Sheet optimization

Sheet optimization consists in a cost-benefit analysis of each sheet format you choose for a layout as well as the number of pieces you want to produce. It shows you the number of sheets you will need, the layout 1ups per sheet, the total number of layout 1ups that will be produced, the sheet's waste area, and the percentage of waste area for each sheet format. By optimizing the sheet you choose the optimal sheet format for your layout, that is, a sheet format that will have minimum waste sheet area for selected number of pieces.

Sheet optimization takes place in Automatic layout: Sheet Placement step.

To do sheet optimization

Do any of the following:

In the Automatic layout: Sheet Placement step, click Opt. Sheet.
After closing the automatic layout wizard, on the Layout toolbar click Apply Layout Template to New Sheet . In the Apply Layout Template to New Sheet dialog box that appears, click Opt. Sheet.

The Optimal Sheet Selection: Input dialog box appears.

In Number of pieces, enter the number of pieces that you want to produce.

NOTE: The arrows alter the number by a default step of 1. To change it, click the small rectangle next to the arrows, and in the dialog box that appears, type a new step.

From the Available sheets list, select the sheets that you think could be applied for the current layout: Click the right-pointing single-chevron button to add a selection of sheets or the right-pointing double-chevron button to add all the sheets.

NOTE: To select multiple sheets, use SHIFT for consecutive sheets or CTRL for nonconsecutive ones. To remove sheets from the Selected sheets list, select them, and then click the left-pointing single-chevron button . To remove all the sheets in the Selected sheets list, click the left-pointing double-chevron button .

To view the applicable sheets and those that are not suited for the ..., select the Show disabled sheets check box.
To include optimization options for rotated layout, select the Allow rotation of the layout check box.
To use a sheet whose width is trimmed according to the used layout, select the Trim sheet's width by layout check box.
To use a sheet whose height at is trimmed according to the used layout, select the Trim sheet's height by layout check box.

Click Next.

The Optimal Sheet Selection: Result dialog box appears.

Name The name of the sheet format as it appears in the sheet database.

Rotated Indicates — by Yes or No — if the layout array has been rotated.

Sheets The number of sheets needed for production of the selected number of pieces.

Parts/sheet The number of parts that can fit in each sheet of the sheet format.

Parts The number of parts that will be produced; usually it equals that of the selected number of pieces. However, sometimes the combination of the number of parts per sheet and the number of sheets needed for production results in a greater number of parts.

Waste area The waste sheet area as determined by the selected number of pieces and the sheet format.

% The waste area of the sheet if the selected number of pieces are produced using the sheet format.

Select a sheet format that suits your purpose. Usually the topmost sheet offers the least material waste.
To complete the procedure, do any of the following:

To apply the sheet to the layout, click Finish.
To select different sheets to apply to the layout, click Back.
To abort the sheet optimization, click Cancel. You will return to the Automatic layout: Sheet Placement step.

IMPORTANT: The sheet optimization depends on whether in Automatic layout: Sheet Placement step you have selected Fit to sheet or Fill by counts options. Consider the following situations:

If you have clicked the Fit to Sheet option, the sheet dimensions are taken into account and per each matching sheet (if any) the optimum number of parts is fitted.
If you have clicked the Fill by Counts option, the exact number of rows and columns is preserved, that is, each sheet that can accommodate the defined layout is displayed as a match. The number of parts displayed in the Parts/sheet column always coincides with the result of the Rows and Columns values. For example, if you have defined three rows and two columns, the Parts/sheet column for all matching sheets will display 6.

NOTE: See a visual step-by-step scenario of how to do sheet optmiziation.