Ardis Optimizer 1

Alle Rechte vorbehalten. Nichts aus diesem Handbuch darf vervielfältigt, in eine Datei
geschrieben oder auf irgendeine Art und Weise veröffentlicht werden, weder elektronisch,
mechanisch noch fotokopierte oder übersetzte Versionen, ohne vorausgehende schriftliche
Genehmigung von ARDIS Informationssysteme N.V.
Der Inhalt dieses Handbuches bindet ARDIS Informationssysteme N.V. sowie deren
Vertriebspartner an keinerlei Verpflichtung. Die Erklärungen und Abbildungen, die hier drin
enthalten sind, sind nur informativ. ARDIS Informationssysteme N.V. sowie deren
Vertriebspartner können nicht für Fehler oder Ungenauigkeiten verantwortlich gemacht
werden, die in diesem Handbuch enthalten sind.
Die Bedingungen bezüglich der Rechte und Pflichten von ARDIS Informationssysteme N.V.
und Ihrer Firma werden im Lizenzvertrag festgehalten, der von beiden Parteien akzeptiert
werden muß. Ab dem ersten Gebrauch des Cutting Optimizer wird davon ausgegangen, daß
Sie den im Lizenzvertrag festgelegten Bedingungen nachkommen. ARDIS
Informationssysteme N.V. sowie deren Vertriebspartner können nicht für Schäden, die durch
den Gebrauch von Cutting Optimizer verursacht worden sind, zur Verantwortung gezogen
werden.
HP, IBM, Citizen, Epson Homag und Windows 98/2000/NT/ME/XP/Vista sind registrierte
Firmennamen. Diese Namen werden nur als Identifikation in dem Handbuch verwendet.
ARDIS Information Systems NV
Aardenburgkalseide 254 - B-9990 Maldegem -
Website: www.ardis.be - E-mail: info@ardis.be
 Ardis Optimizer 2

Lizenzbedingungen
Cutting Optimizer
ARDIS Information Systems N.V.
Aardenburgkalseide 254 - B-9990 MALDEGEM
Website: www.ardis.be - E-mail: info@ardis.be
Tel. 00.32.50.72.89.89 – Fax 00.32.50.72.89.88
ARDIS Informations Systeme N.V., nachfolgend als " ARDIS " bezeichnet, garantiert hiermit,
und der Lizenzinhaber erklärt sich damit einverstanden, daß basierend auf den folgenden
Bedingungen, eine nicht übertragbare und nicht exklusive Lizenz für die Benutzung der
urheberrechtlich geschützten Produkte von ARDIS gewährt wird.

GRUNDSATZ
Diese Vereinbarung ist gültig vom Datum des Bestelleingangs bis zur Aufhebung durch
ARDIS gemäß dieser Vereinbarung. ARDIS ist berechtigt, bei Zuwiderhandlungen gegen
diese Bedingungen, die Lizenz jederzeit aufzuheben, wobei der Lizenznehmer zuvor
schriftlich benachrichtigt wird und dreißig Tage Zeit hat, diese Zuwiderhandlung zu
korrigieren. Erfolgt keine solche Korrektur, muß der Lizenznehmer innerhalb von 30 Tagen
das Programm und alles von ARDIS zur Verfügung gestelltes Zubehör zurückgeben und alle
angefertigten Kopien unverzüglich vernichten.

BEDINGUNGEN
Diese Vereinbarung autorisiert den Lizenzinhaber, die lizenzierten Programme, die von
ARDIS in maschinenlesbarer Form zur Verfügung gestellt werden, auf einem Einzelplatz zu
verwenden. Die Verwendung innerhalb eines Netzwerkes erfordert mehr als nur eine Lizenz.
ARDIS gibt die Zustimmung, daß wenn eine Einzelplatzlizenz auf der Arbeitsstation, auf der
sie installiert wurde, größere Schwierigkeiten verursachen oder gar nicht laufen, sie
vorübergehend auch auf einer anderen Arbeitsstation installiert werden darf, bis die Probleme
behoben worden sind. Der Lizenzinhaber hat somit das Recht, das Programm auf einem
anderen Arbeitsplatz einzusetzen, vorausgesetzt, es läuft immer nur auf einer Arbeitsstation.
Diese Zustimmung und alle Programme oder Zubehör, für die sie gilt, werden nur übertragen
mit schriftlicher Zustimmung von ARDIS. Das bedeutet auf die Optimierungsergebnissen, die
nur für eigene Fertigung benutzt werden. Optimierungen für dritte Personen ist nicht gestattet.

URHEBERRECHTE
Programme und Handbücher sind urheberrechtlich geschützte Produkte von ARDIS. Der
Lizenzinhaber erklärt sich bereit, die Programme, weder ganz noch teilweise, zu
disassemblieren oder zu dekompilieren und weder die lizenzierten Programme noch
irgendwelche schriftlichen Dokumentationen Dritten bereit zu stellen oder ansonsten
zugänglich zu machen, außer Ardis Angestellten oder Angestellten des Lizenznehmers, ohne
vorherige schriftliche Genehmigung von ARDIS. Eine Zuwiderhandlung berechtigt ARDIS zu
einer Schadensersatzforderung vom dreifachen des Betrages des ursprünglichen Kaufpreises
für jeden auftretenden Fall. Kopien des Lizenzierten Programms sind und der Dokumentation
können vom Lizenznehmer ausschließlich für Datensicherungszwecke gemacht werden.
Veränderungen an diesen sind erlaubt , bringen jedoch sämtliche Garantien zum erlöschen.
 Ardis Optimizer 3

Die Urheberrechtsvermerke von ARDIS müssen auf alle Unterlagen oder Kopien und
Ausdrucken deutlich sichtbar sein.

BESCHRÄNKTE GARANTIE
ARDIS garantiert für einen Zeitraum von sechs Monaten ab Empfangsdatum , daß das
Programm im Wesentlichen gemäß dem Handbuch arbeitet. Ardis garantiert darüber hinaus
die Lieferung von Unbeschädigten Disketten oder CD´s. Für den Fall von beschädigten
Disketten CD´s wird ARDIS kostenlos fehlerfreie liefern.

KEINE HAFTUNG FÜR FOLGESCHÄDEN

Weder Ardis noch seine Lieferanten sind für irgendwelche Schäden (uneingeschränkt
eingeschlossen sind Schäden aus entgangenem Gewinn, Betriebsunterbrechung, finanziellen
Verlust) ersatzpflichtig, die aufgrund der Benutzung dieses Ardis Produktes oder der
Unfähigkeit dieses Ardis Produktes zu benutzen, entstehen.

ALLGEMEIN
Dies ist eine Vereinbarung zwischen ARDIS und dem Lizenznehmer. Diese Vereinbarung
ersetzt alle anders lautenden Bedingungen des Lizenznehmers und ist allein gültig.
Nebenabsprachen bedürfen der Schriftform. Sollten Absätze dieser Vereinbarung, oder auch
nur Teile davon, ungültig sein oder werden, so tritt an deren Stelle das Gesetz. Die übrigen
Vereinbarungen werden davon nicht berührt und sind vorbehaltlos weiter gültig.
Gerichtsstand ist Gent, Ost Flandern, Belgien oder alternativ Kempen, Niederrhein,
Deutschland.
 Ardis Optimizer 4

Inhalt
LIZENZBEDINGUNGEN CUTTING OPTIMIZER 2
GRUNDSATZ 2
BEDINGUNGEN 2
URHEBERRECHTE 2
BESCHRÄNKTE GARANTIE 3
KEINE HAFTUNG FÜR FOLGESCHÄDEN 3
ALLGEMEIN 3
INHALT 4

EINFÜHRUNG 9
INHALT DES PAKETES 9
SCHRIFTKONVENTIONEN 10
SYSTEMANFORDERUNGEN 10
WIE ARBEITE ICH MIT WINDOWS? 10
INSTALLATION DES CUTTING OPTIMIZERS 13
Der Hardwareschutz 13
WIBU CM Schlüssel 13
Informationen zu Ihrem Hardwareschutz 15
Installation der Software 16
NETZWERK LIZENZEN (SUPERPRO UND SUPERPRONET) 18
PRINZIP 18
VORGEHENSWEISE 19
Auf jedem PC mit Ardis Dongel 19
Auf jedem PC ohne Dongel, auf dem Sie Ardis Cutting Optimizer installieren wollen 19
EINSTELLUNGEN 19
RESET THE SENTINEL SERVER 20
MONITOR 20
Ardis Optimizer key configuration 21
WIE LERNE ICH MIT DEM CUTTING OPTIMIZER ZU ARBEITEN? 23
EINFÜHRUNG 23
ÜBERBLICK ÜBER DIE BEDIENUNG DES CUTTING OPTIMIZER 23
WIE WIRD CUTTING OPTIMIZER GESTARTET? 24
Erstbenutzung von Cutting Optimizer 24
Projekte 25
Tools 34
OPTIMIERUNGS ASSISTENT 36
Entering machine data (Step 1) 37
Entering raw materials data (Step 2) 37
Entering parts data (Step 3) 37
Run the optimization (Step 4) 37
HAUPTFENSTER 39
Pull Down Menü 39
Toolbar 41
Summary 41
Data screen 41
Status bar 42
KONTEXTMENU 42
HILFE 42
SCHLIEßEN DES PROGRAMMS 42
NEUES PROJEKT STARTEN 42
DATENEINGABE 42
Einleitung 42
Eingabe von Maschinen Parametern 43
 Ardis Optimizer 5

Input of basic material data 45

Input of required parts data 49
OPTIMIERUNG 52
Das Optimierungs Fenster 53
ERGEBNIS 53
Summary of optimization (F7) 53
Lay-outs (F4) 54
Parts 59
Basic material sheets 59
REPORTS 60
Tiled patterns, sheets & parts report 60
TIPS AND INTERESTING DETAILS 62
Notes for those who do not use a mouse 62
About tables 62
File types in Cutting Optimizer 65
Copy of optimization for ARDIS Support 65
Tastenkombinationen 65
SCHLUSSFOLGERUNG 67
BENUTZERANLEITUNG 68
EINFÜHRUNG 68
Alphabetisches Register 68
Tipps 68
Hilfe 68
Falls Sie zusätzliche Funktionen benötigen 68
VERSIONEN 69
0.1 STARTER CUTTING 69
0.2 BASIC CUTTING 69
A. EASY OPTIMIZER 69
B. CUTTING OPTIMIZER VERSION I 69
C. CUTTING OPTIMIZER VERSION II 69
D. CUTTING OPTIMIZER VERSION III 70
E. LÄNGENOPTIMIERUNG 70
F. LÄNGENOPTIMIERUNG 70
Sortieren 70
Aufstellen einer Formel 70
Speichern Komprimiert 86
Speichern als Vorlage 86
Löschen alter Optimierungen 87
Per mail versenden 87
ANSICHT 88
Werkzeugleiste und Statusleiste 88
Eingabe und Ergebnis 88
TEILE 89
BILDSCHIRM LAYOUT 89
PROJEKTBESCHREIBUNG 89
MULTIPLIKATOR 90
DATUM 90
BILD 90
MATERIAL 90
R 91
LÄNGE 91
BREITE 91
MENGE 91
BEZEICHNUNG 92
BEMERKUNG 92
BERECHNUNG 92
 Ardis Optimizer 6

BILD 92
1.1 FLEXIBLE MENGEN (ÜBER- UND UNTERPRODUKTION) 92
1.2 PRIORITÄT 93
1.3 EFFIZIENZ DURCH ZEITLIMIT 93
1.4 WINKEL- UND NUTSCHNITTE 94
1.5 ANPASSUNG DER LÄGEN SOWIE BREITEN 94
1.6 FLEXIBLE GRÖßEN 94
1.7 IDENTISCHE TEILE ZUSAMMENLEGEN 96
1.8 IDENTISCHE TEILE GETRENNT BEHANDELN 96
1.9 OPTIMIERUNG DER ZEITNAHEN FERTIGSTELLUNG 97
1.10 KOSTEN BASIERTE PLANUNG 97
1.11 PARAMETRISCHE BERECHNUNG DER TEILE UND MAKROS 97
1.12 EDGEBANDING 110
Edge lists 110
1.12.1 EQUAL EDGEBANDING 111
Equal edging 111
1.13 PERFECT GRAIN MATCHING FIGURES 112
1.14 VERWALTUNG FERTIG GESTELLTER TEILE 117
1.15 MAX. ANZAHL VON IDENTISCHEN TEILEN IN EINEM SCHNITTPLAN 118
1.16 GROUPS OF PARTS FROM ONE MATERIAL FILE 118
1.17 FURNITURE HARDWARE CALCULATION 118
1.18 ZUSÄTZLICHE TEXTFELDER 120
1.19 PARTS LIST BATCHER 120
1.21 EBENEN 120
1.24 FIXED PARTS IN SHEET SEQUENCE 120
AUSGANGSMATERIAL 121
BILDSCHIRMLAYOUT 121
ALLGEMEINE INFO 122
MASCHINE 122
DATUM 122
STÄRKE 122
R 122
LÄNGE 123
BREITE 123
MENGE 123
BEZEICHNUNG 123
OBEN, RECHTS, UNTEN & LINKS 123
V 124
ABFALL 124
2.1 MATERIAL MIX 125
2.2 MATERIAL PRIORITY 125
2.3 INVENTORY CONTROL 126
2.4 BASIC MATERIAL DEFECTS MANAGEMENT 126
2.5 FREE BUT LIMITED BOARD SIZE 126
2.6 SELECT HIGHEST YIELD MATERIAL 126
2.7 MINIMUM YIELD 127
2.8 FLEXIBLE TRIMCUT 128
2.9 MATERIAL WEIGHT 128
2.10 MACHINE SELECTION FOR BASIC MATERIAL SIZE 128
2.11 OFFCUT DETECTION 129
Generation of offcuts 129
2.11.1 ENHANCED SCRAP MANAGEMENT. 130
Offcut locations 130
Strips offcuts 131
Dividing offcuts into small pieces 131
2.12 COST-BASED OFFCUT DETECTION (BASED ON CO II OR CO III) 131
2.13 STOCK PRIORITY ON PARTS 132
2.14 MLT(MULTIPLIER)-FUNCTION ON STACKHEIGHT (1.1 REQUIRED) 132
 Ardis Optimizer 7

2.15 TENSION FREE CUT 132

2.16 USE ALL STOCK 134
2.19 LOAD COST PER MATERIAL LOCATION 134
MASCHINE 135
BASIC CUTTING TECHNOLOGY 135
Description 135
Saw blade 136
Max. levels 136
Remark 136
Clamps 137
3.1 FIRST CUTTING DIRECTION 137
3.2 COMBINE SIMILAR STRIPS 138
3.3 STRIP BRIDGING 139
3.4 BOOK HEIGHT 140
3.5 HEADCUT TECHNOLOGY 140
3.6 MACHINE LIMITATIONS 143
3.7 NUMBER LIMITATIONS FOR STRIPS 144
3.8 MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DIFFERENT PARTS 146
3.9 REDUCE SCRAP AND OFF-CUT SIZES 146
3.10 SET-UP COSTS 147
3.11 STACKING TECHNOLOGY 153
3.12 PARTS NOT FINISHED, (SIMPLE STACKING PLACES) 153
3.13 ANGULAR SHEAR CONTROLS 153
3.14 MINIMUM LAYOUT REPRODUCTION (1.1 REQUIRED) 153
EDGES LIST 155
IDENTIFICATION 155
DESCRIPTION 155
CUTTING MEASURE CORRECTION 155
PRICE 155
LENGTH SUPPLEMENT 155
RESULTS & REPORTS 156
RESULTS 156
Introduction 156
Printing 156
Summary (F7) 156
Lay-outs (F4) 156
Parts 157
Basic material sheets 158
Edges 158
User tools 158
REPORTS 159
Kind of reports 159
Structure of a report 160
Defining reports 161
Printing 171
4.1 STANDARD PARTS LABELING171
4.2.1 USER DEFINABLE LABELS 171
4.2.2 INTERACTIVE LABELPRINTING (4.2.1 REQUIRED) 171
4.2.3 LABELLING BY CAPTURING SERIAL DATA STREAM 172
4.3 BARCODES ON LABELS (4.2.1 REQUIRED) 172
4.4 LAYOUT SORTING 172
4.5 LAYOUTS: ACCEPTING OR DELETING 172
4.6 DRAWING FILES 172
4.7 ASCII INTERFACE EXPORT 172
4.7.2 USER DEFINABLE DATA EXPORT TO DATABASE VIA ADO / SQL 173
4.8 ASCII INTERFACE IMPORT 173
 Ardis Optimizer 8

4.8.1 PATTERN IMPORT CPOUT FILES 181

4.9 CALCULATION OF CUTTING COSTS AND TIME 182
4.10 CUTTING PATTERN EDITOR PECO® FOR WINDOWS 182
Introduction 182
Adding parts 183
Delete parts 185
Add new pattern 185
Insert head cut 185
Delete head cut 186
Turn cutting direction 186
Strip bridging 187
Change a sheet's dimension 188
4.11 MACHINE LINKING: POSTPROCESSOR TO CALCULATE CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS 190
4.11.16 LAYSTRIP 191
4.11.41 SPLITFIG 191
4.11.56 LAYFIG 191
4.12 OEM IPC AND AUTO SIGNAL 191
Communicate with Ardis Optimizer 192
4.13 EXTRA LANGUAGE 197
4.16 MACHINE LINKING: COMMUNICATION PROGRAM. 198
4.17 BUNDLE FEATURE TO SPLIT PATTERNS TO A PATTERN FOR EACH BOOK 198
Project properties 198
WERKZEUGE 211
Optimieren 212
Formel Generator 213
Makro 213
MACHINE CONNECTION 218
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR USING POSTPROCESSORS 218
Manual run 218
Automatic run 219
Basic Link Components 220
Anpassen 220
Optionen 221
INDEX 223
 Ardis Optimizer 9

Einführung
Wer Holz, Metall, Glas, Folien oder andere plattenförmige Werkstoffe aufteilen will, muss
gewisse Grundüberlegungen anstellen. So steht die Reduzierung des Abfalls und die damit
verbundene Erhöhung des Nutzungsgrades sicherlich im Vordergrund. Aber auch die
Minimierung der Maschinenzeiten ist von großer Bedeutung.

Cutting Optimizer ist ein Programm speziell entwickelt, um den Zuschnitt von rechteckigen
Formen zu optimieren. Es berechnet die effizientesten Schnittpläne hundertmal schneller und
genauer als das manuell möglich wäre.

Der Benutzer gibt die benötigten Daten über das vorhandene Ausgangsmaterial, die
verwendete Maschine und die gewünschten Teile ein und läßt dann den Rechner arbeiten. In
kürzester Zeit werden die Schnittpläne berechnet. Diese können zusammen mit allen Maßen
und Referenzen auf dem Bildschirm betrachtet oder ausgedruckt werden. Der Benutzer kann
Etiketten ausdrucken, die auf die zugeschnittenen Teile geklebt werden können, um diese zu
identifizieren. Des weiteren kann eine große Anzahl von frei definierbaren Berichten
angezeigt oder ausgedruckt werden, wie z.B. wieviel Prozent des insgesamt verwendeten
Rohmaterials in der Produktion zum Einsatz kommt, die Anzahl erforderlicher Teile, die für
die Produktion vorgesehen sind etc.. Kurz gesagt, der Cutting Optimizer bietet das ideale
Werkzeug für jeden, der täglich mit Plattenzuschnitten zu tun hat.

Das Programm ist modular aufgebaut. Schon mit der Basisversion werden die Erwerbskosten
in kürzester Zeit eingespart. In der erweiterten Version berücksichtigt das Programm die
Preisunterschiede der Materialien, die Arbeitszeiten, die Wiederverwendung der Reste, die
Herstellungskosten, usw. Eine Anbindung an nahezu alle führenden Säge-, und
Schneidanlagenhersteller ist bereits realisiert.

Cutting Optimizer wurde in Zusammenarbeit mit der Universität Gent (Abteilung

mathematische Konzepttechniken) und erfahrenen Kunden entwickelt und getestet. Jeder, der
die Gelegenheit hatte, das Programm zu testen, ist begeistert von Benutzerfreundlichkeit und
vor allem von den enormen Einsparungen, die das Programm einbringt. Unsere Hoffnung ist,
daß Sie diese Begeisterung bald mit uns teilen.

Inhalt des Paketes

Bevor Sie Cutting Optimizer auf Ihrer Festplatte installieren, werden Sie gebeten, zu
kontrollieren, ob das Paket alle notwendigen Teile enthält. Die Lieferung sollte eine
Ringmappe enthalten, die Folgendes beinhaltet:

einen Datenträger mit dem Hauptprogramm

einen Hardware-Kopierschutz (USB- oder Parallel-Dongel)

dieses Handbuch

Falls eines dieser Teile fehlen oder beschädigt sein sollte, wenden Sie sich bitte an Ihren
Händler oder an ARDIS Informationssysteme N.V.
 Ardis Optimizer 10

Schriftkonventionen
Die Tasten, die Sie für die Bedienung des Cutting Optimizers benötigen, erscheinen in Form
der Abkürzungen, die auf den meisten Tastaturen zu finden sind, so z.B. Steuerung=Strg, die
Escape Taste = Esc, usw. Die Cursortasten bedeuten „ nach links, rechts, oben oder unten“.

Eine besondere Taste ist die <Enter> Taste. Normalerweise ist dies die größte Taste links
vom Nummernblock, meistens mit einem abgeknickten Pfeil nach links unten
gekennzeichnet. Auf einer elektronischen Schreibmaschine beginnt diese Taste eine neue
Zeile.

Wenn zwei Tasten mit einem Pluszeichen verbunden sind, wie z. B. <Strg+D>, bedeutet das,
dass zuerst die <Strg> Taste drücken müssen und während Sie diese Taste noch halten,
drücken Sie das <D>.

Systemanforderungen
Um mit Cutting Optimizer arbeiten zu können, benötigen Sie einen PC mit einem Intel oder
AMD Prozessor. Was das Betriebssystem angeht, haben Sie die Wahl zwischen Windows 98
SE/2000/NT 4/ME/XP, Vista und 2003 Server.
Die Optimierung profitiert hauptsächlich von einer schnellen CPU und Festplatte (7.200 oder
10.000 RPM). 512 oder 1024 MB RAM sollten ausreichen um auch umfangreichere Listen
zu bearbeiten.
Windows RAM Festplattenplatz
nicht
95
unterstützt
>= 512 MB
98 SE >= 512 MB >= 4 GB
>= 512 MB
ME >= 512 MB >= 4 GB
NT >= 512 MB >= 8 GB
2000 >= 512 MB >= 20 GB
XP >= 512 MB >= 40 GB
Vista >= 1 GB >= 80 GB
2003 Server >= 1 GB >= 80 GB
Während der Entwicklung von Cutting Optimizer wurde jede Anstrengung zur Minimierung
der anfallenden Hardwarekosten unternommen. Für die Druckausgabe ist jeder Windows
98/2000/NT/ME/XP kompatible Drucker ausreichend.

Wie arbeite ich mit Windows?

Für die Benutzer, die das Arbeiten in einer Windows Umgebung nicht kennen, erklären wir
die Grundfunktionen. Wenn es anschließend noch weitere Unklarheiten gibt, raten wir Ihnen,
im Windows Handbuch nachzulesen.
 Ardis Optimizer 11

Zuerst werden wir erklären, was gemeint ist, wenn vom „ klicken" die Rede ist. Bewegen Sie
die Maus zu einer bestimmten Stelle und Drücken Sie die linke Maustaste. Wenn Sie die
rechte Maustaste drücken müssen, werden wir Sie ausdrücklich darauf hinweisen.

Starten eines Programms

In Windows können Sie die meisten Programme durch klicken auf den Button
ausführen. Wenn Sie auf den Button klicken, öffnet sich ein Menü, mit Anwendungen, die
Sie ausführen können. Um ein Programm zu starten, müssen Sie sich mit dem Cursor auf
<Programme> stellen. Dann öffnet sich ein weiteres Menü, mit allen Programmen, die Sie
auf Ihrem Computer installiert haben. Wählen Sie das Programm aus, das Sie starten
möchten indem Sie darauf klicken.

Auswählen eines Befehls aus dem Pull Down Menü

Ein Pull Down Menü ist ein Menü, das sich öffnet, wenn Sie eines der Wörter anklicken, die
Sie oben auf dem Bildschirm sehen, (z.B. Datei, Bearbeiten,...)

Haben Sie auf eines dieser Wörter geklickt, öffnet sich das Pull Down Menü. Bewegen Sie
dann die Maus auf das nächste Wort, öffnet sich automatisch das dazugehörige Menü. Wenn
Sie einen der Menüpunkte auswählen wollen, bewegen Sie die Maus dorthin und klicken Sie
darauf. Um das Menü zu schließen, klicken Sie entweder ein zweites Mal auf das Wort oder
klicken Sie irgendwo auf Ihrem Bildschirm.

Tastenkombinationen
In Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP, können Sie bestimmte durch Tastenkombinationen Menüs
und die darin enthaltenen Befehle aufrufen. Menüs mit einem unterstrichenen Buchstaben
können durch drücken von Alt+dem entsprechenden Buchstaben geöffnet werden. Das Datei-
Menü kann beispielsweise durch drücken von Alt+F geöffnet werden. Sie können den
gewünschten Befehl ausführen, indem Sie den unterstrichenen Buchstaben anklicken ohne
die Maus zu benutzen. Bei geöffnetem Datei-Menü können Sie Ihre Arbeit durch drücken der
S Taste abspeichern. In den Menüs können auch Tastenkombinationen neben den Befehlen
 Ardis Optimizer 12

aufgelistet sein, diese Kombinationen führen den jeweiligen Befehl direkt aus (Strg+S zum
sichern Ihrer Arbeit).

Hot keys
In Windows können einige Aktionen durch drücken einer sog. "Hot key" ausgeführt werden,
dabei kann es sich um eine einzelne Taste wie z.B. F1, F2... oder um eine Kombination wie
Strg+X handeln.

Spezialtasten
F1: durch drücken dieser Taste können Sie jederzeit die Hilfe-Funktion der Anwendung, in
der Sie sich momentan befinden, aufrufen.

F2: durch drücken dieser Taste können Sie den Inhalt des aktuellen Feldes bearbeiten.

Das Öffnen und das Speichern von Dateien

Wenn Sie eine Datei in Windows 98/2000/NT/ME/XP öffnen oder speichern, sehen Sie ein
ähnliches Fenster. Hier können Sie in der Verzeichnisstruktur blättern, um den Ort zu finden,
wo Ihre Datei gespeichert ist oder wo sie abgespeichert werden soll. Wenn Sie den Pfeil
anklicken, der nach unten zeigt, neben dem Feld “Suchen in”, öffnet sich die vollständige
Verzeichnisstruktur. Hier können Sie z.B. auf ein anderes Laufwerk wechseln und sich alle
Ordner anzeigen lassen, die sich dort befinden. Mit einem Doppelklick links auf einen
Ordner öffnen Sie diesen und sehen dessen Inhalt. Auf diese Art können Sie das Verzeichnis,
das Sie suchen, leicht finden. Wenn Sie diesen Button anklicken, kehren Sie in das
übergeordnete Verzeichnis zurück. Mit dem Button können Sie einen neuen Ordner
erstellen. Mit dem Button bestimmen Sie, wie die Dateien dargestellt werden, mit oder
ohne Details.

Wenn Sie den Pfeil anklicken, der nach unten zeigt, rechts neben “Dateitypen”, können Sie
wählen, welche Dateitypen angezeigt werden sollen. Wenn Sie nun die gewünschte Datei
gefunden haben, klicken Sie auf diese Datei und dann auf „Öffnen“.
Wenn Sie eine Datei speichern möchten, wählen Sie den entsprechenden Ordner aus oder
 Ardis Optimizer 13

erstellen Sie einen neuen, dann gehen Sie in das Feld „Dateiname“, tragen dort einen Namen
für Ihre zu speichernde Datei ein und klicken auf „Speichern". Falls Sie keine der beiden
Aktionen ausführen wollen, klicken Sie auf „Abbrechen".

Installation des Cutting Optimizers

Der Hardwareschutz
Der Cutting Optimizer wird nicht laufen, wenn der
Hardwareschutz (Dongel) nicht korrekt in Ihrem Rechner
eingesteckt ist. Dieser Dongel ist Teil des Paketes und wird
mit dem Programm und dem Handbuch geliefert. Dieser
Dongel muss auf die parallele- oder USB Schnittstelle Ihres
Rechners gesteckt werden. Ein Pfeil zeigt Ihnen, welches Ende
des Dongels in die Schnittstelle gesteckt werden muss.

Die parallele Schnittstelle wird manchmal auch benutzt , um

einen Drucker anzuschließen. In diesem Fall muss der Dongel
zuerst in die Schnittstelle gesteckt werden und darauf das Druckerkabel. Ihr Dongel ist
einmalig, und enthält Ihre Lizenz-Informationen.

WIBU CM Schlüssel
Wir bieten Ihnen ebenfalls die Möglichkeit an, einen sog. WIBU Code Meter Schlüssel zum
Hardwareschutz zu verwenden. Dazu benötigen Sie eine speziel kompilierte Version unseres
Programmes.

Der WIBU CM Schlüssel unterstützt sowohl einzelne, als auch Netzwerk Lizenzen.

Sie finden die benötigten Code Meter Treiber auf folgender Internet-Seite:
http://download.ardis.be/download/cm/CodeMeterRuntime32.exe

Ein kleines symbol wird unten rechts auf Ihrem Bildschirm erscheinen:

Ein Rechtsklick auf besagtes Symbol startet eine Anwendung, die Ihnen Informationen über
Code Meter liefert. Alternativ können Sie diese Anwendung auch direkt über folgenden link
starten: http://localhost:22350/
 Ardis Optimizer 14

Einrichten eines CodeMeter Servers

Richten Sie einen CodeMeter Server ein um Ihre Ardis Lizenz in Ihrem lokalen Netzwerk
verfügbar zu machen.

Einrichten eines CodeMeter Clients

Um von einem Client in Ihrem Netzwerk aus auf Ihre Ardis Lizenz zuzugreifen, sollten Sie
zunächst Ihren Server suchen:
 Ardis Optimizer 15

Normalerweise findet die Anwendung Ihren Server jedoch automatisch.

Informationen zu Ihrem Hardwareschutz

Auf Ihrem Dongel befinden sich 2 Etiketten:

Im Falle eines Problems mit dem Dongle sollten Sie unserer Support-Abteilung die
handgeschriebene Nummer mitteilen.

Auf der anderen Seite des Dongels finden Sie folgende Informationen:

Ihre Lizenz-Nummer finde Sie auch im Menü Hilfe - über Cutting Optimizer. Sie muss mit
Ihrer Lizenz Datei (.DEF) übereinstimmen.
 Ardis Optimizer 16

Installation der Software

Hinweis: Falls Sie Ardis unter Windows 2000/NT oder XP installieren wollen müssen Sie
sich als Administrator einloggen.

Sobald Sie die CD einlegen, wird die Installation automatisch starten. Es öffnet sich ein
Fenster, das Sie durch den Installationsprozess leiten wird.

Falls Ihre Lizenz durch diesen PC bzw. Server in Ihrem lokalen Netzwerk zur Verfügung
stellen wollen, wählen Sie die Option 1b.
Zur Installation einer Einzellizenz klicken Sie auf den Punkt 1a.
Falls Sie durch eine Netzwerk Lizenz, die auf einem anderen Rechner installiert ist, auf
diesem PC arbeiten wollen, brauchen Sie keine der beiden Aktionen auszuführen. Hierzu
benötigen Sie lediglich Modul 5.2.1, außerdem müssen Sie unter Werkzeuge-Optionen-
Lokaler Schlüssen Nein wählen.
Die Treiber werden nun installiert. Sie brauchen nicht in den Installationsvorgang
einzugreifen. Sobald das Fenster sich schließt ist die Installation abgeschlossen.

Hinweis: Sie können die Treiber auch auf folgender Seite herunterladen:
http://download.ardis.be/download/SENTINEL_SETUP.exe

Nun können Sie mit Punkt 2 aus der Liste fortfahren, dies startet den Ardis Optimizer
Installations-Assistenten.
 Ardis Optimizer 17

Jetzt schlägt der Computer ein Verzeichnis vor, in das das Programm installiert werden soll.
Falls Sie ein anderes Verzeichnis benutzen wollen, klicken Sie auf „Browse“. Wenn alles
Ihren Wünschen entspricht, klicken Sie auf „Weiter“. Jetzt kopiert der Computer alle Daten
von der CD auf die Festplatte.
Wenn die Installation abgeschlossen ist, klicken Sie auf „Schließen“. Sie können den Ardis
Cutting Optimizer nun von Ihrem Desktop aus starten.

Hinweis:
Während der Installation werden auch einige Dateien zu Ihrem Windows Ordner hinzugefügt.
Falls Sie Ardis Cutting Optimizer auf einem anderen Rechner installieren wollen, reicht es
nicht aus den Installationsordner zu kopieren. Nur unsere Installationsroutine garantiert volle
Funktionalität des Programmes.
Auf Ihrem System sollte ein Drucker Treiber installiert sein.
 Ardis Optimizer 18

Netzwerk Lizenzen (SuperPro und

SuperProNet)
Prinzip
Ein SuperPro USB oder Parallel Dongle für eine einzelne Lizenz kann an einen Server in
Ihrem lokalen Netzwerk angeschlossen werden. Diese Lizenz ist nun in Ihrem gesamten
Netzwerk nutzbar.

Ein SuperProNet Schlüssel kann für mehrfache Lizenzen benutzt werden.

Bitte entnehmen Sie die Art der Lizenz, die Sie benötigen, dem folgenden Diagramm:

Die Installation ist für beide Möglichkeiten identisch.

Bemerkungen
pro PC ist nur ein Ardis Schlüssel erlaubt!
Sie benötigen die Module 5.2.1 oder 5.2.1.1
Cascading single floating license keys is NOT possible! We prefer a SuperProNet network
key for serving multiple floating licenses.
When logged onto a Terminal Server (Microsoft or Citrix), only a SuperProNet key is
supported!
It doesn't matter where you install Ardis or where you start Ardis from, only the Sentinel
Protection Server has to be installed where the key is attached !
 Ardis Optimizer 19

Vorgehensweise
Auf jedem PC mit Ardis Dongel
Wählen Sie die Treiberinstallationsroutine 1b

or install Sentinel Protection Server

Auf jedem PC ohne Dongel, auf dem Sie Ardis

Cutting Optimizer installieren wollen
Wählen Sie die Treiberinstallationsroutine 1a

or install Sentinel System Drivers . Please unmark the Sentinel Protection Server

Einstellungen
Firewall
In some cases you must unblock UDP port 6001/6002 for incoming and outgoing traffic.
Please change you firewall settings accordingly.

COWIN.INI
By default, no settings should be changed. In case of special circumstances, you may need to
adjust the default settings.
 Ardis Optimizer 20

In Extra - Options - Preferences the setting Local key should be set to No to have access to a
floating license.
In %appdata%\ARDIS\COWIN.INI , the newly created or already existing section [Sentinel]
can hold the settings:
key value description
Type =P SuperPro(Net)
=L Only local key
SPRO_Protoco =I IPX protocol
l =T TCP protocol
=N NetBEUI protocol
=xxx.xxx.xxx.xx if necessary you may enter the computer's IP-address or
SPRO_Server x name where the key is attached and the Sentinel
=servername Protection Server has installed
Example:
[Sentinel]
Type=P
SPRO_Server=192.168.0.140

[next section in ini file...

or

[Sentinel]
Type=P
SPRO_Server=ardiskeyserver

Reset the Sentinel Server

If at a certain moment you can not get a free license (=no key found in Cutting Optimizer, red
cross over the yellow key) it's probably because a previous open license has not been closed
because one of the following events happens:
computer with COWIN.EXE started with network license in use comes in stand-by mode
COWIN.EXE or OPTWIN.EXE abnormally terminates
Windows system crashes
Then you should re-set the Sentinel Protection Server:
Click - . Type "services.msc" and click "OK".
Search for SentinelProtectionServer services
Double-click to see its properties
Click the Stop button to end the service
Click the Start button to re-start the service

Monitor
You may use the monitor from the server or on any client workstation to verify the Sentinel
Server with its licenses in use.
 Ardis Optimizer 21

Start the tool: monitor.exe

Ardis Optimizer key configuration

Installation
Installation des Ardis Optimizer:
Ardis Lokal auf der lokalen Festplatte c:\ardis
Ardis FS irgendwo im Netzwerk auf einem Server \\server\ardis
Ardis TS auf einem Citrix, Windows Terminal Server

Netzwerk Schlüssel
USB oder Parallel Port
SP einzelne Lizenz
SuperPro
US kann auch als Netzwerk Lizenz
benutzt werden

USB oder Parallel Port

SuperProNet NS severs multiple licenses across the
TCP/IP network Windows clients

older type
CB
Sentinel-C B Parallel Port
CA
einzelne Lizenz
older network type
Parallel Port
severs multiple licenses across the
NetSentinel- network clients
NC
C does not work under Windows
2003 Server !
It should be replaced by a
SuperProNet key.

Netzwerk Treiber
In any case you need to install a Sentinel System Driver before running Ardis Optimizer. The
drivers have to be installed with administrator privileges .

Depending on the kind of installation you need to install:

Der client ist der Computer, an dem der Benutzer das Programm startet.
Der host ist der Computer, an dem der Schlüssel mechanisch angeschlossen ist (an den
Parallel- oder USB Port)
Sentinel SSD client system driver (client computer) http://download.ardis.be/download/SENTINEL_SETUP
 Ardis Optimizer 22

System needs to be installed everywhere (at server or client SENTINEL_SETUP

Driver side) to make a local connection to the key.
Since version 4.97.2007.0905 it isn't necessary
anymore to install SSD at the client side if you want to
connect only to a remote key.
needs to be installed together with the system driver
serves one or more licenses across the network to the
sentinel clients
Sentinel
runs as a NT-service on the computer where a http://download.ardis.be/download/SENTINEL_SETUP
Protection SPS
(network) key is attached (host computer) SENTINEL_SETUP
Server
works only with Ardis module 5.2.1
http://development.ardis.be/treeview.php?page=29254
installation help
needs the system driver too
serves licenses for the old NetSentinel-C
NetSentinel http://download.ardis.be/download/netsvr32.zip
NS can be installed as a service or a (start-up) application
Server netsvr32.zip
http://cowin.ardis.be/Setup/setupnet.htm
installation help

Kompatibilitätsdiagramm
NetSentinel-
SuperPro SuperProNet Sentinel-CB
C
SP - US NS CB - CA
NC
Ardis lokal client:SSD client:SSD
nicht möglich nicht möglich
lokaler Schlüssel host:SSD host:SSD
Ardis lokal client:SSD client:SSD
nicht client:SSD
Schlüssel host:SSD+SP host:SSD+SP
möglich host:SSD+NS
woanders S S
Ardis FS client:SSD
client:SSD client:SSD client:SSD
Schlüssel auf dem host:SSD+SP
host:SSD host:SSD host:SSD+NS
Client S
Ardis FS client:SSD client:SSD
nicht client:SSD
Schlüssel host:SSD+SP host:SSD+SP
möglich host:SSD+NS
woanders S S
Ardis TS
host:SSD+SP nicht client:SSD
Schüssel auf dem nicht möglich
S möglich host:SSD+NS
Server
nicht
Ardis TS client:SSD
nicht möglich möglich client:SSD
Schlüssel auf dem host:SSD+SP
nicht möglich nicht host:SSD+NS
Client S
möglich
Bemerkung: : : SPS (Sentinel Protection Server) braucht immer das Ardis Modul 5.2.1

Auf einem Windows- oder Citrix Server brauchen Sie immer einen Netzwerk Schlüssel
(SuperProNet: USB oder parallel) und das Modul 5.2.1, auch für eine einzelne Lizenz!
 Ardis Optimizer 23

Wie lerne ich mit dem Cutting Optimizer

zu arbeiten?
Einführung
Dieser Abschnitt wird Sie mit den Grundfunktionen von Cutting Optimizer bekannt machen.
Sie werden lernen, wie man das Programm startet. Der Aufbau des Hauptmenüs und die
verschiedenen Untermenüs werden detailliert erklärt und sie werden die nützlichen
Hilfefunktionen kennenlernen, die in diesem Programm integriert sind. Des weiteren erhalten
Sie eine erste Führung durch das System. In diesen Lektionen werden Sie die Möglichkeit
haben, eigene Schnittpläne zu erstellen und diese dann auszudrucken. Darauf folgt eine
Übersicht über die Grundfunktionen der Basisversion von Cutting Optimizer.

In den ersten Abschnitten dieses Kapitels wird detailliert darauf eingegangen, was benötigt
wird, um das Programm benutzen zu können. Sie werden relativ langsam durch diesen
Abschnitt geführt. Trotzdem empfehlen wir auch Benutzern, die schon Erfahrung im Umgang
mit PC‟s haben, diese Abschnitte durchzulesen. Wenn Sie ältere Versionen von Cutting
Optimizer kennen, sollten Sie mit dem Kapitel Hilfefunktionen anfangen und dann mit
„Dateneingabe: Einführung“ und den folgenden Kapiteln weitermachen.

Am Ende dieser Einführung erhalten Sie einen Überblick über die Funktionstasten, die von
Cutting Optimizer verwendet werden.

Überblick über die Bedienung des Cutting

Optimizer
Bevor Sie anfangen mit dem Programm zu arbeiten, sollten Sie sich mit der grundsätzlichen
Bedienung von Cutting Optimizer vertraut machen. Das Ziel des Programms ist es, den
Anwender bei der bestmöglichen Ausnutzung des Rohmaterials zu unterstützen.

Um diese Aufgabe zu erfüllen, müssen dem Programm alle notwendigen Informationen

gegeben werden. Dies erfolgt in mehreren Schritten. Der Benutzer muss folgende Daten
eingeben:
die eingesetzte Maschine
das Ausgangsmaterial, das am Lager ist und verwendet werden soll
die benötigten Teile, die produziert werden sollen
die Bedingungen, die der Optimierungsvorgang berücksichtigen soll
Nach Eingabe dieser Informationen kann das Programm seine Berechnungen starten. Die
Ergebnisse werden als graphische Darstellung ausgegeben, was je nach Einsatzgebiet als
Schnittpläne, Aufteilungen oder Verschachtelungen bezeichnet wird. Diese Ergebnisse
werden in verschiedenen Dateien gespeichert, die der Anwender sich auf verschiedene Arten
auf dem Bildschirm anzeigen oder ausdrucken lassen kann. Die Ergebnisse können auch auf
Etiketten gedruckt werden.
 Ardis Optimizer 24

Wie wird Cutting Optimizer gestartet?

Erstbenutzung von Cutting Optimizer
Zuerst wählen Sie die gewünschte Sprache aus

Sie können jederzeit überprüfen, ob die korrekten Treiber installiert sind. Klicken Sie dazu
auf das Symbol. Folgendes Fenster wird erscheinen.
 Ardis Optimizer 25

Vorallem die Eintragung unter “Sentinel Windows NT system driver 7.50 Rev. 8” ist von
größ Wichtigkeit. Normalerweise werden alle benötigten Treiber gleichzeitig mit dem
Hauptprogramm installiert.

Als erstes wird folgender Bildschirm angezeigt:

Wenn Sie das Programm zum ersten mal benutzen, müssen Sie überprüfen, ob die Pfade zum
Programm auf die richtigen Stellen Ihrer Festplatte zugreifen. Dies können Sie sicher stellen,
indem Sie in dem Menüpunkt < Werkzeuge>, <Optionen> anklicken. Wenn die Pfade nicht
korrekt sind, können Sie sie verändern indem Sie auf die Schaltfläche rechts daneben klicken.

Projekte
Ihre Projekte können Sie als *.R41 Ergebnisdateien abspeichern. Die Parameter eines
Projekts können Sie ändern, indem Sie auf folgendes Symbol klicken:

Voreinstellungen
Bevor Sie anfangen mit Projekten zu arbeiten, sollten Sie sich mit der Möglichkeit zu sog.
Dokumentvorlagen auseinandersetzen.
Diese ermöglichen es Ihnen, gewisse Grundeinstellung im vorhinein zu bestimmen und auf
diese Weise Arbeit zu sparen.

Vorsicht:

Diese Einstellungen werden für jedes neu begonnene Projekt verwendet. Es macht also
keinen Sinn projektspezifische Eigenschaften in die Dokumentvorlagen zu integrieren.
 Ardis Optimizer 26

Um eine Dokumentvorlage zu erstellen, sollten Sie zuerst alle Einstellungen vornehmen, eine
Maschinendatei (*.MCH) und eine Ausgangsmaterialdatei (*.STD) erstellen und dann auf
<Datei> <Speichern als Vorlage> klicken.

Ordner

Hier können Sie einstellen, in welchen Ordnern Ihre Ausgangsmaterial- und

Maschinendateien abgespeichert werden. Wenn Sie alles so lassen, wie es ist, werden Ihre
Dateien im voreingestellten Standard-Ordner "Data" abgespeichert. Falls Sie einen Ordner
ändern wollen, klicken Sie auf das entsprechende "Wert" Feld.

Sie können diese Einstellung auch als Standard für kommende Projekte übernehmen.

Schnittplan

Hier können Sie die graphische Darstellung Ihrer Schnittpläne verändern um diese möglichst
genau an die von Ihnen verwendeten Materialien anzupassen.

Streifen-, Rest- und Abfallsortierung, Sortierung innerhalb eines Streifens und Saumschnitt
sind Parameter, die eine möglichst realitätsnahe Darstellung der Schnittpläne garantieren
sollen.

Anmerkung: Diese Einstellungen beeinflussen den Optimierungsvorgang und müssen daher

unbedingt vor diesem vorgenommen werden.

Cutting Optimizer unterscheidet zwischen wiederverwendbaren Resten und Abfällen. Ob ein

Rest wiederverwendbar ist, wird anhand der Kriterien festgestellt, die Sie für Ihre
Ausgangsmaterialien festgelegt haben.
 Ardis Optimizer 27

Zwecks einer optimalen Nutzung Ihrer Rohstoffe sollten Sie die Parameter minimale Länge,
Breite und Fläche in Ihrer Ausgangsmaterialdatei einstellen.

Vorsicht: Diese Einstellungen haben starken Einfluss auf die Beanspruchung Ihrer
Maschinen!

Sortierauftrag für Schnittpläne

Sie können entscheiden, ob Ihre Schnittpläne nach Teilen oder nach Platten sortiert werden.
Wenn Sie "Sortieren nach Teilen" auswählen, wird die Platte mit den größten Teilen zuerst
geschnitten, so dass Sie kleine Teile auf große stapeln können. "Sortieren nach Platten"
arbeitet diese in der gleichen Reihenfolge ab, in der sie auch in der Ausgangsmaterialliste
stehen.

Streifengruppierung
Streifen, die sich mindestens in der zweiten Ebene befinden, können gruppiert werden.
"Zuerst bearbeitete Streifen" beginnt mit den Streifen, die sich in der zweiten Ebene
befinden. "Bearbeitete Streifen zuletzt"
”Alternately” will put the first strip with only two levels at the beginning, the next strip with
only two levels at the end, the next one back at the beginning, and so on. This option will
take equal strips in one block. “Alternately split strips” does the same, but splits equals strips.

Strip sequence
Here, you choose if, for normal cutting, you want to have the strips sequenced from large to
small or from small to large. The start point for this drawing is the lay-out coordinate.

Indem Sie die breiteren Streifen an die Ränder der Platten setzen minimieren Sie die
Verletzungsgefahr.

Large -> Small: strips sequenced from large to small, strips with an equal width are taken in
one block

Long -> Short: strips should be sorted from long to short

Small -> Large: strips sequenced from small to large, strips with an equal width are taken
together in one block

Single Large -> Small: strips sequenced from large to small

Single Small -> Large: strips sequenced from small to large

You can view these choices by pressing the spacebar.

The following lay-out (with a different sequence) will make things clear:

From long to short:

 Ardis Optimizer 28

From small to large: (450 x 2 is considered as one rip of 900 + the blade thickness)

From large to small: (450 x 2 is considered as one rip of 900 + the blade thickness)
 Ardis Optimizer 29

From single large to small: (equal width rips are not counted together)

From single small to large: (equal width rips are not counted together)

Sorting parts levels

Here you can instruct the program how to arrange the parts in a single strip.

Highest -> lowest: will put the parts with the highest number of levels first.

Lowest -> highest: will put the parts with the lowest number of levels first.
 Ardis Optimizer 30

Like strips: will sort the parts in the same way as the strips.

Large -> small: will put the largest parts first, equals parts are taken in one block.

Small -> large: will put the smallest parts first, equals parts are taken in one block.

Single large -> small: will put the largest parts first.

Single small -> large: will put the smallest parts first.

Draw first strip cut horizontal

Since strips may be horizontal or vertical on a sheet, you may choose to have your lay-outs
with the first strip always in the horizontal direction. A sheet having a vertical strip direction
first will be rotated 90°, in order to show you the strips in the length of the screen.

Yes: the first strip direction must always be drawn horizontal

No: the lay-out will have the length of the basic material as horizontal direction.

Scrap/loss localisation
When entering the basic materials characteristics (sheets or coils), you may enter a border to
be cut off on each side. If the size of that lost scrap does not give any problem, you may
decide where it has to be taken. In normal situations, the first cut will be a small strip of
scrap, and the coordinate of the lay-out corresponds to the scrap cut position. For coil cutting,
the scrap cut will be split proportionally between the two sides of the coil, in order to become
an even load of the machine.
 Ardis Optimizer 31

At basic material input time for sheets and coils, it is possible to define a trim cut for every
side. If, in addition to one of these trims, some scrap or lost part will exist, you may decide
with this parameter to distribute it.

In normal cases, the scrap will be cut first, and it will generally be a small piece, meaning that
the corner point of the lay-out (the reference position) will be in the diagonal of the scrap
piece.

With coils, the scrap will preferably be distributed evenly between the two sides, in order to
obtain an evenly distributed machine load.

Scrap/loss localisation horizontal

left: the scrap will be located on the left side of the lay-out

right: the scrap will be located on the right side of the lay-out

Scrap/loss localisation vertical

upper: The scrap will be located on the upper side of the lay-out

bottom: The scrap will be located on the bottom side of the lay-out

The selection is made with the spacebar.

Sort loss
What Cutting Optimizer detects as not reusable scrap should not be at the end of the strip, but
considered as a part. So it will get a position as determined by strip sequence.

Cut trim separate

Sometimes the (4) trim cuts entered for the basic materials are cut before the strips. This
means that the borders are cut separately on the dimensions entered for the basic material.

If you want the borders to be cut together with the scrap pieces, they will not be cut
separately.

Modifying this selection will change the view of a lay-out. If you have selected cut trim
separate and the basic material trim is 0, then there will be no trim, the cutting line will be
outside the sheet, and the loss will show in the lay-out its correct dimensions. If you do not
select Cut trim separate, then the cutting line thickness will be in the trim border. The
effective border (trim) will be a cutting line smaller.

The selection is made with the spacebar.

Part’s reference in lay-out

By default, the Reference of the part appears on the part in the lay-out. Here you can enter a
formula to show something else in the lay-out (e.g. the customer‟s name).
(Press Shift+F2 to enter the Expression Builder)
 Ardis Optimizer 32

Local settings
Decimals
When first using the program, the local settings should beter be checked to make sure the
program is setup correctly for the data being optimized. ARDIS can process jobs that are
listed in metric, decimal inches or fractions. Later on, they can always be checked under
"View - Project Setup".

In the fields “length, width, thickness and height” you can enter 0,1,2,3,4 or fractional (press
the spacebar to select one of these values). This number represents the number of decimal
places after the decimal point. You can work in cm, mm, m or inches; the program has no
problem with that. Of course, you have to use the same units consistently. In this screen the
values are set for working in mm.

You should change the settings this way for working with:

cm:

m:
 Ardis Optimizer 33

decimal inches:

Also here you have to click on “OK”, so that these will be the basic settings for each job.

Weight and Weight/surf.

Here you define the number of decimal places available for weight and for weight / surface.

Zeitformat
Hier lässt sich die Darstellung der Rechenzeit einstellen.

hh:mm (Stunden:Minuten) z.B. 01:05 (1 Stunde und 5 Minuten)

hh:mm:ss (Stunden:Minuten:Sekunden) z.B. 01:05:15 (1 Stunde 5 Minuten und 15

Sekunden)

Durch drücken der Leertaste können Sie zwischen deisen Möglichkeiten wechseln.

Dezimalzeicheneichen
Wählen Sie zwischen "?" und "." als Dezimalzeichen. In exportierten Dateien wird allerdings
immer ein "." benutzt.

Date input format and Date output format

In these fields you define the way you want to see the date on screen or printed on reports.

In the input format field you express which way you want to enter the date. You have 3
possibilities that you will see if you press the spacebar:

DDMMYY (day-month-year) e.g. 011099 (1st October 1999)

MMDDYY (month-day-year) e.g. 100199 (1st October 1999)

YYWW (year-week) e.g. 9933 (33rd week of 1999)

The first time you will run Cutting Optimizer, the program will use the same settings as
Windows does for the date.

The dates work the same way for the output format. You choose the way you want to see the
date on the screen and on the reports. Also here, you have several possibilities namely 7:

DDMMYY e.g. 011099 (1st October 1999)

MMDDYY e.g. 100199 (1st October 1999)

 Ardis Optimizer 34

YYWW e.g. 9933 (33rd week of 1999)

DD-MM-YYYY e.g. 01-10-1999 (1st October 1999)

MM-DD-YYYY e.g. 10-01-1999 (1st October 1999)

DD/MM/YYYY e.g. 01/10/1999 (1st October 1999)

MM/DD/YYYY e.g. 10/01/1999 (1st October 1999)

Tools
If you select “Options…” from the Tools menu, you can find where the program files are
located, as shown below.

Options
Beside of "customization file" the cowin.ini file (which will be saved in the Windows folder)
is listed. If you want to reinitialize, please click on "initialize at re-start". The cowin.ini file
will be deleted and when you restart Cutting Optimizer, you will have a freshly started
system.

Preferences

Ask basic material on new project

When you choose "yes", every time you start a new project, the program will ask for a new
basic material. People, who do not have the possibility to work with different materials, can
regulate the program to ask for another basic material file for every new project.
 Ardis Optimizer 35

Default project folder

You can choose a default project folder by clicking in the “value” field. All the files for the
project will be saved in this folder.

Delete zero qty parts when saving

If you choose "yes", the program will delete all of the parts which do not have to be produced
(quantity=0) every time you save or optimize the project.

Delete zero qty sheets when saving

If you choose "yes", the program will delete all of the sheets which have no quantity on hand
and the status "Temporary" every time you save or optimize the project.

Use wizard at new project

If you choose “yes”, the program will use the wizard to enter data step by step when creating
a new project.

Open last project

If you choose “yes”, the program will automatically reload the last used project at startup.
“No” means you will start with a new project at startup.

Benutzereinstellungen
In diesem Feld können Sie den Pfad und Dateinamen der Datei angeben, die Ihre
persönlichen Einstellungen beinhaltet. Standard: “C:\WINDOWS\COWIN.INI”. Leertaste
stellt ihre Einstellungen bei jedem Programmstart zurück.

Default project name

In this field, you can enter a default name for a new project. If you leave this blank, the
program will ask you for a name when you want to save the project.

Projektnumerierung
This number has to be larger than 0 for this function to work. It is used in combination with
the default project name by the automatic project naming to create a unique project name.
The program automatically increases the value of this number with each new project.

Automatische Projekt Namensgebung

Wenn Sie diese Option aktivieren, wird das Programm keinen Dialog öffnen, wenn Sie ein
neues Projekt abspeichern, die Projektnamen werden stattdessen automatisch durchnumeriert.

Mail Empfänger
Geben Sie hier ein, an wen Ihre Dateien per E mail verschickt werden sollen. Standartmäßig
werden sie an Ardis geschickt.
 Ardis Optimizer 36

Number of tools
This is the number of tools visible in the toolbar and the “Tools” menu (minimum 1,
maximum 30, default 10).

Optimierungs Assistent

You will enter the “optimization wizard”: the easiest way to enter all of the data you need for
the optimization. When you follow the steps of this wizard, the data will be processed so that
you become a complete optimization. Do not change anything to this screen if you want to
work with this wizard for each new project. If you do not want to use this wizard for the
following projects then you just click in “use this wizard when creating new project” so that a
“v” checkmark disappears.

We do follow the wizard. It is very easy to understand the principle: parts have to be cut out
of sheets with one specific machine. You enter this data and the program will propose the
cutting patterns.

The Parts file (*.stk) holds the data for your cutlist (the parts you want to cut).

The Sheet file is the file (*.std) with the raw materials you want to use.
 Ardis Optimizer 37

The Machine file is the file (*.mch) that describes the cutting parameters for your saw.

Entering machine data (Step 1)

We enter the machine data: for the description of our machine. You will notice that there is
an explanation of each field at the bottom of the screen in order to know what kind of data or
information you have to enter. On this screen, you have to enter at least the thickness of the
cut. When you entered the data, you have to click on “next” to go to step 2.

Entering raw materials data (Step 2)

Now you can enter the raw materials data: grain direction, dimensions, quantities, reference
and trims. Direction (D) can be entered as: “L” (length), “W” (width) or blank (no grain).
Next you enter the dimensions and the quantity of your material. In the column “Available”
you choose the availability of your material. “Stock” means you can not use more than the
quantity in Qty. “Unlimited” means you can use more than the stock. “Temporary” is used for
reusable scrap pieces. Now you can enter both a reference and a remark for the material.
Then, there are the trims (TUpper, TRight, TBottom and TLeft). These are the trims, which
have to be removed from the basic material sheet first for “straight” cutting or for removing
damaged edges.

Entering parts data (Step 3)

Entering your parts data is almost identical to entering raw material data: grain direction,
dimensions, quantities and reference. Direction (D) can be entered as: “L” (grain direction of
the sheet), “W” (cross on the grain direction of the sheet), “E” (single direction: the program
itself chooses once how the part has to come onto the grain direction of the sheet), L* (always
the length grain whatever the grain direction of the sheet may be), “W*” ((always the cross
grain whatever the grain direction of the sheet may be), a blank in the grain column means no
grain direction. You can toggle between the options with the spacebar.

Note: You can enlarge or shrink portions of the screen by moving the boundaries of the
different sections with your mouse like in many other Windows based programs!

Run the optimization (Step 4)

When the data entry process is complete, we need to optimize.
 Ardis Optimizer 38

Click on the “finish” button to run the optimization. You have to specify the name for the
optimization. Let‟s use “test1”. The parts file will be called "test1.stk", the raw material file
will be "test1.std" and the result file "test1.r41" (r41 is the file extension used for result files).

Sie können die Optimierung jederzeit widerholen in dem Sie

F6 oder
dieses Symbol oder
Werkzeuge - Optimieren
 Ardis Optimizer 39

Hauptfenster

Das Hauptfenster besteht aus 5 Teilen. Einige Funktionen lassen sich an verschiedenen Orten
abrufen.
Pull Down Menü
Symbolleiste
Zusammenfassung
Datenfenster
Statuszeile

Pull Down Menü

Datei
Neu (Strg + N): Öffnen einer neuen Optimierungsdatei
Öffnen (Strg + O): Öffnen einer bestehenden Optimierungsdatei
Speichern (Strg + S): Speichern einer Optimierungsdatei
Speichern unter: Speichern einer Optimierungsdatei unter einem anderen Namen
Speichern komprimiert: Speichert das Projekt als komprimierte *.cop Datei, ideal zur
Archivierung oder zum Versand per E-mail.
Speichern als Vorlage (Umdschalt + Strg + S): Als Vorlage für neue Projekte
speichern (siehe Seite 29: Projektvorlagen)
Löschen alter Optimierungen
Drucken (Strg + P): Ausdrucken der Datei
Seitenansicht: Seitenansicht: Vorschau des Ausdruckes auf dem
Bildschirm
Seiten Setup: Seite einrichten
Per Email versenden: Versendet eine komprimierte Kopie des Projektes per Email.
Der Empfänger wird unter Werkzeuge - Optionen angegeben.
Zuletzt geöffnete Dateien
Schließen: Beenden des Programms
Bearbeiten
 Ardis Optimizer 40

Ausschneiden Strg + X: Auswahl in die Zwischenablage kopieren und vom

Ausgangsort entfernen
Kopieren Strg + C
Copy All: Make a copy of all data in the active window and place it on the clipboard.
Paste Ctrl+V: Place the content that is on the clipboard in the selected place.
Select All Ctrl+A: Select everything.
Find F3: Find a certain expression in the active window.
Go to Ctrl+G: Go to the line number you specify.
Insert row Ctrl+I: This is only available if you are inserting a row into a table.
Delete row Ctrl+Y: This is only available if you are deleting a row from a table.
Copy previous Ctrl+F8: Copy the content of the higher located cell to the present cell
(only available if you are working in a table).
Copy previous down Alt+F8: Copy previous then move to the next cell automatically.
Column active: You can use this choice if you want to activate or deactivate the
column in which you‟re positioned.
Hide column: Hide the column in which you‟re positioned.
Show column: Show a column that has been hidden. This column will appear to the
left of the column where the cursor is positioned.
View
Toolbar: Hide or show the toolbar.
Status Bar: Hide or show the status bar.
Refresh F5: Refresh the current view.
Input
Parts F9: Open the parts input screen.
Basic materials F10: Open the basic materials input screen.
Machine F11: Open the machine input screen.
Edge Shift+F9: Open the edge input screen (if you ordered the module "edges").
Results
Summary F7: Shows a summary of the project on the data screen.
Lay-outs F4: Shows the lay-outs of the project on the data screen.
Parts: Shows the parameters of the calculated parts on the data screen.
Basic material sheets: Shows the parameters of the basic material sheets that were used
by the optimization.
Project setup: Changes the properties of the optimization job.
Tools
Wizard Ctrl+W: Open the optimization wizard.
Optimize F6: Run the optimization.
Calculator Alt+*: Open the calculator screen.
Read COM Port: Reads data from the COM port.
Macro F8
Customize: Add or change choices in the Tools menu.
Options: Open the options screen, which allows you view or change a multitude of
settings.
Change language: Allows to change the language of the program.
Help
Help topics: Open the on-line manual.
Tutorial: Open the information screen.
 Ardis Optimizer 41

About Cutting Optimizer Ctrl+F1: Lists information about the program.

Toolbar
This is a description of all of the buttons (icons) on the toolbar.
Start a new optimization file
Open an existing optimization file
Save the optimization file
Run the optimization wizard
Cut: place the selection on the clipboard and erase it from the original location
Copy: make a copy of the selection and place it on the clipboard
Paste: place the content that is on the clipboard in the selected place
Switch between formula-view (shows only the formula itself) and result-view (shows
only the result of the formula)
Print the data, which is currently being viewed
Look at the printout on the screen first (print preview)
Activates the label printing mode: clicking on a part prints the label for that part. This
function is connected to "Interactive labelling".
Shows information on the screen: the place where all of the information about the
program is shown e.g. serial number, user, and version… (important to get support by
phone)
Start on-line help
Edit various parameters of the project (project properties)
Start the optimization

Summary

Working in the summary screen is similar to working in Windows explorer. First, you see the
possible selections on the screen and for any + signs you click, the structure will expand to
display more specific components. If the choice is not any further expandable, you see a –
sign.

Data screen
In this screen you can enter the parameters of the optimization and look at the calculated
results. Which parameters or results will be displayed in the data screen, depends on where
you are positioned in the summary section.
 Ardis Optimizer 42

Status bar
Shows a brief description when you move the mouse to a certain place. You can see the
Caps-lock, Scroll-lock and Num-lock status there as well (you can see the status of these by
looking at the lights at the upper right corner of the keyboard). The IPC status is also found
here.

Kontextmenu
Dieses Menu passt sich der aktuellen Programmumgebung an. Sie können immer Hilfe zum
ausgewählten Objekt aufrufen.

Hilfe
Sie können jederzeit unsere Hilfe-Funktion konsultieren.

Schließen des Programms

Sie können die Anwendung auf verschiedene Arten beenden:
Klicken Sie auf "beenden" im Datei-Menü
Klicken Sie das in der rechten oberen Ecke des Bildschirms.
Drücken Sie Alt+F4

Neues Projekt starten

Zum starten eines neuen Projektes, klicken Sie auf dieses Symbol oder auf "Neu" im
Datei-Menü:

Dateneingabe
Einleitung
Sie sind nun bereit, erste Projekte zu starten in dme Sie
 Ardis Optimizer 43

Informationen über eine Säge eingeben

Informationen über Ihr Ausgangsmaterial eingeben
die benötigten Teile eingeben
den Cutting Optimizer seine Arbeit tun lassen
und sich seine Resultate anschauen
Später können Sie anstatt dieser ersten Daten, die nur zum ausprobieren dienen, natürlich
auch Ihre eigenen eingeben.

Eingabe von Maschinen Parametern

Eingabe von Maschinendaten
Um die Parameter ihrer Maschinen korrekt einzustellen, klicken Sie auf der linken Seite Ihres
Bildschirms auf die von Ihnen beim Starten des Programms eingegebene Maschine. Auf der
rechten Seite des Bildschirms können Sie nun einige Einstellungen festlegen.

Vorsicht

Falls Sie diesen Bildschirm nicht sehen, könnte es sein, dass einige Kolonnen versteckt sind.
Klicken Sie mit der rechten Maustaste auf ein Feld und dann auf "Zeigen". Nun können Sie
einen Kolonne aus der Liste hinzu fügen. Durch Rechtsklick und "Schließen" können Sie
eine Kolonne auch wieder schließen.

Daten werden im Cutting Optimizer immer gleich in Felder eingegeben, egal in welchem
bereich des Programmes Sie sich befinden.

Es gibt verschiedene Wege, von einem Feld in ein anderes zu wechseln:

die Enter Taste
die Tabulator Taste
Um das vorherige Feld auszuwählen, drücken Sie Umschalt+Tab
 Ardis Optimizer 44

Sie können den Inhalt eines Feldes auf zwei verschiedene Arten verändern. Klicken Sie in
das Feld und tippen Sie den neuen Inhalt ein, durch den Sie den alten ersetzten wollen. Wenn
Sie den Inhalt nur teilweise ändern wollen drücken Sie F2 oder doppelt mit der Maus in das
Feld und ändern Sie dann nur die gewünschten Buchstaben. Navigieren können Sie durch die
Tasten "Pos1", "Ende", "Pfeil links" und "Pfeil rechts".

Description
In the field "Description" you enter the name of the machine or for our example you enter
“machine”. This name is only provided for documentation purposes. You may now pause and
see what the help function offers you. Just press the F1 key, and you will receive a
description about the field where the cursor is currently positioned. The Description is only a
textual reference and has no bearing on the optimization results.

Saw blade thickness

The saw blade thickness corresponds to the quantity of basic material that is lost during
cutting or sawing, due to the thickness of the tool used; for instance, the thickness of the saw
blade. The program will take this into consideration for the calculation of the lay-outs. For
the fictitious machine, you may enter: "4.4". This corresponds to a thickness of 4.4 mm. The
unit of measurement (e.g. mm or cm) has to be the same as those of the parts and basic
materials.

Maximum number of levels

Now you move the cursor to the field "Max. levels". “Max. levels” is the maximum number
of times the cutting direction may be alternated from longitudinal (length) to/or from
transverse (width). Every time you turn a panel from one direction to another, the level
increases by 1. For example, the first cutting direction is level one. If the next cut has to be in
the other direction, then this cut will be level 2. If an additional cut is necessary, it will be at
level 3.

Another way to define the number of levels would be to answer the question: how many
times can a basic material sheet (or sub-part of it) be turned?
 Ardis Optimizer 45

The number of levels that you allow will determine the complexity of the produced lay-outs.
Limiting the number of levels will reduce the complexity of the cutting patterns. The cutting
time will be lower, when the number of levels is lower.

For the number of levels of the fictitious machine, enter "5".

Input of basic material data

The next information you have to enter is about the basic materials that will be used to cut,
according to the computations of Cutting Optimizer.

Create a basic material file

As long as there is no basic material sheet created, you will find "untitled" beyond basic
material sheet. When you click on "untitled", you can fill in all of the data, again on the right
hand side.

However, if you want to create a new basic material file or name the current material file,
then click the right mouse button on "Basic material sheets (F10)" and select "Add basic
material file". Now you can fill in a file name. For our example, we will enter "raw".

Next, the screen above will appear. It asks if you would like to replace the existing file. When
you choose "yes", "untitled" will be replaced by "raw". Otherwise "raw" will be a new file
under "untitled". Press "yes" for this example. By saving the order, the basic material sheet
will get the same name as the order.

Input of basic material data

Data about basic materials will be entered via a data screen similar to the machine data input.
 Ardis Optimizer 46

The top section contains the reference, the machine and the date. These data fields are
common for the whole file.
The middle section contains a table with the information for all of the basic material sheets.
The bottom section displays the current sheet graphically.

Field widths for basic material sheet data

Description Länge
General reference 30
General basic material sheet 8
Datum TTMMJJ 6
Grain direction (D) (blank=no, L=length, W=width) 1
Länge 7
Breite 7
Quantity on hand 5
Min. & max. trims for 4 sides 40
Reference of the basic material 20
Diese Liste gibt die maximale Anzahl Zeichen in den betreffenden Feldern an.

Reference
Here, you may enter a reference or information on the basic material. This reference will later
be added to the information related to each individual part produced, and will be printed on
the different documents. This reference will be printed on the produced parts‟ identification
labels also. Entering data into this field is not mandatory. For your exercise, you may enter
"The best material". Pressing the Tab key will move the cursor to the next field.
 Ardis Optimizer 47

Machine
It is mandatory that this field, identified as "Machine", does have data entered into it. It refers
to the machine that will process the basic materials stored in this file. When you click in the
machine cell, you get a list of all of the machines that are available. Normally, the default
machine, filled in when the program started, will appear. You can search for a machine as
well, by typing the name in the cell. Then the computer finds the name that meets the name
you entered. Normally, you will get the default machine file. For this exercise, the default
machine file will be "machine".

If you want to select another machine (e.g. one you used in a previous project), you have to
click the right mouse button on "Machine (F11)", choose "Add machine file". From the folder
where your machine files are saved, you choose the machine you want. You return to the field
"Machine" of your basic material and you enter or select the name of that machine.

Date
The "Date" field is just an information field. It can be useful when modifications are made to
the file and you want to enter the current date. This field will allow you to indicate the
revision date. Cutting Optimizer will help you avoid inputting an incorrect date. If the
number that you entered for the day of the month is greater than the number of days in that
given month, then the program will automatically change this number to the last day of that
particular month. Likewise, if the number of the month that you entered is larger than 12,
then the program will change this figure to 12. These changes will be made, once you move
to the next field.

The input and output format of the date is handled as set in "local settings" under "project
setup".

This brings you to the fields that have to be filled in for every basic material size. We will
assume that only one size of the basic material is available.

D
In the "D" field, you will indicate the basic material grain direction. This direction may be
determined by the grain or milling of the material. In some cases, it is mandatory that the
direction of a part be the same as the direction of the basic material piece from which it will
be cut. The information you enter here is the dimension that the direction follows. Utilizing
this information, the program will design patterns meeting these constraints. The directions
you may enter are:

L: Means the grain direction goes with the length of the sheet.

W: Means the grain direction goes with the width of the sheet.

(blank): If you leave this field blank, then you tell the system that the basic material grain
direction is not important and that the parts may be positioned in any direction in the lay-outs.

You may select the correct grain direction by entering the corresponding letter or by pressing
the spacebar to scroll through the different possibilities. For our example, enter "L".
 Ardis Optimizer 48

Length
In the “Length” field, you enter the length of the basic material standard panel. You may
consider using either of the two dimensions as being the length, because it does not have to
be the largest dimension. For our example, enter 2600 (mm). The only importance to length
is that Cutting Optimizer will always display the length horizontally.

Width
In the “Width” field, you enter the other dimension of the basic material standard panel that
you did not enter into the “Length” field. For our example, enter the value 2000 (mm). Width
is by default displayed vertically.

Qty
In the "Qty" field, you enter how many panels of this basic material are available in
inventory. For our example, enter 100. By entering 100, we are stating that we have (100)
basic material panels in inventory that are 2600 mm x 2000 mm.

Available
Here you can change the availability of your material.
"Stock" means the program cannot use more than is available in stock (Qty-field).
"Unlimited" means the program can use more than is available in stock.
"Temporary" is almost the same as “Stock”, but can be deleted by stock management (e.g. for
reusable scrap pieces) or by saving depending on the "options" setting.
"n.a." means the material is not available.

Reference
This field contains a reference of the basic material. This can be the material type, the
location in the warehouse, ... .

Remark
Sometimes the reference field is not enough. The “Remark” field can also contains general
remarks concerning the basic material such as material type, location in the warehouse, ... .

TUpper, TRight, TBottom & TLeft

Next, go to the fields where you can enter information about the trims. The abbreviations in
these fields mean: TUpper: minimum upper trim; TRight: minimum right trim; TBottom:
minimum bottom trim; TLeft: minimum left trim. It is very common for the first cut to be a
trim cut. Trim cuts are necessary when you want to manufacture a perfectly rectangular sheet
or a sheet with clean edges. If this is the case, enter the width of the material you want to trim
(remove) in the appropriate trim field(s). For example, you may enter 15 for the minimum
value for the upper and left trims, and leave the right and bottom trim values blank. Cutting
Optimizer will not calculate a trim for the right and bottom borders of the plate, since they
were left blank.
 Ardis Optimizer 49

Watch out: if you would (conscious or not) close Cutting Optimizer before you saved the
data, the program will ask you to save the unsaved data to "job". The program asks if you
want that data to be deleted or saved as "untitled".

Input of required parts data

The third set of information that has to be entered is the parts that have to be produced. These
will be part of the cutting patterns calculated by Cutting Optimizer. If you start a new
optimization project without defining a parts file, a temporary internal parts file "untitled" is
created. When saving (or optimizing) the project, the parts file will get the same name as the
project. To add a new parts file to the optimization project, click with the right mouse on
“Parts (F9)” and then select “Add parts file”. Give the name of a new or existing parts file
that you want to include in the project. We will save our project as "test".

Field widths for required parts data

Feld Zeichenanzahl
General reference 30
Erstellungsdatum (TTMMJJ) 6
Multiplikator 5
Grain direction (blank=no, L=length, W=width, E=exclusive) 1
Länge 7
Breite 7
Required quantity 5
Bezeichnung 15
Bemerkung 80
 Ardis Optimizer 50

Input of common parts file data

Reference
In the first field, identified "Reference", you may enter either a reference or a description of
this parts file. Later, this information will be attached to every produced part and printed on
the labels. This field is optional. For our example, please enter "Parts for test".

Date
In this field, you can enter the due date for the parts to be produced. However, this
information is optional. The input format is set up in the "project properties - local settings".

Next, you move to the section where the required parts will be described. In this table, you
may have a large quantity of parts that need to be entered. So it is very likely that the
information of a given column will be the same for most of the parts. Also, there may be
columns that you do not need for any part. In these cases, Cutting Optimizer provides some
tools to ease the input of data.

Active and inactive columns

One tool that Cutting Optimizer provides is to allow you to tag a column as active or inactive.
Once you have tagged a column as inactive, it will be skipped. When you press the Enter key
in the previous column, the cursor will automatically jump over the inactive column(s) and
be positioned in the next active one.

In our example, columns "D", "Length", Width", "Qty", "Ref" and "Remark" need to be
active. In order to set a column as active or inactive, you first move the mouse into that
column. Then click on the right mouse button and select "Activate". A check mark will
appear beside “Activate”, if the column is active. If a column is inactive, there will not be a
 Ardis Optimizer 51

check mark beside “Activate” and the text in that column‟s fields will appear light gray. This
is used a lot for columns like "material". The enter key then jumps over it and fills in the
previous value automatically.

Input of parts data

D
The "D" field will be used to show the direction (grain or milling) in which the parts need to
be placed. If you have already defined a grain direction for the basic material, the program
will now use that information and the information of this field to decide which orientation the
parts have to be nested in the lay-outs. There are four orientation options. You may select one
by pressing the spacebar to scroll through the options, until the desired one is displayed.
Also, you may select the desired one by entering the first letter that identifies it. The direction
identifiers are:

L: Means the grain direction goes with the length of the part.

W: Means the grain direction goes with the width of the part.

(blank): If you leave this field blank, the system will consider that the part direction is not
important and that the parts may be nested in any direction in the lay-outs, even mixed.

E: Means equal direction. For some applications, it is important that all parts are cut in the
same direction in the basic material, but it does not matter which direction. The only thing
that matters is that they are all the same.

L*: Means the grain direction goes with the length of the part, even if the base material has
no grain direction.

W*: Means the grain direction goes with the width of the part, even if the base material has
no grain direction.

For our example, you will indicate that the grain direction is "L" for the first series of
identical parts. This tells Cutting Optimizer that all parts have to be cut with their length
parallel to the direction of the basic material. Please note: you need to fill in the grain
direction for both the basic material data and the parts data for the program to work
efficiently. If you just fill in the grain direction for the parts data, the program will not take it
into account!

Length, Width & Qty

In our example, for the first series of parts to produce, please enter "480" for the length,
"160" for the width and "30" for the quantity.

Ref
In the "Ref" field, you may enter a reference or a description of the part. The reference will be
printed in the lay-outs. If it is too long to fit, it will not be shown. All of it will be printed on
the part labels. Please enter for the first set of parts "Prototype".
 Ardis Optimizer 52

Remark
If the reference field of the central section of the window is not large enough to contain all of
the information you would like to enter then you may use the "Remark" field to list additional
information. This field may be used to give information about the production operations to
perform on the parts. The information entered in this field will be printed on the labels also.
There are several remark fields that can be made visible by clicking on the right mouse button
and selecting “Show”. Then choose which remark fields that you want to show. For our
example, for the first series of parts, please enter "4 sides pvc".

The bottom part of the data screen

The bottom part of the data screen shows a graphical presentation of the current part. This is
too see type mismatches.

Input of the remaining information

In unserem Beispiel sollten Sie hierzu folgende Daten eingeben:
Länge Breite Menge Bezeichnung Bemerkung
614 284 30 links 2 board mel.
724 434 30 oben Uncov. board
1764 404 30 rechts 2 board mel.
450 42 35 linke Front 4 board mel.
450 230 35 rechte Front Uncov. board
614 394 35 hinten Board gray pvc

Controlling the entered data

When entering the data, the recommended procedure is to enter the information line by line.
The next option would be to add the data column by column, or to proceed in the reverse
sequence. In any case, we recommend you control all data entered, in order to avoid incorrect
results.

Optimierung
Cutting Optimizer berechnet Ihre Schnittpläne durch Druck auf , F6 oder "Optimieren"
im Werkzeuge Menü. Es öffnet sich ein Fenster, welches den Stand der Optimierung anzeigt.
Sie können die Optimierung jederzeit abbrechen.
 Ardis Optimizer 53

Das Optimierungs Fenster

Dieses Fenster erlaubt es Ihnen, den Fortschritt Ihrer Optimierung zu verfolgen.

Ergebnis

Diese Menüpunkte im Bereich Ergebnisse geben Ihnen einen Überblick über die Resultate
der Optimierung: Eine Liste der benötigten Teile, die auf verschiedenen Schnittplänen Ihres
Plattenmaterials angeordnet werden.

Summary of optimization (F7)

 Ardis Optimizer 54

In the above summary, you are given an overview of data shown below:
Project‟s desciption: a short description of the project
Start time of the optimization and how long it took the computer to calculate it (Calculation
time).
Number of lay-outs needed to cut all parts.
Yld%: Shows the net yield.
#Books: the number of books used in the job.
Underproduction: the number of parts that were not produced.
Overproduction: the number of extra parts that were produced.
Net Surface is the total parts surface produced in the lay-outs and Gross Surface is the total
amount of basic material used for the job.
Total cutting length of all lay-outs in the job.
Total number of parts created in the job.
Total volume of parts and sheets used in the job.
Error Message displays the error messages from the optimization.

Lay-outs (F4)

Now we want to view the lay-outs, either by using the mouse to click on "Lay-outs" or by
pressing the function key, F4. The data screen is now divided into three sections. If you
cannot see all three sections, then they have been minimized to one line. You can open a
section by dragging the lines out of one another. In the view section, a list of the different lay-
outs is given. In the graph section, you see a visual representation of the parts in one lay-out.
In the detail section, there is information about the parts that are in the active pattern window.
 Ardis Optimizer 55

View Section

In the view section, there is one line of data for each lay-out. The items in each line are by
default:
The "Lay-out number" (Lay#)
The yield percentage of the lay-out (Yld%)
The grain direction (D)
The cutting direction of the first strip (D)
The "Length"
The "Width"
The number of times the lay-out has to be produced or the number of sheets to cut with this
lay-out (Qty)
If a file was created to link to a machine, this is the full path of the NC data file; pattern
number within the file (PP)

Graph Section

In the graphical representation of the lay-out, as much of the data about the lay-out is
mentioned as possible. If we press the right mouse button in the graphical screen, a menu will
open. This menu has different options that allow you to change the lay-out in different ways
(zoom in, zoom out, fonts, colors, etc.). These options are described in the next paragraphs.

Zoom
If you select “Zoom in” or “Zoom out” in this menu, the lay-out enlarges or reduces. When
the lay-out is enlarged, more and more data about the lay-out is shown in the graphical view.
 Ardis Optimizer 56

If you want to see the complete lay-out again, then select “Fit” from the menu that opens by
pressing the right mouse button.

Fonts
Press the right mouse button in the graphical screen and select “Fonts” from the menu that
opened. Now you can change all of the fonts that are used in the graphical representation.

In this screen, you can add a new font to use in the graphical screen. Smaller fonts occupy
less space on the graph. So if you add a small font, more details will remain visible on the
design.

If you want to change the font type, then click on a font and then click on Change. Next, a
screen will open, which allows you to edit the font for that particular font ID. This screen is
shown below.

By clicking one of the buttons, Font screen or Font Printer, you can choose another font to
use for the ID that has been selected. For example, you can change the Default ID from font
type, Arial, to font type, Arial Black. Font screen is the font displayed on the screen and Font
printer is the font that is used for printing.
 Ardis Optimizer 57

In this screen you can select another font, change the size, and much more. To confirm the
changes click "OK".

Also, a new font can be added to the list. Just click on the New button and then assign any
ID. Then follow the same steps as the ones used for changing an existing font. To delete a
font, you have to click on the ID and then the button, Remove.

Colors

Changing the colors or patterns on the graphical screen can be handy to show clearly how
much scrap you have and so on. Press the right mouse button and select “Colors” from the
menu that appears. Once “Colors” has been chosen, the above screen will open. The item,
which we want to change the color or pattern of, has to be selected in the list that is on the
left side of this screen. You can change the filling pattern of this item by pressing the bar to
the right of the word, Pattern. You can change the color of this item by pressing the bar next
to the word, Color. If the required color is not displayed, then you can make your own color
by clicking on Custom.
 Ardis Optimizer 58

When you press Custom, the above screen opens. In this screen, you can mix the colors to get
the color you want.

Detail Section

In the detail section, you can see the information about the parts included in each lay-out.

The information listed for each part in a lay-out is:

the name of the project (Name)
the grain direction of the part (D)
the length of the part (Length)
the width of the part (Width)
the number of times the part is in this lay-out multiplied by the number of sheets that will be
cut (the number of times this part is produced), according to this lay-out (Qty)
the part reference (Ref)
the number of parts that still have to be cut (Left)
the percentage of this part that is produced in this lay-out (Prod%)
 Ardis Optimizer 59

Parts

This section displays detailed information about the required parts.

This screen gives the data lines shown below:

the grain direction (D), length and width of the part
the number of required parts (Qty) and the number produced parts (Prod)
the reference (Ref) and the remark of the part

Basic material sheets

You can examine the results for the basic material sheets used for the optimization run. At
the top of the window, you see the name of the result file analyzed.

In the data screen, there is a table that lists information on the basic material sheets that were
used. It includes:
the grain direction (D), length, width, reference and remark of the sheet used
the available inventory before the optimization run (Qty)
the availability (e.g. Unlimited) (Available)
the number of sheets used in this optimization run (Prod)

Print
Selecting “Print (Ctrl+P)” in the context menu, allows you to print the data of the active item.

Print preview (Shift+Ctrl+P) shows you on the screen how it will be when you actually print
it.

Remark: it is necessary to have installed a default printer driver in order to get a Print
Preview.

If you want to print more than item at one time, click the right mouse button on "Results".
From the context menu you can select the items you want to print. After choosing these
items, select Print from this context menu.
 Ardis Optimizer 60

Reports

This function will operate the printer in order to produce the different results of the
optimization (reports and labels).

Not only can you see the calculated lay-outs; it is possible to print them too. By following
these steps you can print the data and lay-outs. In the summary screen, you select the item
you want to print and click on the icon. But if you want to get an idea of how the output
will look on paper, then you press the (print preview) icon first. Then the screen below
will appear. If you click on “Print” at the top of this screen, then the document will print.
Also, it is possible to enlarge and reduce the size of the document, using the Formula and
Zoom out buttons. If the complete document is more then one page, you can browse through
the pages using the Next page and Prev page buttons.

Tiled patterns, sheets & parts report

If you click on one of the reports, then you get the screen shown below:
 Ardis Optimizer 61

Report properties

All of the settings can be changed in the screen shown above, except for "Type". By default
"Type" is not active. Go to "Properties" by right-clicking and change "Active" to something
else than "read-only".

Title
Fill in the title of the report.

Page header
Print page header or not. Use spacebar to switch between “yes” and “no”.

Group
Fill in the formula to identify a group definition. (Press Shift+F2 to enter the Expression
Builder).

Filter
Fill in the expression to filter records. (Press Shift+F2 to enter the Expression Builder).

Multiplier
Fill in the formula to calculate the number of times a record must be repeated. (Press
Shift+F2 to enter the Expression Builder).

Printer
You can select the printer you want to use. Pressing the spacebar gives you all of the possible
printer options. If you want to use a printer that is not already in the program, then you can
enter the new name.
 Ardis Optimizer 62

Print feeder bin

You can select the feeder bin you want to use. Pressing the spacebar gives you all of the
possible feeder bins.

Orientation
If you press the spacebar, you will see the 2 options: portrait or landscape.

Page size
All of the possible options are shown when you press the spacebar.

Top margin, Left margin, Bottom margin & Right margin

If the printer can only handle certain margins, then you need to fill in these fields.

Group separation
Select how to separate groups. Use “Continous” to put one group after the other, “New page”
to start each group on a new page or “New row” to start each group on a new row.

Tips and interesting details

Notes for those who do not use a mouse
These notes are especially for people who work directly at a machine. They can also run the
program properly.

Use the Windows key on the keyboard in order to use a context menu (right mouse button
menu)

If you want to use a pull down menu then press Alt+ a letter (the one which is marked,
underlined). Within this menu, use (arrow up) (arrow down) to move up and down or press
the letter, which is underlined.

CTRL+F6: use these keys to move from one section to another.

To edit text within a field, use F2.

To move from one field to another you can use TAB, ENTER or the arrow keys.

If you want to close something or to leave an edit-mode then simply press ESC.

About tables
Cutting Optimizer offers some facilities aimed to ease the input of the data, and to reduce the
typing errors.

You can scroll in a column by using the arrow keys (arrow up) (arrow down).
 Ardis Optimizer 63

If you want to confirm the contents of a field, press Enter. Cutting Optimizer will move the
cursor to the next "active" field. The non-active fields will be filled in by copying from
above.

Tab and Shift-Tab move the cursor from one field to the next or the previous one, active or
not.

Esc omits all of the changes that are made in a field or cancels a selection of rows.

Selecting rows
You can select rows in 2 ways:
If the cursor is in a field of the row you want to select: press Shift + (arrow up) or (arrow
down).
Click the mouse on the row marking (this is the small block at the beginning of each row)
and the row will change to blue.
Canceling a selection: press Esc or click once again on the row marking.

To select a group of sequential rows, select the first row and afterwards the last row, while
pressing Shift.

To select multiple rows that are not sequential, select the first row and then every other row
you want to select, while pressing CTRL.

All of the selected rows can be copied, deleted or pasted like in any other Windows
application. This is one way to copy rows from Cutting Optimizer to Excel (or other
applications) and vice versa.

Activate or inactivate columns

It happens regularly that there are more columns or fields of information available than
needed in a particular application environment. In this case, you would like to skip these
unused columns or fields, avoiding unnecessary keystrokes, and eliminating the risk of
entering data in the wrong field. To allow you to increase the input performance, it is possible
to set a column active or inactive. When you are positioned at a column you can, by pressing
the right mouse button and select "hide", make that column inactive. When you select "show"
you will see the entire hidden column. You make them active by selecting the column you
want.

Repeat mode of columns

The repeat mode of a column is a handy tool. If you want the contents of a field to be exactly
the same as the field above it in the same column, then all you have to do is press the enter
key. Once you press enter, the contents from the above field will be copied to the field below.

Customizing Cutting Optimizer

Column titles, fonts, sequence of columns and many other features can be customized. Go to
the column title you wish to modify with the mouse cursor and click with your right mouse
button.
 Ardis Optimizer 64

With "Activate" you leave a column visible, but disable it for data entry.

With "Hide" and "Show" you can make a column disappear and appear.

“Properties” is the most important selection. You may change the title, the help text, the
width,… of the columns.

Example: You can compare the total number of required parts and the total number of
produced parts. Go to “View - results – parts” and click the right mouse button on the
columns “Qty” and “Prod”: where you select “properties”. You click in so that a “v”
checkmark appears. The result will be:
 Ardis Optimizer 65

File types in Cutting Optimizer

The system will store all information input by the user in different data files. This means that
information related to a basic material or a machine does not have to be reentered every time.
The processing performed by Cutting Optimizer will be based on the data contained in these
files. There are files containing information related to the required parts and to the basic
materials. There are files containing data related to a certain machine or cutting installation,
as well as files where the installed optimization parameters will be stored. The results of this
optimization will be stored in specific files.

Cutting Optimizer will use these three characters to differentiate the different types of files it
will use. The extensions are as follows:
machine files: .MCH
basic material description files: .STD
required parts description files: .STK
results files: .R41
You will not have to assign an extension to a file name, because Cutting Optimizer will affix
them automatically to the names you give.

Copy of optimization for ARDIS Support

If you have problems with an optimization, it can be useful to send all of the data of the
project to ARDIS. ARDIS will test it. Select "File – send by email” to send ARDIS the files
by the Internet. The “*.cop file” will be shipped to the right office or service. Please give
some explanation: what is the problem, what went wrong,….

Tastenkombinationen
Wenn zwei Tasten durch

Funktions Tasten
F1 Hilfe
F2 Editing fields
 Ardis Optimizer 66

F4 Show lay-outs on screen

F6 Optimieren
F7 Inquiry of overview
F9 Teile eingeben
F10 Enter basic materials
F11 Enter machine parameters

Tastenkombinationen
Strg+N Start a new optimization
Strg+O Open an Optimization file
Strg+S Save an Optimization file
Strg+Z Undo
Strg+X Cut
Strg+C Copy
Strg+V Paste
Strg+I Insert row
Strg+Y Delete row
Strg+F6 Change window
Strg+F8 Copy previous
Strg+F9 Insert parts template
Alt+F4 Close program
Alt+F8 Copy previous down
Alt+Enter Project properties
Strg+ Goto the next tree view item or go to the next tabbed window in a dialog
Ctrl+PgUp Goto the previous tree view item or go to the previous tabbed window in a dialog
In help text or in the inquiry of the optimization results
(arrow left) (arrow right) Move cursor one place left or right in field
(arrow up) (arrow down) Move cursor one field down or up in column
Backspace Remove letter in front of cursor
Delete Remove letter behind cursor
End Go to the end of the field
Enter Jump to the following active field
Esc Annul input and selections
Home Go to the beginning of the field
Insert Switch between overwrite mode and insert mode
PgDn Move cursor one page down in column
PgUp Move cursor one page up in column
Shift+Tab Jump to previous field
Space bar Toggle through the available choices
Tab Jump to the next field
 Ardis Optimizer 67

Schlussfolgerung
Nun, da Sie diese kleine Einführung hinter sich gebracht haben, sind Sie mit den wichtigsten
Funktionen des Programms vertraut. Wir empfehlen Ihnen dieses so schnell wie möglich an
echten Daten auszuprobieren. Viel Erfolg!
 Ardis Optimizer 68

Benutzeranleitung
Einführung
Im ersten Teil dieses Handbuches, sind die elementarsten Funktionen von Cutting Optimizer
erklärt worden. Wir gehen davon aus, dass sie sich mit der allgemein Bedienung des
Programms auskennen, Sie mit der Verwendung des Pull Down Menüs vertraut sind und die
Cursor- Navigation kennen.

In diesem Kapitel werden die Funktionalitäten des Programms detailliert und alle
verfügbaren Zusatzmodule einzeln erklärt.

Alphabetisches Register
Falls Sie auf der Suche nach einer bestimmten Funktion sind empfehlen wir Ihnen, das
Alphabetische Register am Ende dieses Kapitels zu konsultieren.

Tipps
In diesem Teil werden Sie mehrere Empfehlungen erhalten, wie Sie am besten mit diesem
Programm arbeiten können. Sie finden Vorschläge, welche die betreffenden Entscheidungen
für Sie erleichtern. Diese wertvollen Tipps werden Ihnen helfen, Cutting Optimizer in der
kürzest möglichen Zeit an Ihr eigenes Arbeitsumfeld anzupassen und den maximalen Nutzen
zu erreichen.

Hilfe
An dieser Stelle weisen wir erneut auf die implementierte Hilfe-Funktion hin.
F1 öffnet ein kontextsensitives Hilfsfenster: Sie erhalten Hilfestellungen zum aktuell
ausgewählten Feld
F1 in der Baumstruktur zeigt allgemeine Informationen zum gewählten Objekt an
Hilfe - Hilfethemen öffnet das Hauptfenster der Hilfefunktion
Sie können die Hilfe Funktion entweder durch bloßes drücken von F1 aufrufen, oder den
Mauszeiger zuerst in das entsprechende Feld bewegen.

Falls Sie zusätzliche Funktionen benötigen

Wenn, Sie bei der Arbeit mit dem Programm merken, daß Sie irgendeine Funktionalität
nutzen könnten, die Ihre Version von Cutting Optimizer nicht eingeschlossen ist,
verständigen Sie einfach Ihren Händler. Er wird ihnen gerne Details über das betreffende
Modul geben, damit Sie sich überlegen können das Modul einzusetzen. In jedem Fall werden
wir dankbar sein, wenn Sie das Auswertungs-Formular ausfüllen, und an uns zurückschicken.
 Ardis Optimizer 69

Versionen
Sie können sich zwischen folgenden Versionen unseres Produkts entscheiden und diese
gegebenenfalls durch Zusatzmodule erweitern.

0.1 Starter Cutting

Mit dieser Version können Sie kleinere Optimierungen erledigen. Funktionsumfang: wenige
Teile, Schnittpläne ausdrucken, fixe Optimierungskriterien, max. 45 verschiedene bzw.
insgesamt 135 Teile fixierter Größe pro Liste, Menge und Bemerkungen für Teile, eine
Plattengröße inkl Saumschnitt und Sägeblattstärke.

0.2 Basic Cutting

Mit dieser Version können Sie kleinere Optimierungen erledigen. Funktionsumfang: wenige
Teile, Schnittpläne ausdrucken, fixe Optimierungskriterien, max. 50 verschiedene bzw.
insgesamt 500 Teile fixierter Größe pro Liste, Menge und Bemerkungen für Teile, zwei
Plattengrößen inkl Saumschnitt und Sägeblattstärke.

A. Easy Optimizer
Die Optimierung sorgt für eine maximale Materialausnutzung. Funktionsumfang: wenige
Teile, Schnittpläne ausdrucken, fixe Optimierungskriterien, max. 100 Teile fixierter Größe,
Menge und Bemerkungen für Teile, fünf Plattengrößen inkl Saumschnitt und Sägeblattstärke.

B. Cutting Optimizer Version I

Die erste Version des Cutting Optimizer optimiert ausschließlich Materialausnutzung bzw.
minimiert Ihren Verschnitt. Alle Ausgangsmaterialien werden unabhängig von Ihrer Größe
als äquivalent angesehen was die Kosten pro Quadratmeter angeht angesehen. Teile können
mit ihrer Maserunsgrichtung eingegeben werden, es steht Ihnen ein 15-Stelliges
Bezeichnungsfeld und ein 60-Stelliges Bemerkungsfeld pro Teil sowie ein zusätzliches
Bemerkungsfeld pro Platte zur Verfügung. Jede Platte kann inklusive Beschreibung,
Maserung, und Saum für jede Kante eingegeben werden. Die Komplexität Ihrer Schnittpläne
kann durch eine Limitierung der Anzahl erlaubten Ebenen erreicht werden. Eine weitere
wichtige Funktionalität ist die Möglichkeit, die vom Programm ausgegebenen Berichte
individuell anzupassen.

C. Cutting Optimizer Version II

Diese Version optimiert nicht nur die reine Materialausnutzung, sondern berücksichtigt
ebenfalls die Kosten der verschiedenen Platten. Diese Kosten können je nach Bedarf in /m²
oder /square foot ausgedrückt werden. Außerdem können Sie den Preis pro Fläche von
wiederverwertbaren Reststücken in Funktion von deren Größen eingeben.
 Ardis Optimizer 70

D. Cutting Optimizer Version III

Diese Version optimiert nicht nur die Materialkosten, sondern auch die Arbeitskosten. Der
Benutzer kann verschiedenen Parameter einstellen, die die Kosten eines jeden Schnitts
bestimmen sollen. Materialausnutzung sowie Arbeitskosten werden bei der Optimierung
berücksichtigt.

E. Längenoptimierung
Diese Version ist speziell auf 1 dimensionale Materialien wie Balken oder Formteile
ausgelegt.

F. Längenoptimierung
siehe E., aber mit Optimierungsalgorhitmus B, C oder D

Sortieren

Sie können entscheiden, wie eine solche Liste sortiert werden soll. Klicken Sie dazu mit der
rechten Maustaste in das entsprechende Feld und wählen Sie die Option "Sortieren". Wählen
Sie die gewünschte Kolonne und das entsprechende Kriterium (absteigend oder aufsteigend)
aus. Es ist auch möglich mehrere Kolonnen beim sortieren zu berücksichtigen.

Aufstellen einer Formel

Der Formel Generator ist eine in den Ardis Cutting Optimizer integriertes Tool, welches es
Ihnen ermöglicht den Inhalt von Feldern durch Formeln zu berechnen. Klicken Sie dazu mit
der rechten Maustaste in das betreffende Feld und wählen Sie "Formel". Das sich öffnende
Fenster bietet Ihnen einen Überblick über die bestehenden Funktionen sowie Variablen.
Einige häufig benutzte Operatoren haben einen eigenen Button spendiert bekommen.
 Ardis Optimizer 71

Sie stellen die Formel im oberen Teil des Fensters zusammen. Wenn Sie dies erledigt haben,
klicken Sie auf OK und Ihre Formel wird in diesem Feld erscheinen.

Falls Sie bestehende Daten verwenden möchten, beginnen Sie die Formel mit dem = Zeichen.
Der Wert des Feldes wird direkt berechnet (z.B. =L*B zeigt eine Zahl an, das Produkt aus
Länge und Breite).

Falls Sie Namen oder Wörter eingeben wollen, beginnen Sie Ihre Formel nicht mit einem =
Zeichen.Die Berechnung wird erst später durchgeführt (z.B. "Länge" zeigt das Wort Länge in
dem betreffenden Feld an).

Basis Prinzipien zur Auftstellung einer Formel

Die von Ardis verwendete Syntax ist der der BASIC Programmiersprache sehr ähnlich. Eine
Formel ist eine Sequenz aus Operationen mit Textbausteinen und Zahlen, die jedoch nicht
gemischt werden können. Das Wort "Optimizer" können Sie beispielsweise nicht mit 2.54
multiplizieren.

Konzept
Operationen können mit konstanten sowie variablen Textbausteinen und Zahlen ausgeführt
werden.

Numerische konstanten
z.B.
5
8.75
 Ardis Optimizer 72

-1

Textbausteine
"Textbaustein"

Wenn sie einen Textbaustein eingeben, müssen Sie diese Sequenz alphanumerischer
Charaktere durch "" oder '' markieren. "Dies ist eine Textbaustein" gibt das gleiche Resultat
wie 'Dies ist ein Textbaustein'. Falls Sie " oder ' innerhalb der Sequenz verwenden möchten,
müssen Sie die jeweils andere Markierung zur Abgrenzung der Sequenz verwenden.

Hilfsvariablen
Sie können Ihre Arbeit erleichtern, in dem Sie das Resultat einer Rechnung oder einen
bestimmten Wert durch eine Variable repräsentieren lassen. Der Wert einer Variablen kann
beliebig oft geändert werden. Beispiele:
VAR1
VARIABLE
SCHUBLADEN
LÄNGE
BREITE
Der Name einer Variablen beginnt immer mit einem Buchstaben auf den dann weitere
Buchstaben und/oder Zahlen folgen. Der Typ einer Variablen wird festgelegt, sobald sie an
einen bestimmten Wert gebunden wird.
X = 5.6 => X ist eine Zahl
Y = "TEXT" => Y ist eine Buchstabenkette (String)
Sie können eine Variable explizit als String ausweisen, in dem Sie das Dollar Zeichen
anhängen z.B. REF$ = "REFERENCE".

Sobald eine Variable an eine Zahl gebunden ist, kann sie nicht mehr als String benutzt
werden und umgekehrt.

TEST = 5: TEST = "TEST" => funktioniert nicht

Sie können Ihre eigenen Variablen erstellen. Diese Werten anfangs an den Wert "0"
gebunden sein.

Reservierte Variablen
Abhängig vom Kontext, reserviert der Cutting Optimizer bestimmte Namen für vordefinierte
Variablen. Man unterscheidet zwischen drei Sorten:
Berechnung innerhalb eine Teile-Datei
Globale Berechnung der Teile
Berichte
Cutting Optimizer errechnet diese Variablen. Sie können Sie benutzen, die jeweiligen Werte
jedoch nicht ändern.
 Ardis Optimizer 73

Symbole und Operatoren

Zwischen mehreren Instruktionen
Mehrere Befehle auf der selben Linie werden durch ein ":" voneinander getrennt.

z.B.: LENGTH = 150: WIDTH = 68: QUANTITY = 300

Die Instruktionen werden von links nach rechts abgearbeitet.

Klammern
Sie können auf Klammern zurück greifen um die Reihenfolge der Rechenoperationen zu
beeinflussen.
A=2+3*5
A wird an den Wert 17 gebunden, da die Multiplikation Priorität vor der Addition hat.
A = (2 + 3) * 5
A wird an den Wert 25 gebunden, da die Zahlen in den Klammern zuerst addiert werden.

Jede geöffnete Klammer muss auch wieder geschlossen werden.

Gegenbeispiel: B = (2 + 3) * (5 + 9 / (9 + 3)

Basis Operationen
Zahl1 + Zahl2: Addiert zwei Werte oder String1 + String2: verknüpft
+
zwei Strings (z.B. "ZU" + "SAMMEN" ergibt "ZUSAMMEN")
- Zahl1 - Zahl2: Von Zahl1 wird die Zahl2 subtrahiert
* Zahl1 * Zahl2: Multipliziert zwei Werte
/ Zahl1 / Zahl2: Dividiert zwei Werte
^ Zahl ^ Exponent: Potenzrechnen (2^3 ergibt 8)
SQRT SQRT Zahl: Berechnet die Quadratwurzel einer Zahl
Zahl1 == Zahl2 bzw. String1 == String2 ergibt 1 wenn beide Werte
==
identisch sind und 0 wenn nicht (z.B. 3 == 1 + 2 ergibt 1)
Zahl1 <> Zahl2 bzw. String1 <> String2: ergibt 1 wenn beide Werte
<>
verschieden sind und 0 wenn nicht (3 <> 1 + 2 ergibt 0)
Zahl1 < Zahl2 bzw. String1 < String2: Ergibt 1 wenn Zahl1/String1
<
kleiner als Zahl2/String2 ist
Zahl1 > Zahl2 bzw. String1 > String2: Ergibt 1 wenn Zahl1/String1
>
größer als Zahl2/String2 ist
Zahl1 >= Zahl2 bzw. String1 >= String2: Ergibt 1 wenn
<=
Zahl1/String1 kleiner oder gleich als Zahl2/String2 ist
Zahl1 >= Zahl2 bzw. String1 >= String2: Ergibt 1 wenn
>=
Zahl1/String1 größer oder gleich als Zahl2/String2 ist
expr1 AND expr2: Ergibt nur dann 1, wenn beide Expressionen wahr
AND
sind
 Ardis Optimizer 74

expr1 OR expr2: Ergibt 1 wenn eine der beiden Expressionen wahr

OR
ist
Zahl1 = Zahl2 bzw. String1 = String2: Kopiert den Wert von
Zahl2/String2 auf Zahl1/String1
= A = 5.6 der Variablen A wird der Wert 5.6 zugeordnet
C = A + 3 der Variablen C wird der Wert 5.6+3=8.6 zugeordnet
B = "TEXT" das Word "TEXT" wird der Variablen B zugeordnet

Abkürzungen
$(docpath) Pfad des Dokuments nach DOS Regeln
$(DocLongPath) Pfad des Dokuments (inkl. langer Dateinamen)
$(DocDir) Folder (drive letter + sub-directory + ) of the document
$(DocName) Base name of the document (max. 8 characters)
$(DocExt) Endung (z.B. R41) des Dokuments
$(DocTitle) Title (base name + extension) of the document
Path name of the definition file (normally DEF.CO)
$(DEFCO)
needed for Cutting Optimizer's DOS-based modules
Folder name (drive letter + sub-directory + ) where the
$(AppDir)
application was installed (default C:ARDIS)
Folder name (drive letter + sub-directory + ) where the
$(WinDir) Windows operating system was installed (e.g.
C:WINDOWS)
Folder name (drive letter + sub-directory + ) of the
$(DEFCODir)
definition file (DEF.CO)
$(TemplDir) Template folder (with trailing '\')
$(WinTmpDir) Windows temporary folder name (with trailing '\')
Settings folder with trailing '\'
$(StsDir)
(default=Ardis\data\templates\)
My documents folder name with trailing '\' (e.g.
$(MyDocDir)
C:\Documents and Settings\User\My documents\)
Folder name for default COWIN.INI usually C:Documents
$(MyStsDir)
and SettingsusernameApplication DataArdis

Funktionen
INT Zahl: Nimmt den ganzen Teil einer reellen Zahl
INT
(INT 8.5 ergibt 8)
string IS wildcard: returns 1 when string matches
wildcard (*, ?)
IS(string;wildcard1;wildcard2;...): returns offset of
IS
wildcard matching string
IS(number;choice1;choice2;...): returns offset of first
choice matching number
 Ardis Optimizer 75

ISBETWEEN(value;minvalue;limit1[;limit2;...]): returns
1 if (numeric or alphanumeric) value >= minvalue and
ISBETWEEN
value <= limit1 or the index when of the first limit when
using more limits
ISEMPTY string: returns 1 if string is empty or contains
ISEMPTY
only spaces, otherwise returns 0
ISNOTEMPTY string: returns 0 if string is empty or
ISNOTEMPTY
contains only spaces, otherwise returns 1
LICENSE "module": returns 1 if module is licensed,
LICENSE
otherwise 0
expr IF condition: returns expr if condition is true,
otherwise null, ("ARDIS" if (1 + 1 == 2) results ARDIS)
IF (condition;true;false)
IF IF(condition1; true1; condition2; true2; ... ; false) = case
statement
Never use a action command inside the IF, use e.g. MSG
IF (a > 1000 ; "big" ; "small") instead
VAL string: results the number represented in the string
Example="Ardis 7.35" : VAL (Example right 4) results
7.35
VAL VAL("" ; "") or VAL("date" ; "format"): returns the
number of secs elapsed since 1970, format can be "%c"
or "%d-%m-%y %H:%M:%S", when format is empty the
format "DDMMYY" is used
string SUBSTR index => string from position index
(starting with 1)
SUBSTR (string;index;length) => string from position
index with max. length characters
string SUBSTR keyword => value after keyword= in
string
SUBSTR
string SUBSTR "": folder name
string SUBSTR "*": base name
string SUBSTR ".": file extension
string SUBSTR "*": folder + name
string SUBSTR "*.": name+extension
SUBSTR(string ; beginchar [; eindchar])
string SUBFIELD index: returns substring from semi-
colom delimited field ("Name;address;city" SUBFIELD 2
SUBFIELD returns 'address'), or SUBFIELD (string ; index ;
delimiterstring) where delimiterstring can be 1 (=exact
match) on more characters (=token parser)
LEN string: gives the number of the characters in the
LEN string
Example="Ardis 7.35" : LEN Example results 10
string LEFT index: takes the first index characters of the
LEFT
string
 Ardis Optimizer 76

Example="Ardis 7.35" : (Example left 3) results "Ard"

string RIGHT index: takes the last index characters of the
RIGHT string
Example="Ardis 7.35" : Example RIGHT 2 results 35
number ROUND factor: rounds a number to its integer
ROUND (number [; factor [ ; limit]]
ROUND 4.3 = 4
ROUND 6.5 ROUND 1 = 7
6.55 ROUND 0.1 = 6.6
ROUND (7.2 ; 1 ; 0) = 7 rounds to its lower integer
ROUND (7.2 ; 10 ; 10) = 10 rounds to its higher ten
RTRIM string: omits the trailing spaces at the end of a
RTRIM string
Example="ARDIS " : RTRIM Example is "ARDIS"
LTRIM LTRIM "string": returns the string without leading spaces
string REPEAT index: results the string index times ("*"
REPEAT 5 results "*****")
REPEAT("format";times):concatenates C-formatting
REPEAT
"format" a number of times
REPEAT("format";start;end;step):concatenates C-
formatting "format" from start to end with step times
CHR value: results the string corresponding the given
CHR
ASCII value (CHR 65 results "A")
ASC string: gives the ASCII code of the first characer in
ASC
the string (ASC "A" results 65)
BC (string;"39";extended;checkdigit): returns string
BC
barcode format including * and checkdigit if necessary
number1 MOD number2: remainder (modulo) when
dividing number1 by number2 (e.g. 10 MOD 3 results 1)
MOD MOD(number; modulo; FactorOdd; FactorEven):
remainder (modulo < 0=reverse remainder) on sum of
digits e.g. MOD(number;-10;3;1)
MIN (item1 ; item2 ; ...) or MIN "item1;item2;..." :
results the smallest item in case of numbers or the lowest
MIN alphabetic string in case of strings
MIN(4;5;6;3;8) returns 3
MIN "Cutting;Basic;Easy;Starter" returns Basic
MAX (item1 ; item2 ; ...) or MAX "item1;item2;..." :
results the highest item in case of numbers or the highest
MAX alphabetic string in case of strings
MAX(4;5;6;3;8) returns 8
MAX "Cutting;Basic;Easy;Starter" returns Starter
string1 INSTR string2: returns the (first) occurrence of
INSTR string2 in string1 ("ARDIS" INSTR "D" returns 3)
INSTR("string";"keyword";"delimiter"): searches (first)
 Ardis Optimizer 77

occurrence of keyword in delimited string

FRACTION number: gives the fraction representation of
a number (FRACTION 1.25 results 1 1/4)
FRACTION
number FRACTION denominator: gives the fraction
representation with maximum denominator
delimiter to separate the parameters in a parameter list
;
(see Macros)
TITLE fieldname: returns the field's title in the current
TITLE
language
SUCC "ID": returns the next higher integer value for this
type of number
SUCC("ID" ; 1): resets the counter and returns 1
SUCC
SUCC ("ID" ; -1): returns last used value
SUCC ("ID" ; MaxValue): returns the next higher integer
with overflow check
TEXT fieldname: returns the field's value in the current
TEXT
language
QUOTE "string": returns the string with a leading and
QUOTE trailing quote (double or single depending on what's
already used in the string)
REPLACE ("string" ; "textsearch" ; "textreplace"):
replaces all "textsearch" by "textreplace" in "string"
REPLACE
e.g.REPLACE ("*ARDIS*" ; "*" ; "+") results
"+ARDIS+"
Goniometric functions SIN, COS, TAN, COT in degrees,
SIN and inversed functions ARCSIN, ARCCOS, ARCTAN,
ARCCOT
Goniometric functions SIN, COS, TAN, COT in degrees,
COS and inversed functions ARCSIN, ARCCOS, ARCTAN,
ARCCOT
Goniometric functions SIN, COS, TAN, COT in degrees,
TAN and inversed functions ARCSIN, ARCCOS, ARCTAN,
ARCCOT
Goniometric functions SIN, COS, TAN, COT in degrees,
COT and inversed functions ARCSIN, ARCCOS, ARCTAN,
ARCCOT
Goniometric functions SIN, COS, TAN, COT in degrees,
ARCSIN and inversed functions ARCSIN, ARCCOS, ARCTAN,
ARCCOT
Goniometric functions SIN, COS, TAN, COT in degrees,
ARCCOS and inversed functions ARCSIN, ARCCOS, ARCTAN,
ARCCOT
Goniometric functions SIN, COS, TAN, COT in degrees,
ARCTAN
and inversed functions ARCSIN, ARCCOS, ARCTAN,
 Ardis Optimizer 78

ARCCOT
Goniometric functions SIN, COS, TAN, COT in degrees,
ARCCOT and inversed functions ARCSIN, ARCCOS, ARCTAN,
ARCCOT
STR number: converts number to string
number STR dec: formats number with 'dec' decimals
number STR -1: formats number to string, if zero then
empty string
number STR "C-formatting style"
string STR "#number": left (or right if number < 0) aligns
STR
string upto 'number' characters
string STR "#0number": right aligns integer with leading
zeroes
"Text" STR "A" results upper case "TEXT"
"Text" STR "a" results lower case "text"
STR(item1;item2;...)
DATE: returns current date
DATE datefield: formats dates using document settings
DATE
datefield DATE "format": formats date using C-format
string (e.g. "%d/%m/%y")
TIME: returns current time
TIME timefield: formats times using document settings
TIME
timefield TIME "format": formats time using C-format
string (e.g. %H:%M:%S)
SUM "expr": expr is evaluated for all records (in a group)
and the results are totalized (SUM "PartProd" result the
total parts production)
SUM "expr" SUM "delimiter": totalizes all subvalues of the
delimited expression (e.g. "1;2;3" SUM ";" results 6)
SUM: returns number of records in table
SUM("expr";"condition")
string1 VAR string2: results "string1=EVAL(string2)"
VAR
(e.g. "L" VAR "500*2" results "L=1000")
ASKPATH ("default path name or wild card" ; "dialog
ASKPATH title" [;"delimiter"]): asks the user to select one file or
more files when delimiter is specified (e.g. ";")
DIR "dirwildcard.ext" or DIR ("path" ; "wildcard" ; "ext"
DIR [; "delimiter"] ) returns all files matching the wild card in
a delimited string
INPUT ("Title" [; "Default Value" ] ): asks the user to
INPUT
enter some data
EVAL "expr": evaluates the expression and gives the
EVAL result (EVAL PartCalc evaluates the parts calculation
line)
EXIST EXIST string: results 1 if string is representing the path
 Ardis Optimizer 79

name of a existing file or folder (EXIST

"c:ardisCOWIN.EXE" results 1)
DELFILE DELFILE "file path": Deletes a file
CopyFile ("source";"destination" ;1 ): copies source file
to destination folder or destination full path name.
COPYFILE ;1=optional to move the file(s) instead of copying
COPYFILE ( "source path or wildcard" ;
"COM1;9600;0;8;0;1" ) copies file(s) to serial receiver
PATH("folder";"name";"extension"): builds path name
with specified components
PATH
"$(DocDir)";"$(DocName)";"$(DocExt)" are valid
substitutions
FIELD ("table name" ; "field name")
FIELD ("table name" ; record number ; "field name"):
gets the current value of a table's field
FIELD ("table name" ; "condition"; "field name")
"field name" FIELD offset: gets the field's value of the
'offset' previous(-) or next(+) record
FIELD("path.INI";"section";"key"): returns the value of
FIELD
.INI parameter
FIELD("path.INI";"section";"key" ; "newvalue"): replaces
value of .INI parameter with new value
FIELD "%EnvironmentVariable%": gets the value for the
requested environment variable (e.g. %USERNAME%)
FIELD ("RegistryItem" [;"newvalue"]): retrieves or
changes registry value
FUNCTION ( functionname [; param1 [; param2
FUNCTION [;param3 ] ... ] ] ): makes a function expression with the
given parameters as string
XOR integer1 XOR integer2: bitwise XOR of the 2 numbers
READ ("FileName" [; line or "condition" [;
maxNofRows] ] ) or READ ("Connection String" ;
"query"): the resulting string delimits the fields with TAB
(=CHR 9) and the records with NewLine (=CHR 10)
READ
"condition": returns all lines of a file matching the
condition
READ ("Connection String") retrieves list of tables in
database
ISNEWER ("filepath1" ; "filepath2"): return 1 if filepath1
ISNEWER
if newer than filepath2, otherwise 0
MatList ["formula to filter to materials"]: returns the list
MATLIST of current materials in ; separated format, optional filter
with variable MATERIAL
EdgeList ["formula to filter to edges"]: returns the list of
EDGELIST
current edges in ; separated format, optional filter with
 Ardis Optimizer 80

variable EdgeID or EdgeCorr\rEDGELIST ("STR -

EdgeCorr IF EdgeID IS 'L'") return the thickness of edge
L\rEDGELIST ("EdgeID IF EdgeCorr IS 0") return a list
of edges defined without thickness
GetMatThick "Materialname": returns the first matching
GETMATTHICK
SheetThick from the material list

Format numbers and strings

With the STR function in the form of
variable STR "formatting style"
you can format number or strings into the desired output
formatting
description example example output
style
formats number with dec
dec 5.22 STR 1 5.2
decimals
formats number to string, if zero
-1 45.23 STR -1 45.23
then empty string
formats number with dec
"width
decimal positions, right aligned 45.23 STR "6.2" 45.23
.dec "
at width positions
formats number with dec
"0width decimal positions, right aligned
45.23 STR "06.2" 045.23
.dec " at width positions width leading
zeroes
converts all characters to upper
"A" "ardis" STR "A" ARDIS
case characters
converts all characters to lower
"a" "Ardis" STR "a" ardis
case characters
formats number as currency,
with decimals defined in Project
"c" or "C" 45.233 STR "c" 45.23
properties - Local settings -
Costs
formats number as date, with
style defined in Project
"d" "290208" STR "d" 29/02/2008
properties - Local settings - Date
output format
formats seconds as time, with
style defined in Project (1*60*60+59*60+59) STR
"t" 1:59:59
properties - Local settings - "t"
Time format
"m" or formats string as material: left
"MEL18" STR "m" MEL18
"M" aligned, without conversion
"e" or "E" formats string as edge: left "PVC2" STR "e" PVC2
 Ardis Optimizer 81

aligned, without conversion

formats number as length, with
decimals defined in Project
"l" or "L" 45.233 STR "l" 45.2
properties - Local settings -
Length
formats number as length, with
"w" or decimals defined in Project
45.233 STR "w" 45.2
"W" properties - Local settings -
Width
formats number as thickness
value, with decimals defined in
"T" 45.233 STR "T" 45.2
Project properties - Local
settings - Thickness
formats number as height value,
with decimals defined in Project
"h or "H" 45.233 STR "h" 45.2
properties - Local settings -
Height
formats number as square value,
with decimals defined in Project
"s" or "S" 1.235 STR "s" 1.24
properties - Local settings -
Square
left align string at width
"<width " ("ardis" STR "<6") + "*" ardis *
positions with trailing spaces
right align string at width
">width " "ardis" STR ">6" ardis
positions with leading spaces
left align string at width
"#width " ("ardis" STR "#6") + "*" ardis *
positions with leading spaces
right align string at width
"#-width " "ardis" STR "#-6" ardis
positions with trailing spaces
formats numbers following
column type styling rules
"#c " codes: c, C, d, D, t, T, m, M, e, "290208" STR "#d" 29/02/2008
E, l, L, w, W, h, H, s, S (see
above)
formats number with dec
decimal positions, right aligned
at width positions (C-formatting
"%width
style) 45.23 STR "%6.2lf" 45.23
.dec lf"
see at
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-
us/library/56e442dc(VS.71).aspx
formats numbers in form
"20080221170932" STR 21/02/2008
"D" YYYYMMDDHHMMSS as
"D" 17:09:32
date + time
 Ardis Optimizer 82

"X" or formats a number in its

"65535" STR "X" FFFF
"Xpos" hexadecimal notation

Macro Befehle
WAIT (Sekunden [; "Bedingung" [ ; "Nachricht"] ] ):
WAIT Ardis Optimizer wartet "Sekunden", bis "Bedingung"
wahr wird oder Esc gedrückt wird.
LABEL(LayNo;PartNo;Copies;PartL;PartW
[;ReportName [;Resultformula ] ]): prints parts/size
LABEL
label (PartNo>0=PartNumber, PartNo=-1:Size label,
PartNo=-2=Rest label)
Wizard WIZARD: startet den Optimierungs Assistenten
Axis(id;value;status) where id:1=parallel axis, 2=saw
Axis blade height, 3=saw blade angle, 4=angle axis. Used
for external communication with sliding table saws
REPORT ("report name" ; "filter" ; "multiplier" ;
REPORT
"printer name" ; "DocTitle" ): printing defined report
EXPORT ("report name";"filter";"export file"):
EXPORT
exporting a report to a text file
RESULT
RESULT ("Summary";"Layouts";"Parts";"Sheets";"Edges"): print
defined results grids
RUN ("application path";"arguments"): run external
RUN
application
CALL ("application path";"arguments"): run external
CALL
application and wait until application has been ended.
RUNLINK ("machine link name" ; "COINIPath" ;
"/EDIT=1" ; "/MACH=machine name"): transform
current results to machine format, optionally using
RUNLINK
specified non-default CO.INI parameters set
RUNLINK "*": executes all post-processors to be used
for the project's patterns (same as Shift+F6)
Open "file path.R41": opens project (result) file as
current project
Open "file path.STK"
Open "file path.STD"
Open "file path.MCH": Adds new or existing parts
(*.STK), sheets (*.STD) or machine parameter
OPEN (*.MCH) file to the current project
Open "file path.RPT":
adds report definition
Open ("file path.xxx"; "template.STK"): imports a file
with a foreign file format using a template
OPEN ("file name" ; "STK" ; ADODB ; ADOQuery)
OPEN ( "" ; "R41") or OPEN ( "" ; "default.r41") starts
 Ardis Optimizer 83

a new project with requested template

SAVE: saves all changes of the current project
SAVE "path.r41": saves project with another name
SAVE "[folder\]name.COP": saves project in a
SAVE
compressed file
SAVE "[folder\]name.XML": saves project in XML
format
ReplaceByValue: replaces the parts formulas by its
ReplaceByValue
current value
OPTIMIZE Optimize current project
PartQty 0:Subtract part production from part quantity
PartQty
field, PartQty 1:Add part production to part 'done' field
SheetQty: subtract sheets production from sheets
SheetQty
quantity in stock
RestToSheet or RestToSheet "sheet file name":
RestToSheet
generates rest parts as sheets for later use
RestToPart [ ( "PatternFilter" [;"Restfilter] ) ] :
RestToPart
converts re-usable off-cuts to parts
RestToScrap [ ( "PatternFilter" [;"Restfilter] ) ]:
RestToScrap transforms all off-cuts to scrap or only those that match
the filter
StripBridge: maximizes strip bridging over same length
strips in the patterns
StripBridge (value [;min level [;max level
StripBridge
[;layfilter]]]):strip bridging over different length strips
with at most 'value' difference on cutting levels min. to
max. and for patterns matching layfilter
SheetSize ("FormNewLength" ; "FormNewWidth" ;
"PatternFilter"): changes the sheet size of (filtered)
SheetSize
patterns by means of formulas the calculate a pattern's
new length and width
LaySelect "condition" : deletes all patterns where
LaySelect
condition is false
LayTurnDir ["condition"] : turns the first strip direction
LayTurnDir for patterns when condition is true or for all patterns
when no condition is specified
MergeFillerPart 0: fills 'Done' field of normal parts
with available filler parts (input data)
MergeFillerPart
MergeFillerPart 1: adjusts used filler parts with new
produced filler parts
TrimToScrap: converts rip and cross cut level trim as
TrimToScrap separate scrap strip
TrimToScrap ( min. cutting level ; max. cutting level )
Sort SORT ("field1;ASC;NUM" ; "field2;DESC" ; ...):
 Ardis Optimizer 84

sorting patterns on criteria

SORT ("*.STK";"field1" ; ...)
SORT ("name.STD";"field1";...)
SORTOPT ("field1;ASC;NUM" ; "field2;DESC" ; ...):
SortOpt
sorting patterns on criteria + optimized part sequence
BUNDLE (maximum bookheight;"field1;A;N" ;
"field2;D" ; ...): bundles (grouping) patterns on criteria
(no sorting!) e.g. Bundle (180 ; "SheetNo;A;N") to
group pattern sizes per book of 180 mm
Bundle
BUNDLE: without parameter creates for a pattern for
each book
BUNDLE bookheight or "formula": split sheets from
each pattern per book of max. bookheight
ACTIVATE "Application title": activates the
Activate application or ACTIVATE: activates Cutting Optimizer
to the foreground
Hide "WindowName":mininizes request windows or
Hide
Hide:minimizes Cutting Optimizer
MSG "message": shows a dialog message box on the
screen with the message, MSG("message";MB_style)
Msg
where MB_style:0=OK, 4=YESNO returns 6 when
clicked Yes, 7 when clicked No
AddPart "parts file name": Adds previously opened
AddPart
parts file to the project with new name
InsPart: Insert perviously opened parts into the project's
current parts file
InsPart
INSPART "parts file name" : insert a parts calculation
into a defined parts file
OpenPart "full path name of parts file or template":
OpenPart
Load parts file for editing
INSERT "*.STK": inserts a parts file into the current
parts file
INSERT "*.STD": inserts a basic material file into the
Insert
current basic material list
INSERT ("current.STD" ; "importfile" ; "updatekey"):
updates the current sheets file with updated values
ShowQuestions: Displays the questions of a previously
ShowQuestions
opened parts template in a modal dialog window
MergeQuestions: questions already existing in the
MergeQuestions question list of the project's current parts file are used
for default answering
Exit: Closes the project and exits the application
Exit
EXIT 0: exists COWIN without saving documents
Break Break or Break condition: quits current macro or go to
 Ardis Optimizer 85

the next 'breakend'

Macro "macroname": executes all commands defined
in the macroname.MCO file
Macro
Macro
("macroname";"parameters";"varname"[;"delimiter"]):
repeats calling the sub-macro for each subfield in
parameters using varname
SynchRes: copies the parts, sheets and edges input
SynchRes
tables to the result tables
SET ("File name.ext" or "R41 tablename"
;"variable";"new value or =formula" [ ; startrecno [ ;
endrecno]] ): changes the value of a parameter in the
Set file
SET("variable";"new value"): changes a project's
parameter value e.g. SET ("OptparRemark" ; "Project's
remark")
EXCLUDE "file name.ext": excludes file from project
(.STK, .STD, .MCH, .RPT) Wildcards (* and ?) are
EXCLUDE allowed (e.g. *.STK=excludes all parts files from
project)
EXCLUDE ("ext" ; index): excludes x-file from project
ProducePart (LayNo;PartNo;Copies;PartL;PartW):
Credits the laypart's production (PrintedLabel) quantity.
ProducePart All next REPORT and EXPORT command works in
this temporary table
ProducePart: removes temporary table
CheckClamps: verify the clamps for the pattern strips
and adjust the strips quantities accordingly
CheckClamps
CheckClamps "layfilter": processes only patterns
matching the condition
SheetLabel ("sheets file" ; "filter" ; "report name" ;
SHEETLABEL
"printer name")
MacroImport ("macroname" ; "ADO connection" ;
"SQLquery"): repeat the sub-macro for each records
giving the field="value" for all fields\r\nMacroImport
("macro name" ; "full path of text file"): iterates each
MacroImport
line in variable IMPORT\r\nMacroImport ("macro
name" ; "XML file" ; "Element1 [; Element2]"):
triggers the macro whenever a defined element has
reached
LayPartOutD: analyzes the number of times a part is
coming lengthwise or crosswise out of the machine
LayPartOutD
LayPartOutD 1: analyzes and separates parts which are
coming out of the machine in both directions
LayStripGroupParts LayStripGroupParts ( max. number of parts ; "strip
 Ardis Optimizer 86

parts filter" [ ; new cutting thickness ; max. scrap

milling distance ; max. scrap distance front ; "lay-out
filter" ] )
STRIPDIV ("condition" ; "L"; "B" [; "condition2" ; "L"
; "B" ; ...] ): divides scrap/rest pieces into smaller
STRIPDIV
pieces on first matching condition and when the result
of the L and B formula is valid
LAYPART ("Bookheight" ; "Sorting criterium"): split
LAYPART or re-sort lay-out parts records to match the cutting
sequence on the machine
LayRestID ( ["OffcutIDFormula"] ; ["LayFilter"] ):
generates (unique) OffcutID in LayPartRemark, default
LayRestID formula=('X' + if(SheetD == 1 ; if (LayPartW >
LayPartL ; 'B' ; 'L') ; LayPartD == 2 ; if (LayPartW >
LayPartL ; 'L' ; 'B')) + ($(No) STR '#06'))
IPC ("file path or wild card" ; "formula" [; NofTimes])
: waits for a existing file matching the wild card and
IPC evaluates the formula for each line of the file
(=AutoSignal), if used NofTimes limits the number of
files to be received
LayPicture ( ["formula subdir"] ; "[formula file name]"
LayPicture ; "file ext" ; ["formula X pixels"] ; ["formula Y pixels"]
; ["layfilter"])

Working with dates

VAL and DATE function allows you the perform basic calculations on date values.

val ("" ; "") returns the current date/time in a number of seconds. If you add the number of
seconds of one day to this, then you get tomorrow's same time.
With the DATE function you can format the value into a date format:
date (val ("" ; "") + 60 * 60 * 24)

Speichern Komprimiert
Speichern aller Projektdateien in einer komprimierten *.cop Datei

Speichern als Vorlage

Speichern als Vorlage für ein Neues Projekt

Speichert alle Einstellungen als DEFAULT.R41, die sich normalerweise im Ordner

c:\ardis\data\templates befindet.

Vorlage zurück setzen

Öffnen Sie ein Projekt (R41)
Entfernen Sie die Ausgangsmaterialdatei(en)
Entfernen Sie die Maschinendatei(en)
 Ardis Optimizer 87

Datei - Speichern als Vorlage (Shift + Strg + S)

Datei - Neu erstellt nun ein neues Projekt mit den von Ihnen definierten Voreinstellungen
Wenn Sie mit diesen Einstellungen zufrieden sind, dann können Sie nun die gewünschten
Maschinen-, Ausgangsmaterial und Kantendateien hinzufügen.
Achten Sie darauf auf Datei - Speichern als Vorlage zu klicken, bevor Sie jeglichen
Optimierungsvorgang durchführen.
VORSICHT
Falls Sie Ihre Projekte in verschiedenen Ordnern abspeichern müssen Sie zum ändern Ihrer
Vorlage gegebenenfalls Kopien ihrer einzelnen Dateien erstellen. Klicken Sie hierzu mit der
rechten Maustaste auf die entsprechende Datei und wählen Sie im Menüpunkt Sichern als
den Ordner Ihrer Vorlage aus.

Löschen alter Optimierungen

In dem Ordner ".../data" können Sie ältere Optimierungen löschen.

Per mail versenden

Versendet alle Daten eines Projektes per E-mail.
 Ardis Optimizer 88

Diese Funtion ist nur verfügbar, wenn ihr E-mail Programm MAPI unterstützt.
Die Datei %windir%\system32\mapi32.dll muss existieren
%windir%\win.ini enthält MAPI=1 in der [MAIL] Sektion
Alternativ können Sie Ihre Projekte komprimiert
(http://development.ardis.be/Word/manualGerman.html#34043 ) abspeichern und diese Datei
manuel an eine E-mail anhängen.

Ansicht
Werkzeugleiste und Statusleiste

Es steht Ihnen frei diese beiden Optionen zu aktivieren, genauere Informationen finden Sie
unter "Wie lerne ich..."

Eingabe und Ergebnis

Hat den gleichen Effekt wie auf die entsprechenden Punkte auf der linken Hälfte des
Bildschirms zu klicken.
 Ardis Optimizer 89

Teile
Hier geben Sie alle für die Produktion Ihrer Teile benötigten Informationen ein.

All diese Informationen werden in einer ASCII Datei abgespeichert. Es ist somit ebenfalls
möglich ASCII Dateien, die von anderen Programmen (z.B. CAD Software oder
Datenbanken) erstellt wurden zu importieren. Die Struktur der von Ardis genutzten ASCII
Dateien finden Sie in den Anhängen.

Bildschirm Layout

In der linken Bildschirmhälfte finden Sie die Namen der von Ihnen verwendeten Dateien
(Plattenmaterial, Teile, Maschinen und Kanten).

Die rechte Bildschirmhälfte ist in drei Bereiche unterteilt:

Oben finden Sie generelle Informationen, die für die gesamte Datei gelten.
In der Mitte befinden sich die genaueren Daten der einzelnen Teile.
Unten finden Sie eine grafische Darstellung.
Für Längenoptimierungen müssen Sie mindestens die Felder Länge und Menge ausfüllen, für
zwei dimensionale Optimierungen muss auch die Breite angegeben werden. Alle anderen
Felder sind optional.

Projektbeschreibung
Diese Feld enthält eine kurze Beschreibung, die für alle Teile in dieser Datei gilt und auch
auf Etiketten gedruckt werden kann.
 Ardis Optimizer 90

Sie können hier beispielsweise die entsprechenden Kundennummern eingeben. Falls Sie
innerhalb der Datei keine verschiedenen Ausgangsmaterialien verwenden, können Sie auch
die verwendeten Platten in diesem Feld vermerken.

Multiplikator
In diesem Feld können Sie angeben wie oft Sie die in der Datei vorhandenen Teile benötigen
(die jeweiligen Mengen der einzelnen Teile werden natürlich trotzdem berücksichtigt). Diese
Funktion ist nützlich, wenn Sie ein Produkt viele male herstellen müssen.

Datum
Das aus 6 Ziffern bestehende Datum in diesem Feld ist rein informativer Natur es sei denn
Sie nutzen eine Datums abhängige Kostenoptimierung. In diesem Fall wird das Datum als
Frist für alle Teile aus der Liste übernommen und hat somit Einfluss auf Ihre Optimierungen.

Bild
Indem Sie mit der rechten Maustaste in das obere Feld einer Teiledatei klicken, können Sie
eine Bilddatei auswählen.

Das Bild wird in der rechten oberen Bildschirmecke angezeigt.

Material
Listen Sie hier das Material auf, aus dem Ihre Teile produziert werden sollen. Wir empfehlen
Ihnen dazu Abkürzungen zu benutzen, die die Sorte, Farbe, Dicke usw. des Materials
beschreiben.

Wenn Sie verschiedene Materialien in einer Teiledatei benutzen müssen, füllen Sie dieses
Feld aus damit der Cutting Optimizer die Teile während des Optimierungsvorgangs
automatisch nach Material sortieren kann.

Wenn Sie in das Feld Material klicken, sehen Sie eine Liste aus der Sie ein Material
auswählen können. Alternativ können Sie auch ein neues Material durch tippen hinzufügen.
 Ardis Optimizer 91

Wenn Sie nur ein Material verwenden, können Sie das Feld auch leer lassen.

R
In diesem Feld können Sie die Richtung der gewünschten Maserung eines Teiles bestimmen.
Wenn Sie die Maserung Ihrer Platten angegeben haben, kann das Programm aus diesen
beiden Informationen schließen, wie das entsprechende Teil angeordnet werden muss.
Folgende Modi stehen zur Auswahl:

Wenn Sie L* oder B* auswählen, wird die Richtung unabhängig von der Maserung der
Platten bestimmt.
L oder L* bedeutet, dass die Maserung der Länge nach verläuft.
B oder B* bedeutet, dass die Maserung der Breite nach verläuft.
G bedeutet, dass die Maserungsrichtung unbedeutend ist, jedoch für alle Teile mit dieser
Option identisch sein muss.
Wenn Sie das Feld leer lassen, wird das Programm die Maserung bei der Optimierung nicht
berücksichtigen.
Wenn es um komplexere Maserungsfiguren (über verschiedene Teile hinaus) geht bezeichnet
B(*) die Richtung innerhalb der Figur und nicht der Platte.

Alle Figuren erhalten als Standard eine längliche Maserung. Siehe

http://development.ardis.be/Word/manualGerman.html#18772

Es ist möglich die Richtung für nur einige Teile in der Datei zu bestimmen.

Länge
Die Länge eines Teils muss nicht zwangsläufig länger als die Breite sein. Manchmal wird die
horizontale Länge als Länge bezeichnet.

Breite
Die Breite eines Teils muss nicht zwangsläufig kürzer als die Länge sein. Manchmal wird die
vertikale Länge als Breite bezeichnet.

Folgende Ausnahmen gilt es zu beachten:

Für eindimensionale Längen Optimierung wird die Breite nicht benutzt.
Bei Zylinder Optimierungen ist die Breite immer gleichbedeutend mit der Höhe des
Zylinders.

Menge
Die Anzahl benötigter Exemplare eines bestimmtes Teils.

Gleich große Teile, die unabhängig voneinander eingegeben werden, werden von dem
Cutting Optimizer auch getrennt voneinander behandelt.

Bei Zylinder Optimierungen kann dieses Feld verschiedenen Bedeutungen haben. Wenn Sie
Zylinder zu Zylindern schneiden, repräsentiert die Menge nur die Anzahl Längen. Wenn Sie
 Ardis Optimizer 92

Teile aus Zylindern schneiden, wird die Menge mit der Länger der Breite des Teils
multipliziert um die erforderliche Menge zu erhalten.

Bezeichnung
In diesem Feld können Sie die Referenz-Nummer, den namen oder eine kurze Beschreibung
des betreffenden Teils eingeben. Diese Referenz kann sowohl auf Ihre Schnittpläne, als auch
auf eventuelle Etiketten gedruckt werden. Dieses Feld enthält manchmal Informationen, die
zur weiteren Verarbeitung des Teils notwendig sind (z.B. die Position im zu produzierenden
Möbelstück).

Bemerkung
Dieses Feld kann zusätzliche Bemerkungen zu den teilen enthalten. Es wird unter Anderem
dann benutzt, wenn das Feld Bezeichnung nicht ausreicht. Der Inhalt dieses Feldes kann
ebenfalls problemlos auf Schnittpläne sowie Etiketten gedruckt werden.

Berechnung
In diesem Feld können Sie Instruktionen und Formeln eingeben. Wählen Sie dazu den Punkt
"Formel" im Kontextmenü aus. Es ist möglich aus Parametern wie Länge, Breite und Menge
andere wie z.B. die Anzahl benötigter Bohrlöcher zu errechnen.

In den Formeln können 2 Arten von Variablen verwendet werden:

reservierte Variablen (die ID finden Sie unter Eigenschaften)
eigene Variablen, die in Echtzeit berechnet werden
"L" repräsentiert beispielsweise die Länge eines Teils, während "B" für die Breite und "A"
für die Anzahl steht.

Bild
Dieses Feld ist das äquivalent des Bild Fensters einer Teiledatei, allerdings bezieht es sich
dieses mal auf ein einzelnes Teil.

1.1 Flexible Mengen (Über- und

Unterproduktion)
Sie können eine minimale und eine maximale Menge für jedes Teil angeben und das als fixe
Zahl oder als Prozentsatz. Der Cutting Optimizer wird die minimal Versorgung immer sicher
stellen und eventuell einige Teile hinzufügen, wenn die Resultate der Optimierung sich
dadurch verbessern. Das von Ihnen eingegebene Maximum wir nie überschritten.

Min A & Max A

In diese Felder können Sie entweder eine natürliche Zahl eingeben, oder von den Operatoren
(/, *, -, oder +) sowie dem Formel-Generator Gebrauch machen. Die Felder können auch leer
 Ardis Optimizer 93

gelassen werden. Der Cutting Optimizer wird die tatsächliche Produktion zwischen diesen
beiden Werten ansetzen.

Das Programm wird niemals mehr Teile einplanen, als Sie in dem Feld Max A angegeben
haben. Bei Teilen mit der Priorität 0 wird Min A niemals unterschritten. Es werden nur dann
mehr Teile als das angegebene Minimum hergestellt, wenn sich die Effizienz Ihrer
Schnittpläne dadurch verbessert. Beispiel: einige Schnittpläne werden durch diese Maßnahme
öfter produziert und daher müssen weniger verschiedene Schnittpläne berücksichtigt werden,
was Ihnen Zeit, die Sie zur Einstellung Ihrer Maschinen brauchen würden, einspart.

Wenn Sie mit umfangreicheren Teile-Listen arbeiten, stellt dieses Modul eine effektive
Möglichkeit dar, die Anzahl der von Ihnen verwendeten Schnittpläne zu reduzieren.

Das Feld Min A wird nur relativ selten benutzt, da das Feld Menge oft als Minimum
angesehen wird.

1.2 Priorität
Dieses Modul erlaubt es Ihnen, für jedes einzelne Teil zwischen 4 verschiedenen
Prioritätsstufen auszuwählen. Teile mit hoher Priorität werden auf jeden Fall produziert.
Teile mit niedriger Priorität hingegen nur, wenn sich ihre Schnittpläne dadurch verbessern.

P
In diesem Feld können Sie die Priorität eines Teils festlegen.
Eine gewisse Anzahl dieser Teile (Min A) muss unbedingt produziert
0 werden. Wenn Sie das Feld P leer lassen, wird der Cutting Optimizer
diese Teile wie Teile mit der Priorität 0 behandeln.
Diese Teile können zusammen mit Priorität 0 Teilen hergestellt werden,
ihre Produktion ist aber nicht unabdingbar. Falls das
1
Optimierungsergebnis davon profitiert, können auch zusätzliche Platten
verwendet werden, um mehr Priorität 1 Teile unter zu bringen.
Diese Teile sind Lückenfüller, sie werden nur dann produziert, wenn sonst
2
keine anderen mit höherer Priorität in eine Lücke passen.
Diese Teile werden ähnlich wie solche mit einer Priorität 2 behandelt. Sie
3
werden dann eingesetzt, wenn keine anderen Teile passen.
Sie sollten vorsichtig sein, wenn Sie ihren teilen eine Priorität zuordnen. Wenn Sie ein von
einem Teil eine minimale Menge benötigen, sollten Sie nur 0 auswählen, da diese Menge
sonst unterschritten werden könnte.

1.3 Effizienz durch Zeitlimit

Sie können für jedes einzelne Teil eine Deadline eingeben, d.h. ein Datum an welchem es auf
jeden Fall fertig gestellt sein muss. In Kombination mit einem anderen Parameter, den
Lagerungskosten, kann der Cutting Optimizer dann einen Kompromiss zwischen effizienter
Materialausnutzung und zusätzlichen Lagerungskosten für zu früh fertig gestellte Teile
finden.
 Ardis Optimizer 94

Ddate
Diese Information ist nur in einer Cutting Optimizer Version mit Kostenoptimierung
vorhanden. Die Teile mit dem engsten Zeitrahmen werden als erste in Ihre Schnittpläne
integriert. Dies ist nützlich, falls Sie Teile, die aus den gleichen Platten geschnitten werden,
an verschiedenen Daten ausliefern müssen. Es wird empfohlen eine für die gesamte
Bestellung gleiche ID in das Bezeichnungsfeld einzugeben und diese im Ddate Feld mit
einem Datum zu verknüpfen.

Beim eingeben der Optimierungskriterien ist es möglich die Lagerunsgkosten zu

berücksichtigen. Durch Eingabe eines Prozentsatzes können Sie bestimmen, wie sehr durch
zu frühe Fertigstellung entstandene Kosten in die Optimierung mit einfließen und wie das
Programm den Kompromiss zwischen Materialausnutzung und Lagerungskosten gestalten
soll.

1.4 Winkel- und Nutschnitte

Dieses Modul ermöglicht eine leichte Definition von Winkel- und Nutschnitten am PC und
sendet diese dann an Ihre Maschine.

Sie sollten auf in der grafischen Darstellung eines Teils eine der 4 Seiten anklicken um dann
in dem sich öffnenden Dialog einen zusätzlichen Schnitt auswählen zu können.

Für einen 45° Winkel geben Sie 45 in das entsprechende Feld ein und erhöhen Sie die min.
Länge sowie Breite vorsichtshalber um 6mm.

1.5 Anpassung der Lägen sowie Breiten

Dieses Modul erlaubt es dem Benutzer die endgültigen Dimensionen eines Teils einzugeben
und die Berechnung der Schnittgrößen dem Programm zu überlassen. Minimale Breite sowie
Länge sind die Schnittgrößen, sie können größer oder kleiner als die schlussendlichen Größen
sein (siehe Bekantung).

1.6 Flexible Größen

Dieses Modul erlaubt es dem Cutting Optimizer die tatsächliche Größe eines Teils innerhalb
eines von Ihnen vorgegebenen Rahmens anzupassen um dadurch die Notwendigkeit einer
dritten Ebene zu vermeiden und mehr Teile nebeneinander legen zu können.
 Ardis Optimizer 95

min.L, max.L, min.B, max.B

Minimale Länge und Breit eines Teils
Falls Sie nur diese beiden Felder ausfüllen, werden diese Werte als absolute Schnittgröße
ohne Toleranz-Intervall angesehen.

Maximale Länge und Breit eines Teils

Das Programm wird immer versuchen die von ihnen angegebene minimale Größe zu
verwenden, außer wenn sich durch eine Vergrößerung Schnitte einsparen lassen.

Diese Option ist interessant, wenn es sich bei den in den Cutting Optimizer eingegebenen
Größen nur um einen ersten groben Schnitt handelt und das Material danach noch weiteren
Arbeitsschritten wie z.B. einer Bekanntung unterzogen wird.

Der Inhalt dieser Felder hat Priorität vor den absoluten Größen, die Sie gegebenenfalls in die
normalen Länge und Breite Felder eingeben können. Die absolute Größe wird nur verwendet
wenn die min. und max. Felder leer bleiben, ansonsten sind diese Werte rein Informativ,
beeinflussen aber nicht das Optimierungsergebnis.

In diese Felder können Sie entweder einen absoluten Wert, oder eine Formel eingeben. Falls
sie mit einem dieser Zeichen beginnen (/, *, - oder +), wird das Programm die gewünschte
Operation auf die normale Größe anwenden. Falls Sie das Resultat direkt sehen möchten,
beginnen Sie Ihre Formel mit einem "=" Zeichen und halten Sie sich dann an die üblichen
Regeln des Formel Generators.

Flexible Größen für Längen Optimierungen

Das Konzept der flexiblen Größen ist auch auf Längenoptimierungen (bzw. Optimierungen
mit nur einer Schnittebene) anwendbar.

Normalerweise startet ein Schnittplan immer mit einem Teil, welches die volle Breite
ausfüllt. Manchmal ist es dazu nötig, die Breite dieses Teils zu erhöhen.
 Ardis Optimizer 96

Um einen Schnittplan wie diesen zu erhalten, wo die Breite jedes Teils auf 650mm erhöht
wird um die Breite der Platte auszufüllen, sollten Sie SFLEX=1 in der Maschinen
Bemerkung eingeben.

Falls Sie diese Möglichkeit nicht nutzen, muss mindestens für ein Teil PartLMin=650 sein.

1.7 Identische Teile zusammenlegen

Wenn zwei Teile separat eingegeben wurden, jedoch identisch sind (oder die
Größendifferenz in der in 1.6 spezifizierten Toleranz liegt) wird der Cutting Optimizer sie als
ein einziges Teil behandeln. Dies kann die Anzahl Ihrer Schnittpläne und den
Optimierungsaufwand reduzieren.

1.8 Identische Teile getrennt behandeln

Wenn diese Option aktiviert ist, werden durch 1.7 zusammen gelegte Teile wieder separiert.
Sie profitieren allerdings trotzdem von den Vorteilen des Moduls 1.7. Die Trennung findet
nach der Optimierung statt und hat Einfluss auf Ihre Schnittpläne sowie Berichte.
 Ardis Optimizer 97

1.9 Optimierung der zeitnahen

Fertigstellung
Diese Option sorg dafür, dass identische Teile nicht über zu viele verschiedenen Schnittpläne
verteilt werden sondern möglichst zeitnah fertig gestellt werden. Diese Optimierung ist der
normalen Optimierung untergeordnet. Sie beeinflusst nur die Reihenfolge Ihrer Schnittpläne,
nicht aber deren Zusammenstellung.

Das Resultat der Formeln definiert die Gruppierung der Schnittpläne. Die zeitnahe
Fertigstellung wird ausschließlich innerhalb einer solchen Gruppe ausgeführt. Meistens ist
hierzu der Materialtyp (SheetMat) ausschlaggebend.

1.10 Kosten basierte Planung

Ähnlich wie bei 1.9 der Fall, optimiert auch dieses Modul die Verteilung auf verschiedenen
Schnittpläne. Dabei werden die durch die Zwischenlagerung der Teile entstehenden Kosten
minimiert.

1.11 Parametrische Berechnung der Teile

und Makros
Full-fledged parametric programming tool that allows the user to enter formulas to calculate
the sizes of parts based on the overall dimensions of the cabinet, fixture, etc. The user can for
instance enter formulas to calculate the dimensions of all parts needed to manufacture a
cabinet with the overall width, height and depth of the cabinet as a variable. Materials can
also be set up as a variable. ARDIS can be set up to allow the user to enter these variables on
a per job basis so that the sizes of the parts needed will be calculated by ARDIS and then
submitted to optimization.
 Ardis Optimizer 98

Parts calculation
Funtionsweise
Sie können

We will use the parts calculation as a parametric parts list by "adding" a parts template to the
optimization. Since the user "inserts" a parts template, the results will be saved - not the
formulas.

When you use the parts calculation, the templates will be saved in a seperate folder. By
default this is the "C:\ARDIS\Data\Templates" folder. You can change this by selecting a
different folder in "Parts calculation files" in the tabpane "Preferences" in the menu option
"Tools - Options":

Starting a calculation
Um ein neues Projekt zu starten, klicken Sie auf Datei-Neu oder .

The parts file of the new project we create will be transferred to a parts calculation, once we
save it as a template.

When we click on "untitled" we get the next screen:

 Ardis Optimizer 99

To make everything clear we have included a parts calculation for a dresser. You will find
this example on your disks/CD.

Die Kommode hat Schubladen wie diese:

 Ardis Optimizer 100

Heading

We use the same parameters we used for the other parts files. The value of these fields can
also be defined by using formulas.

Fragen

In dieser Tabelle können Sie alle Parameter, die Ihre Kommode ausmachen eingeben. Für
jedes dieser Parameter geben Sie folgende Daten ein:

Name
We enter a short identification of the parameter e.g. "Wi". This is the code we will use in our
parts file. Make sure that you do not use a "reserved variable" for your Name (the right mouse
button menu - Properties - ID).

Frage
We specify a short description of the parameter.

Typ
We specify the variable type of our parameter. By pressing the spacebar or typing the first
letter, the different possibilities appear:
eine Zeichenkette
String
z.B. Wörter, abc$#125ax/§65,...
2 Möglichkeiten: Ja oder nein
Bool
Der Wert lässt sich durch Drücken der Leertaste ändenr
Eine ganze Zahl
Counter
zwischen -65536 und +65535
Eine ganze Zahl
Integer
zwischen -2147483648 und +2148483648
eine rationale Zahl
Fraction
z.B. 1/8, 5/16 oder 3/4
eine Dezimalzahl
Decimal number
zwischen -1,797 x 10308 und +1,797 x 10308
Currency Currency
Date Datum
Time Uhrzeit
 Ardis Optimizer 101

Material A kind of material

Edge
Choice
Wert
We enter a value for our parameter. We can always change the value, so that we can see in
the parts file what happens when the value of one single parameter changes.

Choices
Here we can define a limited list of choices...

Explanation
If you want to give some more explanation about a parameter, you can use this field.

For our dresser we will define now all of the possible variables. The questions will be like
this:

In the field "value" we enter:

The name of the current project.

How many dressers we want to make?

What kind of pedestal we want?

What is the width, height and depth of the dresser?

Which materials we want to use?

Which edges we want to use?

How many drawers does our dresser have?

What is the distance between the drawers?

 Ardis Optimizer 102

Parts file
In our parts list - which we will make parametric - we can fill in all of the fields we use in
another parts file. Only in the case of parts calculation, we fill in formulas instead of usual
data. We use the expression builder to make our formulas (right mouse button - Formula).

It is very important to work out a good structure for building formulas. We always use the
code identified under "name".

All of the parts of the dresser were formulated like this:

* Top side & underside

Material: =MatC

Length: =Dpt

Width: =Wi

Quantity: =2*Qua

Reference: Top & under

L: =Ecc

L: =Ecc

W: =Ecc

W: =Ecc

Remark: =Refer

Result on the screen:

* Seite

Material: =Matc

Länge: =Dpt

Breite: =Hgt-(120 IF(Ped=="Wheels"))-(100 IF(Ped=="Plinth"))-(2*VAL(Matc LEFT2))

Menge: =2*Qua

Bezeichnung: Side

L: =Ecc

L: =Ecc

Bemerkung: =Refer

Resultat:
 Ardis Optimizer 103

* Reverse

Material: =Matc

Length: =Hgt-(120 IF(Ped=="Wheels"))-(100 IF(Ped=="Plinth"))-(2*VAL(Matc LEFT2))

Width: =Wi-2*val(matc left 2)

Quantity: =1*Qua

Reference: Reverse

Remark: =Refer

Result on the screen:

* Plinth front & behind

Material: =Matc

Length: =Wi-(2*10)-(2*Val(Matc left 2))

Width: 100

Quantity: =(2 if (Ped == "Plinth"))*Qua

Reference: Plinth fr & beh

Remark: =Refer

Result on the screen:

* Plinth side

Material: =Matc

Length: =Dpt-(2*10)

Width: 100

Quantity: =(2 if (Ped == "Plinth"))*Qua

Reference: Sides plinth

W: =Ecc

W: =Ecc

Remark: =Refer

Resultat:
 Ardis Optimizer 104

* Drawer front

Material: =Matf

Length: =Wi-(2*Val(Matc left 2))-(2*2)

Width: =(Hgt-(120 if (Ped=="Wheels")) - (100 if (Ped == "Plinth")) - (2*val(matc

left 2))-((Nd + 1)*Gap))/Nd

Quantity: =Nd*Qua

Reference: Drawer front

L: =Ecf

L: =Ecf

W: =Ecf

W: =Ecf

Remark: =Refer

Result on the screen:

* Drawer reverse

Material: =MatC

Length: =Wi-(2*Val(Matc Left 2))-(2*2)

Width: =(Hgt-(120 if (Ped=="Wheels")) - (100 if (Ped == "Plinth")) - (2*val(matc

left 2))-((Nd + 1)*Gap))/Nd

Quantity: =Nd*Qua

Reference: Drawer reverse

L: =Ecc

L: =Ecc

W: =Ecc

W: =Ecc

Remark: =Refer

Result on the screen:

* Drawer bottom
 Ardis Optimizer 105

Material: =Matc

Length: =Dpt-(2*val(MatC left 2))-val(MatF left 2)

Width: =Wi-(2*Val(Matc Left 2))-(2*2)

Quantity: =Nd*Qua

Reference: Drawer bottom

L: =Ecc

L: =Ecc

Remark: =Refer

Result on the screen:

* Drawer side

Material: =Matc

Length: =Dpt-(2*val(MatC left 2))-val(MatF left 2)

Width: =((Hgt-(120 if (Ped=="Wheels")) - (100 if (Ped == "Plinth")) - (2*val(matc

left 2)) - ((Nd + 1)*Gap))/Nd)-Val(matc left 2)

Quantity: =Nd*2*Qua

Reference: Drawer side

L: =Ecc

Remark: =Refer

Remark2: ="Groove 10 at " + STR(PartW/2-5)

Result on the screen:

Now that we have defined all of the possible parts by using formulas, this is our parts list:
 Ardis Optimizer 106

Changing one small value creates a brand new parts list, which is the biggest advantage of
this application.

In our example, we want 5 dressers with: height = 90cm, width = 50cm, depth = 85cm and 4
drawers. We change the value of height to 900, width to 500, Depth to 850, the number of
drawers to 4 and the number of dressers to 5.

The new parts list is now:

Graph
This is identical to that of the other parts files.

Saving a parts calculation

If we press the right mouse button on the parts file "untitled", the next screen appears:
 Ardis Optimizer 107

When you choose "Save as template", the program goes to the "Templates" folder and you
can enter a name.

Using an existing calculation

You can use an existing calculation in 2 ways: you can "add" or "insert" them.

When we "add" a parts template it means that every new parts calculation will be saved as a
new parts file in that project. The biggest advantage of working this way is that you can work
"interactively". This means that, from the moment you change a single value in the questions,
the parts list will change too (like a spreadsheet). An extra advantage is that every closet of
that project forms a group, which leads to orderly reports. The biggest disadvantage of adding
a parts template is that you will have a lot of parts files and you will have to save each project
in a different folder.

Inserting a parts template can be compared to a macro system. Inserting means that we insert
parts into only one file, one parts list. Each project has one parts file. The biggest advantage
of this way of working is that we can always use the .../data folder, because every project had
only one parts file. Even working with approximate parameters of the project is a lot easier
e.g. working with the color of a kitchen.

The biggest disadvantage is that the questions are not interactive. Changing a value in the
question list does not change any part in the parts list. Another disadvantage is that you will
have a long parts list.

Adding a parts template

When you press the right mouse button on "Parts F9", you will see the following screen:

We choose "Add parts template Alt+F9" to open the file. The program searches in the
"Templates" folder:
 Ardis Optimizer 108

You can double-click on "dresser.stk" or you can click once and then click on "Open".

The program asks for the name of this new parts file. We give another name than the
calculation file e.g. "dresser1". Press "Save".
 Ardis Optimizer 109

The whole list of questions will be shown and now you can change the values like you want.
When every value is complete, click “OK”.

Be aware that the “Templates” folder only contains the real calculation files!!

Inserting a parts template

Start a new project (File - New) and then click the right mouse button on "untitled". Select
"Insert parts template Ctrl+F9".

You reply to the questions and click "OK". The parts list will contain all of the parts for that
closet. For each closet you want to enclose, you operate in the same way. Beneath "Parts F9"
you will only have one parts file containing as many closets as you wish.
 Ardis Optimizer 110

1.12 Edgebanding
Allows edgebanding to be defined with every part. This feature eliminates the need to
distinguish between „Cut Size‟ and „Finished Size‟. The cut size of the part will be calculated
by deducting the „cutting correction‟ which is normally the thickness of the edgebanding
materials. Every edge can have a different (or no) edgebanding. Overall, the number of
different edgebanding materials that can be used is to be entered by the user.

Edge lists

This input screen is used to enter edges for parts files and standard lists of edges for use in
different parts files.

For each edge you can enter:

Identification of the edge
Description of the edge
Cutting measure correction
Price of the edge
Length supplement

L, L, W & W
Edgebanding code: one figure or character. Each part can have an edgeband on each of its 4
sides (2 long and 2 short sides). You can put in - per side - the code of the cover material you
want to use for the edges. If you click in the field, you see a box with all of the available edge
codes. If the code you wish to use does not exist, then you just enter the new code and the
edgeband material will be created. Do not forget to put in the remaining data in the edge file.
The 2 columns (LL) stand for the 2 long sides and the 2 columns (WW) stand for the short
sides.

ID
This short code, preferable 1 character, determines the identity of the edge. It must be unique
for a complete parts file.
 Ardis Optimizer 111

Description
In this entry field you can enter any description at will. This description can also be reported
and used with edge figures.

Corr.
Corr. stands for cutting measure correction. This is the net distance a part that has to be sawn
becomes smaller due to attached edges on a side of the part. Edges attached to a long side of
part reduce the sawing width of a part. An edge attached to the short side of the part reduces
the length of a part. If sticking a border reduces the measure of a part, this value has to be
negative.

Price
This is the value (cost price, budget price) that is allocated to the use of the edge. This value
can be a fixed amount each time an edge is used, but it can be variable.

The calculation of the final cost of use of edges in an optimization depends on the
calculations in the report definitions.

Suppl.L
This is the quantity of edges one needs to supplement for each side on which we use an edge.
E.g. the length of a part which needs an edge is 350mm. The total edge will be 370mm
because on each end there will be a supplementary edge of 10mm. In that case we have to fill
in 20mm.

1.12.1 Equal edgebanding

Equal edge allows to specify that all parts of a strip on level 1 need to have the same edge
banding. In combination with a machine Postprocessor or Laystrip, this option allows to cut
rips, get the rips to the edge bander, and then cut the second phase to obtain parts.

Equal edging

Each rip cut or cross cut strip contains parts with the same edging on the top and bottom side.
This works only for the 2nd levels parts, not for re-cut parts.
 Ardis Optimizer 112

1.13 Perfect grain matching figures

Combine parts to “clusters” that must not be separated in the optimization to ensure perfect
grain matching. Using a simple syntax, the user identifies parts that „belong together‟ and
must not be separated in the optimization and subsequently cutting process. Typical examples
are a drawer front and two doors. The user can also specify how the parts are situated relative
to each other (beside or above).

Some postprocessors can not transfer automatically some complex figures. For these cases
we recommend to buy the option Splitfig to divide these complex figures (not included).

Grain matching is not available for "S"-stock parts. (module 2.13)

Definition
A figure is a group of related parts, which have to be cut in a fixed position in relation to each
other. This is required in order to keep perfect grain matching throughout the parts. It can be
used for kitchen cabinets, when a continuous grain must remain over several parts.

If you want that these 3 parts always stay together in the cutting patterns, you must use a
figure definition in Cutting Optimizer.

For example, the parts listed below make up a figure:

In the ARDIS parts file, you need to select these 2 lines by clicking the line marker (the gray
bar at the beginning of each row). If you press the Ctrl key while you click the line markers,
you can select multiple rows.

After you have selected all of the rows for the figure, click the right mouse button somewhere
in the blue (selected) area and choose, "Define grain matching figure" from the menu (shown
below):
 Ardis Optimizer 113

The following fields in the parts file are automatically updated: FigID and PartID:

Figure selection window

You get a dialog template window for easy selection of the figure.

Press Shift+F2 on the PartFigID or PartFigDef field to get the selection window again.
 Ardis Optimizer 114

You may select a existing figure or add a new one.

Click on OK to confirm your selection.

FigID
This is the identification ID of the parent figure (old method: FIGREF=).

By selecting the 2 rows, we define which parts should be included in the grain matching
figure. By default, all parts in the figure are assigned a FigID that is equal to the row number
of the last selected row.

PartID
Teile Identifikation für das Figurbild

(old method: @)

Definition der Figur

Jetzt können Sie die Position der Teile innerhalb der Figur festlegen (früher hieß diese
Methode FIGDEF=). Es reicht, wenn Sie die Formel in das entsprechende Feld eines einzigen
Teils eingeben.

In diesem Fall:
 Ardis Optimizer 115

Sie bestimmen die Form der Figur indem Sie die verwendeten Teile durch die Symbole "/"
sowie "," verbinden.

"," bedeutet, dass die beiden Teile horizontal nebeneinander angeordnet werden.

"/" bedeutet, dass die beiden Teile vertikal übereinander angeordnet werden.

Beispiele:

a,b meint
a b
a/b meint
a
b
"," hat eine höhere Priorität als "/":
a,b/c ist äquivalent zu (a,b)/c
a b
c
a,(b/c) hingegen meint
b
a
c

Max. Ebenen
Es ist nur dann möglich zusammenhängende Figuren aus einer Maserung zu erstellen, wenn
Ihre Maschine 3 oder mehr Ebenen unterstützt.

Figur Parameter

Parameter für aktuelle Figur: Sägeblattstärke;oberer Saum; rechter Saum; unterer

Saum;linker Saum;| or &; or 1 Figurrichtung gedreht

There are 7 semi-colon delimited figure parameters. Trailing parameters can be omitted.
Empty parameters are valid and skipped.

You should enter these parameters into the 'Figure parameters' value field in the Parts File
Header section of the parts file or into the 'Figure parameters' value field in each dependent
parts record.

e.g. 4;;;;;| = SawBlade of 4 mm, no trims and first strip direction must match 2nd level
cutting direction.

SawBlade
Saw blade thickness or saw kerf
 Ardis Optimizer 116

UpperTrim;RightTrim;BottomTrim;LeftTrim
Trims within the figure, usually used in combination with the '&' modifier and SplitFig
module. If your figure does not need any additional trim, then you can enter 0 for the trim
parameters or you can leave these parameters blank.

Cutting modifier
If you don't specify a figure's cutting modifier then the optimization will give the best results.
But some of the patterns will not be cuttable on the saw, because of the possible break in the
strips cutting levels.
Therefore you can use the LAYFIG postprocessor to handle 'unaccepted' patterns before
sending them to the saw.

|=the figure first cutting direction will be used only in the pattern 2nd level cutting direction.
This is needed in combination with all machine controllers that do not accept 4 cutting levels.

Please check 'Strips report' to see the cutting structure of a pattern.

& = Do not include the parts in the cutting pattern, only the bounding figure rectangle. For
example: a/b with the '&' modifier means part a and b are not included in the cutting pattern,
only the rectangle of a/b (=parent figure part). By default, the parts are integrated in the
figures and cut with the rest of the pattern. However, some machines will not accept figure
patterns in the main cutting pattern. In this case, the figures have to be cut separately.
Therefore, you must use the '&' cutting modifier in your figure parameters. The SplitFig
ARDIS module can be used to separate the figure layouts from the regular optimization.
SplitFig will make a new ARDIS result file (.R41 file) with layouts for the figures.

Figure's grain direction

0 or blank= Set the figure's grain direction to longitudinal. This means all figures get a grain
direction (either longitudinal or transverse to the sheet's grain)

1 = Set the figure's grain direction to transverse.

Example 1:
Saw kerf = 4 mm
Additional trim for each side of the figure = 10 mm
Cutting Modifier = |
Longitudinal grain
Figure parameters = 4;10;10;10;10;|;0
Example 2:
Saw kerf = 0.1875 or 3/16"
Additional trim for each side of the figure = 0.25 or 1/4"
Cutting Modifier = &
Transverse grain
Figure parameters = 0.1875;0.25;0.25;0.25;0.25;&;1
Example 3:
Saw kerf = 0.1875 or 3/16"
No additional trim cuts necessary for the figure
 Ardis Optimizer 117

Cutting Modifier = |
Longitudinal grain
Figure parameters = 0.1875;;;;;|;0

SplitFig
By selecting Tools - Link to SplitFig, it is possible to extract all figures from the main job
(*.R41) into another job. The new job will consist of the figures as separate patterns.

Folder
Full pathname of the folder where the new .R41 file with the figure should be saved. If blank,
the same folder of the main .R41 file is used.

Suffix
Suffix for the base name of the new result file

Machine
Name of the existing machine file to be used to cut the figures

1.14 Verwaltung fertig gestellter Teile

If not all parts are cut in one optimization run, you can have the software update the quantity
required in the original or separate quantity field.
 Ardis Optimizer 118

Done
This is the number of parts that have been produced in earlier optimizations. Every time you
run the "update part quantities" feature, the quantity changes/updates. If you have the module
for extended parts, you will be able to look in which optimization these parts are taken (field
ext11 and the next fields).

1.15 Max. Anzahl von identischen Teilen in

einem Schnittplan
Sie können die maximale Anzahl von identische Teilen in einem Schnittplan limitieren.

1.16 Groups of Parts from One Material File

If you can buy the same material from different suppliers in different dimensions there may
be an interest doing this for cost purposes. But if different parts in the same end product are
cut from sheets coming from different suppliers there may be a small aesthetic difference not
to be allowed. The software module allows to tell what products should come from the same
supplier, a free one or one to be looked for.

In this case there is a new field in both files, parts (STK) and sheets (STD).
The part's field Supplier (PartStdGroup) allows you to enter a link to the field SheetLOT in
the materials. If you write the same code (string) in both, then these parts must come from
that material. If you have a string at the side of the material and a number ID (“#nnn”) at the
side of the part, then all parts with the same ID must come from any but all the same sheet
ID.

Lieferant
Materialdatei zu diesem Teil oder #Nummer die zusammengehörende Teile des Lieferanten
gruppiert (=ehemals STDGR)

Lot#
Identification of the sheets group for tracing
works together with the PartSupplier field in the parts list

1.17 Furniture hardware calculation

With this option you can add articles to the partlist which may not be optimized. Now the
user can add all kinds of articles which are necessary for the production like nuts, locks,
nails,… The required quantities of those articles are being calculated.

Furniture hardware
You can add articles to a parts list, which do not have to be optimized. You add articles to the
parts list and the basic material list in order to count the number of pieces that will be
necessary for production e.g. handles, hinges,…
 Ardis Optimizer 119

Input parts

This is where we enter the usual data like material, length, width, quantity, reference and
remarks.

If you use materials (e.g. hinges) which are specified in "pieces", you have to enter "1" in the
length & width fields.

If you use materials (e.g. handles) which are specified in "meters", you have to enter the real
length in the length field and "1" in the width field.

If you are using materials that are specified in "square meters", you enter the real length and
width into the length and width fields.

Input basic materials

We make a new file, "hardware" (right mouse button - Add basic material file). We choose
all of the materials that we do not want to optimize e.g.

Please enter data for the length and width fields and show the "ProdU", "OptType" and
"Price" fields.

Reports
There is a report called "hardware" in which the calculated articles will be printed.

ProdU
You specify the units for the product: a piece per meter or per square meter. You have access
to all of the possibilities by pressing the spacebar or by typing the first letter.
 Ardis Optimizer 120

OptType
For the normal materials the program uses "optimize". When we fill in furniture hardware we
have to make sure this field contains the option "Calculate". There is a third option "ignore"
which will be used if we do not want to report this material. All of the possibilities are shown
when you press the spacebar.

1.18 Zusätzliche Textfelder

Dieses Modul schaltet 20 zusätzliche Textfelder pro Teil frei.

1.19 Parts list Batcher

With this option you can finish an optimization run in a part list batch by batch by adding
parts with a lower priority.

1.21 Ebenen
Es wird eine hierarchische Struktur angelegt, die dafür sorgt, dass bestimmte Teile nur dann
hergestellt werden können, wenn alle Teile einer höheren Ebene bereits fertig gestellt
wurden.

1.24 Fixed parts in sheet sequence

In conjunction with levels, setting to become no sorting on the optimisation result and to
have all parts in a 'prefixed' level sequence.
 Ardis Optimizer 121

Ausgangsmaterial
Ausgangsmaterialien können Platten, Rollen, Zylinder oder wiederverwertbare Reste sein.
Was die Zylinder angeht, so werden aus größeren Mutter Zylindern kleinere geschnitten.

Der Menü Punkt Platten öffnet den Programmteil, der es Ihnen erlaubt Ihr Ausgangsmaterial
zu beschreiben, aus dem Ihre Teile geschnitten werden.

Falls es sich bei Ihrem Ausgangsmaterial um eindimensionale Waren (bzw. Waren, die
eindimensional zugeschnitten werden) handelt, müssen mindestens die Felder Länge sowie
Menge ausgefüllt werden, da beide Werte zusammengehörend ausgewertet werden. Bei
Zylindern müssen mindestens die Felder Menge, Länge und Breite ausgefüllt werden. Alle
anderen Felder sind optional.

Bildschirmlayout

In der linken Bildschirmhälfte finden Sie den Namen der Plattendatei, die Sie für Ihre
Optimierung verwenden wollen.

Die rechte Bildschirmhälfte ist in drei Bereiche unterteilt:

Oberer Bildschirmteil: Hier werden allgemeine Informationen, die die gesamte Plattendatei
betreffen angegeben
Mittlerer Bildschirmteil: Hier werden genauere Informationen zu den einzelnen Platten
angegeben
 Ardis Optimizer 122

Unterer Bildschirmteil: Grafische Darstellung der Platten

Falls die Hilfsfunktion aktiviert ist, wird diese noch über den allgemeinen Informationen
angezeigt.

Allgemeine Info
Dieses Feld kann eine allgemeine Beschreibung aller in dieser Datei vorhandenen Platten
enthalten, die auch auf Etiketten und Schnittpläne gedruckt werden kann.

Bei einfacheren Installationen, die keinen Material Mix erlauben, können Sie in diesem Feld
den Material Typ angeben.

Sie können in dieses Feld beispielsweise den Lieferanten des Materials oder die Position in
Ihrem Lager angeben.

Maschine
Sie müssen immer angeben mit welcher Maschine die in der Datei aufgeführten Platten
geschnitten werden sollen. Gehen Sie sicher, dass in der Liste der Platten keine andere
Maschine als die in der oberen Bildschirmhälfte angegebene Maschinendatei aufgeführt wird.

Datum
Das in einer Plattendatei gespeicherte Datum, welches in der oberen Bildschirmhälfte
angezeigt wird ist rein informativ, es beeinflusst die Optimierung nicht. Im Normalfall wird
das Datum beim Erstellen der Datei angegeben.

Stärke
Dieses Feld enthält die Stärke einer Platte in mm gemessen, Sie sollten diese möglichst genau
angeben.

In Ihrer Maschinen Datei können Sie die maximal mögliche Stapelhöhe Ihrer Säge angeben.
Wenn die Plattenstärke ebenfalls bekannt ist kann also die maximale Anzahl gleichzeitig zu
sägender Platten errechnet werden. Diese Information ist sehr wichtig wenn der Cutting
Optimizer die Produktionszeit sowie Kosten berechen bzw. optimieren soll.

Falls Ihre Säge Abstellplätze für gesägte Teile besitzt, wird die Plattenstärke zur Berechnung
der Anzahl der dort unterbringbaren Teile benötigt.

R
Dieses Feld identifiziert die Maserungs- bzw. Prägungsrichtung der Platte. Manchmal ist es
nötig, dass ein Teil eine bestimmte Maserunsgrichtung aufweist. Beim berechnen der
Schnittpläne wird das Programm die Maserung der Platten sowie die benötigte Richtung auf
den Teilen berücksichtigen. Es stehen drei Möglichkeiten zur Auswahl zwischen denen Sie
durch Drücken der Leertaste wechseln können.
L: meint, dass die Maserung der Länge nach verläuft
B: meint, dass die Maserung der Breite nach verläuft
 Ardis Optimizer 123

(leeres Feld): Wenn Sie nichts eingeben, geht das System davon aus, dass die Teile auf dieser
Platte in beliebiger Ausrichtung (auch gemischt) angeordnet werden können.

Länge
Diese Feld enthält die Länge einer Platte, die nicht zwangsläufig größer als die Breite sein
muss. Es ist aber trotzdem praktisch die größere Zahl als Länge zu nehmen, da diese auf den
Schnittplänen horizontal ausgerichtet wird. Ein weiterer Grund ergibt sich aus der Tatsache,
dass Sie den Cutting Optimizer fragen können, den ersten Schnitt immer horizontal
auszuführen.

Breite
In diesem Feld wir die Breite der Platte angegeben, die übrigens normalerweise nicht
unbedingt kleiner als die Länge sein muss.

Es gibt allerdings einige Ausnahmen zu dieser Regel:

Bei einer Längenoptimierung wird die Breite logischerweise nicht berücksichtigt.
Bei zylindrischen Optimierungen, wird die Breite immer quer zur Höhe des Zylinders
orientiert sein.

Menge
In diesem Feld geben Sie an, wie viele dieser Platten zur Verfügung stehen. Das Programm
wird die Planung Ihrer Schnittpläne auf diese Zahl aufbauen und niemals mehr als die
vorhandenen Platten einer Sorte einplanen. Falls Sie weniger Platten als zur Unterbringung
aller Teile notwendig sind besitzen, wird das Programm eine entsprechende Nachricht
ausgeben.

Bei Zylinder-Optimierungen wird diese Information ein wenig anders ausgewertet. Die in
diesem Feld eingegebene Zahl gibt an, wie viele Zylinder der gleichen Länge dich im Lager
befinden. Das Produkt aus der Länge und der Anzahl ergibt dann die gesamte Länge dieser
Zylinder.

Bezeichnung
Diese Information kann auf die Etiketten der Platten sowie der Schnittpläne gedruckt werden.
Wenn Sie möchten, können Sie hier beispielsweise den Namen des Zuständigen oder die
Position in Ihrem Lager eingeben.

Oben, Rechts, Unten & Links

Es empfiehlt sich, Ihre Teile aus einer exakt rechteckigen Platte mit sauberen Kanten heraus
zu schneiden. Dazu ist es oft nötig einen kleinen Rand abzuschneiden um eventuelle
Transportschäden zu entfernen. Cutting Optimizer erlaut es Ihnen diese sog. Saumschnitte
am Rechner zu bestimmen. Hierzu wurden 8 Felder eingerichtet. Für jede der 4 Seiten Ihrer
Platte können Sie 2 Saumbreiten eingeben.
 Ardis Optimizer 124

Für jede Seite gibt es eine normale und minimale Saumbreite. Letztere erlaubt es dem
Programm, Ihre Platten besser auszunutzen.

Diese Option ist besonders für eindimensional zu schneidende Materialien wie Bretter oder
Profile interessant, da diese meist an den Enden eine schlechtere Qualität aufweisen. Die
minimale Saumbreite erlaubt es dem Cutting Optimizer, diese schlechteren Bereiche zu
nutzen, wenn dadurch die Effizienz der Optimierung erhöht wird.

V
Sie haben die Wahl zwischen folgenden Möglichkeiten:
(leeres Feld)
Länge (L)
Breite (B)
Sie können entweder die entsprechenden Buchstaben eintippen oder mit der Leertaste
zwischen den Optionen scrollen.

Wenn nur ein kleiner Teil der Platte benötigt wird, hat der Cutting Optimizer verschiedene
Möglichkeiten die Schnittpläne auszufüllen, solange dabei nicht mehr Abfall produziert wird.
Dieses Feld kann diese Wahl beeinflussen.

L: das Programm wird die Reste nach Möglichkeit in die Längsrichtung der Platte ausrichten
(entweder die volle Länge ausnutzend oder soweit es geht).

B: das Programm wird die Reste nach Möglichkeit parallel zur Breite der Platte ausrichten
(entweder die volle Breite ausnutzend oder soweit es geht).

Wenn Sie dieses Feld leer lassen, wird der Cutting Optimizer diese Entscheidung selbst
treffen. Falls mehrere akzeptable Möglichkeiten bestehen, wird das Programm die Richtung
auswählen, die ein größtmöglichstes Reststück beinhaltet.

Abfall
In dieses Feld sollten sie den Wert/egative, this means that the scrap represents an additional
cost element. This additional cost has to be considered in the optimization process. These
additional costs mayFläche von nicht wiederverwertbarem Abfall eingeben. Diese
Information ist besonders für Kosten Optimierungen interessant. Ist ist auch möglich eine
negative Zahl einzugeben, falls zusätzliche Entsorgungskosten entstehen. Positive Zahlen
bedeuten, dass auch der Abfall noch einen gewissen Wert hat.

Kosten von wiederverwendbaren Resten oder Abfall sind nur von Bedeutung, wenn nach
Kostenkriterien (Materialkosten oder Arbeitskosten) optimiert wird. Das Programm wird
entscheiden, ob es Reste wiederverwertet indem es vergleicht, ob dadurch mehr oder weniger
Schnitte entstehen.

Preis
Es ist unerlässlich, den Preis pro Flächeneinheit (m² oder square foot) einer Platte anzugeben
wenn es um Kostenoptimierung geht
 Ardis Optimizer 125

2.1 Material Mix

Verschiedene Materialien können in einer Optimierung behandelt werden. Der ARDIS
Cutting Optimizer wird das entsprechende Material für jedes Teil auswählen, indem er die
50-Stelligen Material Felder der Teile mit den Platten abgleicht. Das erlaubt es Ihnen, der
erforderlichen Teile in der Reihenfolge einzugeben, wie Sie bei Ihnen ankommen ohne sie
explizit nach Material zu trennen.

Material
Enter a detailed description in this field. There is a limit of 50 characters for material names.
You may use abbreviations to describe material type, color, thickness, etc.

If you click in the material cell, a list of the available materials you can choose will appear. If
the required material is not in the list, then you can add it by simply typing the new material
name.

This field may be left blank, especially if you only use one basic material. In this case,
descriptions about the basic material used should be entered into the material reference field.

It is recommended to enter data in the material field, if your version of Cutting Optimizer
provides the facility to mix several materials in one optimization run (if you have material
mix). This field will have to be used, if you reference several basic materials in one required
parts file or if you mix several types of basic materials in one basic material file. Cutting
Optimizer will automatically group the required parts per basic material and optimize them
individually.

Even when material mix is allowed, entering only one material type per basic material file
will allow you to select and plan orders related to one single basic material.

NOTE: Be aware of the fact that the program makes a difference between capital and small
letters (material names are case sensitive). We prefer that you use the first 2 characters of this
field for the thickness of the material e.g. 16 mel white (melamine white 16mm).

2.2 Material Priority

The user can specify 10 priority levels for the raw materials. The material with the higher
priority will be used first.

P
The P field is where you specify a priority level for every basic material. The materials will
be used in sequence, according to the code value you enter here. Priority code zero materials
will be used first, then those with codes one until seven. A basic material with a higher
priority code will only be put into production, if the inventory of the lower code is completely
used.

Priorities 0-9 are free priorities. This means if a part cannot be produced out of the current
priority, then the lower priority will be used.
 Ardis Optimizer 126

Priorities 10-99 are absolute priorities. A lower priority will only be used when the parts
cannot be cut out of a higher priority.

The program will use the sheets with priority 0 first, unless there are parts that cannot be cut
out of these sheets. These parts will be cut out of lower priority sheets. Sheets with priority
10 to 99 will only be used when the parts cannot be cut out of a higher priority sheet.

2.3 Inventory Control

This option maintains an accurate inventory of your raw materials. The number of sheets
needed will be deducted from the current inventory after optimization.

Enhanced inventory stock management: the used number of sheets will be deducted from the
template sheets file defined in default.r41 as well.

When you click with the right mouse button on Result - Basic material sheets - Update basic
material quanties

or you run the macro command SheetQty, then the current sheet's stock is decreased by the
number of used sheets.
The hidden autonumbering field ID (SheetID) is used to identify the sheet's id.
The parameter StsLastSheetNoFile in Extra - Options controls the last used number.
Specifying a file path in a shared network folder makes it possible to generate unique auto
sheet numbers on the local network.

2.4 Basic material defects management

2.5 Free but Limited Board Size
For coil slitting application, for continuous basic material production lines or coils from
which any sheet length can be cut. This option allows to work with a no defined sheet length.

MaxL & MaxB

These two options allow the user to specify a minimum and maximum size of the raw
material and to force certain combination between raw materials (such as “use the 4x8 or the
5x9 but never use both”, etc.).

2.6 Select Highest Yield Material

With this option the ARDIS Cutting Optimizer will use only 1 raw material size but the one
with the highest yield.
 Ardis Optimizer 127

Usage:
Enter AANTSTD=1 into the optimization's remark (View - Project setup - Optimization)

Note: another value than AANTSTD=1 is not yet supported.

2.7 Minimum Yield

Only patterns that meet the minimum yield criteria will be produced.

N.Yield
This field will list a minimum efficiency percentage. If a required part does not allow you to
achieve this efficiency rate, it will not be produced. Thus, you can control if all of the parts
will be included in the computed layouts.

This information may be particularly important if you are subcontracting cutting operations
for third parties. In this case, it is possible that you have agreed upon a price based on a given
scrap percentage plus cutting costs. With the Nominal Yield percentage, you can build in a
safety factor to check that the efficiency percentage obtained remains in the profit margin.
You can set different nominal yields for your basic material sheets.

Nominal Efficiency and Due Date

The Nominal Yield field may be used in conjunction with the Due Date in the input of large
required parts orders. All required parts that can be produced with the nominal efficiency will
be produced. In the first optimization some parts will not be optimized, because the
efficiency rate will not be achieved. But due to the permanent update of the order file (new
incoming orders), there will be a time when these parts will have a chance to be produced. In
other words, at the right time there will be a layout when the minimum efficiency will be
obtained.

Nominal Efficiency and Scrap

If you want Cutting Optimizer to use reusable scrap, then you need to specify a lower yield
coefficient for the scrap pieces than for standard basic materials.
 Ardis Optimizer 128

Nominal Efficiency and basic material with different qualities

There are quality differences for basic materials, some only notable at cutting time. It is
possible to force Cutting Optimizer to use the second choice products first by giving them a
lower Nominal Yield.

2.8 Flexible Trimcut

A tolerance can be entered for the trimcut, e.g.” normally 1/2 inch but if it increases the yield
down to 1/4 inch”.

2.9 Material Weight

The user can enter the weight per square foot (or square meter) of the raw material for
reporting purposes. This option is a convenient to calculate the total weight of an order
(important in shipping, etc.)

Weight
Use this field to enter the weight per unit of surface, e.g. in kilograms. You may choose the
unit of measure yourself (View | Project setup - Local settings tab), but please use the same
unit in all of the data files (parts, material, machine, etc.).

When you use an automatic stacking system, this data will be used to compute the number of
produced parts that can be stacked in a stacking location of the machine.

2.10 Machine Selection for Basic Material

Size
The user will normally specify 1 machine to be the “standard” machine for an optimization
run. However, with this option the user can specify a different machine for each raw material
size. That allows to optimize utilization of different cutting machines (saws, shears, etc.).

Machine
You only need to fill in this field, if a certain basic material uses a machine different than the
one specified as default. The default machine was specified in the machine field in the Basic
Material file header section in the materials screen. The machine that is specified in the
Machine field of the material data entry section has priority over the machine field in the
header section.

When you double click in the machine field, all of the available machines will be shown. If
the machine you want to use is not in the list, you can create it by typing the name of the
machine.

It is theoretically possible to allocate one machine for every standard basic material that you
enter. It is even possible to enter the same basic material several times, each time with the
allocation of another machine. Cutting Optimizer will then choose the most suited machine,
deciding between the "fast" machine with less operating options, and the "slow" one offering
 Ardis Optimizer 129

more flexibility. This facility is more important when Cutting Optimizer includes the cost
optimization feature.

2.11 Offcut Detection

Minimum dimensions can be specified to consider an offcut piece “reusable”. These reusable
pieces can be saved in a separate file and are available as raw material for the next
optimization run. . If you want to deduct the rests and to administrate the stock, you will need
the option 2.3 too.

Generation of offcuts
Offcuts in patterns are generated automatically when optimizing. When strips/patterns are not
completely filled there's waste. Sometimes the dimensions of the waste are big enough to re-
use the next time you optimize. These are called offcuts.

Please follow the steps to setup the right parameters:

1. Dimensions
For each basic material sheet you may define the minimum dimensions for a valid offcut

Use at least one of the three parameters. If no sheet's grain direction is used, length and width
can be swapped. All non blank parameters are restrictive to generate an offcut.

2. Sheet values
For each basic material sheet you may define the sheet's values when offcuts are transformed
to sheets

(only available with module 2.11.1)

When creating sheets from offcuts most of the data is just copied from the parent basic
material sheet. Although you may setup specific values or formulas (with =) for the offcut-
sheets by pressing Shift+F2 in the “Rest definition” field:
 Ardis Optimizer 130

3. Define the offcut file to use

In the general reference of the basic material file or offcut file, or in the sheet's reference
define:

Off-cut file name

to use when generating offcuts.

If this parameters is used in a offcut file's general reference, if new records needs to be
created for offcuts, there are made in the defined offcut file.

2.11.1 Enhanced scrap management.

This feature allows to define a very comprehensive scrap management. It goes together with
normal scrap management. (2.11). If 2.11 has identified scrap you can store it in a material
file. With 2.11.1 you can manage it in several ways:
you can specify upon a variety of criteria you want to cut off-cut into standard part sizes.
you can in the same way cut off-cut into several standard strip widths.
you can specify stocking locations and criteria which need to be met in order to stock an off-
cut at a certain location.
you can for any off-cut specify cutting criteria, trims etc...

Offcut locations
It's possible to manage your offcuts by grouping them into locations. These are defined as
sheets records with a non-blank 'Location condition' formula (without =).

When offcuts are generated and if evaluation of the location condition returns true then the
location will hold the offcut.
 Ardis Optimizer 131

If the location already contains offcuts (SheetQty > 0) only offcuts with the same properties
(dimension, material, thickness, grain direction) are allowed.

LagerBedingungen
Examples for location conditions:
Formula meaning
1 accepts all offcuts
StripLength > 2000 and StripWidth > 500 accepts only large offcuts

Max. qty
Max. number of sheets possible for this location or sheet, 1 means that each off-cut has to be
put on a different location

Usually the first time you define a sheets file with as much records as you ever need different
offcut sizes. Only the location condition is necessary.

Using formulas for other fields (e.g. SheetPri with value =0) will define fix values for the
future offcuts.

Strips offcuts
Locations with a formula for the width (e.g. =500) will only accept full length strips.

Dividing offcuts into small pieces

Enter formulas (with =) for length and width of the location to get small pieces of offcuts into
a location.
Or

Leave SheetL and SheetW blank and enter only SheetCondition with SheetW==value to
capture cross cutting offcuts (level 2) on the full strip width

2.12 Cost-based Offcut Detection (based on

CO II or CO III)
The same as 2.11 but for any offcut the value will be optimized depending on its size. This
results in more optimum offcut dimensions and favored consumption of small scrap parts.

RestV
This field contains the value per unit of surface for the reusable scrap. This information is
important for cost optimizations. The program will classify scrap as reusable or non reusable
based on the next three parameters: minimum length, minimum width and minimum surface.

The information you enter into this field may not allow an additional cut to be planned in a
layout, because the residual scrap has a sufficient value. Three parameters may determine the
minimum scrap to be considered as reusable. You may decide that a 10 cm dimension can be
 Ardis Optimizer 132

reusable scrap, but that a 10 x 10 cm piece cannot be reusable scrap. Therefore, you may
specify a minimum surface.

2.13 Stock priority on parts

Some parts are needed regularly. For better yield in a previous optimization there may have
been overmake. If these parts are brought in, manually or with ASCII export, then they will
not be recut as standard basic material. They will be handled as (S)tock material.

This module has been replaced by function MergeFillerParts which is available with module
1.2 + 1.14

2.14 MLT(multiplier)-Function on
Stackheight (1.1 required)
Sheets for which you want them to be cut in a multiple of a stack height.

Mlt

2.15 Tension free cut

Tensions may occur in laminated sheets as a result of production. With this option you can
define for any specific basic material where a tension-free cut should preferably be made, so
that, once the cut has been made, tensions are released. Strips can be re-cut with a trim in
order to get straight material.
Our LAYSTRIP can be used in case your machine controller does not support TFC
automatically.

TFC per material (sheet)

TFCRip: tension free cut in a rip cut pattern (longitudinal strips)

e.g. sheet 1: 10 mm trim before and 10 mm trim after at each rip cut
e.g. sheet 2: 30 mm = 15 mm trim before and 15 mm trim after at each rip cut
 Ardis Optimizer 133

TFCCross: tension free cut in a cross cut pattern (transverse strips)

e.g. sheet 3: 20 mm trim before and 10 mm trim after tension cut, which is located between
1% and 90% of the sheet's length

Common syntax to define TFC:

trim before [; trim after [; min.%pos ; max.%pos] ]

where
trim before: width of the first part (upper part for horizontal TFC / left part for transverse
TFC) of the TFC
trim after: width of the second part (lower part for horizontal TFC / right part for transverse
TFC) of the TFC, when omitted trim before means the total trim before+after
min.%pos: minimum position (in percentage) of the TFC relative to the total feeding distance
of the sheet's length or width
max.%pos: minimum position (in percentage) of the TFC relative to the total feeding
distance of the sheet's length or width
 Ardis Optimizer 134

Remarks
'trim before' + 'trim after' makes the total width of the tension free cut
A TFC is located between min.%pos and max.%pos. of the total sheet's feeding distance.
This method does NOT give any guarantee a tension free cut will be included in the pattern.
Only if there is a chance within the pattern's current strip structure, it will do so. It mostly
depends in the margin you allow with min.%pos and max.%pos.

Changing saw blade thickness

Alternately (old method):
You may define a wider saw blade thickness in the first cutting direction of a pattern. By this
way, the difference between the next (normal) saw blade thickness and the (first) oversized
blade thickness is sent as tension free-cut to the saw. This is the case for all strips in the first
cutting direction of the pattern.

In this example, a tension free cut of 10 mm is processed for each strip in the first cutting
direction (longitudinal or transverse), but never in both directions.

2.16 Use all stock

If from a sheet size no left over is accepted, then you can set the system to use all sheets. The
system will see to cut even just priority 2 from this sheet size.

2.19 Load cost per material location

Load cost
Startup cost to load the first sheet of this location (when SheetLocID is not blank). All sheets
located in the same location (SheetLocID) are considered to be brought at once to the cutting
machine. The SheetCLoad cost is calculated only once per location and so increases the
probability of emptying the location.
 Ardis Optimizer 135

Maschine
Alle maschinenspezifischen Parameter müssen im Cutting Optimizer eingestellt werden. Je
nach Installation sehen Sie bis zu 5 Bereiche, in die Sie Ihre Daten eingeben können.

Wählen Sie die Maschine aus deren Einstellungen Sie verändern möchten oder fügen Sie eine
neue Maschinendatei durch den entsprechenden Punkt im Kontextmenü hinzu.

Basic cutting technology

All technical criteria that control the nesting of required parts into layouts will be described in
this section.

Like in other data entry screens, you can jump from cell to cell (active cells) using either the
Tab key, the Enter key or the up and down arrows. If you want to go to the previous field,
press Shift+Tab.

You may find that different basic materials may require different machine parameters. If this
is the case, you will have to create a different machine file per set of parameters. In the basic
material file, you enter the machine file name required. E.g. if the saw kerf varies from one
basic material to the other, create machine specifications files for each process, and select the
correct one in the basic material file.

Description
This field contains a general description of the machine, usually the name of the machine.
 Ardis Optimizer 136

Saw blade
The saw blade thickness (saw kerf) corresponds to the quantity of basic material lost during
the cutting operation, due to the thickness of the used tool (cutter, saw or guillotine). The
program takes this factor into consideration to compute the layouts.

It is possible to specify a saw blade thickness for the first cut and a different saw blade
thickness for the following cuts. For long and thin panels, you can compensate for the lack of
precision when the panel is first positioned onto the cutting table by using a thicker saw
blade.

It is also possible to enter a different saw blade thickness for the length and transverse cuts, in
case e.g. different saws or cutters are used in each direction.

A remark has to be made about the length and transverse cuts. The length cuts are to be
considered as those that are made in the direction of what was defined as the length in the
basic material file. Thus, the transverse cuts will be the cuts made in the width direction.

Another application will be "gross dimensions" sawing. The required parts file will indicate
the real dimensions required, and the cutting thickness will give the tolerance to obtain the
gross dimensions. However, note that the minimum/maximum formulas will give more
precise results.

Max. levels
The number of levels means the number of times that a basic material has to be turned from
length cut to transverse cut and vice-versa to complete a part (for more explanation we refer
to the "Learning to work…" chapter).

Every turn of a plate or strip will increase the level by one. This may be illustrated as such:
the first cut direction will be level one. The sub panels obtained will have to be cut in the
other direction, thus giving level 2. If more cuts have to be performed in the other direction
again, they will be on level 3 and so on. Another way to express the number of levels is to
answer the question: how many times has a basic material or a part of it been turned from one
direction to the other to get the final required part.

The number of levels that you allow will determine the complexity of the layouts. If you limit
the number of levels, you will simplify the layouts. The simplified layouts will reduce the
cutting operation time.

Max. cutting levels = 2 disables re-cuts.

Max. cutting levels = -3 reduces to number of patterns with re-cuts.
Max. cutting levels = 1 does length optimization (module F required)

Remark
This field is used for any additional machine information you want to include. You can use
the Remark field to define some extra parameters.
 Ardis Optimizer 137

Clamps
Position der Spannzangen getrennt durch Semikolon";"

This parameter does not influence the optimization results, except for angular saw with 2
feeders. The effect of the clamps settings depends on the post-processor. Verify the post-
processor's manual.

If you don't specify the clamps positions, either your machine controller takes care of
clamping the strips, or it is possible the stack the same strips on the top of each other to cross
cut them at once.

If you define only 1 clamp e.g. 50, then the all same strips are split as single strips, which
makes it possible to cross cut all strips separately.

Spannzangenabstand
Minimale benötigte Breite um ein Streifen zu Spannen

SpannzangeStart
Relative Startposition zur linken Ecke jeder Spannzange

SpannzangeEnde
Relative Startposition zur rechten Ecke jeder Spannzange

3.1 First Cutting Direction

The preferred first cutting direction can be specified for each material (cross cut first, rip cut
first or no preference).

First stripd
Cutting Optimizer will always search for the optimum cutting layout for a given basic
material. If the First stripd parameter is set to None, then some layouts may have the first
cutting direction going with the length dimension and some layouts may have the first cutting
 Ardis Optimizer 138

direction going with the width dimension. Cutting Optimizer will choose the first cutting
direction that obtains the highest yield.

Lay-out with first cutting direction longitudinal

Often, it is not convenient for your company to load the basic material once in the length
direction, and the next one in the transverse direction. To avoid this, you may set the system
to make all first cuts to be in one direction. You can set First stripd to be either Longitudinal
(first cut with length of panel) or Transverse (first cut in the width of panel).

You can press the spacebar to see the different options available.

3.2 Combine Similar Strips

Cutting Optimizer will arrange similar strips in ways that they can be combined for cross
cutting.

Par. strips equal

Sometimes there are layouts with different width strips that have to be cut further in the same
length dimensions. Some machines can process these strips as one single batch. If your
equipment allows you to do this, then Cutting Optimizer will integrate this feature in the
computed layouts. You just need to set the Par. Strips equal parameter to Yes. This is a
Yes/No parameter. You may select the desired setting by pressing the spacebar.

If you have this feature available and you have a limitation on the number of strips that can
be processed together, then the number of combinations will be increased.

This option is useful for coil cutting.

 Ardis Optimizer 139

3.3 Strip Bridging

This option may increase overall yield by making a “sub-layout” for parts (usually the last
parts on a strip) that do not have the same width as the strip. This technique normally makes
the pattern more complex but increases the yield.

Stripbridging
Strip bridging is a transverse cut crossing several parallel strips.

Lay-out without strip bridging

Lay-out with strip bridging

This feature may be useful when the same strip is repeated several times in adjacent sections
of the layout. The last required parts placed in each strip do not have to be the same width as
the strip itself, but they are on a lower level. In this case, basic material savings may be
obtained by programming a transverse cut just to isolate these last required parts and to nest
 Ardis Optimizer 140

them as a sub-layout in the total panel layout. However, this will make the final layout more
complex, because the operator will first have to cut the main parts out of the strips, before
cutting the bridged strips.

3.4 Book Height

Allows to enter the maximum height of a “books” (a stack of raw material sheets).
Furthermore a minimum number of sheets to be cut per pattern can be entered with this
option.

Bookheight
This information relates to the maximum height of panels you may feed in each cycle. Many
machines can cut several panels stacked on top of each other in one operation cycle. In order
to determine the maximum number of panels that may be cut in one operation, you have to
specify the maximum stacking height that the machine accepts. Cutting Optimizer will use
this information, combined with the basic material thickness, to compute the number of
panels that can be processed in one cycle.

This same information is important for the cost evaluation and production time computation.
The value you enter in the Bookheight field has to be in the same unit of measure as the one
that you used to give the basic material thickness in the basic material file.

3.5 Headcut Technology

ARDIS Cutting Optimizer offers extensive control for headcuts. The layout can be divided in
2 parts. This option can increase yield but it makes the patterns more complex.

Input of head cuts data

A head cut is a cut that splits a panel in the opposite direction of the first cutting direction. A
head cut produces two sub-panels that will be optimized separately or even processed on
separate machines.

Lay-out with transversal head cut

 Ardis Optimizer 141

Applying a head cut means that the layouts produced by Cutting Optimizer will be more
complex. The sum of the efficiency (yield) of the two sub-layouts must be better than the
efficiency (yield) obtained without a head cut. Also the efficiency (yield) increase has to be at
least equal to a given factor in order to be applied.

For panel cutting, the notion of a head cut means that the first cut direction does not go the
entire length/width of the panel, but is limited to the separation of the two sections. For
lengths (bars or profiles), head cuts are not applicable.

The data related to head cuts may be entered separately for longitudinal or transverse head
cuts.

Headcut allowed
This is where you enter if a head cut is allowed for each direction. Some machines allow
making head cuts in both directions. You can change this value by pressing the space bar.

Minimum efficiency increase

This is where you specify the minimum efficiency increase that has to be achieved to allow a
head cut to be placed in a lay-out. A head cut requires an additional operation, which will
only be productive if a minimum efficiency increase is obtained. In this field, you enter a
percentage related to the basic material value.

For panel cutting, if a transverse cut is possible "at no cost" the head cut facility may be used
to determine the size of the cut.

If your version of Cutting Optimizer provides the cost optimization, you do not have to enter
a value into this field. Cutting Optimizer will instead use the information that you enter in the
Input - Machine characteristics - Cost information - Head cuts costs sub menu function.

Additional cutting loss

This is where you enter the additional material loss due to the head cut. Generally, a head cut
is made by a special saw, which may have a thicker saw blade than the normal saws. In other
cases, if the head cut section has to be processed on another machine, then a special trim cut
may be required.
 Ardis Optimizer 142

Minimum size normal piece

This is the minimum size of the "normal piece" remaining after having made the head cut.
Most machines that process this piece will require it to be a minimum size of the basic
material panel. In other words, the remaining piece should be large enough that it can be cut
normally on the present machine.

You can also use this field to plan a very simple section in a lay-out. This simple section
would have a few levels embedded with a few different parts, together with a section
embedding more levels and different parts. This may be achieved by entering the desired
criteria for the simple section in the machine technical description data. If you then allocate a
machine having fewer restrictions to the head cut piece, Cutting Optimizer will plan for a
very simple layout for the main piece that will have the minimum dimensions entered here.
The "limited" head cut piece will have a more complex layout, but will tend to have a higher
efficiency.

If the machine allocated to the normal piece has fewer capabilities, Cutting Optimizer will
tend to use head cuts as often as possible. This may not be the desired result, so it is
important to enter data into the head cut parameters.

For cost optimization, the head cut fields are not used. In that case the system will compute
the most efficient size of the head cut.

If the head cut fields are left blank, the system will consider that you do not need the
minimum size of the normal piece.

Maximal Mass für Hauptteil

Maximal zugelassenes Mass für das Hauptteil bei einem Schnittplan mit Kopfstück

Maximum size headcut piece

The machine used to make the cuts for the head cut piece may only be able to process panels
of certain sizes.

If the normal piece is defined with parameters for a simple layout, the maximum size given
must be estimated. This size is necessary so the "simplicity" requirement does not get
eliminated, because it impossible to achieve.

Headcut machine file name

This is where you list the machine filename for the machine that will cut the head cut piece.
In fact, the head cut program allows you to distribute the layout between two different
machines: an automatic unit for the simple layout design, and another machine for the more
complex design.

To have both pieces cut on the same machine, just leave the name of the head cut machine
file blank, or enter the same filename as the one specified for the normal piece.
 Ardis Optimizer 143

3.6 Machine Limitations

Maximum and minimum dimensions of sheet that can be cut on the machine. Furthermore
limits on feeding distance, etc. can be entered.

Dimension and number limits

In the machine file you should specify all technical limits which have to be considered during
the optimization calculations.

If a certain dimension cannot be cut because it is too long or too short, then enter this
dimension in the "Measure restrictions" section.

If the machine cannot cut a certain number of strips or if it does not allow cutting in a certain
direction, then enter these limitations in the "Number restrictions" section.

For purposes of stacking and 'after' cutting management, it might be necessary to give a
maximum number of pieces per lay-out and maximum number of pieces not finished after
cutting a lay-out.

Dimension limits (Measure Restrictions)

Max. cut length

For this parameter, you specify the maximum cut length (length of tool or table) for the
machine. A basic material sheet may be longer than the maximum cut length that the machine
can handle. In this case, Cutting Optimizer will start the first cut in the transverse direction
(width), based on the number entered into this field.

Min. cut length

This parameter will prevent the program from computing strips that are too small to be
properly clamped. The sheet grips that push a strip under the cutter may need a minimum
distance. If a strip needs to be fastened with a minimum of two grips, then the minimum cut
length corresponds to the minimum grip distance.

Parts that do not have a side that comes up to the minimum cut length, will not be produced
in the short direction.
 Ardis Optimizer 144

Max. feed distance

Some machines have a maximum depth in the back of the machine. Cutting Optimizer can
take into account the information you enter into the Max. feed distance field. If a part is
longer than this limitation, it will be in the transverse direction in the lay-out. If all
dimensions of the part are longer than this limitation, it will not be produced.

When cutting with shears (with a backtouch and a graduated ruler in front), there may be a
part that is longer than the maximum feeding distance. However, the part can be cut in front.
To tell Cutting Optimizer to cut this part in the front, you have to enter "FRONTP=1" in the
"Remark" field of the machine file.

Min. feed distance

In contrast to the minimum last feed dimension (next option) this condition has to be
fulfilled.

Min. last feed dist.

Sometimes a value is entered into this field for work safety considerations. The last part cut
should be large enough to allow safe handling. The minimum last feeding distance may
correspond to the depth of the grips or for glass with the break distance.

Max. feed strip 1

Some machines may require the first block in the cutting pattern to be cut as a chessboard.
This often happens for machines like Teutomatic and Schwabedissen. For the Max. feed strip
1 parameter, you specify the maximum dimensions for the first part of the lay-out. For
Schwabedissen machines, this is the maximum dimension allowed without passing the limit
of the moving table.

Min. feed strip 1

For the minimum feed strip 1 parameter, you enter the minimum size of the first block to be
cut as chessboard. This is the position of the pusher on a Teutomatic and the minimum
dimension of the fixed table of the Schwabedissen.

3.7 Number Limitations for Strips

This option is used to simplify the cutting patterns by limiting the number of different strips
and total number of strips in the same cutting layout. You can also limit the number of parts
and number of different parts in a strip.
 Ardis Optimizer 145

Number Restrictions

You may enter quantities that will be used to meet the limitations of the machine. With these
parameters, you may increase or decrease the complexity of the lay-outs.

Different strips
For the different strips parameter, you need to enter a maximum limit for the number of strips
on the first level. With automatic sawing installations, this may be the maximum number of
pushers for sawing strips or it may be the counter limitation. For guillotine cutting it is the
maximum number of strips that may be produced per cutting. For coil cutting it is the
maximum number of secondary coils.

This parameter corresponds to machine parameter, "Par. strips equal" =Yes. Strips that have
to be divided equally will be considered as equal, even if their width is different.

Total strips
You can use the total strips parameter to set a maximum for the number of strips on level 1.
These strips do not have to be similar. This parameter does take the saw blade restrictions
into account.

Different parts
This parameter will limit the number of different parts (or strips) on level 2. Generally, it is
the maximum number of different parts that can be found in a first level strip.

Total parts
This parameter is for the maximum number of parts (or strips) on level 2. These parts do not
have to be similar. In Cutting Optimizer, you can specify these limitations separately for the
length (Longitudinal) and for the width (Transverse) directions. When you use these
limitations, you will probably reduce the complexity of the lay-outs. This reduction may
improve the stacking process after cutting.
 Ardis Optimizer 146

Different parts on level 3, 4+

This parameter is for the number of parts that can be positioned in a strip in level 3 (level 4 or
more for Different parts on level 4+).

Total parts on level 3, 4+

This parameter is for the maximum number of parts that can be positioned in a strip in level 3
(level 4 or more for Total parts on level 4+).

3.8 Maximum Number of Different Parts

Similar to 3.7 this option allows the user to specify a maximum number of different parts per
layout. This to limit the complexity for the sheet cutting / stacking operation, limited to one
pattern.

Max. parts per layout

It is possible to simplify the lay-outs by limiting the number of different parts that can be in a
lay-out. This field can also be used to control the number of locations required to pile the
parts cut.

3.9 Reduce scrap and off-cut sizes

With this option you can divide scrap of off-cut pieces into smaller pieces for easier
transportation.

STRIPDIV ("condition" ; "L"; "B" [; "condition2" ; "L" ; "B" ; ...] ): divides scrap/rest pieces
into smaller pieces on first matching condition and when the result of the L and B formula is
valid

To divide the off-cut pieces transverse into 2 pieces:

STRIPDIV ( "StripType IS 2" ; "(StripLength-LayCutThick)/2" ; 9999)
 Ardis Optimizer 147

To divide the off-cut pieces into 2 pieces lengthwise:

STRIPDIV ( "StripType IS 2" ; 9999 ; "(StripWidth-LayCutThick)/2")

3.10 Set-up Costs

The user can specify set-up costs per layout and per basic material size. These cost factors
will then be taken into account in the optimization run.
 Ardis Optimizer 148

Input of machine costs data

The costs are entered per type of activity or type of cutting. It is recommended that you enter
the total cost value, including manpower + machine + depreciation + energy and consumable
goods + etc per type of activity.

By entering costs per cutting activity, Cutting Optimizer will be able to determine if it is
necessary to plan for a new activity or not. Cutting Optimizer will balance the cost of this
new activity with the increase in material yield. For example, if the basic material is of
relative low cost, it will not be advantageous for Cutting Optimizer to make a lay-out with an
additional expensive cutting operation.

Fixed set-up cost first layout

The fixed set-up cost per layout includes the following: machine set-up costs, stacking
locations, programming and set-up.

For manually controlled machines it is very important to correctly evaluate these costs. For
example, when the program is faced with two solutions for building the lay-outs (one with 10
different layouts and the other with 20 different lay-outs), preference will be given to the 10
lay-outs solution.

When you enter set-up costs, this will limit the number of different layouts in the
optimization. This means that the higher you set these costs, the fewer layouts will be
produced.
 Ardis Optimizer 149

Fixed set-up cost basic material

These are costs inherent to the first usage of a new basic material: transfer of the material to
the queue stack of the machine, required stacking material, etc.

If Cutting Optimizer has to choose between different sizes of the same basic material, the
information entered into this field will limit the usage of these different sizes.

Fixed set-up cost next run

These are the fixed set-up costs for each subsequent stack of basic material. This information
is only valid in cases where the machine allows cutting several panels in one run (cycle).

The number of times a layout has to be produced will be divided by the number of panels that
may be stacked in one run. This result will be multiplied by the value entered here.

For panel cutting, many machines can handle cutting several panels in one cycle. The
maximum stack height is listed in the machine file (Bookheight parameter).

The fixed set-up costs do not vary according to dimensions. However, they are reduced if the
produced parts per layout, basic material size or the stacking height increases. Thus, the more
basic material per layout is used, the cheaper the set-up costs per square meter of useful basic
material will be. The fewer the number of basic material sizes required the lower the set-up
costs per square meter.

However, for cutting stacked basic materials, there is a preparation job necessary for the
stacking of the panels. If a stack is lower than the allowed height, the costs of a maximum
stack will be charged.

Wait costs
Entering data into the Wait costs field is only important if you process large parts files. If
Cutting Optimizer produces a large number of layouts, then there may be several parts
included in the first layouts that will also be included in some of the later layouts. In fact,
some parts may be spread over all of the computed layouts. The machine operators may not
like the parts distribution over many lay-outs. Parts will be produced in random sequence and
some time will be lost going through the stacks to distribute the parts to the correct output
sequence. This situation may generate piling errors and it may cause damage to some of the
parts due to unnecessary manipulations. The wait costs give you a way of limiting the
distribution of parts through to many layouts. For example, the wait cost may represent the
costs of setting up a new stacking location or stacking a new part or removing an incomplete
stack of required parts that will have to be finished later.

Maximum runs
A run is the cutting or sawing of one single layout. The number entered as the value for this
parameter is the maximum number of runs in which you can leave parts in an incomplete
stack, before you free that stacking location to receive a new part. When this incomplete part
appears in a lay-out again, a stacking location has to be restored to receive it. Cutting
Optimizer will charge a new wait cost for it.
 Ardis Optimizer 150

Charge rule
This information tells Cutting Optimizer how to charge the wait costs. There are two
possibilities, fixed and proportional. If you choose the "Fixed" charge rule, then you
maximize the impact of these costs. Select the "Proportional" charge rule when you do not
want to produce a part in one single run, if it is required in several lay-outs. But when the
required quantity is almost produced, it is desired to complete the part as soon as possible.

Stripwidth change
The costs to change the strip width on the machine for a level 1 part.

Zeit in Kosten Umwandeln

leer=übernehme den Wert für Kosten, 1= übernimmt den Wert für die Schnittzeiten, >1=
Wandelt die berechnung um

You need CO version II or III or CO I with module 4.9 to get access to this feature.

Times are displayed in

In Results - Summary in the field
ResCutTime

At lay-out level in the variable

LayTime
 Ardis Optimizer 151

Cutting costs

These fields will contain the cutting costs per cutting operation. These costs may be entered
in three ways: a fixed cost, a variable cost and/or a factor. In addition, you may enter different
cost values for length and transverse cutting. However, the costs will be generally the same in
both directions.

By entering different first cut costs for the length (longitudinal) and width (transverse)
direction, you may influence the system to plan a first cut in a preferred direction. It will
choose the one with the lowest first cut costs. If the machine allows the first cut to be in
either direction, then you may want to give a priority to a standardized style of layouts. In this
case, you may specify a lower cost for a first longitudinal cut than for a first transverse cut. If
the system can develop a length and a width layout containing the same parts, priority will be
given to the length layout. However, you should check your machine file to make sure that
there is no first cutting direction indicated.

Fixed
The fixed part of the cutting costs will cover the set-up costs. Starting to cut in a different
direction, installation of a new cutter or positioning of a new panel always requires a certain
amount of time that has to be charged.

Variable
Once a cut is started, the costs will be proportional to the length of the cut. The cost per
dimension unit will be entered in these variable fields.

Factor
You can introduce some extra costs, such as general production overhead costs. To account
for these extra costs, you need to enter numbers into the factor column fields that will be used
as multipliers of the related costs.

Longitudinal and Transverse Factor for Variable Costs

There is a Factor row in the Cutting costs screen. You can only enter information into the
factor row in the Variable columns. In these variable columns you need to enter the unit of
measure in which the cutting costs are given. The figure entered as the factor for variable
costs will be the divider of the variable costs. For example, the dimensions of the required
parts are all entered in mm, but you want to enter the cost figures in $ per meter. These two
 Ardis Optimizer 152

fields allow you to enter the value in which the variable costs will be divided, in order to
express them in meters or per ten meters, etc. No decimals are allowed in these fields. E.g. if
you entered the dimensions of the required parts in mm, with one decimal position and you
want to enter the variable costs per meter, then you fill in both fields the value 10.000.

Basic first
This is where you specify the costs to produce the first strip. After the elimination of one, two
or no borders, the panel will be turned and the first length or width cut is performed. It is
called the basic first cut. This cut will often eliminate a trim and scrap in one operation.

Basic next
These are the costs for producing all of the level one strips, except for the first strip. These
strips are parallel to the first strip though. After the first basic cut, the first strip direction is
given. Then all level one strips may be cut consecutively.

Entering different costs for longitudinal (length) and transverse (width) cuts will determine
which layouts are created. The software will give preference to the development of layouts
that have their first cutting direction in the direction of the lower cost cut.

Splitting first
These are the costs for the first cut of a level two strip. These costs should include the time
required to rotate the strips after level one. These costs apply to all of the next levels.

For panel cutting on big machines these cuts are called fake head cuts. For glass they are
called Z-cuts.

Splitting next
The costs for the next second level cuts. The costs will be charged for the processing of every
different strip obtained from level one. As for the first splitting, you have to consider that
second level cuts are transverse to the first level direction, and thus that Cutting Optimizer
will use, for cost calculation and optimization, the values given for the other direction as
those used for the first level.

Headcut
Some installations have the possibility to execute a head cut. This cut is transverse to the first
cutting direction and splits a standard basic material format into two pieces. Each piece will
than be optimized separately, as if it where different standard formats, and can even be
processed on separate machines, or with separate machine parameters. The largest piece will
be processed on the basic machine, and the head cut piece on a "head cut machine". These
fields allow you to enter the costs to produce a head cut.

This information will more or less influence the decisions of the program. More or less,
because the reasons to perform head cuts are often linked to technical constraints. However,
the higher the cost of the basic material the often it becomes interesting to perform a head
cut. It is important that you understand the relation that will exist between this information
and the percentage you have entered in the "Machine - Head cut - Minimum Yield".
 Ardis Optimizer 153

3.11 Stacking Technology

This module is used for high volume angular saws or shears. The ARDIS Cutting Optimizer
produces layouts in such a way that the machine can operate without any stops due to stack
overflows.

3.12 Parts Not Finished, (simple Stacking

Places)
If you cut the patterns in the sequence produced by Cutting Optimizer then you can limit the
maximum number of different parts that can be in the running at any moment. If you say 5
stacking places, then a new part will only be nested if there are never more than 5 different
parts „in nesting‟. Corresponding field is max. parts in production.

Max. parts in production

This parameter controls the number of open stacks of parts around the machine. You will
need to enter how many different parts can be combined in one lay-out, taking into account
the number of different parts in the preceding lay-outs. Cutting Optimizer will avoid having a
number of open stacks in consecutive lay-outs greater than the number given here. A new
part will only be introduced, if the number of parts in production is less than the value of this
parameter.

In most production facilities, there is only space for a small number of pallets. A pallet can be
removed when it is completely full or when all of the parts are produced.

3.13 Angular Shear Controls

Special set of parameters to control technical data for angular shearing systems.

3.14 Minimum Layout Reproduction (1.1

required)
For some reasons it may be important that for a pattern a minimum number of sheets is to be
cut the same way.

mQty/pattern
It may be important when cutting large quantities of basic material, for the same layout to be
cut a minimum number of times. It seems evident, in such cases, that it will not be efficient to
produce one layout one hundred times, a second one hundred and fifty times, and finishing
the job with three different layouts that have to be produced one or two times. This factor
may try to avoid this situation by planning to incorporate the required parts of these last few
layouts in others, so that each one will be produced a minimum number of times.
For historical reasons this module is classified as a machine module, although this field is
available in the "Basic material" section.
 Ardis Optimizer 154

If the machine set-up costs are high, the minimum runs gives you the opportunity to instruct
Cutting Optimizer to output a layout only if it can be produced a minimum number of times.
The minimum runs feature gives those who do not have the cost optimization option
available, the opportunity to obtain some kind of cost optimization results.

Be aware of the fact that some required parts may not be included in the layouts, in order to
respect this minimum run limitation.

If a strip with a series of parts cannot be built up on the same width, then the program will
not produce these parts. Underproduction may occur. You can set an overproduction
allowance for the parts in the cutlist to reduce the chances of getting any underproduction.
 Ardis Optimizer 155

Edges list
This input screen is used to enter edges for parts files and standard lists of edges for use in
current project parts files.

For each edge you can enter:

Identification of the edge
Description of the edge
Cutting measure correction
Price of the edge
Length supplement

Identification
This one letter code determines the identity of the edge. It must be unique for a complete
parts file.

Description
In this entry field (60 characters) you can enter any description at will. This description can
also be reported and used with edge figures.

Cutting measure correction

This is the net distance a part that has to be sawn becomes smaller due to attached edges on a
side of the part. Edges attached to a long side of part reduce the sawing width of a part. An
edge attached to the short side of the part reduces the length of a part. If sticking a border
reduces the measure of a part, this value has to be negative.

Price
This is the value (cost price, budget price) that is allocated to the use of the edge. This value
can be a fixed amount each time an edge is used, but it can be variable.

Length supplement
This is the quantity of edges one needs to supplement for each side on which we use an edge.
E.g. the length of a part which needs an edge is 350mm. The total edge will be 370mm
because on each end there will be a supplementary edge of 10mm. In that case we have to fill
in 20mm.
 Ardis Optimizer 156

Results & Reports

Results
Introduction

You can print reports, lists, labels, and graphical representations of the optimization. The
stock of available parts and basic materials can be kept. You can make a link between the
program and a machine connection too.

Printing

In the menu you get by pressing the right mouse button (or the Windows button) on
"Results", it is possible to tag the report items, which have to be printed. If you select print
the selected items (marked with "v") are printed. By pressing on one of these individual items
you can print them separately.

Summary (F7)
See "Learning to work with…"

Lay-outs (F4)
This function gives you a graphical performance of the lay-outs. By pressing F4 you can -
wherever you are positioned - activate this function.

The lay-out screen exists out of three parts. In the top part "Lay-outs (F4)" you get
information about all calculated lay-outs. In the middle part you get a graphical
representation of the selected lay-out. In the bottom part "Lay-out parts" you get an overview
of all of the parts that are associated with one lay-out.

In the top part you can even sort lay-outs by pressing the right mouse button and selecting
"sort…".
 Ardis Optimizer 157

Sorting out lay-outs happens the same way as sorting out data. If however you have the
module "optimize parts completion" you can indicate "optimized stacking sequence". The
program will make that there are as less as possible uncompleted stacks or pallets. Lay-outs
with equal parts will be kept together as much as possible.

The "bundle-system" is a package, which sets up how many sheets one bundle can contain.
Each lay-out will be set in one or other bundle.

Generate re-usable scrap

If the rest of the pieces that we get after cutting the patterns are large enough, it is possible to
re-use them as basic material. These rest pieces have to be added to the basic material list.
This can be accomplished by selecting "generate re-usable scrap" in the right mouse button
menu of "lay-outs". Now you are asked to give the rest parts a name. After entering this, a
new basic material has been created e.g. "our scrap".

If you want that scrap parts are registered automatically inside a file you can do this for
individual sheet sizes by using the keyword "REST=". So scrap will be registered in that file
for that material only. If however, you want it for all materials and sheets sizes than you use
the keyword "REST=" in the general reference of the material.

Parts
See "Learning to work with…"

Update part quantities

 Ardis Optimizer 158

By pressing the right mouse button menu on "parts" and selecting "update part quantities"
you will adapt or update the stock of the parts.

The program asks you where you want to save these changes. If you select "no": all of the
produced parts will be subtracted from the original quantities. In this field you will see, from
then on, the number of parts that still have to be produced.

If you select "yes": the original quantities do not change but, the produced parts will be set
into the field "Done". If you have the module "extra text fields" you will see the name of the
optimization in text field 11.

Basic material sheets

See "Learning to work with…"

Update basic material quantities

You can also, in the same way as we did for the parts, adapt the stock of the basic materials.
Press the right mouse button menu on "basic material sheets" and then "update basic material
quantities".

Edges
You will get a list of the used edges.

User tools
When use define a path to a settings file in View - Project properties - Optimization - Tools
profile
 Ardis Optimizer 159

then you have the possibilty to define a tools list for customized actions in the right area of
the Results tree view item.

Click once on the picture or icon and the command(s) will be executed.

With the context menu (right mouse button), you can select the icon or picture related to the
custom action.

Reports
Reports are used to print data on paper, or to print a label, or to export data to a file.
A report definition defines what information you want to select and controls the formatting of
the data.

Kind of reports

There are 3 different kinds of reports:

 Ardis Optimizer 160

Lists: tiled patterns, parts report, sheet report.

Labels: layout labels, parts labels, sheet labels.
export definitions
In the chapter "learning to work with…" you find information about the general use of
reports.

Structure of a report
The structure is shown when you click on the +sign in front of the name of the report:

The structure will be clear on this report "parts sample":

 Ardis Optimizer 161

Defining reports

This screen is divided into 5 parts:

Report properties: the general set up for that report (e.g. a whole page with labels)

Sort: the order in which the data will be sorted

Dimensions body section: the general set up for a body section (e.g. one label or one line of a
report)

Detail/body section: for each field the formulas are defined and also the place where the field
has to be shown on a label (or line of the report).

Graphical presentation: a graphical presentation of the label (or line of the report) with
formulas, in order to show the fields which are defined in the next part.
 Ardis Optimizer 162

Report properties

In these fields we define everything which applies to one certain report.

Type
We define here with what kind of report we are working. Pressing the spacebar shows all of
the options:
Lay-outs
Sheets
Parts
Parts per lay-out
Parts files
Sheets files
Strips
Edges
Material/Parts file results
Lay-out extended text
Optimization results

Title
This is the title that will be printed on top of every page of that report.

Printer
We choose the printer on which our report has to be printed. By pressing the spacebar all of
the available printers show up. If you do not fill in anything, the windows default printer will
be taken.
 Ardis Optimizer 163

Label printing
Is the report a list then select "no", is it a label report then select "yes".

Orientation
By pressing the spacebar you will see the 2 options that can be filled in here: portrait or
landscape.

Page size
Also here a list of possible page sizes will be shown when you press the spacebar. We select
the size on which the report has to be printed. Default means the general size, which is in the
printer.

Page header
You can fill in "yes" or "no" related to print the page header or not.

Group
If groups have to be built, you give in on which basic they must be formed: e.g. PartMat (this
is the basic material used for that part). When you select the right mouse button menu and
select "Formula", the expression builder will give you all of the possible field names in the
list of variables.

You have the possible to group on a sub-level of the main group.

e.g. per material and for each material type grouped by its parts file

Filter
We make a selection/query of those data (records) which are eligible for this report. Also here
the expression builder gives you all of the possible field names in the list of variables or you
can even build a formula to make a query.

Top, Left, Bottom & Right margin

If we have to take certain margins into account for that report, we have to fill it in these
fields. You can use several units of measure: cm, mm, inch, in, ", twips, tw, pt, char, ch.
Cm centimeter
Mm millimeter
Inch or in or " inches (± 2.54cm)
Twips or tw 1/1440 inch
Pt points (1/72 inch)
Char or ch character (depends on the size of the letter)
 Ardis Optimizer 164

Multiplier
We fill in how many times one record (one data line e.g. one part) has to be repeated. This is
very interesting to point how many times a label has to be printed. Some examples:

For lay-out labels:

LayPartQty = one label for each part that has to be produced
1 = one label for each different part per lay-out

For parts labels:

PartProd = for every part that has to be produced
1 = one label for each part

For OEM parts labels or interactive parts labels through the LABEL
command
To get:
1 label for every
IF(LayPartCurr>0;LayPartCurr;1)
part
only one label
IF(LayPartNo<=0 ; LayPartCurr ; LayPartCumul == 0
per line in the
AND LayPartPrintedLabel == LayPartCurr AND
parts list (part
LayPartCurr > 0;1;LayPartCurr == 0;1;0)
size)
only 2 labels
IF(LayPartNo<=0 ; LayPartCurr ; LayPartCumul == 0
(first and last)
AND LayPartPrintedLabel == LayPartCurr AND
per line in the
LayPartCurr > 0;1;LayPartCurr == 0;1;LayPartCumul +
parts list (part
LayPartPrintedLabel == PartProd ; 1 ;0)
size)
only one label
per part per IF(LayPartCurr>0;LayPartPrintedLabel == LayPartCurr;1)
pattern
one label for the
IF(LayPartNo<=0 ; LayPartCurr ; LayPartCumul == 0
first part and one
AND LayPartPrintedLabel == LayPartCurr AND
label for the last
LayPartCurr > 0;1;LayPartCurr == 0 ; 1 ; LayPartCumul +
part of every
LayPartPrintedLabel == PartProd ; 1 ; 0)
reference
one label for the IF(LayPartNo<=0 ; LayPartCurr ; LayPartCumul == 0
first part of AND LayPartPrintedLabel == LayPartCurr AND
every reference LayPartCurr > 0 ; 1 ; LayPartCurr == 0 ; 1 ; 0)
one label for the
IF(LayPartNo<=0 ; LayPartCurr ; LayPartCumul +
last part of every
LayPartPrintedLabel == PartProd ; 1 ; 0)
reference
one label for the IF(LayPartNo<=0 ; LayPartCurr ; LayPartCumul == 0
first part and one AND LayPartPrintedLabel == LayPartCurr AND
label for the last LayPartCurr > 0;if(partprod == laypartcurr;2 min partprod
part of every ;1);LayPartCurr == 0 ; 1 ; LayPartCumul +
 Ardis Optimizer 165

reference + one LayPartPrintedLabel == PartProd ; 1 ;((LayPartCumul +

for the first and LayPartPrintedLabel - LayPartCurr) MOD INT(300 /
last in a stack of MatThick)) == 0;2;0)
300mm height.

Number of labels X & Y

You only have to fill in these fields when you use labels. You express how many labels you
want next to each other (X) and how many labels you want beneath each other (Y). When the
field "label printing" contains a "no" then these fields here have no single meaning.

Group separation
Here you can choose what you want to do when a new group comes up.

The choices are:

New page: starts a new page
New row: starts a new row on the same page
Continuous: just place the new group after the previous one

Export file
We can export a file to a certain data file for instance to use it in Excel. The data will be
exported to that file when you fill in:
the name of that file (between quotes)
a formula (without =) that builds up the name of that file
e.g. PATH (ResFPath substr "\" ; ResFName ; "csv")
(don't forget to specify the foldername)

To export data you press the right mouse button menu of that report
and select "export to file". You get a chance to enter to file path if you didn't enter a formula
in the "Export file" field.

You can also export the data to a database. The data record will be added as new records to a
defined table. Define the connection string + table name.

e.g. "Provider=SQLOLEDB;Integrated security=SSPI;Data Source=sqlexpress;Initial

Catalog=ardis;Table=logtable"

The last parameter "Table=" is specifically to define the table name in the database.

Append to file
There are 2 possibilities: yes or no. Yes means that the data which are exported to a file will
be added to that file, together with the already existing data. When you say no the existing
data will be deleted and the file only contains the new data.
 Ardis Optimizer 166

Split strips
This parameter is only used for reports of type Strips.

Ja=jeder Streifen separat, Nein=nur die verschiedenen Streifen (nur im Streifenbericht)

BookHeight
This parameter is only used for reports of type Strips.

Formel zum Bestimmen der Packethöhe für ein Schnittbild (nur im Streifenrapport)

When the parameter is used (=not empty), then the report iterates all strips per defined book.
When BookHeight=1 then all sheets of a pattern are processed one by one.

Body section
We define here the sizes of one label or one/more lines with data. E.g. for the report "lay-out
labels" we define all of the sizes of one label:

We fill in the width and height of one label. If one label has margins, we fill them in.

Graphical presentation

We see a graphical presentation of the body section (here one label of the parts labels per lay-
out). The formulas you see are just a preview.
 Ardis Optimizer 167

Definition of the body section

Formula
In the formula field a formula which is created using the expression builder is entered. To
launch the expression builder go to the right mouse button menu and select “Formula”. The
formulas that you enter are described in the chapter "Working with the expression builder". In
this field the contents of the label is defined.

X & Y fields
The X and Y fields are used to give a location for the result on the label. The reference or
zero point is pointed on the left side above.

Width & Height

In these fields the width and the height of the place the result may take on the label can be
determined, e.g. the width is 10 characters.

Font
This is the place where you select the font the result of the formula has to have on the label.
By pressing space you get a list of present fonts. You select the font you want. If the
appropriate font is not there, you can add one by using the technique explained in the chapter
"Learning to work with…".

Align
In this field you define how the result is to be aligned. By pressing the spacebar you get the
possible choices:
Right: Start filling the space on the right side
Center: Start in the middle
Left: start on the right side

Condition
Conditions can be defined to print certain lines or not e.g. print if all the parts are
produced,…
 Ardis Optimizer 168

Title

All of the data related to the title of the report are filled in here.

Dimensions

You can define the sizes and the margins of the title section.

If you want to use a page footer, you can define a virtual huge page header (e.g. 27 cm) and a
real off-set height (e.g. 5 mm)
 Ardis Optimizer 169

Definition
The definition of the title section works similar to the definition of the body section.

Graphical presentation
Also this part looks like the graphical part of the body section.

Group header

All of the data related to the title of a group of the report are filled in here. We define the
dimensions, formulas,… in the same way we did before.
 Ardis Optimizer 170

Group footer

All of the data related to the footer of a group of the report are filled in here. We define the
dimensions, formulas,… in the same way we did before.
 Ardis Optimizer 171

Report footer

All of the data related to the report footer (once, at the end of the report) are entered here. We
define the dimensions, formulas,… in the same way we did before.

Printing
When you want to print a report, select the report you want to print and click on or select
"print" in the right mouse button menu. It is also possible to look at a preview of the report:
select the report and click on or select "print preview" in the right mouse button menu.

4.1 Standard Parts Labeling

Standard labels can be printed, one per part, including part sizes, part reference and several
customer and order related fields. The size of the label, the printer fonts, etc. are user-
definable.

4.2.1 User Definable Labels

Allows the user to define size, quantity, layout and contents of the label.

4.2.2 Interactive labelprinting (4.2.1

required)
Interactive by indicating on the screen, selective label printing
 Ardis Optimizer 172

4.2.3 Labelling by capturing serial data

stream
This module is the ultimate solution to provide an answer to modern manufacturing methods
with older machines. Some old machine are DOS or PLC orientated. They need a specific
directly controlled printer. WINDOWS drivers are not available. Different parts stacking may
not be supported in label identification. Off-cut labelling may be a problem, getting
references or specific information's on off. Not to talk about a parts drawing on a label.
Different new barcode fonts.... In order to overcome these problems ARDIS now offers
modern labelling on any saw. This module will work as the 'old printer' and will so capture
the old label data. Resolve the problems and print comprehensive labels with the full power
of the ARDIS report generator available. For different types of parts you will get different
labels...

4.3 Barcodes on Labels (4.2.1 required)

For any label one or more barcodes (4.2.1 required) can be printed. Available are E39, 128,
125,…

4.4 Layout Sorting

This option can be used to sort the optimized patterns by a variety of different criteria (e.g.
yield).

4.5 Layouts: accepting or deleting

The operator can reject certain patterns. The parts in these patterns then go back to the
original cutlist and can be re-optimized.

4.6 Drawing files

This option allows users to reference drawing files (like .bmp, .dxf, .jpg, .gif, .tif and .wmf
files), in an ARDIS drawing field. These drawings can be printed on ARDIS reports and
labels. Without this option, the user can still use the drawing field to reference part drawings,
but they have to be in Bitmap (*.bmp) format.

4.7 ASCII Interface export

Cutting Optimizer can import files, the program can also export. The user chooses his format:
with or without columm header, separation between fields, fixed or variable field or
recordlength, everything is definable.
 Ardis Optimizer 173

4.7.2 User definable data export to database

via ADO / SQL
You can add data directly into a SQL DB by exporting a report defintion with an ADO
connection:
connection to SQL via connection string in Export file parameter
e.g. "Provider=SQLOLEDB;Integrated security=SSPI;Data Source=sqlexpress;Initial
Catalog=ardis;Table=logtable"
Last value in connection string Table=xxx refers to the table where to write the data.
For each (filtered) data record based on the report type, a SQL 'INSERT INTO' command is
executed.
The column names (between quotes) are defined in the Title section of the report definition,
and the field values are calculated from the detail section i.e. the number of lines in the title
section and the detail section must be exactly the same!
As a macro command:
EXPORT ("report definition name")
or
EXPORT ("report definition name" ; ; "Provider=SQLOLEDB;Integrated security=SSPI;Data
Source=sqlexpress;Initial Catalog=ardis;Table=logtable")

Afterwards you may run a SQL command or stored procedure with the macro function RUN:
RUN ("ADO connection" ; "SQL command")
e.g. RUN ("Provider=SQLOLEDB;Integrated security=SSPI;Data Source=sqlexpress;Initial
Catalog=ardis" ; "UpdateSheetsUsed") starts the stored procedure 'UpdateSheetsUsed'

4.8 ASCII Interface import

Files can be interpreted/read by Ardis. If another system makes a ASCII file than the system
will interpret this file according to the extension of the file. The user can define an import
interpretation for each extension. He can join or split import fields to one or more Ardis
fields. Each import line can be defined to take over one or more lines. An import field can be
a CSV file with an own separation sign, a txt file with fixed positions or a combination.

Importing data
If you want to use Cutting Optimizer as OEM module in your application, you'll probably
meet the problem of 'How to put my data in the input parts list and basic material list'

There are several ways for converting data from another application to Cutting Optimizer:
Manually by means of the clipboard:
If you Copy (Ctrl+C) columns and rows in a spreadsheet (e.g. Excel) or a database (e.g.
Access), you can Paste (Ctrl+V) the data in the current parts or basic material grid in
COWIN. He starts pasting in the current column and row. The order of columns (fields)
should match.
Creating (text) files by your own. At this moment Cutting Optimizer can handle only text
files, this means each line must end on CR(13)+LF(10). Several formats are possible:
 Ardis Optimizer 174

Cutting Optimizer's label format

See appendix B in the manual

Delimited text files

Cutting Optimizer can import delimited text files with parts data, sheets data and edging
information.
Text files with file extension (.CSV or .TXT) are automatically added to the selection dialog
window when adding a file to a current project.
All lines in the text files are ending with CR+LF (code 13 + 10).
The first line is the header record. It defines the fields (columns) to be imported. Alternately
you may supply text files without header lines but in this case you need to build a
HEADER_xxx.STK in the ardisimport folder where xxx is the extension of your text file.
The first (and only) line of HEADER_xxx.STK contains the header record.
All data fields must be delimited by the same delimiter. You may choose between
comma (,)
semi-colon (;)
pipe-symbol (|)
or tab (ASCII code 9)
The first delimiter found in the header record defines the delimiter to be used for all data.
The field names are the field identifiers you see when double clicking on the column's header
in Cutting Optimizer.
E.g. the part length has the id 'PartL'

The data records start on line 2. The data fields are structured the same way as defined in the
header record
Structure of the file:
fieldname1; fieldname2;...
data record 1 field 1; data record 1 field 2;...
 Ardis Optimizer 175

data record 2 field 1; data record 2 field 3;...

...
Cutting Optimizer converts the data automatically when you save (or optimize) your project
An example:

PartMat;PartL;PartW;PartQty
melamine 16;325;165;95
melamine 16;175;75;43

This example is a parts file in CSV-format. It can be used in Cutting Optimizer without any
further action.

User defined text format (*.???)

Condition
module "4.8 User definable import of text files" is needed.

Principle
??? means the file extension of the text file to be imported
COWIN reads the text file to import, line by line.
A definable parts template (C:ARDISIMPORT???.stk) defines how to translate the value into
Cutting Optimizer fields
A hidden IMPORT field in the parts header will contain every text line one by one.
Other parts fields refers to the IMPORT field by means of string expressions like left, right or
substr
All expressions in the parts fields are calculated and pasted in your parts list

Procedure to create an 'import definition'

Start a new project in COWIN
Build expressions for all other parts fields you need to import and refer to the reference
IMPORT field in your formulas starting with equal sign (=)
Use IMPORTCOND field to filter records to import (e.g. =IMPORTRECNO>1 imports all
text lines except the header record)
Click with right mouse button on parts file name 'Untitled' and Save Copy
Enter an unique (not used by other applications) file extension (max. 3 characters, e.g. '123'
and save the file (e.g. 123.stk) in your IMPORT sub-directory (C:\ARDIS\IMPORT)

Procedure to import data

Create a text file (fixed record length with ending CR+LF is preferred) with the unique
extension (e.g. TEST.123)
Fill the text file with the data to import (1 line = 1 record)
in COWIN: start a new project and right mouse button on Parts (F9) | Add parts file and
select the text file (TEST.123) and click 'Open'.
The data is automatically converted and imported in your project. The file extension is
changed to *.STK.

Example
You want to import the following text file (TEST.123):
 Ardis Optimizer 176

remark part 1 500.0 450.0 79

remark part 2 715.0 350.0 45

You need import definition file (C:\ARDIS\IMPORT\123.STK):

Field name FieldID Value or formula
Material MAT =IMPORT left 15
Length L =(IMPORT substr 16) left 7
Width B =(IMPORT substr 23) left 7
Qty A =(IMPORT substr 30) left 5

Remark
Cutting Optimizer prior to version 4.93.424 may just change the BEM2 (or another) formula
to =IMPORT (instead of IMPORT) to work fine with the new method.

Multiple templates import system

Principle
Macro command Open ("file path.xxx"; "template.STK")
=>
Macro commands defined in question list are generated to add or insert parts templates
=>
Parts (elements) are created from parts templates

Procedure to define import template

Start a new project in COWIN
Build macro expressions with OPENPART, MergeQuestions, ShowQuestion, AddPart or
InsPart in the questions list (without equal sign) referring to IMPORT field. This happens for
all records in your text file to import.

When Name is blank: the result of the formula in Value will be used as a macro command
When Name contains identifier: macro assignment Identifier=Result of Value is created
Click with right mouse button on parts file name 'Untitled' and Save Copy
Enter an unique (not used by other applications) file extension (max. 3 characters, e.g. '123'
and save the file (e.g. 123.stk) in your IMPORT sub-directory (C:\ARDIS\IMPORT)

Procedure to import multiple templates

Open new/existing macro (*.MCO)
Insert command:
Open ("import text file"; "just defined template.STK")
 Ardis Optimizer 177

Executes macro
For each record in the text file the formulas in the questions list of the template.STK are
evaluated as macro command.
Executing the generated macro commands will insert/add parts templates and its elements
When a specified parts template of the OPENPART doesn't exist, Cutting Optimizer asks the
user to select a reference to an existing base template to build this new template. This
reference will be saved as new template in the default parts templates folder and is never
asked again.

Input parts file structure

Fields with a yellow marked ID can be imported from a semi-colon or tab delimited text file.

The first line in the text file defines the field delimiter and the fields (columns) to be
imported in the format “fieldid1 ; fieldid2 ; ...”

[ISTKALG]: Header record (only 1 per file)

# InternalID Type ID Title Description
Reference commmon to the all parts of
1 ALGREF string PartFRef Projektbeschreibung
the file (30 characters)
All quantities listed in the cutlist will be
2 VEELVOUD long PartFQty Multiplier
multiplied by this factor
Date - informative (except if cost
3 DATUM date PartFDate Date
optimization is active)
4 EXT01 string PartFExt01 Ext01 Extended part info 01
5 EXT02 string PartFExt02 Ext02 Extended part info 02
6 EXT03 string PartFExt03 Ext03 Extended part info 03
7 EXT04 string PartFExt04 Ext04 Extended part info 04
8 EXT05 string PartFExt05 Ext05 Extended part info 05
9 EXT06 string PartFExt06 Ext06 Extended part info 06
1
EXT07 string PartFExt07 Ext07 Extended part info 07
0
1
EXT08 string PartFExt08 Ext08 Extended part info 08
1
1
EXT09 string PartFExt09 Ext09 Extended part info 09
2
1
EXT10 string PartFExt10 Ext10 Extended part info 10
3
1
EXT11 string PartFExt11 Ext11 Extended part info 11
4
1
EXT12 string PartFExt12 Ext12 Extended part info 12
5
1
EXT13 string PartFExt13 Ext13 Extended part info 13
6
1
EXT14 string PartFExt14 Ext14 Extended part info 14
7
1
EXT15 string PartFExt15 Ext15 Extended part info 15
8
 Ardis Optimizer 178

1
EXT16 string PartFExt16 Ext16 Extended part info 16
9
2
EXT17 string PartFExt17 Ext17 Extended part info 17
0
2
EXT18 string PartFExt18 Ext18 Extended part info 18
1
2
EXT19 string PartFExt19 Ext19 Extended part info 19
2
2
EXT20 string PartFExt20 Ext20 Extended part info 20
3
2 Name of the parts file with default
DEFVAL string PartDefVal Default Values
4 values
2 Name of the drawing linked to the parts
DRAWING string PartFDrawing Drawing
5 file
Parameters for all figures: SawBlade;
2 UpperTrim; RightTrim; BottomTrim;
FIGPARAM string PartFFigParam Figure parameters
6 LeftTrim; | or &; 0 or 1 = transverse
figure's grain direction
The current data line while importing a
2
IMPORT string PartImport Import foreign file. Use references to this
7
variable to control the import proces.
The current line number while
2
IMPORTRECNO long PartImportRecNo ImportRecNo importing a foreign file (blank are also
8
counted)
A record will only be imported in this
header section when this condition
2
IMPORTCOND string PartFImportCond Import condition results true or is blank. (refer to variable
9
IMPORT and IMPORTRECNO to
build condition)
The current parts list inherits all parts of
3 the specified parts template, but not its
INCLUDE path INCLUDE Include path
0 question list. Used with derivation of
existing parts calculations.
SQL querystring for importing record
3
IMPORT_QUERY string IMPORT_QUERY ImportQuery from a database (e.g. SELECT * FROM
1
tblParts)
ADO data source string for import for
3
IMPORT_DB string IMPORT_DB ImportDB Access, SQL Server or any other
2
database system
3
USE_STOCK bool USE_STOCK
3

[ISTK]: part record

# InternalID Type ID MaxChar Title Description
1 MAT material PartMat 50 Material Basic material used for that part
L or W must be in the grain direction -
2 R switchRC PartD D blank=no grain - E=L or W but
consistent within the job
3 L length PartL Length Length of the part
4 B width PartW Width Width of the part
 Ardis Optimizer 179

5 A double PartQty Qty Quantity to be produced

Reference, name or any other
6 REF string PartRef 15 Ref
identification given to the part
Production Priority level (0=high,
7 PRI short PartPri P
1=medium, 2=low)
8 PDAT date PartDue Ddate Due date
Free text remark (may complement the
9 BEM string PartRemark 60 Remark
reference informations)
Calculation Formula - to compute
10 BEW string PartCalc 60 Calc
dimensions and quantity tolerances
11 LMIN right PartLMin min.L minimum length
12 LMAX right PartLMax max.L maximum length
13 BMIN right PartWMin min.W mininum width
14 BMAX right PartWMax max.W maximum width
15 AMIN right PartQMin min.Q minimum quantity
16 AMAX right PartQMax max.Q maximum quantity
Number of parts already produced
17 AFGEW long PartQDone Done
earlier
Quantity of this part already available
18 VOORR long PartStock Stock
from stock (internal use)
19 BEM2 string PartRemark2 80 Remark 2 Remark 2
20 BEM3 string PartRemark3 160 Remark 3 Remark 3
21 EDGE1 edge PartEdge1 L Edging code long side 1
22 EDGE2 edge PartEdge2 L Edging code long side 2
23 EDGE3 edge PartEdge3 W Edging code short side 1
24 EDGE4 edge PartEdge4 W Edging code short side 2
Edging sequence: 45°;Vertical first,
25 EDGESEQ switchRC PartEdgeSeq Seq
Horizontal first
Using hierarchical structure of parts:
26 LEVEL short PartLevel Level parts can only be produced if higher
level parts are already finished
27 DRAWING string PartDrawing Drawing Name of the drawing linked to this part
Finishing actions (angle cuts, grooves)
28 FINISH1 string PartFinish1 FinishL for the part, taking the upper side as
reference side
Finishing actions (angle cuts, grooves)
29 FINISH2 string PartFinish2 FinishL for the part, taking the bottom side as
reference side
Finishing actions (angle cuts, grooves)
30 FINISH3 string PartFinish3 FinishW for the part, taking the left side as
reference side
Finishing actions (angle cuts, grooves)
31 FINISH4 string PartFinish4 FinishW for the part, taking the right side as
reference side
32 FIGREF string PartFigID FigID Identification ID of the parent figure
Part identification within the parent
33 FIGPARTID string PartFigPartID PartID
figure
 Ardis Optimizer 180

Parent figure's descriptive definition

34 FIGDEF string PartFigDef Figure def
(a,b=a against b; a/b=a above b)
Parameters for current figure:
Figure SawBlade; UpperTrim; RightTrim;
35 FIGPARAM string PartFigParam
parameters BottomTrim; LeftTrim; | or &; 0 or 1 =
transverse figure's grain direction
Identification of the group where the
36 PartGroup string PartGroup GroupID
part belongs to
File name of sheets material list to use
for this part or #number to define parts
37 PartStdGroup string PartStdGroup Supplier
group from the same supplier (=earlier
STDGR)
Stacking type for the part, defines
38 TYPE string PartStackType Stack Type
stacking place together with PartGroup
39 NX short PartNX NX Number of parts in X
40 NY short PartNY NY Number of parts in Y
A record will only be imported when
Import this condition results true or is blank.
41 IMPORTCOND string PartImportCond
condition (refer to variable IMPORT and
IMPORTRECNO to build condition)
42 EXT01 string PartExt01 Ext01 Extended info 1 of part
43 EXT02 string PartExt02 Ext02 Extended info 2 of part
44 EXT03 string PartExt03 Ext03 Extended info 3 of part
45 EXT04 string PartExt04 Ext04 Extended info 4 of part
46 EXT05 string PartExt05 Ext05 Extended info 5 of part
47 EXT06 string PartExt06 Ext06 Extended info 6 of part
48 EXT07 string PartExt07 Ext07 >Extended info 7 of part
49 EXT08 string PartExt08 Ext08 Extended info 8 of part
50 EXT09 string PartExt09 Ext09 Extended info 9 of part
51 EXT10 string PartExt10 Ext10 Extended info 10 of part
52 EXT11 string PartExt11 Ext11 Extended info 11 of part
53 EXT12 string PartExt12 Ext12 Extended info 12 of part
54 EXT13 string PartExt13 Ext13 Extended info 13 of part
55 EXT14 string PartExt14 Ext14 Extended info 14 of part
56 EXT15 string PartExt15 Ext15 Extended info 15 of part
57 EXT16 string PartExt16 Ext16 Extended info 16 of part
58 EXT17 string PartExt17 Ext17 Extended info 17 of part
59 EXT18 string PartExt18 Ext18 Extended info 18 of part
60 EXT19 string PartExt19 Ext19 Extended info 19 of part
61 EXT20 string PartExt20 Ext20 Extended info 20 of part
CNC Full path of the CNC program
62 CNCPrg1 string CNCPrg1
Program 1 definition (*.CNC, ...)
CNC Full path of the drawing connected to
63 CNCDraw1 string CNCDraw1
Drawing 1 the CNC program
CNC Param Used or modified parameter for the
64 CNCParam1 string CNCParam1
1 CNC program
65 CNCMain1 short CNCMain1 0(or blank) for a main program, pointer
 Ardis Optimizer 181

to main (1-5) program if subprogram

CNC Full path of the CNC program
66 CNCPrg2 string CNCPrg2
Program 2 definition (*.CNC, ...)
CNC Full path of the drawing connected to
67 CNCDraw2 string CNCDraw2
Drawing 2 the CNC program
CNC Param Used or modified parameter for the
68 CNCParam2 string CNCParam2
2 CNC program
0(or blank) for a main program, pointer
69 CNCMain2 short CNCMain2
to main (1-5) program if subprogram
CNC Full path of the CNC program
70 CNCPrg3 string CNCPrg3
Program 3 definition (*.CNC, ...)
CNC Full path of the drawing connected to
71 CNCDraw3 string CNCDraw3
Drawing 3 the CNC program
CNC Param Used or modified parameter for the
72 CNCParam3 string CNCParam3
3 CNC program
0(or blank) for a main program, pointer
73 CNCMain3 short CNCMain3
to main (1-5) program if subprogram
CNC Full path of the CNC program
74 CNCPrg4 string CNCPrg4
Program 4 definition (*.CNC, ...)
CNC Full path of the drawing connected to
75 CNCDraw4 string CNCDraw4
Drawing 4 the CNC program
CNC Param Used or modified parameter for the
76 CNCParam4 string CNCParam4
4 CNC program
0(or blank) for a main program, pointer
77 CNCMain4 short CNCMain4
to main (1-5) program if subprogram
CNC Full path of the CNC program
78 CNCPrg5 string CNCPrg5
Program 5 definition (*.CNC, ...)
CNC Full path of the drawing connected to
79 CNCDraw5 string CNCDraw5
Drawing 5 the CNC program
CNC Param Used or modified parameter for the
80 CNCParam5 string CNCParam5
5 CNC program
0(or blank) for a main program, pointer
81 CNCMain5 short CNCMain5
to main (1-5) program if subprogram

4.8.1 Pattern import CPOUT files

Supported files
CPOUT.999 (999 defines a number)
PRV.999 (999 defines a number)
*.CPO

Procedure
Use one of the following ways to convert a CPOUT file to an Ardis project:
By File - Open, select the CPOUT file
Drag the CPOUT file from the Windows Explorer and drop it into the Ardis Optimizer
application
 Ardis Optimizer 182

Remarks
Part's grain direction:
if CTL1's 3rd field defines Y, then all parts gets the L grain direction
if the 6th parameter of the ORD1 or the 2nd field of PRT5 is Y, then the part gets the L grain
direction
Sheet's grain direction: always L grain direction

4.9 Calculation of Cutting Costs and time

This option is very usefull when you use version I or II in environments based on offers with
costs. This function will also be used for time calculations. According to the saw speed you
can get another order time. This option calculates more exact than the standard sawblade
formula. The total cutting costs including material, labor costs and machine costs, etc. will be
calculated.

4.10 Cutting Pattern Editor PECO® for

Windows
With this option the user can modify the cutting layouts manually. This option is fully MS
Windows® based with typical cut, paste, copy, drag and drop functions. After modification
all the reports and cutting data will be recalculated based on the new patterns.

Introduction
All actions are done in the pattern view 'Lay-outs (F4)'
 Ardis Optimizer 183

Adding parts
To insert a part in a pattern's strip, just double click (or right mouse button + Insert part) on a
valid piece of scrap in the pattern.

A dialog shows a list of possible (existing) parts to insert into the selected scrap:

In the dialog window's title you see the dimensions of your scrap to insert a part into. These
dimensions are calculated based on the pattern's minimum needed trims (borders)

The same part may be included twice, one for each direction.

Explanation of the grid's fields:

Length: horizontal dimension of the part
Width: vertical dimension of the part
Qty: number of parts to be produced to achieve its minimum requested
QtyX: horizontal repetition of parts possible
QtyY: vertical repetition of parts possible
Lvl: Yes=a lower cutting level is needed, No=parts cutting length matches the strip width.
Yield: net surface / scrap surface when part is inserted maximum.
You may make some other hidden fields visible by right clicking the grid's column title bar
and 'Show ...':
D: Direction how the part will be inserted, L=lengthwise, W=turned
No#: Sequence of the part in the job
Reference: part's reference
To actually insert a part, select the right row by clicking on a field of the part, fill in the
requested quantity in the 'Qty' field and press OK.

=> The lowest value of Qty and QtyX*QtyY will be used!

 Ardis Optimizer 184

Filter the possible parts to insert

Only needed parts

Shows only parts that are still needed to be produced (=Underproduction)

Only possible needed parts

Shows only parts with underproduction and parts that may be over-produced (until the
maximum quantity is reached)

All fitting parts

Shows all parts (regardless of their production) with dimensions that fits into the requested
scrap to fill.

Add a new part

If you want to insert a part that doesn't exist in your project yet, press the
button and fill in the parts properties:

Please adjust the length and witdh of the new part and enter the quantity you need. Press OK
and you see that the new part is added to the insert part list.

Although the new part is added to your project, it's not added to any input parts list!

By clicking the right row and pressing OK, the new part is inserted in the pattern.
 Ardis Optimizer 185

Delete parts
To remove a part from a pattern, just double click (or right mouse button + Delete part) the
requested part.

The pattern structure is re-organized and the trims are re-calculated. Also the parts
production, net surface, ... is adjusted automatically.

Add new pattern

You may add a new pattern to your job by inserting a new row (right mouse button + Insert
row) in the patterns grid.

By means of the filter you can selected the right basic material sheet to create a new pattern
from:
Only current basic material sheet: filters only the current pattern's basic material sheet to
create a new pattern from
Shows all basic material sheets of current pattern's type of material
Shows all basic material sheets in the project
After selecting the right sheet, entering the right production quantity and pressing OK, the
new empty pattern will be inserted after the current row.

Insert head cut

You can only insert a head cut in a pattern (right mouse button + “Insert head cut”) when at
least one strip already exists in the pattern.

Also the machine parameters for head cuts must be available in your license.
 Ardis Optimizer 186

So please check the machine parameters and make sure that longitudinal and/or transverse
headcuts are allowed.

Delete head cut

If you want to delete a head cut from a head cut pattern, select “Delete head cut” from the
short cut menu (right mouse click). All parts in the head cut section are removed.

Remark
By removing all parts from a head cut section one by one, the head cut itself will be
automatically deleted and the pattern is rebuilt without head cut.

Turn cutting direction

If a pattern can be cut in both cutting directions (e.g. checkerboards), it may be that the
optimization results don't offer the cutting direction you like.

can be turned (right mouse button + Turn pattern's strip direction) into
 Ardis Optimizer 187

or vice versa

Strip bridging
Only repeated strips can be bridged by right clicking a part or scrap in the strip and selecting
“Strip bridging” from the short cut menu

After bridging:
 Ardis Optimizer 188

Change a sheet's dimension

You may assign another sheet (even with different dimensions) to the current pattern as long
as the new dimensions are at least the used surface of the pattern, including the minimum
trims.

After selecting right mouse click + Change sheet (dimensions) a dialog window asks you to
select an existing or a new sheet for the pattern. The minimum needed dimensions are shown
in the window title.
 Ardis Optimizer 189

When you decide to create a new basic material sheet for the current pattern, please fill in the
right properties in the given dialog grid:

After confirmation by clicking “OK”, please click any field of the right basic material to
select.
 Ardis Optimizer 190

Press OK and the pattern's sheet is changed.

Remark
The newly created basic material sheet is only added to the project's basic material list, not to
any input basic material list!

4.11 Machine linking: postprocessor to

calculate cutting instructions
Ardis has different postprocessors to convert saw data into cutting or sawing instructions for
different machines. These postprocessors make files which have to be transferred: serial, by
disk or network.
 Ardis Optimizer 191

4.11.16 LayStrip
A. Separates rip cut levels from cross cut levels by creating new patterns with only rip cuts
and patterns with only cross cuts for these rip cuts.

B. See also: http://cowin.ardis.be/Mach/LayStrip/laystrip.htm

LAYSTRIP is mainly used to split patterns into seperate lay-outs. You may get the rip cutting
and the cross cutting in a seperate layout file. This allows for example to go with the rips
after fipping to the edge bander. Then do the cross cutting on the same or a different machine.
Another application is splitting after cross cutting. In this way a 2 axis machine does the
standard cutting (ripping and cross cutting). The third phase cuts go to a small machine as a
different job.

4.11.41 SplitFig
A. Creates for each perfect grain matching figure a new pattern in a separate .R41 files based
on the defined figures in a parts list

B. Independent of optimized patterns because it looks into the parts list

C. Needs the &-modifier in the figure parameters.

THIS is mainly used for veneering, laminating, recutting short sided parts after edge banding
(splitting). The customer wants a number of parts to be cut always as 1 block. This block then
becomes a treatment. The treated block comes back to a cutting equipment and gets then cut
to its final parts. The block itself is a proper cutting pattern.

4.11.56 LayFig
This module is designed to evaluate patterns on the machine on-line cutting capabilities.
Which means that, if a pattern can not be cut it might be changed, or even be split into more
than 1 pattern. The additional patterns will then be right after the original pattern or be in a
separate result file. A number of processing parameters can be set by the user.

Modifies existing patterns by extracting perfect grain matching figures from their optimized
pattern and put them into new patterns in the same or in another .R41 file. Since grain
matching parts are positionned in a pattern as originally defined, it is often the situation they
can not be cut as the position is defined. Layfig will go over the complete pattern structure
and verify its level structure and where required adapt the cutting levels. If the cutting
complexity is too high, Layfig will generate for the too complex situations new Sub patterns.

4.12 OEM IPC and Auto signal

This option makes it possible to start the optimization software automatically from any other
program. Ardis puts all kind of IPC (Inter Process Comunication) commands at your
disposal.
 Ardis Optimizer 192

Communicate with Ardis Optimizer

Introduction
If you are an application developer and you want to use COWIN as Server application for
optimizing or report/label printing, you need a communication between your application and
COWIN.

Several ways are possible, but we've chosen for a IPC (Inter Process Communication)
compatible for all Win32 applications.

Both applications are active and your application sends messages to COWIN. COWIN reads
the message queue and processes the commands.

Another method of communication is by existence of signal files: see AutoSignal

IPC Set-up in Ardis Optimizer

Choose by MailSlot or MailFile in Extra - Options IPC.

MailSlot=\\.\MailSlot\ARDIS\COWIN is the default value when using MailSlot.
MailFile=c:\ardis\mail.txt is used by default when using the MailFile technique
MailSleep=time in milliseconds (250 by default) COWIN waits before checking the message
queue for a new command
Optionally: MailTimeOut=time in seconds to wait for last message's finishing signal.

Usage
COWINOEM.DLL (automatically installed in your Windows System folder) provides 1
important function you may call from within your application to control sending commands
to COWIN.

For VB programmers you should declare this function in the (General) section of your
project's module.

Declare Function cowin_cmd Lib "COWINOEM.DLL" (ByVal lpBuffer As String) As

Integer
Declare Function cowin_done Lib "COWINOEM.DLL" () As Integer
Declare Function cowin_wait Lib "COWINOEM.DLL" () As Integer
Declare Function cowin_getmsg Lib "COWINOEM.DLL" (ByVal msg As String, ByVal
lmsg As Long, ByVal timeoutsecs As Long) As Long

cowin_cmd is called with one parameter: a string defining the macro command to be
executed in Ardis Optimizer.
 Ardis Optimizer 193

Because cowin_cmd is a C-function you should add the string termination character
vbNullChar to the string.
Visual Basic programmers may have a look at the enclosed Access 97 example or VB project
IPCVB
C/C++ programmers can use import library COWINOEM.LIB , use oemdecl.h and check
sample project IPCCLIENT.DSW (MS VC 6.0)
C# .NET programmers should declare the .DLL function by
[DllImport("cowinoem.dll")]
static extern bool cowin_cmd(string msg);
Ardis Optimizer is automatically started on sending the first command (even a dummy
command like “cowin_cmd " " + vbNullChar”) when it wasn't started before!

Test utility
You may use enclosed test utility (IPCCLIENT.EXE) to manually test the communication
with Ardis Optimizer.
Start the program and enter command

Press enter or click "Send to COWIN" button

Ardis Optimizer starts...
Windows message box appears

IPC works...
You may test all other commands

Sending command to print labels

The most general usage of IPC is to print parts labels interactively from within your
controller software. Every time a part is cut, print one or more labels for it.
 Ardis Optimizer 194

You should activate the right optimization project in Cutting Optimize by using the Open
command:
E.g. OPEN "c:\ARDIS\data\job.r41"

in Visual Basic:
cowin_cmd "OPEN 'c:\ARDIS\data\job.r41'" + vbNullChar
(you may use single quotes (') in Ardis Optimizer formulas)
To print 5 labels for the first part in pattern 2, send the following message:
LABEL (2;1;5)

in Visual Basic:
cowin_cmd "LABEL (2;1;5)" + vbNullChar
To print 1 label for a (existing) part with dimension 750 x 334 mm in the 3rd pattern:
LABEL (3;-1;1;750;334)

in Visual Basic:
cowin_cmd "LABEL (3;-1;1;750;334)" + vbNullChar
You may send multiple commands at once by delimiting each command by vbCrLf and
ending the whole string by vbNullChar

Optimization procedure
Please follow this procedure if you want to optimize a project from within your application:
Create the correct input files for the project:
*.STK for parts files (either .CSV or Ardis Optimizer format)
*.STD for basic material files (either .CSV or Ardis Optimizer format)
*.MCH for machine files (only in Ardis Optimizer format)
*.EDG for edging files (either .CSV or Ardis Optimizer format)
Create project.R41 (as text file) for the project. It must contain at least:
[OPTPAR]
MODE=1
MINNIV=99
MAXNIV=99
[OPTPAR]

[STKB-1]
NAAM=partfile1
[STKB-1]

[STDB-1]
NAAM=sheetfile1
[STDB-1]

This must be done by your application!

To optimize project, send messages:
Open "path of project.r41"
Save
Optimize
 Ardis Optimizer 195

Open
Example to print reports:
Open "path of project.r41"
Result "Summary"
Report "LBLLAY"

Messages
All macro commands can be used as IPC message.

If you're using the macro command Label to print labels via IPC, don't forget to set-up the
requested report definition in Tools - Options:

Synchronization
Sending commands to Ardis Optimizer is a one-way direction by default. However
synchronization can be done with the COWINOEM.DLL command cowin_done:

Declare Function cowin_done Lib "COWINOEM.DLL" () As Integer

cowin_done returns
0 if Ardis Optimizer is still processing commands
1 if Ardis Optimizer has processed all commands (=empty queue)

You should NOT use cowin_done within a while-loop! Such a loop uses almost all available
processor time and Ardis Optimizer (even in another thread) will run very slow.
 Ardis Optimizer 196

You should use the cowin_done command in a timer control function:

Private Sub TimerDone_Timer()

' ** checks the finishing status of the last commands sent
If cowin_done() <> 0 Then
' ** finished !
TimerDone.Enabled = False ' stop timer
End If
End Sub

Please check the VB-project to see how it works: IPCVB

Working with different settings

Usually a separate PC should be dedicated for an external program to communicate with
Cutting Optimizer via IPC.

If you want to use Cutting Optimizer also interactively on the same computer, you should
make a copy of your COWIN.INI to e.g. “c:\ardis\COIPC.INI” and disable the IPC
functionality in the usual settings.

To use these new settings from your external application call the cowin_ini function once at
the beginning of your program.

Declare Function cowin_ini Lib "COWINOEM.DLL" (ByVal lpBuffer As String) As Integer

E.g. cowin_ini "c:\ardis\COIPC.INI" + vbNullChar

Sending IPC commands from another PC

On the client PC where you start your application: extract COWINOEM.DLL from
http://download.ardis.be/download/cowinoem.zip to \windows\system32 or your application
folder.
Create \windows\COWIN.INI settings file with the following items:
[IPC]
MailType=2
MailSleep=250
MailTimeOut=5
MailSlot=\\ArdisPC\MailSlot\ARDIS\COWIN

where ArdisPC is the computer name where an Ardis instance is ready to receive the IPC
commands.
 Ardis Optimizer 197

Auto Signal

Principle
Checks the existence of the "signal" file.
This is a file an external application creates to signal and activate some Cutting Optimizer
functions
The signal file is deleted after execution of the commands

Usage
Define IPC Mail Type "auto signal"
Cutting Optimizer's IPC server checks every MailSleep milliseconds for the existence of any
file defined with wildcards in Auto Signal.
If a file is found, The corresponding project file (same path with extension *.R41) will be
opened as current project if it exists.
The formula defined in AutoRun will be evaluated and transmitted for every record of the
signal file. Building expressions can be done by referring to variables IMPORT (=current
signal record data) and IMPORTRECNO (=current signal record number)

Examples
E.g. "Label.sig" contains data about the parts just cut on the saw:
1;1;500;450;3
1;2;1170;500;2
1;-2;2550;1400;1
you may enter

LABEL ( import subfield 1 ; import subfield 2 ; import subfield 5 ; import subfield 3 ; import
subfield 4 )

as formula in AutoRun to get parts label

4.13 Extra Language

The program Cutting Optimizer is delivered in one standard language. If the user wants more
than one language, other languages can be ordered.
 Ardis Optimizer 198

4.16 Machine linking: communication

program.
For some machines Ardis has different communication programs. These programs transfer
serial or by network the cutting instructions calculated by the postprocessors. Depending
upon the communication the user can follow the cuts which are made (simulation) on a PC
screen.

4.17 Bundle feature to split patterns to a

pattern for each book
BUNDLE (Anzahl an Platten;"Feld1;A;N" ; "Feld2;D" ; ...): bündeln (grupieren) Muster nach
Kreterien (kein Sortieren!)

BUNDLE("SheetThick * IF(LayBookH <= 1;LayQty;LayQty MOD LayBookH ==

0;LayQty;LayQty > 2*LayBookH;(LayBooks-
2)*LayBookH;ISBETWEEN(LayQty;LayBookH+1;(2*LayBookH)-1);ROUND(LayQty /
LayBooks; 1; 0);LayBookH)"): equalizes the occupation of books

Project properties
File folders

This is the place to define in which folders you want to save the different files, data. See
"learning to work with…".
 Ardis Optimizer 199

Optimization

You fill in the parameters Cutting Optimizer uses in his optimization. You define e.g.

If you have to take costs or stacking places into account

The way of calculating

Mode
If you select the "automatic" mode, Cutting Optimizer will not use the values of this section,
but determine automatically what values have to be considered.

The computations of Cutting Optimizer are based on heuristic and scientific techniques. Both
are developed, based on the experience of the authors and the large number of practical
samples that were computed. However, it may happen that your particular working conditions
differ from what was experienced. Thus, in order to allow adapting the program to your
requirements, the optimization parameters are left "adjustable".

If you select a manual adjustment of these parameters, it is recommended to adjust them step
by step, re-computing every time the same required parts file with the same basic material file
and the same machine file. Proceeding to these successive computations with different
parameters is the best way to learn what are the best parameters for your environment.

Evidently, there are numerous different combinations possible, and this may represent quite
an important time investment. Therefore, after the description of the different parameters, you
will find several examples of the recommended values corresponding to the most current
environments.

Type
Depending on the options that you have selected in Cutting Optimizer, you may select to cut
lengths (bars or profiles), panels, coils to parts or coils to coils. Entering the correct selection
is very important, otherwise the produced results will not be reliable.
 Ardis Optimizer 200

Algorithm for stacking

Type of parts/sheets stacking algorithm:
normal: usually for optimizations with low parts quantities
emphasize parts in production: tries to produce as many different parts as possible at the
same time
emphasize stack height with few parts: produces a pattern as many times as possible in order
to saw full books as defined in Machine (F11) - Bookheight
emphasize stack height with parts in production: an balance between the 2 previous
algorithms

Prioritize temporary sheets

Nein=Nutzt temporäres Material gleich wie normales Basismaterial, Niedrig=temporäres
Basismaterial wird vorrangig genutzt, Hoch= alle temporäre Materialien müssen vor dem
normalen Basismaterial verbraucht werden

Costs
This option is only significant if your installation includes the cost optimization option. Even
if you have entered cost data in all files, optimization will be computed without costs if you
select to ignore them. To obtain costs optimization the basic material cost has to be entered,
otherwise it will be impossible for Cutting Optimizer to compute the correct results.

Carrying%
Also called stock holding costs, this field will contain a percentage representing the inventory
carrying costs. The rate entered should include interest, warehousing and all other costs
related to stock holding (manipulations, depreciation, risk of damaging the material, etc.).
Entering data in this field will only be significant if you may enter due dates in the required
parts file and if you effectively have entered them. If these conditions are met, the
optimization may effectively plan your production according to these dates. The first layouts
computed will than include the required parts needed for the earlier date. Cutting Optimizer
will than try to increase the efficiency rate by including other parts in the layouts. By doing
this, it will decide if the pre-production of parts is productive, based on this cost rate.

Stacking
If you version of Cutting Optimizer provides to manage stacking locations, you may decide if
the optimization run that will be computed should plan this facility. This means that required
parts will only be nested in a layout if they can be piled in a location, and that the filling of
the stations will be controlled.

This option is particularly important when working with an angle share equipped with a
continued operating stacking system.

Min.levels & Max. levels

The realistic number of levels between which the optimization has to search. The number of
levels that may occur in a pattern or lay-out. This may be conditioned either by practical
considerations or by the characteristics of the machine you are using.
 Ardis Optimizer 201

For the production of large quantities of parts it is recommended to work as realistic as

possible. But when working with many different parts in small quantities, the minimum will
be of no importance. Just enter 9 or 99 for both parameters.

TechType
The higher the value given here, the longer the computation time will be. Recommended
values of 1, 2 or 3 will be suited for panel cutting where many different parts are required in
small quantities. On the opposite, if large quantities of only a few parts are to be produced,
values between 4 and 15 will be adequate. For the cutting of coils are values of 20, 30 or 40
not exceptional.

TechFact
The higher this value, the more time the system will need to compute the result, and the more
controls will be performed on each intermediate result. Values of 0 (zero), 1 or 3 are realistic.

The less different parts you have to produce, the higher you should set this parameter.

Basic type
This parameter may have values between 1 and 7. In normal environment, a value of 1 is
adequate for panels and lengths. The value 5 is normally used for coils. These figures are the
most secure.

These values have no relation one to the other. They control the selection of different
computation techniques.

Basic Var
This parameter may have a value between 0 and 2. Generally, the value 0 (zero) will give
satisfying results. The value 2 is an alternative for coil cutting, but is seldom used. It is just
for the production of a very limited number of different parts that another value than 0 (zero)
is given.

Min.grade & Max.grade

For panels, the best values will be 0 (zero) as minimum, and 10 as maximum, and for coils
they are 25 for minimum and 10 to 50 for maximum.

The largest the difference between the minimum and maximum values, the more time the
computation will need.

It is not mandatory that the minimum value be smaller than the maximum one.

Constr1 & Constr2

The first and second constraints, or limitations, are linked with the grades. They have to be
maintained in a certain value relation with it.
For panels e.g. first = 3, second = 2
For panels e.g. first = 5, second = 4
 Ardis Optimizer 202

For coils e.g. first = 50, second = 50

Remark
zur Information oder für Sonderfunktionen

A few examples
You may try a great number of combinations, but this will cost quite some time. In order to
save you this time, we indicate you hereafter some models of combinations that will produce
different results.

The mostly used combination for panels:

Levels Technique Base grade constraints
Min:9 Type:1 type:0 min:0 first:4
Max:9 Factor:3 variance:0 max:10 second:3
Example of combination for fast computation:
Levels technique Base grade constraints
Min:9 type:1 type:1 min:0 first:2
Max:9 factor:1 variance:0 max:4 second:1
An alternative combination for panels:
Levels technique Base grade constraints
Min:3 type:3 type:1 min:2 first:5
Max:5 factor:10 variance:0 max:5 second:3
Example of combination suitable for large quantities:
levels Technique Base grade constraints
min:2 Type:3 type:1 min:2 first:5
max:3 factor:99 variance:0 max:5 second:3
Example of combination for coils:
Levels Technique base grade constraints
min:2 type:25 type:5 min:25 first:20
 Ardis Optimizer 203

max:2 factor:5 variance:0 max:25 Second:20

Lay-out

On this screen, you may input a set of information that will control the presentation of the
lay-outs on the screen and on the printer. Using the information you enter here, you can have
the lay-outs (drawings) as close as possible to the real format of the sheets, coils or bars you
are processing.

The strip sequence, drawing preference, scrap/loss localization, how to sort within strips, cut
trims always on the size entered for the basic material size are all parameters that you can set
for your lay-outs. The purpose of these parameters is to allow the user to present the cutting
patterns the way he cuts them.

Remark:
The selections you make must be done before the optimization. Because the selections might
influence the way ARDIS calculates the results.
Cutting Optimizer makes an important difference between 'reusable scrap' and 'loss'.
Reusable scrap is what can be used again as basic material; it is detected upon the criteria
entered for the basic material. Loss is what you have to throw away. If you want an optimal
usage of your sheets, identify the reusable scrap upon the criteria smallest length, width,
surface and preference in the Basic Material file.
Watch out: this data may - to a large extent - influence your machine link!!

Sortierauftrag für Schnittpläne

auf Teile=minimieren der Teileversteuung, auf Platten=gleiche Platten in einem Durchlauf

For sorting on sheets the following sorting keys are used:

material type (SheetMatNo ascending)
Sheet number (LaySheetNo ascending)
Pattern yield (descending)
Original pattern number (LayNo ascending)
 Ardis Optimizer 204

Streifengruppierung
Strips can be grouped if they have more than two levels.

Streifensortierung
Here, you choose if, for normal cutting, you want to have the strips sequenced from large to
small or from small to large. The start point for this drawing is the lay-out coordinate.

By pushing the largest strips to the end of the sheet, you avoid the risk to cut your fingers
together with the last strip.
Large -> Small: strips sequenced from large to small, strips with an equal width are taken in
one block
Long -> Short: strips should be sorted from long to short
Small -> Large: strips sequenced from small to large, strips with an equal width are taken
together in one block
Single Large -> Small: strips sequenced from large to small
Single Small -> Large: strips sequenced from small to large
The following lay-out (with a different sequence) will make things clear:

From long to short:

From small to large:

 Ardis Optimizer 205

From large to small:

From single large to small:

From single small to large:

 Ardis Optimizer 206

Sortiere Teileebene
Sortieren der Streifen der Ebene 2 und tiefer von hohem Level zu niedrigen Level, oder
Umgekehrt

Highest -> lowest: will put the parts with the highest number of levels first.

Lowest -> highest: will put the parts with the lowest number of levels first.

Like strips: will sort the parts in the same way as the strips.

Large -> small: will put the largest parts first, equals parts are taken in one block.

Small -> large: will put the smallest parts first, equals parts are taken in one block.

Single large -> small: will put the largest parts first.
 Ardis Optimizer 207

Single small -> large: will put the smallest parts first.

Anzeige 1. Schnitt Horizontal

Since strips may be horizontal or vertical on a sheet, you may choose to have your lay-outs
with the first strip always in the horizontal direction. A sheet having a vertical strip direction
first will be rotated 90°, in order to show you the strips in the length of the screen.

Yes: the first strip direction must always be drawn horizontal

No: the lay-out will have the length of the basic material as horizontal direction.

Scrap distribution
When entering the basic materials characteristics (sheets or coils), you may enter a border to
be cut off on each side. If the size of that lost scrap does not present any problem, you may
decide where it has to be taken. In normal situations, the first cut will be a small strip of
scrap, and the coordinate of the lay-out corresponds to the scrap cut position. For coil cutting,
the scrap cut will be split proportionally between the two sides of the coil, in order to become
an even load of the machine.

At basic material input time for plates and coils, it is possible to define a trim cut for every
side. If, in addition to one of these trims, some scrap or lost part will exist, you may decide
with this parameter to distribute it.

In normal cases, the scrap will be cut first, and it will generally be a small piece, meaning that
the corner point of the lay-out (the reference position) will be in the diagonal of the scrap
piece.

With coils, the scrap will preferably be distributed evenly between the two sides, in order to
obtain an evenly distributed machine load.

Rest/Abfall Sortierung horizontal

left: the scrap will be located on the left side of the lay-out
right: the scrap will be located on the right side of the lay-out

Rest/Abfall Sortierung vertikal

upper: The scrap will be located on the upper side of the lay-out
bottom: The scrap will be located on the bottom side of the lay-out

Sort rest
The re-usable rest is not located at the end of a strip but is considered as a separate part.

Off-cut pieces can be put at the end or at the first level in front of the machine (if
implemented by our post-processor) or can be sorted as products.
 Ardis Optimizer 208

Abfallposition
What Cutting Optimizer detects as not reusable scrap should not be at the end of the strip, but
considered as a part. So it will get a position as determined by strip sequence.

Saumschnitt separat
Sometimes the (4) trim cuts entered for the basic materials are cut before the strips. This
means that the borders are cut separately on the dimensions entered for the basic material.

If you want the borders to be cut together with the scrap pieces, they will not be cut
separately.

Modifying this selection will change the view of a lay-out. If you have selected cut trim
separate and the basic material trim is 0, then there will be no trim, the cutting line will be
outside the sheet, and the loss will show in the lay-out its correct dimensions. If you do not
select Cut trim separate, then the cutting line thickness will be in the trim border. The
effective border (trim) will be a cutting line smaller.

Teilereferenz im Schnittplan
By default, the Reference of the part appears on the part in the lay-out. Here you can enter a
formula to show something else in the lay-out (e.g. the customer‟s name).

(Press Shift+F2 to enter the Expression Builder)

Local settings

We fill in the number of decimals, the number of digits behind the comma. When you press
the spacebar the possibilities appear: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or fractional

You can work in cm, mm, m or inches; the program has no problem with that. Of course, you
have to use the same units consistently. In this screen the values are set for working in mm.
 Ardis Optimizer 209

Faktor Fläche
Umrechnungsfaktor für die Fläche (Teile in mm, Fläche in m²) Länge*Breite*Faktor

Dezimalzeichen
Komma oder Punkt

Date format
Eingabevormat für Datum
DDMMYY (day-month-year) 011099 1st October 1999
MMDDYY (month-day-year) 100199 1st October 1999
YYWW (year-week) 9933 33rd week of 1999
The first time you will run Cutting Optimizer, the program will use the same settings as
Windows does for the date.

Ausgabeformat für das Datum am Bildschirm und Drucker

DDMMYY 011099 1st October 1999
MMDDYY 100199 1st October 1999
YYWW 9933 33rd week of 1999
DD-MM-YYYY 01-10-1999 1st October 1999
MM-DD-YYYY 10-01-1999 1st October 1999
DD/MM/YYYY 01/10/1999 1st October 1999
MM/DD/YYYY 10/01/1999 1st October 1999

Parts

With this function you enable the next parameters:

 Ardis Optimizer 210

Join identical parts

Flexible part size processing

Join parts
If, at optimization time, two or more required parts are "identical", they may be summed up
and processed as one single demand. If you want Cutting Optimizer to do so, mark Join parts
"yes". The "identical" notion is defined through the parameters you enter in this window.
Usually, length, width en grain direction have to the same to be identical.

In the first place you have the option "with size tolerance". If you mark this option Cutting
Optimizer will modify the length and width of some parts within their minimum and
maximum allowed dimensions so they may be taken together as identical.

E.g.

Part A: L=900, W=700

Part B: L=910, W=690

Min. L=900, max. L=920

Min W=680, max. W=700

Part A & B will be taken together as identical.

You can even extend your conditions for joining parts:

Parts may only be taken as identical if:

Parts file name: only parts in the same parts file.
Parts reference: only parts with the same parts reference.
Priority: only parts of the same priority.
Due date: only parts that have to be produced on the same day.
Remark: only parts with the same remark.
Calculation: only parts with the same calculation line.

Summary
Two parts will thus be processed as one single requirement if the value of all marked fields is
identical for the two parts.
 Ardis Optimizer 211

Flexible part size processing

At optimization time, Cutting Optimizer can reduce or enlarged parts within his boundaries
(min. en max.). In this way lay-outs can simplify a lot.

For example:

Part A: L=800, W=450

Part B: L=433, W=440, max.W=460

A graphic presentation of a possible strip with 2 parts:

Without flexible part size processing:

With flexible part size processing:

Werkzeuge

In dem Menü "Werkzeuge" können Sie die Rechenweise des Cutting Optimizer beeinflussen.
 Ardis Optimizer 212

Optimieren
Siehe auch "Wie lernen ich..."

Dieses Fenster ist rein informativ und zeigt den Fortschritt der Optimierung an.

Unten rechts sehen Sie die verstrichene Zeit.

At the bottom in the middle you find the total yield. The program works with calculation
rounds. The progress of the calculation can be followed by looking at the bricks at the
bottom, the more bricks, the more the calculation has progressed. When one round is passed,
you will notice the total yield is higher. Normally every round the yield is higher, till the
maximum yield is reached.

You can stop the calculation by pressing the ESC key. The results of the final round will now
be displayed. These results are obviously not the best results. By choosing “Cancel all”, the
optimization quits without calculating results for the remainder materials. If you mark the
check box "Wait if errors", then the optimization will stop if an error occurs.
 Ardis Optimizer 213

Formel Generator

Oben können Sie eine Formel eingeben und hierzu die unten aufgeführten Funktionen sowie
Variablen benutzen. Sobald Sie auf OK klicken, wird Ihre Formel unten im grauen Feld
angezeigt.

Makro

Makros werden benutzt um häufige Vorgänge zu kombinieren bzw. zusammen zu fassen

 Ardis Optimizer 214

Wenn Sie beispielsweise nach jeder Optimierung einen Bericht ausdrucken,

"Save and quit" saves the changes you made to the .mco file you chose to open. "Run macro"
saves the changes and runs the macro.

Macro commands
A macro contains one or a sequence of the next command messages:

OPEN "file path of existing result file"

OPEN: opens the given project (result) file.

"file path of existing result file": It should be the path name (including drive, sub-directory,
name and .R41) of an existing result file. It replaces the current open document.

OPTIMIZE
Optimizes the current (loaded) project

REPORT ("report name";"filter";"multiplier")

REPORT: printing defined report on the default printer (if no other defined in the report
properties)

"report name": base name of the report (if located in program sub-directory with extension
.RPT) or full path name if located elsewhere

"filter": (optional) can be any expression and will be validated as a query of records for the
defined report. E.g. for a lay-out report: use LayNo==1 to print only data of the first pattern.

"multiplier" is an optional parameter to define the repetition for each record (e.g. for each
part).

EXPORT ("report name";"filter";"export file")

EXPORT: exporting a report's data to a text file

"report name": base name of the report (if located in program sub-directory with extension
.RPT) or full path name if located elsewhere

"filter": (optional) can be any expression and will be validated as a query of records for the
defined report. E.g. for a lay-out report: use LayNo==1 to print only data of the first pattern.

"export file": path name of the text file for saving the report's data.

RESULT ("result grid1";"result grid2";"...")

RESULT: printing one of more result grids

"result grid1": one on more result grid's identification:

Possible grid identification:
 Ardis Optimizer 215

"Summary" = Summary of optimization

"Layouts" = Cutting patterns with parts information

"Parts" = Parts list

"Sheets" = Basic material list

"Edges" = Edge list

RUN ("application path";"arguments")

RUN: run external application and wait for end of child process.

"Application path": path name of external application

The following substitutions may be used:

$(DocPath) = path name (in 8.3 DOS-format) of the current document

$(DocLongPath) = path name (full format) of the current document

$(DocDir) = sub-directory of the current document

$(DocName) = base name of the current document

$(DocExt) = extension (normally .R41) of the current document

$(DocTitle) = document's title (base name + extension)

$(DEFCO) = path of the definition file (normally C:ARDISdef.co)

$(AppDir) = sub-directory where COWIN.EXE is located (normally C:ARDIS)

$(WinDir) = sub-directory of Windows

$(DEFCODir) = sub-directory where the definition file is located (normally )

"arguments": parameters as additional information for the external application

RUNLINK "machine link name"

RUNLINK: transform current results to machine format

"machine link name": base name of machine link identification

PartQty
PartQty 0:Subtract part production from part quantity field

PartQty 1:Add part production to part 'done' field

SheetQty
subtract sheets production from sheets quantity in stock
 Ardis Optimizer 216

RestToSheet
generates rest parts as sheets for later use

RestToSheet: (without argument): asks for the new or existing basic material file to put the
rest sheets in

or

RestToSheet "sheet file name": the file will be used as default sheet file for the generated rest
sheets.

Activate "Windows title"

Activates the application with the specified Windows title as current foreground application.

We will build a macro "test". This macro will, after you put in all of the data (parts - basic
material - machine - edges):

Optimize

Print the results "basic material sheets" and "parts"

Print the report "lay-out labels"

To build a macro you just select "tools - macro - edit" and you give a name. To make
formulas you just have to use the expression builder like for parts calculations, building
reports, etc. So press the right mouse button and select "Formula". The next screen appears:

You can find all of the command messages in the column "functions". On the bottom of the
screen you see the way the command message has to look like.
 Ardis Optimizer 217

We build our macro "test" like this:

Makro ausführen
Klicken Sie unter Werkzeuge - Makros auf "Makro ausführen".

Starting macro file from command prompt

COWIN.EXE /Start=macro
or Starts Cutting Optimizer and launches the
COWIN.EXE /Start=full path commands of the requested macro file
name of macro

Special macro files

The first time Cutting Optimizer is started after
INSTALL.MCO installation additional set-up (e.g. adding reports) can
be done by the macro in the program folder (c:\ardis)
NEWPROJECT.MC
This macro runs on starting each new project.
O
 Ardis Optimizer 218

Machine connection
You can execute the machine connection by selecting the program that takes care of this
connection in the pull down menu "Extra" (more documentation on this subject should be
delivered with the machine connection). When marked, Cutting Optimizer will translate the
results of the optimization in a format, which is understandable by the machine. The machine
connection will then process the data and the sawing process can start. You do not have to
put the data into the machine anymore! This gives a large gain in time.

General information for using

postprocessors
When an optimization is complete, you are ready to prepare the data for the cutting machine.
You have to make sure that you have the correct values set for your machine link parameters
before you run the link(see below).

Manual run
To start a postprocessor (also called interface or link) you need to select:
"Link to XXXXX" (XXXXX represents the name of your link) in the Tools menu of Cutting
Optimizer:

Setting parameters
Activate the link by selecting "Link to XXXXX" or by pressing Alt+1. You will start the link
program for the current result file or you will display the link parameters. As you can see, you
can edit the parameters every time you run the link. If you do not want to confirm them all of
the time, you can set your "Link to XXXXX" to NO EDIT mode. To set your edit mode, go
to Customize in the same Tools menu.
 Ardis Optimizer 219

The column field "Args" Arguments contains a formula ending with the key word "/EDIT=":

EDIT=1 means you want to be able to edit parameters each time

EDIT=0 means just run the link, no edit

Remark

If you have set the link to /EDIT=0 and later you want to modify the parameters, then go to
"customize" and reset the link to /EDIT=1.

Automatic run
If you want to run the link automatically after every optimization, then you can do this by
modifying the standard optimizing macro or by making a new similar macro for optimizing.

The following steps explain how you can modify the standard optimizing macro,
"optimize.mco".

Select Macro in the Tools menu and choose "optimize.mco".

Insert a row (right mouse button menu) before the OPEN command and type: RUNLINK
"XXXXX" (replace XXXXX with the name of your interface). Exit this screen by clicking
'Save and quit'.
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Basic Link Components

The software comes normally as:
XXXXX.exe: the link program
CO.INI: file which contains the link parameters. You are editing these parameters when you
select the link in /EDIT=1 mode.
If you want to reset the parameters to the original ARDIS settings, then you should remove
the [XXXXX] section for your machine from the CO.INI file using a text editor.
See post-processor list for a list of available machine links

Anpassen

Falls Sie nur einige wenige Makros benutzen, können Sie diese durchaus auch mit den
Maschinen Anbindungen zusammen auflisten. Hierzu müssen Sie den Namen des Makros
unten in die Liste eintragen (siehe Bild). Das Feld Asynch deaktivieren Sie. Diese Einstellung
hat zur Auswirkung, dass das Makro zuerst ausgeführt werden muss bevor irgendwelche
Daten im Cutting Optimizer geändert werden können.

Der Name des Makros wird von nun an in Ihrem Werkzeuge Menü angezeigt und dieses kann
durch einfachen klicken ausgeführt werden.
 Ardis Optimizer 221

If you want to start a post-processor with another CO.INI settings file, you can define
/PARAM="path or CO file name.INI"

Optionen
Voreinstellungen

Siehe "Wie lerne ich..."

Verzeichnis fragen bei neuem Projekt

Ja: Jedes mal, wenn Sie ein neues Projekt erstellen wird das Programm Sie fragen, in
welchem Ordner Sie dieses abspeichern möchten.

Repeat inserting or adding parts calculations

"Yes": every time you added or inserted a parts template, the program will ask you if you
want to add or insert a next template.
 Ardis Optimizer 222

Omits zero quantity parts when insert parts calculation

"Yes": all the parts of the parts calculation with quantity "0" will be excluded, they will not
be shown in the parts list.

Default parts template

When you fill in the name of a file, the program will use this file as template every time a
new project is set up.

Exclude parts or sheets files

When you use the right mouse button menu to exclude files ("basic material" or "parts"), the
program will do it in the way as you defined it here. When you press the spacebar you will
see the next possibilities:

Only exclude: the file does not belong to the project anymore, but it will be saved on the hard
disc.

Exclude and delete: the file does not belong to the project anymore and it will be deleted
from the hard disc too.

Exclude and delete after confirmation: the file does not belong to the project anymore but
before deleting it from the hard disc, the program asks you to confirm this.
 Ardis Optimizer 223

Index
ALLGEMEIN, 3 KEINE HAFTUNG FÜR FOLGESCHÄDEN, 3
BEDINGUNGEN, 2 Lizenzbedingungen, 2
BESCHRÄNKTE GARANTIE, 3 URHEBERRECHTE, 2
GRUNDSATZ, 2