At the heart of Columbus.NET is a user-friendly interface that gives complete control over the entire programming process. The Layout Designer manages all functions necessary for generating a CNC program or nest (straight cutting). Oxy-fuel, plasma, laser, and marking processes are supported. A wide array of data is securely stored in a SQL database for instant recall that helps streamline your workflow. Programming can begin by importing a DXF/DWG file through an import interface that features a graphical preview and automatic cutting tool assignments. To create geometry from scratch, a fully integrated CAD program is available for 2D part construction. Numerous standard features are included for part manipulation, including common-line cutting, cutting bridges, corner loops, pre-piercing, and optimizing small holes.

Easily set up tables for jobs and subassemblies. Jobs can contain parts together with their associated data, and they are available from the Layout Designer for further processing. Subassemblies which have been created from existing parts in the parts database, can be added into jobs. The table for job parts displays the processing status of each part.

Fully automatic, true-shape nesting maximizes plate utilization while automatically creating nests for specific projects using any number of plates or remnants. Multi-torch nesting automatically reduces the number of torches when necessary. Nesting jobs can automatically use specific plates, or plates can be manually switched if desired. Maximum software flexibility makes nesting as easy as possible.

The bevel cutting function in Columbus.NET™ enables straight line programming of oxyfuel, plasma and laser bevel heads. Choose from a multitude of pre-defined bevel profiles (V upper bevel, V lower bevel, Y upper bevel, Y lower bevel, X bevel, K bevel) or assemble individual bevel profiles - up to five-pass cutting of a contour. Programmed bevel parts can be saved in the parts database with object description so they can easily be re-used in other projects without re-programming the bevels.

Rectangular as well as remnant plates are defined and managed using the Plate Manger. Many data fields can be used to make a unique identification of each individual plate (and also plate copies). Comprehensive traceability of the material from the last remnant plate through to the original plate is ensured. Areas of a plate which have not been nested can be divided into any number of remnant plates.

The Print Designer offers maximum flexibility to create professional reports, customized data output, and use of custom formats and print templates. Easily adapt templates or start from the included sample reports to produce exactly the reports you need. Support for bar codes is also included.

Significantly speeds up processing of jobs containing subassemblies. The part geometry and quantity are predefined in the subassembly, making it easy to add the entire group of parts to a nesting job.

Columbus.NET™ offers an intuitive Explorer screen to view all objects and data, such as parts, nests, jobs, and sub-assemblies.  The Explorer window shows the hierarchy and the structure of the objects, making it easy to visualize relationships and dependencies, and the selected objects can be edited directly.