FACE TO FACE
Automation in focus
To propel plate processors to ‘ one-stopshop ’ status , Voortman offers a range of production planning tools , including scheduling and sequencing modules and EVI ( Extended Voortman Insights ), that display real-time production data .
“ Effective production scheduling by utilising the appropriate machines at the right time is key for responding to and winning new contracts , meeting deadlines and maintaining flexibility . Therefore , after automatically generating optimal nesting programs , it is crucial to balance machine workloads and jobs to ensure error-free and on-track production , said Krone .
“ To keep the machine running on schedule , ground-breaking functionalities have been added to our VACAM control software . The Operator Dashboard is designed to provide valuable support to operators , informing them of manual operations and plate-or job-loading requirements . Combined with the Unmanned Mode feature to bypass manual intervention for extended periods , operators can add value elsewhere while the machine operates autonomously . The Dashboard indicates when operator intervention is required ,” highlighted Thomas Krone .
Skilled operator and labour shortages have led Voortman to develop flexible , automated solutions that can run without manual
Voortman offers a range of production planning tools designed to give customers insight into each aspect of the overall process via an operator dashboard .
Voortman ’ s new Fabricator automated welding system .
intervention in lights-out mode throughout the night , for example . That means introducing increased process capability to the machines and focusing on software development .
“ A great example of this is our new Fabricator automated welding system , which compensates for the global shortage of skilled welders in the steel-fabrication market ,” Thomas Krone told ISMR . “ It performs fully automated tacking and welding of plates to a beam and features a range of robots and welding torches . It also showcases our skills in fully automatic assembly and welding . Operators can choose on the fly between ‘ Fit & Weld ’ or only ‘ Fit ’. However , it is not just about optimising and automating the production but also the weld preparation . We therefore developed welding preparation software to run this machine via our DIGI-Steel company in the UK ,” Thomas Krone told ISMR . Voortman ’ s VACAM operating software , designed to be user-friendly , is included in all its machines . System component behaviour is the same on all machines running VACAM software , and operators can switch between machines without worrying about where commands and settings on the control screen are located after initial VACAM training . Onebutton automation is available on Voortman ’ s plate-processing machines .
Voortman ’ s V807 robotic thermal profile cutting system processes profiles and combining all processing functions to offer advantages over dedicated drilling , milling , sawing , punching , shearing and layout marking systems .
“ Flexibility is the key . We sell the machine to companies that want to be very flexible to produce any shape in one ‘ go ’. They can load a profile automatically and the machine will
start processing all these features ,” Thomas Krone explained to ISMR .
Meet Voortman at Blechexpo 2023
Show visitors can meet Voortman on its stand 3304 in Hall 3 at the Blechexpo exhibition in Stuttgart , Germany ( 7-10 November 2023 ). Live demonstrations of its V310 plate-processing machine will highlight functions such as bevel cutting ; drilling ; milling ; marking ; thread-tapping and countersinking on a single machine .
At the booth , Voortman will also focus on value chains , operator interaction and unmanned production . Its latest software solutions , such as the VACAM Operator Dashboard and the VACAM Scheduling Overview , will also be on display .
“ Our hybrid milling and plate buffering capability , as well as new pipe-cutting functionality on our plate-processing machine , will be showcased . We will also present the full process of value chain automation and digitisation , from quoting to delivery , on the booth ,” outlined Thomas Krone , Business Development Manager , Voortman Steel Machinery .
Voortman will also be exhibiting at Tube and Wire ( Germany ) and SteelFab ( UAE ) in 2024 .
New pipe-cutting functionality on plate-processing equipment .
In conclusion
Voortman is continuously developing new solutions and machines and is eager to share its knowledge and experience with customers . It offers interactive webinars and technical support / expertise , covering a broad range of topics and designed to inspire users and outline new ways of working .
It has also placed a strong focus on providing software solutions that enables clients to provide insight into real-time process data , allowing them to make powerful decisions leading their business forward with confidence .
“ Ultimately , we act as a partner to our customers and aim to make them more efficient and successful ,” summarised Thomas Krone . n
www . voortman . net
76 | ismr . net | ISMR October 2023