How One Way Cutter works

1. 1

   Draw the part

   Create a part from shapes and lines, or import an existing DXF/SVG file. A trapezoid is used in this example.

2. 2

   Set the strong direction

   Mark the direction in which the fibre runs. Parts are never cut across this direction.

3. 3

   Save the part

   The part is now a locked entity: it moves as a single unit and its dimensions cannot change.

4. 4

   Move to the frame

   Transfer the saved part onto the frame. The frame is the tile that is repeated across the plate.

5. 5

   Add a second copy

   A second copy of the same part is added. Placed side by side, the two parts leave a large triangular offcut between them.

6. 6

   Rotate 180°

   Rotate the second copy. This single step is the essence of the method.

7. 7

   Bring the parts together

   The rotated trapezoid nests into the first and the waste between them is eliminated. Together the two parts form a regular quadrilateral.

8. 8

   Move to the plate

   The plate is 250 × 500 mm with a 10 mm edge margin. The strong direction is vertical, so the frame cannot be placed across it.

9. 9

   Review the report

   Material utilisation, total cut length and part count are reported. The values are calculated from the current layout.

10. 10

    Export the cut file

    Download the layout as DXF, SVG or PNG from the Export menu. The output is dimensioned in true millimetres and can be sent directly to the machine.