Sculptured-dies roughing (SDR) has some different objectives that maybe contradicting and therefore needs trade-off among them. Compared to prismatic and rotational shape machining, SDR is more complex considering the sculptured characteristics of machining surface. Layer-by layer approach applied in SDR requires multiple tools selection and determination of the depth of cut for each cutting layer. Those decisions need to be considered in SDR optimization problem. The trade-off between different objectives are required, such as machining residues/cut-off (or coverage) from the roughing process to be traded-off with the machining (roughing) time. This paper presents a stateof-the-art review on cutting layer and cutting tools selection (CLT) by multi-objective optimization for SDR and presents the needs for a trade-off between machining time and cut-off (residual volume) by minimizing machining Time per Volume Coefficient (TVC). The process is conducted simultaneously. A systematic literature review is presented to show the complexity of the geometric related problem, the optimization techniques that have been applied, and the different objectives in SDR, including some multi-objective coverage. Finally, some directions on algorithms for optimizing TVC in TLC problem is presented. Considering the combinatorial problem in CLT, this paper overviews the Multi-Objectives Dynamic Programming approach (MODP) and Metaheuristics Multiple Objective approaches (MOGA etc.) for CLT problem optimization. The results confirm that the optimum tools combination and cutting layer selection could increase SDR efficiency. The paper conclusion discussed recommended metaheuristic approach to trade-off between machining time and residual volume in more complex problem.