What is 1D cut optimization?
1D cut optimization is for material cut to length. The stock is a stick, bar, pipe, tube, conduit, rebar, extrusion, or board, and every required part is described by one number: length.
The optimizer's job is to decide which part lengths go on which stock lengths so you use the fewest sticks and leave the least scrap, while accounting for kerf and any blocked zones.
- Good fit: steel bar, pipe, tube, conduit, rebar, aluminum extrusion, trim, dimensional lumber
- Input shape: stock lengths, part lengths, quantities, kerf
- Output shape: a cut sequence for each stick or board
What is 2D nesting?
2D nesting is for flat sheets and panels. The stock has length and width, and every required part is a rectangle or shape that must fit on that sheet without overlap. Grain direction, rotation, tool diameter, edge banding, and sheet margins may matter.
- Good fit: plywood, MDF, melamine, sheet metal, acrylic, CNC router work, laser cutting, plasma cutting
- Input shape: sheet sizes plus part widths and lengths or geometry files
- Output shape: a sheet layout showing where each part goes
How do I know which one I need?
| Question | Use 1D | Use 2D |
|---|---|---|
| Is each part only a length? | Yes | No |
| Is the stock a stick, bar, pipe, or board? | Yes | No |
| Are parts rectangles placed on a sheet? | No | Yes |
| Does part width affect placement? | No | Yes |
| Do you need DXF/CNC sheet nesting? | No | Yes |
A common rule: if the saw only needs a stop length for each cut, it is probably 1D. If the operator needs a map of where rectangles or shapes sit on a sheet, it is 2D.
Where does NestSolver fit?
NestSolver is a 1D cut optimizer. It is built for bars, pipe, tube, conduit, rebar, aluminum extrusion, metal stock, and lumber cut to length. It handles kerf, minimum drops, and blocked zones like knots or damaged spans.
NestSolver is not the right tool for plywood panels, cabinet sheet layouts, sheet metal, CNC routing, laser cutting, or plasma cutting. For those jobs, use a 2D sheet nesting tool instead.
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