Aluminum Fabrication Optimization Web App

I’m building a web-based application that lets aluminum-and-glass fabricators generate perfectly optimized quotes, cut lists, and professional PDF summaries without wrestling with spreadsheets.

Core functionality
• Formula engine – The user chooses a window series (initially Sliding and Casement; the structure should stay open so I can add other systems later) and enters dimensions. Editable formulas then return every aluminum and glass measurement required.
• Discount logic – Each fabricator can set fixed-amount discounts as well as their own fixed measurement deductions in cm/mm per series, so the maths always matches the shop’s workflow.
• Cut optimization –
– Aluminum: bars default to 595 cm but the length is editable per user. The system must nest cuts, show waste, and output a printable cutting layout.
– Glass: optimize within a 330 cm × 214 cm sheet and generate the corresponding cut diagram.
• PDF output – One-click exports for cutting layouts, waste summaries, and a branded quotation/summary ready to email.
• Roles & access – Administrator and Fabricator dashboards with the usual CRUD for formulas, discounts, projects, and clients.

Tech expectations
Experience with calculation-heavy applications, optimization algorithms, and server-side PDF generation is essential. I’m open on stack choice as long as the final solution is browser-based, responsive, and easy to maintain.

Deliverables
1. Source code with clear installation instructions
2. Database schema and seed data for sample formulas, series, and roles
3. Deployed demo (any cloud or Heroku-style platform is fine)
4. User guide covering formula editing, discount setup, and PDF export

If you’ve tackled nesting algorithms, construction estimators, or similar rule-driven apps, I’d love to see a quick demo or code sample. Show More