FEATURE ON PROFILING

A New Chapter in Digital Transformation

Bystronic has completed the full integration of Kurago, the Spanish software company acquired in 2021. From now on, the company will operate under the name Bystronic Software, unifying all software development activities within the Bystronic brand. 

This rebranding marks a significant milestone in Bystronic’s digital journey. Over past years, Kurago has led the group’s digitalisation efforts, from machine software to customer-centric digital platforms, and will now continue to shape Bystronic’s future as part of the Systems Division. With Bystronic Software, the group is strengthening its role as a full solutions provider, combining machinery, automation and digital innovation under one cohesive brand. 

As part of this strategic integration, Bystronic will open a new Bystronic Lab in Derio, in the Basque Country, Spain, this month. The lab will serve as a technological hub for the Bystronic Software team and focus on developing integrated, connected and data-driven solutions that help customers increase performance, streamline production and enhance sustainability. 

The Basque Country was chosen for its strong industrial roots, vibrant innovation ecosystem and digital mindset. The new lab will initially employ around 15 software experts. It will be completed in early 2026, reinforcing the group’s long-term commitment to innovation in one of Europe’s most dynamic regions. 

“The integration of software capabilities into Bystronic’s Systems Division has progressed seamlessly,” says Domenico Iacovelli, CEO Bystronic Group. “Unifying our identity under Bystronic Software reinforces our global vision and reflects the maturity we’ve reached in combining advanced machinery with automation and digital solutions.”

More information www.bystronic.com

New programming solution for 3D laser cutters

BLM Group’s Software Division has introduced ArGo, a new CAM programming software dedicated to 3D laser cutting systems. ArGo enables the complete management of tubes and 3D metal profiles such as deep-drawn, stamped, die-cast and hydroformed parts,

ensuring consistency and integration with other BLMelements applications.

With its simple, intuitive and modern interface, ArGo allows co-ordination between the

offline ‘virtual’ world (software) and the online ‘real’ world (machine). It allows automatic recognition of cut and bent parts, including all aspects related to machining, cutting rules, sections, axes, and bends.

BLM says the solution represents a significant step forward in all-in-one functionality, integrating tube benders and laser tube systems, calculating material elongation, and correcting the position of cutting geometries to ensure first-part accuracy. With ArGo, users can now decide whether to cut the tube either before or after bending, even in curved tube sections.

ArGo also introduces reverse engineering capabilities, allowing users to read existing part programs. This enables them to rebuild a complete project starting from an already machined part or transpose the offsets applied on the machine back to the model in the office.

One of ArGo’s key features is its ease of use, made possible by an advanced human-machine

interface that supports programming for the entire cell, including both the cutting machine and the anthropomorphic positioning robot. According to BLM Group, flexibility is ArGo’s true strength: it allows operators to switch cells to process the same part or multiple parts within a single cell. Customers who already own BLM Group machines will appreciate the seamless integration with other BLMelements applications.

More information www.blmgroup.com

Kerf expands range of fibre laser cutters

Since its UK premiere at MACH last year, the new Lincoln Electric LINC-CUT Fiber laser range of machines from Kerf Developments has been expanded with the addition of new table dimensions.

Introduced to the UK in 2024, Kerf Developments initially presented the LINC-CUT Fiber 1530A, a 3 x 1.5 m bed machine complemented by the 2040A model (a larger 2 x 4 m variant). Now, the LINC-CUT Fiber Series has been expanded at both ends of the size spectrum. A smaller 1020 drawer model with a 1 x 2 m bed has been added for compact work areas, while a 2 x 6 m 2060A model is also introduced for manufacturers processing larger sheets or multiple parts in a single set-up.

Available as a 3, 6k or 12 kW machine, Kerf Developments says the LINC-CUT Fiber synchronises the laser cutting and axis movements to deliver precision, repeatability and cutting speed. These outcomes are assured by an auto-focus laser head with automatic gas and cutting height calibration for optimal repeatability, while a compact laser source with a fibre core diameter of 75 μm provides the cutting quality.

In addition, the series incorporates a state-of-the-art CNC system that integrates with two surveillance cameras to control and monitor all machine operations. With drawing software and automated nesting, the control system includes a database of parameters for all material types and thicknesses.

Advanced technology also permits the contouring of fine parts and the ability to hold and process small parts securely. Rapid axis movements are 110 m/min, while positional accuracy is 0.03 mm.

More information www.kerfdevelopments.com

Hypertherm and BLM Group begin partnership

Hypertherm Associates and BLM Group are commencing a strategic partnership agreement aimed at expanding the market reach of their respective solutions. The two industry specialists will collaborate to offer solutions to customers through BLM Group’s laser cutting and tube bending systems and Hypertherm Associates’ plasma and waterjet cutting products and software.

The partnership includes a minority stake investment in BLM Group by Hypertherm Associates and a commercial agreement to expand the demand generation for BLM Group’s tube cutting and bending systems, pipe and plate cutting systems, and 3D robotics systems, in North America and Europe. The combination of BLM Group’s expertise in laser cutting technology and Hypertherm Associates’ experience in integrated solutions presents a significant opportunity for both companies to strengthen customer relationships and respond to evolving market needs.

This new strategic partnership permits each company to maintain its current leadership structure, operations and other strategic priorities, allowing for continuous innovation and consistent operational management.

BLM Group has a legacy as a global family-owned company, with its headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Cantù and Levico Terme, Italy. Hypertherm Associates is a 100% employee-owned company based in the US, with plasma manufacturing facilities in New Hampshire, waterjet production in Minnesota and Washington, and laser consumables manufacturing in Sasso Marconi, Italy.

This strategic agreement marks the beginning of a promising collaboration that aims to elevate industry standards and create sustainable value for both companies and their customers.

Lincoln International and Advant Ntcm advised Hypertherm Associates, while BLM Group was advised by Studio Grimani & Pesce e Studio Gianni & Origoni during the agreement’s development.

More information www.hypertherm.com

Into the future with precision and innovation

In May 2024, Alfred Wagner Stahl-Technik & Zuschnitt GmbH took a significant step towards technological innovation and increased productivity by investing in an Element cutting machine from Messer Cutting Systems. Building on this success, the company decided to further modernise its machinery park. This time, the choice fell on the OmniMat from Messer Cutting Systems, a particularly robust cutting machine for complex applications.

“Our existing system has become outdated,” explains Christian Aufreiter, operations and project manager at Alfred Wagner Stahl-Technik & Zuschnitt. “Moreover, for the first time, we wanted to integrate a drilling unit into the cutting machine to enhance our productivity.”

After careful evaluation of market offerings, the company selected the OmniMat from Messer Cutting Systems for CNC oxy-fuel or plasma cutting. The machine is equipped with a drilling unit, a three-fold tool changer and four Alfa torches, enabling cuts up to 300 mm. The company selected this model for its modern technology, intuitive operation and

high precision.

“The OmniMat was the logical choice for us,” states explains Christine Wagner, the company’s managing director. “We already had an excellent experience with the first machine from Messer Cutting Systems, the Element. Its quality and Messer’s service convinced us.”

The OmniMat is a robust CNC cutting machine designed for demanding applications in metalworking. It offers working widths of up to 13 m and supports various cutting processes such as oxy-fuel, underwater or dry plasma cutting, as well as marking and drilling. The open OPC UA interface on the Global Control system allows easy integration into Industry 4.0 environments, enabling the efficient monitoring and control of machine processes.

More information https://uk.messer-cutting.com/