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Factory Fabricator Software Manual

Prodim Factory Fabricator – Version 1.4 Copyright - Prodim International - 2019

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Copyright

© All rights reserved. Apart from the legally laid down exceptions, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in an automated databank, or made public in any shape or form, be it electronically, mechanically, by photocopying, filming, or in any other manner, without prior written permission from Prodim International BV in Helmond (NL).

Disclaimer

A notice to user: please read our online disclaimer carefully. By downloading this software you confirm that you have read, understood and accept Prodim's general conditions. By using all or any portion of the software you accept all the terms and conditions of this agreement. You agree that this agreement is enforceable like any written negotiated agreement signed by you. If you do not agree, do not use this software.

Prodim provides information on the PRODIM software as a form of service to its customers and other interested parties. Although we are thorough in compiling the information in this document, we cannot guarantee that this information is always complete. Prodim offers this information as an advice and we do not accept any liability for damages resulting from errors or omissions in the information provided.

This software is protected by copyright law and international treaties. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this program, or any portion of it, may result in severe civil and criminal penalties, and will be prosecuted to the maximum extent possible under law.

Copyright and Disclaimer

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http://www.prodim-systems.com/website-files/files/Terms%20%26%20Conditions/Terms%20and%20conditions%202015-03-23.pdf


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1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 5

1.1 Quick Start Guide ........................................................................................................................... 5

1.2 Main Modules ................................................................................................................................ 6

1.3 Actions Controls ............................................................................................................................ 6

1.4 Colors and their meaning .............................................................................................................. 7

1.5 Configurations Settings ................................................................................................................. 7

1.6 Introduction video ......................................................................................................................... 7

2. Installation and Setup .................................................................................................................. 8

2.1 Installation ..................................................................................................................................... 8

2.2 Setup ............................................................................................................................................ 10

2.2.1. GENERAL SETTINGS ............................................................................................................................................... 10

2.2.2. PROJECT HOME ..................................................................................................................................................... 10

2.2.3. MATCH .................................................................................................................................................................. 12

2.2.4. QUOTE .................................................................................................................................................................. 12

2.2.5. SLAB CREATOR ...................................................................................................................................................... 13

2.2.6. COMPANY INFO .................................................................................................................................................... 13

2.3 Change settings later on .............................................................................................................. 13

3. Library Setup ............................................................................................................................. 14

3.1 Import library .............................................................................................................................. 14

3.2 Adding your own library .............................................................................................................. 14

3.3 Library fields ................................................................................................................................ 15

3.4 Library tools – Catalogue selection ............................................................................................. 16

3.5 Add library data ........................................................................................................................... 16

3.6 Add library data: Materials .......................................................................................................... 17

3.7 Add library data: Cutouts ............................................................................................................ 18

3.8 Add library data: Profiles ............................................................................................................. 19

3.9 Miscellaneous .............................................................................................................................. 20

Index


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4. Modules .................................................................................................................................... 21

4.1 Project home ............................................................................................................................... 21

4.1.1 ADD A NEW PROJECT ............................................................................................................................................. 22

4.1.2 ADD A NEW FILE .................................................................................................................................................... 22

4.2 Draw Module ............................................................................................................................... 24

4.2.1 MODULE TOOLS ..................................................................................................................................................... 24

4.2.2 CAD AND CT (COUNTERTOP) FUNCTIONALITIES .................................................................................................... 25

4.2.3 DRAWING AREA ..................................................................................................................................................... 25

4.2.4 ADVANCED COMMAND TOOLS ............................................................................................................................. 26

4.2.5 DRAWING AREA CONTROLS ................................................................................................................................... 28

4.2.6 ACTION CONTROLS ................................................................................................................................................ 28

4.2.7 BEST PRACTICES DRAW MODULE .......................................................................................................................... 29

4.3 Match Module ............................................................................................................................. 30

4.3.1 MODULE TOOLS ..................................................................................................................................................... 30

4.3.2 SAW LAYOUT ......................................................................................................................................................... 32

4.3.3 ACTION CONTROLS ................................................................................................................................................ 33

4.3.4 SIDE BAR ................................................................................................................................................................ 34

4.4 Quote ........................................................................................................................................... 35

4.4.1 MODULE TOOLS ..................................................................................................................................................... 35

4.4.2 ADVANCED FEATURES ........................................................................................................................................... 37

4.5 Library .......................................................................................................................................... 39

4.6 Slab Creator ................................................................................................................................. 40

4.6.1 DIGITIZING SLABS ................................................................................................................................................... 40

4.6.2 SLAB INVENTORY ................................................................................................................................................... 41

5.1 Create and schedule Proliner Measurement .............................................................................. 42

5. Proliner and Factory .................................................................................................................. 42

5.2 Export the project (prlp) to the Proliner ..................................................................................... 43

5.3 Import the Proliner measurements to Factory Fabricator .......................................................... 44

5.4 Edit the measurements (CAD) ..................................................................................................... 45

6. Common Operations Guide ....................................................................................................... 47

6.1 Project home guide ..................................................................................................................... 48

6.2 Library guide ................................................................................................................................ 51

Index


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Factory Fabricator software enables and assists you in managing your organization in the easiest most efficient manner. With Factory Fabricator you can:

• Easily manage your projects, materials, cut-outs and slab inventory to ensure all your information is up-to-date and to get maximum results out of each job.

• Create designs based on sketches with only basic parameters or accurate Proliner CT measurements.

• Nest the designed pieces on sheets and slabs from your inventory.

• Calculate the amount of material needed for the project and use this information in the quotation.

• Preview the final look of the designed pieces once reassemble and installed. In basic: check your design.

• Create quick quotes or detailed perfectly slab matched quotations based on your design and prices you have indicated for your materials and services.

• Create measurement jobs, create production jobs and much more, all in the same easy to use interface.

Attention: depending on your purchased package, you may not have all the Modules

1.1 Quick Start Guide Factory Fabricator has an intuitive interface and a flexible structure. The software allows the user to

deal with the variety of functions without getting lost or loosing track of the main business flow. Your

start point is likely to be the PROJECT HOME, the core module of the whole software. From there you

can manage all the different projects and files, processing them with the other modules.

1. Introduction

Main Modules Action Controls Service &

IntroductionSettings

Module specific tools Module specific work screen


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1.2 Main Modules The Factory Fabricator modules identify different functions and products. Each module is meant to

function by itself, having a clear function and useful output. The combination of them makes the

Factory Fabricator Software a powerful streamlined solution.


Project home : This is the central module, it serves as a file explorer and file manager. Draw : Create drawings based on (basic) dimensions or edit CT* sketches created by a

Proliner with CT software (version 3.2 or higher). Match : Nest the designed drawings on sheets and slabs from your inventory. Calculate the

materials needed for the project and preview the final ‘design’.

Quote : Calculate the costs of a project and create a quotation. Libraries : Organize collections of cutouts, materials and profiles. Slab Creator : Create a digital slab warehouse that matches your stock. It supports the

functionalities of the Match module.

* When CT is mentioned in this manual, it refers to the Proliner Countertop (CT) software used in combination with the Proliner measurements.

1.3 Actions Controls The main process flow in the program is dictated by the action controls. When you decide to

‘process’ a file, you can select it in the ‘file list’ under Project home and then press on an action

control button on the right side of the screen.

Using the actions is the main way to move along the program, carrying with you the information you

need. Usually, a standard flow dictates that you move from Left to Right Starting the Draw module,

via Nest/Match, to the Quote.

To guide the user through the software program, only relevant ACTION CONTROLS for that specific

file will be active. The unavailable options will be grey, to guide the user towards the correct options.

Module Browsing - jumping back and forward

Whenever you do not want to follow the standard flow you can directly click on one of the main

modules on the top bar. In this way, current files are not processed. You are simply leaving the

current module to start another one.

This allows you to: keep a file in a certain module while you check another job in another module.

Return to the previous module, without disrupting the current tasks in another.


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1.4 Colors and their meaning Blue : is the main theme color for the whole application. It is also used for the main

modules: Draw, Nest/Match and Quote.

Green : Identifies the ‘service’ modules Library and Slab Creator.

Orange : To remind you where you are, the currently active module is highlighted in Orange.

1.5 Configurations Settings The settings and services tools can be used to customize the program.

Settings It is very important to go through the settings and make sure they are set correct before using Factory Fabricator.

License

License screen to check the overall program and single module

versions and to install a new license, whenever needed.

Help Help will provide a certain degree of immediate support whenever you have doubts or questions, showing some tutorials, including videos describing common operations and procedures. Also, giving you access to the function: “WHAT’S THIS BUTTON?”

Click on this button (in the help menu), and then click on certain controls within Factory. Text will appear describing the controls itself. It can be used thought the whole program to tell you what a certain control function does.

1.6 Introduction video Take a look at this introduction video of Factory Fabricator Software. In the video you will get more

information about the basic features of the software and it gives you an idea of the general flow

through the program.

Introduction video Factory Fabricator

1. Introduction

https://youtu.be/2ov1Rr6xIq8

https://youtu.be/2ov1Rr6xIq8


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2.1 Installation Now that we got to know a little about the Prodim Factory Fabricator software in chapter one, we

can look at how to run it for the first time (installation). In your Factory Fabricator Installation box

you can find:

• Prodim usb stick (white), containing: installer, license file, documentation.

• Prodim usb license dongle (blue).

• Disclaimer / get started card.

An installer is provided to make the program set-up easy. Once you obtain the installer file, run it

(preferably with Administrator rights: the right-mouse button and then select: Run as administrator)

and follow the onscreen steps.

A proper set-up consists not only of installation but also of program customization and settings

validation. This will be looked at later on in this manual.

LICENSING

Look for the blue DONGLE, marked with a Prodim SN in the Factory Fabricator installation box. And

take good care of it!

Attention: Losing it means having to purchase a new license.

DONGLE ID

You need a license file (white usb) and a license USB-Dongle (blue usb)

Procedure:

• Insert the USB-License-Dongle in the PC where you installed the program.

• Click on the key icon (license) in the right-top corner of the Fabricator software.

• Choose ‘Dongle ID’ and press ‘Install’.

• Browse the license file (white usb) you received together with the Dongle ID and

press ‘OK’.

2. Installation and Setup


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MACHINE ID

You need a License File. You will probably not have it yet, as it a unique code generated

based on your PC.

Procedure, to request one:

• Click on the key icon, in the right-top corner.

• Choose ‘Machine ID’ and copy the code. You can close the program.

• Request a license via the Prodim website and we will send it to you via email, with

instructions.

Once you received the license, copy it on a local drive and return to the program.

A. Click on the key icon, in the right-top corner.

B. A new window will open, klick on install license file

C. Choose ‘Machine ID’ and press ‘Install’

D. Browse the license file and press ‘OK’.

FIRST RUN

At first run, you will be asked to accept the license agreements. Then to opt for your preferred

language, measurement unit and currency settings.

A

B

D

C

2.Installation and Setup

http://www.prodim-systems.com/en-en/Software%20Registration.ehtml


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2.2 Setup We recommend you to check the setting and customizing it to fit your company and your processes.

You can do this via the settings menu, on the right side of the screen.

2.2.1. GENERAL SETTINGS Under general settings you can personalize the program and set your:

• Language

• Measurement units (mm or inches)

• Date Format

• Currency

2.2.2. PROJECT HOME Project Home provides a total overview of projects and files.

IMPORTANT!

Take your time to think any change through, before you start creating your own custom lists. Never

the less, consider you can always modify it at a later stage. Changes will only apply to the new project

files.

1. LIST LOCATION (SHARING DATA)

Here you can choose where your data will be saved. Klick on the green plus (+) button

and select a location. If you intend to share the information or have Factory Fabricator

Modules on several computers, please select a folder that is accessible for everyone.



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2. PROJECT FIELDS

Lists are actually (windows) folders/files. The given list structure, default after the program

installation, is the following:

• Projects Overview: containing at least all on-going projects and ideally available to

sales, administration and management.

• Production Jobs: containing only projects approved for production, schedule or not.

• Measuring Jobs: containing only jobs still be measured, schedule or not.

If the given list structure does not suit your needs click edit to activate or de-activate the

buttons and use the + and - signs on the side of the folder to setup your list (E).

3. FIELDS

For each folder/list you can set different information fields, distinguishing between fields of

a project and or a file. You can add, delete and sort them using the controllers on the list

side. A field itself has some attributes:

• Name: that you can freely change, also later on

• Type: again you can choose among a long selection of field types (text, number,

checkbox, date, etc).

• Checkbox mandatory: if checked a new project/file is created, the user will be

reminded to input mandatory fields. Unfilled mandatory fields will be highlighted in

red.

• Checkbox visible: if checked, the information will appear in the table list. Otherwise,

only in the detail area, at the bottom of the screen.

4. STATUSES

You can use them to define the project status of a job or of a specific document (file status).

For example, once a quotation is made, you can use status to define whether the quote is

waiting for approval, accepted, is already paid, etc. By default, some recommended

statuses are provided for both project and files.

B

3

A

D

C

Edit

buttons


E


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2.2.3. MATCH Under Match you will find advanced settings that can also be modified later on, with more

experience, as they are more clear once you have done one or more nesting projects.

2.2.4. QUOTE Under Quote you can setup your basic administration information like:

• Tax percentage

• Payment days

• Pricing rules (material area calculating approach)

• Quotation document title and content

Click on the drop down menu of the quote menu to customize your quotes with terms &

conditions and payment conditions.



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2.2.5. SLAB CREATOR The Slab Creator settings will be discussed in chapter 4.6 of this document.

2.2.6. COMPANY INFO Under Company Info you can set your own contact info, as they will appear in quotations.

2.3 Change settings later on Can I change settings later on? The answer is: yes! If you have gone through all of the above, you

have already achieved a good level of customization.

You are expected to review your own custom settings in time, adapting to new business process and

procedures, but also adapting to a deeper understanding of the program.

Factory’s flexibility will not limit you in any way. You will be able to change settings later on.

Keep in mind that existing project files in Project Home will preserve the old attributes.



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All the countertop (design) details, data and information (cutouts, materials, profiles, etc.) used by

the program are organized and managed in the Library module. This information is not installed with

the program. You can choose to:

• Import an available library built by Prodim, with thousands of objects.

• Add your own information

3.1 Import library Download links for a sample library and the pre-filled library built by Prodim will be send to

you by e-mail. Please contact Prodim, if you obtain the program and libraries in any other

way. You can import the library by browsing to the LIBRARY (A) module and clicking on

IMPORT (B).

3.2 Adding your own library The library supplied by Prodim contains thousands of

cutouts and materials, among others. You probably deal

only with some of those. We advise you to create your

own selection: a Catalogue (C), containing only the

information you actually intend to use (therefore sell).

You can create a catalogue pressing on Manage

Catalogue. And then on the + button.

You can create more than one catalogue, for example a

catalogue for each year. You can set a catalogue to be

Active, which means you can copy data to it, once you

select it from the main Library list.

Once the full library is loaded in your program, we

recommend you to create your own Fields.

B A C

3. Library Setup


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Finally, you can decide whether other modules in

the Factory solution will be able to see data in one

catalogue only, in all active catalogues or the entire

library.

Using the “Limit selection to” function.

3.3 Library fields • Set your own attributes for the data, distinguished between Materials, Cutouts, Profiles, and

Miscellaneous.

• You can decide to add, delete or sort the fields

• Each field is again made of a name, type (to choose from a list), mandatory and visible

checkboxes.

• By default Prodim Library comes with some predefined fields.

The library information that you are setting up will be used by other modules (DRAW and QUOTE).

3. Library Setup


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3.4 Library tools – Catalogue selection The Library contains the full collection of your data. You can use the filter (A) of the Library module to

select only relevant data. Or you can use the Search function (B). You can also combine the two

options.

You can choose in which catalogue that data will be visible (C), if needed it can be visible in multiple

catalogues.

You can of course also change data, double click on the field where you want to change the data. (D)

3.5 Add library data In general: first select the library you want to add data to. You can then choose to add one or more

subjects (E) to upload data to the chosen library.

A B

D

C

E

3. Library Setup


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If you have selected ‘Add many’ and uploaded the files you will be asked to fill the ‘common

properties’ of the added subjects.

3.6 Add library data: Materials This list includes all sorts of data identifying materials used by you and or a fabricator. A material is

primarily identified by an image, a price and a name. Additional information can be added to provide

further knowledge and to be used for filtering.

3. Library Setup


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3.7 Add library data: Cutouts This list includes all sorts of data identifying cutouts used by you and or a fabricator. A cutout is

primarily identified by a shape (originally a DXF file), a price and a name. Additional information can

be added to provide further knowledge and to be used for filtering.

Before you start adding data in the Factory, we recommend you to prepare the data in Windows

Explorer, grouping appropriately pictures in folders and renaming the files accordingly.

Cutouts can be created importing a DXF shape, or drawing it using basic CAD features.

The same features can be used to edit an imported cutout, assuring for instance relevant shapes are

closed.

On the bottom you find the tools to

• Load: import a shape from a DXF file.

• Profile: identify specific contour to be marked as cutting line.

• Edit: modify the shape.

Specifying a Profile is almost always needed after you import a DXF. So that the Factory Fabricator

and later on your cutting machine will automatically recognizing the cutting line from visual lines of

the cutout.

3. Library Setup


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3.8 Add library data: Profiles This list includes all sorts of data identifying profiles used by you and or a fabricator. A profile is

primarily identified by a name, a color and a price. Additional information can be added to provide

further knowledge and to be used for filtering.

We recommend Profiles to be added one by one. Including a shape to be used as a visual is optional.

This can be loaded from an existing DXF-file, otherwise, you can draw the profile layout yourself by

using some basic CAD features.

3. Library Setup


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3.9 Miscellaneous This list includes all sorts of data not falling under the other categories. They are primarily identified

by a name, a type and a price. Additional information can be added to provide further knowledge

and to be used for filtering. You can add them one by one.

The relation between those items and the DRAW & QUOTE modules is particular important.

For the DRAW module special items can be added, such as:

• Special CNC services

• Special Drawing items

• Etc.

For the QUOTE module special items can be added, such as:

• Shipment

• CNC processing

• Order Intake

• Etc.

3. Library Setup


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4.1 Project home The Project Home is the core of the Factory software. Here you can manage your projects, project

files, measurements, nesting projects and quotations.


Project list

This is where the projects and subprojects are listed. It provides a quick overview of the main

properties of a project and its subprojects.

Files list

This list will visualize all files belonging to selected projects (you can select more than one project at

the same time). When clicking on the ‘main project’ you will visualize all files (no matter if the

location is in the main root or in a subfolder).

Details

Here you can find detailed information and fields of a selected Project or File. When a file is selected,

a preview could be displayed in the bottom right corner (not all file types can be previewed)

4. Modules

Project List File List

Details

Action Controls Module Tools


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4.1.1 ADD A NEW PROJECT Click on the ‘New Project’ button to add a new project, which you can then name

yourself.

4.1.2 ADD A NEW FILE Click on the ‘New file’ button to create a new file. You can then choose to link it to a

project, if none is currently selected. You are then given the choice among several

file types.

DRAWING (DRW)

Drawings made by the DRAW module. They contain the overall drawing plus sketches and

CT information. The CT information as well as the project information is fully customizable.

Drawings can be exported as:

• DXF files, to be used in a third-party CAD or CAM program, choosing from: overall

measurement, collection of all sketches or each sketch separately.

• PDF files, making a report containing both images and information fields (effectively a

worksheet).

PROLINER MEASUREMENTS (PRL8)

Measurements made by the Proliner machine (except the older Proliner 5.7 series). They contain the

overall measurements plus eventual sketches and CT measurement information. Both the CT

information as well as the project information is fully customizable and we recommend making sure

that the Proliner and the Host Office are always correctly synchronized. The Proliner measurements

can be exported as:

• PRL8 files: overall measurement.

• DXF files, to be used in a third-party CAD or CAM program, choosing from: overall

measurement, collection of all sketches, or each sketch separately.

• PDF file, a report containing both images and information fields (effectively a worksheet).

NESTING FILES (PND)

Those are actual simulations of a nesting. Drawings and Measurements can be matched on a slab

from a library. The nesting file can be export as:

• DXF, to be eventually used in a third-party CAD or CAM program.

• PDF file, a page containing both images of the slab layout and a preview of the final

installation design (based on given views: measurement’s piece, drawing’s pieces, custom

view where the user can assemble multiple pieces together).

4. Modules


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QUOTATION (QTD)

Those are actual estimations of project costs. They can be generated from a:

• Measurement (PRL8), in this case it will read eventual profiles and cutouts and use these to

calculate the costs. The user is still expected to specify manually the costs of the material and

other secondary costs/fees.

• Drawing file (DRW): in this case the program will load information retrieved from the

drawing and used materials.

• Nesting file (PDN): in this case the program will load information retrieved from the nested

slab.

4. Modules


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4.2 Draw Module In this module you can create a drawing using effective and simple CAD functionalities. Some

specifically designed for fabricators, inspired by the experience of Proliner CT digitizers.

4.2.1 MODULE TOOLS

New Drawing : To create a blank drawing sheet and start from scratch.

Open : To pick an existing drawing from the Project Home lists.

Save : To store the file, giving it a specific name.

Import Pieces : To import shapes from an existing drawing. Those shapes will be added to the existing file. In practice, you can use this option to ‘merge’ two or more files into one (partially or completely).

Remove : Will delete the currently selected element (line, arc, etc.).

Standard tools : Such as Undo, redo, cut, copy and paste.

Show/Hide List

: To enable/disable the list showing details about the drawing structure, but also about the drawing special CT elements, such as material, cutouts, profiles, special items.

CAD Functionalities List Module Tools Action Modules Drawing Area Controls

Drawing

Area

4. Modules


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4.2.2 CAD AND CT (COUNTERTOP) FUNCTIONALITIES On the left you find drawing functionalities needed to make your drawings. Some are in line with

standard CAD features as found on other drawing programs, but with simplicity and no-no sense

operations. Other functionalities are inspired by CT module on the Proliner or specifically designed

for fabricators.

Select / Move

Draw line

Insert shape

Insert Cutout

Apply Profile

Change Material

4.2.3 DRAWING AREA This area is where the actual drawing is done. The TABS on the top are meant to organize your

drawing:

• Overview: Initially blank, during the drawing process this is filled with the collection of

different drawing parts.

• Drawing: the module where the sketching starts. Here the overall shapes are created and

finalized.

• Piece X: if needed parts of the drawing can be saved as Pieces. Each Piece representing a

production part, as it will be processed in your shop/factory. Each Piece will automatically

create a new TAB.

Insert feature

Split line / arc

Trim lines

Fillet

Add a bump to a line

Offset line / arc

4. Modules


26

4.2.4 ADVANCED COMMAND TOOLS You can interact with the drawing by modifying lines and entire shapes at once.

Extend + mouse over an unselected line.

You can interact with

the drawing by

modifying lines and

entire shapes at

once. When a shape

is selected, you can

drag an entire side,

effectively extending

closed shapes,

preserving its edges

Distort

+ mouse over a corner point

between unselected lines + Shift.

You can perform

actions on corners,

modifying angles

between lines. You

can drag a corner

point horizontally or

vertically.

Distortion by

dragging a corner

point freely in all

directions.

Move + mouse over any selected

element(s), keep the left mouse button

pressed while dragging.

You can drag one or

more entities at

once.


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Rotate + CRTL + mouse over any selected

element(s). Keep CTRL and left mouse

button pressed while dragging.

You can rotate one

or more entities at

once around.

An arrow in a drawing/sketch will indicate that you a have parallel lines on the same piece or any

other in the same drawing.

4. Modules


28

4.2.5 DRAWING AREA CONTROLS

Ruler Grid Zoom

RULER

To show/hide the ruler around the drawing area sides.

GRID

To show/hide the grid on the whole drawing area.

When the grid is on, the shapes will tend to align to the grid cells.

When the grid is off, the shapes will tend to align to each other.

You can change the size of the grid cells, picking among predefined sizes or you can choose Auto.

ZOOM

You can increase the zoom or go back to auto-fitting the shape to the window its size.

4.2.6 ACTION CONTROLS

Once finished a drawing can be processed in 3 ways:

• Sent to MATCH to be nested on a sheet or slab.

• Sent to QUOTE to be used to create a quotation.

• PUBLISH it to export:

• The drawing as DXF

• The pieces as DXF

• The total design including CT information as a PDF report

Naturally the drawing can also be saved.

4. Modules


29

4.2.7 BEST PRACTICES DRAW MODULE

Start from a blank drawing:

• Make use of the predefined shapes as much as you can. It is faster.

• Use the CAD features to reshape.

• Use the CT features to add additional information useful for production.

• Once the drawing is complete, identify the Pieces, one by one using the Right

mouse button.

• Once you are done, you can check the info (in List) and process it with one of the

ACTION CONTROLS.

Edit from a Proliner CT measurement:

• Use CAD feature to reshape.

• Use CT features to add additional information useful for production.

• If needed you can modify the separate pieces or recompose them into one drawing

and re-explode them into pieces at the end.

4. Modules


30

4.3 Match Module The MATCH module allows you to nest shapes (entire drawings, pieces, DXF files) on:

• A ‘working area’ (NEST or MATCH)

• On a unique sheet/slab generated with the SLAB CREATOR module (MATCH only).

The user interface of the MATCH module is simple.


4.3.1 MODULE TOOLS

New (Match)

It will reset the current job to a blank screen, waiting for you to pick a

sheet/slab and to add some shapes to be nested.

OPEN

Open an existing match file, to be checked, reviewed, and

changed. As for the other modules, you can open the

document from the Project Home, or directly from within the

relative module.

SAVE

Saving will store the file in the project Home.

Add Slab (NEST)

You can specify a certain working area of given dimensions.

4. Modules


31

Add Slab

(MATCH)

You can pick a slab from the list of digital slabs created by the SLAB.

CREATOR module. You can add more slabs if you require more material

for your project.

Remove Slab

If a slab is selected (by clicking on its edges, you can remove it.

Pieces placed on the given slab will be preserved.

Replace Slab

As remove slab, but instead of removing it, you are asked to pick another

slab to replace it.

Add Piece

You can add a piece to the current nesting job, by choosing among the

files in any project.

Remove Piece

You can select a piece and remove it from the nesting project.

Show Design

A very powerful function that allows you to preview the final

design of the pieces once installed. The Preview allows you to

‘design’ the nesting accordingly. Move pieces to connect slab

patterns and adjust them if needed.

The relation between the pieces is dictated by their origin:

• Originated from a drawing: by the position of the pieces in the DRAWING module.

• Originated from DXF files: by their origin in the DXF-file itself.

4. Modules


32

4.3.2 SAW LAYOUT This is another special function that enables you to review the DXF export of the Match. With the

saw layout you can identify cutting lines that can be executed by a Bridge Saw before CNC

processing.

The result will be added to the DXF export of the NEST/MATCH job, as a separate DXF file(s) per slab

or sheet. Also a separate PDF report will be created showing dimensions to help in the cutting

process. This can also be used for fully manually driven machines.

4. Modules


33

4.3.3 ACTION CONTROLS

By moving along in the Factory Fabricator program the action control are showing fewer

options. When you are done with working on a file in the Nest/Match module, you are

represented with two choices:

• Processing the file further into the QUOTE module.

• Save and Export the Match file.

PUBLISH/EXPORT THE MATCH FILES

If you choose to export the match file these output options will be presented to you:

• A DXF file for the overall NEST / MATCH job.

• A PDF file showing the SHEET / SLAB nested design, included with the slab picture (if provided).

• A PDF file showing the actual ‘design’, previewing the look the pieces will have once

assembled/installed.

• A DXF file representing the SAW LAYOUT (if any), ideally to be used with NC Bridge Saw.

• A PDF file reporting the SAW LAYOUT (if any) providing the slab contour, the matched pieces,

cutting lines and also dimensions. The PDF report can be printed and used for a manually driven

Bridge Saw.

4. Modules


34

4.3.4 SIDE BAR

DESIGNS TAB (A)

Designs can be organized using the DESIGNS tab in the right side bar. If you are importing

files from multiple sources (different drawings / DXF files), the different pieces can be

grouped into “Designs’. Pieces can be moved from one group to another using the function

‘MOVE TO’.

INFO TAB (B)

The Info tab can be used to visualize information relative to a selected slab or a selected

piece. IF available you can modify the OFFSET.

MOVE TAB (C)

It allows you to move a certain piece around, giving specific directions and displacements.

ROTATE TAB (D)

Similarly to the Move tab, the rotate tab allows you to rotate a certain selected piece.

4. Modules

A

B

C

D


35

4.4 Quote The quote module is a straightforward application, with a simple user interface. With this

module you can create a quotation. Quotations can be generated based on:

• A measurement.

• A drawing.

• A nest/match job.


The project files contain information used by the quoting module to calculate prices. Such as: the

length of profiles, number of pieces and there dimensions, inserted cutouts, materials to be used

etc. In the case of a match file, unique slabs can be used as well.

4.4.1 MODULE TOOLS

NEW Create a quotation from scratch, adding all the information by

yourself, manually.

OPEN

Open an existing quote, to be checked, reviewed, and changed.

As for the other modules, you can open the document from the

Project Home, or directly from within the relative module.

SAVE

Saving will store the file in the project Home.

ADD ITEM

Pick an item form the MISCELLANEOUS list defined in the LIBRARY.

4. Modules


36

ADD FILE

Combine more measurement-, drawing-, nest files with each

other, to create a total quote.

EDIT

To modify an existing item price or other attribute. Particularly

useful when reviewing the material calculation (A).

When you select a material, you can change price per area, or use

a different area calculation approach (B).

CUSTOMER

INFO

To add customer contacts and other info, to appear in the

quotation PDF output.

PUBLISH

The Quote is saved internally or can be exported as a PDF file.

4. Modules

B

A


37

4.4.2 ADVANCED FEATURES AUTOMATIC PRICE CHECKING

Every time you open a quotation, the program will run a check to make sure that the prices of items

are still correct. You will be notified if there is a difference between prices mentioned in the quote

and in the library. You will also be notified if a certain Library item mentioned in the Quote but is no

longer in your catalogue anymore.

VIEW SLAB

This function will check if the slab material needed, as stated in the quote, matches with that

of the Slab inventory (your digital warehouse). Slabs are meant to be unique items. Therefore

it is critical to be sure they are not overbooked or oversold.

4. Modules


38

If a slab appears to be reserved or sold, you can use this function to review that specific slab history.

First click on the highlighted item. You will be taken to the SLAB CREATOR module to view the details

of the slab. From there you can click on Show in project home. The overview will be filtered based

on the unique slab ID. All files using that slab will be displayed, so that you can decide how to fix the

problem.

4. Modules


39

4.5 Library The Library module contains and manages all the data and information (cutouts, materials, profiles,

etc.) used by the rest of the software. In particular by the Draw and Quote module.

This data and information is not installed with the program. Please read Chapter 3 for setting up

your Library, which is an important part of the installation process of the software.

All data provided by Prodim with the standard Library is organized in 4 lists, visualized in 4 tabs:

1. Materials

2. Cutouts

3. Profiles

4. Miscellaneous

Filter & Search

A full Library can contain thousands of entries. You can use a Filter (A) and Search (B) function to help

you find the needed data out of the full list.

When the Filter is used, the chosen filter fields will be highlighted in orange. You can delete a specific filter by pressing on the X (C) on the right side of the filter field.

4. Modules

A B

C


40

4.6 Slab Creator Slab Creator is used for digitizing your slabs. It helps to keep your slab stock clear and up-to-date. You

can mark defects on your slab and use the digitized slab for matching in the MATCH module.


4.6.1 DIGITIZING SLABS

There are 3 ways to create your digital slab:

• 1. From dimensions (regular slabs)

Make a digital slab from fixed dimensions (perfect for standard size materials).

• 2. From set-up

Create your own set up e.g green screen in front of which you place the slab.

3. From Proliner measurement For maximum flexibility, measure 4 points on the slab with the Proliner and combine it with a picture. This way you can create your slabs anywhere.

In the process of creating a slab you can:

• Add a name

• Add the material type

• Add the Thickness

• Add the slab price

• Add the area price

• Add the stock quantity

• Watch the video for more information on digitizing slabs

4. Modules

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLh8uGnjD6g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLh8uGnjD6g


41

4.6.2 SLAB INVENTORY When a slab is created, it will automatically be added to the slab inventory. Slab creator also provides

you with a digitized overview of all your slabs in stock.

4. Modules

Slab inventory – determine your view

You can see the number of slabs that

are in stock, ordered and reserved.

Marked defects are clearly visible.


42

5.1 Create and schedule Proliner Measurement The operator can create a new Proliner Project in Factory Fabricator in Project Home and add

all the details needed. These Proliner files can be transferred to the Proliner machine itself or

can be printed out. On the right side of your screen you will see the Proliner measurement

file, which is blank before measuring.

You can create blank measurements to be executed on site. Click on ‘New’ (A) and choose for

“Create new Measurement” (B). The measuring project can also contain a drawing (sketched

before the visit on-site) or any other file useful to add value to the measuring job (D).

A

C

D

B

E

5. Proliner and Factory


43

You can create more measurements at the same time and with the same measurement

information by writing multiple names in the box, separated by a semicolon sign (E).

5.2 Export the project (prlp) to the Proliner Select the files you want to export to the Proliner machine, from the list on

the left side. Click on ‘Export’ and choose a location directly on an USB stick.

You can now import that file into your Proliner machine (if equipped with

software version 3.1 or later). The Proliner machine will import all the

measurements in the projects and show the operator the project

information to help him complete all his tasks.


44

5.3 Import the Proliner measurements to Factory Fabricator One of the main functions of Factory Fabricator is to import the Proliner measurements

from your Proliner machine, to store them and eventually edit and process them. In this

chapter of the manual we will explain how to:

• Import the projects/measurements

1. IMPORT PROLINER PROJECTS (PRLP)

If your Proliner is equipped with software version 3.1 or later, it will export measurements

automatically to a PRLP file, containing all the multiple measurements and project

information. To import:

• Press on IMPORT in the top left half of the screen, in the Project side.

• Browse the PRLP file you want to use and press OPEN.

• The Project will be created, and it will include all the measurements that were

selected when saving on the Proliner machine.

2. IMPORT PROLINER MEASUREMENTS (PRL8)

In alternative, you can create a new project and import the single PRL8 Measurements:

• Click on NEW in the left side of the screen, under the section PROJECTS or choose

an existing project.

• Add or change information to the project.

• Clicking on the IMPORT button on the right half of the screen, in the ‘Files’ area.

• Browse the file and press OPEN. You can browse directly in the USB you used to

transfer the file from Proliner.

• It will be added to the project.

3. EDIT PROJECT AND MEASUREMENT INFORMATION

Once you import the project/measurements, you can view them, by expanding the

information box, click on ‘Show/Hide Details’ (A). To edit the same information, you can

click on EDIT (B) and then fill or change the text fields using the specific box.

5. Proliner and Factory


45

5.4 Edit the measurements (CAD) Built in the Project List module, there is a copy of the Edit screen embedded on the Proliner.

Therefore you can check settings, dimensions of your measurement as you do on the

Proliner machine. You can also modify and finish the drawing using the intuitive and

powerful Prodim CAD functionalities. To open a measurement file and edit it, select if from

the list in “Files’. Then press on A: ‘Proliner Editor’ (CAD).

A 5. Proliner and Factory

A


46

Prodim Factory will open a separate screen, running a simulator of the PROLINER EDIT

program used on the Proliner machine, with the same editing functionalities, but without

the possibility to navigate to other screens.

You can use this program to check and modify your measurement. Once done, you can save

the changes by using one of the saving options: SAVE, SAVE AS or SAVE SELECTION AS (B).

In any case, the file will be saved and the Project List updated.

B


47

In this chapter you can read more about common operations, they will be explained step by step.

When you see the video image you can click on it to see a tutorial video via YouTube:

6.1 Project Home Guide

1. How do I create a new project

2. How can I change the project categories or ‘fields’

3. How can I create a new, change a or delete a project status

4. How can I add, change or delete a file status

5. How to publish DXF, PDF and/or CAD/CAM files

6. How to approve jobs for measuring

7. How to delete a project

8. How to change the name of a project

9. How to add or change company information

10. How to search through projects

11. How to use the filter option

12. How to change the status of a project

13. How to change the status of a file

14. How to change the names of default statuses

15. How to add remarks and use the production jobs tab

16. How to use customer approved/waiting for customer statuses

6.2 Library Guide

1. How can I add materials to the library

2. How can I add or change a picture from a file that is already imported

3. How to add couple an image to a cutout/profile/miscellaneous file

4. How to add files to a catalog

5. How to remove files from a catalog

6. How to add a cutout to the library

7. How to add more files at once to any library

8. How to clone a file within a library

9. How to remove a file from the library

10. How to create a catalog

11. How to manage fields/How to create categories

12. How to change a profile/miscellaneous shape

13. How to change the shape of a cutout

14. How to search through a library

WHEN YOU SEE THIS IMAGE YOU CAN CLICK ON IT TO SEE A TUTORIAL VIDEO.

6. Common Operations Guide


48

6.1 Project home guide

1. How do I create a new project?

• First select ‘project home’

• Select ‘new project’

• Enter the project name

• Select the project status

2. How can I change the project categories or ‘fields’

• Select the settings button

• Go to ‘Project Home’ In the settings menu

• Select ‘Fields’

• Select the root folder at the upper side of the screen.

• Click on the plus button

• Enter the new category name, select category type

• Select ‘visible’ and, if You want, ‘mandatory’

• Click ‘ok’

3. How can I create a new, change or delete a project status


• Go to ‘Project Home’ in the settings menu

• Select ‘Statuses’

• Click on the plus button at the project side

• Enter the status name

• Click ‘ok’

4. How can I add, change or delete a file status?


• Go to ‘Project Home’ in the settings menu

• Select ‘Statuses’

• Click on the plus button at the file side

• Enter the status name and click ‘ok’

5. How to publish DXF, PDF and/or CAD/CAM files

• Open the project home

• Click on the project which you want the file(s) from

• Select the files in the project by holding CTRL and the left mouse key

• Press the publish button

• Select the files which you want to export

• Click ‘ok’


https://youtu.be/h9uSny8M4Iw

https://youtu.be/nw2NnLJ_JvA

https://youtu.be/SdSX1QqU8Z0

https://youtu.be/knNH1vD60F0

https://youtu.be/NdgqVVibllM


49

6. How to approve jobs for measuring

• Go to the project home

• Select the project folder

• Select the file that needs to be approved

• Press the ‘Clone File’ button

• Select a the project tab where you want to move the file for approval

• Enter a name or use the original one

• Select a status and click ‘ok’

7. How to delete a project

• Go to project home

• Select the project

• Click on the right mouse key

• Press ‘delete’

• Press ‘yes’

8. How to change the name of a project


• Select the project

• Double click on the name of the project

• Enter new project name

• Hit the ‘enter’ key

9. How to add or change company information

• Press the settings button

• Select ‘Company Info’

• Enter the information and click ‘ok’

10. How to search through projects


• Hit the search bar with the left mouse key

• Enter a search request

11. How to use the filter option


• Select a project folder

• For filtering projects use the left filter button, for filtering files use the right one

• Click on the filter button and select the filters that You need

• The software now shows the selection of files or projects that are similar to Your

selection


https://youtu.be/If52QLJuR_w

https://youtu.be/81Rq-tonxfM

https://youtu.be/CMENwvDPCpM

https://youtu.be/rd5DtrVKbPw

https://youtu.be/Nn8YXbtIQhY

https://youtu.be/tcRwrgMM0nE


50

12. How to change the status of a project



• Select a project or file

• Click on the status (if it is an empty box click on the empty box)

• Select a new status

• The status is changed

13. How to change the status of a file



• Select a project or file

• Click on the status (if it is an empty box click on the empty box)

• Select a new status and the status is changed

14. How to change the names of default statuses


• Click on the settings button

• Go to project home in the settings menu

• Select statuses

• Double click on the status that You want to change

• Enter a new name for the status

• Click on ‘Ok’

15. How to add remarks and use the production jobs tab


• Select ‘Production jobs’

• Select a project

• At the bottom of the screen You will find more information about the project

• You can enter new information in the empty fields or adjust the fields that have already

been filled.

• If You are finished click on the ‘save’ button in the right-bottom of the screen

16. How to use customer approved/waiting for customer statuses



• Select a project

• Select a file

• Click on the status of the file

• You will find several different types of statuses to use for this subject

• Need a new status, see the video “How to create a new status” point 3, page 45


https://youtu.be/oicgc3K81PE

https://youtu.be/3mXw9HUHtmM

https://youtu.be/UplpHUPqq3k

https://youtu.be/t23nOcZKGRc

https://youtu.be/GHGUiLdtC6A


51

6.2 Library guide

1. How can I add materials to the library

• Go to library

• Select ‘materials’

• Press the ‘add one’ button if you want to import one single material

• Fill in the necessary information in the fields

• If you want to add a picture press the ‘load…’ button

• Select a picture from a file

• Press ‘open’

• If you are finished with the information and the picture click ‘ok’

• To save your changes press the ‘Save’ button in the upper left corner

2. How can I add or change a picture from a file that is already imported

• Go to library

• Select the right library

• Select the file/product

• Press the ‘load…’ button In the lower part of the screen

• Select a picture and press ‘Open’

• The picture is now added or changed


3. How to add couple an image to a cutout/profile/miscellaneous file

• Go to library

• Press the ‘manage fields’ button

• Press the plus button

• Double click on the empty text field

• Click on the arrow in the field

• Select ‘image’

• Click ‘ok’





https://youtu.be/F6gDUV4JeQg


52

4. How to add files to a catalog

• Go to library

• Select the library of choice

• Start with choosing, filters on the left side of the screen

• When you have the selection that you want to add to the catalog press the ‘select all

visible’ button

• A small screen will appear asking to which catalog you want them to belong

• Select the right catalog

• Click ‘ok’


5. How to remove files from a catalog

• Go to library

• Select library of choice

• Start with choosing filters, on the left side of the screen

• When you have the selection that You want to remove from a catalog press the

‘deselect all visible’ button

• A small screen will appear asking for the right catalog

• Select the one that you want the files removed from

• Click ‘ok’


6. How to add a cutout to the library

• Go to library

• Select ‘Cutouts’

• Press the ‘add one’ button if you want to import one single cutout

• Fill in the necessary information in the fields

• Add the file by pressing on the ‘Load…’ button near the word ‘Shape’

• If you want to add a picture press the ‘load…’ button

• Select a picture from a file

• Press ‘open’

• If you are finished with the information and the picture click ‘ok’


7. How to add more files at once to any library

• Go to library and select the library of choice

• Press the ‘ad many’ button

• Select the files from the explorer and press the ‘open’ button

• Fill in the required information in the fields

• Click ‘ok’



https://youtu.be/ziCljyrA1BA

https://youtu.be/BnDh5eU1_vM

https://youtu.be/Ko4Wi73CGrs

https://youtu.be/ogZTH-hVRXA


53

8. How to clone a file within a library

• Go to library


• Press the ‘Clone selected’ button

• Fill in the required information in the fields

• Click ‘ok’


9. How to remove a file from the library

• Go to library


• Select the file that You want to delete

• Press the ‘Remove selected’ button

• The file is now removed

10. How to create a catalog

• Go to library

• Press the ‘Manage catalogs’ button

• Press the plus button

• Double click on the (no name) field

• Enter the catalog name

• Select ‘active’ if you want in to be active in the library

• With the arrows you can change the priority of the catalogs

• Click ‘ok’ if You are finished

11. How to manage fields/How to create categories

• Go to library

• Press the ‘Manage fields’ button


• Select the plus button to add a category

• To delete:

• Select a category and press the remove button

• With the arrows You can change the priority

• If You are done changing the categories click ‘ok’


https://youtu.be/hRo1y76k-bY

https://youtu.be/rQbfwbTx0JA

https://youtu.be/vm6MOux13G8

https://youtu.be/53Id85OzNdY


54

12. How to change a profile/miscellaneous shape

• Go to library

• Select the profiles library

• Select a profile

• …In the lower part of the screen you will find the shape with the ‘load…’ and a ‘edit’

button next to it…

• Press the ‘edit’ button

• Edit the profile within the edit box

• Close the window

• The software will automatically ask if You would like to save the changes

13. How to change the shape of a cutout

• Go to library

• Select the profiles library

• Select a cutour

• …In the lower part of the screen you will find the shape with the ‘load…’ and a ‘edit’

button next to it…

• Press the ‘edit’ button

• Edit the profile within the edit box

• Close the window

• The software will automatically ask if You would like to save the changes

14. How to search through a library

• Go to library


• Click in the search field above the file field

• Enter Your command, the software will begin to search automatically


https://youtu.be/qOKtedf2orY

https://youtu.be/qOKtedf2orY

https://youtu.be/AlKd_AKYzVs


55

Prodim International BV

Lagedijk 26 - 5705 BZ Helmond, the Netherlands

T: +31 (0)492 - 579050

[email protected] - www.prodim-systems.com

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.prodim-systems.com/

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