Computer‐Generated Cutting Patterns Reduce Shearing Scrap

The problem of how to cut small, rectangular panels from larger stock‐sized material with minimum scrap is common in many industries. In 1975, Hewlett‐Packard's Palo Alto printed circuit facility began using a computer‐generated shearing pattern technique that has proved very successful. This paper describes the Company's experience in implementing this system. Acknowledgement is hereby made to the Californian Circuits Association for their permission to reproduce the paper which was originally presented at a recent CCA conference.