Software developed for cutting processes in automotive sector
27.08.2019
The sheet metal transformation divisions of Lantek and Danobatgroup worked together to develop a software that processes pre-blanking formats. The system is faster, more agile and more profitable.
Technologies play a key role in the highly-automated automotive industry, which is undergoing a new revolution that is compelled by Industry 4.0 and cars getting smarter. Bottom line still remains being profitable and production has to be innovate, dynamic and flexible. To keep up also means adopting new digital tools like the one developed by Lantek and Danobatgroup.
The sheet metal transformation divisions of Lantek and Danobatgroup worked together to develop a software that processes pre-blanking formats, which is specially designed for cutting processes in the automotive sector. Their objective was twofold: to solve problems inherent to the sheet metal industry in achieving more efficient, competitive and flexible production whilst maintaining highest quality levels. The two companies reinforced their positioning in the applications environment for specific sectors, such as the automotive industry, helping customers in their transformation strategy towards becoming modern and intelligent companies.
Blanking or metal stamping technology consists of a machining process in which the sheet is cut using presses and specific cutting dies produce certain metal parts.
According to the collaborators, their blanking system application will be installed on all Danobat coil laser cutting lines. These lines have an unwinder that directs the sheet from the reel to a leveler, passing through feeder rollers to a cutting zone where one or more laser-cutting heads make the cuts according to the programmed shape. Once cut, the format automatically goes to a stacker.
These lines normally process a large number of shapes and materials (steel/aluminum) and increasingly in series or runs, which must be adapted to several configurations for the same car model. This means managing a very large number of dies. Also, the plants require a lot of space to store these dies.
This laser blanking system application cuts the pieces automatically and continuously, thereby minimising the costs to invest in presses and dies as well as adapting the building (pits, storage areas, special foundations, etc.). Moreover, time is saved as there is no need for changing the format of the pieces. It is said that energy consumption is lower compared to other alternatives.
Danobatgroup customers use the Lantek software on their coil-fed laser blanking lines and all their machines, which allow for process optimisation in the sheet metal industry and thus enjoy high return on machinery and software investments.