Cutting edge
March 1st 2010 JETCAM has helped Compsys gain a competitive edge with
15% better nesting efficiency
Compsys, 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 standardise 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 finalised;
"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
JETCAM's reseller in Ireland is Quality
Improvement Network which can be
contacted on the number below: | 
