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Optimize the plan before generating G-code. Use Guillotine cutting type for jobs that require guillotine cuts, such as glass cutting, and Nesting for jobs that allow more flexible cutting paths. Selecting the cutting type also sets a suitable Layout part order: Guillotine for guillotine cutting and Snake for nesting. These defaults are suitable for most jobs.
Set the plan kerf to match the machine kerf for Connected, Part-by-part, and Guillotine paths. For Skeleton, the plan kerf must be greater than twice the machine kerf to provide space for separate cuts and the material left between parts. For example, a 3 mm cutter requires a plan kerf greater than 6 mm in Skeleton mode.
Changing the machine Kerf after optimization does not change the spacing of parts in the layout. If the plan kerf needs changing, optimize the plan again before generating G-code.
Plan trims reserve material around the usable layout. They can provide room for edge finishing, leads, or holding arrangements. Lead length limits how far cuts can extend into these trims, including cuts that separate remnants.
For example, with a 15 mm trim and Lead length of 10 mm, the outer 5 mm minus half the machine kerf remains untouched by these cuts. Allow for the full cutting width when positioning clamps. Also check travel moves and any movements written in your code blocks against the actual fixtures.
Start with Part-by-part for general cutting, or Connected when reducing interruptions is the main priority and the material remains secure. Use Guillotine when the process requires guillotine cuts. Choose Skeleton when the surrounding material is needed to help support the parts.
The path mode works together with the physical holding method. Depending on the machine and material, this may include clamps, vacuum, adhesive tape, or support from the cutting bed. Small parts may need additional support even when the original sheet is held securely.
Tabs retain connections between parts and the surrounding material. Router multi-pass cutting with a shallow final pass can leave a thin skin until the finishing pass. These methods can be combined where appropriate. Consider how each part will be held when its final cut is completed.
Leads move the start or end of a cut away from the finished part edge. Depending on the layout, they can use waste material, trims, or air beyond the stock. CutLogic 2D determines whether a new pierce is needed by checking whether the starting point lies in uncut material, in a kerf left by a previous cut, or in air.
In Part-by-part mode, a part can start in the kerf left by an earlier part. This explains why the entire cutting layout may require zero or one new pierce or drilling entry. Guillotine mode also generates no piercing or drilling entries.
❖ Minimizing piercing/drilling
1.Optimize the plan with Nesting/CNC cutting type and Snake Layout part order.
2.Set the machine's Path mode to Part-by-part.
3.Set Lead length longer than the relevant trim, provided the surrounding area is clear.
This allows the first part to start from air and following parts to start from existing kerfs. In most cases, it reduces the number of pierces/drills to zero. Check the generated result for the actual layout.
❖ Actual lead lengths
Lead length is subject to the available space and the following limits:
•Lead-ins are capped at the greater of 30 mm and the largest plan trim.
•Lead extensions into air are limited to 5 mm for Laser machines and 15 mm for Router and Other machines.
•In Skeleton mode, the maximum lead-in is half the difference between the plan kerf and the machine kerf: (Plan kerf - Machine kerf) / 2.
•Lead-outs are half the corresponding lead-in length.
These limits can cause the generated leads to be shorter than the entered Lead length. The limits above are stated in millimeters; equivalent lengths apply when using inches.
Remnants and checking the generated G-code
Remnant-separation cuts are generated last. Detaching a physical remnant may require cuts to enter or cross trim zones. These extensions are also limited by Lead length; a remnant may remain attached if the permitted extension does not reach the stock edge.
If any cuts enter or cross trims, the generated header includes a summary such as:
( Trim cuts: 2 in trim | 0 cross trim )
•in trim counts cuts starting or ending in trim. The corresponding G-code lines end with the comment (in trim).
•cross trim counts cuts passing through an entire trim. The corresponding G-code lines end with the comment (cross trim).
This information does not necessarily indicate a problem. Check it against the clamp positions and the intended remnant handling. If necessary, adjust Lead length or the holding arrangement before running the program.
Preview G-code shows only the first layout. Use it for a quick general check of the settings and generated code. To inspect the second and subsequent layouts, use Export G-code and open the exported files in a text editor or G-code viewer.
For a visual check, we recommend NC Viewer (https://ncviewer.com/), a free online G-code viewer. Open the exported files to examine their toolpaths. Check the entry and exit locations, Z positions, tabs, remnant cuts, and machine-specific commands. A viewer may not reproduce actions performed internally by controller macros, including Smart Z actions.
The reported toolpath bounds include CutLogic 2D-generated moves and moves in code blocks on lines beginning with G0 or G1. Lines beginning with G00 or G01 are not included in this calculation. Bounds therefore do not replace checking movements introduced by custom controller code.
G-code blocks, tokens, and customization
CutLogic 2D combines its generated cutting or marking moves with the four configurable code blocks. The general structure is:
Code prefix
Travel to the next start
Before cuts
Cutting or marking moves
After cuts
... repeated for subsequent sequences ...
Code suffix
A cutting sequence may contain several connected moves. Before cuts and After cuts surround the sequence, rather than each individual movement. Multi-pass operations repeat the necessary cutting sequences at their respective depths.
Start with a supplied machine record close to your intended operation, then adapt its settings and blocks to your controller. You can add a machine with Ins, delete it with Ctrl+Del, or copy the selected machine to a new record with Ctrl+V. Separate records make it easy to keep different cutting, marking, and material settings.
❖ Smart Z controllers
In Smart Z mode, the controller must perform all required pre-cut and post-cut actions, including moving to Cut Z and Safe Z and controlling power. The Before cuts and After cuts blocks therefore need only M3 and M5, or the corresponding controller-specific commands.
Use this mode only when the controller is configured to perform these actions through the specified commands.
❖ Tokens
CutLogic 2D provides over 60 tokens representing values from the current Part, Layout, Material, Plan, and Machine. You can use them in Text to mark/engrave, the four G-code blocks, and Filename.
Place the cursor in the desired field and click Insert or press F2 to view the available tokens and insert the selected token.
The token @LayRepeat supplies the layout repeat count and can be used in prefix and suffix code to implement loops supported by the controller. The token supplies a value; the loop syntax must be provided in the blocks.
Special emit tokens control when code is included, for example, for tab cuts, each cut, or cuts along the X or Y axis.
❖ Comments
CutLogic 2D handles comments as follows:
Comment syntax |
Generated output |
|---|---|
( ... ) |
Preserved |
; |
Preserved |
;; |
Removed |
Use ;; for notes that should remain in the machine settings but should not appear in the exported program. Use only comment formats accepted by the controller for comments that are preserved.
❖ Controller-specific commands
Check the commands in the code blocks against your controller's documentation. Make sure all commands and their parameters are supported by your controller and suitable for the intended operation.
❖ Additional part data
If another process needs complete part information in addition to G-code, use the Layout parts custom export (Ctrl+E).