Expert guidance

Since its formation, Lantek has been committed to meeting the design and computer-aided manufacturing needs of metal processing companies by providing powerful and flexible systems which will optimise manufacturing performance. In line with this commitment the enhancements in Lantek Expert 2011 provide both operational and technical improvements, which combine an ergonomic and flexible interface with easy to use and comprehensive design and machining capabilities.

Lantek SMS' Alberto Martínez says: “Our new intuitive software is significantly faster and more powerful than previous versions. It simplifies programming and includes new productivity tools which enable users to make major savings in material, time and cost – important factors for retaining a competitive edge in the current business environment.

“Lantek Expert 2011 includes a host of new functionality and has been designed to integrate seamlessly with other productivity solutions in our range,” he continues. “Sheetmetal manufacturers can obtain significant operational benefits from implementing Lantek's CAD/CAM/ERP systems which provide solutions for the programming all types of CNC cutting machines, control of manufacturing processes and the management of manufacturing, in a single integrated environment.”

The main new features of Lantek Expert 2011 include:
• A customised interface: for users to quickly and easily create tailor made menus and combine them with existing menus
• Simultaneous view of the machining operations: enabling programmers to quickly go to any step in the machining process while viewing the cutting instruction and its graphic representation. This makes editing, deleting and viewing a simple process
• Management of sets of parts: this allows parts to be grouped together in a kit making it easy to release sets of parts to production
• Nesting data can be configured: according to material and thickness, optimising material utilisation
• View geometry: Lantek has enhanced this function in the new version by including the ability to carry out calculations and by allowing geometrical elements to be graphically and interactively edited or deleted, speeding up programming tasks
• Automatic file saving: of individual part geometry from a composite CAD file. This makes it easy to extract individual parts from a geometry file that contains several components. Extra information such as thickness and material can also be saved, completely defining the part to be produced.
• New parts list filter: this allows users to see only parts which have a production requirement, filtering out all the other components
• New punch gallery: much quicker and more intuitive tool selection
• Instruction macros: this function can be used to create a macro for executing chains of instructions, allowing repetitive processes to be performed with just one mouse click.

Other advances in Lantek Expert 2011 include a 3D CAD/CAM simulator and new advanced machine configurations, which enable multiple cutting and punching technologies to be defined for each machine, eliminating duplicate machine definitions. The new software also allows the restriction of common line cutting to particular components, giving users more control over manufacturing methodology.

Handling of off-cut material is improved in the 2011 version. It now considers the machine technology including cutting and clamping zones and can determine the minimum size of an off-cut according to its material and thickness. Furthermore, it also includes full turret management.

Both graphics and document creation are enhanced in the new version with the part and its machining operations benefitting from improvements in display and simulation. Different punch types can be viewed in different colours as can forming tools and working areas, making it easier to see and understand the cutting process. Documents for shopfloor use can now be printed from inside the CAM software and options for the information included have been increased, simplifying and facilitating programming and manufacture.

Extra improvements which bring even more advantages to Lantek users include bringing together drilling, threading and countersinking into one simple operation and the implementation of common line cutting on combination machines.

Lantek
www.lanteksms.com