Material Stacking Strategies
When using Microvellum Toolbox's optimizer in sawing operations, the optimizer automatically separates sheets of material into different stacks based on the parts that are going to be cut from that sheet. The default strategy for the optimizer has been expanded as of Toolbox build 25.1.0325.641, with an additional stacking strategy available to users using Microvellum's new optimizer: mixed stacking. This new strategy can potentially allow the optimizer to create patterns that have fewer stacks than identical stacking with the same number of sheets.
Identical Stacking
Identical Stacking, the default method, requires each part in a stack to be present in each sheet throughout the stack. As such, when optimizing parts, the optimizer will specifically only stack materials based on which materials have the same exact parts being cut from them.
As an example, consider a scenario as shown in Figure 1, in which a sawing operation has 3 large parts and 2 small parts to optimize. Only 1 large part and 1 small part can fit on a single sheet. If one is optimizing using Identical Stacking, the materials would be separated into two stacks: the first stack would be a single sheet with 1 large part assigned to it. The second stack would be 2 sheets each containing 1 large part and 1 small part.
Mixed Stacking
Mixed stacking, the new method for stacking materials, functions differently from identical stacking. Unlike the default, mixed stacking does not require sheets to have the same exact part on them, but rather, the results are considered valid so long as the saw cuts are identical throughout the stack.
To enable Mixed Stacking, the checkbox “Allow Mixed Stacking” has been added to the sawing processing station.
In an identical scenario to the one noted above, wherein which a sawing operation has 3 large parts and 2 small parts to optimize, the Mixed Stacking setting being enabled would lead to the optimizer would place the sheet that has only 1 large part onto the two other sheets that have 1 large and 1 small part. This would create a single stack of 3 sheets, reducing the labor when compared to the identical stacking result. To do this, however, the saw would require the cuts in the stack to be identical. As such, if this setting is enabled, the sheet with only 1 large part will have saw cuts added to it as though it will have a small part placed on it, even if it will not.
Related Articles
Microvellum Saw Optimization Settings (Reference)
This article documents the current sawing optimization properties as of the most recent Toolbox build, Build 23.1.0523.641. Users may experience a different settings interface if using a version of Toolbox released prior to Build 23.1.0523.641 When ...Sawing Processing Station Controls and Settings
The Files & Pictures tab contains file path location settings as well as image settings for part and label images. The Saw tab contains settings for optimization and saw operation. Parameters – Allows you to set and adjust the parameters based on ...Processing Station Nest Options - Optimization
The nesting optimization section in the Processing Station allows you to choose how to optimize parts within a material sheet. Selecting the strategy for your Nesting Optimizer will allow you to maximize materials by placing and rotating the parts as ...Optimized Sheet Yield Overview
As of version 15.6, the program displays an optimized sheet yield value in the nest drawing, the nested pattern layout screen, and the sawing pattern layout screen. It is also possible to add that value to any report consuming data from the ...Sheet Selection Type
When selecting materials in an operation, Microvellum's optimizer allows for users to assign an optimization priority to specific materials in their material file, to determine which materials should be used up first in the operation. As of Toolbox ...
Recent Articles
Microvellum Foundation Library Release Notes | Build 26.0527
The following release notes apply to the Microvellum Foundation Library build 26.0527. Additions Added new features for the Wood Drawer Box to have reduced sides, sub front, or back. Added 3 new global and subassembly prompts: “Wood Drawer Side ...Microvellum Release Notes | Build 26.1.0529.641
The following release notes apply to Microvellum build 26.1.0529.641. BSB Docking Size Fix An issue was reported to be occurring in Microvellum BSB 2026: when adjusting the size of a docked Microvellum palette, users found that the palette would ...Adding Custom Hinges and Mounting Plates (Foundation Library)
Hinges and mounting plates are classified as hardware items within the Foundation library, and as such, the process for adding hinges and mounting plates does not differ greatly from other pieces of hardware, though with the variety of cabinet ...Apply Render Materials
The Apply Render Materials interface is a Microvellum function that allows one to assign specific render materials to database materials within one’s material library. Using this interface, one can efficiently control and visually align one’s ...Microvellum Release Notes | Build 26.1.0520.641
The following release notes apply to Microvellum build 26.1.0520.641. Assign Render Material A new option has been added to the Library Specification Groups interface: Assign Render Material. This new interface displays the Microvellum material ...