Glossary

Plain definitions of the terms used throughout NestMaxx and these docs. If a word in another page is unfamiliar, it is probably explained here.

• Clearance (edge margin) - the gap kept between your parts and the edge of the sheet, so nothing sits right on the border. Set alongside spacing. See Spacing and Clearance.
• DXF - a common CAD file format for 2D drawings. NestMaxx can import parts from DXF files and export finished layouts as DXF. See Importing CAD and Exporting DXF and SVG.
• Kerf - the thin strip of material removed by the cutting tool as it cuts. Spacing between parts leaves room for the kerf so one cut does not eat into the next.
• Nesting - arranging parts on a sheet so they pack tightly and waste as little material as possible. See Core Concepts.
• Origin - the reference point on the sheet that positions are measured from. It tells a machine where the material sits. See Material Origin.
• Part - a single shape you want to cut. It can come from the shape library or from an imported file, and it can have holes. See The Shape Library.
• Quantity - how many copies of a part you need. Set in the Part List.
• Sheet - the piece of material you are cutting from, described by its width and height. See Sheet Size.
• Spacing - the gap kept between neighbouring parts, to allow for the kerf and for handling the cut pieces. See Spacing and Clearance.
• SVG - a vector graphics file format. NestMaxx can import parts from SVG files and export layouts as SVG.
• True-shape nesting - packing parts by their actual outline rather than the rectangle around them, so odd shapes tuck together tightly. See Core Concepts.
• Utilisation - the share of the sheet covered by parts, as a percentage. Higher means less waste. See Reading the Result.