How to define the settings.) Each cnc code file is
named as PJNSTxD.Ext where:
P is the prefix for the corresponding machine in the machine list.
J is the name of the job file in which the active job has been saved.
N is the serial number of the nested layout for which the codes are generated.
S is the suffix for the corresponding machine in the machine list.
T indicates the number of cutting torches, for multiple torch cutting.
D indicates the distance between adjacent cutting torches, for multiple torch cutting.
Ext is the cnc filename extension for the corresponding machine in the machine list.
For example, let us consider a case where MOST 2D has generated 3 nested layouts for a
job and you have already saved the same in a job file named Try.job. Let us also assume
that you have already defined a machine in the machine list, whose prefix was defined as
A, suffix was defined as B and cnc extension was defined as CNC. Let us say that you
have also defined another cutting machine in the machine list, with prefix P, suffix Q and
extension NC. In such a case, MOST 2D will write cnc codes for the 3 nested layouts in
the following files, under cnc directory.
ATry1B.CNC
ATry2B.CNC
ATry3B.CNC
PTry1Q. NC
PTry2Q. NC
PTry3Q. NC
Page 298 of 425

Body (Matter Profile)
A close profile which encloses material is called a matter profile. Usually, a matter
profile represents the outermost boundary (i.e. main body) in an item drawing.
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Item Drawing File
An item drawing file is a text file which either stores the drawing of a shape or that of a
stock. The item drawing file has the extension .MDF. (MOST 2D Drawing File).
An item drawing consists of one or more 2 dimensional profiles. Each profile consists of
a chain of drawing entities. An item drawing file may also contain text strings.
In an item drawing file, a line starting with the character # represents a comment line.
You can insert a comment line anywhere in the file. While reading the drawing file,
MOST 2D ignores all the comment lines.
File Format
STARTDRAWING Beginning of the drawing.
VARIABLE N V Variable 1. (Only for template files.) N is the name of a variable.
V is the default value of the
variable, represented by a
constant number.
VARIABLE N V Variable 2. (Only for template files.) Another variable.
... Another variable.
DUMMYVARIABLE Temporary variable 1. (Only for N is the name of a
NX template files.) temporary variable. X is an
expression containing the
value of the variable.
DUMMYVARIABLE Temporary variable 2. (Only for Another temporary variable.
NX template files.)
… Another temporary variable.
ALLPROFILES Beginning of the profile list.
STARTPROFILE Beginning of a profile definition. This is an example of a non-
circular profile.
TYPE "name" Profile type. "name" can be either
"BODYCOVER" or
"PUNCH" or "CLAMP" or
"LEADIN" or "LEADOUT"
or "POWDERMARK" or
"DRILL" or "BORE" or
"MILL" or "PUNCH" or
"TOOL".
ALLENTITIES Beginning of the entity list.
STARTPOINT x0 y0 Start point of the profile. (x0,y0) is the start point of
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the profile. Both x0 and y0
can be represented as
expressions.
LINE xEnd yEnd A line entity ending at the current (xEnd,yEnd) is the end point
end point, starting from the previous of the current line entity.
end point. Both xEnd and yEnd can be
represented as expressions.
ARC xCen yCen angle An arc entity having the given center (xCen,yCen) is the centre of
and radius, starting from the the arc entity. angle is the
previous end point. included angle of the arc, in
degrees. The angle is
positive for counter-
clockwise arcs and negative
for clockwise arcs. xCen,
yCen as well as angle can be
... Another line / arc entity.
... All the other line / arc
entities in the profile.
...
...
ENDENTITIES End of the entity list.
ENCLOSED "name" Enclosure type. "name" is either "MATTER"
or "SPACE".
NESTABLE value Whether the software is allowed to value is either TRUE or
nest smaller shapes inside this FALSE.
profile. (Applicable to holes inside a
shape.).
CUTTERSIDE Tool location. (Defined for open "name" is either "LEFT" or
"name" profiles only.) "RIGHT" or "NONE".
CUTTER value Specific toolsize. (Defined only if value is a non-negative
the profile should be cut with a number.
specific toolsize.)
ENDPROFILE End of a profile definition.
STARTPROFILE Beginning of a profile definition. This is an example of a
circular profile.
TYPE "name" Profile type. "name" can be either
"BODYCOVER" or
"PUNCH" or "CLAMP" or
"LEADIN" or "LEADOUT"
or "POWDERMARK" or
"DRILL" or "BORE" or
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"MILL" or "PUNCH" or
"TOOL".
ALLENTITIES Beginning of the entity list.
STARTPOINT x0 y0 Start point of the profile. (x0,y0) is the dummy start
point of the circle.
CIRCLE xCen yCen A circle entity. (xCen,yCen) is the centre of
rad the circle. rad is the radius
of the circle. xCen, yCen as
well as rad can be
ENDENTITIES End of the entity list.
ENCLOSED "name" Enclosure type. "name" is either "MATTER"
or "SPACE".
ENDPROFILE End of a profile definition.
STARTPROFILE Beginning of another profile Next profile.
definition.
...
ENDPROFILE End of the profile definition.
... List of all the other profiles.
...
...
MARK 0.0 0.0 Marker on the drawing. Place holder. Does nothing.
TEXT "S" N1-11 Text. "S" is the text string. N1 to
N11 are numbers: N1=0,
N2=0/1 for annotation,
N3=0/1 for bold, N4=0/1 for
italic, N5=0/1 for underline,
N6=0/1 if fixed height,
N7=fixed height in mm,
N8=height scale between 1
and 5, N9/N10=XY
coordinates of text start
point, N11=text angle in
degrees.
...
DIMENSION N1-12 Dimension. N1 to N12 are numbers:
N1=1 for horizontal, 2 for
vertical, 3 for inclined, 4 for
radial and 5 for diametrical
dimension, N2=0,
N3/N4=XY coordinates of
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the first reference point,
the second reference point,
the first point on dimension
line, N9/N10=XY
coordinates of the second
point on dimension line,
N11=0.01, N12=0.
TEXT "S" N1-11 Dimension text. Text for the preceding
dimension.
...
...
REVISIONNUMBER Revision number of the drawing. N1 is the revision number of
N1 the profile.
ENDDRAWING End of the drawing.
Note
1. The entity list either consists of a single circle or it consists of a chain of line and arc
entities.
2. The entity list for a circular profile contains exactly one entity viz. the circle itself.
However, even in this case, the start point is required and it carries a dummy value of
(0,0).
3. For a non-circular profile, it is necessary that each entity is connected to its neighbours
at its end points. To ensure the connectivity, the item drawing file never defines the
start point of an entity explicitly. Instead, the start point of an entity is automatically set
as the end point of the previous entity. The start point of the very first entity is same as
the start point of the profile.
4. The end point of a close profile must be within a distance of 1E-6 MM from the start
point of the profile.
5. In an item drawing file, all the distances and entity coordinates are measured in MM.
Apart from this, it is also possible to write the cutting properties of an entity in the same
line, at the end of the entity description in the MDF file. The software allows you to
associate maximum 5 entity parameters (P1-P5) with each entity, as shown in the
examples below.
 LINE xEnd yEnd P1 P2 P3 P4 P5
 ARC xCen yCen angle P1 P2 P3 P4 P5
 CIRCLE xCen yCen rad P1 P2 P3 P4 P5
You will be able to find a number of sample item drawing files like Frame01.mdf and
Offcut02.mdf in the Demo sub-folder, inside your installation folder. (Typically, the
installation folder for MOST 2D is C:\MOST 2D.)
Page 303 of 425

Material Engineer File
Material engineer file contains a database of raw materials and their properties, which can
be created and modified using the Material Engineering software, an optional module
accompanying MOST 2D software. MOST 2D reads this file automatically at the
beginning of each session and accesses the same at different stages of nesting and cutting,
later on.
Note, MOST 2D reads material engineer file right at the beginning i.e. when you launch
the software. If you make any change related to the material engineer file after
commencing a session with MOST 2D, you will see the effect of the same during the
next session with MOST 2D.
You can define (or edit) the cutting parameters for a material grade and thickness (e.g.
Mild Steel - 10 mm thickness) in the material engineering file as follows.
1. Launch the application ME2.EXE from the installation folder.
(Typically, your installation folder would be C:\MOST 2D \CNC.)
2. Start a new material engineering file using the command File New.
Or
Read an existing material engineering file using the command File Open.
3. If you want to define oxyfuel parameters, select Edit Gas cutting table.
Or
If you want to define plasma parameters, select Edit Plasma cutting table.
Or
If you want to define high plasma parameters, select Edit High Plasma cutting
table.
Or
If you want to define laser parameters, select Edit Laser cutting table.
Or
If you want to define waterjet parameters, select Edit Waterjet cutting table.
Or
If you want to define diamond tip parameters, select Edit Diamond cutting table.
4. You will see the cutting table in the form of a dialog box on the screen.
Select the Add button in the dialog box.
5. Define the new material name (e.g. Mild Steel) and thickness (e.g. 10) in the
Material Type dialog box. Please do not type the material name as MS or SS or
STEEL as they have been reserved for default use. Select the OK button in the
dialog box.
6. Define the basic cutting parameters for the specified material and thickness in the
next dialog box. (If you want, you can also specify the advanced properties using the
Advanced Properties button.) Select the OK button in the dialog box.
7. Select the command File Save in order to save the changes in the material
engineering file. Say, the changes were saved in the file C:\DATA\MT.ME2.
8. Exit ME2.EXE.
9. Launch the nesting module i.e. MOST.EXE.
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10. If you have never registered the name of the material engineering file with MOST 2D
before, do the following.
 Select the command Job Options Folder Material Engg File.
 Type the name of the material engineering file (C:\DATA\MT.ME2).
 Select the OK button in the dialog box.
 Exit MOST.EXE.
 Launch MOST.EXE once again.
11. Start a new job using the command File New.
12. Select Use material engineer in the New Job dialog box that appears on the screen.
13. Select the appropriate Cutting device for the new job. Do ensure that you have
already defined the parameters for the relevant material grade and thickness in the
matching table (as defined in step 3 above) of the material engineering file.
14. Select the OK button in the dialog box.
15. Now, MOST 2D will allow you to access material, thickness and other cutting
parameters directly from the material engineering file.
Shortcut
You can also read the cutting parameters from a text file (TAB separated text file) and re-
define the entire cutting table for a specific cutting device (gas or plasma or laser) as
described below.
1. Launch the application ME2.EXE from the installation folder.
(Typically, your installation folder would be C:\MOST 2D \CNC.)
2. Start a new material engineering file using the command File New.
3. Select one of the following commands, as applicable.
File Import Gas cutting data

File Import Plasma cutting data
File Import High Plasma cutting data
File Import Laser cutting data
File Import Waterjet cutting data
File Import Diamond cutting data
4. Select the appropriate text file in which you have defined the cutting parameters for
the above-mentioned cutting device, using the File Open dialog box. Please ensure
that the data file does not contain duplicate entries for identical material / thickness
values and is written in the format mentioned in the Note below.
5. Select the OK button in the dialog box.
6. Select the command File Save in order to save the changes in the appropriate
material engineering file.
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Note
For the above mentioned process, you must create the input text file using a suitable
spread sheet package like MS-Excel or using a text editor like Notepad. You must write
the cutting parameters of each material and thickness in a new line (row) and separate
each column using the TAB character. In case you are generating the file in a spread-
sheet package, you must save the data in the form of TAB separated text file. The
following table describes the contents of each column in the file.
Column 1. Material name, like Mild Steel.
Column 2. Thickness in MM.
Column 3. Kerf (toolsize) in MM.
Column 4. Clearance in MM.
Column 5. Default leadin span in MM.
Column 6. Default leadout span in MM.
Column 7. Density in Kg / M3.
Column 8. Raw material cost in <Your-currency> / Kg.
Column 9. Cutting speed (feed) in MM per second.
Column 10. Flow rate for cutting agent 1 in M3 / Hour.
Column 11. Flow rate for cutting agent 2 in M3 / Hour.
Column 12. Nozzle type to be used. (This data can be output in customized
applications.)
Column 13. Cutting oxygen pressure in Kg / cm2.
Column 14. Preheat oxygen pressure in Kg / cm2.
Column 15. Acetylene pressure in Kg / cm2.
Column 16. Marking speed in MM per second.
Column 17. Piercing time. (This data can be output in customized applications.)
Column 18. Dwell time. (This data can be output in customized applications.)
Column 19. Acceleration. (This data can be output in customized applications.)
Column 20. Tool id number 1. (This data can be output in customized applications.)
Column 21. Tool id number 2. (This data can be output in customized applications.)
Column 22. Tool detail number 1. (This data can be output in customized
applications.)
applications.)
applications.)
applications.)
A sample material engineering file named Material.me2 can be found in the Demo sub-
folder, inside your installation folder. (Typically, the installation folder for MOST 2D is
C:\MOST 2D.)
Page 306 of 425

Add Leadin menu commands (Leadio menu)
The Add Leadin menu offers the following commands for attaching a leadin to the
Stock Defines a leadin from the stock.
Shape Defines a leadin from another nested shape.
Line Defines a leadin along the specified line.
Direction Defines a leadin along the specified direction.
Point Defines a leadin at the specified point on the cutting cycle.
Corner Defines a tangential (extended) leadin at the specified corner on the cutting
cycle.
Radial Defines a circular leadin at the specified point on the cutting cycle.
Page 307 of 425

Add Leadout menu commands (Leadio menu)
The Add Leadout menu offers the following commands for attaching a leadout to the
Line Defines a leadout along the specified line.
Direction Defines a leadout along the specified direction.
Point Defines a leadout at the specified point on the cutting cycle.
Corner Defines a tangential (extended) leadout at the specified corner on the cutting
cycle.
Radial Defines a circular leadout at the specified point on the cutting cycle.
Page 308 of 425

Draw Arc menu commands (Contour menu)
The Draw Arc menu offers the following commands for drawing a circular arc in the
active layout.
Start, End, Center Allows you to draw an arc using start point, end point and center.
Start, Center, Angle Allows you to draw an arc using start point, center and included angle.
Start, End, Direction Allows you to draw an arc using start point, end point and start
direction.
3 Points Allows you to draw an arc using 3 points on the arc.
Page 309 of 425

Automatic Leadin menu commands (Leadio menu)
The Automatic Leadin menu offers the following commands for defining automatic
leadins.
Cutting Cycle Defines automatic leadin for the selected cutting cycle.
Selected Shapes Defines automatic leadins for the selected nested shapes.
Page 310 of 425

Automatic Leadin-out menu commands (Leadio menu)
The Automatic Leadin-out menu offers the following commands for defining automatic
leadins and the corresponding default leadouts.
Cutting Cycle Defines automatic leadin and leadout for the selected cutting cycle.
Selected Shapes Defines automatic leadin and leadout for the selected nested shapes.
Page 311 of 425

Chain menu commands (Cut menu)
The Chain menu offers the following commands in order to perform chain cutting in the
active layout.
Add chains Allows you to add chains in the active layout.

Remove chains Allows you to remove chains from the active layout, one by one.
Remove all chains Allows you to remove all the chains from the active layout.
Page 312 of 425

CNC Codes menu commands (Result menu)
The CNC Codes menu offers following commands for generating cnc cutting codes for
the active layout:
Machine List Generates cutting codes for all the machines in the machine list.
ESSI Codes Generates cutting codes in ESSI format.
Burny Generates cutting codes for Burny controller.
Bystronic Generates cutting codes for Bystronic machine.
Fagor Generates cutting codes for Fagor controller.
Fanuc Generates cutting codes for Fanuc controller.
Kirloskar Generates cutting codes for Kirloskar Viking controller.
Koike Generates cutting codes for Koike machine.
Linde Generates cutting codes for L-Tech / ESAB machine.
Lynx Generates cutting codes for Lynx controller.
Pdf 32 Generates cutting codes for Pdf 32 based controller.
Pilot Generates cutting codes for Pilot controller.
RS 274D Generates cutting codes for RS 274D based controller.
Rutex Generates cutting codes for Rutex controller.
Sahajanand Generates cutting codes for Sahajanand machine.
Sinumeric Generates cutting codes for Sinumeric controller.
Tanaka Generates cutting codes for Tanaka machine.
Tekmov Generates cutting codes for Tekmov controller.
Trumpf Generates cutting codes for Trumpf machine.
Zinser Generates cutting codes for Zinser controller.
Custom Controller Generates customized cnc codes, just like the previous commands.
(This is a customized feature, available to specific users only.)
Page 313 of 425

Create Common Cut menu commands (Cut menu)
The Create Common Cut menu offers following commands in order to create common
cuts in a layout.
Slide on Left Slide the selected shapes to left in order to create a common cut.
Slide on Right Slide the selected shapes to right in order to create a common cut.
Slide Up Slide the selected shapes upwards in order to create a common cut.
Slide Down Slide the selected shapes downwards in order to create a common cut.
Slide in Any Direction Slide the selected shapes in specified direction to create a common cut.
Draw Leadin Shortcut Define leadin to start the cut on the second cutting cycle.
Common Shortcut Convert selected common cuts into high priority shortcut contours.
Page 314 of 425

Layout Confirmation menu commands (Result menu)
The Layout Confirmation menu offers the following commands for confirming one or
more nested layouts and locking them permanently with the active job. (Note, such
layouts can NOT be deleted using the Layout Rejection menu or any other command,
later on. Further, MOST 2D will NOT allow you to modify a confirmed layout.)
Active Layout Confirms the active layout.

All Layouts Confirms all the nested layouts.
All Except Last Confirms all the nested layouts except the last one.
Page 315 of 425

Contour menu commands
The Contour menu offers the following commands.
Start Editing a Contour Selects and starts editing a contour.

Stop Editing Stops editing a contour.
Draw Pops up a submenu for starting different types of contours.
Draw Line Pops up a submenu for drawing lines.
Draw Arc Pops up a submenu for drawing arcs.
Offcut Pops up a submenu for editing an offcut contour.
Shortcut Pops up a submenu for editing a shortcut.
Cut Entity Removes an entity from a contour.
Join Contours Joins multiple contours with each other.
Break Contour Breaks a contour at the specified point.
Remove Contour Removes a contour.
Toggle Sketchpoint Changes the position of the active sketch point.
Page 316 of 425

Convert menu commands (Result menu)
The Convert menu offers the following commands for writing the drawing of the active
layout in different types of output files.
Dxf file Writes the drawing of the active layout in a dxf file.
Prenested Offcut Saves the skeleton offcut of the active layout in an item drawing file.
Page 317 of 425

Corner Loop menu commands (Cut menu)
The Corner Loop menu offers the following commands in order to perform corner loop
cutting in a nested layout.
Add Loop Allows you to add corner loops in the active layout.
Remove a Loop Allows you to remove a corner loop.
Remove from Cutting Allows you to remove all the loops from the selected cutting cycle.
Cycle
Page 318 of 425

View Detail menu commands (View menu)
The View Detail menu offers the following commands for viewing the active layout in
greater detail.
Clearance Limit Displays (or hides) clearance boundaries of all the nested items.
Contours Displays (or hides) contours.
Text Displays (or hides) text objects.
Cutting Sequence Displays (or hides) cutting sequence number of each cutting cycle.
Cutting Sense Displays (or hides) cutting sense of each cutting cycle.
Common Cuts Displays (or hides) common cuts.
Stitches Displays (or hides) stitches.
Chains Displays (or hides) chains.
Cutting Simulation Simulates the movement of the cutting tool in slow motion on the
screen.
Page 319 of 425

Draw menu commands (Contour menu)
The Draw menu offers the following commands in order to sketch different types of
contours in the active layout.
Automatic Annotations Allows you to annotate the layout automatically.

Offcut Allows you to start an offcut contour.
Shortcut Allows you to start a shortcut.
Shape Contour Allows you to generate a free form contour by tracing a shape
profile.
Stock Contour Allows you to generate a free form contour by tracing a stock
profile.
Page 320 of 425

Inquiry menu commands (Tools menu)
The Inquiry menu offers the following commands for inspecting a nested layout.
Distance Allows you to measure distance between two points.

Entity Allows you to view the properties of a geometric entity.
Page 321 of 425

Job menu commands
The Job menu includes the following commands for managing a cutting job.
Constraints Manages all the constraints.

Stocklist Manages the list of stocks available for nesting.
Shapelist Manages the list of shapes to be nested.
Units Allows you to set the units of measurement.
Options Allows you to configure the working environment.
Page 322 of 425

Mirror menu commands (Fit menu)
The Mirror menu offers following commands for mirroring the selected shapes about the
specified axis in the active layout.
Horizontal Axis Allows you to mirror the shapes about a horizontal line.
Vertical Axis Allows you to mirror the shapes about a vertical line.
Page 323 of 425

Offcut menu commands (Contour menu)
The Offcut menu offers the following commands for managing an offcut.
Offcut Type… Allows you to define the offcut type as re-usable or un-usable.
Export Offcut File… Allows you to save an offcut contour in an item drawing file.
Export as dxf File… Allows you to save an offcut contour in a dxf file.
Page 324 of 425

Chop Offcut command (Contour menu)
You can use this command in order to chop (trim) an offcut using another contour in the
active layout.
In general, one would draw an offcut as well as one or more chopping contours before
using this command. The chopping contours are drawn such that each contour cuts the
given offcut at 2 points. When you select this command, MOST 2D prompts you to select
these contours one by one. As soon as you select a contour, the software will trim the
corresponding offcut profile using the specified chopping line.
Note The software also generates new shortcuts along each selected chopping contour in
order to separate the offcut from the parent stock. However, it may not remove redundant
shortcut lines belonging to earlier cuts, in case of multiple chopping on the same offcut.
Page 325 of 425

Layout Rejection menu commands (Result menu)
The Layout Rejection menu offers the following commands for removing one or more
nested layouts from the active job. (Note, the layouts which have been already confirmed
using the Layout Confirmation menu can NOT be removed using these commands.)
Active Layout Removes the active layout from the job.

All Layouts Removes all the nested layouts from the job.
Page 326 of 425

Remove Leadin menu commands (Leadio menu)
The Remove Leadin menu offers the following commands for removing leadin.
Cutting Cycle Removes the leadin from the selected cutting cycle.
Selected Shapes Removes leadin profiles from the selected nested shapes.
Page 327 of 425

Remove Leadout menu commands (Leadio menu)
The Remove Leadout menu offers the following commands for removing leadout.
Cutting Cycle Removes the leadout from the selected cutting cycle.
Selected Shapes Removes leadout profiles from the selected nested shapes.
Page 328 of 425

Rotate menu commands (Fit menu)
The Rotate menu offers the following commands for rotating the selected shapes inside
the nested layout.
90 degree Allows you to rotate the shapes by 90 degree.

180 degree Allows you to rotate the shapes by 180 degrees.
270 degree Allows you to rotate the shapes by 270 degrees.
Clockwise by 1 degree Allows you to rotate the shapes clockwise by 1 degree.
Clockwise by 10 degree Allows you to rotate the shapes clockwise by 10 degrees.
Anti-clockwise by 1 degree Allows you to rotate the shapes counter-clockwise by 1 degree.
Anti-clockwise by 10 Allows you to rotate the shapes counter-clockwise by 10
degree degrees.
Any Angle Allows you to rotate the shapes by specified angle.
Page 329 of 425

Cutting Sequence menu commands (Cut menu)
The Cutting Sequence menu offers the following commands.
Regenerate Re-generates cutting sequence of active layout along the specified

direction.
Optimize Re-generates cutting sequence of active layout to reduce rapid motion
time.
Edit Sequence No Allows you to modify the sequence number of the selected cutting cycle.
Page 330 of 425

Shortcut menu commands (Contour menu)
The Shortcut menu offers the following commands for working with a shortcut.
Reverse Sense Allows you to reverse the sense (direction) of a shortcut.

Attributes Allows you to modify the properties of a shortcut.
Page 331 of 425

Slide menu commands (Fit menu)
The Slide menu offers following commands for sliding the selected shapes by maximum
possible distance along the specified direction, so as to touch the nearest stock boundary
or the nearest shape profile in the active layout.
Left Allows you to slide the shapes on the left side.

Right Allows you to slide the shapes on the right side.
Top Allows you to slide the shapes upwards.
Bottom Allows you to slide the shapes downwards.
Any Direction Allows you to slide the shapes in specified direction.
Page 332 of 425

Stitch menu commands (Cut menu)
The Stitch menu offers the following commands in order to perform stitch cutting in a
nested layout.
Add stitch Allows you to add stitches on the active layout.

Remove a stitch Allows you to remove a stitch.
Remove from Cutting Allows you to remove all the stitches from the selected cutting
Cycle cycle.
Page 333 of 425

Text menu commands (Tools menu)
The Text menu offers the following commands for defining and managing text objects in
a nested layout.
Add Allows you to add a text object on the active layout.

Remove Allows you to remove text objects from the active layout.
Attributes Allows you to modify the attributes of a text object.
Move Allows you to move a text object to another location in the layout.
Page 334 of 425

Toolbar menu commands (View menu)
The Toolbar menu offers the following commands.
Contour Shows (or hides) toolbar for managing contours.

Cut Shows (or hides) toolbar for cutting operations.
Entity Shows (or hides) toolbar for defining geometric entities.
Leadin - Leadout Shows (or hides) toolbar for managing leadin and leadout.
Nest Shows (or hides) toolbar for manual nesting operations.
View Shows (or hides) toolbar for managing views.
Main Toolbar Shows (or hides) the main toolbar.
Page 335 of 425

Model File
MOST 2D allows you to compose and store a model in a text file, called the Model File.
Typically, a model file represents a finished product or equipment, consisting of different
types of shapes, each having different properties. Whenever you have to produce one or
more units of such a model, all you have to do is to import the corresponding model file
in MOST 2D using the Import Model command and specify the number of units of the
model required. MOST 2D will automatically add all the shapes in the model to the
active job in appropriate quantity and keep them ready for nesting.
Model file can also be treated as a consolidated Bill of Materials (BOM) file, which can
be generated automatically from your database system using a separate customized
database program. All you need is a small application which can run on your database
system, read the relevant data for each shape to be produced and write the same in the
model file. Later, you can import this file in MOST 2D with the model quantity defined
as 1 .
In general, a model file may consist of shapes of different material and thickness. In this
case, it may not be appropriate to use the same global (uniform) constraints for the entire
job. Instead, it may be a good idea to read the cutting parameters for each material grade
and thickness from the material engineer file while nesting such jobs.
File Format
Each line in model file corresponds to a unique input shape, which constitutes the model.
Accordingly, each line in the file should contain the following information about a shape
in columnar fashion. The columns should be separated from each other using a TAB
character. The following list shows the contents of each field (column) along with the
maximum length of each.

1 Name of the shape i.e. shape description Maximum 40 characters
2 Drawing data, as explained in Note 1 below. Maximum 80 characters
3 Material name Maximum 40 characters
4 Thickness in MM Double precision number
5 Unit quantity of the shape within the model Integer
6 Grain orientation Input X or Y or NONE
7 Item number Maximum 40 characters
8 Drawing number Maximum 40 characters
9 Sales order number Maximum 40 characters
10 Internal order number (project) Maximum 40 characters
11 Remarks Maximum 80 characters
12 Priority, if model priority is 0. Integer
Page 336 of 425

16-40 Parameters for defining the standard 2-D Double precision numbers
parametric drawing, as defined in column 2.
Note 1
• Column 2 in the above-mentioned format can be used for defining either a standard
2-D parametric drawing from the standard drawing library or the pathname of the
shape drawing file (dxf file or item drawing file). First, MOST 2D checks whether
the standard drawing library defines any drawing whose code number matches with
the number specified in column 2. (The code numbers have been listed in a separate
document, along with the list of parameters required for each code. For example,
code 1001 represents a rectangle, which can be defined using length and width.)
While performing this check, the software also compares the user-defined drawing
names with the name specified in column 2. (The user-defined drawing names are
read automatically from the drawing library file while launching the software.) If a
parametric shape with the specified code/name is found from the standard library,
the software will read the drawing parameters from columns 16 to 24 in order to
create the shape drawing. However, if such a parametric shape is not found in the
standard library, the software will automatically read column 2 as the pathname of
the shape drawing file and will try to read the shape drawing from the same.
• A sample model file named My model.txt can be found in the Demo sub-folder,
inside your installation folder. (Typically, the installation folder for MOST 2D is
C:\MOST 2D.)
Page 337 of 425

Model
MOST 2D allows you to compose and store a model in a model file. Typically, a model
file represents a finished product or equipment, consisting of different types of input
shapes, each having different property (like material, thickness, etc.) and population
(quantity) within a single unit of the model.
Whenever you have to produce one or more units of such a model, all you have to do is to
import the corresponding model file in MOST 2D using the Import Model command and
specify the number of units of the model required. MOST 2D will automatically add all
the shapes in the model to the active job in appropriate quantity and keep them ready for
nesting.
Since a model file may consist of shapes of different material and thickness, it may not be
appropriate to use the same global (uniform) constraints for the entire job. Instead, it may
be a good idea to read the cutting parameters for each material grade and thickness from
the material engineer file while nesting such jobs.
Note
Model file can also be treated as a consolidated Bill of Materials (BOM) file, which can
be generated automatically from your database system using a separate customized
database program. All you need is a small application which can run on the database
system, read the relevant data for each shape to be produced and write the same in the
model file. Later, you can import this file in MOST 2D with the model quantity defined
as 1 .
A sample model file named My model.txt can be found in the Demo sub-folder, inside
your installation folder. (Typically, the installation folder for MOST 2D is C:\MOST
2D.)
Page 338 of 425

Multiple Torch Cutting
MOST 2D allows you to generate nested layouts which can be cut simultaneously using
two or more cutting torches, which are arranged at uniform distance from each other.
This feature is called multiple torch cutting.
During a multiple torch cutting operation, all the torches trace the same cutting path on
the nested stock. If one torch cuts a triangle, all the other torches would also cut triangle
of same size, at uniform distance from each other. Since the nested pattern repeats itself
on the stock, the user has to generate only one cnc code file for the given combination of
torches after positioning the torches. However, MOST 2D allows you to use different
combinations of multiple torches on different regions of the nested stock. In such cases,
you need to generate as many cnc code files as the number of torch combinations used.
For example, you may use 4 torches for cutting one side of the stock and only 3 torches
for cutting the rest of the stock. In that case, you need to generate 2 cnc code files, one for
4-torch cutting and one for 3-torch cutting operation.
CNC gas cutting machines having multiple torch cutting facility can reduce the overall
cutting time significantly while handling jobs with large number of identical shapes.
However, multiple torch cutting may not always be a good choice for all types of cutting
jobs, as it normally generates more wastage than a single torch cutting operation.
Page 339 of 425

Neutral Position
Neutral position serves as a reference point for aligning a stock during a cnc profile
cutting operation. It indicates the home position of the profile cutting tool (cutting torch)
just before commencing the cutting operation.
While cutting a fresh rectangular stock, one usually selects the neutral position at one of
the four corners of the stock. This is usually done by specifying the default choice of the
starting corner in the toolpath settings.
The selection of the neutral position becomes more important while cutting an offcut,
since it does not have a well defined geometric corner. In this case, one must mark a
point physically on the offcut at the end of the previous cutting process and calculate its
position (X and Y coordinates) within the offcut drawing. While generating the cutting
plan for this offcut in MOST 2D, one must set this point as the neutral position. (See
How to modify the neutral position.)
Later, while cutting the offcut on the cnc machine, the operator can bring the cutting tool
to this point (which has been already marked physically), set it as the neutral position and
start the cutting process.
Page 340 of 425

Non-rectangular Stock
A stock whose drawing can not be represented as a single rectangle is called a non-
rectangular stock. The drawing of a non-rectangular stock consists of a body and none /
more holes.
Offcuts are represented as non-rectangular stocks.
Page 341 of 425

Offcut
After cutting all the shapes from a stock, one may notice a large region on the remaining
stock, which can be reused for nesting. Such a region is called an offcut and is saved as a
non-rectangular stock.
While cutting an offcut from the parent layout, it is necessary to mark the neutral position
of the cutting tool on the offcut stock. This point is used for aligning the stock properly
on the machine bed, when you load it again for the next cutting operation. This mark
must be made physically on the stock itself and its coordinates should be noted down
Page 342 of 425

Internal Pair
Pair is a combination formed by two identical shapes after rotating the second shape by
180 degrees. The software can generate such a pair while nesting, if the user selects the
pairing option for the shape.
Normally, it is desirable to nest big shapes in pairs in order to increase the nesting
efficiency. However, internal pairs tend to slow down the nesting process and hence, are
usually avoided for small shapes.
The internal pairs must be skipped for shapes whose step angle of rotation is 360 degrees.
Page 343 of 425

Powder Mark
Profile traced by a powder marking device is called a powder mark.
Powder marks are used for marking those locations on the stock which may require
special machining operations later, like drilling. Powder marks leave a permanent
impression on the stock and are also used for identifying shapes after a cutting operation.
Usually the powder marking operation is carried out before the cutting operation.
Whenever required, powder marking profiles are included within the corresponding input
shape drawing files.
Page 344 of 425

Profile
A continuous chain of drawing entities is called a profile.

There are two types of profiles viz. close profiles and open profiles. Profiles are used for
representing different types of drawings (like shape and stock drawings) and contours in
MOST 2D.
Apart from the geometric data, a profile may also contain additional information like
profile type, enclosure type and tool location.
Page 345 of 425

Profile Type
MOST 2D supports the following types of profiles.
Item profile. (Must be a close profile.)
Punch profile. (Must be a close profile.)
Clamp profile. (Must be a close profile.)
Leadin path. (Can be an open profile.)
Leadout path. (Can be an open profile.)
Powder marking profile. (Can be an open profile.)
Drilling profile. (Must be a circle.)
Boring profile. (Must be a circle.)
Milling profile. (Must be a close profile.)
Custom profile. (Can be an open profile.)
Partial toolpath around an item profile. (Can be an open profile.)
Page 346 of 425

Prompting
When MOST 2D requires any mouse based input from your side, it displays the
corresponding message inside the Status Bar below. Typically, this message / prompt is
displayed on the left hand side of the status bar and it tells you what the software expects
you to do next.
Note, in certain cases, you may have to move the mouse (without pressing any button) a
little bit to activate a fresh prompting message in the status bar.
Page 347 of 425

Layout Report
The layout report is divided into 3 parts as shown below.

1. Stock properties.
2. Layout properties.
3. Cutting properties.
Each part can be viewed by selecting the appropriate tab from the top of the property
sheet.
Page 348 of 425

Options
MOST 2D allows you to define your own working environment using various options.
Typically these options allow you to define certain settings and parameters which you
would like to use while working with MOST 2D.
MOST 2D supports 11 different groups of options and each group appears under a
separate tab in the options dialog box, as listed below.
1. User options.
2. General options.
3. Folder options.
4. Machine options.
5. Toolpath options.
6. CNC options.
7. Cost options.
8. Time options.
9. Validation options.
10. Appearance options.
11. Print options.
Page 349 of 425

Appearance Settings
The following options allow you to view and edit the settings which affect the appearance
of MOST 2D on your screen.
Object colors
MOST 2D allows you to draw different objects (like shape, stock, cutting cycle, etc.)
with different colors on your screen. Select the type of object from this list box and you
will immediately see its color on its right side in a rectangular box. (Note, you may not
see the color, if the color of the selected object is same as the background color of the
dialog box, which is typically GREY.)
Color
Choose a new color for the selected object using the color dialog box displayed on the
screen.
Text
Define the default properties of text objects, using the following options.
Page 350 of 425

Fixed height
Indicate whether to use pre-fixed height (as defined in the Height option below) or the
height value (as defined in the Size option below) as height of the text object.
Size
Type the height value of a text object.
Height
Set the pre-fixed height of the text object by selecting the appropriate item in the list box.
Bold
Indicate whether the text object should be written in bold letters.
Italic
Indicate whether the text object should be written in italics.
Underline
Indicate whether the text object should be underlined.
Filled contours
Define the hatching style for those contours which are automatically hatched by MOST
2D, like the offcut contours.
Hatch lines
Set the separation between successive hatch lines in the filled contour.
Hatch angle
Set the hatching angle, in degrees.
OK
Closes the dialog box and updates all the MOST 2D settings using the new values you
have just input.
Cancel
Closes the dialog box, but does not modify any settings.
Page 351 of 425

Settings for CNC Cutting Machine
The following options allow you to view and modify the settings for your cnc cutting
machine. These settings define the machine characteristics and are also used for
estimation.
Cutting device
Select the type of cutting device from the given list.
Default toolsize
Type the default toolsize in millimeter (mm). The toolsize should be greater than 0.001
mm. (This value is ignored for those jobs which use material engineer.)
Nozzle
Type the name of the cutting nozzle on the cnc cutting machine. (This value is ignored
for those jobs which use material engineer.)
Page 352 of 425

Machine axes
Select the angle at which each nested layout needs to be rotated, in order to match the X
and Y axes on the cnc cutting machine. The angle of rotation should be specified in
degrees.
Torches
Type the total number of cutting torches on the cutting machine, while performing
multiple torch cutting. The total number of cutting torches should be in the range [1, 40].
(For single torch cutting application, this parameter can be set as 1.) Note, MOST 2D will
not nest a shape with more number of torches than what is specified here, even if the
torch limits for the given shape permit the use of higher number of cutting torches.
Cutting speed
Type the cutting speed of the machine in millimeters per second (mmps). This is the
speed at which the machine moves while it is cutting a stock. The cutting speed must be a
non-negative real number. (This value is ignored for those jobs which use material
engineer.)
Rapid speed
Type the rapid motion speed of the machine in millimeters per second (mmps). This is
the speed at which the machine moves between two successive cutting cycles. The rapid
travel speed must be a non-negative real number.
Marking speed
Type the speed of the machine during the powder marking operations in millimeters per
second (mmps). The marking speed must be a non-negative real number.
Gas pressures
Type the following gas pressures to be set on the cnc cutting machine in kg/square-cm.
(This value is ignored for those jobs which use material engineer.)
Preheat oxygen pressure

Cutting oxygen pressure
Acetylene pressure
Agent 1 consumption
Type the rate at which cutting agent 1 is consumed during a cutting operation in cubic
meter per hour (m3/hr). The consumption figure should be a non-negative real number.
Agent 2 consumption
Type the rate at which cutting agent 2 is consumed during a cutting operation in cubic
meter per hour (m3/hr). The consumption figure should be a non-negative real number.
Page 353 of 425

Machine list
Select this button in order to view and edit the machine list. When you select this button,
MOST 2D displays the Cutting Machines dialog box. You can add, remove or edit the
specification of a cnc machine in the machine list using the appropriate buttons in this
dialog box.
OK
have just input.
Cancel
Page 354 of 425

Cost Settings
The following options allow you to view and set various types of costs. These settings are
used later for estimating the total cost of the cutting operation. (Please enter all the cost
figures in your local currency.)
Raw material
Type the raw material cost (purchase price) in cost per Kg (cost/kg). The material cost
must be a non-negative real number. (This value is ignored for those jobs which use
material engineer.)
Cutting agent 1
Type the cost of cutting agent 1 in cost per cubic meter (cost/m3). This cost must be a
non-negative real number.
Cutting agent 2
Type the cost of cutting agent 2 in cost per cubic meter (cost/m3). This cost must be a
non-negative real number.
Page 355 of 425

Scrap value
Type the resale value of the scrap material in cost per Kg (cost/kg). While estimating the
overall cost, the total scrap value is subtracted from the other costs, in order to arrive at
the final cost figure. The scrap value must be a non-negative real number.
OK
have just input.
Cancel
Page 356 of 425

Folder Settings
The following options allow you to view and modify the folder settings for MOST 2D.
These settings indicate the default locations of various files and folders accessed by
MOST 2D.
Material engg file
Type the complete pathname of the material engineering file. Alternatively, click the
adjoining Browse button and select the appropriate file from the file system.
Drawing library file

Type the complete pathname of the drawing library file. Alternatively, click the adjoining
Browse button and select the appropriate file from the file system.
Job directory
Type the complete pathname of the default job folder, which contains the job files.
Alternatively, click the adjoining Browse button and select an existing folder.
Shape directory
Type the complete pathname of the default shape folder, containing shape drawing files.
Stock directory
Page 357 of 425

Type the complete pathname of the default stock folder. Alternatively, click the adjoining
Browse button and select an existing folder. Typically this folder contains offcut files.
Output directory
Type the complete pathname of the output folder, which stores various result files
generated by MOST 2D. Alternatively, click the adjoining Browse button and select an
existing folder. (Typically this folder contains the reports generated by MOST 2D.)
CNC directory
Type the complete pathname of this special output folder, which stores the cnc code files.
CNC file extension
Type the default filename extension you would like to attach to all the cnc code files.
OK
have just input.
Cancel
Page 358 of 425

General Settings
The following options allow you to view and modify the general settings for MOST 2D.
Teach mode
Select this option if you would like to work in teach mode. This option is more useful
while you are learning to work with the software.
Density
Type the default density of the raw material in Kg per cubic meter (kg/m3). (This value
is ignored for those jobs which use material engineer.)
Thickness
Type the default thickness of each item in millimeter (mm). The thickness should be
Clearance
Type the default clearance distance in millimeter (mm). The clearance distance must be
a non-negative real number. (This value is ignored for those jobs which use material
engineer.)
Margin
Type the default margin distance for each fresh rectangular stock in millimeter (mm).
The margin distance should be a non-negative real number.
Page 359 of 425

Layout method
Specify the default layout method for each input shape.
Step angle
Specify the default step angle for each input shape.
Pair generation
Specify the default pair property for each input shape.
Mirror
Specify the default mirror property for each input shape.
OK
have just input.
Cancel
Page 360 of 425

Geometric Properties
The following options allow you to view the geometric properties of an item. (The item
can be either a shape or a stock.)
Note, while viewing properties of multiple shapes, you may observe incorrect data (like,
-1 or a grey coloured region or an empty list) in some of these fields. It merely indicates
that this value is not identical for all the shapes selected by you.
Drawing file
Displays the name of the drawing file containing the drawing of the item. Note, the name
of the drawing file is not displayed for a fresh rectangular stock.
Size
Displays the overall horizontal and vertical size of the item.
Holes
Displays the total number of holes in the item.
Length
Displays the total perimeter of all the profiles in the item drawing.
Area
Displays the net area occupied by the item.
Weight
Displays the total weight of the item. (Note, the calculation of weight also depends on
some more parameters, like thickness of the item, which may not have been defined by
the time you see item properties. Accordingly, the weight may not be correct when you
view the item properties for the first time.)
Page 361 of 425

Preview
Displays the drawing of the selected item in the preview area.
OK
Closes the dialog box and updates all the item properties using the new values you have
just input.
Cancel
Closes the dialog box, but does not modify any item property.
Page 362 of 425

General Properties
The following options allow you to view and modify the general properties of an item.
(The item can be either a shape or a stock.)
that this value is not identical for all the shapes selected by you. If required, you can
change this attribute for all the selected shapes by editing this value in this property sheet.
Total Quantity
Type the total shape quantity required (or total stock quantity available) for the given job.
The quantity must be a positive integer.
Confirmed Quantity
This number indicates how many pieces from the Total Quantity (described above) have
been already confirmed. In general, this number is less than or equal to the Total
Quantity number. However, this may not be true if the user fits some extra pieces of the
item in a nested layout interactively and confirms it using the Layout Confirmation menu.
Priority
Type the shape priority / stock priority number. The priority number must be a positive
integer.
Item number
Type the item number.
Sales order (work order)
Type the sales order number.
Page 363 of 425

Internal order (project)
Type the internal order number (project).
Remarks
Type additional remarks.
OK
just input.
Cancel
Page 364 of 425

Cutting Summary
The following options allow you to view the cutting summary of a nested layout.
Nozzle
Displays the name of the cutting nozzle to be used on the cnc machine while cutting the
given layout.
Cutting speed
Displays the cutting speed to be set on the cnc machine while cutting the given layout.
The cutting speed is displayed in millimeters per second (mmps).
Piercing time
Displays total time taken for all the piercing operations in seconds.
Gas pressures
Displays the following gas pressures to be set on the cnc cutting machine in kg/square-
cm.
• Preheat oxygen pressure

• Cutting oxygen pressure
• Acetylene pressure
Page 365 of 425

Consumption of cutting agent 1
Displays the consumption of cutting agent 1 in cubic meter (m3).
Consumption of cutting agent 2
Displays the consumption of cutting agent 2 in cubic meter (m3).
OK
Cancel
Page 366 of 425

Nested Layout Summary
The following options allow you to view the properties of a nested layout.
Material consumption
Identifies the following types of regions on the stock and displays the relevant data for
each one.
Used Region
The region occupied by all the nested shapes.
Burnt Region
The region burnt along the path of the cutting tool. (Kerf loss).
Offcut Region
The region occupied by offcut.
Scrap Region
The remaining unutilized region on the nested stock.
Data for each region can be obtained in different units and in the form of percentage
values by selecting the appropriate item in the corresponding list box above.
No. of pierces
Displays total number of piercing locations in the nested layout.
Page 367 of 425

Length of cut
Displays total length of cut, including the length of all the shortcuts.
Toolsize
Displays the toolsize to be used for cutting the active layout.
Clearance
Displays the clearance distance to be maintained in the active layout.
Horizontal span
Displays the overall horizontal size of the nested region on the stock.
Vertical span
Displays the overall vertical size of the nested region on the stock.
Linear unit
Click this button to select another unit of measurement for the horizontal and vertical
spans. This option has been provided so that you do not have to carry out the necessary
unit conversion by hand. The effect of this button is local and it does not affect any other
unit system set outside this dialog box.
OK
Cancel
Page 368 of 425

Nested Stock Summary
The following options allow you to view the properties of a nested stock.
Description
Displays the description of the nested stock.
Item No.
Displays the item number of the nested stock.
Type
Indicates whether the stock is a fresh rectangular stock or is an offcut.
Material
Displays the name of the stock material.
Thickness
Displays the thickness of the stock.
Base (Horizontal span)

Displays the overall horizontal size of the stock. For rectangular stocks, this usually
represents the smaller side.
Page 369 of 425

Height (Vertical span)
Displays the overall vertical size of the stock. For rectangular stocks, this usually
represents the bigger side.
Linear unit
Click this button to select another unit of measurement for the contents displayed inside
this dialog box. This option has been provided so that you do not have to carry out the
necessary unit conversion by hand. The effect of this button is local and it does not affect
any other unit system set outside this dialog box.
OK
Cancel
Page 370 of 425

Physical Properties
The following options allow you to view and modify the physical properties of an item.
(The item can be either a shape or a stock.)
Material
Select one of the available materials from the material list. (If you are using material
engineer with this job, then MOST 2D will read the list of materials directly from the
material engineer file.)
Thickness
Type the thickness of the item. The thickness should be greater than 0.001 MM. (If you
are using material engineer with this job, then MOST 2D will read all the valid thickness
values directly from the material engineer file. In that case, instead of asking you to type
the thickness value, MOST 2D will ask you to select the thickness from a list box.)
Grain
Select the grain line for the item. The grain line is defined with respect to the reference
drawing displayed under the geometric properties tab.
OK
just input.
Cancel
Page 371 of 425

Cutting Properties of a Shape
The following options allow you to view and modify the cutting properties of an input
shape.
CNC cutting codes
Select this option if you would like to include this shape in the cnc code file.
(Alternatively, if you do not select this option, MOST 2D will skip this shape while
generating cnc codes for the layouts containing this shape.)
Common cut
Select this option if you would like to generate common cuts on the selected shape while
executing automatic nesting command. (While nesting, you are likely to get more
common cuts, if you select the matrix layout method as well as internal pairs for the
selected shapes using the input property page, along with this attribute.)
Minimum / Maximum number of torches

Specify the minimum / maximum number of torches which can be used while cutting the
selected shape using multiple torches.
OK
Closes the dialog box and updates all the shape properties using the new values you have
just input.
Cancel
Closes the dialog box, but does not modify any shape property.
Page 372 of 425

Input Shape Properties
The following options allow you to view and modify special input properties of a shape.
Layout method
Select the layout generation procedure from the list supplied.
Step angle
Type the step angle of rotation in degrees. The step angle must lie in the range of
[0.5,360] degrees.
Pair generation
Indicate whether you want to use the internal pairs of the shape while nesting. If the
check box on the right hand side contains a check mark, it means that the internal pairs
should be used while nesting. If the check box is empty, it means that the internal pairs
need not be used while nesting. Click on the check box whenever you want to reverse the
pair generation condition.
Page 373 of 425

Mirror
Indicate whether MOST 2D can use the mirror image of the shape while nesting. If the
check box on the right hand side contains a check mark, it means that the mirror image
can be used while nesting. If the check box is empty, it means that the mirror image
should not be used while nesting. Click on the check box whenever you want to reverse
the mirroring condition.
OK
Closes the dialog box and updates all the shape properties using the new values you have
just input.
Cancel
Closes the dialog box, but does not modify any shape property.
Page 374 of 425

CNC Settings
This property page allows you to define cnc codes for performing different types of
actions on a standard (default) cnc gas/plasma/laser cutting machine. MOST 2D uses
these codes while generating cnc code file using the Standard Controller command under
the Result menu. (See How to generate CNC codes for a layout.)
You can select OK button in the property page to close the property sheet and update all
the MOST 2D settings using the new values just specified. You can select the Cancel
button to close the property sheet without modifying any settings.
Page 375 of 425

Input Stock Properties
The following options allow you to view and modify the special properties of a fresh
rectangular input stock. All the properties in this dialog box must be specified with
respect to the reference drawing displayed under the geometric properties tab.
Left
Type the margin distance to be kept on the left edge of the stock rectangle. The left
margin should be a non-negative real number.
Right
Type the margin distance to be kept on the right edge of the stock rectangle. The right
Top
Type the margin distance to be kept on the top edge of the stock rectangle. The top
Bottom
Type the margin distance to be kept on the bottom edge of the stock rectangle. The
bottom margin should be a non-negative real number.
OK
Closes the dialog box and updates all the stock properties using the new values you have
just input.
Cancel
Closes the dialog box, but does not modify any stock property.
Page 376 of 425

Time Settings
The following options allow you to view and set time intervals for certain cutting related
activities. These time intervals are added later while estimating the total time required for
a cutting operation.
Stock loading time

Type the total time required for loading as well as unloading a stock from the cutting
machine, in seconds. The total loading time must be a non-negative real number.
Shape unloading time

Type the time required for unloading a cut shape from the cutting machine, in seconds.
The unloading time must be a non-negative real number.
Cycle interval
Type the time interval between two successive cutting cycles in seconds. Note, this
interval does not include the rapid movement time i.e. the time taken by the machine to
move from one cutting location to another at rapid speed. This interval specifies any
additional time (like preheating time) taken between two successive cutting cycles. The
cycle interval must be a non-negative real number. (This value is ignored for those jobs
which use material engineer.)
Page 377 of 425

OK
have just input.
Cancel
Page 378 of 425

Toolpath Settings
The following options allow you to view and modify the settings related to cutting plan
generation.
Neutral position of the cutting torch
Select the default neutral position of the cutting tool from the given list. MOST 2D uses
this value while generating default cutting plan during automatic nesting process. (Note,
this parameter is ignored when you generate cnc code files using the machine list.)
Left torch allignment for multi torch cutting

Select this option if you would like to generate the cutting plan for each nested layout
with respect to the leftmost torch during multiple torch cutting operation. If this option is
not selected, MOST 2D will generate the cutting plan with respect to the rightmost torch.
(Note, this parameter is ignored when you generate cnc code files using the machine list.)
Auto-sequencing direction
Select the direction for automatic sequence generation from the given list. MOST 2D
uses this value while generating default cutting plan during automatic nesting process.
Page 379 of 425

Cutting sense
Select the default cutting sense for body profiles as well as holes. While nesting, MOST
2D automatically moves the cutting tool around each cutting cycle as per the directions
specified over here. However, these settings are ignored for those cutting cycles which
already contain either leadin or leadout in their input shape drawings. (In such cases, the
cutting direction is determined by the leadin/leadout profiles.)
Minimum length of a cutting cycle

Specify the length of the smallest cutting cycle for which MOST 2D should generate cnc
codes. (By setting the appropriate limit here, you can eliminate very small unwanted
cutting cycles, which may be generated as a result of using advanced cutting commands
like common cutting.)
Minimum length of common cut

Specify the maximum permissible distance between two collinear common cuts while
joining them using Common Shortcut command. (MOST 2D will not join the common
cuts if the distance between them is more than this limit.)
OK
have just input.
Cancel
Page 380 of 425

Tools menu commands
The Tools menu offers the following commands.

Dimension Pops up a submenu for managing dimensions in the active layout.
Text Pops up a submenu for managing text objects in the active layout.
Inquiry Pops up a submenu for running the layout inspection commands.
Validate Checks the active layout for common mistakes and reports errors, if any.
Page 381 of 425

User Settings
The following options allow you to view and modify the user settings. MOST 2D uses
these details while exporting user / company details in the report generated by the
software.
Company
Type the name of your company.
Department
Type the name of your department.
User
Type your name i.e. the name of the user who will be using MOST 2D software.
Printing remarks
Type the remarks which you would like to write at a suitable location in the printed report
generated for each nested layout.
OK
have just input.
Page 382 of 425

Cancel
Page 383 of 425

Validation Settings
This property page allows you to set various options for validating a nested layout.
MOST 2D uses these options while validating a nested layout. (See How to validate a
layout.)
For enabling the individual automatic validation options specified in this dialog box, you
must switch ON the Automatic Validation option at the top of this dialog box. If you
switch OFF this option, all the subsequent options in the dialog box will also be disabled.
(Note, MOST 2D performs automatic validation after each editing operation and this
could take long time for big jobs. In such cases, it may be advisable to disable all the
automatic validation features temporarily.)
You can select OK button in the property page to close the property sheet and update all
the MOST 2D settings using the new values just specified. You can select the Cancel
button to close the property sheet without modifying any settings.
Page 384 of 425

Rectangular Stock
The stock whose drawing consists of exactly one rectangle is called a rectangular stock.
Usually, the fresh and uncut stock items are represented as rectangular stocks.
Note, if a stock drawing contains any other / more profile (like a clamp or a hole), then
the stock must be represented as a non-rectangular stock.
Page 385 of 425

Item Remarks
Item remarks can be used for storing special comments about an input shape or an input
stock.
Item remarks can be defined as a text string having maximum 80 characters while adding
a shape / stock to the input job.
Note, you can also specify the remarks while drawing a shape by adding the following
text in the drawing.
REMARKS value
where value contains the remarks.
Page 386 of 425

Remnant Job
Remnant job represents that section of a job which has not been used so far. In other
words, a remnant job consists of the list of shapes as well as list of stocks from the
current job, which have not been nested yet.
In order to recycle the remaining shapes and stocks after nesting a job, you must save the
remnant job in a foundation file using the following command.
File menu Export submenu Remnant Job command
During your next session with the software, you can recall the remnant job and utilize the
shapes as well as stocks inside this job by reading the above mentioned file using the
following command.
File menu Import Foundation File command
Page 387 of 425

Rubberband Rectangle
To draw a rubber band rectangle on the screen, first select a corner of the rectangle by
taking the mouse to the desired location and pressing the left mouse button. Without
releasing the left mouse button, you must now take the mouse to the diagonally opposite
corner of the rectangle. While you are moving the mouse, you will see the rubber band
rectangle drawn on the screen. Upon reaching the other corner of the rectangle, you can
release the mouse button and thus, complete the definition of the rubber band rectangle.
While defining the rubber band rectangle, you can break out of the process at any stage
by pressing the Escape key.
Page 388 of 425

Sales Order Number
You can associate sales order number (or customer order number) with each input shape
as well as each input stock. This attribute can be used to track progress on each sales
order.
Sales order number can be defined as a text string having maximum 40 characters while
adding a new shape / stock to the input job.
Note, you can also define the sales order number while drawing a shape by adding the
SALESORDER value
where value contains the sales order number.
Page 389 of 425

Shape Drawing Number
Typically, each input shape belongs to an assembly or sub-assembly of parts. You can
use this attribute in order to keep track of the drawing number of the corresponding
assembly or sub-assembly for each input shape in a given job.
Shape drawing number can be defined as a text string having maximum 40 characters.
Page 390 of 425

Shape Identification Number
For easy identification of different types of shapes, MOST 2D internally generates a
unique code number for each input shape in a job. This number is called the shape
identification number or shape id.
Shape id is always a positive integer.
Page 391 of 425

Shape Description
Shape description is an alpha-numeric, case sensitive text, which can be used for
identifying a shape. You may leave spaces between words while defining the shape
description. Though it is desirable, it is not necessary to define a unique description for
each input shape within a job.
Page 392 of 425

Shape Priority
Shape priority number indicates how urgently the shape is required as compared to others
in the job. Higher the priority number, more urgent is the shape.
Shape priority number should be a positive integer.
Page 393 of 425

Shape Properties
Shape properties are classified into 5 types and each property type appears under a
separate tab in the property dialog box, as listed below.
1. General properties.
2. Geometry properties.
3. Physical properties.
4. Input properties.
5. Cut properties.
Page 394 of 425

Shape Quantity
Shape quantity indicates the total number of pieces of the shape to be nested in the
current job.
Shape quantity should be an integer more than or equal to 0.
Page 395 of 425

Shape Reconciliation File
Shape reconciliation file is a text file, which keeps detailed account of each shape nested
in the active job along with the necessary information about the corresponding nested
stock. The software generates a separate record for each type of shape, nested in each
layout in the active job.
This file is particularly useful if you want to connect MOST 2D with your database
the data for each nested shape from this text based file format and update the relevant
records in the database. Depending on your existing database system, such a customized
application can be developed either inhouse or from a third party developer.
Each line in a shape reconciliation file contains the following information in columnar
fashion, separated from each other using a TAB character. The following list shows the
contents of each field (column) along with the maximum length of each.
File Format

1 Sales order number of the shape Maximum 40 characters
2 Internal order number (project) of the Maximum 40 characters
shape
3 Shape description Maximum 40 characters
4 Shape drawing number Maximum 40 characters
5 Shape item number Maximum 40 characters
6 Shape remarks Maximum 80 characters
7 Total number of shapes nested in the Integer (max 5 characters)
layout
8 Description of the nested stock Maximum 40 characters
9 Revision number of the nested stock Integer (max 3 characters)
10 Stock remarks Maximum 80 characters
11 Name of the corresponding job file Maximum 80 characters
Page 396 of 425

Shape
A flat item to be cut from the raw material is called a shape. Typically, a shape drawing
consists of one body profile and none / more hole profiles. The shape drawing may also
contain special profiles like punch, leadin, leadout and powder mark.
Key properties of a shape are material, thickness, quantity, priority and remarks. Special
shape attributes like layout method, step angle, internal pairs, mirror, torch limits and
common cut option are used for controlling its eventual nested position and the cutting
process.
The description attached with each shape serves to identify the shape. It is a good idea to
attach a unique description to each shape within a single job.
Sample Shape Drawings
Page 397 of 425

Page 398 of 425
Shortcut Contour
Shortcut contours are used for generating additional cnc codes for a nested layout, after
generating cnc codes for all the nested shapes. Shortcut contours are commonly used for
scrap cutting and for cutting out a suitable offcut after finishing the nested layout. At
times, they are also used for representing leadin or link contours for special applications.
It is not necessary to sequence a shortcut at the end. You can also generate a shortcut
between two cutting cycles. You can do so by defining the main sequence number of
the shortcut appropriately. The main sequence number indicates the sequence number of
the cutting cycle, before which the given shortcut should be processed.
As special cases, the software also allows you to define the main sequence number such
that you can process the shortcut either at the beginning of the whole cutting operation or
after executing the entire cutting plan. If two or more shortcuts are scheduled together
(say, just before cutting cycle number 5), you can also sequence them among themselves
using the group sequence number.
Page 399 of 425

Status Bar
The status bar is displayed at the bottom of your main window.

Typically, the left area of the status bar is used for prompting the user to provide the next
input data using mouse. The left area is also used for displaying certain useful
information, like the description of various menu items as you navigate through the
menus using the arrow keys.
The right area of the status bar is used for displaying the following information.
Box 1: X coordinate of the cursor position.
Box 2: Y coordinate of the cursor position.
Page 400 of 425

Step Angle
Step angle of rotation determines which angular orientations of the given shape will be
tried out while fitting the shape on a stock. Smaller the step angle, more the number of
angular orientations tried out.
In general, smaller shapes are accommodated within the odd holes and gaps left by bigger
shapes nested earlier. Hence, you can obtain more efficient layouts by assigning smaller
step angles to these small shapes. (While defining a smaller step angle for a shape, it is
advisable to set the shape layout method to Quick procedure and skip the internal pairs,
since these attributes do not affect the final result in such cases and take a lot of
unnecessary computation time otherwise.)
It is desirable to select a step angle of 90 degrees for big and medium shapes. If you nest
these shapes at odd angles, they will occupy wider area and will allow less freedom to fit
the subsequent shapes. Also, it takes more time if you assign smaller step angle to big
shapes.
Step angle is specified in degrees and is a real number. The step angle should lie within
the range of [0.5,360] degrees.
Note
As a special case, you must skip the internal pairs of those shapes having a step angle of
360 degrees.
Page 401 of 425

Stitch Cutting
MOST 2D allows you to define small segments on a cutting cycle, which can be skipped
while generating toolpath. These segments are called stitches and are left un-cut during
the cutting process. Note, the software automatically generates a leadin at the end of the
stitched segment so as to begin the next cut, while defining the stitch itself.
Stitch cutting is employed while cutting thin long shapes in order to minimize thermal
distortion.
Note, you can also define stitches while drawing the input shape using the following
command in ITEM, which is the cad module accompanying MOST 2D.
Cut Stitch Add Stitch
Page 402 of 425

Stock Identification Number
For easy identification of different types of stocks, MOST 2D internally generates a
unique code number for each stock in a job. This number is called the stock identification
number or stock id.
Stock id is always a positive integer.
Page 403 of 425

Stock Margin
In order to take care of minor irregularities on the edges of a rectangular stock, one leaves
a small gap on all four sides of a rectangular stock. This gap is called the stock margin.
MOST 2D does not nest any shape within the stock margin.
The stock margin can have different values on different edges of the same stock.
However, each stock margin should be a non-negative real number.
Page 404 of 425

Stock Description
Stock description is an alpha-numeric, case sensitive string, which can be used for
identifying a stock. Note, you may leave spaces between words while defining the stock
description.
Page 405 of 425

Stock Priority
Stock priority number indicates how urgently the stock must be cut as compared to others
in the stocklist. Higher the priority number, more urgent is the stock.
Stock priority number should be a positive integer.
Page 406 of 425

Stock Properties
Stock properties are classified into 4 types and each property type appears under a
separate tab in the property dialog box, as listed below.
1. General properties.
2. Geometric properties.
3. Physical properties.
4. Input properties for a fresh rectangular stock.
Page 407 of 425

Stock Quantity
Stock quantity indicates the total number of pieces of the current stock which are
available for nesting.
Stock quantity should be an integer more than or equal to 0.
Page 408 of 425

Stock Reconciliation File
Stock reconciliation file is a text file, which keeps detailed account of each stock nested
in the active job. The software generates a separate record for each individual stock
nested in each layout in the active job.
This file is particularly useful if you want to connect MOST 2D with your database
the data for each nested stock from this text based file format and update the relevant
records in the database. Depending on your existing database system, such a customized
application can be developed either inhouse or from a third party developer.
Each line in stock reconciliation file contains the following information in columnar
fashion, separated from each other using a TAB character. The following list shows the
contents of each field (column) along with the maximum length of each.
File Format

1 Sales order number of the stock Maximum 40 characters
2 Internal order number (project) of the Maximum 40 characters
stock
3 Description of the nested stock Maximum 40 characters
4 Revision number of the nested stock Integer (max 3 characters)
5 Stock item number Maximum 40 characters
6 Stock remarks Maximum 80 characters
7 Total number of stocks nested Integer (max 5 characters)
8 Total area of the stock in Square Meter Double (max 10 characters)
9 Percentage utilization (efficiency) Double (max 5 characters)
10 Percentage area burnt Double (max 5 characters)
11 Percentage area returned as offcut Double (max 5 characters)
12 Name of the corresponding job file. Maximum 80 characters
Page 409 of 425

Stock Revision Number
Stock revision number can be used to determine the number of times the given stock was
nested and cut in the past. Typically, the revision number of a fresh rectangular stocks is
0 whereas the revision number of an offcut is a positive integer.
MOST 2D automatically keeps track of the stock revision number, when you save an
offcut contour in an item drawing file using the Export offcut file command. However,
you will have to specify the stock revision number on your own while defining the
stocklist, if you have created the offcut stock using any other method.
Page 410 of 425

Stock
The flat item which serves as the raw material for the cutting process is called a stock.
Stocks are of two types, rectangular stocks and non-rectangular stocks. Usually, the fresh
and uncut stock items are represented as rectangular stocks, whereas offcuts are
represented as non-rectangular stocks. Key properties of a stock are material, thickness,
grain line, quantity, priority and remarks.
The description attached with each stock serves to identify the stock. It is a good idea to
attach a unique description to each stock within a single job.
Page 411 of 425

Teach Mode
When you use MOST 2D in teach mode, the software automatically suggests the next
step (action) after you execute a command and prompts you to specify the appropriate
type of data for the next command. This facility can be quite useful while you are still
learning to work with the software.
Note, teach mode has been implemented for selected commands only.
Page 412 of 425

Tool Location
This property indicates the location of the cutting tool with respect to the given open
profile. The tool location can be one of the following.
Left:- The tool is on the left side of the profile.
Right:- The tool is on the right side of the profile.
None:- The tool is located exactly on the profile.
This attribute need not be specified for a close profile, since MOST 2D can find that out
automatically.
Page 413 of 425

Toolpath
A collection of cutting cycles is called the toolpath.
Page 414 of 425

Torch Limits for a Shape
Torch limits for a shape indicate minimum and maximum number of cutting torches,
which can be used simultaneously while cutting the given input shape.
This attribute is primarily used for multiple torch cutting applications, where you may
want to cut certain parts in a job with just one torch and the remaining parts with multiple
torches. Here, you can assign torch limits differently to each input shape as per your
requirement and MOST 2D will automatically generate nested layouts by generating a
suitable mix of single as well as multiple torch cutting operations.
Both the minimum as well as maximum torch limits for each input shape should be
integers, more than or equal to 1.
Note
Maximum torch limit for any shape in a job is further limited by the total number of
torches on the cutting machine, as specified in CNC machine settings.
Page 415 of 425

Transformation Matrix
In the present context, the word transformation means a combination of displacement and
rotation. Usually, one indicates the new position of a transformed item using a
transformation matrix.
A transformation matrix consists of a displacement vector (X0, Y0) and an angle of
rotation ANGLE, such that it satisfies the following equations.
Xnew = Xold * cos(ANGLE) - Yold * sin(ANGLE) + X0
Ynew = Xold * sin(ANGLE) + Yold * cos(ANGLE) + Y0
Here, (Xold, Yold) is the old position of the item (which you already know) and (Xnew,
Ynew) is the new position of the item (which you want to find out) after the
transformation.
Page 416 of 425

Variable
In certain cases, the software allows the user to insert variables within a mathematical
expression. The user can define these variables before the software evaluates such an
expression and thus, make the expression more flexible to suit his specific requirements.
Each variable has a name and a default value, which must be declared before the software
starts evaluating the expression. The name of a variable is case sensitive and should
consist of the following characters only.
[A-Z]
[a-z]
[0-9] ….. Note, you can not use a number as the very first character of a variable
name.
The following is the list of valid variable names.
V1
LENGTH
ArcAngle
The following is the list of invalid variable names.
1V … Variable name can not start with a number
V_1 … Underscore character within an expression is not allowed
Finally, following variable names are reserved by the software and user must not define
the same.
X0 … X coordinate of the end point of the previous entity
Y0 … Y coordinate of the end point of the previous entity
Page 417 of 425

Zoom in command (View menu)
You can use this command in order to magnify a small rectangular region on the active
layout drawing and examine it in more detail.
On selecting this command, MOST 2D will ask you to create a rubber band rectangle on
the screen using the mouse. (See How to draw a rubber band rectangle.) Once you define
the rubber band rectangle successfully, MOST 2D will scale the drawing inside the
rectangle to the full window size.
Shortcuts
Jumps SHIFT+Z
Page 418 of 425

Zoom out command (View menu)
You can use this command to zoom out of any view and display the entire layout drawing
on the screen. Typically, this command is used for examining the whole nested layout at
a glance. It can also be used for breaking out of the zoom-in mode.
Jumps SHIFT+O
Page 419 of 425

INDEX
A Auto-sequencing Method.....................10
Active Contour.......................................2 Automatic Leadin...................................9
Active Sketch Point................................3 Automatic Leadin for Cutting Cycle
Add Chains command (Cut menu).......16 command..........................................30
Add command (Fit menu)....................20 Automatic Leadin for Selected Shapes
Add Corner Loop command (Cut menu) command (Leadio menu).................31
..........................................................17 Automatic Leadin menu commands
Add Leadin From Shape command (Leadio menu)................................310
(Leadio menu)..................................78 Automatic Leadin-out for Cutting Cycle
Add Leadin From Stock command command (Leadio menu).................28
(Leadio menu)..................................82 Automatic Leadin-out for Selected
Add Leadin menu commands (Leadio Shapes command (Leadio menu).....29
menu).............................................307 Automatic Leadin-out menu commands
Add Leadin using Corner command (Leadio menu)................................311
(Leadio menu)..................................73 Automatic Nesting command (Fit menu)
Add Leadin using Line command ..........................................................65
(Leadio menu)..................................75 B
Add Leadin using Point command Batch Mode..........................................11
(Leadio menu)..................................76 Body (Matter Profile).........................299
Add Leadout menu commands (Leadio Break Contour command (Contour
menu).............................................308 menu)...............................................32
Add Leadout using Corner command Build command (Fit menu)..................33
(Leadio menu)..................................83 Burny CNC Codes command (Result
Add Leadout using Line command menu)...............................................35
(Leadio menu)..................................85 Bypass command (Cut menu)..............36
Add Leadout using Point command Bystronic CNC Codes command (Result
(Leadio menu)..................................86 menu)...............................................37
Add Radial Leadin command (Leadio C
menu)...............................................77 Cascade command (Window menu)....38
Add Radial Leadout command (Leadio Chain Attributes dialog box...............225
menu)...............................................87 Chain Cutting.......................................12
Add Stitch command (Cut menu)........18 Chain menu commands (Cut menu)...312
Add Text command (Tools menu).......19 Chains command (View menu)..........190
Appearance Settings...........................350 Clearance..............................................14
Arc – 3 Points command (Contour Clearance Boundary.............................13
menu)...............................................22 Clearance Limit command (View menu)
Arc – Start, Center, Angle (Contour ........................................................191
menu)...............................................23 CNC Code File...................................207
Arc – Start, End, Center (Contour menu) CNC Code Options dialog box..........227
..........................................................24 CNC Codes for Machine List (Result
Arc – Start, End, Direction (Contour menu)...............................................97
menu)...............................................25 CNC Codes menu commands (Result
Arrange Icons command (Window menu).............................................313
menu)...............................................26 CNC Machine Properties dialog box. 241
Array dialog box................................221 CNC Settings.....................................375
Page 420 of 425

Column Specification dialog box.......229 Cutting Sequence command (View
Common Cut......................................208 menu).............................................203
Common Cuts command (View menu) Cutting Sequence menu commands (Cut
........................................................189 menu).............................................330
Common Shortcut command (Cut menu) Cutting Sequence Number dialog box
..........................................................39 ........................................................246
Common Toolsize..............................209 Cutting Simulation command (View
Condition Specification dialog box....230 menu).............................................157
Confirm Active Layout command Cutting Simulation dialog box...........252
(Result menu)...................................41 Cutting Summary...............................365
Confirm All Except Last Layout D
command (Result menu)..................43 Data Type...........................................219
Confirm All Layouts command (Result Data Type dialog box.........................233
menu)...............................................42 Delete command (Fit menu)................48
Constraints.........................................210 Detail Viewing Toolbar command (View
Constraints command (Job menu)........44 menu).............................................195
Constraints dialog box.......................231 Diametrical Dimension command (Tools
Contour..............................................211 menu).............................................276
Contour menu commands..................316 Dimension menu commands (Tools
Convert Layout into Dxf (Result menu) menu).............................................275
..........................................................45 Dimensions command (View menu)..158
Convert Layout into Prenested Offcut Display Contours command (View
(Result menu)...................................72 menu).............................................193
Convert menu commands (Result menu) Display Text command (View menu)205
........................................................317 Distance Inquiry command (Tools
Corner Loop.......................................212 menu)...............................................49
Corner Loop Attributes dialog box....232 Draw Arc menu commands (Contour
Corner Loop menu commands (Cut menu).............................................309
menu).............................................318 Draw Automatic Annotations command
Cost Settings......................................355 (Contour menu)................................21
Create Common Cut menu commands Draw Leadin Shortcut command (Cut
(Cut menu).....................................314 menu)...............................................80
Customized CNC Codes (Result menu) Draw menu commands (Contour menu)
..........................................................46 ........................................................320
Cut Entity command (Contour menu)..47 Draw Offcut command (Contour menu)
Cut menu commands..........................239 ..........................................................51
Cutting Agent.....................................213 Draw Shape Contour (Contour menu). 52
Cutting Cycle.....................................214 Draw Shortcut command (Contour
Cutting Device...................................215 menu)...............................................53
Cutting Machines dialog box.............240 Draw Stock Contour (Contour menu)174
Cutting Plan.......................................216 Drawing Library File.........................264
Cutting Properties of a Shape.............372 E
Cutting Sense.....................................217 Edit Cutting Sequence Number
Cutting Sense command (View menu) command (Cut menu).......................54
........................................................202 Edit Dimension command (Tools menu)
Cutting Sequence...............................218 ........................................................277
Page 421 of 425

Elastic Line........................................265 Input Shape Properties.......................373
Enclosure Type..................................266 Input Stock Properties........................376
Entity..................................................267 Inquiry menu commands (Tools menu)
Entity Data dialog box.......................234 ........................................................321
Entity Inquiry command (Tools menu)55 Internal Order Number.......................287
Entity Parameters...............................268 Internal Pair........................................343
Entity Parameters dialog box.............236 Inventory File.....................................288
ESSI Codes command (Result menu)..56 Item....................................................291
Estimate command (Result menu).......58 Item Drawing File..............................300
Exit command (File menu)..................59 Item Number......................................290
Export Customized Report (File menu) Item Remarks.....................................386
........................................................128 J
Export Foundation File (File menu)....60 Job......................................................293
Export Offcut as DXF File (Contour Job File...............................................292
menu).............................................109 Job menu commands..........................322
Export Offcut command (Contour menu) Job Report dialog box........................237
..........................................................61 Job Statistics dialog box.....................253
Export Remnant Job command (File Join Contours command (Contour menu)
menu)...............................................62 ..........................................................69
Export Shape Reconciliation (File menu) K
........................................................155 Kirloskar CNC Codes (Result menu)...70
Export Stock Reconciliation (File menu) Koike CNC Codes command (Result
........................................................177 menu)...............................................71
F L
Fagor CNC Codes command (Result Layout Confirmation menu commands
menu)...............................................57 (Result menu).................................315
Fanuc CNC Codes (Result menu)........63 Layout Method...................................294
Folder Settings...................................357 Layout Number command (View menu)
Foundation File......................................4 ........................................................197
G Layout Rejection menu commands
General Properties..............................363 (Result menu).................................326
General Settings.................................359 Layout Report....................................348
Geometric Properties..........................361 Leadin.................................................295
Grain Line..........................................271 Leadout...............................................296
H Linde CNC Codes command (Result
Hole (Space Profile)...........................272 menu)...............................................88
Horizontal Dimension command (Tools Line – Start, Angle, Length (Contour
menu).............................................278 menu)...............................................90
How to nest a job...............................273 Line – Start, Bottom, Length (Contour
How to validate a layout....................286 menu)...............................................91
I Line – Start, End command (Contour
Import Foundation File (File menu)....67 menu)...............................................89
Import Model command (File menu)...68 Line – Start, Left, Length (Contour
Inclined Dimension command (Tools menu)...............................................92
menu).............................................279 Line – Start, Right, Length (Contour
Index command (Help menu)..............66 menu)...............................................93
Page 422 of 425

Line – Start, Top, Length (Contour Open command (File menu)..............113
menu)...............................................94 Optimize Cutting Sequence (Cut menu)
Link....................................................297 ........................................................114
Link command (Cut menu)..................95 Options...............................................349
Lynx CNC Codes command (Result Options command (Job menu)...........115
menu)...............................................96 P
M Pan command (View menu)...............116
Machine and Layout Selection dialog Pdf 32 CNC Codes command (Result
box..................................................226 menu)...............................................98
Machine List......................................298 Physical Properties.............................371
Machine Name dialog box.................243 Pilot CNC Codes command (Result
Material Engineer File.......................304 menu).............................................117
Mathematical Expression...................269 Powder Mark......................................344
Mirror about Horizontal Axis (Fit menu) Previous Layout command (View menu)
..........................................................99 ........................................................121
Mirror about Vertical Axis (Fit menu) Print command (File menu)...............123
........................................................100 Print Preview command (File menu). 120
Mirror menu commands (Fit menu)...323 Print Setup command (File menu).....122
Model.................................................338 Profile.................................................345
Model File..........................................336 Profile Type.......................................346
Model Requirement dialog box..........220 Prompting...........................................347
Most on the Web command (Help menu) R
........................................................101 Radial Dimension command (Tools
Move command (Fit menu)................103 menu).............................................280
Move Text command (Tools menu)...102 Rectangular Stock..............................385
Multiple Torch Cutting......................339 Redo command (Edit menu)..............124
Multiple Torches command (Cut menu) Regenerate Cutting Sequence (Cut
........................................................104 menu).............................................125
N Reject Active Layout command (Result
Nested Layout Summary....................367 menu).............................................126
Nested Stock Summary......................369 Reject All Layouts command (Result
Neutral Position.................................340 menu).............................................127
Neutral Position command (Cut menu) Remnant Job.......................................387
........................................................105 Remove a Corner Loop (Cut menu)...138
New command (File menu)................107 Remove a Stitch command (Cut menu)
New Job dialog box............................244 ........................................................140
New Stock dialog box........................245 Remove All Chains command (Cut
Next Layout command (View menu).108 menu).............................................131
Non-rectangular Stock.......................341 Remove Chains command (Cut menu)
O ........................................................132
Offcut.................................................342 Remove Contour command (Contour
Offcut Generation dialog box............111 menu).............................................133
Offcut menu commands (Contour menu) Remove Corner Loops from Cutting
........................................................324 Cycle (Cut menu)...........................137
Offcut Type command (Contour menu) Remove Dimension command (Tools
........................................................110 menu).............................................281
Page 423 of 425

Remove Leadin from Cutting Cycle Sales Order Number...........................389
command (Leadio menu)..............134 Save As command (File menu)..........150
Remove Leadin from Selected Shapes Save command (File menu)...............151
command........................................135 Search Specification dialog box.........222
Remove Leadin menu commands Select All command (Edit menu).......152
(Leadio menu)................................327 Sequence Direction dialog box..........224
Remove Leadout from Selected Shapes Settings for CNC Cutting Machine....352
command (Leadio menu)...............136 Shape..................................................397
Remove Leadout menu commands Shape Description..............................392
(Leadio menu)................................328 Shape Drawing Files dialog box........223
Remove Stitches from a Cutting Cycle Shape Drawing Number.....................390
(Cut menu).....................................139 Shape Identification Number.............391
Remove Text command (Tools menu) Shape Priority.....................................393
........................................................141 Shape Properties.................................394
Repeat command (Fit menu)................27 Shape Quantity...................................395
Report command (Result menu)..........50 Shape Reconciliation File..................396
Resume command (Cut menu)...........106 Shapelist command (Job menu). 153, 154
Reverse Cutting Sense command (Cut Shapelist dialog box...........................247
menu).............................................129 Shortcut Attributes (Contour menu). .156
Reverse Shortcut command (Contour Shortcut Attributes dialog box...........250
menu).............................................130 Shortcut Contour................................399
Rotate by 1 degree command (Fit menu) Shortcut menu commands (Contour
........................................................144 menu).............................................331
Rotate by 10 degree command (Fit Sinumeric CNC Codes command (Result
menu).............................................142 menu).............................................159
Rotate by 180 degree command (Fit Slide Bottom command (Fit menu)....166
menu).............................................143 Slide Down to Create Common Cut
Rotate by 270 degree command (Fit command........................................162
menu).............................................145 Slide in Any Direction command (Fit
Rotate by 90 degree command (Fit menu).............................................160
menu).............................................148 Slide in Any Direction to Create
Rotate by any Angle command (Fit Common Cut command (Cut menu)
menu)...............................................64 ........................................................161
Rotate Clockwise by 1 degree command Slide Left command (Fit menu).........167
(Fit menu).......................................147 Slide menu commands (Fit menu).....332
Rotate Clockwise by 10 degree (Fit Slide on Left to Create Common Cut
menu).............................................146 command........................................163
Rotate menu commands (Fit menu)...329 Slide on Right to Create Common Cut
RS 274D CNC Codes command (Result command........................................164
menu).............................................118 Slide Right command (Fit menu).......168
Rubberband Rectangle.......................388 Slide Top command (Fit menu).........169
Rutex CNC Codes command (Result Slide Up to Create Common Cut
menu...............................................119 command (Cut menu).....................165
S Snap A Point......................................283
Sahajanand CNC Codes command Standard CNC Codes command (Result
(Result menu).................................149 menu).............................................173
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Start Editing Contour (Contour menu) Toolpath.............................................414
........................................................170 Toolpath Settings...............................379
Statistics command (File menu).........171 Tools menu commands......................381
Status Bar...........................................400 Torch Limits for a Shape...................415
Status Bar command (View menu)....172 Torch Separation dialog box..............261
Step Angle..........................................401 Transform command (Fit menu)........185
Stepwise procedure for creating a job274 Transformation dialog box.................262
Stitch Attributes dialog box...............254 Transformation Matrix.......................416
Stitch Cutting.....................................402 Trumpf CNC Codes command (Result
Stitch menu commands (Cut menu)...333 menu).............................................181
Stitches command (View menu)........204 U
Stock..................................................411 Undo command (Edit menu)..............186
Stock Description...............................405 Units command (Job menu)...............187
Stock Identification Number..............403 Units dialog box.................................263
Stock Margin......................................404 User Settings......................................382
Stock Priority.....................................406 V
Stock Properties.................................407 Validate command (Tools menu).......188
Stock Quantity...................................408 Validation Settings.............................384
Stock Reconciliation File...................409 Variable..............................................417
Stock Rectangle dialog box................257 Vertical Dimension command (Tools
Stock Revision Number.....................410 menu).............................................282
Stocklist command (Job menu)..175, 176 View Contour Toolbar command (View
Stocklist dialog box............................255 menu).............................................192
Stop Editing command (Contour menu) View Cutting Toolbar command (View
........................................................178 menu).............................................194
T View Detail menu commands (View
Table Specification dialog box..........258 menu).............................................319
Tanaka CNC Codes command (Result View Entity Toolbar command (View
menu).............................................179 menu).............................................196
Teach Mode........................................412 View Leadin Leadout Toolbar command
Tekmov CNC Codes command (Result (View menu)..................................198
menu).............................................180 View Main Toolbar command (View
Text Attributes command (Tools menu) menu).............................................199
........................................................182 View Nest Toolbar command (View
Text Attributes dialog box.................259 menu).............................................200
Text menu commands (Tools menu). 334 View Objects command (View menu)
Tile command (Window menu).........183 ........................................................201
Time Settings.....................................377 Z
Toggle Sketch-point command (Contour Zinser CNC Codes command (Result
menu).............................................184 menu).............................................206
Tool Location.....................................413 Zoom in command (View menu).......418
Toolbar menu commands (View menu) Zoom out command (View menu).....419
........................................................335
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MOST 2D

Kartik Cad Cam Consultants

MOST 2D allows you to maintain an active contour in a nested layout. It is a contour

The constraint section defines the constraints as shown below.

The clearance boundary of an item represents a region which must be reserved

Cut Corner Loop Add Loop

Step 2 - Result after moving up 6 parts to create space in the

Remove Contour in order to remove a

Double-click the application’s Control menu button.

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