We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Manufacturing

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is the Cutting Stock Problem?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,009
Share

The cutting stock problem is an optimization puzzle that has important industry applications as well as being of interest to computer programmers and logisticians. In this problem, there are a hypothetical number of rolls of paper of varying widths that must be cut in the most efficient way possible into saleable sheets. Failure to cut the paper efficiently can result in significant wastage, which can translate into very high costs in the real world of industry, where even small margins of error can be substantial.

People have been trying to find the most effective way to cut down bulk stock for centuries, but early exploration of the cutting stock problem and potential formulas to solve it began in earnest during the 1930s. Work on this topic advanced significantly with the rise of computers, allowing for the use of much more complex formulas and other problem-solving tools. Researchers involved with the cutting stock problem also develop products for industry, to put their research to work in a real-world environment.

This problem does not just apply to paper. Many products are manufactured in very large bulk sheets because such production is less costly, but they are not sold in that size to wholesalers, retailers and members of the general public. Some examples include fabric and glass. In addition to being important for industry, the cutting stock problem also can be of concern to individuals. Quilters, for instance, need to think carefully before they cut fabric, to minimize their waste.

One way to approach a cutting stock problem is through mathematical formulas. This can be a complex challenge, because the elements of the problem might be of varying shapes and sizes. The problem might be set up with multiple rolls of paper at different widths and lengths, for instance. It might also be possible to cut the sheets into different sizes, all of which would be usable for sale; consumers use paper products in a variety of widths, and thus, it wouldn't be necessary to cut everything to one paper size.

Research on the cutting stock problem provides useful material for industry, and industry approaches to the issue can be informative for researchers. With some types of stock, for instance, a small amount of wastage needs to be built in with each cut because the cut edges might not be clean, or some product could be lost during cutting. Brittle, friable materials such as brick do not always cut neatly and might crumble, losing some of their volume and making the cutting stock problem more complicated.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-the-cutting-stock-problem.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.