Lantek launches version 2020 with focus on remote working and process efficiency

Lantek 2020 offers over 100 improvements and updates across the range of solutions. The most significant include collision prevention on cutting machines and a new algorithm for efficiently destroying scrap metal on tube cutting machines.

 The ability to use Lantek software remotely is the most relevant feature right now.  “In a time of great uncertainty, without a clear understanding of what will happen later this year or next, clients are demanding a solution prepared for teleworking. Lantek’s 2020 software includes a huge advance in the support, installation, and configuration of the software and machine.  It doesn’t require visits from our technicians, and it configures for technical teams in machining, production planning, or budgeting to work from home,” states Carlos García, CTO of Lantek.

Lantek Expert: safety in cutting and automation

Lantek Expert, the leading 2D CAD/CAM cutting and punching sheet metal software, offers 34 new features which maximize the productivity and efficiency of client machines. The main development is the capability of running an algorithm to prevent collisions during the cutting or punching process. Expert automatically adds micro-joints to holes or parts that, once they’ve been cut, could cause a collision between themselves and the cutting head. 

The usability of micro-joints is also better in two ways: the improvement in precision of the final width of these elements and accurate simulation, in real-time, when they’re added manually. For parts that the user doesn’t want to apply micro-joints, Lantek offers the possibility of scrapping them with a new zig-zag technique ensuring that the scrap discharges safely.

Lantek Expert now includes functions to help with production management in the workshop. Scrap material can be automatically marked by cutting machines with the company’s unique identifier or the pieces measurements and weight so they’re easy to identify.

Lantek Flex3d optimizes tube cutting to avoid collisions

The tube cutting market is growing exponentially as new machinery manufacturers are starting to develop the technology. Plus, existing machinery is evolving with new devices and systems to improve efficiency and automate the cutting of tubes.

Evolving with the needs of the market, the new version of Lantek Flex3d incorporates a new algorithm that allows you to destroy scrap generated from cutting holes in tubes. Without this new capability, hole cutting can cause numerous collisions with the machine head and possible damage when scrap falls onto supports. A new head management algorithm allows contours that have previously been cut to be avoided. This minimizes collisions and machining time by avoiding unnecessary raising and lowering of the head.

These two new features are highlights of the latest software version. They eliminate over 80% of current machine downtime caused by collision. For new devices that automate the loading and unloading of parts, Lantek Flex3d V40 incorporates automated management of supports and unloading trays. This allows the machine to work fully autonomously. The new support management function, plus collision avoidance with supports, allows for optimal use of material that previously would’ve been scrap. This increases the use of tubes by over 5%.

"The many new features incorporated into the new version of Lantek Flex3d have been designed to satisfy the tube, pipe, and structural steel market’s search for "intelligent" solutions. They allow for the automation of large production cycles by avoiding unnecessary downtime while keeping track of production and reducing costs,” highlights Carlos García, Lantek CTO. 

Lantek Integra & MES

The new 2020 version of Lantek Integra incorporates significant interface improvements to adapt it to current design standards. New graphics offer better use of screen space and improve the visual experience. Changes to the color palette, icons, font sizes, and some navigation mechanisms are included. This results in greater efficiency in the users’ daily tasks. Also enabled is Customer Analytics, an advanced statistics panel of the commercial function.

For Lantek MES, the improvements aim to keep equipping production managers with control mechanisms for carrying out workshop operations. Lantek MES Manager has a new extension, MES Monitoring, which graphically displays the sequence of operations on each work center in real time. It offers different Gantt display modes, plus different filters that allow you to visually search and skip through the operations according to different criteria. Furthermore, this version enables the advanced manufacturing statistics panel, Manufacturing Analytics. 

About Lantek

Lantek is a multinational which is leading the digital transformation of companies in the sheet metal and metal industry. With its patented manufacturing intelligence software, it enables factories to be connected, turning them into Smart Factories. It rounds off its range of services with CAD, CAM, MES, and ERP solutions for companies that manufacture metal parts from sheet metal, tubes, and profiles using 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 advanced manufacturing management software. The company is currently the outstanding leader in its sector as a result of its capacity for innovation and commitment to internationalization. With more than 23,700 customers in over 100 countries and 20 offices in 14 countries, it has an extensive network of distributors with an international presence. In 2019, its international business contributed to 86% of its revenue.

For more information, visit: www.lantek.com