One approach to addressing these challenges is digitization. Lantek’s software tools are designed to help manufacturers make the most of every sheet of metal while optimizing processes. We will be highlighting the key areas where these tools can aid manufacturers in becoming more productive and competitive in a three-part mini-series of press releases. From nesting solutions like Lantek Expert/Lantek Flex 3d to manufacturing management with Lantek MES and evaluation with Lantek Analytics, these tools are fully integrated into Lantek’s modular software suite and work together to help companies cut costs and stay ahead of the competition.
Revolutionize Your Sheet Metal Manufacturing
The sheet metal fabrication industry is constantly facing pressure to reduce costs and improve efficiency. One way to achieve this is through optimized material usage. Nesting, or the clever arrangement of workpieces on the sheet or tube material, can save valuable raw materials and reduce labor for scrap management, resulting in increased worker output. However, the nesting process and the intelligent management of parts to be cut require experience in the use of CAD/CAM tools and knowledge of the characteristics of cutting machines.
Optimize Your Resources with Lantek Expert and Lantek Flex 3D
Many companies offer software solutions to help with this, but Lantek’s is particularly noteworthy. Their specialized programs for automated machine programming, Lantek Expert for sheet metal cutting machines and Lantek Flex3d for tube and profile cutting machines, have been developed in collaboration with customers, OEM partners and academic institutions. They are machine and manufacturer independent, which means they can control machines from any manufacturer. These software tools are continuously evolving to meet the needs of the market and available technologies and machines. They enable users to create optimal nestings and special features are used for active collision avoidance, micro-joint creation and gate modification to ensure that neither the machine nor the parts are damaged during production.
Not only do these software tools help reduce waste, but they can also capture the remnants of reusable material and manage them for later use by all the cutting machines on the shop floor. This results in annual savings in scrap inventory of up to 70 percent and in raw material consumption of more than 8 percent - and the associated, not insignificant, energy costs for material management.
Moreover, the software tools also help in reducing labor costs as it eliminates the need for manual programming of cutting machines. This allows the workers to focus on other important tasks, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity. The software also helps in keeping track of inventory, monitoring production schedules, and analyzing data to improve production processes. This helps in streamlining the entire production process and ultimately reducing costs.
In conclusion, the use of specialized software tools like Lantek’s can significantly help in reducing costs and improving efficiency in the sheet metal fabrication industry. They not only help in reducing waste but also help in streamlining the entire production process, resulting in significant cost savings and increased productivity. It is important for companies in this industry to invest in such software tools to remain competitive in the market.
Energy and resource saving series with Lantek software - Part 2
