Documentation
Getting Started with FastNesting
FastNesting is a powerful optimization plugin for Rhinoceros 3D that helps furniture manufacturers and CNC workshops nest pieces efficiently, from 3D model to cut list instantly.
System Requirements
- • Rhinoceros 7 or 8
- • Windows (Mac support in beta)
- • 4GB RAM minimum
- • Internet connection for license activation
License Types
PRO Features
- Unlimited pieces
- Edge banding
- Excel export
- All features
5 days or 10 Rhino sessions
Basic Version
- Up to 16 pieces
- Rhino reports
- No edge banding
- No Excel export
After trial expires
Full Access
- Unlimited pieces
- Edge banding
- Excel export
- Priority support
Lifetime license
Installation
FastNesting is distributed exclusively through Food4Rhino, the official plugin marketplace for Rhinoceros 3D.
and can also be installed directly from within Rhino using the Package Manager.
To install via Package Manager:
- * Ensure you have Rhinoceros 7 or 8 installed.
- * Open Rhino.
- * In the command line, type PackageManager and press Enter.
- * In the search bar, type FastNesting.
- * Click Install and restart Rhino if prompted.
FastNesting will start in trial mode until the trial period expires, after which it will switch to the Free version or can be activated as the Pro version
Quick Manual Installation
If you are installing the plugin from a direct download (.zip file) instead of the Package Manager, follow these steps:
- **Download:** Click "Download Trial" from https://www.camonsoft.com/products/fastnesting/
- **Unzip:** Extract the contents of the `.zip` file to a permanent folder on your computer.
- **Install in Rhino:**
-
[cite_start]
- Open Rhinoceros (Version 7 or 8 required).
- Drag and drop the main plugin file (`.yak` file) directly onto the Rhino viewport.
- restart Rhino if necessary.
[cite_start] - **Start:** Type the command `FastNesting` in the Rhino command line to begin optimization.
User Guide
Command Reference
FastNesting
Main command to start the nesting process. Select your pieces first, then run this command.
License_FastNesting
Activate your PRO license or check if your current license status is PRO.
Understanding Dialogs
System Units Dialog
Choose between Centimeters, milimeters or Inches. will be the standard for all outputs generated during the plugin session.
Important: Ideally, set the Rhino document to "Small Objects - Millimeters" (or another metric unit) for cm or mm work, or to "Small Objects - Inches" (or another imperial unit) for inches work.
Panel Parameters Dialog
- Panel Size: Set sheet length and width — thickness is detected automatically from your Rhino model.
-
Blade Kerf: The customizable width of your cutting tool. Common values:
- 0.3 cm (3mm) Standard for most CNC router bits and thin kerf saw blades.
- 1/8" for imperial measurements: Common for full kerf saw blades.
- Safe Margin: The customizable edge margin to avoid damage. Typical: 0.5cm (5mm) or 1/4"
-
Edge Banding Thickness: Select from the most common thicknesses for your edge material.
If you plan to use edge banding, you should verify or adjust these values for the desired type R or F.
Default values:- Rigid (R): For thick edge banding (2mm) | (5/64 in)
- Flexible (F): For thin edge banding (1mm) | (3/64 in)
- Keep Grain Direction: Enable when working with wood veneer to maintain grain alignment along the length.
- Save as default: Save yours personal settings (panel size, kerf, margins) for future sessions.
Parts Configurator Dialog
This table shows all selected pieces with their dimensions and allows you to:
- Part Name: Click to edit and give meaningful names (e.g., "Door", "Shelf", "Side Panel")
- Group Name: To see the names of the grouped parts here, you must name your part groups in Rhino before using the plugin. First, group them (command: Group) and then name them (command: SetGroupName). Examples of group names: "Closet", "Drawer", "Pantry".
-
L (Grain) & W (Cross) Columns: Set the edge banding by typing R or F:
- R = Rigid edge banding on that edge
- F = Flexible edge banding on that edge
- Empty = No edge banding
- L1, L2 = Left and Right edges along grain
- W1, W2 = Top and Bottom edges across grain
- Grain 90°: Check to rotate the grain direction for that piece
Apply or Continue saves your entries to each Rhino piece. You can adjust, cancel, and resume later without issues.
Best Practices
1. Name Your Pieces During Modeling
It's a good idea to name your parts when modeling in Rhino (Right panel - Properties:Object / name). Use descriptive names like "Doors," "Left_Door," "Top_Shelf," "Rear_Panel." However, you can also name each part in the Part Configurator. Remember, if you don't want a part to be considered for the process, you can name it by placing a ! before the name, for example, !handles.
2. Group and Set Group Name: Pieces by Project
Group parts by project for clear organization across sheets. Each project can include multiple sheet thicknesses, all tracked in the final report. Best Practice: Before grouping and setting the group name, it is highly recommended to select all the parts (even those already grouped) and use the Rhino command Ungroup. After confirming all parts are individual, group them again (command: Group) and apply the desired project name (command: SetGroupName). This ensures clean data and prevents errors from previous, nested groups.
3. Double-Check Your Units
Verify that the units in the System Units dialog match your Rhino model units. Mixing centimeters and inches can easily lead to confusion or incorrect scaling.
4. Set Accurate Blade Kerf
Use the real cutting width of your tool (saw or CNC). Make a test cut to determine the exact kerf, or use a slightly higher value as a tolerance.
5. Be Careful with Grain Direction
When using "Keep Grain Direction" and rotating individual pieces (Grain 90°):
- The L (Grain) and W (Cross) columns could swap
- Verify your edge banding is still correct after rotation
- Check the visual result in Rhino before exporting or printing
6. Distinguish Pieces with Unique Names
If you have multiple pieces of the same size but different edge banding, give them unique names. Otherwise, they'll be grouped together and you won't be able to distinguish them in the report.
7. Save Settings as Default
In the Panel Parameters dialog, check "Save as Default" to reuse your common settings (sheet size, kerf, margins) in future sessions.
Troubleshooting
Command "FastNesting" not found
Possible causes:
- Plugin not installed correctly
- Rhino version incompatibility (need Rhino 7 or 8)
Solutions:
- Type
PackageManagerand verify FastNesting is listed - Try reinstalling by dragging the .yak file onto Rhino
- Check Rhino version: Rhino 6 is not yet supported
License activation fails
Solutions:
- Verify you're using the same email address you used for purchase
- Copy-paste the license key to avoid typos
- Check that you have internet connection (required for activation)
- Make sure license key format is correct: XXXX-XXXX-XXXXX-XXXXXXXX
- Contact support@camonsoft.com if issue persists
Pieces don't fit on panels
What happens:
If some pieces are too large for your panel size, they won't be included in the layout. You'll see a message in the report indicating which pieces couldn't be placed.
Solutions:
- Use larger panel sizes
- Split large pieces into smaller sections in your model
- Check blade kerf and margins aren't too large
- Verify your units are correct (cm vs inches)
Measurement inconsistencies
Most common cause:
Wrong unit selection. If your Rhino model is in centimeters but you select inches in the System Units dialog, all measurements will be wrong.
Solutions:
- Check your Rhino document units: Type
Units - Select matching units in FastNesting System Units dialog
- If measurements are exactly 2.54x off, you mixed cm and inches
Edge banding errors after rotating grain
What happens:
When you rotate a piece's grain direction (Grain 90°), the L (Grain) and W (Cross) edges swap. If you don't update the edge banding settings, the wrong edges will be banded.
Solution:
- After checking "Grain 90°", review the edge banding in L and W columns
- Swap R/F values if needed to match the new orientation
- Check the visual result in Rhino before exporting
License dialog blocks Rhino when switching applications
Known behavior:
If you leave the License_FastNesting dialog open and switch to another application, Rhino may appear blocked. This is a known limitation.
Solution:
- Always close the license dialog before switching applications
- If Rhino is blocked, click on the Rhino window to bring the dialog to front
- Close the dialog to regain control
Mac-specific issues
Note:
Mac support is currently in beta testing. If you encounter issues on Mac:
- Ensure you're using Rhino 7 or 8 for Mac
- Report any issues to support@camonsoft.com
- Include your macOS version and Rhino version
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the trial period work?
FastNesting starts in PRO trial mode from the moment you install it. The trial lasts for 5 days or 10 Rhino sessions (whichever comes first). A "session" counts each time you open Rhino and use FastNesting - you can use it multiple times within the same Rhino session without additional count.
What happens after the trial expires?
After the trial, FastNesting converts to Free version with these limitations: maximum 15 pieces per nesting, no edge banding calculation, and no Excel export. You can still generate reports in Rhino and use the plugin to measure pieces.
Can I use my license on multiple computers?
Yes! Your license can be used on all your personal computers (desktop, laptop, workstation). We trust our users to use the software responsibly. For business/team use, we recommend one license per user.
Do I need internet to use FastNesting?
Internet is only required for initial license activation. After activation, FastNesting works completely offline.
Is the PRO license lifetime?
Yes! Your PRO license is lifetime for that version of FastNesting. You'll receive free updates to that version. If a major new version is released in the future, you can continue using your current version or purchase an upgrade license for the new version.
Can I get a refund?
We don't offer refunds, but you can use the 5-day PRO trial to fully test FastNesting before purchasing. This ensures you know exactly what you're buying.
Which Rhino versions are supported?
FastNesting currently works with Rhinoceros 7 and 8 on Windows. Mac support is in beta. Rhino 6 support is planned for a future update.
Where is FastNesting available?
FastNesting is distributed exclusively through Food4Rhino, the official plugin marketplace for Rhinoceros 3D.
How many pieces can I nest in PRO version?
The PRO version allows up to 8,000 pieces. This limit was set to guarantee stable performance and accurate label exports in Excel.
Can I use FastNesting for commercial projects?
Absolutely! FastNesting PRO license includes commercial use rights. Use it for client projects, production work, and commercial manufacturing.
Does FastNesting have a toolbar?
No. FastNesting is command-based. Simply type FastNesting to start. This keeps your Rhino interface clean and works consistently across all Rhino versions.
What export formats are supported?
FastNesting can export to Excel (PRO only) for detailed cutting lists, and to Rhino Document format (all versions) for visual reports with layouts and dimensions.
Can I suggest new features?
Yes! We love hearing from our users. Send your feature requests to support@camonsoft.com and we'll consider them for future updates.
Need More Help?
Can't find what you're looking for? Our support team is here to help you get the most out of FastNesting.