A rapid nesting method for batch steel structure parts based on the combined application of multiple software functions
By combining multiple software functions, the erection and node design of complex building structure models are completed, and the part arrangement and cutting path simulation is used to use the rod plate removal function and ProNest software to perform part sampling and cutting path simulation, the problem of efficient distinction and management of large-scale steel structural parts in the existing technology is solved, and efficient and accurate processing and material utilization is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510432866.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-08
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-20
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-04-08
AI Technical Summary
It is difficult for the existing technology to efficiently and accurately distinguish and manage large batches of steel structural parts, especially among parts of different materials, plate thicknesses and shapes. How to achieve efficient arrangement and processing has become a challenge.
By combining a variety of software functions, such as Tekla, CAD, Rhino, Grasshopper plug-ins and ST plug-ins, the erection and node design of complex building structure models are completed, and the welding combined section profiles are removed by using the rod plate removal function, and the DXF file contains quantity information, classify and count part properties, and use ProNest software to perform optimal arrangement and cutting path simulation.
It realizes efficient and precise distinction and management of large-scale steel structural parts, improves raw material utilization, reduces waste, shortens processing cycles, and reduces production costs.
Smart Images

Figure CN119939748B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application belongs to the field of steel structures and discloses a rapid nesting method for batch parts of steel structures based on the combined application of multiple software functions. Background Art
[0002] The structural design of modern buildings takes into account both architectural practicality and aesthetics. Due to its powerful and unique shaping ability and highly assembled construction technology, steel structures are gradually applied to various public buildings. The building volume ranges from several thousand tons to several hundred thousand tons, and the huge amount of steel used poses a great challenge to processing and manufacturing. How to improve the processing and manufacturing efficiency has become a hot topic in the industry. From the upgrade of hardware equipment to the development of software applications, all are aimed at improving processing efficiency and accuracy. However, most software functions have their own focuses. Then, how to combine the functions of each software and meet the high-efficiency nesting of a large number of parts through a feasible operation process is a content worthy of research.
[0003] At the design stage of most steel structure buildings, in order to meet the rationality of the structure and the economy of investment, aspects such as structural materials, member cross-sections, and structural forms will be considered. This will result in the use of more than 2 types of materials, more than a dozen plate thicknesses for different member cross-sections, and different-shaped parts for various structural forms with different numbers of each shape. After the Tekla detailed design model is disassembled into plates, tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of parts with different attributes will be generated. How to efficiently distinguish materials with different attributes, summarize parts of the same material, the same plate thickness, and different shapes, and assign quantity attributes, and use nesting software to identify attributes such as shape, material, plate thickness, and quantity, and complete high-utilization nesting is a content worthy of research. Summary of the Invention
[0004] In view of the deficiencies of the prior art, this application proposes a rapid nesting method for batch parts of steel structures based on the combined application of multiple software functions.
[0005] This application includes the following technical solutions:
[0006] A rapid nesting method for batch parts of steel structures based on the combined application of multiple software functions, comprising the following steps:
[0007] Step 1: Use Tekla, CAD, Rhino, Grasshopper plug-in, and ST plug-in to complete the erection of a complex building structure model, and conduct detailed design on the joints to make the joint design meet the design requirements and have a certain degree of rationality; check the collision conditions of each joint and member in the model, and eliminate the collisions so that each joint and member do not interfere with each other. The model after collision elimination is used as the final processing model;
[0008] Step 2: Install the ST plug-in in Tekla software. Use the function of disassembling bars into plates to disassemble each welded combined cross-section profile into plates. Except for hot-rolled profiles, all parts are cut, punched, and formed into curved surfaces in the form of plates to ensure the accuracy of the attributes of all parts, including plate thickness, material, and quantity. The ST plug-in exports each part as a DXF file. To efficiently process the DXF files, use CAD drawing combination software to combine the DXF files in the same export folder into one file for subsequent CAD preprocessing.
[0009] Step 3: Use the function of exporting DXF drawings of the ST plug-in to select and export DXF files containing quantity information. Export all parts in DXF format and classify and count the parts according to different materials and plate thicknesses to form folders with different names for the nesting software to identify.
[0010] Step 4: The ST plug-in exports each part as a separate DXF file. Use CAD drawing combination software to combine the DXF files in the same export folder into one file for subsequent CAD preprocessing. Preferably, each part is exported as a DXF file. To efficiently process the DXF files, use CAD drawing combination software to combine the DXF files in the same export folder into one file for subsequent CAD preprocessing. Preferably, the merged DXF file will contain all parts of the same material and plate thickness. Use CAD software to preprocess the DXF file, select all the quantity marks of the parts, and set the quantity marks of all parts to the BOM layer.
[0011] Step 5: Use CAD software to preprocess the merged DXF file. Mark the quantity of the parts that need to be cut on each part drawing and move all the quantity marks within the part graphic range so that the nesting software can identify the quantity of the parts; or when exporting the DXF file, select to mark the quantity inside the part drawing through the ST plug-in.
[0012] Set the quantity marks of all parts to the BOM layer.
[0013] Step 6: Import the preprocessed DXF file into ProNest software, set the specifications of the sheet material and the material for cutting, select the part quantity layer as the BOM layer, and start nesting. The software adopts the optimal arrangement method according to the shapes of different parts.
[0014] Step 7: After completing nesting, export the DXF file for subsequent cutting.
[0015] Preferably, the above nesting method combines the functions of multiple software and adopts different application methods to make use of their strengths, make up for their weaknesses, and flexibly apply them to develop a solution for specific requirements.
[0016] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned rapid nesting method for steel structure batch parts based on the combined application of multiple software functions, in Step 1, the comprehensive application of Tekla, CAD, Rhino, Grasshopper plug-ins and ST plug-ins is adopted in the detailed design process to achieve the accurate modeling of complex building structures and the rationality verification of joint design.
[0017] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned rapid nesting method for steel structure batch parts based on the combined application of multiple software functions, in Step 2, the bar plate splitting function can accurately process each welded combined section profile, making the part attributes after plate splitting accurate and providing a reliable basis for subsequent cutting, hole opening and surface forming.
[0018] Preferably, when using the bar plate splitting function to split each welded combined section profile, except for hot-rolled profiles, all parts will be cut, punched and surface formed in the form of plates, and all part attributes are accurate, including plate thickness, material, quantity, etc.
[0019] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned rapid nesting method for steel structure batch parts based on the combined application of multiple software functions, in Step 3, the exported DXF file contains the quantity information of the parts, and is classified and counted according to different materials and plate thicknesses, forming folders with different names, which is convenient for the efficient identification and processing of subsequent nesting software. Preferably, the selected exported DXF file contains quantity information, and all parts are exported as DXF files. The exported files will classify and count the parts with different materials and plate thicknesses, forming folders with different names, such as Q355B + 20mm, Q420B + 35mm, etc.
[0020] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned rapid nesting method for steel structure batch parts based on the combined application of multiple software functions, in Step 5, the CAD software is used to preprocess the DXF file, and the part quantity mark is set to the BOM layer to ensure that the nesting software can accurately identify and process the part quantity information.
[0021] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned rapid nesting method for steel structure batch parts based on the combined application of multiple software functions, in Step 6, the ProNest software can adopt the optimal arrangement method according to the shape of the parts, improve the utilization rate of raw materials, and at the same time provide simulated cutting paths and manual nesting functions to meet different processing requirements.
[0022] This application also discloses the application of the above-mentioned rapid nesting method for steel structure batch parts in the field of steel structure buildings.
[0023] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following beneficial effects:
[0024] After the technical solution of this application has been actually applied in the project, it has shown remarkable beneficial effects. It can efficiently and accurately distinguish and manage a large number of parts, and classify the parts in detail according to different attributes such as material and plate thickness. By summarizing parts of the same material, the same plate thickness but different shapes, and accurately assigning their quantity attributes, the subsequent processing process becomes more orderly. At the same time, this solution makes full use of the powerful functions of nesting software, can accurately identify key attributes such as the shape, material, plate thickness and quantity of parts, so as to achieve high-utilization nesting. This not only greatly improves the utilization rate of raw materials, reduces waste, but also greatly improves work efficiency, shortens the processing cycle, and reduces production costs. Therefore, the technical solution of this application has broad application prospects and great promotion value in the field of steel structure processing. Description of the Drawings
[0025] Figure 1 Flow chart of the nesting method of this application. Detailed Implementation Manner
[0026] In the description of this application, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, terms such as "detailed design", "collision", "plate splitting", "cutting and blanking", "hole opening", "curved surface forming", "attribute", "nesting", "marking", "layer", "cutting path", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can be industry technical terms, habitual descriptions, or software basic function descriptions. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.
[0027] In the description of this application, it should be understood that descriptions of the process of the scheme indicated by terms such as "installation", "export", "import", "merging", "moving", "setting", "selection", "simulation", etc. are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying a specific operation of a certain software, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation to this application.
[0028] In the description of this application, it should be understood that descriptions of software indicated by terms such as "Tekla", "CAD", "Rhino", "Grasshopper", "ST plug-in", "ProNest", etc. are only for the convenience of describing this application and the process of the scheme based on the above software applications, rather than indicating or implying a specific function, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation to this application.
[0029] Embodiment
[0030] As Figure 1 A rapid nesting method for steel structure batch parts based on the combined application of multiple software functions is shown as follows, including the following steps:
[0031] Step 1: Use Tekla, CAD, Rhino, Grasshopper plug-in, ST plug-in, etc. to complete the erection of a complex building structure model, and conduct in-depth design of the joints. The joint design meets the design requirements and has a certain degree of rationality. Check the collision situation of each joint and member in the model, and eliminate all collisions to ensure that each joint and member do not interfere with each other. After the collisions are eliminated, it serves as the final processing model;
[0032] Step 2: Install the ST plug-in in the Tekla software. Use the function of disassembling plates for each welded combined section profile. Except for hot-rolled profiles, all parts will be cut, punched, and formed into curved surfaces in the form of plates. All part attributes are accurate, including plate thickness, material, quantity, etc.;
[0033] Step 3: Use the function of exporting DXF drawings in the ST plug-in. Select to export the DXF file containing quantity information, and export all parts as DXF files. The exported files will classify and count parts of different materials and plate thicknesses, forming folders with different names, such as Q355B + 20mm, Q420B + 35mm, etc. This step distinguishes parts of different materials and plate thicknesses and assigns quantity attributes to the part drawings for easy identification by the nesting software;
[0034] Step 4: The ST plug-in exports each part as a DXF file. To efficiently process the DXF files, use CAD drawing combination software to combine the DXF files in the same exported folder into one file for convenient subsequent CAD preprocessing;
[0035] Step 5: The merged DXF file will contain all parts of the same material and plate thickness. Use CAD software to preprocess the DXF file. Each part drawing will mark the quantity of parts that need to be cut. Move all quantity marks within the part graphic range, otherwise the nesting software cannot recognize the part quantity. Or when exporting the DXF file, select to mark the quantity internally in the ST plug-in. Similarly, the material, number, etc. can also be marked, but it is best not to mark the number and material. Select all the quantity marks of the parts and set the quantity marks of all parts to the BOM layer;
[0036] Step 6: Import the preprocessed DXF file into the ProNest software, set the specifications of the sheet material and the cutting material, select the part quantity layer as the BOM layer, and then start nesting. The software will adopt the optimal arrangement method according to the shapes of different parts to improve the utilization rate of raw materials, and can also simulate the cutting path or perform manual nesting;
[0037] Step 7: After completing the nesting, export the DXF file for cutting and blanking.
[0038] The above are several limited preferred embodiments of the present application, which are described in relatively specific and detailed manner, but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present application. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the concept of the present application, several variations and improvements can still be made, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present application.
Claims
1. A method for rapid layout of batch parts of steel structures based on the combined application of multiple software functions, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Step 1: Use Tekla, CAD, Rhino, Grasshopper plug-in and ST plug-in to complete the construction of complex building structure models, and conduct in-depth design of nodes to ensure that the node design meets the design requirements and is reasonable; check the collision of each node and rod of the model, and eliminate the collision so that each node and rod do not interfere with each other. The model after collision elimination is used as the final processing model; Step 2: Install the ST plug-in in the Tekla software, and use the bar disassembly function to disassemble the welded composite section profiles. Except for the hot-rolled profiles, all parts are cut, opened and curved in the form of plates, so that the properties of all parts, including plate thickness, material and quantity, are accurate; Step 3: Use the DXF drawing export function of the ST plug-in to export the DXF file containing quantity information, export all parts to DXF format, and classify and count the parts according to different materials and plate thicknesses to form folders with different names for easy recognition by the nesting software; Step 4: The ST plug-in exports each part as a separate DXF file, and uses the CAD merging software to merge the DXF files in the same export folder into one file for subsequent CAD preprocessing; Step 5: Use CAD software to pre-process the merged DXF file, mark the number of parts that need to be cut on each part drawing, and move all quantity marks to the range of the part drawing so that the nesting software can recognize the number of parts; Or when exporting a DXF file, choose to mark the quantity inside the part drawing through the ST plug-in; Set the quantity mark of all parts to the BOM layer; Step 6: Import the pre-processed DXF file into ProNest software, set the specifications and material of the plate, select the part quantity layer as the BOM layer, and start nesting; the software adopts the optimal arrangement method according to the shapes of different parts; Step 7: After completing the nesting, export the DXF file for subsequent cutting; In the step 1, the in-depth design process uses the comprehensive application of Tekla, CAD, Rhino, Grasshopper plug-in and ST plug-in to achieve accurate modeling of complex building structures and rationality verification of node design; In the step 2, the bar disassembly function can accurately process each welded composite cross-section profile, so that the properties of the parts after disassembly are accurate, providing a reliable basis for subsequent cutting, opening and curved surface forming; In step 3, the exported DXF file contains the quantity information of the parts, and is classified and counted according to different materials and plate thicknesses to form folders with different names, which is convenient for efficient recognition and processing by subsequent nesting software; In the step 5, the DXF file is preprocessed using CAD software, and the part quantity mark is set as the BOM layer to ensure that the nesting software can accurately identify and process the part quantity information; In step six, ProNest software can adopt the optimal arrangement method according to the shape of the part to improve the utilization rate of raw materials, while providing simulated cutting paths and manual nesting functions to meet different processing requirements.
2. Application of the method for rapid arrangement of batch steel structure parts as claimed in claim 1 in the field of steel structure construction.