Profile Cutting Optimizer

A Python application that optimizes cutting of profile raw materials (steel, aluminum, etc.) to minimize waste.

Features

• Best Fit Decreasing (BFD) algorithm with local swap optimization
• Support for miter cuts (Gehrung) with angle tracking
• Excel output with 3 sheets (Cutting Plan, Unfulfilled Demands, Summary)
• Print-ready formatting for direct use on the shop floor
• Simple GUI interface for easy operation

Installation

# Navigate to project directory
cd c:\Projects\ProfileCutOptim

# Create virtual environment (optional but recommended)
python -m venv venv
venv\Scripts\activate

# Install dependencies
pip install -r requirements.txt

Usage

GUI Application

python -m src.main

Running Tests

python -m pytest tests/ -v

Input Files

Stock Inventory CSV

Column	Description
part_number	Profile part number
lot_batch	Lot/batch identifier
length	Length of stock piece
length_limit	Max piece length (optional)
storage_location	Storage location
uom	Unit of measurement

Demand List CSV

Column	Description
order_no	Order number
line_no	Line number
component_part_number	Required part number
part_description	Description
lot_size	Assemblies in order
required_qty	Pieces per assembly
length	Length per piece
demand_date	Required date (YYYY-MM-DD)
cut_type	straight or miter
angle_left	Left angle (degrees)
angle_right	Right angle (degrees)
cutting_code	Cutting code reference
uom	Unit of measurement

Parameters

Parameter	Default	Description
Cut Thickness	3.0 mm	Material lost per cut (kerf)
Timespan	30 days	Days to include in optimization
Min Remnant Length	100 mm	Minimum to save as remnant
Good Enough	5%	Waste threshold to stop optimization

Output

The application generates an Excel file with:

1. Cutting Plan - Hierarchical view of cuts per stock piece
2. Unfulfilled Demands - Orders that couldn't be fulfilled
3. Summary - Waste statistics per part number

License

MIT License