Columbus III version 1.6 CADCAM software for mechanised cutting has been upgraded by Esab Welding & Cutting Products.

The latest version includes the ability to calculate offers and orders for customers based on actual production data. An easy-to-use cost calculator enables fabricators to enter cost variables, such as costs for machine time per hour, cutting process (including associated consumables), preparation, programming and materials. After nesting parts using built-in design tools or importing a parts nest, Columbus III can calculate costs based on length, duration or weight of material cut. In addition, data can be exported to Excel and used for future cost calculations.
Additional newly developed functions include: keyboard shortcuts to move and rotate a parts nest in user-defined increments; rotating the parts nest and/or plate orientation to consider grain direction; a new colour to clearly delineate ‘Cut Rapid’ mode (fastest cut without regard for edge quality); and a ‘Direct Mode’ function that allows dragging lines over parts to provide quick and easy sequencing.
“Continuous improvement of the software reflects the input we obtain from our two-day Columbus III user group meeting, held annually at our Karben, Germany location,” says Holger Hahn, global product marketing manager, application software, Esab. “With our software developers connecting directly with users, we are able to make many enhancements each year, which helps maintain Columbus III as one of the most successful software suites for mechanised cutting.”
For further information www.esab.co.uk

The newly developed TiltPrevention function in Bystronic’s BySoft 7 software means users can now create cutting sequences that reduce the likelihood of parts tilting and causing a collision with the nozzle as it travels over the sheet.

If an impact does occur, the job has to be stopped while the situation is rectified, causing loss of production, potential scrap components and, in the worst case, damage to the cutting head.
From a traditional perspective, inclusion in the cutting program of micro joints or tabs to keep components in place has been a way of preventing parts from lifting, but this results in subsequent time-consuming shaking of the components from the skeleton after the nest has been cut. There is also the added complication that broken tabs leave burrs that may have to be removed.
The alternative approach from Bystronic is to use software that can guide the path of the laser head during the cutting process so that, as far as possible, it avoids risky sections in a cycle where parts could tilt. This function largely eliminates the need for micro joints.
A special algorithm calculates the likely mechanical behaviour of each part before it is cut from a sheet, taking into account a range of parameters, including the density of the material, the geometry and weight of the component, the pressure of the assist gas flow, and the positioning of the nested parts on the sheet. TiltPrevention then recommends the start and end points of the laser nozzle so that any tilting of the parts after cutting is prevented as far as possible. In addition, the function proposes the best possible route for the head over the metal sheet, creating an optimised cutting sequence for all components on the plan.
For further information www.bystronic.co.uk