This is an interesting/obscure/bizarre question that I wanted to throw out there to see if anyone has input.

We are NOT looking to nest parts for laser cutting/punching, we have great tools for that task.

We ARE looking for a way to nest/count finished parts (flat/formed/welded) into a "volume" for shipping.

Think of it like this: How many golf balls could you fit in an 18 gallon Rubbermaid tote?

If you have a model of a golf ball & a model of the tote, you can create an assembly, but it takes a while.

(You could create a pattern with a couple clicks, but can you dump golf balls into a "perfect pattern in a tote?")

This is what we would like to do with various manufactured parts . . . How many could we fit in a tub?

This was the first thing that came to mind when I was asked this question:

I don't believe that 42 is the answer for this question, does anyone else have any ideas?

thanks,

t