Cutting Optimization Pro 6 Instant

Click the green "Optimize" button. A progress bar will appear. For 2D nesting, let it run for 30 seconds—longer runs produce marginally better results, but COP6 usually finds the best layout within 45 seconds.

While COP6 is powerful, users sometimes make mistakes that reduce effectiveness.

Pitfall #1: Ignoring Kerf If you forget to set your saw kerf to 0.125", COP6 will assume parts can sit flush against each other. In reality, you'll lose 1/8" per cut, causing parts to be undersized or impossible to cut. Fix: Always measure your blade width before optimizing. cutting optimization pro 6

Pitfall #2: Over-constraining rotation If you lock parts to 0 degrees only (no rotation), utilization drops. COP6 v6 allows 90-degree rotation for wood grain—use it. For materials with no grain (aluminum, plastic), allow 180-degree rotation.

Pitfall #3: Not using remnants Many users generate a cut plan, cut the sheets, and throw away the offcuts. COP6 has a "Remnant" button. Click it after optimization. The software will list the leftover rectangles (e.g., 24x36). Save these sizes as new stock for small parts. Click the green "Optimize" button

| Software | 2D Irregular Shapes | CNC Output | Pricing Model | |----------|---------------------|------------|----------------| Cutting Optimization Pro 6 | No | No (DXF only) | Perpetual | OptiCut (by OptiCut GmbH) | No | Yes (cutting machine integration) | Subscription | DeepNest (open source) | Yes | Yes (SVG/G-code) | Free | SigmaNEST | Yes | Yes (extensive) | High-cost perpetual |

Some shop owners ask: "If I buy a CNC router, do I still need COP6?" COP6 allows you to maintain an inventory of

Yes. Even advanced CNC nesting (like VCarve Pro or Mozaik) sometimes produces suboptimal layouts for mixed parts. COP6 is a standalone pre-processor. You can run COP6 to generate the optimized layout, then manually copy those coordinates into your CNC post-processor. Many users export COP6 results as a DXF and import that directly into their CAM software.

COP6 allows you to maintain an inventory of different sheet sizes. For example, you might have 100 sheets of 4x8 plywood and 50 sheets of 5x5 MDF. The software automatically decides which sheet type to use for which part to minimize leftover waste.

For production floors, COP6 generates individual part labels. These labels can include barcodes or QR codes that link to the cutting map, allowing workers to sort parts quickly after cutting.

Older free tools (like Deepnest.io or CutList Optimizer) struggle with "free rotation" or irregular remnants. COP6 handles full 360-degree rotation plus the ability to prioritize edge parts for finishing.