Our rules-based approach to automatic tool selection means that the sheet metal programmer can get a tooled part that reflects his ir her preferences. Parting styles, nibbling parameters, notching parameters, using larger tools to reduce hits or smaller tools to eliminate over-cutting exist as user defined parameters.  A few examples are illustrated and discussed below.

• Linear and radial nibbling parameters include:
• Ability to designate specific tool to use for nibbling
• User defined maximum allowable nibblng tool diameter
• User specified maximum allowable scallop
• Punching and nibbling round holes   -see diagram-
• plus and minus tolerances determine whether single or multiple hits are required
• if nibbling is required, which tool will “rough out the interior portion of the hole, and which tool will be used for “finishing”?
• maximum scallop parameters are enforced if nibbling occurs
• Obround Tool Use
• Use of longer obround tool for 3-sided obround (obround cut on edge of part) is user defined - see diagram;
• Detailed control of obround tool use is afforded on punching of part perimeter - see diagram;
• Trimming / Edge Parting
• Parting tools can be pre-designated;
• Parting may be turned on or off for any edge individually;
• Width constraints may be applied to tools which may be selected for edge parting - see diagram;
• Over-cut (using a tool that is longer than the edge being cut) may be allowed and controlled easily - see diagram;
• Edge overlap may be forced on outside corners of part to ensure clean corner cutting - see diagram;
• Amount of tool overlap on inside corners is user defined to eliminate nibble marks - see diagram;
• Automatic tab creation is easily invoked and controlled;
• Multiple tabs with regular spacing may be created within a single shearproof (usually for long parts in heavy material);
• Bridge punching (for heavy material) may be automatically invoked based on material type and thickness; -see diagram-
• Minimum percentage of tool to be used may be defined in terms of both tool length and width;
• Overlap minimums may also be specified in terms of tool length and width and is automatically enforced;