The Nesting and Marking of Ship Parts Cut From Steel Plate (The National Shipbuilding Research Program)

In this paper, the methods presently used by United States shipbuilders for preparing, nesting and marking plate parts are discussed. The use of existing computer technology is explored as a means for improving these operations by conserving plate and reducing operating costs. As a background or the study and the conclusions, cost comparisons are offered in graphic and tabulated forms. In the appendices, the advantages and disadvantages of the various cutting processes and plate handling methods are presented. Included, also, is a list of the basic features required in a part nesting system for the shipbuilder.