Product Applications
Features
Only a small number of features included in Sheet Layout optimization software is shown below. If you can't find the particular optimization feature you are looking listed here its’ probably included in Sheet Layout. That’s why we offer a working download of the Evaluation version for you.
Please see the Version Comparison page for a more complete description of features. If you still have questions, email us as "contact us".
Parts per Project
Sheet Layout has no limit on the number of parts, cutting list items, number of materials, or types of edge banding that you can include in a project. There are limits on the number of layout diagrams that vary version to version.
Quantity per Part
Sheet Layout has no practical limit on the number of parts that can be assigned to a particular item. You can use a quantity of up to 9,999 per item.
Diagrams per Project
Sheet Layout 2010 has versions to fit the needs and budgets of all our customers. Each versions offer the same quality optimization and diagram printing capability – by far the two most important features of any optimization product.
The most significant change from version to version is the number of diagrams that SL will calculate for you. A weekend hobbyist may only need a 10 diagram Hobbyist capability. You can always take advantage of our no penalty upgrade policy at any time.
Please see the Products Comparison page for a full listing of features by version.
English/Metric Units
Nothing is more basic (or easier with Sheet Layout) than using the dimensional units you want; inches, millimeters, meters and more. Want to enter your raw material size in feet (or meters) and your cut list in inches (or millimeters). No worry, SL does all the conversions for you.
SL will convert a cut list from inches to millimeters and back again in a few mouse clicks.
Even if you want to enter you project in inches and print your diagrams in millimeters, Sheet Layout will do it for you.
Voice Data Entry *
SL will work with 3rd party speech recognition software (not provided) so that our keyboard challenged customers can just talk to SL and enter a project list.
With fast fractions typing "23 3 tab 9 11 tab" will provide 23 3/6 x 9 11/16.
With speech recognition software you would speak; “23 space 3 tab 9 space 11 tab” *.
*Note: This may vary based on your speech recognition software and Productivity Systems LLC does not warrant SL with any particular speech recognition system.
Fast Fractions
Often there is nothing more frustrating and slow than entering fractions. With SL's Fast Fraction feature it couldn't be easier.
A typical part size entry may be; 23 3/16 tab 9 11/16 tab which is 17 total key strokes verses 23 3 tab 9 11 tab with fast fractions saving you 6 key strokes with every line entry. SL automatically adds the /16 to each entry for you.
Of course, you can change from 64ths, to 16ths, to 32nds with only one mouse click. If that's not fast enough, just talk to your computer. SL supports fast fractions and 3rd party voice recognition software (not provided).
Full Cutting Control
Every version of Sheet Layout offers the same cutting features. Here are a few of the major cutting controls.
1) Specify rip cut (with the stock length), or cross cut (with the stock width)
2) Allow parts to rotate with or against the grain
3) Specify rotation on an individual part basis
4) Stock select order; Find the “Best Fit”, Use Smallest First, or, In Order Listed
5) Saw Kerf width
6) Stock size trim allowance
1, 2 or 4 Diagrams per printed page
Unlike some basic optimizers, Sheet Layout provides you four (4) choices for printing
1) A half page diagram with a following list of each part size and other part information
2) Two, half page diagrams.
3) Four, quarter page diagrams.
4) One landscape printed full page diagram.
There are other printing options that allow you to choose where (and if) the dimensions are printed on the diagrams and several other printing options.
Each user will have a preference. Customize SL for you.
Customizable Reports
Customizable reports are an extension to the customizable screen feature. You can drag and drop columns positioned where you want them, resize the width of the columns, and hide columns just like in the Raw Material and Project windows.
One significant additional feature is that you can customize EACH report to have a unique layout suited to you. Further, you can shown column subtotals. SL provides several ways to do this using pop-up windows and other drag and drop features.
Edge Banding Diagrams and Labels
SL does everything possible to make your user interface customizable and visual to help you eliminate mistakes. You can select from a list of Raw Material icons or import your own.
SL will also generate an Edge Banding icon for you. Your edge banding definition may have 1, 2, 3 or 4 sides specified to have edge banding applied. SL will automatically outline which edges will have edge banding applied. If the same edge banding material is used on more than one edge, the edges will have the same color.