Lantek, a leading software provider for the sheet metal industry based in Spain, and Zinser, a well-known German manufacturer of advanced sheet metal and pipe cutting systems, have partnered to develop a groundbreaking solution that transforms bevel cutting in pre-cut parts. This new technology allows customers to improve cutting precision while maintaining continuous production, resulting in better efficiency and higher-quality finishes.
In the past, bevel cutting was typically done during the nesting process, which often led to problems such as machine collisions, cutting inaccuracies, and slower production speeds. However, the industry is now moving toward a more effective method: parts are first cut on a high-production machine, and those that need beveling are then transferred to a dedicated bevel-cutting machine.
This new approach, which is gaining popularity among European manufacturers, reduces downtime in the primary cutting process while providing better control over the beveling operation. The core of this solution lies in Zinser’s advanced part-recognition system. Using cutting-edge measurement technologies like optical cameras, contact sensors, and multi-point detection, the system accurately identifies each part’s geometry and orientation, ensuring precise and reliable bevel cutting.
Lantek plays a key role in the success of this technology by ensuring seamless integration between software and machinery. Through a custom post-processor developed specifically for Zinser machines, Lantek’s software leverages sensor data to calculate each part’s position and orientation. It then automatically adjusts the cutting parameters to guarantee accurate bevel cuts.
Improved Workflow and Reduced Waste
According to Francisco Pérez, OEM Channel Director at Lantek, “Our development helps customers optimize workflow and reduce material waste, all while maintaining high bevel cutting quality. The technology ensures more precise cuts, faster production times, and smooth integration with the entire manufacturing process.”
By integrating Lantek’s software into Zinser machines, customers can manage bevel cutting more efficiently, especially for parts with complex shapes. By separating the beveling process from the initial cutting, this method ensures smoother production flow and minimizes unnecessary downtime.
Key Benefits of the Solution:
- Higher precision: The exact recognition of each part’s position leads to more accurate bevel cuts.
- Reduced downtime: Specialized machines handle complex beveling tasks without interrupting primary production.
- Optimized workflow: Seamless integration between cutting and beveling processes improves overall efficiency.
- Flexibility: The system is compatible with various part recognition methods, such as optical and contact sensors, offering greater adaptability in production.
This innovative solution has already been successfully implemented in several facilities across Europe, making it a significant advancement in the sheet metal industry. It is compatible with a wide range of cutting and automation systems, making it ideal for industries such as metal structures, shipbuilding, and heavy machinery manufacturing.
With its focus on precision, efficiency, and minimizing downtime, this technology marks a significant step toward autonomous manufacturing, where advanced software and specialized machines work together to optimize production without sacrificing quality.
