Upgrades help create smart factories
Above: Lantek v43 software includes new options to reassign a set of nests from one machine to another—eliminating manual adjustments.
November, 2023- In September, Lantek Systems Inc. debuted the latest version, v43, of its sheet metal software. For 35 years, the technology company headquartered in Spain—with a U.S. office in Mason, Ohio—has been continually improving its product offering for service centers. Lantek’s product team maintains a close link with customers and the market, continually learning about desired requirements.
“These requirements are then planned and incorporated as new and updated features in the Lantek software suite. Lantek’s legacy is linked to our ability to listen to customers and routinely launch new versions,” says Anupam Chakraborty, the company’s sales and business development director. “The v43 version includes the latest features and performance enhancement qualities such as efficient and faster nesting and better user interface.”
Lantek’s software portfolio includes Expert, Flex3D, Bend, MES Manager (manufacturing execution system) and Integra. All have been optimized for efficiency. “We are leading the digital transformation of sheet metal cutting and bending for customers striving toward smart factory environments,” notes Chakraborty. More than 80 improvements have been incorporated into the v43 software.
SMART FACTORY
One aspect of the software upgrade is its role in creating and supporting a smart factory. By digitizing an entire operation, multi-location manufacturers can coordinate production almost in real time. “Planning, scheduling, execution and tracking are the main aspects of a manufacturing process. A correct digitalization strategy of the manufacturing process enables management to efficiently capture data,” states Chakraborty. This data can then be tracked and analyzed in real time, making the entire workflow more agile and flexible. “Agility and flexibility are critical in countering unforeseen circumstances and adapting in an optimal way and with minimal time. In short, a smart factory leverages data analytics to improve operations and increase throughput,” he explains.
2D AND 3D NESTING
Core to Lantek software is the Lantek Expert Cut module—the programming system for a wide variety of CNC profile and tube-cutting machines (such as laser, punch, plasma, oxy and water jet). Lantek Expert Cut module is equipped with nesting algorithms to optimize the sheet/tube utilization. “These powerful algorithms also minimize raw material usage—and cost—without sacrificing quality,” Chakraborty says. One feature of Lantek Expert is the ability to support more than 1,500 machines. A job shop or manufacturing unit with multiple brands of machinery can use Lantek software to program and run the equipment.
The v43 software upgrade from Lantek enhances the nesting capabilities for sheet metal processing and can track the job from planning to shipping
“With the v43 updates, end users can now change the nest to another compatible machine without much struggle and with minimal mouse clicks. This eliminates the need to reproduce jobs/nests for an alternate machine,” says Chakraborty.
A key v43 innovation for punching machines is a new punch shape technology that automates the process from the import of the drawing to the CNC file generation. A “no scrap” target is Lantek’s goal for its 3D nesting software, Flex3D, which was also reengineered during the software update. The result is a more efficient outcome that minimizes execution time and improves computing resources. “Flex3D strives for efficiency in materials as well as time, by joining parts at the end of the tube with micro joints,” Chakraborty reports.
Lantek Analytics collects data from a production system, then filters, groups and connects that data for a complete picture of the production process
INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
Lantek MES Manager enables plants to track the progress of a job order, then feed this data to the ERP system. Customers can use the Lantek ERP or sync with an external ERP. The Lantek MES Manager is bidirectional: not only can one import information into ERP, data can also be exported from ERP. “The ability to trace and track inventory— both of raw materials and work in progress—is a very powerful way of complementing the ERP. Inventory management is a big aspect of any organization.
Lantek v43 can perform location-based inventory at the micro level. This information is all fed back to the company’s ERP,” explains Chakraborty. The v43 upgrade now enhances the process of tracking the entire sheet metal process from planning to shipping. “Being able to track the entire process allows the customer to identify the exact location of their inventory in stock. A customer can also understand where a bottleneck might be,” states Chakraborty.
The Lantek Integra Quotes module, integrated with all Integra solutions, manages traceability of all activities including sales orders, delivery notes and invoices
IN THE CLOUD
Lantek analytics is a cloud-based platform, giving users the opportunity to remotely visualize all data relating to their manufacturing operations. “Data capture and analytics lead to a lot of insights of the shop floor. This data can lead to more informed investment decisions and improved financials for the company,” explains Chakraborty. Remote access and friendly user interface anticipates the mobile nature of today’s generation of users. “The new generation is very computer, tech and cell phone savvy. Our software updates are easy for newcomers into the industry to understand and start performing,” he notes. Thirty-five years of experience means Lantek has wide user acceptance, including more than 100 OEMs; 33,000 global customers; and 1,200 installations of MES and ERP. “Very few competitors can make this claim. Lantek has a strong track record of MES and ERP, along with strong nesting engineering. Our global footprint and broad range of expertise allow us to provide end users with a wide variety of features and products to benefit the fabrication and manufacturing community,” Chakraborty adds.
Lantek Systems, Inc., 877/805-1028, http://www.lantek.com/
