Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the calculator say my projects can't fit on a single plate?

Every project needs at least 2 outs on a plate. If your print items are large relative to your sheet size, there may not be enough room to give every project at least 2 slots. Try using a larger sheet size, or let the algorithm explore two-plate or multi-plate configurations where projects can be split across separate plates.

The yield seems low on one of my plates. Is something wrong?

A low yield on a particular plate usually means the item dimensions don't tile efficiently on that sheet size. For example, 3.5×4.5 prints on a 12×18 sheet leave a narrow strip that's too small for another item. This is a geometric constraint, not a bug. Consider a different sheet size that's a better multiple of your print dimensions.

Should I always choose the option with the fewest sheets?

Fewer sheets generally means lower material cost, but remember that each additional plate requires a separate setup and run. A two-plate solution that saves 500 sheets might still be more expensive than a single-plate solution if the plate setup cost is high. Consider both material savings and plate costs when making your decision.

Does GangRun Space account for grain direction?

The current version of GangRun Space optimizes purely for material efficiency (maximizing the number of items per sheet). Grain direction is displayed on the visual layout for your reference, but the algorithm does not constrain placement based on grain. If grain direction is critical for your application, we recommend using the visual layout as a starting point and manually adjusting as needed.

Can I enter dimensions in centimeters or millimeters?

Currently, GangRun Space accepts dimensions in multiple units (inches, millimeters, centimeters, feet, meters) for both sheet size and project dimensions, and bleed in millimeters (which is the standard in the printing industry). If you work in metric, simply select your preferred unit from the dropdown. Bleed is always measured in millimeters.

Common Issues

Calculation seems slow for many projects

The algorithm performs an exhaustive search across all possible plate splits, which grows with the number of projects. For 5+ projects, calculations may take a few seconds. This is intentional — thoroughness ensures you get the best result. Quality takes a few extra clock cycles.

Two-plate result shows more sheets than single plate

This can happen when the projects have similar order quantities and similar-sized items. In such cases, splitting across plates doesn't save material. The calculator always shows all options so you can compare, even when single plate is optimal.

Get in Touch

Have a question that's not covered here? Found a bug? Have a feature request? We'd love to hear from you. Reach us at turquezalabs@gmail.com and we typically respond within 24-48 hours.

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