Spain-based
Lantek, a global leader in software solutions for the sheet metal industry, and
Zinser, a renowned German manufacturer of ‘state of the art’ sheet metal and pipe cutting systems, have jointly developed an innovative solution that revolutionises bevel cutting in pre-cut parts. This collaboration allows customers to improve precision without interrupting production, achieving greater efficiency and higher quality finishes.
Traditionally, bevel cutting was performed within the nesting process, often causing issues such as collisions, cutting inaccuracies, or production slowdowns. The industry is now shifting towards a more efficient approach — first, parts are cut on a high-production machine, and then those requiring bevels are transferred to a dedicated bevel-cutting machine.
This approach, increasingly adopted by European machine manufacturers, reduces downtime in the main cutting process while improving control over bevelling operations. At the core of this solution is Zinser’s sophisticated part-recognition system. Its machines use advanced measurement technologies (such as optical cameras, contact sensors, and multi-point detection) to accurately identify each part’s geometry and orientation, enabling precise and reliable bevel cutting.
Lantek’s contribution to this development has been key to enabling seamless integration between software and machine. Through a custom-developed post processor for Zinser machines, Lantek’s software uses sensory data to accurately calculate each component’s position and orientation, automatically adjusting the cutting parameters to ensure precise execution.
Optimising workflowFrancisco Pérez, OEM channel director at Lantek, explained: “Our development helps customers optimise workflow and reduce material waste without compromising bevel-cutting quality. This technology delivers more precise cuts and improved production times, ensuring smooth integration with the rest of the manufacturing process.”
By integrating Lantek’s software into Zinser machines, customers can manage bevel cutting more efficiently, particularly for parts with complex geometries. Separating this process from the initial cutting results in a smoother production flow and eliminates unnecessary downtime.
Key benefits of this solution include: higher bevel-cutting precision, thanks to the exact recognition of each part’s position; reduced downtime, as complex operations are handled by a specialised machine without disrupting primary production; optimised workflow, with seamless integration between cutting and bevelling; and compatibility with various part recognition methods, such as optical and contact sensors, enabling greater flexibility in production.
This solution has already been successfully implemented in various facilities across Europe, establishing itself as an innovative approach to optimising bevel cutting in the sheet metal industry. Its design ensures seamless integration with different cutting and automation systems, making it applicable to Zinser industries such as metal structures, shipbuilding, and heavy machinery manufacturing.
With a focus on precision, efficiency, and reduced downtime, this technology represents a major step toward autonomous manufacturing, where the combination of advanced software and specialised machinery optimises production without compromising cut quality.