Optimizing layout for laser cutting

[Zachary]

Hello,

Is there a plugin that anyone can point me towards for optimizing the layout of pieces that are meant to be laser cut? For example, I set the size of the material and have all of the pieces in the filed ordered on one, or more, sheet(s) as needed. Similar to what happens when you go to cut 3D models as 2D slices in 123D Make.

Please note, this is not about optimizing the path of the laser.

Thank you for taking the time.

[andrew]

This problem is generally referred to as 'nesting'. Many 3rd party software solutions are available which work with DXF / DWG files. You can find such solutions using an Internet search engine such as Google:
https://www.google.com/search?q=nesting+dxf

[Zachary]

Hello Andrew,

Thank you! I will see what I can find. Sadly I can't use Google here.

Take care.

[andrew]

Here's a post about another (free) nesting tool that works on SVG:
http://www.qcad.org/rsforum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=4334