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Spacing and Clearance

Parts should not sit right against each other, or right on the edge of the sheet. NestMaxx keeps two gaps for you: part spacing between neighbouring parts, and an edge margin around the sheet.

Part spacing

Part spacing is the gap left between neighbouring parts, measured between their cut paths. It has to do two jobs:

  • Clear the kerf. The cutting tool removes a strip of material as it cuts. If parts sit too close, the cut for one eats into the next. The spacing must be wider than the kerf.
  • Leave a web. A little material between parts keeps them from distorting or falling through before you have separated them.

Set a spacing that suits your material and process. A wider gap is safer but fits fewer parts; a narrower gap fits more but leaves less room for error.

Edge margin

Edge margin is the clear border kept between any part and the edge of the sheet. Real stock often has a rough or out-of-flat edge, and machines need room for clamps. The edge margin keeps the cut off that border.

Where to set them

Both values appear in two places:

  • The Quick Nest dialog, as Part spacing and Edge margin, so you can confirm them before a run.
  • Dock > Settings Settings iconSettings icon, under the Nest tab in the Separations section, if you want to change the defaults for new jobs.

The current values are always shown at the foot of the Part List, for example Spacing 5.0 mm · Edge margin 10.0 mm. NestMaxx honours these exactly when it packs.

After changing them

Spacing and edge margin affect how parts are placed, so after changing either one, run the nest again to repack with the new gaps. See Running a Nest. If a job no longer fits on one sheet at a larger spacing, NestMaxx uses more sheets. See Multiple Sheets.

If you drag a part too close to another by hand, NestMaxx flags it. See Collision Flags.