March 18, 2010 - Compsys, Inc., based in Melbourne, Florida, manufacture unique preforms under the trade name of Prisma. Founded in 1992, initially they were running two Eastman knife cutters with nesting software supplied with the machines, however they were achieving better nesting efficiency through manually created nests. In 2007 they decided to evaluate alternative solutions.

Scott Lewit, President said; “We considered upgrading the existing software and also looked at two others, one of which was JETCAM.  In benchmarks JETCAM was up to 15% more efficient than the nearest competitors. We could also standardize on a single CAM system to drive both knife and routing cutting technologies.”

The decision was made to select JETCAM Expert with High Performance Nesting, supplied by US distributor NestOne Solutions in December 2007 with a view to integrating into Compsys’ in-house orders database. Engineers were trained and Scott noted that the learning curve was short; “JETCAM is easy to use and quick to learn. With NestOne we've had great technical support and training - we always have help if we need it. ”

Once they started using the system Compsys  saw a number of immediate improvements. Scott said; “We saw an improvement in material yield of up to 15%. This was helped by the ability to specify ‘filler parts’; items that we regularly make can be specified to fill empty areas on a nest to maximize material efficiency. Also, JETCAM’s ability to automatically select the best sheet or roll for the job in hand is a good feature.”

The integration from their orders databases into JETCAM provided further benefits by reducing operator entry errors. As data is passed automatically between the two systems, any orders created are immediately available within JETCAM, ready for nesting. Through a combination of JETCAM’s ability to automatically import and apply cutting information to entire directories of CAD files, and reliable, optimised nests produced without programmer intervention, overall programming time was reduced by 70% and the company could rely on efficient and dynamically created nests.

Compsys has an ongoing maintenance contract with NestOne, which has been beneficial to their ongoing integration plans; “Our previous system had very few features so we only used it in a basic way, requiring little support. As we are learning more of JETCAM’s advanced features and tying it to our in-house systems we are relying on NestOne. The support is really excellent and we always get a good response.”

Despite the economic downturn Compsys  estimate that JETCAM paid for itself within 6-9 months, due to the savings made through reduced programming time and material waste reduction, and the company has no plans to stop there. Scott finalized; “JETCAM delivered what they told us it would. We want to further drive lean using JETCAM. We are working now at more closely integrating JETCAM with our central order and manufacturing databases. It will eventually become part of a fully automated production scheduling module that is currently in development.”

Benefits Achieved

• Up to 15% more efficient nests than competitors in benchmark comparisons
• System paid for itself in 6-9 months, even in economic downturn
• Running both knife cutting and routing technologies
• Programming time improved by 70%
• Use ‘filler parts’ feature to automatically add frequently made parts to unused space
• Integrated JETCAM  into in-house MRP system
• Excellent local training and support

Machines in use

• 2 x Eastman 72" knife cutters
• Accurouter Series II Router

About JETCAM International

JETCAM International has been developing and distributing its JETCAM Expert range of CADCAM software since 1986. In use in over 70 countries worldwide, JETCAM Expert software supports virtually every CNC punching, laser, plasma, routing, waterjet and flatbed cutting machine available today, allowing users to program any combination of CNC machines with a single CAM system.

Contact information:

JETCAM International s.a.r.l.
"Le Thales" Bloc A,
1 Rue du Gabian,
MC98000
Monaco

Tel: +44 (0)870 760 6469
E-mail: Email Contact
Web: www.jetcam.com