FOCUS ON PUNCHING
Extended Tool Magazine( ETM)- external storage of 40 additional tools.
punch press. In the past, three people were needed to cut and punch sheets. Now, there is just one person operating the punch press at Groven +.
“ The installation went very smoothly. We set up this entire system in one month and the start-up took six to eight weeks. We received all the information we needed from LVD to start production efficiently,” outlined the Belgian manufacturer.
No mass production
Groven + is not engaged in mass production. The parts change for every new project. So shouldn’ t it be surprising, then, that Groven + has chosen far-reaching automation?
Not according to Van de Putte ……“ Due to the scale of the projects, the nestings are sufficiently large. One nesting can be used for 100 sheets. It is always a mix of one-off pieces and parts for which large numbers are needed. This makes our system financially viable,” he explained.
Martens added:“ Automation is no longer exclusively modelled on mass production. The software is designed to make automation practical for smaller batches. You should also remember the costs of manual handling. These can be quite substantial.” of value because of its capacity to punch, form, tap and more. Groven + will get to know all the possibilities, step by step, and may upscale its warehouse or sorting unit in the future or analyse its KPIs via CADMAN-JOB to further optimise processes. LVD systems are modular and can grow at the customer’ s pace.”
An eye on the future
“ We have always considered it important to include wall cladding in facade construction. We’ ve also seen that our new machines open a lot of doors for us [ and allow us to tackle ] new projects with more complex cladding,” said Groven +.
“ In the future, we will continue to invest in the latest technology that is also integrated into the machines that we have( and from which we expect a lot). The programming is also quite a learning curve for us, but we are making great strides. We use LVD’ s CADMAN software. Now our engineering office sends us 3D files instead of the 2D drawings that we used to have to redraw. The software imports the 3D files and gives us an‘ unfold’ with the correct bend allowance. We can use those files to punch the parts very quickly and accurately,” it continued.
“ When it comes to efficiency, it’ s quite simple. When you switch from standalone to automated, the difference is like night and day. The press brake used to have to wait for the punch press, but now the press brake can hardly keep up …..” concluded the Belgian manufacturer. n
About LVD
LVD is a leading manufacturer of sheetmetalworking equipment, including laser cutting systems, punch presses, press brakes, automatic and semiautomatic panel benders, guillotine shears and automation systems, integrated to and supported by its CADMAN ® software suite. LVD Industry- 4.0-ready products and technology make smart manufacturing possible.
Packing
a punch
To watch the video of the Strippit PX punch press with FA-P in action at Groven +, see www. youtube. com / watch? v = CiuftRwxrZA
www. grovenplus. be
www. lvdgroup. com
Tripled productivity
The system has been in use for one year, so it is time for the first evaluation. Van De Putte confirmed:“ Commissioning this type of system entails a steep learning curve. At the start, we processed 200 to 300 sheets monthly, but we’ re now closer to 1000. That volume can certainly be increased because, for the time being, we are not running at night but that is our intention in the long term.”
Pierre Comhaire, Punch Press Product Manager, LVD, added:“ This system offers a lot
Automated warehousing system with 100 pallets.
90 | ismr. net | ISMR September 2025