SWOOD Nesting

SWOOD Nesting allows for automatic panel optimisation on boards specifically for CNC use. Whether you require specific grain directions, minimise waste material or manually manipulate panels to suit your needs, SWOOD Nesting can let you accomplish all of this directly in SOLIDWORKS.

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Automatic Features

Easily get perfectly nested components with automatic nesting features or optimise output with several efficient strategies.

Precise Control

Take control of your nested components with the option to manually optimise and precisely modify nested outputs.

Optimised Workflows

Make the most of your machine with the ability to nest multiple projects at once whilst still taking into account factors like grain direction.

Production Efficiency with SWOOD Nesting

Project Optimisation Part Holding Strategy Material Management Automatic Nesting Result Panel Identification

Project Optimisation

SWOOD Nesting is an add-on technology of SWOOD CAM designed to optimise material usage, minimise machining time, and apply tailored strategies for efficient nesting. It intelligently organizes panels from multiple projects based on size, material, and colour to enhance overall production efficiency.

Part Holding Strategy

SWOOD Nesting applies dedicated strategies to ensure secure part holding and prevent movement during milling operations.

Optimised milling order: The machining sequence is automatically arranged, starting with the smallest parts and finishing with the largest, for improved stability and efficiency.
Automatic bridge creation: Bridges are inserted based on part size to link components together, preventing them from detaching from the nesting sheet.
Edge protection zones: A restricted area is defined near the board’s edges, keeping smaller parts away to maintain optimal suction and stability during machining.

Additionally, SWOOD Nesting includes advanced strategies such as onion skin milling, which reduces cutting force, and stay-down contouring, which optimises toolpaths helping save up to 20% of milling time while improving cutting precision.

Material Management

Connected to the design module, SWOOD Nesting allows you to align the grain direction of multiple front parts within a project, ensuring both efficient nesting and adherence to the project’s aesthetic requirements.

Offcuts
Automatically detect, cut, and reuse offcuts with precision. Define minimum offcut dimensions, and SWOOD will identify them and generate the corresponding cutting paths automatically, helping you make the most of every panel.

Fillers
Optimise material usage by inserting recurring parts as fillers in the remaining nesting areas. This feature lets you pre-produce and store frequently used components, saving time on future projects.

Break down leftover material into smaller, manageable pieces to simplify manual offcut handling or facilitate automatic extraction.

Automatic Nesting Result

Panel Identification

Streamlined Process

4 Steps in SWOOD Nesting

SWOOD Nesting optimises production by maximising material use, reducing waste, and boosting efficiency at every stage.

swood nesting_nesting sheet vizualisation

1. Assembly Nesting CNC

Optimise your material usage by collectively nesting all assembly files needed to be machined.

2. Panel Identification

Easily identify your panels been nested by the use of labels and custom Panel IDs.

3. Edge Bander

Easily identify panels from the project which require the application of edge banding by an edge band machine.

4. Finish CNC Router

Quickly and easily apply toolpaths to your nested boards for the most efficient machining strategies through the use of SWOODs automatic toolpath capabilities.

Bridging Design and Manufacturing

Connect SWOOD CAM with your CNC machines, to turn your design data into machine programs and production documents automatically. Make your workflow faster and more efficient.

Discover SWOOD CAM

I think SWOOD are really good because it just stops you from needing to build something every single time. It's as easy as in dragging and dropping drawer boxes into the, the cabinets.

So rather than having to go through each panel and manually add dowel every time, we can create a series of dowels that will know fit a certain depth, and we can just quickly drag them across and into the cabinetry.

Arjan Kalsi

Technical CAD Designer at Vanity Hall

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SWOOD compatible with my SOLIDWORKS version?

SWOOD is compatible with SOLIDWORKS versions up to two years older versions.

For example SWOOD 2025 is compatible with SOLIDWORKS 2023 to SOLIDWORKS 2025.

What licensing options does SWOOD have available?

SWOOD licensing options effectively match the options we have available for SOLIDWORKS.

Licenses can be purchased as perpetual licenses in both Standalone and network formats. We also offer terms licenses for short term usage in the form of 3-month and 12-month term licenses.

Is SWOOD compatible with my CNC Machine?

SWOOD CAM uses Post Processors to translate toolpaths to G Code for specific CNC machines ensuring compatibility with a wide range of machines including popular brands like Homag, SCM and Biesse.

How does SWOOD help connect my design and manufacturing processes?

SWOOD has design and manufacturing capabilities through the different modules of the software in SWOOD Design, SWOOD CAM and SWOOD Nesting. Additionally, SWOOD has advanced reporting capabilities which automates the processing and generation of cutting lists including information on panels, materials, edge banding, connectors and more. This is all achieved at the click of one button.

What is the SWOOD Library?

The library is a fully customisable collection of default files which can be modularly added to any of your project designs through a simply drag and drop technique. This makes for the most efficient development of your furniture and joinery projects and models by avoiding the need for repeated work. The library can also be shared amongst colleagues to avoid duplicated work within the team.

What unique services/apps can Solid Solutions provide?

Here at Solid Solutions, we are here to help you along every step of the way in your journey with SWOOD and SOLIDWORKS. This starts with the implementation of the software and continues through the services we offer. These services cover Support and Training in the software along with Customer Care visits to ensure you are maximising your potential with the use of SWOOD. We also offer consultancy and more where you’ll work alongside our recognised SWOOD experts and specialist and our technical team to achieve your vision.

Can SWOOD only be used for woodworking?

No. whilst SWOOD has primarily been developed for the use within the Woodworking industry, its benefits can also bring advantages to a wider range of industries. Its integration within SOLIDWORKS means other industries can benefit from its advanced Design tools and manufacturing tools to improve your Design to Manufacturing processes.

To understand the benefits SWOOD Design, SWOOD CAM and SWOOD Nesting to your business speak to our of our team to arrange a Demo and see how SWOOD can help maximise your business and potential.

Do you offer training for SWOOD?

Yes. Here at Solid Solutions, we offer comprehensive training courses across all modules of the SWOOD Software. through our in-depth training courses you will quickly be able to adopt the most efficient workflows and best practises to ensure you maximise the benefits SWOOD can bring to your Business and your Design and Manufacturing processes.