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Documentation

Everything you need to install SmartNest, nest your first sheet, and dial it in to your machines. Most shops are cutting tighter within ten minutes.

Plugin v2.4Rhino 7 & 8OS Windows & Mac

Install

SmartNest installs like any Rhino plugin. Download the package for your platform, then drag it onto an open Rhino viewport. Restart Rhino and the SmartNest toolbar appears.

Rhino command line
_ // after dragging SmartNest.rhi onto the viewport
PackageManager  // confirm "SmartNest 2.4" is enabled
SmartNestLicense  // paste your key, or request a 7-day trial license
Trial: trials are license-key based. Request a key from the pricing page and we issue it after a quick eligibility and fraud check, usually within minutes. The key activates SmartNest for 7 days. No card required, and it is not an anonymous free download.

Quick start

From open curves to a cut-ready sheet in three steps:

  1. Select your parts. Window-select any closed curves, surfaces, or solids you want to cut.
  2. Pick a machine profile. Choose plasma, laser, waterjet, or router so spacing and lead-ins match your cutter.
  3. Run Nest. Sheets generate at origin 0,0, packed and labeled, ready to send to your post.

The Nest command

Type Nest or click the toolbar button. Options are exposed on the command line so you can script or batch them:

OptionDefaultWhat it does
Sheet60×120Stock size in your model units, or pick a saved preset.
Spacingkerf+0.04″Gap between parts. Driven by the active machine profile.
RotationFreeFree, stepped (15°/90°), or fixed grain direction.
RemnantsOnNest onto the smallest fitting offcut first.
BridgesAutoAdd holding tabs to islands. Pro only.

Machine profiles

A profile bundles kerf, part spacing, lead-in style, and pierce clearance for one cutter. Set it once and every nest respects it. See the full machine profiles reference for starting values by process.

Remnant inventory

When a nest leaves a usable drop, SmartNest measures it and files it in the remnant pool. The next job checks the pool first and nests onto the smallest fitting remnant, so full sheets stay full.

  • Offcuts are auto-measured. No tagging or re-drawing by hand.
  • Share one pool across the whole shop so everyone nests from the same rack.
  • Run RemnantPool to browse, edit, or retire offcuts.

Auto-bridging

Closed cut-outs, the centers of letters, washers, and windows, want to fall through the slats. With bridging on, SmartNest finds every island and adds tiny uncut tabs that hold it in place until you snap it free by hand.

Rhino command line
Nest Bridges=Auto TabWidth=0.080 TabsPerIsland=2
Tab width and count are tuned per material and thickness. Thicker stock gets wider tabs so parts hold without tearing the torch path.

Commands

CommandDoes
NestPack selected parts onto sheets at 0,0.
NestSettingsOpen the settings dialog for spacing, rotation, and bridges.
MachineProfileCreate, edit, or switch the active cutter profile.
RemnantPoolManage saved offcuts.
AddBridgesAdd or edit holding tabs on selected cut-outs.

Troubleshooting

Parts will not nest. Curves must be closed and planar. Run SelOpenCrv to find gaps, then CloseCrv.

Spacing looks tight. Check the active machine profile kerf. Plasma needs more clearance than laser or waterjet.

Still stuck? Head to Support or email the team from the contact page.