Maximizing Yield
The number of parts you can yield from your material depends upon how many parts you can nest. This can be a sophisticated formula; however sticking to simple sizing principles will make a significant impact. Once you determine the material choice, designing to maximize yield is critical. Using a 4’x8’ sheet for example, divisions of 24” minus a cutting head kerf will work well. Sizes of 36” would create excess waste. In a 5’x5’ sheet, sizes of 30” minus a cutting kerf work well. Keep these size and material factors in consideration when you’re designing. Also consider using “wasted” space by developing complimentary products that can be processed simultaneously or batch them together as inventory for later processing.
Cellular vs. Batch
Nesting products can be done with a couple of different approaches. A cellular nest has everything the designed object needs on a single run, while a batch nest uses several separate production runs with repeating parts for multiple objects. Time and labor factors need to be taken into consideration for a design’s cost effectiveness.