TPT January 2012

T echnology U pdate

Gauge heads with integrated display

SIKORA engineers have developed a new technical feature for the company’s Laser Series 6000 diameter gauge heads: an integrated LED display with control panel option. This allows the operator to read the diameter measuring value directly from the gauge head. In addition, the LED display informs about events such as dirt in the measuring range, and gives messages if the product is out of the measuring range. With the

use of an externally connected control module, the operator can set up the current diameter nominal value up to four digits after the decimal point. Via the line speed or the extruder rpm the module controls the diameter automatically to the newly set value.

Sikora AG – Germany Fax: +49 421 48900 90 Email: sales@sikora.net Website: www.sikora.net

Laser Series 6000 now features integrated LED display

Solution for 3D design and manipulation of folded metalwork and tubes

LANTEK has enhanced its Flex3d software for the design, folding/unfolding and 3D cutting of tubes, profiles and sheet metal parts, as part of the latest 2011 version of its software. The new features incorporated into Flex3d represent an advance for the sheet metal industry, providing it with a more flexible solution with comprehensive functionality, capable of being tailored to meet the needs of individual users. Lantek Flex3d has the power to manage large-scale projects and incorporates advanced 3D design technologies in its architecture. Lantek has also significantly improved the software’s CAD data exchange capabilities, with claimed speed improvements of 300 per cent. Flex3d V2011, like previous versions, is fully integrated with all of the company’s other applications, simplifying and easing the management and coordination of manufacturing processes. The new developments introduced by Lantek are a response to the demands of companies within the industry, enabling them to increase productivity and keep ahead in the market. Lantek Flex3d comprises eight specific modules, enabling the user to: perform folding and unfolding tasks; work with tubes or profiles; carry out integrated design and manufacture with SolidWorks ® , Autodesk Inventor ® , Solid Edge ® , CATIA ® , Creo Elements/Pro ® and Siemens NX ® ;

automate the programming of laser and waterjet five-axis sheet metal cutting machines; and design and cut standard profiles using the Lantek Flex3d Steelwork module. In the 2011 version of Lantek’s software, all the modules incorporate new intuitive functionality that makes 3D design and manufacture faster and easier for the user. Within the Flex3d product family the company has focused on three modules in particular. Flex3d Tubes, developed for the design and cutting of tubular components, includes: new geometry macros; the ability to automatically assign specific cutting technology to each machining parameter; improved simulation of five-axis cutting; and more automated nesting capability. These new features make it easier for users to visualise the real results of their tube cutting operations. Flex3d Steelwork, intended for the design and cutting of steelwork profiles, is easier to use. Customisation enables engineers to tailor the system to their requirements and now includes automatic screw and countersink management to ISO standards, as well as to the special requirements of each company. Machining operations can be visualised and checked faster and more efficiently in the new version. Flex3d 5x, aimed at programming 3D sheet metal cutting machines with five-

axis heads, benefits from some important improvements. Totally compatible with the main 3D design systems used in the sheet metal industry, the software enables users to import parts in virtually any format ready for five-axis cutting. Intuitive commands lead the user through the programming phase, greatly simplifying the process. Other innovations include new workbench positioning methodology, automatic machining algorithms, and fast and flexible verification and simulation, all designed to improve productivity and reliability. Mario Rodríguez, product manager for Flex3d, commented, “The developments in the latest versions of our software have produced a powerful, flexible, agile and enormously intuitive solution that makes 3D part design and manufacture easier, in a process that can be tailored to the needs of individual companies. “The new version is a major step forward for the industry and is evidence of Lantek’s commitment to producing innovating systems which include the latest technology, to help in the simplification of design and manufacture, and to improve competitiveness within the metal processing sector.” Lantek Sheet Metal Solutions – Spain

Email: info@lanteksms.com Website: www.lanteksms.com

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J anuary 2012

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