Plywood Cutting Optimizer
Plan rectangular plywood parts across sheets while accounting for saw kerf, optional edge trim, rotation and reusable offcuts. Use the result as a material plan, then apply your machine and grain rules.
What the optimizer models
The sheet engine models rectangular parts, part quantities, 90° rotation, kerf and optional edge trim. It tests multiple deterministic orders and placement methods, reports the sheet-count lower bound and separates useful part area from trim, kerf allowance and offcut area.
Worked 2440 × 1220 mm plywood example
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Sheet | 2440 × 1220 mm |
| Parts | 8 × 600 × 400 mm |
| Kerf | 3 mm |
| Rotation | Allowed |
| Result | 1 sheet · 8 parts |
| Useful material utilization | 64.50% |
| Status | PROVEN OPTIMAL for sheet count |
Plywood-specific checks to make after optimization
PackMize does not infer veneer face direction, visible-face defects, grain matching, tear-out risk, blade entry strategy, clamps or minimum machine-safe part sizes. If grain orientation matters, disable rotation for affected parts or split the requirement into orientation-specific rows and validate the physical cut plan on the saw.
General nesting vs guillotine cuts
General nesting searches for efficient rectangular placement without promising a sequential guillotine cutting process. If your panel saw requires edge-to-edge subpanel cuts, select the guillotine mode instead and inspect the ordered cut sequence.
Assumptions
This worked example uses the dimensions entered in PackMize. Material properties, machine rules and operational constraints that are not explicit inputs are not inferred.
Frequently asked questions
Does the optimizer know plywood grain direction?
No. Rotation is an explicit input. Disable rotation where face grain or decorative direction must remain fixed.
Does kerf reduce the finished piece size?
No. Finished piece dimensions remain the dimensions you enter; kerf is additional material allowance between separations.
Can I use a non-standard sheet size?
Yes. Enter the actual sheet width and height from your stock.