SANKT AUGUSTIN. At Hannover Messe 2013 the Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing SCAI will present its software solutions for the optimized utilization of materials and space in resource-intensive areas. Amongst others, current versions of the software products AutoNester (automated and optimized construction of cutting patterns on textiles, leather, metal sheets and wood) and PackAssistant (optimized packaging of component parts in containers) will be presented. These applications are successfully used by thousands of companies worldwide.

Furthermore, Fraunhofer SCAI will show several software solutions for higher efficiency concerning the use of raw materials: the nesting on steel coils, the guillotine cutting of wood plates and the optimization of length during the cutting of steel profiles.

Nesting of sheet metal parts on coils

SCAI develops algorithms to minimize costs and waste in the process of pressing sheet metal parts out of coils. In addition to the conventional production of rectangle or parallelogram plates, optimized nestings for free forming plates can also be calculated fully automatically. With this approach, approximately 10 per cent of material costs can be saved.

Optimal guillotine cutting

When cutting glass, foam and wood, the saw employed can only make complete, straight and right-angled cuts. With SCAI’s algorithms material can be saved in the guillotine cutting process by calculating a cut plan for one or more sheet sizes. This cut plan produces ordered parts with minimal waste of raw material and thereby conforms to practical restrictions. Users can determine the maximum number of cuts as well as the minimum and maximum width of cuts.

Less scrap metal with optimized cutting of metal profiles

Fraunhofer SCAI developed innovative methods for reducing scrap metal during the cutting process of profiles. The software calculates optimal saw and production plans. Hence, the best possible length for the production is determined as well as the maximized utilization of material being achieved.

The Department of Optimization solves problems for enterprises and manufacturing companies. Methods in the field of mathematical optimization and discrete simulation help to improve production processes and to save costs. SCAI provides software based on optimization methods and the service of simulations in logistics, which guarantee maximal savings in costs and time within the customer’s specific production and working environment.

In addition to the development of individual software solutions, the Fraunhofer SCAI offers maintenance and the integration of its software into existing production environments. Thereby it is ensured that the software can be adapted to modified conditions and, thus, it provides best possible as well as state-of-the-art results and savings even after many years of employment.

The Fraunhofer Institute SCAI presents its software solutions and services at Hannover Messe 2013 on April 8th to 12th, 2013 in hall 2, stand D18 (collective stand of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft).

More information:

www.scai.fraunhofer.de/optimization

Contact:
Dipl.-Math. oec. Lydia Franck
lydia.franck(at)scai.fraunhofer.de
Telefon: +49 2241 14-2563

Dr. Roland Olbricht
roland.olbricht(at)scai.fraunhofer.de
Telefon: +49 2241 14-2045

Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing SCAI
Schloss Birlinghoven, 53754 Sankt Augustin
www.scai.fraunhofer.de