ISMR November 2022 | Page 41

FACE TO FACE

Digital solutions from Messer Cutting Systems facilitate optimised processes for improved efficiency , higher productivity and reduced costs .

An eye on productivity for example , an accurate calculation on the basis of the very volatile steel prices is hardly possible .

In the short term , we will just have to live with the uncertainty . However , in the medium term we see potential for companies in the metalworking sector who are engaged with energy or climate topics .
A further theme which is ever more acute is the lack of skilled personnel . To counter this , digitalisation and automation will be even more important for companies .
ISMR : Please explain your strategic focus over the next few years ?
JM : In process technology , besides plasma and oxyfuel , we are focusing more on laser cutting . We see the greatest development potential here in comparison to oxyfuel and plasma . We also want to build more on our synergies with our colleagues at Messer SE & Co . KGaA , the world ’ s largest family-run specialist for gases , so that our customers can benefit from our unique product portfolio .
The lack of skilled personnel is a great problem . For this reason , we will be increasingly concentrating on automation , for example in material handling , over the coming years . Software will play a major role in this as it networks individual machines and systems together and provides data transparency . We have already implemented intelligent solutions into customer projects successfully here and have succeeded in increasing productivity .
To sum up : we regard ourselves as solution providers who work in “ creating solutions beyond machines ” attuned to our customers ’ requirements . customers is the current demographic change , which has already started , combined with the shortage of skilled workers and , of course , the competitiveness that they must maintain in this difficult environment . We try to meet those challenges by providing automated and digitised solutions .
If we look at the cutting process , we see the need to perfect the cutting quality to such an extent that automatic robotic welding can be seamlessly connected , for example . Our control systems also play a crucial role . They can be operated very intuitively , so that even unskilled machine operators can be trained in a very short time .
Furthermore , the deep integration of our software solutions into our control systems raise processes to a new , digital level . It digitises the execution of all cutting orders and control of the cut parts . All cutting orders are available directly in the control and ready for processing .
The Element 400 L processes working widths from 1,600mm to 5,100mm and a working length of up to 25,000mm are possible . It can cut sheets of mild steel , stainless steel and Aluminium of up to 40mm thick . It does this with positioning speeds of up to 140 m / min . and high acceleration ( combination X- / Y axes ) with , via linear guides , high positioning accuracy .
“ High-speed lifters and modern process optimisation ensure a significant increase in productivity . Independent , servo-driven tools offer versatile processing options . Set-up times can be reduced by automatic positioning of multiple tools from the part program or the control ( optional ). Plasma and laser is combined ; up to six torch stations can be integrated in the ELEMENT 400 L ( including automatic torch spacing and programmable torch selection ),” said Messer Cutting Systems .
“ The highlight of the Element 400 L is the bevel-cutting head specially developed for the laser process , the Bevel-U . It is suitable for the production of precise and repeatable bevel parts – a great advantage in weld preparation for automated robot welding . The bevel angle is continuously adjusted during the lasercutting process . Magnetic collision protection for the cutting head is part of the design . The Laser Nozzle Control ( LNC ) automates set-up tasks quickly with no manual intervention ,” it added .
The Bevel-U bevel unit , specially developed for the laser process , enables bevels in the workpiece of between -50 ° and + 50 °.
ISMR : Which issues are of prime importance for your customers and how are you addressing these issues for them ?
JM : The greatest challenge for most of our
ISMR November 2022 | ismr . net | 41