Using Wang's two-dimensional cutting stock algorithm to optimally solve difficult problems

P. Y. Wang's classic bottom-up two-dimensional cutting stock algorithm generates cutting patterns by building rectangles both horizontally and vertically. This algorithm uses a parameter β ₁ to tradeoff the number of rectangles generated by the algorithm and hence the quality of the cutting pattern solution obtained versus the amount of computer resources required. Several researchers have made relatively straightforward modifications to Wang's basic algorithm resulting in improved computational times. However, even with these modifications, Wang's approach tends to require large amounts of computer resources in order to optimally or near-optimally solve difficult two-dimensional guillotine cutting stock problems. In this paper, we present an iterative approach that judiciously uses Wang's basic algorithm (with some previously defined modifications) to obtain optimal cutting patterns to difficult two-dimensional cutting stock problems in reasonable computer run times.