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Factory Latest News, Product Novelties, Fairs and much more
SEPTEMBER 2013
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LANTEK LINK is a Magazine of LANTEK SHEET METAL SOLUTIONS
COVER Photo: “Tsing Ma” Bridge
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EDITORIAL
MAIN TOPIC
Around the world
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Lantek Factory: Software that makes you stand out from your competitors
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SOLUTIONS
INTERVIEWS
Know and Control What Happens on the Factory Floor
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Raúl Chopitea, Lantek R & D Director
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TECHNOLOGIES
INNOVATION
Materials and Laser Cutting
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Cloud Computing
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NEWS
CASE STUDIES
Lantek provides Mitsubishi Electric Mechatronics Software Co. with tube cutting software in Japan
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CAD model to punch/laser machine, Lantek provides the crucial link
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SERVICES
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EXHIBITIONS
Hong Kong
LANTEK MARKETING TEAM Jesús Martínez Marketing Director
Beatriz Prado Production, Publishing, Design
Patricia Ruiz de Sabando Communications and Public Relations
SUBSCRIPTIONS Marketing marketing@lanteksms.com
Lantek Services Lantek Hint: Lantek Integra
Next Tradeshows
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editorial
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Around the world antek faces this Fall with plenty of opportunities for meeting with metal companies.
First, Lantek presents an intense program for assisting as an exhibitor to the main trade fairs of our sector around the globe: Germany, France, Poland, China, UK, USA and Brazil are some of the places where Lantek will be showing the power and versatility of its software systems and its integration mechanisms, connecting it to the rest of the company. Additionally, Lantek has important movements on the global scene, with the new office opening in the Netherlands and the relocation of Lantek’s USA headquarters to a more spacious office with an improved infrastructure that will serve Lantek customers even better than up to date. Last, but not least, Lantek plans to develop a broad commercial program for the last part of the year. During these months Lantek will be visiting many companies of our industry in order to present Lantek solutions and capabilities. Lantek will give them timely information, showing these companies what they will be able to achieve with Lantek’s collaboration. Lantek will bring innovative ways to approach their way of working and will enable them to improve their competitiveness and productivity. This year, Lantek solutions will travel worldwide.
Jesús Martínez
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main topic
Lantek Factory: Software that makes you stand out from your competitors The most complete portfolio in the industry to cover all your factory needs Lantek Factory is a new concept developed by Lantek that takes into consideration all the plants that process metal sheeting, pipes and sections, which, via a Lantek solution, could fully manage their activities to attain greater levels of competitiveness and productivity. These companies manage their work using the Lantek integration systems and mechanisms, in order to have absolute control in real-time in terms of everything going on in the business.
With this concept, Lantek shows its capacity to resolve any situation within this sector by responding to the diverse needs which a company in this sector may require. It also offers a distinguishing feature: an integrated system for development and adaptation of Lantek technical staff and its management platform. This makes it possible to mirror the features and peculiarities that make your business unique, allowing you to stand out from the rest and compete at the highest levels in today’s tough market. In addition to incorporating all the features that can be expected of business management systems and the organization of production, programming and machine control, Lantek Factory is capable of mimicking the way that each company functions.
The implementation of a Lantek solution increases the productivity of the company and provides comprehensive control of business operations as well as streamlines decision-making and response times to possible incidents. In the companies that process metal sheet, pipes and profiles, three key factors should be considered in order to achieve success: productivity, efficiency and business intelligence. Lantek can help you mirror these and substantially improve your processes, thereby increasing your company’s efficiency. Companies in this sector, whether they be subcontractors, manufacturers of their own products or project-oriented, are formed of various departments that need to cooperate effectively in order to achieve flawless efficiency. These departments include: management, administration, workshops, warehousing, sales, etc. All of these need to have the right information in real-time in order to make the right decisions. Using the Lantek solution, any company in the metal industry can improve its management, production and warehousing, while fully optimizing its costs and meeting the delivery times it has promised to its clients. In this way, your company can become the preferred choice for the delivery of your product in the market. Lantek provides the largest portfolio of software offering a complete solution for each function and department in the company.
Companies with the Lantek solution can take advantage of the potential offered by Lantek Manager and Lantek Integra. These allow for the immediate communication of manufacturing processes with their CAD/CAM, Lantek Expert and Lantek Flex3d systems. With these systems, companies in the metal industry can learn the real costs and the deviation of each product. In addition to being able to change orders and requests sent to the workshop, this solution allows you to maximize the resources at your disposal, and to meet your management needs with regard to data associated with your products, sales, purchasing, warehousing, customers and cash flow. A Lantek Factory business can take advantage of the full potential offered by Lantek by forging a close working relationship, where the solution is not only implemented, but where both parties take advantage of their mutual knowledge in order to improve processes, lower business costs, and adapt all software to the features and peculiarities of the company. Your customers need the best answers you can provide, especially in difficult situations (for instance, tight delivery deadlines for orders, lack of materials, operational changes, etc.). For this reason, Lantek is the technology partner you need in order to transform your business into a dynamic and efficient organization, into a Lantek Factory. Our experience and knowledge will make your business grow and move you onto the next level of maturity, so you can compete under the best conditions in today’s tough market.
WATCH THIS VIDEO TO FIND OUT MORE
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solutions Know and Control What Happens on the Factory Floor
Data capture on the factory floor is one of the most important aspects to consider in production control. Lantek Workshop Capture is the most intuitive, useful, flexible and efficient tool for the transmission, control and analysis of real-time information that provides production data for timely and accurate decision-making. Lantek Workshop Capture is a data capture software program that is fully integrated with Lantek Integra. The various operations performed in the company workshop can be managed and monitored using this software. Plant operators can enter data in real-time from any location, e.g. production time,
downtime, job status and information on the operations to be performed. New developments Lantek Workshop Capture has several new features in its latest version, which take full advantage of the new functions. These functions include adaptation to mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) and basic bar code readers, compatibility with various Windows platform-based operating systems, and the capability to validate operations from anywhere by connecting to the server from a mobile device.
There are two ways to identify the user who is due to start work in the workshop and to transmit information: Either the touch screen can be used (where work to be performed or completed can be typed in by hand) or the bar code reader can be used. In this way, data is easily captured on the factory floor without causing errors or any downtime. Essential tool for decision-making times This is the main goal sought by Lantek Workshop Capture. By redesigning its graphical interface, the application now has clear screens, easy access, and minimal data for the operator to enter. This ensures that factory floor data is registered correctly at the time when it is produced eliminating superfluous tasks and transcription errors. Another advantage that facilitates decision-making is that the required information is sent to the manager as soon as it is produced and data is updated in real time. A management system aims to provide authenticated information when necessary. For that to happen, the system must be supplied with valid and updated data, which is fully achievable with this application. Lantek Workshop Capture can be used to integrate all the company’s operations within a single system and to report on what happens in the workshop. The operator can halt the process or identify deviations at the time when they occur. Lantek has fully developed this factory floor data collection system such that it does not require the addition of third-party applications and ensures full integration with Lantek Integra. Additionally, this tool is not only designed for cutting operations, but for all operations that exist
within the company. It can even be used to record the entry and exit times of employees, or the beginning and end of a job or a task. Thus, all the processes carried out in the factory are monitored, while a comprehensive record is kept of everything that occurs in the workshop. Thanks to Lantek Workshop Capture, developed by Lantek and fully integrated with Lantek Integra, workshop-related data and information can be received by companies that process sheet metal, tubes, and profiles. The data is in real-time and received in an easy, flexible way, including via mobile devices. Lantek Workshop Capture offers complete data management and analysis and supports the informed decision making process.
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interviews
Raúl Chopitea R & D Director
“We are passionate about software construction and technological challenges” Raul Chopitea began his career in Lantek in 2004, working as a Software Engineer in R&D for about four years. More specifically, he was involved in the earlier stages of the development of Lantek management systems. In the following four years, he pursued his career in Lantek working as team leader in the development of Lantek Expert III, leading the migration towards Lantek Integra and its further development. After that period, he was appointed Head of Development for the whole of Lantek Management Systems. Finally, he reached the position of R&D Director in January 2012. Raul, as the Director of R&D, could you tell us how the new developments in Lantek systems came about? We have always been focused on having solid foundations for our systems, in keeping our investment in R&D, in product re-engineering, and in knowing the latest technology trends. Technological innovation is always present in our daily work and part of our work is dedicated to these tasks. The other side of our work is to analyze the needs of our customers and, depending on the result, to introduce those improvements to the software. In this way, we can continuously develop and evolve Lantek solutions as part of our quest to remain the most competitive in the market.
Do you think that Lantek is more advanced and prepared than other companies in this sector, within the area of R&D? Of course. The technological base and the investment in R&D have always been the two fundamental pillars of Lantek. The level of company investment in R&D is the highest within the software sector for the metal industry. We have always invested in this area in order to remain at the avant-garde and as leaders in the market. When did work on management software begin in Lantek? In the 90s. We are now in the third generation of Lantek management systems. Firstly, we designed Lantek Project, then Lantek Expert III, and now we have Lantek Integra. This is a field that Lantek has wished to maximize and follow for many years. In fact, we have pioneered these systems within our sector and we are in the best position in the market nowadays The Lantek management system is verticalized. This means that we have achieved a natural integration between all our systems, which facilitate the control of the entire company as well as the transmission of realtime information to all the departments involved. This demonstrates the ability of Lantek to evolve and innovate. As an R&D Director at Lantek, won’t it be difficult to lead such a large team of software engineers and, at the same time, ensure that targets are met? We are indeed a very large group; but we are also passionate about software construction and technological challenges. The working atmosphere is very dynamic and we use the latest software engineering methodologies. We hold periodic meetings to discuss problems coming from the market and solutions that we are proposing. Additionally, we handle the inquiries from other departments in Lantek. With regard to the professionals who are part of R&D, I have to say that we have an excellent team of software engineers. They are doing an impressive job. In many cases, the R&D team is able to go even further, exceeding our own expectations as well as those of our customers who cannot even imagine to what extent we can improve and respond to their specifications and needs. Rather than leading such a large team, what I find remarkable is the big responsibility we have in supporting software systems which are leaders in many markets and used by over 13,000 customers worldwide. In addition, we must also look after each release to our markets in detail thereby always ensuring the quality and providing sound technical support to external and internal customers.
The R&D team works closely with Customer Support in order to provide fast and efficient solutions to our customers. Our response times are very fast, which is something our customers look upon very favorably. What are the differences between Lantek Integra and the software of other companies within the sector producing metal sheet, pipe and profiles currently available on the market? The biggest differences are our technological base, our sector specialization, and our adaptability. Our base is more cutting edge and advanced and it is designed specifically for the sector from the basis. On top of this, it is adaptable to each customer and very versatile in terms of the situations that we are able to cover. It should also be noted that Lantek Integra is supported on a full web platform. This allows everyone, from the company CEO to the workshop supervisor, to connect from their tablets or smartphones and to check an order, the production of an item or any incident that may occur -- all at the time when it happens. This aspect is unique to Lantek. Other software companies might have achieved this only partially. It must be difficult to service offices and Lantek customers on a global scale. How does R&D deal with the requirements of the different countries? In R&D, we always evaluate the requests that arise from the different markets. Afterwards, we compare and contrast with the company’s business and technical areas. This gives us a clear view of what is really differential for each market and if it would actually be appropriate to incorporate it into the software. Normally, before developing a new application or a new interface, we analyze the different options for implementation, trying to collect the maximum amount of information to succeed in our decisions. And finally, what do you think the future holds for this sector? The future will increasingly call for maximum integration of all the services in a unique software platform, which results in maximum integration of all systems within a company. Besides, machine tool manufactures partnering with us are continuously including more tools and technologies in their new models. It is essential to have a CAD/CAM software able to cope with all these new processes in an integrated manner. Lantek has always collaborated with machine tool builders in order to develop software solutions for their new features while they are still designing them.
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technologies
Juan Carlos Poza CAD/CAM Systems Architect
Materials and Laser Cutting Influence of material in the choice of laser technology In the choice between CO2 and fiber (SSL) for a laser machine, the material and the cutting thickness are the most common determinant factors. The CO2 laser has a consistent quality in all types of materials and thicknesses, while the fiber laser is faster and more efficient in thinner thicknesses (up to 5 mm thickness), especially when cutting with nitrogen (fusion cutting). In the case of oxidation cutting, there is no difference in quality and speed between the two types of lasers. If reflective materials, such as aluminum, brass, or copper are generally used, then the fiber laser would have the best performance. Deformation of material The possible deformation of material through cutting is a crucial aspect which impacts on the excellent performance of laser machines. Heat generated by the beam in the cutting zone can accumulate, creating what is known as a “heat affected zone� (HAZ). This heat produces distortion and deformation of the material - affecting the piece being cut and the pieces around it, and consequently causing damage. The management of the heat generated, as well as its dissipation, requires knowledge in terms of managing times and distances for application of the laser. This situation can be a major problem with some materials and thicknesses. The problem is even greater in places where - in order to achieve better use of the material - there is only a narrow strip of material between the cut pieces. To resolve this issue, automatic sorting of the cut pieces and minimum heating must be the priority instead of the shortest route. This must be arranged in such a way, so that the laser jumps from one location of the cutting area to another, thus avoiding heat concentration at any point. The route must always search for the piece which is most suitable for
cutting, taking into account the heating / dissipation phases of all the zones. The order in which the pieces are cut must not only take into consideration one piece with its subsequent piece - it must also take into consideration all the pieces of the metal sheet collectively. In this way, an optimal order is ensured: Each piece of the metal sheet is cut at the time when its zone has a sufficient degree of cooling, ensuring that the pieces do not undergo deformation of any kind.
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innovation
José Ignacio Moreno Enterprise Systems Architect
Cloud Computing Cloud computing is a model in which the provider is able to provide on-demand access to a shared pool of configurable “hardware” (networks, servers and storage) and “software” (applications and IT services) computer resources by using the infrastructure of the Internet. There are three principal models in the range of products:
Some of the major companies offering cloud services are: Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Salesforce.com.
• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): The provider provides storage and raw processing services, which users may use to build and install their applications along with anything else they may require. • Software as a Service (SaaS): The provider directly provides applications which are required by users: e-mail, accounting, processes, document management, etc. • Platform as a Service (PaaS): This is an intermediate model, since the provider offers tools for building applications, e.g. databases and programming environments.
The main feature of cloud computing is that the customer is not responsible for the purchase and maintenance of expensive equipment and applications. The model usually involves payment of a monthly fee based on what has been “consumed” (in a similar way to an electricity bill) - and it is the provider who handles all of the above. The provider can cut costs if these are shared amongst many customers. The (fantastic) result of all this is that business applications, which are powerful and demanding in terms of resources, can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection by using inexpensive equipment -- A simple tablet or mobile phone can exhibit functions that would otherwise be impossible. On the negative side, an application designed to run efficiently in the cloud is more complex to design and implement, since it must take into account additional factors such as security, scalability, robustness, data recovery, performance and multi-client management. From the point of view of Lantek, it is interesting to examine the advantages which would be obtained by our customers when using certain public services in the cloud. These services would cover a wide range of features, ranging from the most specific (e.g. calculations for boilers and displays, or automatic generation of nested and CNC machining for all types of metal and tubes) to the more general (management of sales and purchases, manufacturing and warehousing, finance and accounting, as well as other general customized applications unique to each customer). We would also offer the possibility for customers to be able to fully customize their environment and to add new functions easily, thus we will have a much more varied and dynamic range of products.
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news Lantek provides Mitsubishi Electric Mechatronics Software Co. with tube cutting software in Japan An agreement between Mitsubishi Electric Mechatronics Software Corporation and Lantek Sheet Metal Solutions will lead to the development and marketing of advanced tube cutting software Lantek, has just become a provider of an affiliate of the Mitsubishi Electric Corporation in Japan. Lantek’s distribution agreement with Mitsubishi Electric Mechatronics Software Corporation (MSW) will lead to the development and marketing of advanced tube cutting software. The Basque company opened its office in Japan in 2000 and it currently has a large portfolio of clients, including other “giants” such as Toshiba and Toyota.
“This collaboration reinforces Lantek strategic lines for 2013, since one of our goals for this year is specifically to strengthen our policies in relation to partnerships with other manufacturers for the development and integration of applications. With regard to the Asian market, we want to increase turnover and boost business relating to CAD/CAM/3D solutions. The importance of this agreement also lies in its global reach, thanks to the influence and prestige that our partner has around the world” says Francisco Pérez, Director of OEM Channel at Lantek. The interest of the subsidiary of Mitsubishi is focused on the CAD/CAM tube cutting programs that Lantek has developed, specifically the application Lantek Flex3d Tubes, one of the solutions that the Miñanobased company has developed for the design and cutting of steel tubes, with connectivity to all CAD and BIM software on the market. The features of the Lantek Flex3d Tubes program include its multiple tube design options, simulation processes and adaptation to the characteristics of each machine, whether it has three or five axes. Lantek Flex3d Solutions are at the forefront of technology, since limitations of the machine’s axis rotation are taken into account when machining is carried out.
The agreement has taken its first steps and Mitsubishi’s subsidiary has already validated the first post-processors for the 3-axis tube cutting machines developed by Lantek, taking into consideration the specific technical and business requirements of the Japanese corporation. Lantek has provided MSW with the program. The Basque multi-national is known for providing global services in 18 languages, support in any time zone, and personal and face-to-face support anywhere in the world where required, another of the competitive advantages that position Lantek as a leader in its field. Lantek reinforces its presence in Asia The agreement with Mitsubishi Electric Mechatronics Software Corporation is a boost for the activity that Lantek has been developing for over a decade in Japan and is part of the growing business of the Basque multinational in the Asian market. Not surprisingly, Lantek Asia last year accounted for 16% of the company’s sales, a percentage expected to increase by 8% this year. The Asian market also represents 27% of Lantek customers and generates 16% of its overall global sales. By business areas, the CAD/CAM and Solutions division is the area that has generated the largest volume of sales in Asia over the past year. In addition to its office in Japan, Lantek is established in South Korea and China.
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case studies CAD model to punch/laser machine, Lantek provides the crucial link Since 2004, Lantek’s sheet metal CAD/CAM software has been an essential part of Seeco UK’s business. The company, based in Bedford, specialises in producing precision components and fabrications for a wide range of industries including telecoms, lighting, medical, MOD, power supply and printing.
parts in each sheet, even in large apertures, which Its equipment includes an Amada EML punch laser would otherwise be scrap, to maximise material combination machine with automated sheet loader, utilization and ensure delivery targets are met. an LVD CNC press brake with in process laser angle checking, a PEM inserter with automated The Amada EML runs 24 hours seven days a week bowl feed and, most recently, an processing any amount of different XYZ PRO-TRACK milling machine, products in various materials and Garry LawTechnical which allows it to cut parts it had gauges. We are able to put up to Director of Seeco two tons of material at a time on previously been subcontracting. the loading table which is then “We installed SolidWorks processed without any manual Programming is very fast with in 2003 as many of our input. This flexibility allows us Lantek Expert, taking at the customers were sending us to meet the ever increasing most 3-4 minutes to go from the 3D models. Lantek Expert requirements of our customers.” 3D model to the nested CNC programme. Garry Law adds, “The was recommended to us When the Lantek Expert software software looks at our library of because of its seamless link was originally installed, only one tools and if there is one available to SolidWorks and the way small change to the postprocessor it automatically punches the hole, in which it works with the was required to get the Amada as this is quicker. Otherwise it solid models. We looked at EML up and running. Since then generates a laser path. The only various other systems before the company has only needed decision we have to make is if we opting for Lantek Expert and to use the software support want to add micro-joints for parts have had no regrets in the occasionally for advice on difficult or scrap too big to go down the choice we made. We also parts. Garry Law concludes, “We chute.” use Lantek Flex3d SW, which have no problems with using is able to deal with complete Lantek Expert and Lantek Flex3d Seeco uses a M1 ERP system multi-part assemblies from SW software. We rely on it entirely which enables it to coordinate and it forms a crucial part of the all aspects of its business from SolidWorks. Lantek Flex3d integration chain between the customer requirements through SW interrogates the assembly SolidWorks CAD and the Amada material allocation and production and identifies all of the parts EML.” schedules to shipping. which need to be flattened prior to processing.” Lantek Expert uses this information to nest a mixture of
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services Check the QR code for more information!
UPGRADE
TRAINING
Lantek Hint Estimating formats production
MAINTENANCE
ADDITIONAL LICENSE
- Lantek Integra for
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Did you know that it is possible to estimate the number of metal sheets or profiles required for the production of a job order? Starting from the metal sheet or profile formats that you use the most, you can obtain the total number of metal sheets or sections that are necessary for cutting your components. You can also see the percentage of resulting use from each of those, thus facilitating your choice to use the most suitable format.
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Additionally, in the same window, you can reserve these formats directly, from the stock available at the warehouse, or you can create purchasing requirements for future procurements.
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exhibitions • Every year, Lantek is committed to being present at the sector’s most important fairs, both at a national and international level. • Request your invitation by scanning the QR code.
SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN 2013 ESSEN- GERMANY
EMO 2013 HANNOVER - GERMANY 16 -21 SEPTEMBER
16 - 21 SEPTEMBER
Next Tradeshows MWCS 2013
TOLEXPO 2013
FABTECH 2013
NOVEMBER 2013
NOVEMBER 19/22
NOVEMBER 18/21
SHANGHAI - CHINA
PARIS - FRANCE
chicago - USA
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