What's the difference between this and the 1D Cutting Optimizer?

The 1D optimizer is for linear stock like bars, pipes, and beams where only length matters. The 2D optimizer handles rectangular sheets where both width and height matter — perfect for plywood, MDF, drywall, and sheet metal.

How good is the Shelf algorithm?

The Shelf algorithm is a fast and practical heuristic. It prioritizes tall pieces first and places them in horizontal rows, which closely mirrors real-world workshop cutting patterns. For very complex nesting with irregular shapes, dedicated CAM software may do better.

Can I use this for cutting glass or sheet metal?

Yes. Any rectangular sheet material works. For glass, set kerf to 0 (glass is scored and snapped, not sawn). For sheet metal, use a small kerf value matching your cutting method.

Sheet / Panel Cutting Optimizer

NEW

Enter your sheet dimensions, add rectangular pieces, and get an optimized packing layout. Supports 90-degree rotation and saw kerf for accurate real-world results.

1D Linear 2D Sheet Steel Bar

Unit:

Stock Length (mm)

Blade / Saw Kerf (mm)

Length (mm)

Label / Name

Quantity

Pieces to cut (0)

No pieces added yet. Add pieces above.

Cutting Layout

Stock Used

Pieces Placed

Waste %

Total Waste

📂 Load JSON

Send output to:

How to use 2D Sheet Cutting Optimizer

Enter your sheet width and height in millimeters (default 2440x1220mm for standard plywood).
Add each piece type: width, height, and quantity — click Add Piece for each type.
Toggle Allow 90-degree rotation if your pieces can be rotated to fit better.
Click Optimize to generate the sheet cutting layout and review utilization.

What is 2D Sheet Cutting Optimizer?

The Shelf (or Strip) packing algorithm sorts pieces by height descending, then packs them into horizontal shelves. Each shelf's height equals the tallest piece in that shelf, and pieces are placed left-to-right within each shelf using first-fit. This approach mirrors how a woodworker would rip a sheet into strips and then crosscut — producing layouts that are intuitive and easy to reproduce in the workshop.

Enable 90-degree rotation to allow pieces to be rotated when it improves fit. The kerf setting accounts for saw blade width between pieces. The visualization shows the full sheet with each piece color-coded, and the results panel shows utilization percentage, waste, and shelf count.

FAQ

What's the difference between this and the 1D Cutting Optimizer?: The 1D optimizer is for linear stock like bars, pipes, and beams where only length matters. The 2D optimizer handles rectangular sheets where both width and height matter — perfect for plywood, MDF, drywall, and sheet metal.
How good is the Shelf algorithm?: The Shelf algorithm is a fast and practical heuristic. It prioritizes tall pieces first and places them in horizontal rows, which closely mirrors real-world workshop cutting patterns. For very complex nesting with irregular shapes, dedicated CAM software may do better.
Can I use this for cutting glass or sheet metal?: Yes. Any rectangular sheet material works. For glass, set kerf to 0 (glass is scored and snapped, not sawn). For sheet metal, use a small kerf value matching your cutting method.

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Last updated: 2026-06-04

Sheet / Panel Cutting Optimizer

How to use 2D Sheet Cutting Optimizer

What is 2D Sheet Cutting Optimizer?

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