Overview
The "Part not able to be placed" error in the Optimizer occurs when a part's dimensions exceed the size of the material sheet you're trying to nest it on. This article explains why this happens and how to fix it.
Understanding the Error
What This Error Means
When you see "Part not able to be placed" in the Optimizer, it means:
- The part is wider than the sheet width, OR
- The part is longer than the sheet length, OR
- The part exceeds both dimensions
The Optimizer cannot physically fit the part onto the material sheet at its current orientation.
Why This Happens
Common causes include:
- Part dimensions exceed standard sheet sizes
- Part orientation doesn't match sheet dimensions
- Wrong material sheet size selected
- Part created with incorrect dimensions
How to Diagnose the Issue
Step 1: Check Your Material Sheet Size
- In the Optimizer, look at your material dimensions at the top of the screen
- Note the width and length of your sheet material
Example:
- Material width: 48.5"
- Material length: 96.5"
Step 2: Find the Problem Part
- Look at the parts list in the Optimizer (typically on the right side)
- Identify which part(s) show the "Part not able to be placed" error
- Note the dimensions of the problem part
Step 3: Compare Dimensions
Compare the part dimensions to your sheet dimensions:
Example of the problem:
- Sheet width: 48.5"
- Part width: 54.5" ← Part is too wide!
In this example, the part width (54.5") exceeds the sheet width (48.5"), so it cannot be placed.
How to Fix the Issue
Solution 1: Rotate the Part (Most Common Fix)
If your part fits within the sheet dimensions when rotated, simply change its orientation.
Steps:
- In the Optimizer, locate the Parts section or parts list
- Find the part that cannot be placed
- Look for the rotation or orientation setting for that part
- Rotate the part 90 degrees (change from vertical to horizontal orientation, or vice versa)
- Re-run the optimization
Example:
- Part at 0°: Width 54.5" × Length 30"
- Part at 90°: Width 30" × Length 54.5"
- Sheet: Width 48.5" × Length 96.5"
After rotating 90°, the part's width (30") now fits within the sheet width (48.5") ✓
Solution 2: Use a Larger Sheet Size
If the part is too large even when rotated, you may need a larger material sheet.
Steps:
- Check if you have larger sheet sizes available in your material library
- In the Optimizer, change the material selection
- Select a larger sheet size (e.g., 61" × 122" instead of 49" × 97")
- Re-run the optimization
Common sheet sizes:
- Standard: 48.5" × 96.5" (4' × 8')
- Oversize: 49" × 97"
- Large: 61" × 97" (5' × 8')
- Extra Large: 61" × 121" (5' × 10')
Solution 3: Verify Part Dimensions in Mozaik
If the part dimensions seem incorrect, check the part in Mozaik before optimizing.
Steps:
- Return to your Mozaik project
- Open the Product Editor for the cabinet containing the problem part
- Go to the Parts section
- Find the part in question
- Verify the width and length are correct
- If incorrect, edit the part dimensions
- Save and re-send to Optimizer
Solution 4: Split Large Parts
If a part is too large for any available sheet size, consider:
For countertops or large panels:
- Split the part into multiple sections with seams/toolpaths
- Redesign to use multiple smaller pieces
For structural parts:
- Check if the design can be modified
- Consult with the customer about dimensional constraints
Common Scenarios
Scenario 1: Tall Cabinet Sides
Problem:
- Cabinet side: 84" tall × 23" deep
- Sheet: 48.5" × 96.5"
- Error: Part width (84") exceeds sheet width (48.5")
Solution:
- Rotate part 90°
- New orientation: 23" × 84"
- Part now fits: 23" < 48.5" ✓ and 84" < 96.5" ✓
Scenario 2: Wide Countertop
Problem:
- Countertop: 108" × 25"
- Sheet: 48.5" × 96.5"
- Error: Part length (108") exceeds sheet length (96.5")
Solution:
- Use larger sheet: 61" × 121"
- After rotation: 25" × 108"
- Part fits: 25" < 61" ✓ and 108" < 121" ✓
Scenario 3: Island Top
Problem:
- Island top: 72" × 48"
- Sheet: 48.5" × 96.5"
- Error: Part width (72") exceeds sheet width (48.5")
Solution:
- Rotate part 90°
- New orientation: 48" × 72"
- Part fits: 48" < 48.5" ✓ and 72" < 96.5" ✓
Preventing This Error
Best Practices:
💡 Check dimensions early - Review large parts before sending to Optimizer
💡 Know your sheet sizes - Keep standard material sheet dimensions in mind when designing
💡 Plan orientation - Consider grain direction and part orientation during design
💡 Use material library correctly - Ensure accurate sheet sizes in your material library
💡 Review cutlist - Check the cutlist tab before optimizing to spot oversized parts
💡 Set grain direction - If parts need specific grain orientation, set this in Mozaik before optimizing
Visual Guide
Identifying the Problem:
What you see:
Material Sheet: 48.5" W × 96.5" L Parts List: ✓ Side Panel: 23" × 84" [Placed] ✓ Bottom: 22" × 30" [Placed] ✗ Back Panel: 54.5" × 84" [Part not able to be placed]
The issue:
- Back Panel width (54.5") > Sheet width (48.5")
After Rotating:
What you see:
Material Sheet: 48.5" W × 96.5" L Parts List: ✓ Side Panel: 23" × 84" [Placed] ✓ Bottom: 22" × 30" [Placed] ✓ Back Panel: 84" × 54.5" [Placed] ← Rotated 90°
The fix:
- Back Panel width (84") fits within sheet length (96.5") ✓
- Back Panel length (54.5") fits within sheet width (48.5")... wait, NO!
In this case, you'd need a larger sheet or to redesign the part.
Troubleshooting Checklist
Use this checklist when encountering this error:
- [ ] Note the material sheet dimensions (width × length)
- [ ] Identify which part(s) cannot be placed
- [ ] Note the problem part's dimensions
- [ ] Compare part dimensions to sheet dimensions
- [ ] Determine if rotating will solve the issue
- [ ] Try rotating the part 90 degrees
- [ ] If rotation doesn't work, consider larger sheet size
- [ ] If neither works, verify part dimensions in Mozaik
- [ ] If dimensions are correct but part is too large, redesign or split part
Related Issues
"Part is too wide/too long even after rotating"
If the part doesn't fit either way:
- Check if a larger sheet size is available
- Verify the part dimensions are correct in Mozaik
- Consider splitting the part into multiple pieces
- Consult design requirements to see if part can be modified
"Multiple parts cannot be placed"
If many parts show this error:
- You may have selected the wrong material/sheet size
- Verify you're using the correct material in the Optimizer
- Check that material library sheet dimensions are correct
"Part fits but shows error anyway"
If dimensions appear correct but error persists:
- Check for kerf/saw blade compensation settings
- Verify edgebanding isn't adding unexpected size
- Restart the Optimizer and try again
- Contact support if issue continues
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why doesn't the Optimizer automatically rotate my parts?
A: The Optimizer respects grain direction and design intent. Some parts require specific orientation (like cabinet sides with vertical grain). You control rotation to ensure proper grain direction.
Q: Can I change the material sheet size after parts are already optimized?
A: Yes, select a different material and re-optimize. All parts will re-nest on the new sheet size.
Q: What if my part is only slightly larger than the sheet (like 0.1")?
A: The Optimizer requires clearance for saw kerf and handling. Even small overages will cause this error. Consider rotating or using the next size up.
Q: Does edgebanding affect whether a part fits?
A: No, the Optimizer uses cutting dimensions (before edgebanding is applied), so edgebanding thickness doesn't affect nesting.
Q: Can I override this error and force the Optimizer to continue?
A: No, parts that exceed sheet dimensions cannot be physically cut. You must resolve the dimensional conflict first.
Q: Will rotating affect my grain direction?
A: Yes, rotating changes grain orientation. If grain direction is critical, you may need to use a larger sheet size instead of rotating.
Q: What's the most common cause of this error?
A: Simply needing to rotate the part. About 90% of these errors are solved by rotating 90 degrees.
Summary
The "Part not able to be placed" error means:
- Part dimensions exceed sheet dimensions
Most common solution:
- Rotate the part 90 degrees in the Optimizer
If rotation doesn't work:
- Use a larger sheet size
- Verify part dimensions in Mozaik
- Consider redesigning or splitting the part
Remember:
- Width must be ≤ sheet width
- Length must be ≤ sheet length
- Both dimensions must fit simultaneously