Tube profiling on flat-bed fibre laser

Bystronic has introduced a rotary axis for processing tube on its ByStar Fiber flat-bed laser cutter, which offers up to 10 kW of power. The new equipment enables users to switch between sheet and tube processing in a few simple steps.

Factory-fitted by Bystronic, the rotary axis, together with retractable tailstock, enables tubes from 30 to 315 mm in diameter (and in a variety of lengths) to be profiled. The operator inserts tube either from the outside through a hatch in the ByStar Fiber’s housing, or directly into the machining area through the sliding door along the side. Part unloading is said to be similarly rapid.
Also supplied is a tube-cutting software module, which is an expansion to the proprietary BySoft 7 programming software. The module allows users to design parts for tube processing, input existing CAD files, perform editing routines and generate cutting plans.
To support fast set-up times for processing a variety of tube profiles, Bystronic has integrated an assistant function into its ByVision user interface. The new function guides users through each operating step via the ByStar Fiber’s touch screen.
For manipulating longer tubes, Bystronic offers a rotary-axis box, akin to a bar magazine on a lathe. This detachable accessory is mounted on wheels and enables tubes up to 3 m long to be fed through the hatch in the machine housing and positioned accurately. With an additional extension box, tubes up to 6 m
in length can be processed.
For further information www.bystronic.com

Fibre laser features 8 kW source

LVD has launched its Electra FL 3015 8 kW fibre laser cutting machine. Designed to cut a wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous materials as fast as the thermal process allows without dynamic compromise, the Electra 8 kW can maintain 2 G acceleration speed during operations. The Electra FL also features a new cutting head, new ‘smooth lead-in’ feature, advanced drive system and the latest generation of LVD’s Touch-L control.

Among the capabilities of the new cutting head is automated adjustment of focus position and focus diameter (zoom focus). Zoom focus control can improve piercing times, cutting speeds and cut performance in all material types and thicknesses, says LVD. This functionality can also increase throughput and reduce the need for operator intervention. The ability to change the focal point allows Electra to pierce 20 mm material in just 2 seconds.
The ‘smooth lead-in’ feature guarantees a much faster but stable lead-in after piercing thicker material (greater than 6 mm) with nitrogen. According to LVD, this capability results in an average 15% reduction in part-cutting times.
Two levels of automation are available: the FA-L load/unload system or CT-L compact tower. The latter offers loading, unloading and storage of raw materials and finished parts.
For further information www.lvdgroup.com

Hypertherm overhauls Design2Fab software

Hypertherm, a manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software, has released Design2Fab 6, a major update of its sheet-metal layout software for HVAC duct, mechanical, kitchen, industrial roofing and other specialty fitting layouts.

The new version is the most significant Design2Fab update since the software was acquired in 2004, and features an entirely new interface and tools that include a modelling engine for 3D geometric renderings. Better graphics, fluid movement and real-time updates are just a few of the benefits end users will see. Other improvements include easier dimension entry, an unlimited number of zones, easy arrangement of fittings with drag and drop functionality, ProNest nesting software integration, and more.
Engineered to reduce the time it takes to develop and lay out flat patterns, Design2Fab allows users to create both HPGL and DXF output formats: a plotter can be deployed to print an HPGL layout for manual cutting, or a CNC cutting machine to produce fittings from DXF files. In addition, prior to CNC cutting, users can export DXF files to ProNest, ProNest LT or ProNest LTS nesting software for optimal material utilisation.
Current Design2Fab users with an active software subscription can upgrade to the new version at no additional charge and continue to receive unlimited technical support, as well as other benefits.
For further information http://kb.hyperthermcam.com

Radan 2018 R1 CADCAM suite released

As well as taking “a major step forward” with technology geared towards helping sheet-metal manufacturers implement Industry 4.0 in its latest version, Radan will now be issuing two new releases a year. “We’re aiming to get the very latest developments to customers as quickly as possible,” says Radan’s product manager Olaf Körner. “Starting with Radan 2018 R1, customers needn’t ever be working with software that is more than six months old.”

The latest release includes a number of new and enhanced functionality items which focus specifically on the “engineering of parts” processes. To explain further, developers are now working on separating Radan into two distinct aspects: traditionally creating NC code to drive CNC machines, and “engineering of parts”.
“Radan isn’t just a CAM system anymore; it plays an important role in ensuring sheet metal manufacturers are best placed to run with Industry 4.0,” says Körner.
An example of this can be seen with Radmanager. The system now accepts feedback from the shop floor regarding the cutting progress. “This improved connection between the shop floor and logistics operations means the stock management and order processing functions can immediately update inventory control.”
Also enhanced is Radquote, which now looks at all factors that impact on how much it costs to bend a part, such as how many bends are required, how many turns or flips the operation needs, and whether it requires a second operator. In addition, Radquote calculates the cost of an entire 3D assembly, rather than just individual parts.
For further information www.radan.com

Door firm invests in Salvagnini technology

Assa Abloy Security Doors, a UK division of Assa Abloy, a global specialist in door opening solutions, has invested in a number of new technologies at its Lisburn manufacturing plant in Northern Ireland. Two new Salvagnini systems – an L1X-30 fibre-laser system and a P4lean-3216 panel bender – are helping to enhance the site’s manufacturing capabilities by improving lead times, increasing productivity and reducing environmental impact.

The fibre-laser system – which was installed last month – combines high-speed sheet metal processing with precise cut quality, while the new panel bender will enable the company’s SMARTform technology to fold doors more accurately and quickly. In addition, MAC 2.0 software ensures folding results remain at a consistently high standard.
The panel bender will be able to process 90% of the total door range at Assa Abloy Security Doors.
Having been awarded the ISO 14001 accreditation for environmental management in 2017, the new investments further contribute to this objective. For instance, the consumption of electricity and oil is reduced when using the Salvagnini machines, resulting in lower running costs.
Neil Chambers, production manager at Assa Abloy Security Doors, says: “The new systems have allowed us to streamline production by improving areas of our manufacturing and removing some unwanted processes that were labour intensive and costly. This move reflects our commitment to improving operational efficiencies while investing in sustainable technology. In the near future, we believe these new technologies will positively impact on lead times, product design and overall product quality.”
For further information www.salvagninigroup.com