Abstract: A process for placing a part in a predetermined region is described. The part is defined by a part boundary and the predetermined region is defined by a region boundary. The process includes the steps of identifying corner locations of the bounded region in which parts may be placed and minimizing waste during part placement. Waste minimization may be accomplished by placing the part in a plurality of different locations in the predetermined region and at each location identifying area elements which extend from the part boundary of the part, computing the area of each of the area elements, assigning a weight value to each of the area elements and computing a weighted sum of the area elements surrounding the part boundary in each of the locations of the predetermined region. Waste is minimized at a first one of the plurality of locations of the predetermined boundary having the lowest weighted sum.