Technical Report: DCC-2016-02

Heuristics for Packing Semifluids A Practical Algorithm for Packing Tubes and Boxes

João Pedro Pedroso

INESC Porto and Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
Portugal
e-mail:jpp@fc.up.pt

João Nuno Tavares

CMUP and Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
Portugal
e-mail:jntavar@fc.up.pt

Jorge Leite

FERSIL – Freitas & Silva, S.A., Cesar, 3700 Oliveira de Azem ́eis, Portugal
Portugal

e-mail:jorge.leite@fersil.com
September 2016

Abstract

In this paper we describe a method for packing tubes and boxes in containers. Each container is divided into parts (holders) which are allocated to subsets of objects. The method consists of a recursive procedure which, based on a predefined order for dealing with tubes and boxes, determines the dimensions and position of each holder. Characteristics of the objects to pack and rules limiting their placement make this problem unique. The method devised provides timely and practical solutions. Keywords: Packing; Heuristics; DEcision support systems.