A sequential heuristic procedure for the two-dimensional cutting-stock problem

A three stages sequential heuristic procedure is presented for the two-dimensional rectangular guillotine cutting-stock problem with the objective of minimizing the trim loss. In the first stage a width-cutting pattern is determined that produces the minimum width trim loss. Determining the table length and the associated layout of the pieces length wise to produce a good cutting pattern follows in the second stage. In the final stage the number of times the generated cutting pattern will be used is determined, and consequently the two-dimensional cutting problem is reduced ready for another iteration of the heuristic procedure.