Minimizing loss in LCD glass manufacturing by cutting pattern optimization based on integer programming

Abstract

Loss reduction plays a critical role in improving both process efficiency and overall profitability. As processes become more complex, loss reduction becomes more challenging and systematic decision-supporting methods are thus needed. This paper illustrates such a method in the context of liquid crystal display (LCD) glass production, which involves a series of chemical processes. Loss-minimizing integer programming models are proposed to compute a cutting pattern that allocates multiple demands to LCD mother glass. Numerical examples from actual LCD glass processes are presented to illustrate the applicability of the proposed method.