I'm not sure if this is possible to do, but I'll present it in hopes of
an answer. I assume this will require VBA code. I can place the VBA
code in a module and run it, but that is the limit of my VBA
knowledge.

I am trying to determine the most efficient yield.
The two sizes of raw material are 24 x 36" and 25 x 38". The actual
useable space is 23.375 x 35.5" and 24.375 x 37.5" respectively.
We are cutting pieces of varying sizes out of the raw material. For
example we may need a quantity of (25) 8 x 10s, (7) 3 x 5s and (4) 12 x
12s on a single job. The pieces can be rotated in any direction on the
raw material and obviously more than one flat of raw material may be
needed.
An automated CNC router will cut them out and it has some requirements.
Because the router uses vacuum to hold the pieces down, small pieces
don't hold as well and therefore more room needs to be allowed between
those pieces for possible movement during the routing process.
If the thickness of the raw material is .064", any piece that it is
more than 64 sq inches needs 1/8" between it an any other piece. If it
is less than 64 sq inches then 3/8" is needed between it and any other
piece.
If it's too difficult to determine varying distances of pieces within a
flat, then use the worst case scenario. In this case that would be 3/8"
between all pieces.
There are four thicknesses of raw material and obviously the thicker
material has more weight and therefore holds down better and has
smaller requirements between pieces. I can provide that, but it's not
necessary to have all of that in one bit of code. If it makes things
easier, I can make copies of the code and change in those distances to
suit.
Assuming that it is possible to construct VBA code to determine the
best yield, in what form can an answer be returned? In other words, if
the pieces must fit in an odd arrangement, how will that be expressed?
Thanks for considering this unusual request. I realize that this is
challenging.


--
pdgood
------------------------------------------------------------------------
pdgood's Profile: http://www.excelforum.com/member.php...o&userid=31623
View this thread: http://www.excelforum.com/showthread...hreadid=552720