Autodesk Inventor

[#1]

Hi!

Can anyone help me with this problem? i want to fit a sketch that is to be laser cutted. i wanna fit 30 pcs on a rectangle, is there a tool who figures out the most optimal way to fit them in a rectangle?

regards

Chris 

[#2]

Such a problem is a mathematical nightmare.  While there may be programs that could do this, you would probably be better off doing it manually -- just start with placing the largest parts onto your theoretical rectangular plate and continue placing them one by one down until you reach the smallest parts.  Using 2D geometry in AutoCAD (and making individual blocks of each profile) would be best -- this would allow you to quickly position the parts (using move, rotate and mirror) or adjust them later.  Just remember to leave a nominal spacing between the parts to allow for the lead-in and lead-out of the cutting torch.

HTH 

[#3]

We use a product called Stiker Systems. It has a pretty powerful auto nesting utility. The program runs as an addon to autocad and can be used to program lasers aswell. It is not free but thats the tool we use.

http://www.striker-systems.com/Products/Nesting/SSNest.aspx

[#4]

if your cutting something cheap like steel, do it with automatic nesting programs.  If your cutting something really expensive, do it yourself in AutoCAD...

You will get less wastage from doing it yourself but if your time is worth more than the wastage savings it is better to let a program do it automatically