Hypertherm, a U.S. based manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software, announced a major version update to ProNest® 2023, its advanced CAD/CAM nesting software for automated cutting. This new release contains a collection of new features and on-going enhancements designed to help customers improve their operational efficiency while reducing non-value-added tasks.

ProNest 2023 includes full functionality for PlateSaver™, a SureCut™ technology that combines the arc stability of X-Definition® plasma with specialized software parameters to dramatically increase material utilization when cutting mild steel. In addition, it contains enhancements to ProNest’s Production Manager, a web-based module that seamlessly integrates with Hypertherm’s EDGE Connect® CNC to automatically capture real-time machine data. Enhancements include the ability to edit production times for completed nests, set job status changes, and search for nests by customer. There is also a feature that merges XPR setups. The software will now automatically detect and merge changes made to the process parameters or bevel spreadsheets into a new setup during installation. Customers can choose to use their existing customizations or the latest factory cut charts.

Finally, the software is even easier to use. Changes to the user interface include a new welcome screen and customizable ribbon. The welcome screen contains an informative dashboard that highlights training videos, application tips, and other valuable resources while the ribbon allows users to add, remove and rearrange tabs. Customers can save different ribbon configurations and easily switch between them as needed, to best fit their workflow.

“Our software developers have really focused on reducing the waste inherent in most cutting operations. Features like PlateSaver do this by maximizing the number of parts on a plate so customers have to buy fewer plates and waste less metal,” said Tom Stillwell, product marketing manager for Hypertherm CAD/CAM software products. “At the same time, the internet of things has allowed us to make great strides in manufacturing automation. Data that we’ve never had before is now easily at our fingertips. Tools like our Production Manager module will help customers look at their operations more holistically, providing insight to help them work smarter, faster, and more profitably.”