Dedicated sheet metal software makes it happen

Software manufacturer, Lantek, develops individual solutions tailored to fit each customer and his financial targets, growing with him as his business develops. Lantek will be demonstrating this at EuroBLECH 2016 in Hall 12 stand B104.

The ultimate goal for Industry 4.0 is the intelligent factory, where all processes are coordinated and where engineering systems integrate to achieve adaptive manufacturing, reacting to changes or changing requirements.

Even for small businesses, increasing efficiency and profitability by using digital systems is very worthwhile. With the modular software solutions from Lantek, sheet metal companies of all sizes can make their processes significantly more efficient. From individual aspects of production and administration to the overall Lantek Factory concept, which links production, technical planning processes, purchasing, and distribution, companies can choose the level of digitalisation that suits them best.

The theme for the 24th EuroBLECH which runs from 25^th-29^th October in Hanover, Germany, is ‘The next generation of sheet metal-processing’. Lantek will present its machine-independent software solutions for sheet metal and steel processing  and will also provide facilities where its guests can experience Virtual Reality. In a simulation of the Lantek Factory concept, attendees can also use a headset to learn how software from Lantek makes the processes in a sheet metal factory more efficient, fitting in with the theme of the exhibition.

Optimal material utilisation

Lantek CAD/CAM systems allow the control of pipe, profile, and sheet metal cutting machines such as plasma, laser and waterjet technology, as well as punching machines. These are optimised for optimum material utilisation through sophisticated calculation algorithms, shortened cutting times, and machining sequences.

For example, automatic geometry recognition considerably reduces programming for multiple parts. Interfaces to more than 1,000 machine types allow the control of all processes from a single system. Strategic management decisions are supported by feedback systems with real time data on the utilisation of the entire system, particularly useful for companies with several locations and extensive equipment and facilities. With dynamic price management, companies can set different surcharges for various costs or contract terms for all costs with defined fixed or percentage margins.

Management systems that meet the specific requirements of the sheet metalworking industry cover all production and delivery processes and allow the status of each element to be interrogated at any time. User interfaces integrate all company-specific systems and, since many orders are not finalised, Lantek software does not only offer an open database for reordering parts or production orders, but also advanced returns management and the management of reusable packaging.

Lantek is continually developing its software and will be evolving its solutions to make use of the power of 64-bit microprocessors and is soon to bring its Lantek Expert software for 64 bits onto the market. At the launch of the Global Release 2017, it will be released together with the 32-bit version, enabling customers to make the best use of their servers and computers.