With the ByTower Compact automated load/unload system, the productivity of a Bystronic laser cutter can increase significantly without occupying much space. Thanks to its small footprint, the ByTower Compact opens up lightly manned manufacturing for any size of company. This offer is possible because system installation takes place vertically, directly above the shuttle table.

Notably, it is possible to customise the storage tower height to meet specific user requirements and make optimum use of available space. The system supports two different configurations, allowing metal sheets to be stored directly at the machine, regardless of whether they arrive with or without a wooden pallet. As a result, raw material is available immediately.

The ByTower Compact can also serve as a buffer storage facility where materials are prepared for unmanned shifts during the night or over weekends. Manufacturers can therefore process large batches of parts outside of normal working hours, with the ByTower Compact taking care of material handling. Sheets for upcoming jobs can be conveniently prepared without interrupting the machine’s running processes.

Bystronic’s ByTower Compact offers storage space for a wide range of material types and thicknesses, as well as for the storage of cut parts after processing. Reduced set-up times and an optimal material flow ensure maximum utilisation of the laser-cutting system, because sheet metal is stored exactly where it is needed most: at the machine.

For further information
www.bystronic.com

LVD is introducing Taurus FL, a new large-format gantry-style fibre laser cutter that offers extra-large sheet metal cutting capacity. Of modular design, machine size begins at a bed length of 12 m, expanding in increments of 2 m to a maximum of 40 m. This large format allows the cutting and nesting of a diverse range of parts. It is possible to process workpieces up to 3.3 m wide and up to 30 mm thick.

The production of large parts takes place without repositioning, while users can position multiple smaller workpieces on the cutting table for processing in continuous fashion, without interruption. Operators are able to cut parts on one section of the table, while loading/offloading takes place on another, keeping downtime to an absolute minimum.

Taurus FL offers easy access. Only the gantry features an enclosure, not the complete machine. The mechanical design and drive system ensure high machine dynamics in large-format cutting.

Machine operators have the use of two touch panels for convenient access to the control at all times. A handheld control unit enables the user to safely move all axes in manual mode for machine set up, or to load the nozzle changer. A camera located inside the cutting zone and a monitor on the operator console allow continuous monitoring of the cutting process. The cutting zone has a detachable front panel, providing access for maintenance.

Taurus FL also provides the option of bevel cutting or 2.5D cutting up to 45°. The bevel head uses two direct-drive motors. With direct drives there are no transmission components, resulting in high accuracy and rapid-response motion.

For further information
www.lvdgroup.com

Shannon-based Bolger Engineering, a contractor to the medical industry, recently saw its order for Medtronic Puritan Bennett PB-series ventilator components leap from 4000 a week to over 18,000. And that increase in production is continuing early this year.

Sales manager Paul Collins says the company quickly identified ways of adapting to increase manufacturing capacity, including bringing in 35 more people and implementing new 25/5 shift patterns. He also says it became clear that Bolger’s Radan CADCAM software from Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence would be a key enabler in managing what he describes as a “major leap”.

“The design of the ventilators and individual parts didn’t change – but the challenge was to increase production by more than 500%,” he states. “We use Radan to program both our Trumpf punching machines and Trumpf laser cutter, so with over 18,000 components a week to produce for these ventilators alone, we knew that material utilisation and program optimisation were going to be crucial.”

He adds: “Our programmers typically take a 3D model or DXF drawing and import it into Radan to tool the part for either the punch or laser machines, depending on material thickness and profile complexity. They then nest and program the machine where Radan gives the best sheet utilisation. This is hugely important, as more often than not, material is the largest percentage of a job’s costs.”

Radan software allows the user to optimise manufacturing nests, while also enabling the profiling of components to within ±0.2 mm.

“That is very important as some components have 14 bends per part and we can very quickly see a high stack of tolerances when everything comes together at the assembly stage,” explains Collins.

For further information
www.radan.com

Hypertherm, a manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software, has released ProNest 2021, a major version update of its CADCAM nesting software for automated cutting. This new release contains new features and enhancements designed to make customers more efficient and profitable.

Among the new features is a redesigned 2D CAD package that provides improved font support, the ability to shape text, and other new functions that are especially popular among sign makers. Furthermore, a CAD editor preference allows users to set a default CAD program for edits to parts in the ProNest part list. Customers can simply select the embedded ProNest CAD software or choose a third-party software such as AutoCAD.

Another enhancement is interior bridge cutting, allowing users to add bridges to text and other interior geometry so that pieces do not drop when cut. This capability helps to minimise interior cut-outs on parts for aesthetic purposes and reduces tip-ups.

“ProNest 2021 builds on the strong foundation of ProNest 2019 to make the programming process more efficient,” says Tom Stillwell, marketing project manager for Hypertherm CADCAM software products. “Whether using plasma, waterjet, laser or oxy-fuel cutting, this new version provides the powerful tools that fabricators and manufacturers need to increase material savings, boost productivity, lower operating costs and improve part quality.”

In addition, Hypertherm is releasing upgrades to its ProNest LT software for lighter production environments. Users with an active subscription and customers with an active maintenance plan, can upgrade to the new version of their respective product at no additional charge and continue receiving unlimited technical support, and other benefits.

For further information
www.hypertherm.com/CAM

Close Brothers Asset Finance has provided specialist designer and manufacturer, Brand Consortia, with a term loan backed by CBILS to help the business through the COVID-19 period, putting it in a positive position once site working is deemed safe again.

Based in Oldham, Brand Consortia specialises in the design and manufacture of signs and graphics for high-profile customers. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, the business was on track to post a record year. However, the bulk of the company’s order book was postponed for a minimum of eight weeks because of the outbreak.

Matthew Sproston, area sales manager for the manufacturing division at Close Brothers Asset Finance, says: “We’re delighted to have been able to support a British manufacturing business at a time when they needed it most. The directors approached us for forbearance on their existing agreement, which was granted. They also needed a cash injection to provide working capital and help cover the new costs associated with adapting to social distancing measures in their manufacturing facility. The funds will provide the working capital they require to trade out of the pandemic.”

Brad Tupman, managing director at Brand Consortia, adds: “Pretty much the entirety of our workload has been suspended because the type of work we undertake involves site visits; these are critical to our work and have been pushed back to until the pandemic settles down. We have supply agreements in place with our customers and we’re confident in fulfilling our orders once we’re allowed on site again.
“We weren’t eligible for the small retail grant, business rate relief or larger schemes, and had been looking at CBILS as a financing option,” he continues. “We’re grateful that Close Brothers Asset Finance really stepped up, continuing to help businesses like our own while other lenders were not looking to take on new customers.”

For further information
www.closeassetfinance.co.uk