The "Gang & Sheet Optimizer" license is a requirement for using the automated sheet optimization feature.
Sheet optimization is mandatory if you use the "Ganging Optimization" work mode.
Sheet optimization provides algorithms for the cost-effective placement of 1ups on one or more sheets. A considerable savings potential is often possible through optimization if you have different production quantities and 1up sizes.
The cost data for sheet optimization can be saved in the job and as resources. In the user interface, you can decide which source you will use. If "Use Optimization Parameters from Plate Template" is enabled, the parameters are taken from the "Plate Template" resource, otherwise they come from the job.
Irrespective of this, you can define the rating criteria for quality in the job as an additional parameter for optimization.
In the "Ganging Optimization" work mode, these functions are available as the following variants:
•Sheet Optimization without Layout Default
•Sheet Optimization with Layout Default
•Sheet Optimization for Packaging
You can select the kind of optimization in the "Product Part" step.
For information about the workflow, see also the Ganging Optimization with Sheet Optimization without Layout Default video tutorial.
All types of optimization are set in the "Optimization" step.
You can set all the parameters to suit your needs and start an optimization run.
All three basic algorithms ("Horizontal", "Vertical" or "General") calculate optimization with the minimum surplus possible for the 1ups. The calculated surplus is required to ensure the required total number of 1ups.
Generally, you must think of the first, automatic optimization run as a suggestion that you can customize to meet your requirements.
Often, the press sheet still has spaces that can be filled with more assembly blocks. These spaces were deliberately not filled automatically so that you can decide how you would like to use them. Especially in cases where there is a great difference between the numbers of 1ups required (e.g. assembly block 1 is to have 20,000 copies and assembly block 2 400,000 copies), more spaces tend to be created than with numbers that are relatively the same.
At this point, you can now decide for yourself what you want to do with these spaces. In other words, you can continue with other optimization steps that are specially tailored to your needs.
There are basically two procedures:
•You can fill the spaces by increasing the number of copies per press sheet for the various assembly blocks. By doing this, you create an "artificial" surplus that is not necessary to produce the required total number of assembly blocks. However, this surplus might match your own special needs.
•You can reduce the assembly block layout by moving the blocks around so that you may only need a smaller paper size. You then also have the option of replacing the plate template and, if necessary, using a smaller plate. Even without moving the blocks, the choice of a smaller paper or plate template can be a good idea if the margins on the left, right and/or top are large enough.