Lantek delivers top service for DMS Laser Profiles

For laser cutting specialist DMS Laser Profiles, fast and accurate quotation preparation, easy program generation for its Trumpf lasers and responsive aftersales support were the key reasons the company chose to replace its existing system with Lantek software in May 2024.

Based in Maidenhead, the company specialises in stainless steel fabrication primarily in the petrochemical, process engineering, pharmaceutical, food and water sectors. Initially, DMS Laser Profiles subcontracted laser cutting but moved this in-house in the early 2000s to improve supply line security and reliability.

Sales manager Josh Hall says: “We generate around 230 quotations every month and have checked the costs generated by Lantek against the actual costs and it’s really quite accurate. Additionally, during installation and commissioning, where the costs did not line up, Lantek engineers quickly fixed any discrepancies.”

As well as costs for laser cutting, Lantek’s Integra Quotes software generates prices for other operations such as folding and welding, as well as outsourced operations such as powder coating. It also generates invoices for completed work and integrates with the company’s accounting software.

Typically, CAD data for a new job is either fed into Lantek Expert for flattening, or where there is an assembly of parts, processed in SolidWorks to get the individual flattened components. Around 11 dedicated estimators and programmers use the Lantek software, pre-nesting parts into 2.5 x 1.25m or 3 x 1.5m sheets as part of the quotation process, prior to final nesting and programming when the job is released for production.

Hall says: “With Lantek, we can track parts back to the individual sheet, which is important for ISO traceability requirements.”

More information www.lantek.com

Boost collaboration between design and production

A new addition to Onshape’s suite of cloud-native features is promising to streamline the connection between design and production workflows. PTC, a UK authority on digital transformation and design, has launched CAM Studio Beta, which integrates CAD, CAM and product data management (PDM) to give design and manufacturing teams the opportunity to plan, simulate and collaborate on machining processes. The release offers a complete design-to-manufacturing solution, enhancing productivity and creating new opportunities for manufacturing brands across the globe.

“With the release of CAM Studio directly into Onshape’s cloud-native platform, users gain built-in version control and centralised storage for their manufacturing strategies,” says David Katzman, general manager of Onshape and Arena at PTC. “This ensures seamless collaboration, eliminates the risks of file-based workflows and provides traceability throughout the design-to-manufacturing process. CAM Studio reinforces our commitment to empowering teams with tools that enhance productivity and drive innovation.”

CAM Studio supports 2.5 and basic 3-axis machining, with the most common manufacturing strategies and machines. For users with advanced manufacturing needs, CAM Studio Advanced will offer enhanced capabilities, including advanced 3, 4 and 5-axis machining strategies.

Other features and benefits of Onshape CAM Studio include faster access to the latest manufacturing information while utilising Onshape’s built-in PDM functionality for G code and tooling strategies, as well as streamlined communication and easy sharing between CAD designers and manufacturing engineers. Furthermore, all stakeholders work from a single source of truth, saving time and money while also reducing manufacturing errors.

Among additional advantages, no additional software installations, licensing costs or administrative costs are necessary. Users also gain from cloud-native accessibility anytime, anywhere.

More information www.ptc.com

ZeroAvia Lands in Scotland  

ZeroAvia is set to build a major manufacturing facility for the production of its hydrogen-electric powertrains at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland, close to Glasgow Airport in Renfrewshire. The ZeroAvia Hydrogen Centre of Excellence will support the company in a range of manufacturing operations relating to powertrain production and testing, and will also be the company’s primary location for the production of high-temperature PEM (HTPEM) fuel cell stacks and supporting systems. With nearly 3000 engine and component pre-orders agreed – corresponding to over $10bn in future revenue – ZeroAvia is advancing its production operations to meet demand.  

More information www.zeroavia.com

Craig Pyser becomes chair at AMUK

Additive Manufacturing UK (AMUK), a UK trade association representing the additive manufacturing and 3D printing sectors, has appointed Craig Pyser, CEO of AMufacture, as its new chair. The announcement follows the departure of outgoing chair Stewart Lane, who stepped down in April to concentrate on his duties as vice president of the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) – AMUK’s parent organisation. Pyser says: “Having been involved in the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry for many years, I relish the opportunity to play a key role in shaping its future. Chairing AMUK enables me to do that.”  

More information https://additivemanufacturinguk.org.uk   

Design and Engineering Showcase

Among the key focus exhibitions of Smart Manufacturing Week (4-5 June, Birmingham NEC) is the Design & Engineering Expo, dedicated to designers and engineering professionals from all tiers of the supply chain looking to reduce costs, streamline and optimise future strategy. Attendees can uncover the latest technologies, learn from those breaking engineering boundaries and connect with suppliers to gain a competitive edge.

The Design & Engineering Expo will gather cutting-edge technological advancements and educational thought leaders so that engineers from all disciplines can discuss and learn about issue-solving from peers. Visitors can discover information on essential subjects like software, connectivity, IOT, VR, AI, data-led design, CADCAM, prototyping, and more.

More information www.smartmanufacturingweek.com