FACE TO FACE
The Platesaver application , a SureCut™ technology designed to maximize the number of parts on a plate for more profit per plate . and pressure vessels . Hypertherm is now automating the cutting of pressure vessels , which has historically been done manually .
“ A lot of this is fuelling 3D cutting demand , so I would say that there is more accelerated development in that space than traditional 2D . We feature this on our EuroBLECH booth around our Robotmaster software and optimised processes for more variable dimensions ,” he added .
Hypertherm Robotmaster software .
CAD / CAM nesting software
The latest release of ProNest ® 2023 , Hypertherm ’ s advanced CAD / CAM nesting software for automated cutting , includes full functionality for PlateSaver™ , a SureCut™ technology that combines the arc stability of X-Definition ® plasma with specialised software parameters to dramatically increase material utilisation when cutting mild steel . It also contains enhancements to ProNest ’ s Production Manager , a web-based module that integrates with Hypertherm ’ s EDGE Connect ® CNC to automatically capture real-time machine data .
Enhancements include the ability to edit production times for completed nests , set job status changes and search for nests by customer . There is also a feature that merges XPR set-ups . The software will now automatically detect and merge changes made to the process parameters or bevel spreadsheets into a new set-up during installation . Users can choose to use their existing customisations or the latest factory cut charts .
“ Changes to the user interface include a new welcome screen and customisable ribbon . Our software developers have really focused on reducing the waste inherent in most cutting operations . Features like PlateSaver do this by maximizing the number of parts on a plate so customers can buy fewer plates and waste less metal . Tools like our Production Manager module will help customers look at their operations more holistically , providing insight to help them work smarter , faster and more profitably ,” added the company .
ProNest CAD / CAM nesting software enables seamless integration with SureCut , technology that applies optimised parameters to simplify cutting and reduces the need for operator intervention .
Lessons from COVID-19
Hypertherm adapted to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and created a hybrid way of working ( using digital technologies ) that , it told ISMR , “ suited us , our partners and our customers and made us all more efficient .”
“ We took decisions remotely , ran more webinars and offered more video and online training . We also demonstrated our machine technologies virtually and communicated more on digital platforms . We intend to continue with some of these practices as they worked for everyone . There is now a lot more flexibility for our Associates to work from home for part of the week ,” confirmed Marco Mostert .
“ The great resignation also affected the skilled labour market and accelerated the
Hypertherm Associates ’ OMAX technology brand exhibited its waterjet systems in Hall 12 at EuroBLECH in Hanover .
Cutting with Hypertherm X-Definition plasma system , the XPR300 .
whole process . The pandemic taught us how to harness technologies and eliminate the less rewarding aspects of fabrication ( such as lower value-added tasks ) to attract new generations into manufacturing . A hybrid workforce or even fully remote workforce is pretty transformational ,” continued Evan A . Smith .
One of Hypertherm ’ s USPs , he insisted , is its Associate-owned structure .
“ We are owned by our Associates . This makes us different , as we are a company of owners . Every decision we make is viewed through that lens . We have a ‘ no layoff ’ philosophy through ups and downs ; we keep our talent assets onboard and that degree of commitment , focus and loyalty means that we have the energy , creative powers and talents of everyone in our organisation . We adopt the Lean philosophy of ‘ total integration ’ and train every Associate on Lean process through Lego exercises and have them fully critique their own workstreams . We make everyone a problem solver and process optimiser in the business to harness every ounce of energy ,” he continued .
“ Our Associates are very invested in Hypertherm ’ s success which means that they have a very tight connection and high degree of engagement with customers . We think this sets us apart in the long term ,” he concluded . n
. hyperthermassociates . com