Lantek and Vicomtech bring interactive 3D simulation to sheet metal cutting heat processes with BeroSim

By simulating the sheet metal cutting process, it is possible to anticipate and detect possible unforeseen anomalies in the layout phase. Since the BeroSim program is virtual, testing isn’t done on the laser or plasma cutting machines. This saves precious machine time, materials and energy plus minimizes the risk of possible breakdowns or workplace accidents.

Using plasma or laser technologies increases the overall temperature of the sheet and modifies the properties of the material. These modifications may cause the characteristics of the sheet to become altered. BeroSim simulates heat distribution through the sheet as its cut and demonstrates how the heat affects the material.

BeroSim allows cutting strategy and the definition of cutting and machining order. This prevents possible material deformities.  The user can correct the cutting path and trajectory of the machine at any time, maintaining the optimal quality of the sheet.

"Digital transformation has become a key aspect in the industrial sector, which needs advanced technological solutions that provide added value, something that is only possible with research and innovation," explains Dr. Iñigo Barandiaran, Head of Vicomtech’s Department of Industry and Advanced Manufacturing. "The industrial sector must continue to be an economic engine and guarantor of stable employment, and this will be achieved with the help of technology."

"With BeroSim, we assist the change process and the modernization of the sheet metal machining, simulation and verification sector," states Susana García, head of CAD/CAM systems development at Lantek. "BeroSim provides a set of innovative capabilities for greater efficiency in production processes, which enables the optimization of both material, human and economic resources."

The technological cooperation between Lantek and Vicomtech complements their innovation efforts for the industrial sector. The BeroSim project reinforces Lantek’s position as a worldwide innovation leader. The Lantek Expert product offers highly differentiating features in a very competitive and mature market. At the same time, it supports Vicomtech’s role as a promoter and driver of applied research and as a facilitator for the development of new product prototypes.

The BeroSim project has been recognized as a scientific breakthrough by the prestigious Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering which published an article regarding the research performed by Lantek and Vicomtech for interactive 3D simulation of the influence of heat during sheet metal cutting processes. "Understanding how heat sources affect sheet metal cutting processes is essential to designing efficient simulation tools. The success of BeroSim is a consequence of the fluid relationship between Lantek and Vicomtech,” added Dr. Aitor Moreno, Vicomtech researcher and expert in industrial process simulation techniques.

About Lantek

Lantek is a multinational company which is leading the digital transformation of companies in the industrial sector of sheet metal and metal. It offers its own software solutions in business manufacturing intelligence which enable connecting the factories thereby converting them into smart factories. It rounds off its range with the development of CAD/CAM/MES/ERP solutions for companies that manufacture metal parts from sheet, tubes and profiles with any cutting technology (laser,
plasma, oxycut waterjet, shearing and punching).
Founded in 1986 in the Basque Country (Spain), one of the main European hubs of machine tool development, Lantek enables the integration of sheet metal and metal processing technologies using the most demanding advanced manufacturing management software. The company is currently the outstanding leader in its sector thanks to its capacity for innovation and commitment to internationalization. With more than 19,000 clients in over 100 countries and its own offices in 15 countries, it has an extensive network of distributors with a worldwide presence. In 2016, its international business contributed to 85% of its revenue. For more information visit: www.lantek.com or ask for more details at: marketing@lanteksms.com

About Vicomtech 

Vicomtech is an applied research center, founded in 2001 and located in the Gipuzkoa Science and Technology Park, which develops applied research projects in the fields of Advanced Interaction, Computer Graphics, Computer Vision, Data Analytics and Language Technologies

All of its activities are regulated by the R&D&I management system, activities such as the continuous improvement of results and its measurement, the optimization of technological innovation processes, as well as the transfer and generation of knowledge, thus ensuring that it always uses high quality methodologies. Vicomtech has both the ISO 9001:2015 and UNE 166002:2014 certificates that place it at the forefront of research quality and demonstrate its commitment to the quality of its processes.