Efficient Fabric Cutting for Customized Curtains: Minimizing Waste and Resource Use

Abstract

This study addresses the optimization of raw material usage in a real-world curtain manufacturing company, tackling challenges such as variability in fabric types, patterns, and dimensions. The primary objective is to develop strategies to minimize waste, reduce production costs, and enhance operational efficiency. The paper examines and automates the current approach used by the company and proposes a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) method to optimize fabric utilization. Computational experiments on benchmark instances show that the proposed exact method outperforms the current method in terms of optimal value. The effectiveness of this method is validated through implementation and testing within the company, highlighting its potential to significantly improve resource management and operational practices.