Sheet Yield

[vvaleria]

Hi,

Does anybody know the formula to calculate how many pieces of a given area you can cut from a standard size sheet of plastic/metal? There has to be some sort of formula for it since CNC machines can automatically calculate it for you. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks...

 

[BML]

Unfortunately there isn't really "one" formula. There are some standard variables to consider, such as the trim edge you may need to square up the material, and the width of the cut the machine provides. After that, you need to know if the machine will only cut a full straight line (like a rip saw) or if it can turn sharp corners (like a waterjet). There are a lot of programs that will calculate out the most efficient possible cutting patterns, even for multiple sizes across, say, one shift of production. However, these are typically specific to the type of machine that you have, and are often offered as add-ons in the maching quoting process.

Hope this helps!

 

[metman]

vvaleria,
If you are just looking for a rough estimate and you consider a standard sheet to be 4ft x 8ft, the total area would be 32 square ft or 384 sq inches.

Let's say your given area is 18 square inches.

384 sq in/18sq in/piece = 21.3pieces

Of course you know that the total number of pieces must be less than 23 because as BML says depending on the process you have to allow for edge trim and kerf between parts.

Hope this helps

Jesus is THE life,
Leonard