Panel Cutting in Manufacturing

Panel Cutting in Manufacturing: Techniques and Software for Optimized Production

Panel cutting is a crucial aspect of manufacturing, especially in industries like cabinetry, furniture making, and interior design, where materials like plywood, MDF, and other composite panels are widely used. This process, which involves slicing large sheets of material into precise shapes and sizes, requires a careful balance of efficiency and accuracy to minimize waste and meet project specifications. As digital tools become more sophisticated, the use of panel cutting software has gained popularity among manufacturers, offering benefits that can transform production workflows.

In this article, we’ll explore the stages of the panel cutting process, discuss the advantages of using software, and introduce a notable software option: OPCutting, a cutting optimization solution designed to streamline manufacturing operations and reduce material waste.

The panel cutting proces

Panel cutting involves breaking down large sheets of materials into smaller, usable parts for the assembly of various products. This process comprises several steps:

 1. Planning and Material Selection

The first stage is to determine the materials required for the project and the dimensions of each piece. Different types of panels, such as plywood, MDF, particleboard, or even acrylic, can be selected based on the project's requirements, considering aspects like durability, aesthetics, and budget. The exact size and shape of each cut need to be carefully planned to fit the end product’s design.

 2. Cutting Layout Design

Once materials and dimensions are established, the next step is to design a cutting layout. A well-organized layout ensures maximum use of each panel sheet, reducing the amount of material wasted. This process often includes creating a “cut list” that details each segment's dimensions and specifications. Arranging these pieces optimally on each panel can be challenging, especially in larger projects where many cuts are needed, and here is where cutting software proves advantageous.

 3. Execution of Cuts

After the layout is finalized, the physical cutting process begins. This requires high-quality equipment-such as table saws, CNC routers, or panel saws—that can deliver precise, clean cuts. In some advanced manufacturing settings, computer-controlled saws can directly follow the cutting layouts generated by software, ensuring high levels of accuracy.

 4. Quality Control and Assembly Preparation

Post-cutting, quality control checks are essential to verify that all pieces meet size and finish specifications. Any irregularities in cuts can lead to poor assembly outcomes, so accuracy at this stage is critical. After passing quality checks, the individual pieces are prepared for assembly or moved to the next stages in production, such as edging or finishing.

The role of panel cutting software in modern manufacturing

Using software for panel cutting optimization is no longer just an option; it has become a necessity for competitive manufacturing. Here are some of the reasons why panel cutting software can drastically improve production processes:

 1. Maximized Material Efficiency

Software helps create an optimal cutting layout, making the best possible use of each sheet of material. By reducing waste and effectively managing resources, manufacturers save money on materials and minimize environmental impact. Efficient use of material also reduces the need to purchase extra supplies, resulting in significant cost savings over time.

 2. Time Savings and Increased Productivity

Panel cutting software reduces the time spent on manual layout planning, calculations, and adjustments. This automation allows for quicker turnaround times on projects, enabling manufacturers to meet tight deadlines and handle a larger volume of orders without compromising quality.

 3. Reduced Human Error

Manual calculations and layout designs are susceptible to errors that can lead to wasted material, time, and costs. With software, calculations are automated, and precise layouts are generated, significantly lowering the chances of mistakes and ensuring consistency across all cuts.

 4. Enhanced Precision and Consistency

Panel cutting software provides precise, repeatable results, ensuring that each cut is exact and consistent with the specified measurements. This accuracy is especially important in projects that require high tolerances, such as furniture or cabinetry, where even a slight discrepancy can compromise the product’s functionality or appearance.

 5. Flexibility for Different Materials and Projects

Panel cutting software is versatile and can be applied to various materials and project types. Whether working with wood, metal, or plastic panels, the software allows manufacturers to adjust parameters and optimize layouts to meet specific needs, enabling them to take on a wide range of projects.

OPCutting: A panel cutting optimization solution

One noteworthy software that stands out in the market for panel cutting optimization is OPCutting. OPCutting is designed to assist manufacturers and fabricators by providing advanced tools for layout planning, material optimization, and waste reduction. Here’s a closer look at how OPCutting benefits manufacturers:

Key features of OPCutting

1. Advanced Optimization Algorithms

OPCutting utilizes sophisticated algorithms to create the most efficient cutting layouts possible. These algorithms analyze the dimensions of each required piece, adjusting the layout to maximize material usage, and minimizing unusable scraps.

2. Comprehensive Cut List Management

OPCutting allows users to manage multiple cut lists for different projects, making it ideal for larger manufacturing operations where simultaneous orders are common. This feature provides flexibility in production planning, allowing manufacturers to handle complex schedules more efficiently.

3. Automatic Adjustments for Different Panel Sizes

OPCutting can automatically adjust cutting layouts to suit different panel sizes, accommodating standard and custom dimensions. This adaptability is essential in manufacturing environments where multiple types of materials and sizes are often used within the same project.

4. User-Friendly Interface and Customization Options

OPCutting’s interface is designed to be intuitive, allowing users to set up projects quickly. Customization options enable manufacturers to modify layout plans according to specific project needs, providing control over each cut to accommodate unique designs or requirements.

5. Detailed Reporting and Analytics

For quality control and performance tracking, OPCutting generates detailed reports and analytics that provide insights into material usage, efficiency, and costs. This feature allows managers to monitor and improve the cutting process over time, making it easier to identify areas where further optimization can occur. 

Benefits of using OPCutting

OPCutting offers a host of benefits that directly contribute to increased efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness in panel cutting processes. By optimizing the use of materials and minimizing errors, OPCutting enables manufacturers to produce high-quality products consistently. It supports sustainable practices by minimizing waste and making production more efficient.

Moreover, OPCutting is adaptable to a variety of industries, making it an ideal choice for manufacturers who work with different materials and need a versatile tool to enhance their workflows.

Conclusion

In the field of manufacturing, panel cutting plays a vital role in creating precise, efficient, and high-quality products. By carefully managing each step of the process, manufacturers can achieve significant cost savings, produce better outcomes, and operate more sustainably. Incorporating panel cutting software, like OPCutting, further enhances this process by offering optimized layouts, reducing waste, and ensuring high levels of accuracy.

As panel cutting software continues to evolve, manufacturers have a powerful tool at their disposal to stay competitive in a demanding industry. With OPCutting’s robust features, fabricators can streamline their operations, cut costs, and improve product quality, making it an invaluable asset for any manufacturing setting.

Other articles about panel cutting

Calepinage and Cutting Optimization

Panel Cutting in Manufacturing

Calepinage and Cutting Optimization: Improving Manufacturing Productivity

Layout and cutting optimization are essential techniques in a wide range of manufacturing sectors, from joinery and metalworking to construction and the textile industry. These methods help optimize the use of materials, reduce waste and improve the overall efficiency of production processes. In this article, we'll explore these concepts in detail, illustrate their importance with real-life examples and introduce some specialized software, including OPCutting.

What is Calepinage?

Layout is the process of planning and arranging materials in such a way as to minimize waste. In simple terms, it involves creating a detailed plan showing how to cut materials (such as wood panels, metal sheets or fabrics) to obtain the required parts with minimum waste.

Example of joinery layout

Imagine a carpenter who needs to produce several windows and doors from large sheets of wood. Using calepinage, he can determine the best way to arrange the cut-outs to make maximum use of each sheet, thus reducing wood off-cuts. This method is crucial for saving on material costs and reducing environmental impact.

Cutting optimization: One step further

Cutting optimization goes beyond simple layout. It uses advanced algorithms to find the optimum layout for the parts to be cut. The aim is to maximize material utilization while minimizing cutting time and associated costs.

Importance of Cutting Optimization

1. Waste reduction: By optimizing the layout of parts, you can significantly reduce the amount of unusable material.

2. Time savings: Optimized cutting plans reduce the time spent adjusting machines and making cuts.

3. Increased efficiency: Optimization improves the entire production process, making operations smoother and more efficient.

4. Cost reduction: Less waste and better use of time translate into lower production costs.

Cutting Optimization Software

Several software programs on the market are designed to facilitate layout and cutting optimization. Here are a few popular examples:

1. CutList Plus: A layout program used mainly in carpentry to optimize the cutting of wood panels.

2. OptiNest: Used in the metalworking and construction industries, OptiNest offers optimization solutions for metal materials.

3. NestFab: This software focuses on cutting optimization for soft materials such as fabrics and leathers.

Introducing OPCutting

OPCutting is a specialized cutting optimization software designed to meet the needs of professionals in a variety of industrial sectors. Here are just a few reasons why DebitPro stands out:

1. Advanced algorithms: OPCutting uses state-of-the-art algorithms to optimize cutting plans, ensuring maximum material utilization.

2. Ease of use: OPCutting's intuitive interface enables even novice users to create optimized cutting plans in just a few clicks.

3. Versatility: Whether you're working with wood, metal, plastic or other materials, OPCutting adapts to your specific needs.

4. Stock management: The software also tracks and manages material stocks, providing an overview of material availability in real time.

Key features of OPCutting

1. Cutting plan optimization: OPCutting generates optimized cutting plans that minimize material losses.

2. Customization: Users can customize cutting parameters, including blade thicknesses and safety margins.

3. Reporting and Analysis: The software provides detailed reports on cuts made, materials used and yield rates.

To find out more about OPCutting, see the technical data sheet and the sales page.

Conclusion

Layout planning and cutting optimization are essential techniques for any company seeking to improve efficiency and reduce costs. By integrating specialized software such as OPCutting, companies can not only optimize their use of materials, but also streamline their operations and remain competitive in the marketplace. By adopting these advanced technologies, manufacturers can not only increase productivity, but also contribute to more sustainable production practices. To discover how OPCutting can revolutionize your cutting operations, visit the links provided and explore the features offered by this advanced software.

Other articles on layout and cutting optimization

Example of layout with OPCutting

Sheet metal cutting software

The Specifics of bar cutting and the advantages of using optimization software

The Specifics of Bar Cutting and the Advantages of Using Optimization Software: Introducing OPCutting

Bar cutting is a critical process in various industries, particularly in metalworking, construction, and manufacturing. This process involves slicing metal bars into specified lengths, shapes, and sizes to meet the requirements of different projects. Over time, bar cutting methods have evolved from manual techniques to highly advanced automated systems, improving efficiency, precision, and material utilization.

Traditional Bar Cutting Techniques

1. Manual Cutting: This involves the use of hand tools like hacksaws, metal shears, or manual cutting torches. While effective for small-scale projects, manual cutting is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to human error.

2. Mechanical Cutting: This includes methods such as shearing, sawing, and abrasive cutting. Mechanical cutting machines like bandsaws, chop saws, and cold saws provide more precision than manual methods but still require significant manual setup and adjustment.

3. Thermal Cutting: Techniques such as oxy-fuel cutting, plasma cutting, and laser cutting fall under this category. These methods use heat to slice through metal bars. Thermal cutting offers high precision and speed but can result in thermal distortion and requires careful handling to avoid defects.

Modern Bar Cutting Techniques

1. CNC Cutting Machines: Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines have revolutionized bar cutting by allowing for high precision and repeatability. Operators can program CNC machines with specific dimensions and patterns, minimizing human error and maximizing efficiency.

2. Automation and Robotics: Integrating robotics with cutting processes further enhances precision and efficiency. Automated systems can handle multiple cutting tasks without the need for manual intervention, reducing labor costs and increasing productivity.

 The Importance of Optimization Software in Bar Cutting

Optimization software plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and precision of bar cutting processes. These software solutions use advanced algorithms to plan and execute cutting operations, ensuring optimal material utilization and minimizing waste. Here are some key benefits of using optimization software in bar cutting:

1. Material Utilization: Optimization software calculates the best cutting patterns to minimize waste. This is particularly important in industries where material costs are high. By optimizing the cutting process, businesses can save significant amounts of material and reduce costs.

2. Precision and Accuracy: Software-driven cutting plans ensure that cuts are made with high precision and accuracy, reducing the likelihood of errors and the need for rework. This leads to higher quality products and more efficient use of resources.

3. Time Efficiency: Automated cutting plans generated by optimization software significantly reduce the time required for planning and execution. This allows businesses to complete projects faster and handle more orders in less time.

4. Cost Reduction: By minimizing waste, reducing errors, and speeding up the cutting process, optimization software helps lower overall production costs. This makes businesses more competitive and increases profitability.

5. Flexibility and Customization: Optimization software allows for easy adjustments to cutting plans based on specific project requirements. This flexibility is crucial in industries where custom orders and varying specifications are common.

Introducing OPCutting: Specialized Bar Cutting Optimization Software

OPCutting is a cutting-edge software solution designed specifically for the optimization of bar cutting processes. It offers a comprehensive suite of features tailored to meet the needs of professionals in various industries. Here’s how OPCutting stands out:

Key Features of OPCutting

1. Optimized Cutting Plans: OPCutting uses advanced algorithms to generate optimal cutting patterns, ensuring maximum material utilization and minimal waste. This feature is essential for businesses looking to reduce material costs and improve efficiency.

2. User-Friendly Interface: OPCutting is designed with an intuitive user interface, making it accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise. This ease of use ensures that operators can quickly learn and implement the software in their cutting processes.

3. Inventory Management: The software includes robust inventory management features, allowing users to track material stock, monitor usage, and update inventories in real-time. This helps in maintaining accurate records and preventing material shortages.

4. Customizable Settings: Users can customize cutting parameters to suit specific project requirements. This includes setting blade thickness, cutting speeds, and safety margins, ensuring that each cut meets precise specifications.

5. Compatibility with CNC Machines: OPCutting is compatible with various CNC cutting machines, enabling seamless integration and automation of the cutting process. This compatibility enhances efficiency and ensures precise execution of cutting plans.

6. Detailed Reporting and Analytics: The software provides comprehensive reports on cutting operations, material usage, and efficiency metrics. These insights help businesses analyze their performance, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions.

7. Cost Savings: By optimizing cutting operations, reducing waste, and improving efficiency, OPCutting helps businesses achieve significant cost savings. This makes it an invaluable tool for companies looking to enhance their bottom line.

How OPCutting Works

1. Input Specifications: Users input the dimensions and quantities of the bars to be cut, along with any specific cutting requirements.

2. Generate Cutting Plans: OPCutting’s algorithms process the input data and generate optimal cutting plans that maximize material utilization and minimize waste.

3. Execute Cutting Plans: The generated plans are sent to CNC machines or other cutting equipment, which execute the cuts with high precision and accuracy.

4. Monitor and Adjust: Users can monitor the cutting process in real-time, making adjustments as needed to ensure optimal performance and address any issues that arise.

5. Analyze Results: Detailed reports and analytics provide insights into the efficiency and effectiveness of the cutting operations, helping businesses continuously improve their processes.

 Conclusion

The evolution of bar cutting techniques from manual methods to advanced automated systems has significantly transformed the industry. Optimization software like OPCutting plays a crucial role in this transformation, offering a range of benefits including improved material utilization, enhanced precision, time efficiency, cost reduction, and flexibility.

OPCutting stands out as a specialized solution for bar cutting optimization, providing advanced features that cater to the needs of various industries. By integrating OPCutting into their cutting operations, businesses can achieve higher efficiency, reduce costs, and improve their overall competitiveness in the market.

For more information about OPCutting and how it can revolutionize your bar cutting processes, visit OPCutting's official page.

Panel Cutting: From Craftsmanship to Optimization Software

Panel Cutting: An Evolution

Handcrafted Methods

Manual Cutting

Manual panel cutting dates back centuries, relying on tools like handsaws and chisels. This method demanded high skill and experience for precise cuts, involving individually measured and drawn plans, consuming a lot of time.

Early Cutting Machines

The industrial revolution introduced machine tools, with circular saws in the early 19th century enabling faster and more accurate cuts. Despite these advancements, the process remained quite manual with operators measuring and marking panels and adjusting machines for each cut, leading to significant waste.

Modern Methods

CNC Machines

The latter half of the 20th century saw CNC machines revolutionize the industry. Controlled by computers, these machines performed extremely precise cuts based on programmed instructions, minimizing human error and material waste, and enabling complex shapes that were previously difficult to achieve.

Cutting Optimization Software

The rise of computing brought cutting optimization software, which uses algorithms to layout parts on panels to minimize waste. These programs consider panel dimensions and required parts, creating optimal cutting plans.

Advantages of Optimization Software

• Waste Reduction: Maximizes material use.
• Time Savings: Speeds up planning and cutting.
• Increased Precision: Reduces errors and necessary adjustments.
• Cost Reduction: Less waste and faster production lower costs.
• Flexibility: Easily adjusts plans for specific project needs.

OPCutting Software: A Modern Solution

Overview

OPCutting is designed to enhance cutting efficiency and precision. It offers a comprehensive set of features for professionals to optimize their cutting operations.

Key Features

• Optimized Cutting Plans: Advanced algorithms to maximize panel use.
• Ease of Use: Intuitive interface accessible to users with minimal computer experience.
• Stock Management: Tracks panel stock and updates inventories in real-time.
• Customization: Adjustable settings for project-specific requirements.
• CNC Compatibility: Generates files for CNC machines, automating the cutting process.
• Reports and Analysis: Provides detailed reports on cuts, materials used, and performance rates.

Conclusion

The evolution from labor-intensive methods to sophisticated modern techniques has transformed the industry. Optimization software like OPCutting is crucial in this transformation, improving efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing precision. By integrating OPCutting, businesses can optimize their cutting processes and gain a competitive edge.

For more information on OPCutting, visit the official site.

Panel Cutting: From Traditional Methods to Modern Optimization Software

Panel cutting is a fundamental process in various industries, including woodworking, construction, and furniture manufacturing. This process involves cutting large sheets of material into smaller, precisely sized pieces according to specific project requirements. Over the years, the techniques and technologies used for panel cutting have evolved dramatically, moving from manual, artisanal methods to sophisticated modern approaches that leverage cutting optimization software. In this article, we will explore this evolution and conclude with an introduction to OPCutting, a cutting-edge optimization software.

Traditional methods of panel cutting

Manual cutting techniques

In the early days, panel cutting was a manual process performed by skilled artisans using basic hand tools such as handsaws, planes, and chisels. Each cut required precise measurement and careful execution to ensure accuracy. The process was time-consuming and heavily dependent on the skill level of the craftsman. Despite the meticulous efforts, manual cutting often resulted in significant material waste and was not feasible for large-scale production.

Early mechanical tools

The advent of the Industrial Revolution brought significant advancements in panel cutting techniques. The introduction of mechanical tools, such as circular saws in the early 19th century, marked the beginning of a new era. These machines allowed for faster and more precise cuts compared to hand tools. However, the process remained labor-intensive as operators needed to measure and mark each cut manually, and adjust the machines accordingly.

While mechanical saws improved efficiency, they still posed challenges in terms of material wastage and accuracy. Each panel needed to be handled individually, and the layout of cuts was often determined by the operator's experience rather than by systematic optimization.

The Emergence of modern methods

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Machines

The latter half of the 20th century saw the introduction of CNC machines, which revolutionized the panel cutting industry. CNC machines are computer-controlled devices that can execute complex cutting patterns with high precision. By programming the desired cuts into the CNC system, operators could achieve consistent and accurate results with minimal manual intervention.

CNC technology significantly reduced errors and material waste, and allowed for intricate designs that were previously impossible with manual methods. However, even with CNC machines, there remained room for further optimization, especially in terms of minimizing waste and maximizing the use of raw materials.

Optimization software for cutting

The development of cutting optimization software has further transformed the panel cutting process. These software solutions use advanced algorithms to determine the most efficient way to cut large panels into smaller pieces, reducing waste and improving overall efficiency.

Optimization software takes into account the dimensions of the raw material and the required pieces, arranging the cuts in a way that maximizes material usage. This approach not only minimizes waste but also speeds up the cutting process and reduces costs.

Advantages of optimization software

1. Reduced Waste: Optimization software significantly reduces the amount of scrap material by arranging cuts in the most efficient layout possible. This not only saves money on materials but also supports sustainable practices by minimizing waste.

2. Increased Efficiency: By automating the layout process, optimization software reduces the time needed for planning and cutting. This increased efficiency translates to higher productivity and quicker turnaround times for projects.

3. Enhanced Precision: The software ensures precise cutting patterns, leading to higher quality results. This precision is particularly important in industries where exact measurements are crucial, such as cabinetry and furniture making.

4. Cost Savings: Optimized cutting patterns reduce material costs and labor expenses. The initial investment in optimization software is quickly offset by the savings in material and time.

5. Flexibility and Customization: These software solutions allow for easy adjustments to cutting plans, accommodating changes in project specifications without significant delays or rework.

Conclusion: introducing OPCutting

As industries continue to evolve, the need for efficient and precise panel cutting solutions becomes increasingly important. One such solution is OPCutting, a state-of-the-art optimization software designed to streamline the panel cutting process.

Features of OPCutting

OPCutting is equipped with a range of features that make it an indispensable tool for modern panel cutting operations:

- Advanced Algorithms: OPCutting uses sophisticated algorithms to determine the most efficient cutting patterns, minimizing waste and maximizing material usage.

- User-Friendly Interface: The software boasts an intuitive interface that makes it accessible to users of all skill levels. Operators can quickly input dimensions and receive optimized cutting plans with ease.

- Integration with CNC Machines: OPCutting can generate files compatible with CNC machines, automating the cutting process from start to finish. This seamless integration enhances precision and reduces manual labor.

- Comprehensive Reporting: The software provides detailed reports on material usage, waste, and cutting efficiency, allowing operators to analyze and improve their processes continuously.

- Customizable Parameters: Users can customize various parameters, such as blade thickness and cutting margins, to suit specific project requirements.

Benefits of using OPCutting

By incorporating OPCutting into their operations, businesses can achieve significant improvements in efficiency, cost savings, and overall productivity. The software's ability to optimize cutting patterns ensures that materials are used to their fullest potential, reducing waste and lowering material costs.

Moreover, OPCutting's integration with CNC machines simplifies the cutting process, allowing operators to focus on other critical tasks. The detailed reporting and analysis tools also provide valuable insights into the cutting process, helping businesses identify areas for improvement and implement best practices.

In conclusion, the evolution of panel cutting from traditional manual methods to modern optimization software has revolutionized the industry. Tools like OPCutting represent the pinnacle of this evolution, offering unparalleled efficiency, precision, and cost savings. For more information about OPCutting and to explore its features, visit their official website. By embracing such advanced solutions, businesses can stay ahead of the competition and meet the ever-growing demands of the market with ease.

Cutting plastic sheets

Plastic sheets can be cut in different ways, depending on the type of plastic, the thickness of the sheet, the precision required and the amount of work involved.

Here are some common methods used to cut plastic sheets:

Laser cutting: Laser cutting is a precise, clean method of cutting plastic sheets. A laser beam is directed at the plastic, melting or vaporizing it depending on the type of plastic. This method is ideal for precise cuts, complex shapes and fine contours.

CNC cutting : Computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines use milling cutters or rotating blades to cut precise shapes into plastic sheets. This method is suitable for cutting custom shapes and prototypes.

Circular saw: Circular saws with special plastic blades can be used to cut plastic sheets in straight lines. This method is effective for simpler cuts and serial cutting tasks.

Jigsaw: A jigsaw with a suitable blade can be used to cut more complex shapes from plastic sheets. It allows more flexibility than the circular saw for curves and angles.

Rotary cutter: A rotary cutter, often used in crafts and manual work, can be used to cut thinner plastic sheets along predefined lines.

Shears: Hand-operated or mechanical shears can be used to cut relatively thin plastic sheets. This method is simple and suitable for straight cuts.

Punching: For simple, repetitive shapes, a punching machine can be used to cut plastic by pressing a punch through the sheet.

Heating and bending: For thinner plastic sheets, it is sometimes possible to cut them by heating and bending them using a template. This works best with thermoplastic plastics.

Whatever method you choose, it's important to take into account the specific properties of the plastic you're cutting, as some plastics can give off toxic fumes when cut by methods such as laser or milling. So make sure you work in a well-ventilated environment and take appropriate safety precautions. If you are unsure of the best method for cutting a particular type of plastic, it may be worth consulting professionals or experts in the field.

Cutting plastic sheets can be quite costly, due to the use of expensive machinery and materials that are not cheap. And it can be a good idea to keep material waste to a minimum when you need to make regular cuts or cut a large number of sheets.

If you need to cut a large number of sheets, it can be useful to use cutting optimization software to save material and limit the amount of unusable off-cuts. Nesting and cut optimization software such as DebitPro, which is quick and easy to learn and specializes in rectangular cut-outs, can help you optimize your plastic sheet cut-outs.

Discover OPCutting the easy way to optimize your plastic sheet cuts

Download the free trial version

If you're interested in plastic sheet cutting and have any questions or suggestions regarding this article, please let me know in the comments.

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Manage your stock with OPCutting

This article is about managing panel stock with OPCutting.

You have a stock of panels that you manage manually or with specific software, but you don't know how to take into account changes in this stock when you need to optimize panel cutting.

OPCutting is capable of displaying and printing a list of the formats and quantities of the panels used in your cutting optimization, and of generating a list of off-cuts that can be exported in csv format. You can then use these two lists to update your panel inventory, removing from stock panels used in cutting optimization, and adding any off-cuts whose dimensions are sufficient for them to be considered as usable panels, and therefore to be included in your inventory.

Manually, it's a time-consuming process, but a simple one, whether or not you're using stock management software.

If you manage your panel stock manually:

You can print these two lists and export the off-cuts list in csv format for subsequent import into Excel.

Then you take each panel format used in your cutting optimization (displayed in the cutting optimization panel list) one by one, and subtract the quantity of panels of that format from your stock in your notepad or Excel file in which you record your panel stock info.

Finally, take the list of off-cuts. Go through each off-cut format one by one, and add the quantity and format of each off-cut (format) you wish to add to your stock.

Important: As OPCutting is not "connected" to your actual stock, it can produce panel quantities greater than those you actually have. It's therefore important to take this into account, and to run a cutting optimization simulation with the software to compare with your actual stock, so that you can order any panels you may be short of before embarking on your panel cutting optimization.

If you manage your panel stock with software that supports data import in xls or csv format:

You can export the list of off-cuts in csv format and then import it into Excel. You will need to manually enter the panel formats and quantities for your cutting optimization.

Then, using formulas and possibly macros, you can format this data to make it compatible with your stock management software. Finally, you generate an .xls or .csv stock update file that you can import into your software.

As each stock management software has its own specificities, I can't give you a more precise diagram on how to generate the stock update data format, but if you have difficulties with Excel formulas and macros, but nevertheless know the data format expected by your software, don't hesitate to contact me for help.

Well, all this isn't very concrete, so I'm going to give you an example, with Excel formulas for determining panel quantities and references. In this example, the panel references are not very realistic, but it will nevertheless give you a better understanding of how to proceed.

Once you've created your panel cutting optimization with OPCutting (see Creating a cutting optimization), export the list of off-cuts. You can also print the cutting optimization summary so that you can re-enter the information in Excel.

Then click on the "off-cuts list" button to display the list.

Finally, click on "Export".

You can select the offcuts to be exported by size or surface area.
Click on the "OK" button to confirm the export and enter the file name and select the directory in which you want to save it.
Now open Excel and import your csv file containing the off-cuts list.

Here's how the data looks.

You could, for example, rename the corresponding tab to "Cuts-list". Next, create the "Cut-panels" tab, in which you will enter the cut panels, and the "Update-stock" tab, which will contain the Excel formulas for generating your stock update data.

From the cutting optimization summary, enter your panel list in Excel in the "Cut-panels" tab, referring to the formats in the left-hand column of the summary and the number of panels per format in the right-hand column.

Once all the panels have been entered, it's time to create the stock update file, which will be generated from the "Update-stock" tab.

Please note: The example below must be adapted to the stock update file format expected by your stock management software. The order and column names may differ, or there may be columns with other information. If this is the case, please refer to your software's documentation or contact your software publisher for the appropriate format.

The formula for determining the quantity of panels used in cutting optimization and therefore to be deducted from stock for a given panel format is "=-Cut-panels!A2" which means : 

"=-[Sheet name]![Cell name]" (equal sign, followed by minus sign, followed by the reference to the cell in which the value for the number of panels is found). The minus sign is used to subtract the quantity from the stock.

The formula for determining the quantity of off-cuts considered as panels that can be added to the stock for a given panel format is "=Cuts-list!A2" which means : "=[Sheet name]![Cell name]" (equals sign, followed by the reference to the cell in which the value for the number of offcuts is found).
This time there is no minus sign, as the quantity is to be added to the stock.
In this example, the reference is determined by the formula :
"Pan-" &'Cut-panels'!B2& "-" &'Cut-panels'!C2& "-" &'Cut-panels'!D2&'Cut-panels'!E2"

Creates a reference by assembling the characters "Pan-", followed by the reference to the cell in which the length value is found, followed by the reference to the cell in which the width value is found. followed by the reference to the cell containing the length value, followed by the reference to the cell containing the width value, followed by the reference to the cell containing the thickness value, followed by the reference to the cell containing the panel type designation.
Of course, this reference is a very simplistic example which probably doesn't conform to the way you determine your panel references in your stock management software, but you can very easily create an Excel formula adapted to the way you work.

The formula for determining the fall reference is virtually identical, except that the values are retrieved from another sheet.

"Pan-" & "'Cuts-list'!B2 & "-" & 'Cuts-list'!C2 & "-" & 'Cuts-list'!D2 & 'Cuts-list'!E2"

Once you've completely filled in your "Maj-stock" tab, all that's left to do is export it in txt, slk or csv format, depending on which formats your stock management software accepts.
Click on "Save as", then select one of the following formats

Then open your stock management software and import the file you've created into Excel.
If you have followed all these steps correctly, you should be able to update the stock in your software, avoiding any input errors and, with a little practice, saving quite a lot of time.

Here is a summary of the benefits of using OPCutting