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Nesting (process)
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<p>In manufacturing industry, nesting refers to the process of laying out cutting patterns to minimize the <a href="/facts/Raw_material/cthCpclF">raw material</a> waste. Examples include manufacturing parts from flat raw material such as <a href="/facts/Sheet_metal/3yK7SwL4">sheet metal</a>, glass sheets, cloth rolls, cutting parts from steel bars, etc. </p><p>Such process can also be applied to additive manufacturing, such as <a href="/facts/3D_printing/lbvWU3t0">3D printing</a>. Here the advantages sought can include minimizing tool movement that is not producing product, or maximizing how many pieces can be fabricated in one build session. One difference from nesting of cut pieces is that 3D parts often have a cross section that changes with height, which can cause interference between adjacent parts as they are built up. </p>