Smart Ganging (Nesting) Engine
NowToPrint's Rust-powered automatic sheet layout and waste optimisation tool.
Smart Ganging (Nesting) Engine
The NowToPrint Ganging Engine places hundreds of different print jobs onto a single large sheet (plate) simultaneously without errors. It is a module developed to minimise paper waste and optimise print costs.
Rust imposition architecture
Ganging and sheet planning are owned by ntp-pdf-imposition. The WASM engine is a bridge for
browser and desktop workflows; final imposed output is verified through receipt, post-imposition
preflight, and render proof where the native renderer is available.
How Does Ganging (Nesting) Work?
The smart nesting engine rotates customer files of varying sizes and places them in the most efficient configuration — using a "Bin Packing" algorithm — to minimise waste.
Optimisation Criteria
The system considers multiple factors when building the sheet layout:
- Quantity Optimisation: Balances plate copy counts when one item needs 10,000 copies and another needs 500.
- Waste Minimisation: Keeps margins at the edges of the sheet to a minimum.
- Guillotine Cuts: Accounts for the ability of the guillotine blade to make straight, uninterrupted cuts (edge-to-edge).
Module Feature Overview
Guillotine Cut Compatibility
The algorithm prevents complex cuts; it arranges the layout using horizontal and vertical strips through which the guillotine blade can pass from end to end.
Live Preview (Live Render)
Powered by WASM, you can watch the layout of 100 different jobs being arranged in the browser live, frame-by-frame, at 60 FPS quality.
Automatic Mark Drawing
After ganging is complete, crop marks and colour bars are automatically added between all products (using Registration Colour).
Operation Steps
Use the following steps to gang multiple jobs in the ganging interface:
Mark the approved orders and production tickets to be sent to press from the list and drag them into the panel.
Enter the main roll / sheet size to be used (e.g. 70 cm × 100 cm) and define the production
margins (Bleed & Trim).
Press the "Auto Nest" button in the interface and evaluate the sheet fill preview within seconds. Different variants (left-right layout, portrait-only, etc.) can be tested.
Review the lowest-waste layout, generate the imposed output through the supported sidecar flow, then check the receipt and post-imposition preflight before sending the file to press.
Important Notice
For the ganging process to succeed, all selected jobs must be "group-compatible" — sharing the same paper / substrate (e.g. 350 gsm Coated Matt) and the same lamination specification. Different substrates cannot be placed on the same plate.
Previous: ← Imposition | Next: Crop Marks →
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