AutoPanelSizer – Optimized Cutting Layouts for Panel-Sizing Saws

The AutoPanelSizer ­software determines optimized cutting layouts for the ­production of rectangular parts from rectangular raw material and minimizes waste, production times and manufacturing costs. ­AutoPanelSizer generates layouts that can be produced with straight, ­continuous (­guillotine) cuts. In case of ­interlinked plants, the maximum number of cutting stages is taken into account. ­This makes the software suitable for common cutting technologies applied in the machining of wood and also in the glass, metal and plastics processing industries.

AutoPanelSizer can compute layouts with up to three cutting stages plus head cuts on the first stage (see examples). On the third cutting stage, it is possible to only recut individual parts or to separate multiple parts. The software is able to comply with miscellaneous constraints ­given by machine or material properties.

Available remainders and various sizes of raw sheets can be included in the ­optimization. The computation of a typical ­cutting layout takes from only a few seconds to just a few minutes. When using multiple processor cores (by bundling of licenses), the runtime can be further reduced.

Impact on production

In the optimization process, the software considers both production times and ­manufacturing costs. It can weigh time-­consuming processes, such as head cuts or the storage of remainders, against a more efficient material utilization. By ­combining identical cutting plans into ­packages, ­simultaneous cuts are feasible thereby reducing production time. ­AutoPanelSizer offers various possibilities to control the generation of such package cuts. Tensions in the material can lead to bent cut edges. To prevent this, AutoPanelSizer can insert stress release cuts, which improve the cut quality.

Furthermore, each part to be produced may be assigned to a part group. This allows for destacking restrictions as well as ­requests regarding a production sequence to be taken into account. In connection with part groups, the optimization can also be carried out across different material types.

Anticipatory planning by optional overproduction

In AutoPanelSizer, parts may be declared as required (compulsory) or optional. The former have to be placed on the cutting layouts, the latter are only placed if they fit well and improve the yield. For example, parts that are needed the next day can be declared as required, while parts that are needed later can be declared as optional. This anticipatory production improves the efficiency of the cutting layouts and reduces the overall material consumption.

Software

AutoPanelSizer is distributed as a pure optimization kernel. It is designed to be integrated into other applications, e.g. plant control or ERP systems, through an XML-interface. Alternatively, AutoPanelSizer can be employed via a file interface or as a server application. The software is available for all current ­Microsoft ­Windows PC operating systems. Based on the latest research results, Fraunhofer SCAI constantly improves and enhances AutoPanelSizer. AutoPanelSizer benefits from the expertise of the institute in optimization.