Grain direction in sheet optimisation
Rotation saves material only when the finished part is allowed to turn. Visible grain, texture and decor can make orientation more important than board count.
Define one convention
In Cutspan, part length follows the material direction when grain is locked. Use that convention consistently in the drawing, cut list and labels.
Lock only what needs locking
Paint-grade MDF may rotate freely. Veneer, birch plywood faces and directional decors often cannot. Unnecessary locks can increase waste; missing locks can ruin visible parts.
Check the drawing visually
Do not rely on a checkbox alone. Review how every visible door, panel and adjacent run sits on the sheet before approving the result.
Questions
Why did locking grain add another sheet?
The optimiser lost the option to rotate parts into otherwise usable spaces. That extra sheet may be the honest requirement.
Does plywood always need a grain lock?
Not always. Structural or hidden parts may be allowed to rotate, while visible faces usually need a deliberate direction.
Can different parts use different rules?
Yes. Rotation can be controlled per part so visible panels stay aligned while non-directional parts fill gaps.