Software of the Month Club 1995 December/SOFM_Dec1995.bin/pc/dos/biz/sheetlay/sl4.txt

Text File | 1995-10-31 | 28KB | 1,004 lines

<<Electronic Manual>>
Electronic Manual

Sheet Layout incorporates an Electronic
Manual for fast and easy on-line help.
The documentation and descriptions
contained within this manual are intended
for detailed everyday reference. Detailed
information on Sheet Layout and the
various options are contained within the
electronic manual.

One of the big advantages of the
Electronic manual is that you can find
the information much quicker then in a
typed manual, and it's always at your
finger tips..

<Electronic Manual Use>
Electronic Manual Use

The Electronic Manual is very easy to
use.  Push F1 to access the manual at
almost any time.  You will be immediately
shown a text screen of help for the
screen you are currently viewing.  You
can then move up and down in the help
screen to find the help you need.  Also
shown on the help screen are two push
buttons, Sections & Topics.

<Sections>
Sections

The SECTIONS push button is similar to a
books table of contents. You can go to
the help for any section, or chapter, by
pushing the Sections button from any help
screen and then selecting the desired
section.  Each Section then describes the
particular topic or data fields that you
need help with.   These topics are
usually specifically described under the
TOPIC push button.


<Topics>
Topics

Pushing the TOPIC push button takes you
directly to a list of topics to choose.
This eliminates the need to scroll
through the entire section.  Topics are
typically used to describe the use of the
individual data fields and to provide
more general information.  Therefore when
in doubt as to what information to enter
into a data field, select topics to
display relevant information.

<Electronic Manual Customization>
Electronic Manual Customization

You can change or add to the help
contained in the electronic manual.  The
electronic manual is contained in the
file "SL4.TXT" The sections of the manual
are enclosed in double brackets, such as,
(( text )). The topics are enclosed in
single brackets, such as, ( text ).

To change or add information specific to
your business, edit the SL4.TXT file with
any word processor that can read and
write ASCII text files.  Simply locate
the appropriate section or topic and make
your changes and they will then appear in
the manual.

CAUTION:  Make a backup of the help file
before you make any changes.  Do not even
open the SL4.TXT file with a word
processor before you make a back up copy.


<<Math Co-Processor>>
Math Co-Processor

Sheet Layout DOES NOT require a math co-
processor, however, if a math co-
processor is installed in your computer,
Sheet Layout will automatically sense and
use it.  The  performance is
approximately 5 times faster with a math
co-processor and is highly recommended.

<<Errors & Questions>>
Errors & Questions

Please see the section "Problems??" There
are some examples of how to avoid the most
common problems.

<<Radio Buttons>>
Radio Buttons

SL uses "radio buttons" in many of the
update forms.  Using the radio button is
a very easy way to choose your selection
from the list of items.

<Mouse Use>
Mouse Use

Simply point and click on your radio
button selection.

<Keyboard Use>
Keyboard Use

Hold down the "Alt" key and then push the
letter highlighted in the data field name
that you want to change.  Once that item
is highlighted use the cursor keys to
highlight your radio button selection,
then push the space bar key to fill in
the radio button to make your selection.

<<Readme File>>
Readme.txt File

Any last minute changes or notices that
concern the operation of  SL or the
manual will be printed in the readme
file. If this file is included, it will
be copied to the same location as the
other SL program files during the
installation.

<<List Box Use>>
List Box Use

List boxes are used to display the
current list of Layouts, Stock
Materials, Cut Lists, Report Formats etc.
Any such data that you have entered must
have a name associated with it.  These
names will be displayed in the list
boxes.

For instance, when dimensional units are
requires such as Inches, Millimeters etc,
a list box will appear showing you the
valid entries.

You will use the scrolling list box to
locate the associated name.  Then you can
make changes or additions to your data.
Sometimes only one of many possible names
are shown in a list box.  You can "find"
the other selections by using your arrow
keys or by pushing the list boxes up/down
arrows with your mouse pointer.


<List Box Scrolling>
List Box Scrolling

There are three ways to control scrolling
in a list box.

Mouse Use.

1) Just point to the up or down arrows on
the scroll bar of the list box with your
mouse and click the left mouse button on
the arrow.

2) You can also use the right mouse
button and click on the list itself to
scroll the list up or down.

Keyboard Use.

3) You can use your up/down cursor arrow
keys to move up or down
in the list box.

<List Box Push Buttons>
List Box Push Buttons

There are typically three or four push
buttons shown at the bottom of the list
box screen that control access to the
List Box items.  They are Select, Insert,
Change and Delete.  If you push the
Insert or Change  buttons an update form
will  pop-up.   Selecting Delete will
pop-up a similar  confirmation form just
to make sure you really want to delete
your data.

<<Dimensions>>
Dimensions

SL offers you a very flexible
dimensioning system.  It doesn't matter
if you use inches, feet or millimeters.
SL will be sure everything is calculated
correctly.

You can even mix dimensions such as feet
and inches and still maintain proper
operation.  You can also convert the
dimensions from one measurement unit to
another at optimization time but
specifying the Report Dimensions.

<Stock Dimensions>
Stock Dimensions

Stock Sheet Size Dimensions.   You can
enter your product sheet sizes in "feet",
lets say 4' x 8' plywood sheets. Just
select "Feet" from the list box or type
it in directly into the data filed. Of
course, each different stock sheet size
for that particular product must then be
entered in "feet".

<Cut List Dimensions>
Cut List Dimensions

Regardless of the units used to describe
the stock material sizes, you can specify
any dimensional units that you want to
use for your cut list data. SL will
automatically convert the dimensions for
you at optimization time.

<Report Dimensions>
Report Dimensions

Once again, regardless of any units that
you have used to define the "Stock List"
sizes or the "Cut List" sizes, you can
specify the dimensions for the
optimization output.  SL will
automatically convert the dimensions for
you at optimization time.

As an example:  The Product sheet sizes
could be entered in feet, the cut list
sizes in inches, and you could have the
optimization diagram printed in
millimeters.  All you have to do is
select the dimensions that you want to
use from the radio buttons for each
particular screen.

<Fractions>
Fractions

SL can print out "Inches" in fractional
form. You can specify the accuracy of the
fractional output.  SL will round the
measurement to the nearest 1/4", 1/8",
1/16", or even 1/32" of an inch.

SL will also reduce the fraction to the
lowest common denominator.  Now, to say
that in simple terms. If you specify
1/32" accuracy and the measurement
happens to be 16/32"; this would be
printed as 1/2".

<<Main Menu>>
Main Menu

The Main Menu System is very simple to
use.  The following description is
offered just as a little clarification to
the main menu items.

<Enter Run/Layouts>
Enter Run/Layouts

From this menu selection you can input
cut lists for new layouts  and change
existing cut lists or orders.  After you
have defined your Cutting Parameters
Stock List, and Label Format,  you will
usually be working from this screen.

<Update Files>
Update Files

Insert, Change, or Delete entries to data
files which include Stock List, Cut List,
Report Format, and Label Format.

<Program Upgrade>
Program Upgrade

Sheet Layout is available in three
registered different versions.  Hobbyist,
Small Shop and Commercial version. The
ONLY difference between the registered
versions is in the quantity and number
cut list items.

<<Enter Run/Layouts>>
Enter Run/Layouts

This Screen is your main control screen.
From this screen you can do everything
except delete file entries.

<Job List Box>
Job List Box

First - You can "Insert"  a new layout
job or  "Change" an existing layout job.
If you  Insert a new job, the name you
assign to this job will appear in the
list.  Just click on the button
indicating the action you want to
perform.

Second -  After your job is defined you
can:

* Print the Stock and Cut list for the
job by pushing "Print Input Data".
* You can Layout, or, Optimize the job by
pushing  "Optimize Layout"
* You can "View Last Layout" (and print)
the last Layout Optimization

<Print Input Data>
Print Input Data

The highlighted layout job shown on the
left of the screen uses a variety of
information such as Stock and Cut list
information.  When you select the "Print
Input Data" button this information will
be printed for your reference.

<View Last Layout>
View Last Layout

This button does what the name implies,
that is, it shows the last sheet layout
job that you ran.  You can scroll up and
down viewing the individual sheet
layouts.  You can also print all the
layouts from this screen. Some users do
not print directly to the printer,
rather, they save the layout job to a
file and print it later using this
feature.

<Optimize Layout>
Optimize Layout

Once you have entered your cut list you
can optimize the layout at any time.
Highlight the Job you want to optimize,
then select the "Optimize Layout" push
button.

<<Layout Data Entry>>
Layout Data Entry

Prior to running a Layout Optimization
you need to input the Job  Name, and,
select the Cut Parameters, Stock List,
Report Format, and Label Format that you
want to define for your job.

Start by entering a Job Name

Secondly - You must complete all the
fields below the Job Name.

<Data Fields>
Data Fields

You don't have to remember the names of
the various Cut, Stock, Report, or Label
lists.  Each entry will pop-up a list of
available entries for you to use (that
you have defined already). If you make a
mistake, a pop-up list will appear for
you to select from. You must complete all
the fields for proper optimization.

<Cut Size Dimensions>
Cut Size Dimensions

The dimensions indicated in this field
should be used for the Cut List sizes
that are entered.

<Trim Adjustment>
Trim Adjustment

SL can either subtract or add a pre-
determined dimension to the Cut List
items to compensate for post cutting edge
work. This feature is typically used for
edge banding adjustments or allowances
for a post cutting edge treatment.

<Multiply>
Multiply

You should always enter your cut list for
a single unit.  That unit may contain
various cut list sizes.  Doing so has the
following advantage.

When you need to make more then one Unit
you only need to indicate the number of
Unit you need in the "Multiply" field and
the cut list quantities will
automatically be multiplied by that
number for the optimization.  This saves
you from editing the quantity data field
in each item of the cut list.

<Show Cut List>
Show Cut List

Select this push button to display a
existing cut list, or to add and make
changes to a new list.

After you activate this push button, a
list box appears for the Cut List items.
As always, you can now Insert, Change, or
Delete items in the Cut List.

Enter the Quantity of pieces you need for
a given size followed by the width and
length of that size.  Further, it is
suggested that you identify each part
with a description or name, that is
assigned to that part.  This name will
print out on the reports.


<<Cut List>>
Cut List

Enter your cutting list including the
Quantity, Width, Length, and optional
description of the particular part.

Note: If you leave either the Width or
Length field blank, or "0",  you will
receive a error message at optimization
time.  This part will not be used in the
layout.

If you are manufacturing "multiple" Units
of the same item, do not enter the
quantity for all units here, rather, use
the "multiply" field to automatically
increase the number of required parts.

<<Program Upgrade>>
Program Upgrade

Sheet Layout is available in three
different registered versions. Hobbyist,
Small Shop and Commercial version. The
only difference between the versions is
in the quantity and number of  cut list
items that can be used in a single job.

<Product Restrictions>
Product Restrictions

The "Grain" direction control is disabled
on the "Evaluation Copy"

Values that exceed the allowable number
of cut list items are automatically
clipped at optimization time with no
warning.

Please see the Product Upgrade main menu
item for further details on program
capacities.

<<Cut Parameters>>
Cut Parameters

You will use the various cutting
parameters to control how you want your
material cut.  You can indicate you
cutting preference for cross or rip
cutting and several other options.

<Cut Name>
Cut Name

Enter a description of the cutting
parameters that you specify. For instance
you could indicate the Saw Kerf, and the
saw or operation in your shop to use.
This description will appear in the
scrolling list box.

<Saw Kerf>
Saw Kerf

Simply enter the width of material
removed by the saw blade or cutting
torch.

If you are cutting glass the saw kerf
would be left at 0.00.

<First Cut Direction>
First Cut Direction

You have three choices, Rip Cut, Cross
Cut, and Either. You should normally
select Either for the best efficiency.

Rip Cutting.  This instructs SL to make
the first cut direction across the long
dimension of the stock sheet.

Cross Cutting.  This instructs SL to make
the first cut direction across the short
dimension of the stock sheet.

Either (Rip or Cross Cutting).  This is
the best cutting option for maximum
layout efficiency and is highly
recommended.  The
radio push button is defined as "Either".

<Grain Direction>
Grain Direction

Many materials have a grain direction
associated with them. If the material you
are using has a directional nature, then
you may want to specify that way the
material is used in your final product.

Fixing the grain mandates  that the Width
and Length of the cut size part is to
remain consistent with the  Width and
Length of the stock material
respectively.

Grain control is disabled on the
Evaluation Copy.

<Cutting Level>
Cutting Level

This option allows you to specify the
complexity allowed for the sheet layout.
The selection may depend upon your
manufacturing operation. Normally you
would select maximum for the best layout
efficiency.

If you need to simplify the cutting
patterns that sheet layout generates then
you would select average or minimum.

CAUTION:  The minimum selection may
result in some very poor layouts
depending on the size mix of your cutting
list.

<Optimization Level>
Optimization Level

Normally, you should use Medium or High
for the best results. Medium almost
always does a better job optimizing then
Low, however, depending on the size mix
of your job High may not do any better
then Medium.

The trade off with using High is that the
calculation time is longer. You be the
judge, if the calculations take too long
then choose a lower Optimization Level
next time.

<<Optimization Time>>
Optimization Time

The higher the optimization Level the
longer the calculation time required by
Sheet Layout. Obviously an optimization
Level of Low is the fastest, however, the
best layout may not be achieved.

The trade off with using High is that the
calculation time is longer. You be the
judge, if the calculations take too long
then choose a lower Optimization Level
next time.

<Calculation Time>
Calculation Time

Using an optimization Level of Medium is
typical for many users. The time required
to calculate the layout with an
optimization Level of  Medium is usually
MORE then 5 times the time required for a
Low optimization Level. A 10 to 15 times
increase in calculation time is more
likely for High as compared to low.  The
actual time depends on a variety of
factors including your particular  stock
size, cut list size, and quantity mix.

Obviously your calculation time depends
on the speed of your computer system.
With the newer systems (486 & higher) and
particularly systems with a math co-
processor, the calculation time is
usually quicker then the printing time.

Note: Using a printer buffer (hardware or
software buffer) will improve the overall
speed of SL when printing layouts.

<<Report Format>>
Report Format

The diagram format screen is used to
configure the operation and output of the
optimization to suit your individual
manufacturing needs.  You can pre-define
several "formats" for use with different
materials or shop cutting equipment.

<Partial Page>
Partial Page

This setting print that layout and lists
the cut sizes on one page. The scale is
smaller, and SL may not be able to print
the cut sizes on the diagram.  If this is
the case, the part number is printed on
the diagram which is reference below in
the part list.

<Full Page>
Full Page
The setting uses a entire page for the
diagram, and a second page for the cut
size list.  The scale is obviously much
larger and generally provides a better
diagram to cut from.

<Device>
Device

The Device prompt has two "radio buttons"
displayed as selection options, Printer &
File.  The optimized layout will be
printed to the printer immediately or
saved to a file.

The File which has the exact same listing
as a printed layout can be printed or
simply viewed on the screen.  To view or
print this file select View Last Layout
from the menu system.

<Operation>
Operation

You can direct SL to pause after each
sheet layout is displayed on the screen.
Alternatively SL can be left to run and
print unattended until the order is
completed.

Usually this option is set to
"continuous" for automatic operation
during a printout.

If you select "Pause at Each Display",
then SL will pause and wait for you view
the sheet layout printed to the printer.
You are than prompted to push any key to
continue.  This will continue until the
end of the order.

Note:  There is no way to stop the
Optimizer after it has been started -
except "CTRL BREAK".

<X-Y Scale>
X-Y Scale

"True" scale is just that.  The stock
sheet and part sizes are scaled on the
printed diagram (in normal 80 character
printing mode).

The scale can be exaggerated. This
feature permits you to print the diagram
in an exaggerated mode so that the cuts
on small pieces is easier to read on the
printed layout.  This feature is only
active on the Full Page layout diagram.

If one dimension of a stock sheet size is
very long compared to the other, the
short dimension will be stretched to make
the display easier to read.  However,
this means that a square will no longer
be printed as a square.

An example of this would be a long board.
Lets suppose the board size is 6" x 144".
The 6" dimension would barely be
perceptible on the screen or the
printout. By allowing the X-Y Scale
Stretch the 6" width will be printed as
the full paper width.

<Report Dimensions>
Report Dimensions

In addition to the dimensions (inches,
feet, etc.) printed on the layout, you
also have the option of specifying a
fractional or decimal format.

Of course, fractions only work with the
"inches" dimensions keeping with standard
numeric conventions. You will also note
that you have your choice of fractional
units, such as,  1/4's,  1/8's,  etc.
Suit yourself and/or the shop.

Please note that the fractions will be
reduced to the lowest common denominator.
In simpler terms this means if a fraction
is 16/32", instead of printing 16/32" the
reduced fraction of 1/2" will be printed
on reports.


<<Label Format>>
Label Format

Printing labels for production may
simplify your manufacturing operation and
significantly reduce errors.  When SL
completes printing the optimized layouts,
you will be prompted to print out cut
list labels if you have defined a label
format.  If you do NOT want to print
labels, leave all the data fields set to
"0".  This will direct Sheet Layout not
to prompt you for label printing.

Label Format.   Prior to printing labels
you will need to define your label
format.  For example, you can print one
or two labels across the page and specify
the size of the label.  Answer the
prompts as to your best guess as to the
proper measurements for you labels.

Defining the label parameters may take a
bit of trial and error. We suggest that
you run an optimization job with one
sheet of stock material and print the
labels for that page.  Usually within two
or three tries you will have the proper
formatting for your labels.

<<Stock List>>
Stock List

From the Stock list box select the
product you want to Change, Insert or
Delete.  Then fill in the form to
describe the information for the stock
material.

Quantity.  The number of stock sheets of
a particular size. Some uses set the
Quantity to 9,999, and then purchase the
quantity of sheets that are required in
the job as shown by Sheet Layout.

Length.    The length of the stock sheet.

Width.     The width of the stock sheet.


<Stock Name>
Stock Name

Enter a brief description of the product,
such as, 3/4" Interior Plywood, 1/2" Oak
Plywood, 1/8" Acrylic, Laminate, etc.

<Sheet Weight & Average Cost>
Sheet Weight & Average Cost

The "Sheet Weight" and "Average Cost" are
based on ONE SQUARE UNIT of material.
Let me say that again in a different way.

Use the cost an weight of one square
"SOMETHING" of material.  It could be
square inches, square feet, or square
millimeters.   The cost calculation is
dependent on this calculation as are the
weight and cost calculations on the
printed layout.

For example:  Suppose a sheet of 4' x 8'
plywood weighs 16 pounds and costs $48
dollars.  There are 32 square feet of
plywood per sheet ( 4 x 8 = 32 ).  Then
the Sheet Weight should be entered as 16
/ 32 = 0.5 lbs/Sq Ft.  The Average Cost
would be 48 / 32 = $1.50/Sq Ft.

<Stock Dimensions>
Stock Dimensions

Select the dimension that you want use to
define the stock material sheets.  Inches
is the most common.

<Stock Order>
Stock Order

You may and most likely will have
different sizes of plywood that you can
use for a job. For example you could have
different stock sizes as well as some
"scrap" pieces that you want to use.

<Smallest>
Smallest

Selecting this option will direct SL to
use the stock  material from the smallest
to the largest stock sheet. It will use
all available sheets of the smallest
sheet size, then proceed to  use all
available sheets of the next largest
sheet size, etc.  SL  will use the sheets
in this order regardless of how well the
cut sizes fit into the stock size.

<Best Fit>
Best Fit

Selecting this option will direct SL to
consider each stock size in the list to
determine which size provides the best
fit.  This method obviously has the
advantage of providing the best material
utilization if more then one stock sheet
size is available.  However, this method
takes longer.

SL will take twice as long to calculate
the sheet layouts if there are two stock
sizes to evaluate, three times as long to
calculate the sheet layouts if there are
three stock sizes to evaluate, etc. Don't
forget that a math co-processor provides
approximately a five time increase in
speed.

<<View File>>
View File

Use the cursor keys or your mouse to move
up or down to view this file.

<<Problems??>>
Problems??

Hopefully you won't have any problems.  If
you do, please write down any error messages
and report them to me.

Nothing happens when I push optimize?

Well something probably did happen, the screen
blanked and then returned you to the main menu
line.  If you have a fast computer it may have
worked just fine, you just didn't see it
optimize.  "View Last Optimization" to see if
the job really worked. If something did go
wrong, most likely error code 106
flashed on the screen very quickly.

Run Error 106

This is the most frequent problem with Sheet
Layout. The error is due to a data input error
which is not 100% error proof (yet).
If you have a runtime error # 106 you have
somehow have an incomplete data set which SL
needs to operate properly.  If SL doesn't have
good data it will halt with a run time Error
106.

See the "ERRORS" section for a more complete
description.

Missing File Names or Dimension Units?

"Sometimes I can't get all the files from the pick
list, Go back to the field that you're having
trouble with and enter a space as the first
character in the field. Then push enter and
when SL verifies your data the entire list will
be present.

Continuous Improvement!!

I am constantly trying to make the program more
"bullet proof" with enhanced error trapping.
That's why I need reports of problems supplied
by all users.

These are the only "quasi bugs" that I'm aware of
at this time.

<<ERRORS>>
Run Error 106

The most frequent error is due to a data error.
If you have a runtime error # 106 you have
a data problem. SL needs a complete data set
to operate, or it will halt with a run time
error 106.

For example: You must fill in all blank fields
on the "Enter Run/Layouts" screen such as Cut
Parameters, Report Format & Dimensions.  Even though
you shouldn't be able to have erroneous data or
missing data there are some certain keystrokes
that do permit this to happen. Usually a validate
pop up screen will appear for you to select the
file you wish to use if you have miss typed the
file name.

The name entered must coorespond to a name of
a Cut, Report, Stock, etc. file that was
provided or one you have defined.  If the data does
not match exactly then when Sheet Layout trys to
optimize it will not be able to cross reference and
find the data it needs.

If the validate screen pops up and all the names that
you think should be there aren't, cancel back to the
"Enter Run/Layouts" screen and try typing a space
in as the first character in the field, then push
enter again.  The entire list should then be
displayed.

A more subtel way to cause this Error 106 is to
delete a stock, report format, etc.  If the data
is still called for and it's been deleted then
error #106 will appear.  Go back to the "Enter
Run/Layouts" screen and check each field to be
sure there is valid entry for each field. Visit
the Stock, Report Format, etc.,  and verify
the data for each by typing a space as the first
character of the field and push enter. A
validate pop up will appear to choose a valid
name from.

ERROR 201

Sheet Layout can fit up to 200 parts into one
individual sheet.  Any more then that and you'll
see an non descript Run Time Error 201.  If you
have more then 200 parts per sheet, you really
don't need a material optimizer - just cut it!