Optimization of Space

Hi! I am looking out for an algorithm for best fitting shapes of the same or different patterns onto a specified dimension (2D). the same technology/algorithm is used in placing stickers of different shapes for cutting, during fabrication rom sheet metal etc.. even for packaging.

Hi I am posting this in the general forum as I believe that this pertains to a lot of the forums...

I asked a few of my mechanical friends about this as they also at times need to place 2D profiles for sheet metal cutting. The answer I received was that they do a manual alignment using a drafting software like AutoCAD or Pro-E.

We both feel that there will be a better approach or let me say a more automatized approach to do the same.

I have searched the net and find that people refer to the algorithm as "nesting of irregular objects". Some papers term it as genetic Algorithms and some call it a heuristic approach. I tried to access these files... Most of the documents are on cost of US$15 to US$45. I wouldn't mind paying but the problem is that I am not even able to decide as to which one I should use. I don't want to end up spending all the money for the wrong set of documents. Moreover I need the general overview and concepts, rather the algorithm.

I am an Electrical and Electronics Engineer by education, though I do have some knowledge in the mechanical feild (largely thanks to my Dad), you can understand that my knowledge is very limited in mechanics.

Would anyone, please be kind enough to show me the path... provide me with the basic understanding or approach for formulating this algorithm.

More importantly I would request you to tell me what this optimization technique is called or termed as.

With regards,

Vishal...