When CO2 laser cutting, fiber optic laser cutting, flame cutting, laser welding etc. are gaining momentum across the sheet metal fabrication industry, it becomes vital for sheet metal contractors and fabricators to stay aligned with these new developments and stay profitable. Instead of conventional metal cutting and joining process with machine tools, these methods are gradually taking over the fabrication business and hence fabricators need to align their designs and drafts with the upgrades. Cleaner environment, efficient process, saving of metal scrap and flexibility of these new technologies are some of the key factors that run in favor of discarding conventional processes, as new technologies continue to grow.
It goes without saying that when laser cutting or welding of sheet metal is involved, it isn’t about fabrication drawings [Fig. 1]; it is about nesting drawings and reports. Fabricators insist [and should insist] on having a comprehensive nesting report form their CAD…