PRODUCT REVIEWS Sheet unloading system
Lantek, a sheet metal software specialist, and TCI Cutting have jointly developed an automated sheet unloading system. Implemented at several customer sites, this solution is designed to optimise postcutting material handling by eliminating manual intervention and significantly reducing downtime in the production cycle.
Integrated with Lantek Expert software, the system leverages technology developed by TCI Cutting, combining an intelligent suction cup grid with its Automation Systems Load & Unload ® platform for laser cutting machines. This integration enables fully automated removal of parts directly from the cutting table.
“ The system detects the exact position of each part, activates only the required suction cups and ensures precise handling based on the geometry and centre of gravity of each piece. As a result, parts are unloaded without error, avoiding the suction of skeleton material or unwanted components and ensuring that each part is safely and accurately handled,” commented Lantek.
Machines equipped with TCI Cutting’ s Automation Systems Load & Unload ® manage material loading and unloading autonomously and can be connected to intelligent storage systems. Once the cutting process is complete, the processed table exits the working area and the suction system automatically removes the finished parts, without any operator intervention. This aims to streamline the production flow while improving safety and ergonomics.
“ Automating the unloading process without interrupting the cutting cycle is essential to improving efficiency in sheet metal workshops. This solution delivers precision, flexibility and better machine utilisation, reducing operator workload and optimising the entire production process,” explained Francisco Pérez, OEM Channel Director, Lantek.
“ This system not only prevents unloading errors but also provides a flexible, modular and fully customer-adaptable solution,” TCI Cutting added.“ Unlike traditional systems that only allow stacking of identical parts, this solution deposits all cut parts at a single point, giving the operator freedom to organise them according to production needs.”
Suction cup activation can also be manually configured, giving users full flexibility to manage parts with micro-joints or complex geometries. Integration with Lantek Expert ensures advanced process control, allowing operators to fine-tune settings based on production requirements and maximise operational efficiency in every cycle. n
www. lantek. com
www. tcicutting. com
Launch of new EnduraBend tool coating
When bending galvanized sheet metal, stainless steel or aluminium, galling can be a significant issue. It causes marks on the sheet metal and inaccurate bends, while products can get stuck in the V-opening of the bottom tool.
While intensive and frequent cleaning can help, it is a costly extra step and may lead to tool wear. EnduraBend coated tooling, from WILA, has been developed as a solution to this challenge. WILA specialises in clamping, crowning and tooling for pressbrakes.
Galling is the adhesion of particles of the sheet material to the bottom tools due to friction. High forces can cause flash temperatures, enhancing adhesion and leading to abrasive wear. Lowering the interfacial shear strength between the tool and the sheet metal can prevent this.
“ EnduraBend is a versatile and durable tool coating designed to minimise galling during bending, especially in challenging situations where galvanized sheet metal, aluminium or stainless steel are processed. This innovative coating is the result of extensive WILA research into galling, creating the optimal surface and material
properties for WILA CNC-Deephardened tooling,” the Dutch tooling specialist told ISMR.
“ It is a single coating for aluminium, galvanized sheet metal and stainless steel. It contributes to reduced machine downtime by eliminating interruptions due to cleaning. It is also suitable for automated bending processes. The coating prevents tool wear caused by excessive cleaning and improves the corrosion protection on tools,” it added.
For operators that are only bending galvanized sheet metal, WILA also offers its OZU-ZN coating. The WILA OZU-ZN coating is specifically designed to prevent the buildup of zinc deposits on tooling and prevent galling.
WILA has introduced a range of bending innovations over the years such as New Standard and American Style clamping systems for press brakes, smart tool management and Automatic Tool Change. WILA BendSense Technology is designed to provide control and precision in the bending process. n
www
. wilatooling. com
54 | ismr. net | ISMR July / August 2025