Expert V2021 Programming Solution

Lantek Expert V2021 programming solution for 2D cutting and punching machines by Lantek Sheetmetal Solutions USA offers shops a powerful new tool to destroy the slugs created as a result of laser cut applications. By tackling the problem at the programming stage, slug destruct can be addressed in the beginning of the process rather than at the end, minimizing the risk of machine shut downs due to collisions, damage to the cutting head, and dangerous and time-consuming fatigue for workers manually picking through metal parts. Slug destruct is the cutting of one large slug into smaller pieces that can easily fall through cut slats. It is done so that large internal contours do not tip up and get caught on the slats or crash onto the laser head. Expert V2021 features several approaches each of which provides more control over the operation, customization, and helps to create a more predictable process.

The programmer can assign “Tabs” or “Wire Joints” that will hold the internal contour to the whole part, preventing tip ups. However, when Tabs are assigned – usually for punch cutting – de-nesting is necessary. The system provides the flexibility to choose Slug Destruct or Assign Tabs depending on the application.

The Spiral Cutting for holes function destroys the residual material left behind in the holes so that if falls into the machine bed, preventing possible collisions while yielding a smoother and faster cutting process without sharp corners with fewer stop-start cycles.

The Intelligent Collision Avoidance (ICA) algorithm has been developed to minimize potential collisions between the heads of fibre laser cutting machines and the unstable contours of raw sheet metal during the cutting process. Due to their speed and power, these machines are often specified to cut thicker sheet metal parts, using high-pressure gases to cut the material, pushing the holes and parts being cut causing them to occasionally “hop” onto the sheet metal when cutting is complete. The ICA algorithm detects which components and scrap elements pose a potential risk to the cutting head as they position themselves on top of the contours or are rotated, automatically assigning one or more micro-cuts to the program. The system defines a safe cutting path, allowing the user to cut parts as soon as possible or at the end of the cycle for unattended cutting.

Lantek Expert V2021 includes 25 innovative cutting, punching and shearing strategies that offer more options for efficient destruction of slugs and to redistribute parts throughout the entire metal sheet to optimize the rigidity of the skeleton and further reduce waste. The system digitalizes scrap with previous cuts, identifies areas on the sheet available and allows for any part to be cut within that space, all with a simple drag-and-drop operation. Another example is Clean Cut technology which can be applied to contours where no lead-ins or micro-joints should be placed, helping to avoid imperfections in the part.