Overview

MapBoards Pro (MBP) will create a map which is the arrangement of component bodies in a model on one or more boards or layout. The arrangement is done with copies of the bodies leaving the model intact. Placement of the bodies is based on a tight rectangular bounding box for the bodies. This provides quick results and reasonable nesting.

When executing MBP the default option for Map Output Type is Component Bodies which will arrange copies of the bodies in your model onto one or more boards matching the material type and thickness.

The map layout can be customized to match your preference or manufacturing requirements then saved as default. See Choosing Map Layout for details.

Try something simple… Select a simple design at first with only a few components to become familiar with the options available. When you launch MBP it will evaluate your model and display a list of material types (material type and thickness). The first time a material type is encountered it will provide the minimum Width and Length which will fit the largest part of that type. You can provide default dimensions you prefer and it will remember and use those dimensions the next time this material type is encountered.

Creating a map with bodies results in a single entry in the UnDo list, UnDo MapBoards Pro. This enables you to run MBP multiple times creating maps with different options and roll back-and-forth through the different maps by doing an UnDo (Cmd-Z), ReDo (Shift Cmd-Z), …

One or more maps are created under the component maps. In order to save a map you just need to hide it by turning of the visibility icon. See Creating Multiple Maps for details.

If you are using or plan to include linked components and assemblies in your model than see Linked Assemblies for details.

You can display all parts found for a material type with their dimensions by selecting a material type in the list. See Selection Support for details.

The dimensions you enter on the lumber tab represent the default boards size that will be used when mapping. Once you become familiar with creating maps you may want to use Material Management to create and manage a list of board sizes available for each material type which can be shared across multiple design projects.

Don’t worry, MBP will not modify your model. The map created is a separate component named map found in the browser tree at the root which is cleared with each run of MBP. You can remove the map by pressing Cmd-Z (UnDo MapBoards Pro) or rerun MBP and pressing ESC then OK to delete.

Experiment with the following option to get the results you desire. - Arrange method - Arrange Type - Allow rotation - Can Rotate - Select components to rotate or duplicate - Selection Support

The complete list of options with descriptions can be found here Options. You can also reference this options list from the context tree.

Introduction Video

For an overview of MapBoards Pro features and options watch this video which is old and missing many enhancements but useful.