In total, there are over 100 improvements and updates across the whole range of solutions. The most significant include collision prevention on the cutting machine and a new algorithm for destroying scrap metal efficiently on tube cutting machines.
However, one aspect of this version that is very relevant at the moment, is the possibility of using the software remotely: “In a time of great uncertainty, and without a clear understanding of what will happen later this year or next year, many clients are demanding a solution prepared for teleworking,” states Carlos García, CTO of Lantek.
“The 2020 version of Lantek software includes a huge advance in the support, installation and configuration of the software and machine without requiring visits from our technicians and, allows different configurations so that technical teams for machining, production planning or budgeting can work from their homes.”
The main development is the capability of running an algorithm to prevent collisions during the cutting or punching process. This works by automatically adding fasteners (or micro-joints) to the holes or parts that, once they have been cut, could cause a collision between themselves and the cutting head.
Lantek has also improved the usability of all of the functions related to fasteners (or micro-joints) focusing on two aspects: the improvement in precision of the final width of these elements and accurate simulation, in real-time, when they are added manually.
For shapes that the user does not want to fasten into the sheet with micro-joints, Lantek offers the possibility of scrapping them using a new zig-zag technique ensuring that the waste material discharges safely.
Lantek Expert now includes functions to help with production management in the workshop. Waste or leftover sheet material can be automatically marked on cutting machines so that it is easy to identify. The material can be marked with the company’s identifier code as well as its measurements and weight.
Evolving with the needs of the market, the new V40 version of Lantek Flex3d incorporates a new algorithm that allows users to destroy scrap generated from cutting holes in tubes. Without this new capability, hole cutting can cause numerous collisions with the machine head as well as possible damage when scrap falls onto supports.
Furthermore, a new head management algorithm allows contours that have previously been cut to be avoided to minimise collisions and, machining time reduced by avoiding unnecessary raising and lowering of the head.
The combination of these two new features eliminating over 80% of current machine downtime caused by collision, is a highlight of this version of the software.
For new devices that automate the loading and unloading of parts, Lantek Flex3d V40 incorporates automated management of supports and unloading trays allowing the machine to work fully autonomously.
This new support management function, as well as avoiding collisions with the supports, allows for optimal use of material that would previously have been considered scrap, obtaining improvements in the utilisation of tubes of over 5%.
Carlos Garcia adds: "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 that allow for the automation of large production cycles by avoiding unnecessary downtime while, keeping track of production and reducing costs.”
This results in greater efficiency in the user’s daily tasks. In addition, the advanced visualisation dashboards of the commercial function, Customer Analytics has been enabled.
For Lantek MES, the improvements aim to continue equipping production managers with control mechanisms for carrying out workshop operations. Lantek MES Manager now has a new extension, MES Monitoring, which displays, graphically and in real-time, the sequence of operations on each work centre.
It offers different Gantt display modes, as well as different mechanisms that allow you to visually search and skip through the operations according to different criteria. Furthermore, this version enables the advanced manufacturing visualisation dashboards, Manufacturing Analytics.
Lantek www.lantek.com