Calculating a cutting list with the least amount of off cut waste

Question

I am working on a project where I produce an aluminium extrusion cutting list.

The aluminium extrusions come in lengths of 5m.

I have a list of smaller lengt

Answer 1

This is a classic, difficult problem to solve efficiently. The algorithm you describe sounds like a Greedy Algorithm. Take a look at this Wikipedia article for more information: The Cutting Stock Problem