Using the Block Optimizer then Recut Existing Option

The steps to runcutting with the Block Optimizer then Recut Existing option in Cut dialog are similar to those performed when runcutting with Run Block Optimizer for the first time.

If you intend to recut only some runs, select them on the left grid first before opening the Cut dialog.
Use this option when you want to improve your existing runcut solutions.
  1. In the main menu, perform one of the following steps:
    • Click BlockBuster > Cut.
    • Click the Cut button: Cut button on BlockBuster toolbar
    The Cut dialog appears with the Block Optimizer options activated.
    Cut dialog with Block Optimizer options activated
  2. Click the Block Optimizer then Recut Existing option.
    Block Optimizer then Recut Existing options selected
    All options in the Cut dialog are available.
  3. In the Depth and Effort frames, select the appropriate level of depth and effort you want to apply.
  4. (If applicable) Select other filters:
    • Chop-up only – The system first cuts the one-piece runs and uncuts pieces into reasonably-sized one-piece runs according to your selected parameters. The system then attempts to create legal runs from these segments and the remaining pieces.
    • Pre-hook – Creates the cheapest runcutting solutions by putting the one-piece runs created in the initial chop-up into two-piece runs. Make sure to select the Chop-up Only checkbox also when using this feature.
    • Cut runs selected in the grid – Cuts only the runs you selected on the grid. If this is selected, the Run until no cost improvement option appears shaded. (This option is used in conjunction with the Add Uncut Blocks, Cut All runcutting option.)
    • Run until no cost improvement – The system now checks the total cost of the runcut until no more improvements can be made. (This option is available only when you have existing runs.)
    • Recut Using Script File - If selected, you can develop and execute an xml script for recutting runs. The script includes a list of steps to run selected Depth and Effort options that would be executed in sequence and reiterated to improve the cut within a defined run time. After each step, the log records the completed step number, the number of iterations completed since the beginning of the recut, and the total costing value. To run the script, click the option, and then click Cut. A dialog opens where you can navigate to the xml file.
  5. Select the appropriate option depending on what you want to achieve:
    OptionDescription
    Block Optimizer Quick Cut Provides a basic level of depth and effort to the runcut based on the selected parameters.
    Allow Relinking Blocks are moved and re-linked as they are runcut. (In Trapeze FX, if this option is selected, changes are shown in the Blocking screen.)
  6. Click Cut.
    If you selected the Allows Relinking option, a message may appear advising you that trips belonging to a different exception content will be uncut.
  7. Click OK to proceed.
    The process status appears in the Block Optimizer dialog.
    Runcutting progress shown in Status dialog
    The View Errors and Cancel buttons appear shaded. When the process is completed, the Status field shows that the runs have been imported successfully. The View Errors button is activated and the Cancel button is changed to Close.
  8. Click Close.
    The runcut proceeds and the improved runs appear in the Cut Pieces grid and costs are applied using the BlockBuster parameters.

    If the Recut Using Script File option was selected, the screen also includes information on the step and iteration currently in progress. The runs that have been cut then appear in the grid.