Optimisation for melts (I want to melt the minimal amount of metal)

[Kavanaa1]

HI
ive about 300 different sized moulds (each a different weight) I want to fill with metal. I want to melt the minimal amount of metal I but my supplier wants to minimise the number of metal bar lengths of equal diameter they supply me to between 2-5 unique lengths (for example three lengths of 0.2m,0.3m,0.5m). How do I identify the number of unique lengths of bar and the lengths of each type. I'm thinking it's some form of optimisation problem.

any guidance would be much appreciated

 

[stapel]

I have about 300 different sized molds (each a different weight) I want to fill with metal. I want to melt the minimal amount of metal, but my supplier wants to minimize the number of metal bar lengths of equal diameter they supply me to between 2-5 unique lengths (for example, three lengths of 0.2m, 0.3m, and 0.5m).

How do I identify the number of unique lengths of bar and the lengths of each type?

I suspect the solution will vary with the molds you plan to use, when, to what degree of repetition, and in light of the volumes of the molds.

Please reply with the full and exact text of the exercise and the complete instructions, along with a clear listing of your thoughts and efforts so far, so we can see what's going on. Thank you!