MIP models for the irregular strip packing problem: new symmetry breaking constraints

Abstract

The irregular strip packing problem consists in minimizing the length used to cut a set of pieces from a board with fixed width. Recently, a mixed integer programming model was proposed for the problem, but it may allow a large number of symmetric solutions. In this paper, new symmetry breaking constraints are proposed to improve the model. Computational experiments were performed for instances with convex pieces. The results show the proposed formulation is better than the previous one for most instances, since it improves lower bounds and reduces run-time and number of nodes explored to prove optimality.