Lantek has entered into a collaborative agreement with the Basque Center for Applied Mathematics (BCAM).

The agreement reached by both organisations focuses on developing new models of applied mathematics and algorithms that will enable metal-forming industries to reach high levels of efficiency in their calculations.
BCAM was conceived by the Basque Government, the University of the Basque Country and Ikerbasque in 2008, and is supported by the Provincial Government of Bizkaia and Innobasque. The organisation currently has a staff of over 90 researchers, who work in areas from data science to mathematical modelling.
Throughout industry it is becoming increasingly necessary to resolve situations where the calculation of machining and the optimisation of material consumption is highly complex. As a starting point, the collaboration framework aims to explore new avenues for approaching parts nesting.
The goal of Lantek is to constantly improve its nesting methods, and this collaboration will result in the development of an advanced algorithm that achieves the optimisation of 2D nesting from different potential approaches. Researchers from the computational mathematics group at BCAM have extensive experience in geometric modelling and optimisation, and are pouring their knowledge into the Lantek collaboration with the following objectives: to design an efficient algorithm for the optimisation of 2D parts nesting; to design discreet pairing measures; to improve the current method, which uses the representation of areas (pixels), through the representation of boundaries; and to develop software that both increases the speed of calculations and optimises material management.
This agreement with BCAM opens up the possibility of approaching the improvement of sheet-metal parts nesting from new and innovative directions, which may bring about significant advances, contributing to the efficiency of the industry.
For further information www.lanteksms.com

Trumpf says it has set a milestone on the road to autonomous machining: Active Speed Control.

With this newly developed feature, the system looks straight through the nozzle right at the cutting zone, monitoring it in real-time and autonomously controlling the feed rate of solid-state laser machines. Active Speed Control ensures a more reliable process for both flame and fusion cutting, reducing scrap and saving on rework, while also responding immediately to any changes in the material being processed.
The system allows users to achieve tangible gains in productivity with their machines, lowering part manufacturing costs. Active Speed Control monitors numerous different process parameters. One example is the position of the laser beam in relation to the centre of the nozzle during the entire cutting process. The system informs the operator of any deviations, helping to avoid scrap. Additional functions for automated laser cutting can easily be added to the system in the future thanks to the software update feature.
Examining the kerf reveals all sorts of information about part quality and process stability. The easier it is for the molten material to escape from the kerf, the smoother the cutting process. Active Speed Control keeps a careful eye on this flow of molten material in mild and stainless steel plates that are greater than or equal to 4 mm thick.
The sensor system looks through the nozzle to observe the radiation that is emitted as the material melts. This ‘process radiation’ allows the system to determine whether the molten material is emerging as planned, to identify the fastest possible feed rate and to make any necessary adjustments – a process it repeats many hundreds of times a second.
For further information www.trumpf.com

Bystronic has introduced a flat-bed laser-cutting machine that is aimed at sheet-metal processing companies wishing to exploit the productivity of fibre technology and its broad range of applications.

The competitively priced BySmart Fiber can be supplied with a laser source of 2, 3, 4, or 6 kW, as well as optional automated material handling solutions.
Fitted with a 6 kW source, the machine enables users to achieve the maximum increase in cutting speed, for example up to 70% more than a 4 kW fibre laser when cutting 3 mm stainless steel. This advantage is even greater in comparison with a 6 kW CO2 laser, as productivity is trebled.
Fibre lasers are able to process a range of materials, from steel and stainless steel to aluminium, copper and brass, with operating costs and maintenance requirements that are relatively low. For manufacturers with applications that lie in the thin to medium sheet thickness range, it means faster cutting, lower costs and higher profit per part. Additionally, Bystronic offers its Power Cut Fiber function to extend the range of applications to thicker sheet, delivering quality cuts in material up to 30 mm.
The company has equipped the BySmart Fiber with the latest generation cutting head, which can be adapted to maximise quality when profiling different metals. Users choose between two focal points of the laser beam depending on sheet thickness and material type. In addition, the 6 kW version of the BySmart Fiber offers the ‘Cut Control’ function, which monitors the entire process. If a tear occurs, laser cutting is automatically stopped, reducing the risk of errors and rejected parts.
For further information www.bystronic.co.uk

The CU2007 milling centre from Tornos has entered the next stage of its evolution with a seven-axis variant.

Notably, the machine now features a second dividing head with rotary and linear axes that enables it to be converted into a bar-feeding device. In addition, the extra dividing head allows the sixth face to be machined.
To complete the autonomy of the machine, it can be equipped with a pick-and-place system that can be used to store bars up to a length of 330 mm in a magazine located next to the machining area. Once the first bar has been finished, the magazine opens and the manipulator arm picks the following bar up to load it into the five-axis dividing head. The workpiece is clamped, the magazine closes and the machining cycles can be restarted.
If preferred, the CU2007 can be combined with a robot cell. The six-axis robot can load and unload workpieces, and turn them over. An additional gripper system is used to handle the workpiece pallets.
In total, the machine has three types of tool magazine available that have a capacity of 16, 24 or 40 tools. At the heart of the CU2007, the spindle can also be configured according to workpiece requirements. Three spindle types are available: a 12,000 rpm high-torque option; a 20,000 rpm variant for high torque and speed; and a 40,000 rpm high-speed option.
For further information www.tornos.com

To avoid the possibility of engineers glazing over at the mention of Industry 4.0, “there is no better way to describe the potential rewards of the concept than by illustrating that better profitability and improved growth can only be achieved with customised digital manufacturing solutions”, says Starrag CEO Dr Christian Walti.

“And with Starrag’s Integrated Production System [IPS], users have available a modular solution that can be aligned with specific requirements, allowing individuals to effectively select their own à la carte solutions to realise the benefits of Industry 4.0 through automating and digitising their production.”
At the heart of IPS is a cell controller, proprietary to Starrag, which monitors machines and can guide and control the entire production process – in conjunction with a higher-level ERP system where applicable. The cell controller also ensures digital transparency by visualising system status, for example.
Developed in-house by Starrag, the cell controller is an open system that can link different system components, making it a very practical and cost-effective tool for customer-orientated Industry 4.0 solutions.
“IPS enables users to control and monitor their Starrag machines – standalone units through to flexible manufacturing systems and complete production lines – to ensure reliable production,” says Walti. “In addition, the technology enables us to support them in the complex task of using data in a networked production world to obtain added value.”
He adds: “Starrag has been using IPS components to develop wide-ranging Industry 4.0 solutions for a number of customers, including one company that invested in a flexible manufacturing system of six Ecospeed F2060 machining centres served by a rail-guided pallet shuttle system.”
For further information www.starrag.com