XML Nest Data

Hull > Import > XML Nest Data

Import XML nest data into the logistical database.

To enable the nest data import from AlmaCAM, additional files are needed.

  • The files CadmaticExport.exe and CadmaticExport.ini must be acquired from AlmaCAM.
  • The files must be placed in the norms\cvar\almacam folder of the active project.

See Hull – Nesting integration and Managing the import of XML nest data for more information.

XML nest data file setup

The import requires an .xml file which can be created by an external system or editor. The file will be located with the Filename function during the import.

The following example shows an export of two parts from AlmaCAM. The first part contains the maximum number of information (the nesting has been cut) and the second part contains the minimal number of information (the part has not been nested yet).

Copy 
<Root>
  <Part>
    <Part_Key>595</Part_Key>
    <Nestimportdate>15-10-2024</Nestimportdate>   
    <Nestname>2024-302-11</Nestname> 
    <Nestnamedate>28-10-2024</Nestnamedate>  
    <Nestchangedate>08-12-2024</Nestchangedate>     
    <Nestessi>3006GR-A005</Nestessi>     
    <Nestessidate>08-12-2024</Nestessidate> 
    <NestCutdate>08-12-2024</NestCutdate> 
  </Part>
  <Part>
    <Part_Key>2</Part_Key>
    <Nestimportdate>15-10-2024</Nestimportdate>        
  </Part>
</Root>

The basic logistical information before nesting:

  • Part_Key – Name of the part in AlmaCAM, used in CADMATIC Hull as a unique identifier, that is, logistical record.

  • Nestimportdate – Creation date of the part in AlmaCAM.

Information after the part has been nested:

  • Nestname – Name of the nesting containing the part in AlmaCAM. Parts are always in quantity of 1.

  • Nestnamedate – Creation date of the nesting containing the part in AlmaCAM

  • Nestchangedate – Modification date of the nesting containing the part in AlmaCAM

Information when the NC file of the nesting has been created:

  • Nestessi – Name of the NC file containing the part in AlmaCAM.

  • Nestessidate – Creation date of the NC file containing the part in AlmaCAM.

If the nesting has been close in AlmaCAM (the nesting is in "Cut nesting layout"):

  • NestCutdate – Closing date of the nesting containing the part in AlmaCAM.

Updating the logistical fields

The following procedure describes how to import an XML nest data file.

For adding and editing the nesting information that is included in a coded plate (DXF file), see Nesting Information.

Do the following:

  1. Go to Hull > Import > XML Nest Data and open the Import Nestix XML dialog.

  2. Select the XML file to import from Filename.

    The selected path and file name will stay in the memory.

  3. Click OK to import the file from AlmaCAM and change the logistical data.

  4. Click OK when a pop-up message indicates that the import is ready.

    Note: The input file from AlmaCAM will be deleted after the import.

Tip: After the import, the system creates a log file wbdxmlread.list which lists all possible .dxf file names. The log file contains a list of all editable fields, including the nest fields when they are defined in the project.