Modular Factory Software, Cut Lists and CNC
Lesson 16 of 18 · 6 min read
A modular factory does not build from a picture. It builds from a cut list: every panel, its size, its material and its edges. Software makes that list from the design, arranges panels on board sheets, and sends instructions to the machines.
The factory chain
- Design in modular software. The designer places cabinets from a library and sets sizes, materials and hardware. Examples include Cabinet Vision, imos, Design Flex (formerly 2020 Design) and KD Max. Some of these vendors have changed owners in recent years, so check the current name when you buy.
- Cut list. The software breaks each unit into panels: sides, top, bottom, shelves, partitions, shutters, backs.
- Nesting. Panels are arranged on standard boards (often 2440 x 1220 mm, about 8 x 4 ft) to waste as little as possible.
- CNC and edge banding. Files go to a panel saw or CNC router to cut and drill, then to the edge bander. Labels with barcodes track each panel.
- Packing and installation. Panels are packed by unit and installed on site from installation drawings.
A worked example: one wardrobe
A wardrobe is 1800 mm wide, 600 mm deep and 2100 mm high, in 18 mm board, with one middle partition and four shutters.
| Panel | No. | Size (mm) | Area (m²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side | 2 | 2100 x 560 | 2.352 |
| Top and bottom | 2 | 1764 x 560 | 1.976 |
| Middle partition | 1 | 2064 x 560 | 1.156 |
| Shelf | 6 | 873 x 540 | 2.828 |
| Shutter | 4 | 2096 x 446 | 3.739 |
| Total 18 mm board | 12.05 |
One 2440 x 1220 mm board is 2.977 m². So the wardrobe needs at least 12.05 / 2.977 = 4.05 boards of material. In practice, panel shapes waste some of each board.
- Suppose nesting software fits the parts into 5 boards.
- Suppose a hand layout needs 6 boards.
- At ₹2,800 per board (illustrative), one board saved is ₹2,800 per wardrobe. On a project with 20 such wardrobes, that is ₹56,000.
The 8 mm back panel, hardware, edge band and laminate are extra lines on the BOQ.
Why this matters on site
- The cut list is only as good as the survey. If the room is 20 mm narrower than drawn, the factory makes a wardrobe that does not fit.
- Changes are expensive after cutting. A shutter size change after CNC means a new panel, new edge band and a new delivery.
- Check the cut list before release. Count shelves and shutters against the shop drawing.
What comes next
When the last shutter is fixed, the job is still not over. The next lesson covers handover: as-built records, manuals, warranties and facility management.
Key takeaways
- Factories build from cut lists, not pictures.
- Modular software designs units, makes cut lists, nests panels and outputs CNC files.
- In the example, a wardrobe needs about 12.05 m² of 18 mm board, so at least 5 whole boards.
- Good nesting saves boards; one board per wardrobe adds up over a project.
- Check the cut list against the shop drawing and survey before release to the factory.
Verify on site
- Before release, confirm the room size on site matches the shop drawing.
- Count panels in the cut list against the shop drawing for each unit.
Check your understanding
3 questions. Answering them marks this lesson complete — results stay on your device.
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