FACE TO FACE as business analysis . This includes tight integration with Global Connect , our nextgeneration control to simplify workflows with the operators of Messer cutting machines in automated , as well as semi-automated , scenarios .
With our solutions , customers can achieve completely paperless digital production .
ISMR : Where do you see the greatest challenges and opportunities ?
ISMR : Are there any products / technologies that you have released , or are releasing this year ( including at EuroBLECH ), that you would like to discuss ?
JM : What we can see today is a major leap in laser technology performance . Rapidly increasing laser power , different bevel shapes , new gas mixtures – for laser-cutting machines to be able to meet current demands , innovative solutions are required to make applications more effective and transparent .
Our new laser-cutting machine , ELEMENT 400 L , is the latest member of our ELEMENT family and had been developed to meet these requirements . The highlight is the bevel-cutting head , Bevel-U . It is perfectly suited for the production of precise and repeatable bevel parts – a great advantage in weld preparation for automated robot welding .
Bearing in mind the increasing lack of skilled personnel , automated processes are also extremely important . That is why we also kept the focus on automatic nozzle management , as well as material loading and unloading during the development process . The combination of various features and powerful software ensure maximum productivity and performance . The ELEMENT 400 L therefore becomes a seamless total solution for metal processing in just a few steps . All the system benefits were demonstrated live at EuroBLECH in Hanover , Germany , this year .
ISMR : Which trends do you see developing in sheet-metal cutting markets ?
JM : The themes of “ automation and digitalisation of processes and equipment ” will still be the focus for the next few years . Additionally , the trend towards laser will continue , in our opinion , because of ever-higher laser powers as well as precision in cut quality . In most cases , no finishing is required after laser cutting .
I would like to touch briefly on global climate change . With the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war , it feels as if this has slipped out of the spotlight . However , to be able to achieve climate-protection goals , CO₂ emissions must be reduced along the entire value-added chain . Engineering and plant construction play an important role here ; with
The new , easy-to-operate Global Connect CNC control equipped with 18.5 ” touchscreen helps to save paper and provides a clear overview of all production data in digital form .
new technologies and process optimisation , we can achieve the prerequisites for more process and energy efficiency , and hence sustainability .
ISMR : What is your approach to Industry 4.0 / Big Data and technologies such as Artificial Intelligence , Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality ?
JM : Messer Cutting Systems focuses on providing solutions beyond machines . Our focus is to embed Messer cutting machines as tightly as possible into our customers ’ business and production processes . This is the focus of our Industry 4.0 strategy . We offer a modular portfolio of software components and applications that bridge the customers ’ ERP systems and the machines with solutions for quotation management , production planning , automation and material handling as well
JM : Increasing prices and difficulties in energy supply are a real stress test for engineering . We await positive signals and support from the politicians . But we can also do something ourselves ; to counteract the current bottlenecks , it is important that we broaden our supply chain . We know the customer requirements in the various markets and can implement individual solutions . Quality and customer satisfaction are our highest priorities .
It is important that we also remain competitive in the future . In uncertain times , companies tend to reduce research and development . We must master this tendency in our company as further development is important , especially in times of transformation . Every crisis also offers opportunities . We must recognise these and implement them consistently . n
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Automatic route planning for gas tanks .
EDITOR ’ S NOTE
At EuroBLECH 2022 , Messer ’ s gases division also showcased process optimisation solutions with gases across the spheres of welding and cutting . The joint stand , shared with Messer Cutting Systems , placed a focus on sustainability , energy efficiency , cost reduction and digitalisation .
As laser-cutting machines become increasingly powerful , they require correspondingly large quantities of gas . This also increases the potential risk of particle contamination . Messer is working with Messer Cutting Systems , as a manufacturer of laser-cutting machines , to integrate the filter units and ensure that replacing the filters is a straightforward process . Filter solutions are also available for machines that have already been installed .