Trimloss last updated
17th june 2013
by Julie Moorcroft
Moorcroft Computer Services
Thinking clear Thinking software
Thinking Trimloss
by Julie Moorcroft
Moorcroft Computer Services
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Hand Cutting Instructions
When optimising for an ordinary glass cutting table, we would normally use (Point to Point) optimisation, only switching to (XYZ) optimisation for 6x3 metre tables, tables with automatic break out and semi automatic laminate tables. We can still optimise however, using (Point to Point) optimisation for any work which is to be hand cut. We can use any stock size or range of stock sizes, or even use hand cutting to use up previously generated off cuts.
The problem with hand cutting however, is that as soon as the first piece of glass
is broken out, what the cutter has left on the bench, no longer looks like the original
diagram. Trimloss overcomes this problem by producing linear instructions instead
of, or as well as, the diagram. After each score and break, the instructions tell
the cutter how to rack any finished piece, but just as importantly, what to do with
each off cut. A “WA” for waste instruction is given for any off cut to be put in
the cullet bin and a “SA” for save instruction is given for any off cut to be put
onto one temporary pile for further cutting. The pieces of glass in the temporary
pile are re-
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Using the Trimloss hand cutting feature should be the first option to be chosen when a small sealed unit manufacturer starts upgrading his computer system. The problem is however, that there is a common misconception that glass optimisers and glass cutting tables have to go together. They do not. Although optimisers are offered with all cutting tables, whether or not they are new, the supplier must by law offer the optimiser as an option at a separate price. Failure to do so is an infringement of UK and European Anti Competition Legislation, punishable by as much as 10% of annual turnover, even for a single offence. In this particular case, these laws prevent a cutting table manufacturer from capitalising of his dominant market position by offering his optimiser free of charge, thus using unfair techniques against other companies specialising in software. This used to happen a lot before the anti competition laws came into effect.
Sealed unit manufacturers who use Trimloss hand cutting optimisation before investing in a 3x2 metre cutting table, can expect waste figures almost as low as long as they are producing sealed units for domestic consumption only. This is because the Trimloss (Point to Point) optimisation method helps greatly to compensate for the smaller stock sizes used for hand cutting. For contract work a 3x2 metre table is a minimum requirement and for the larger contracts supplying curtain walling, a 6x3 metre table would be preferable.
