FEATURE ON PROFILING

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

Trumpf machine keeps Alpha on target

Alpha Manufacturing, one of the UK’s largest precision sheet metal fabricators, has ordered a TruPunch 5000 CNC punching centre from Trumpf, which complements the acquisition last year of a Trumpf TruLaser 3030 CNC fibre laser profiling centre, and helps keep the company on track to achieve its ‘2020 Vision’ – a five-year plan to double turnover by 2020.

Last year, Alpha installed a STOPA automated materials handling and storage system, to which the company linked its new Trumpf TruLaser 3030. In the coming 18-months, the company intends to extend the STOPA by 5-10 bays, when it will be possible to fully integrate the TruPunch 5000.
“The TruPunch 5000 replaces an automated machine from another supplier and gives us far greater capacity – I estimate that it is 100% quicker,” says operations director Paul Clews.
Trumpf‘s TruPunch 5000 features backlash-free drives for high axis acceleration, while the high rotational speed of the C axis enables fast tapping, as well as the productive processing of complex contours. Thanks to the hydraulic drive it is possible to punch at up to 1600 strokes per minute and mark parts at 2800 strokes per minute.
“This investment is a clear indication of the direction in which the company will be heading in the coming years,” concludes Clews. “In fact, we have taken on three really big customers in the past few months, bringing orders that represent around £3 million per annum. Together with the greater efficiency and capacity afforded by our new Trumpf machines, we remain on track to double turnover by 2020.”
For further information www.uk.trumpf.com