Lantek has partnered with Euromac, an Italy-based specialist in combined punching and shearing machines, to deliver an integrated solution that the companies suggest will redefine sheet metal processing. The collaboration merges Euromac’s punching and shearing machines with Lantek’s automation and synchronisation software, offering customers a leap in productivity, cost savings and operational efficiency.

Euromac’s combined punching and shearing machine is capable of executing long cuts in a single stroke, reducing processing time and material consumption. Unlike traditional methods that require multiple impacts or high energy consumption, the company says this technology – based on Euromac’s XT model – delivers faster, more precise cuts with optimal material utilisation.

Beyond cutting performance, Lantek’s software integration takes automation to the next level, enabling fully autonomous production. Lantek’s palletisation system automatically organises and sorts cut pieces, ensuring seamless machine operation without manual intervention. This automation streamlines part stacking and classification based on specific orders, reducing manual handling and improving production flow.

Uninterrupted operation is another key advantage of this solution. Automated unloading ensures continuous machine operation, even during unattended shifts or overnight production, increasing overall productivity. The system’s flexibility allows it to adapt to different production needs with options such as the Gantry Stacker, which uses suction cups for handling and organising parts, or robotic solutions for more complex palletisation requirements.

This development has already been successfully implemented in manufacturing facilities in Italy, Germany and Spain, delivering notable gains in productivity and cost savings. The solution is also designed for seamless integration into fully autonomous production lines, combining punching, shearing and, optionally, automatic bending capabilities.

“Together, we’re shaping the future of digital manufacturing in the sheet metal industry,” states Francisco Pérez, OEM channel director at Lantek.

More information www.lantek.com

With its new ‘Intelligent Cutting Process’ (ICP) autonomy kit, Bystronic has won the Swiss Technology Award in the ‘Industry Innovation’ category. Numerous projects entered the competition but Bystronic came out on top with its autonomous laser cutting machine.

The Swiss Technology Award is Switzerland’s highest recognition for innovation and technology. Bystronic says that its innovative prowess is behind the award, where the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) has been recognised to solve customer problems.

The aim is to optimise and automate the cutting process and thus address key challenges in the metalworking market. These challenges include high personnel costs. Automating the programming, set-up and monitoring of the laser cutting machine significantly reduces personnel costs, as the parts no longer require reworking. 

Another challenge is high production costs. Here, the laser cutting machine minimises raw material consumption, waste and post-processing steps, all of which support cost savings. With regard to the shortage of skilled workers, automation of the cutting process reduces the need for highly qualified workers.

With this solution, Bystronic says it helps customers to produce more sustainably, efficiently and cost-effectively. They also benefit ecologically and economically thanks to a short amortisation period for the investment.

“With our new ICP feature we offer a semi-autonomous machine and have successfully established the first applications in the market,” says Andreas Lüdi, deputy head of pre-development. “To increase further the machine’s degree of autonomy, we’re working on controlling other process parameters in addition to speed. In the near future, we’ll make the product ready for series production.”

The Swiss Technology Award supports and promotes this culture of innovation. Every year, outstanding technology-based innovations and developments from start-ups, universities and established companies are honoured in three categories.

More information www.bystronic.com