FACE TO FACE
In the last two-three years , we acquired an Italian automation designer and manufacturer , COMPAC . We knew we needed to expand our automation portfolio , for laser cutting and punching in particular , because we could see that customers not only wanted to increase productivity ( including for small-medium batches ), but also wished to resolve material flow issues . This acquisition was a strategic move , and we have since integrated this within our product portfolio and manufacturing network . Our sales of automated systems ( particularly lasers ) have grown , as a result .
In terms of automation , we also introduced the Dyna-Cell automated bending cell whose automated programming wizard takes users from art to part in 20 minutes ( digital file to completed 3D part ). We have now also launched Ulti-Form , the next level of automation for bending , so that users can handle more complex and larger parts . It guarantees art to part in under 20 minutes . We will continue developing our automation strategy to meet market demand .
ISMR : What are your views on the current global business climate for sheet metal professionals ? What about the climate in 2022 ?
MF : I think it is hard to predict what will happen in 2022 . I hope that the manufacturing industry will remain as resilient as it has been . I think there will still be challenges with material costs and availability . This increases the focus on the ‘ order to cash ’ cycle ( working capital and cash flow ) and the streamlining of this process . More people are now aware of the benefits of Industry 4.0 and the use of Big Data , which is so essential to speeding material flow .
2022 will bring more face-to-face contact with customers through normal sales and service channels . There will , however , still be pressure on short lead times and low inventory levels . The big question is : will something happen that affects market or consumer confidence , such as a new COVID variant etc .? That is key .
LVD introduced the TL 8525 to its line of tube laser cutting machines in June this year .
Robotic bending
Ulti-Form robotic bending cell .
LVD will demonstrate the capabilities of the new Ulti-Form robotic bending cell at Blechexpo in Stuttgart , Germany , from 26-29 October 2021 ( Hall 1 , Stand 1713 ). Ulti- Form handles both small batches and long production runs , maintaining in-process quality and bend angle consistency , using LVD ’ s Easy-Form ® Laser adaptive bending system . It features a 135-ton automated tool-changing press brake integrated with an industrial robot . The press brake houses a built-in tooling warehouse and uses a gripper mechanism in the machine ’ s back gauge to change tools . The press brake and robot work together to minimize changeover time , handling parts from 50 x 100mm up to 1200 x 800mm , weighing up to 25kg . “ Ulti-Form offers a fast ‘ art to part ’ process with our powerful programming wizard . Programming of both press brake and robot is handled by CADMAN ® -SIM and no robot teaching is required . CADMAN ® software automatically calculates the optimal bend program , imports all bending data into the robot software module and automatically calculates gripper positions , generating the fastest collision-free path for the robot ,” commented LVD .
ISMR : How did the COVID-19 crisis affect LVD ’ s operations and which steps have you taken in response ?
MF : LVD has a counter-cyclical strategy which protected us when the COVID-19 crisis happened . We immediately made changes to our sales , service and manufacturing operations . This kept us dynamic and flexible . You need to react dynamically to the conditions that you face .
Despite the pandemic , we have done very good business in the last year with our online demonstrations , webinars and virtual events . Of course , if users wish to see a machine , they can visit a customer who has one or come to one of our Experience Centres . Business is not entirely online but we have relied more on digital sales and marketing technologies this year because of the pandemic . It was very tough , initially , going from face-to-face oriented to going virtual . We focused on creating great content , getting that out to salespeople and doing one-on-one online or live meetings with customers . However , at some point in the
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