A Note on One-Dimensional Cutting Stock Problem

In the cutting stock problem (CSP) a given order for smaller pieces has to be cut from larger stock material with some objectives under some constraints. This note discusses the relationships between the models for one-dimensional cutting stock problem (1CSP) under two different constraints and two different objectives. The two constraints are equality and inequality constraints; and the two objectives are to minimize the number and the trim loss of stock material needed to produce the ordered pieces. Under equality constraint, we have proved that the models with both objectives are equivalent, and their corresponding continuous relaxation problems are also equivalent. Under inequality constraint, we have given an example to show that the models with these two objectives are not equivalent, and their corresponding continuous relaxation problems are also not equivalen

Ant colony optimization for the ordered cutting stock problem

Orientadores: Antonio Carlos Moretti, Luis Leduino de Salles NetoDissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Matematica, Estatistica e Computação CientificaResumo: O problema de corte de estoque ordenado, um problema relativamente novo na literatura, e uma adaptação do problema de corte de estoque tradicional onde algumas restrições quanto a limitação do numero de ordens de produção em processamento são adicionadas. Esta dissertação tem como objetivo estudar uma nova abordagem deste problema utilizando uma aplicação da metaheurística colônia de formigas. Esta metaheurística utiliza os princípios de auto-organização de uma população de formigas visando a resolução de problemas de otimização combinatorialAbstract: The Ordered Cutting Stock Problem (OCSP), a relatively recent problem in technical literarture, is a variant of the more well-known Cutting Stock Problem (CSP). This variant includes some new constraints in the mathematical formulation, regarding the number of production orders being processed simultaneously. This work studies a new approach to solve the OCSP, applying the Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) metaheurisitic. This metaheuristic is based in the self-organizing principles that govern ant population's behaviour, solving combinatorial optimization problemsMestradoPesquisa OperacionalMestre em Matemática Aplicad

The use of geometric information in heuristic optimization

The trim-loss, or cutting stock, problem arises whenever material manufactured continuously or in large pieces has to be cut into pieces of sizes ordered by customers. The problem is so to organize the cutting as to minimize the amount of waste (trim-loss) resulting from it. Brown (1971) remarks that no practical solution method has been found for the generalized 2-dimensional trim-loss problem. This thesis discusses the applicability of heuristic search methods as solution techniques for this and other problems. Chapter 2 describes three types of combinatorial search method, state-space search, problem reduction, and branch-and-bound. There is a discussion of the ways in which heuristic information can be incorporated into these methods, and descriptions of the versions of the methods used in the work described in succeeding chapters. In the 1-dimensional trim-loss problem order lengths of some material such as steel bars must be cut from stock lengths held by the supplier. Gilmore and Gomory (1961, 1963) have formulated a mathematical programming solution of this problem, which also arises with the slitting of steel rolls, cutting of metal pipe and slitting of cellophane rolls. Their approach has been developed by Haessler (1971,1975) who is particularly concerned with problems arising in the paper industry. In the 1½-dimensional case the material is manufactured as a continuous sheet of constant width and it is required to minimize the length produced to satisfy orders for rectangular pieces. In the 2-dimensional case the orders are again for rectangular pieces, but here the stock is held as large rectangular sheets. In both cases there may be restrictions as to the way in which the material may be cut; the generalized problem in each case occurs when no such restrictions exist. The 1½-dimensional problem appears to be easier of solution than the 2-dimensional case since in the latter it is necessary not only to determine the relative positions of the required pieces in a cutting pattern, but also to partition the pieces into sets to be cut from separate stock sheets. A solution method for the easier problem might provide some insight into possible methods of solution of the more difficult. In chapter 3, a state-space search method for the solution of generalized 1½-dimensional problems where the number of pieces in the order list is fairly small and the dimensions are small integers is described. This method can be developed to solve 2-dimensional problems in which the order list is fairly small and the size of stock sheets variable but affecting the cost of the material. This development is described in chapter 4. A similarly structured state-space search can be used for finding solutions to optimal network problems. Such searches do not prove the solutions they find to be optimal, so it is of interest also to develop a method for finding solutions to the problems that proves them to be optimal. In chapter 5 the state-space search method is compared with one using branch-and-bound.problems change when large numbers of identical pieces are ordered, so a solution method with a different structure is required. Chapter 6 describes a problem reduction method for generalized 2-dimensional problems in which the order lists are large and the dimensions are small integers. Even when there are restrictions on the way in which the material may be cut, the presence of other constraints may make a mathematical formulation of the 2-dimensional trim-loss problem intractable, so again a heuristic solution method may be desirable. In a problem where there are sequencing constraints on the design of successive cutting patterns, problem reduction is again found to provide a useful solution method. This is described in chapter 7. Some conclusions about the efficacy and potential of the methods used are drawn in chapter 8. The remainder of the present chapter is concerned with setting the work described in this thesis in the context of other work on the same and related problems

Optimal surface cutting

Surface cutting problems in two dimensions are considered for nonrectangular items. An exact solution method is discussed. Outlines of several possible heuristic algorithms are also presented. For the heuristic methods a first approximation to the optimal solution is obtained by encompassing each item by a rectangle and then using some available strategy for this standard problem. Different approaches are then suggested for more accurate methods

Minimal proper non-IRUP instances of the one-dimensional Cutting Stock Problem

We consider the well-known one dimensional cutting stock problem (1CSP). Based on the pattern structure of the classical ILP formulation of Gilmore and Gomory, we can decompose the infinite set of 1CSP instances, with a fixed demand n, into a finite number of equivalence classes. We show up a strong relation to weighted simple games. Studying the integer round-up property we computationally show that all 1CSP instances with $n\le 9$ are proper IRUP, while we give examples of a proper non-IRUP instances with $n=10$. A gap larger than 1 occurs for $n=11$. The worst known gap is raised from 1.003 to 1.0625. The used algorithmic approaches are based on exhaustive enumeration and integer linear programming. Additionally we give some theoretical bounds showing that all 1CSP instances with some specific parameters have the proper IRUP.Comment: 14 pages, 2 figures, 2 table

Linear Programming for a Cutting Problem in the Wood Processing Industry – A Case Study

In this paper the authors present a case study from the wood-processing industry. It focuses on a cutting process in which material from stock is cut down in order to provide the items required by the customers in the desired qualities, sizes, and quantities. In particular, two aspects make this cutting process special. Firstly, the cutting process is strongly interdependent with a preceding handling process, which, consequently, cannot be planned independently. Secondly, if the trim loss is of a certain minimum size, it can be returned into stock and used as input to subsequent cutting processes. In order to reduce the cost of the cutting process, a decision support tool has been developed which incorporates a linear programming model as a central feature. The model is described in detail, and experience from the application of the tool is reported.one-dimensional cutting, linear programming, wood-processing industry

O problema de corte de estoque unidimensional multiperíodo

The Multiperiod Cutting Stock Problem arises embedded in the production planning and programming in many industries which have a cutting process as an important stage. Ordered items have different due date over a finite planning horizon. A large scale integer linear optimization model is proposed. The model makes possible to anticipate or not the production of items. Unused objects in inventory in a period become available to the next period, added to new inventory, which are acquired or produced by the own company. The mathematical model's objective considers the waste in the cutting process, and costs for holding objects and final items. The simplex method with column generation was specialized to solve the linear relaxation. Some preliminary computational experiments showed that the multiperiod model could obtain effective gains when compared with the lot-for-lot solution, which is typically used in practice. However, in real world problems, the fractional solution is useless. So, additionally, two rounding procedures are developed to determine integer solutions for multiperiod cutting stock problems. Such procedures are based on a rolling horizon scheme, which roughly means, find an integer solution only for the first period, since this is the solution to be, in fact, carried out. Finally, we conclude that the proposed model for multiperiod cutting stock problems allows flexibility on analyzing a solution to be put in practice. The multiperiod cutting problem can be a tool that provides the decision maker a wide view of the problem and it may help him/her on making decisions.O problema de corte de estoque multiperíodo surge imerso no planejamento e programação da produção em empresas que têm um estágio de produção caracterizado pelo corte de peças. As demandas dos itens ocorrem em períodos diversos de um horizonte de planejamento finito, sendo possível antecipar ou não a produção de itens. Os objetos não utilizados em um período ficam disponíveis no próximo, juntamente com possíveis novos objetos adquiridos ou produzidos pela própria empresa. Um modelo de otimização linear inteira de grande porte é proposto, cujo objetivo pondera as perdas nos cortes, os custos de estocagem de objetos e itens. O método simplex com geração de colunas foi especializado para resolver a relaxação linear. Experiências computacionais preliminares mostram que ganhos efetivos podem ser obtidos, quando comparado com a solução lote-por-lote, tipicamente utilizada na prática. No entanto, em problemas práticos, uma solução fracionária não é aplicável. Então, foram desenvolvidas duas abordagens para o arredondamento da solução para o problema de corte de estoque multiperíodo. Tais procedimentos são baseados em horizonte rolante, que basicamente, consiste em tentar encontrar uma solução inteira apenas para o primeiro período, já que esta será uma solução implementada na prática; para os demais períodos pode haver mudança na demanda, por exemplo, a chegada de novos pedidos ou o cancelamento de pedidos. Finalmente, concluímos que o modelo proposto para o problema de corte de estoque multiperíodo permite flexibilidade na análise da solução a ser posta em prática. O modelo multiperíodo pode ser uma ferramenta que fornece ao tomador de decisões uma ampla visão do problema e pode auxiliá-lo na tomada de decisão.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Departamento de Ciência e TecnologiaUniversidade de São Paulo Inst. de Ciências Matemáticas e de ComputaçãoUNIFESP, Depto. de Ciência e TecnologiaSciEL

Bin Packing and Related Problems: General Arc-flow Formulation with Graph Compression

We present an exact method, based on an arc-flow formulation with side constraints, for solving bin packing and cutting stock problems --- including multi-constraint variants --- by simply representing all the patterns in a very compact graph. Our method includes a graph compression algorithm that usually reduces the size of the underlying graph substantially without weakening the model. As opposed to our method, which provides strong models, conventional models are usually highly symmetric and provide very weak lower bounds. Our formulation is equivalent to Gilmore and Gomory's, thus providing a very strong linear relaxation. However, instead of using column-generation in an iterative process, the method constructs a graph, where paths from the source to the target node represent every valid packing pattern. The same method, without any problem-specific parameterization, was used to solve a large variety of instances from several different cutting and packing problems. In this paper, we deal with vector packing, graph coloring, bin packing, cutting stock, cardinality constrained bin packing, cutting stock with cutting knife limitation, cutting stock with binary patterns, bin packing with conflicts, and cutting stock with binary patterns and forbidden pairs. We report computational results obtained with many benchmark test data sets, all of them showing a large advantage of this formulation with respect to the traditional ones