how do I 'nest' multiple quantities from standard stock lengths

[ezexperiment]

I have random quantity lengths which I need to cut from standard stock
lengths. Is there a formula to calculate this 'Nesting' Facility.

a b c
d
eg. random quantity lengths = [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Available stock Lengths = 9.0, 10.5, 12.0, 13.5, 15.0

Nesting Answer = a+d b+c
1@ 10.5 + 1@ 12.0

 

[Derek Johansen]

I don't think there's any easy way to write an optimization program. I too
am dealing with cutting and optimizing material, and I have been trying to
develop a way to optimize cut lists, but I don't have what it takes. The
problem is that to effectively optimize you have to test every possible
combination of the material, and then the program has to decide in every
possible case what stock material to use. I'm sure there's a "real" way to
do it, but with my rudimentary skills, I don't know of a way.

Good luck to you!

 

[Bernard Liengme]

Not an Excel solution (Derek is right about the complexity) but some
possible alternatives
Freeware
http://3d2f.com/tags/cutting/wood/software/
http://www.freedownloadmanager.org/downloads/A1_MaxCut_57552_p/free.htm

Payment required (some free demos)
http://www.1d-solutions.com/home.htm?gclid=CKqI3tX8lpsCFRd75Qod9SHnoA
****the above looks like nice simple one-dimensional optimizer ***
http://www.cabinetcut.com/?gclid=CLnVvI77lpsCFYJM5QodFBQmqg
http://glass-cutting-optimization.qarchive.org/
http://cutting-optimization.optimalprograms.com/