Calculate how many rectangular parts fit on a full laser-cutting sheet after accounting for trim margins, part separation and 90° rotation. Estimate the number of sheets to purchase, batch scrap, and material cost per finished piece.
Laser Sheet Yield Calculator
Use the same units throughout (mm or inches). The numeric example uses mm.
Sheet yield estimate
| Parts on last sheet | 16 |
|---|---|
| Best layout evaluated | 5 original + 1 rotated column bands |
This is rectangular-fit planning, not CAD nesting. It compares grids and limited two-orientation row/column bands. True-shape nesting, common-line cutting, offcut reuse, irregular outlines, clamp locations and grain rules may produce different results. Changing the currency does not convert sheet costs.
Usable sheet width and height subtract twice the edge margin. Count along each axis = floor((usable dimension + gap) ÷ (blank dimension + gap)). The algorithm checks original and rotated grids plus two-orientation row and column bands, with bounded search for very dense layouts. Sheets required = ceiling(required parts ÷ parts per sheet). Gross-sheet utilization = fitted part area ÷ full sheet area. Cost per part divides the purchase cost of all full sheets by the requested parts.
Worked example
Start with a 600 × 400 mm sheet, a 100 × 75 mm blank, 5 mm edge margins, and a 3 mm gap. A simple unrotated 5 × 5 grid holds 25 parts. For 100 blanks and a $24 full-sheet cost, four purchased sheets cost $96, or $0.96 per finished part. Depending on the dimensions, the mixed-band search may identify a better arrangement.
How to use the results
For jobs where you cannot reuse offcuts, the purchased-sheet cost per part is often more useful than the finished part’s area fraction. You may cut more shapes from a sheet than the current order requires, but any unused material is still a cost unless you can reuse it reliably in another job.
Frequently asked questions
Does this perform full nesting optimization?
No. This rectangular estimator is not a geometric true-shape optimizer. Irregular outlines, interlocking cuts, arbitrary rotation and common-line cutting may produce higher yields. Confirm critical jobs in your laser nesting software.
What is included in the part gap?
Enter enough spacing for the process kerf, web strength, heat effects and any safety separation. The required margin depends on the laser, workholding and material.
Should rotation always be allowed?
No. Turn it off when woodgrain, veneer pattern, corrugation, directional strength or appearance dictates the orientation.
How does a partly used last sheet affect the estimate?
The calculator purchases whole sheets, not fractional sheets. When a job only partly fills the last sheet, utilization drops and effective material cost per part rises.
Reference
See Noramark’s rectangular sheet nesting explanation for the axis-fit method. Our implementation is a separate estimator, not a reproduction of a commercial nesting engine.
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