The basic operations of the cut optimizer is collecting the quantity and sizes needed parts, the quantity and sizes of the available stock, optimizing the cuts, and printing the diagram.

Figure 2-1 shows the entry screen for the cut optimizer. The left half of the screen contains the needed parts under the “REQUIRED” label. The right half of the screen contains the available stock under the “AVAILABLE” label as well as the thickness, saw kerf, and tolerance. Entry of the parts and available stock is done in the same way. The entries are made in the top part of the screen and parts / stock that are part of the optimization are shown in the bottom.

Once the parts and stock have been added, click on the “Optimize” button. If parts and stock are not specified or there is not enough stock to create the needed parts, an error message will be display. If there is not an error, the figure window will be displayed. Figure 2-2 shows a sample, optimized figure. The part list, the required stock, and the expected restocks are listed on the figure. A picture showing the layout of the parts and restocks are shown. The parts are colored red and the restocks are colored blue. The cut lines / scrap is shown in white. The parts and restocks are labeled to correspond to the list. One picture is displayed per cut layout. The title of the picture shows the number of pieces to cut this way, the size of the stock, and the utilization of the stock (yield).