Lantek, a specialist in software for the sheet-metal industry,has opened a direct sales office in Australia. Covering both Australia and New Zealand, Lantek’s new sales and support team is building on the over 20 years of success provided by its former Australian dealer, bringing its latest software developments to tube, structural steel and sheet-metal manufacturers.John Salisbury heads-up the operation, offering over 20 years of experience in the sheet-metal industry. His the objective is to deliver first-class sales and support to the over 180 Lantek users in the region.
For further information www.lantek.com

Dr Achim Feinauer is the new CEO at work-holding specialist Hainbuch. Feinauer knows the machine tool and automotive sectors inside out, having previously held positions at Ex-Cell-O, Stama and, most recently, Emag. Prior to entering industry he studied mechanical engineering and business administration, and holds a doctorate in high-speed milling. At Hainbuch, he will dedicate himself to internationally networked production processes in order to continue the path of profitable growth. He will further drive digitalisation and automation both internally and externally.
For further information www.hainbuch.com

Hypertherm Associates, a US-based manufacturer of industrial cutting products and software, has released a single-piece consumable cartridge and cutting torch for Hypertherm HPRXDplasma systems.The new HPR cartridge is for use with current HPRXD systems and, aside from the new torch, requires no changes to the system or system settings. Operators can replace both in seconds without the use of tools.

The cartridge replaces the traditional five-piece consumable stack-up with an aligned part that lasts longer and delivers extended high-definition cut quality. It makes consumable management and assembly much easier, and eliminates errors caused by incorrect handling or installation.

“We’re very excited to bring this new cartridge to market since it offers so many benefits to our HPR customers,” says Kristopher Rich, marketing director for HPRXD products. “It simplifies plasma cutting and training for fabricators, job shops and manufacturers struggling to fill open positions. At the same time, it makes cutting with one of our best-selling systems more efficient by nearly eliminating the high cost of downtime from consumable selection errors and reducing time spent on consumable management and change-outs.”

The HPR cartridge and torch are now available from authorised partners of Hypertherm technology brand products. The cartridge comes in three amperages – 80, 130 and 260 – for mild-steel cutting.

Hypertherm products, including Hypertherm plasma and OMAX waterjet systems, are suitable for companies around the world building ships, aircraft and railway cars; constructing steel buildings; fabricating heavy equipment; erecting wind turbines; and more.
For further information www.hyperthermassociates.com

Trumpfhas upgraded TruLaser 5000 series by fitting a laser that provides twice the power that was formerly standard. With an output of 24 kW, the new laser – a TruDisk 24001 – can process sheet-metal parts up to three times more quickly. Depending on the material and application, the upgraded TruLaser 5000 can handle up to 80% more sheets of metal per hour.

“Increased laser power means companies can slash processing times while also improving the quality of processed parts,” says product manager Patrick Schüle. “Offering a patented cutting unit, automated functions and dynamic performance, this technology significantly boosts productivity. With double the laser power, the new machine can cut parts much faster. In addition, the more powerful TruLaser 5000 is able to cut mild steel with a sheet thickness of up to 20 mm using nitrogen as the cutting gas. This eliminates the need for reworking that arises when oxygen is used.”

With a 12 kW laser, sheet-metal processors are able to cut sheets of mild steel to a maximum thickness of 15 mmwith nitrogen as the cutting gas. In order to cut thicker parts, it is necessary to add oxygen, which leads to the formation of an oxide layer on the cut edges of the part. Alternatively, companies can use a plasma machine to cut thick parts, although this is much slower and less precise, reports Trumpf. By contrast, the 24 kW machine can handle sheet thicknesses of up to 20 mm using nitrogen. As a result, there is barely any need for reworking and productivity increases. At the same time, the increased laser power improves the quality of cut parts, especially for medium and high sheet thicknesses.
For further information www.trumpf.com

At theEuroBLECH exhibition in Germanylate last year, US-headquartered Mate Precision Technologies demonstrated the features and benefits of its full line of solutions for punching, including the Mate QCT quick-change tooling line¬¬ and the Mate Versadie for better slitting of thick materials.

According to Mate, its QCT thick-turret tooling takes insert-style punching systems to a whole new level. The tool-less punch retention mechanism makes changing the punch insert a breeze: simply flip the durable latch to remove and snap the new insert into place. There are no tools to use, break or lose when changing the punch insert.

Mate Metric QCT is fully compatible with Mate’s Ultra family of guides and canisters, Mate’s Original Style guides, spring packs and Rapidset canisters. The punches are fully interchangeable with Amada NCT, NEX and Z-Tooling systems, as well as Wilson thick-turret metric punches. Also available are AMX QCT for Amada air-blow systems and MXC QCT for Wilson Series 90 systems.

The Versadie HD includes several proprietary design features for clamp-clearing solutions. First, there is no need to replace the entire die with replaceable die inserts. Versadie inserts allow for the greatest lengths currently available in the industry, up to 115.82mm for E Stations and 90.42mm for D Stations.

Versadie HD offers improved slitting in thicker materials that require more than 0.406mm total die clearance. The base incorporates a hat-die feature to withstand the punching of heavier materials. Notably, the die inserts are fully interchangeable with the standard Versadie.

For superior performance and longevity, all Versadie slitting die inserts are made from MPM82 tool steel. Designed for use in high-performance tooling systems, MPM82 is a high-speed, particle metallurgy steel intended to provide value and versatility in slitting operations.
For further information www.matetoolingsolutions.co.uk