An optimization model of variable size two-dimensional nesting with stacked sheets and usable leftovers for the CNC routing process

The research is motivated by a problem in the aviation industry, where nesting is performed to allocate and arrange parts in metal sheets for a CNC router machine. In addition to the usual objective to minimize material waste, the nesting problem has a few characteristics, i.e., variable sheet size, stacked sheet routing, and usable leftovers. The three aspects are integrated into an optimization model developed from the fundamental two-dimensional bin packing problem. A simple numerical example is given to show the capability of the model and the characteristics of the results.