Andritz to buy Salico

International technology group Andritz, headquartered in Austria, has signed an agreement to acquire Salico Group, based in Italy and Spain, including its subsidiaries in the UK, USA and India. Salico specialises in the design and manufacture of finishing equipment for metal flat strip processing. This acquisition marks another important step in Andritz’s strategy to become the full-line supplier for the entire downstream portfolio in the ferrous and non-ferrous industries. Salico achieves annual revenues in the range of €100m with a team of more than 150 experts.

More information www.andritz.com

Alphajet TVL Upgrades 2D Waterjet Cutting

Alphajet TVL from Waterjet Sweden is the new generation of mechatronics for vertical cutting. With a design of 45-30-30 mechatronics, fixed TCP and low rotation point, only very small, precise movements are necessary to achieve a perpendicular cut. The concept of TVL includes three functions that compensate for the dynamics of the waterjet cutting process: TAC, VOC and LAG.

TAC (Taper Angle Control) controls the incision size of the bottom side of the part, while VOC (Variable Offset Control) controls the size of the top side of the part. The jet will remove more material when cutting with a slow speed than when cutting with a fast speed. To obtain correct measurements the VOC change the kerf depending on the actual cutting speed.

When cutting through the material, the jet on the down side will be reflected opposite to the cutting direction. This reflection is called the LAG. The LAG will increase with a faster cutting speed than with a low speed. 

The Alphajet TVL can handle both 4100 and 6200 bar water pressure. An upgrade from 2D to Alphajet TVL cutting tools includes the Alphajet unit, software upgrades, any new hardware needed, installation, commissioning, performance measurement and user training. To minimise downtime, Waterjet Sweden delivers Alphajet pre-assembled.

Installation and commissioning take about two business days with one day of user training.

The main requirement for the upgrade is a machine with a four-axis FANUC CNC with PanelOne. On older machines, the control system can also be upgraded.

More information www.waterjetsweden.com

Affordable laser cutter features shuttle tables

Bodor Laser, a global specialist in fibre laser cutting technology, has launched its new EC Series, a smart, affordable sheet metal laser cutting solution tailored to the needs of growing manufacturers. The company says its EC Series delivers industrial-grade performance, intelligent control and reliable safety – with affordability at its core.

“The EC Series represents our commitment to democratising advanced laser technology,” says Bodor’s product manager. “By lowering investment barriers, we’re helping more manufacturers step confidently into the era of smart production.”

It was this vision that inspired the EC Series: a response to rising demand for powerful, intelligent cutting solutions without traditional cost or complexity.

According to Bodor, affordable does not mean basic. With a low capital threshold and smart ‘auto-match’ parameter, the EC Series enables faster ROI and easier access to high-quality laser cutting, reports the company.

Dual automatic exchange platforms and a high-speed motion system (up to 1.5 g) allow seamless operation, boosting productivity by minimising downtime and maximising throughput. Furthermore, integrated remnant layout optimisation transforms scrap into valuable resources, directly reducing material costs – a major advantage for cost-conscious manufacturers.

With optional semi-automatic or fully automated loading and unloading systems, the EC Series streamlines workflow, cuts labour costs and boosts productivity.

“Our vision is clear: technology should be powerful but also practical,” adds the Bodor product manager. “The EC Series is how we bring that vision to life for thousands of businesses that want to grow, compete and lead.”

More information www.bodor.com

Giga Laser Next 3D laser cutter introduced

Prima Power has launched Giga Laser Next, which the company says is a leap in 3D laser cutting that meets the high-output demands of the automotive industry.

With four synchronised laser heads cutting the same part and a dual-station layout that enables parallel loading and unloading, Giga Laser Next multiplies productivity while shrinking occupied space. Designed for giga-factories and the high-output production of high-strength steel (HSS) automotive components, Giga Laser Next is a response to the most urgent industry demands.

Giovanni Negri, CEO of Prima Power and Prima Industrie Group, says: “A new chapter in 3D laser processing begins today. Giga Laser Next embodies the essence of our strategy: evolve by integration. We’ve integrated the productivity of four machines into a single compact unit, achieving what was previously thought impossible.”

Giga Laser Next stands out for three reasons that directly address the demands of high-volume automotive production (typically >200,000 parts/year) while maintaining the flexibility to handle multiple part codes: 280% higher productivity per square metre; 75% less cutting stations and production changeover time required; and one-piece flow with fully unmanned automation for complete integration into the production line.

These benefits are made possible by a series of technical innovations. At the heart of Giga Laser Next is a unique configuration of four synchronised laser heads working simultaneously on the same part, enabled by advanced anti-collision system and a robust cartesian structure with high-performance retractable arms. The machine operates with typical idle time of around 2 seconds, thanks to parallel loading/unloading on one station, while the process is performed on the other.

More information www.primapower.com

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