Compare layouts using sheet count, roll length and utilization. Your shapes, quantities, material and production constraints all affect the result. The most useful comparison is a job your shop actually needs to produce.
Comparing layouts#
Keep the artwork, quantities, material size, margins, spacing and permitted rotations the same when comparing results. Check that every layout includes the required pieces and leaves enough room for cutting and handling.
What to measure#
- Material needed: the number of sheets or the length of roll used.
- Utilization: how much of the available material is occupied by your parts.
- Production fit: whether the layout respects grain, spacing, machine limits and the intended cutting process.
- Time to prepare: how quickly your team can check and release the job.
A tightly packed layout is only useful if it can be produced reliably. Compare the finished job, including cutting and handling, rather than judging by material utilization alone.
Applying the results#
Results depend on the artwork and the settings you choose. A longer search can improve some jobs; it does not promise a better result every time. Review the available layouts and choose the one that works for your equipment.
The number of options is not a quality score. A simple job may have only one useful arrangement, while a mixed job may offer several layouts with similar material use. During an imposition run, Solutions updates as results become available. Compare the arrangements as well as their sheet count or roll length; turn on Group similar results if you prefer a shorter list.
Reading the lower bound#
For N-up and offset runs, the Report can show a Lower bound in sheets: a minimum against which to compare your result. Matching it means fewer sheets are not possible under the current job settings. A result above the bound may still be the best practical layout because the bound does not account for every production constraint.
If the difference is large, check quantities, spacing, margins and permitted rotations, or try a longer search. True-shape nests do not show a lower bound.