Sheet Good Optimization

Breaking down the sheet goods for a cabinet job can be a very time consuming part of the project, which is why a lot of cabinetmakers speed up the process by using software to optimize their parts into as few sheets as possible to save materials, and to create cutting diagrams to save time at the saw. Sheet good optimization programs can optimize all of your parts in just seconds, allowing you to get on with the cutting as quickly as possible.

Luckily CabWriter now offers native sheet good optimization for both your saw and/or your CNC!

While we still export a CutlistPlus fx compatible file if you choose to use that program for your optimization, you can now perform the same operation at the push of a button right from within CabWriter. With the addition of CabWriter CNC, you also have the option of optimizing for CNC. There are two sets of parameters, as shown at right, one set if you’re optimizing for a panel saw, and another set of parameters if you’re targeting a CNC.

CabWriter does not support true nesting, which implies parts can be placed within each other, but you can get full optimization of your parts, which can then be exported as a DXF file, including all construction geometry, representing each optimized sheet as shown in the lower right. If you don’t have nesting as part of your CAM software, this is a great way to optimize prior to generating tool paths as all CAM programs can import DXF files. If you simply want to optimize for your saw, you can print out diagrams of each sheet, along with the cut list for that sheet as shown at right.

Want more control over plywood optimization? Now with CabWriter 5, you can edit any of the optimized sheets. Cut and paste any part on the optimized cut list or DXF (Pro+CNC Only) diagrams to any other sheet, or a whole new sheet, which is especially handy for carefully grain matching the plywood on a project or re-cutting damaged parts.

Lastly, you’ll be able to print labels for all of your parts to stay organized as you cut. You have a choice of Avery 5160 (1″ x 2 5/8″) style labels with up to five lines of information, or Avery 5163 (2″ x 4″) style labels with up to 10 lines of information. As an added bonus, your labels will be printed in the order they appear on your sheets to save time when searching for the labels; very helpful, especially on large jobs.

If you choose to use third party nesting software, we have you covered as well. All programs can import the parts as DXF files to perform the nesting, which CabWriter CNC is able to export with either one file containing all the parts, or one file per part, as described on the CNC Integration page.

Sheet Optimization Settings Dialog Box
Optimization Results for Saw
Optimization Results for DXF
Layout Editing: Moving a Part to Another Sheet