FACE TO FACE
LVD ’ s D-Cell .
LVD Vietnam technical seminar earlier this year .
LVD Tech Days .
“ We view the future with cautious optimism , bearing in mind what we see in the market . However , we do see more people focusing on machines and software that add value to their business . So , the real question for manufacturers is ‘ what are the implications of not investing ?’”, he continued .
He highlighted the challenges of labour , and skilled labour , shortages as well as increased labour costs in developing markets which are affecting manufacturer margins and moving more towards automation . He also pointed to growth in established marketplaces , such as North America , where he sees higher interest in software , robotics and automation to manage sheet metalworking processes . LVD Group showcased its new D-Cell robotised bending solution at the recent FABTECH exhibition in Chicago .
“ We also see high product mix , short lead times and increased part complexity as core market challenges . Our solutions help manufacturers to cope in this environment . For example , next year we will launch more automation products and robotised bending , laser cutting and punching solutions as well as more software solutions . The new CADMAN software version comes to market next year ,” outlined Matt Fowles . “ More and more markets are focusing on
LVD ’ s Touch-i4 industrial tablet computer collects real-time machine data with an intuitive touch interface . software so that is key for us . We believe that more intelligence needs to go into the software , which we have done with CADMAN-FLOW . One of its USPs is its ability to optimise or significantly reduce the number of tool changes for customers to make parts in batch production . It ’ s all about throughput and flexibility . High-mix production and increasing part complexity mean smarter software and more intelligence , intuition and competence in software control ,” he added .
Sustainability in focus
LVD has embraced sustainability and energy efficiency in its products , processes and operations . It uses variable flow pump systems on its bending systems and frequency converters on its lasers to promote energy efficiency . H & L systems on its punching machines enable ‘ fast flow , low pressure ’ or ‘ higher tonnage , lower flow ’ options .
Programmes like its NexGen upgrade extend the useful life of LVD press brakes , delivering as much as a 50 per cent increase in machine productivity . The Group promotes the reduction of waste and encourages environmentally sound practices in its production facilities including the use of solar panels ; the application of water-based paint and the reduction of electricity , water and heating oil by 30-50 per cent .
However , sustainability in manufacturing is about much more than that , as Matt Fowles pointed out to ISMR ……
“ Sustainability is not just about power consumption ; it is also about the resources / efforts that are used to make the part . Around 90 % of the process of making parts is nonmachine-related time . That is a real eye-opener . In fact , the big sustainability picture means that software has a huge part to play in a sustainable approach to manufacturing ,” he told ISMR . “ If you can make a 10 % impact on the overall cycle time of making parts , using less overhead and fewer resources more efficiently , then that is a more sustainable approach to manufacturing . It is important not to just focus on the nuts and bolts ( such as laser machine power etc .) but also to think about the efficiency of the overall process . The increase in digitalisation has also had a significant impact on sustainability ,” he explained .
LVD will continue to provide solutions to help manufacturers cope with high product mixes , short lead times , labour shortages and increased part complexity .
“ We are adaptable and work to a countercyclical strategy to protect us from downturns or changes in particular regions and markets . The key is to keep supporting our customers by bringing new value-added solutions and creating opportunities ,” concluded Matt Fowles . n
www . lvdgroup . com
EDITOR ’ S NOTE
To watch the video of the new PB21 / 12 panel bender in operation , see www . youtube . com / watch ? v = Xe2 _ nTvuVJM & t = 15s Early next year , the LVD Group will be exhibiting at SteelFab in UAE ; IMTEX in India ; TechniShow in Netherlands ; STOM in Poland and Tolexpo / Global Industrie in France .
ISMR November 2023 | ismr . net | 23