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Material Management Part 1
(cutting planner/optimizer)
One of the major challenges of a marble and granite business is management of the material slabs cutting process in order to minimize waste. Here we demonstrate how to go about optimizing material cutting using software.
There are a lot of cutting layout optimizers in industry mostly used by large scale manufacturers. In our discussion we will focus on a typical optmizer that is ideal for small to medium business.
In the example below we demonstrate slab cutting optimization. We are going to use the Marble and Granite kitchen cutting plan on the diagram below.
To achieve this we are going to use two 3200x1600 mm slabs. First place the slabs to be cut on the drawing canvas as shown below.
Layout the standard slabs to cut from
Next place all the required off-cuts next to the standard slabs to be cut as shown below. Notice the L-Shaped diagram 1390x1845 has been cut into two pieces namely 1845x600 and 790x600. This is done for various reasons including ease of transporting and installation.
Layout the off-cuts
The next step involves dragging all the off-cuts onto the two standard slabs as optimal as possible. The first solution below is not the best optimal solution as the remaining off-cuts after cutting will not be easily usable on future cutting jobs. It is advisable to place as many off-cuts as possible on the first slab so that the second slab has a bigger off-cut remaining after cutting the required pieces.
Optimization solution 1
In the second cutting solution we are happy that we have used the pest optimal layout that will minimize waste and yield reusable off-cuts for future jobs. This can save a lot of money that would have been used in buying more standard slabs.
Optimization solution 2
For assistance in obtaining and training in using the Marble and Granite cutting optimizing software call our Accounts manager Lesley at 021 691 5805 or 0713200045. You can also send us a message via our contact page or email us at ageless@telkomsa.net.
Our next topic will cover Inventory Management of off-cuts and standard slab material in a Marble and Granite business.
Author : Tumi Nkewu, IT architect at agelessgranite.co.za.
Tumi can be contacted by email at tumi@semcod.co.za or by cell at 0632031067.