FACE TO FACE
I have been on board at Bystronic for three months now . We are facing a very challenging global market . Bystronic has a great deal of knowledge as well as fantastic people with lots of expertise , so we have all the ingredients for success when the economy comes back .
In terms of profitability , I expect a much better year for us next year . In terms of volume , I do not expect a huge rebound , but I do see a recovery .
Bystronic ByCut 3015 laser cutter .
ISMR : Now that you have joined Bystronic , what will be your strategic direction for the company ?
DI : I believe that Bystronic has the right strategy to become a full systems supplier , rather than a single machine supplier . We are building on this strategy and are currently building a divisional more customer-centric organisation which will help us on our journey to become one-stop-shop for our customers .
We have formed two divisions : Systems and Service . With the Systems division , we are placing a greater focus on the machine business ; combining machines , automation and software . Functions that were previously managed decentrally , will now be integrated into the division ( such as engineering , product management and sales ). This will enable us to align our product development more closely with market requirements , optimise customer-focused project management and improve overarching communication with our customers .
ISMR : Where will you be directing your investments next year ?
DI : We will definitely be investing more into automation and diversification . Automation around the laser is very interesting and we see some new opportunities . In addition , we will launch new tube technology next year . It is our plan to expand the tube business . More announcements on this will be made in 2025
ISMR : Which trends do you see developing in global sheet metal markets ?
DI : Customers require an end-to-end system in a full solution ( e . g . connecting cutting to loading and storage etc .). If you don ’ t incorporate software and digitalisation into that solution , you are out of the market . Some manufacturers are managing their own path on digitalisation , whilst others are cooperating on projects only .
Artificial intelligence ( AI ) will play a much bigger role in the future , and it is mandatory that manufacturers build on it . Without AI , we will not have the speed to develop the types of systems that we want . It will play a huge role in teaching , programming and adapting machines , as well as proactive maintenance .
ByCut Eco laser with ByLoader Flex
Bystronic has developed a new entrylevel solution for laser automation ; the ByCut Eco laser cutter in combination with the ByLoader Flex automation solution .
“ Simple , robust , affordable ; these are the attributes of the ByCut Eco . The new Bystronic ByCut Eco 3015 / 4020 with a choice of 3- , 4- or 6 kilowatts of laser power is the right choice for entrepreneurs who want to get into the laser cutting business or want an uncomplicated fibre laser without many extras ,” outlined Bystronic .
The ByLoader Flex automation system handles sheet metal on a Bystronic laser cutting system . If customers have more than one laser cutting system , the “ 2-for-1 ” principle of the ByLoader Flex means that two laser machines can be managed simultaneously by one ByLoader Flex . “ Simple operation and low price are the plus points of this cutting cell . Customers can leave the loading and unloading process to the ByLoader Flex and take care of more important tasks ,” concluded Bystronic .
Bystronic ByLoader Flex .
A new approach : ByCut packages
Bystronic is taking a new approach to its laser cutting systems . Customers no longer select pre-defined machines in various classes with existing features , but instead assemble their Bystronic laser cutting system themselves according to their production requirements .
“ The ByCut laser cutter forms the basis . Depending upon requirements , an Autonomy Package ; a Power Package ; a Dynamic Package ; a Quality Cut Package or a Convenience Package can be added . This means that customers receive exactly what they really need . The packages can also be combined ,” highlighted Bystronic at EuroBLECH 2024 .
The laser cutting cell , with laser packages on show at EuroBLECH , included a complete automation system with the ByCut 30kW laser cutter , a third shuttle table ( Shuttle Table Extension ) and the ByTower Compact combined loading and unloading system ( including storage tower ).
78 | ismr . net | ISMR November 2024