Cutting optimization consists of a mathematical process from which the resulting segments from the calculation are put in order on a rail so that at the end the material consumption will be minimum..

Important: the optimization module is available only in Ra Workshop Professional or Enterprise.

Cutting Optimization Menu
The optimization dialog is accessed through the Project » Cutting Optimization menu as seen in the picture below:

Cutting Optimization Dialog
The optimization dialog allows the setting of the optimization parameters. Depending on these settings, the results may vary a lot.

Here are the meanings of the optimization options:

Used algorithm. Possibly the most important parameter. Ra Workshop has 3 algorithms all with advantages and disadvantages:
- S Algorithm - recommended when the calculation time-frame is high
- F Algorithm - recommended for big projects
- B Algorithm - gives best results but takes a long time to process
For small projects, of a couple hundred square meters, all algorithms finish quickly, several minutes/seconds, that’s why Pyramid Software recommends using the B algorithm. For projects of 5000 sqm or larger the optimization time may be fairly big. Our recommendation in this case is using the F algorithm and limit the calculation period to at least 30 minutes.
Use length interval. Activating this option will exclude from the optimization the segments that have measures different then the specified limits (min, max). This option is used when we want to generate a numeric order and the debit machine cannot (physically) cut such small/large segments. The minimum and maximum depend on the parameters of the debit machine.
Exclude angles different then 45˚ and 90˚. This option will, obviously, eliminate from the optimization the segments that have angles different then 45˚ or 90˚. This option is used in coordination with the numerical command as well, for the machines that cut, automatically, angles of 45˚ and 90˚.
Exclude Arcs. Arcs have a particular way to be created and most probably will be cut separately and not be included in the numerical control.
Summarize rails that are similarly cut. In many situations it may be possible that a pattern (the way a rail is cut) will be repeated several times. The application can report the same pattern several times or can sum up every repetition of it.

Profile Cutting Optimization

See also