Beam saw optimisation
From a list of parts to a CNC file your saw will run — one API call. The fastest and the most efficient beam-saw algorithms we have ever benchmarked, against every major tool. Less stock per job, no manual transcription, validated output for the machine on your floor.
Two modes
Based on our benchmarks, SmartCut is both the fastest and the most efficient beam-saw optimisation available: on nine classic benchmarks with identical inputs, Fast returns its answer quicker than every other tool tested on every single job — and Max finishes on the fewest stock the parts can physically be cut from, a limit no tool anywhere could beat. Both are one flag on the same API call.
The default for everyday cutting. Returns instantly and reaches the provable optimal layout on 82% of real jobs — there is simply nothing left to recover on those.
A global search that re-packs the whole job to recover material on large, dense or awkward layouts — the jobs where one extra stock is real money. Worth the wait when the saw run is big.
On a 45-job cross-section spanning 1 to 71 stock, Fast matched Max on two thirds of jobs and finished around 100× faster; Max recovered extra stock on the largest, densest jobs — up to four on a single 32-stock job. Below three stock there is nothing to recover, so Fast is always the right call. Comparing tools? See how SmartCut stacks up against Ardis and Magi-Cut.
Benchmark data
Real beam-saw benchmarks, identical inputs to both modes — same parts, same stock, same kerf. Every stock Max recovers is material straight back on the rack.
| Benchmark | Fast | Time | Max | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 parts · 2400 × 2000 mm | 1 stock | 2.0 s | 1 stock | 18.9 s |
| 60 parts · 2785 × 2055 mm | 10 stock | 0.5 s | 9 stock | 8.2 s |
| 160 parts · 2785 × 2055 mm | 5 stock | 1.4 s | 4 stock | 24.8 s |
| 256 parts · 2785 × 2055 mm | 14 stock | 2.7 s | 13 stock | 192 s |
Every result is validated against the saw's own control software and, where possible, on real saw hardware. Full methodology, competitor comparisons and layout visualisations are on the benchmarks page.
Post-processors
An optimal layout is only useful if your saw can run it. SmartCut's post-processor pipeline converts the layout directly into the CNC format your machine expects — no manual transcription, no intermediate software.
| Saw / software | Vendor | Format | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holzma / Sawteq | Homag | PTX | Validated |
| Homag CPOUT | Homag | CPOUT | Beta |
| CADmatic 3 / 4 / 5 | Homag | .saw (PTN3) | Beta |
| OptiPlanner (Beam saw) | Biesse | Biesse XML (Str) | Validated |
| Selco WN series | Biesse | Biesse XML (Str) | Validated |
| PC5100 / PC7000 | Mayer | .may | Validated |
| Pratika | SCM | Biesse XML (Str) | Beta |
| SCM Link | SCM | .900 | Beta |
| Commander 4 (MCS) | Schelling | .nc | Beta |
| Commander 2 | Schelling | .002 | Beta |
| G-Drive | Giben | .ac | Beta |
| Vertical panel saw (IST PIOS) | Striebig | CSV (ZuschnittOpti) | Beta |
| Jingwei (CNC cutting table) | Jingwei | CNC XML | Active use |
Validated — end-to-end CNC file in production, accepted by the saw's own software across a full set of real jobs. Active use — in production with live customer traffic. Beta — implemented and tested; real-machine sign-off in progress. Full details on the saw support matrix.
FAQ
Beam saw optimization arranges your parts onto the fewest possible stock while respecting the saw's cutting constraints — head cuts, stack height, kerf and trim. SmartCut runs two modes: Fast returns a near-optimal layout in about a second, and Max spends a deeper search budget to recover extra stock on the hardest jobs.
Fast returns in under two seconds and already matches the best-known result on the large majority of jobs. Max runs a deeper search — a 150-second budget by default — and recovers additional stock on large, dense or awkward layouts. You pick the trade-off per job.
SmartCut exports validated CNC files for 13+ beam saw models, including Homag PTX, Biesse OptiPlanner (Biesse XML), Mayer .may, SCM, Schelling Commander and Giben — straight from the optimised layout, with no manual transcription.
Yes. The same engine covers computer-controlled beam saws and panel saws — including vertical panel saws such as Striebig — with kerf, trim and stack height respected. PTX and the other machine formats are listed on the saw support page.
No. SmartCut is a REST API: you submit a cutting job and receive an optimised layout and a saw-ready CNC file. There is no desktop software or licence, and a test environment can be arranged on request so you can evaluate on your own jobs.