FOCUS ON LASER CUTTING
“ We use the laser-cutting process for smaller sheet metal thicknesses of up to 30mm , especially where the parts are further processed automatically . Even tighter tolerances are required than can be achieved with plasma cutting . Bevel laser cutting is our specialty . In material thicknesses of up to 30mm , we can cut maximum cutting angles of up to 50 °,” said the company .
The new MESSER ELEMENT 400 L 8kW fibre laser bevel unit has a maximum working area of 3,000 x 8,000mm . It now joins the 3.2kW TRUMPF TLF 3200 CO₂ laser at the company ’ s premises .
Next steps
Mechthild Beuting sees the whole thing very positively from a management point of view . The competitive edge that the new machine has brought is clear . Product quality has been greatly improved and working conditions for operators have improved . “ We are already using the
A selection of laser-cut parts at Beuting Metalltechnik GmbH & Co . KG .
system very successfully , even in semiunmanned shifts ,” she said .
Ulrike Beuting echoes her mother on the advantages of digitisation .
“ Several work steps in order processing , manual material bookings as well as rework costs have been eliminated , which reduce time and costs . The higher cost transparency means that we can further optimise processes ,” she explained .
“ Through this joint development work , we were able to significantly reduce nonproductive times and increase the productivity of the machine . We were also able to influence many details . Another advantage is the intuitive
Global Connect control , which does not take long to learn ,” added Lisa-Marie Beuting , the second daughter of the family and successor to the management team .
The Beuting family is already planning next steps . Automation and digitisation are central themes . The ELEMENT L is to be further optimised and the material logistics automated . The plan is to connect the machines to the ERP system so that manual recording of times and quantities becomes superfluous . Production planning and order processing is further digitised with OmniFab . The evaluation of machine data should bring more transparency and further improve cutting processes .
Laser power is to be increased . The management wishes to counteract the growing shortage of skilled workers with attractive jobs . Rising technical requirements from customers , who are also automating and digitising their processes , will be met with the help of innovative technologies .
“ Despite the stress test , we would choose this solution again any time ,” concluded Mechthild Beuting . “ We have just ordered the second ELEMENT L , this time with 15kW laser power .” n
:// beuting-metall . de
About the ELEMENT 400 L
The ELEMENT L is a flexible solution for laser cutting applications which can process XXL sheets using little manpower . With the Bevel-U , precise and repeatable bevel parts can be produced which is advantageous for edge preparation and especially for automated welding . “ With the Element 400 L , working widths of between 1,600mm and 5,100mm and a working length of up to 25,000mm are possible . It cuts sheet steel up to a thickness of 40mm . With positioning speeds of up to 140m / min . and high acceleration ( combination of X and Y axes ), it is very fast and , thanks to the linear guides in the X and Y axes , has a high level of positioning accuracy ,” Messer Cutting Systems told ISMR . “ Up to six tools can be integrated into the ELEMENT 400 L , including automatic tool selection and positioning . The user can also combine the latest laser technology ( maximum of two stations ) with advanced plasma cutting technology ,” it added . The Laser Nozzle Control ( LNC ) quickly automates set-up work for every material , thickness and process - without manual intervention . Nozzle quality is regularly checked , and the nozzle cleaned to ensure high process reliability . In the event of a defect or a different sheet thickness , the nozzle is automatically replaced . The concentricity of the laser beam to the nozzle is checked and scanning is automatically calibrated for increased cutting quality and reduced set-up times . “ Global Connect control software can process production orders directly , especially in combination with the products from the OmniFab family . It offers a simple and clear user interface and protection against operating errors . It also provides fast access to a wide range of production data , minimizing unplanned downtime and operator errors , reducing paper and material handling inefficiencies and labour ,” concluded Messer Cutting Systems .