Lantek, provider of software solutions for sheet metal production, is now launching version 44 of its software suite. The software update is designed to optimize production processes with the concept “Connected. Live. Smart.” concept and brings a host of innovations for the CAD-CAM, MES and ERP software modules. The aim: maximum production efficiency and connectivity as well as optimal decision-making.
V44 gives sheet metal fabricators better control over their production with new ways to integrate machines, streamline workflows and gain better insights based on data. For companies looking to optimize their processes with the latest software technology, this update is a major step forward.
Nesting based on the properties
Lantek Expert V44 brings a number of innovations that optimize the CAD-CAM 2D workflow. First and foremost is the property-based nesting function. This allows the user to group parts by attributes such as delivery date, customer or other data, increasing the efficiency of the entire production process. This new feature not only organizes parts for better assembly and packaging, but also provides the flexibility to separate or mix groups, with options to insert dividing lines to facilitate cutting. The new import wizard allows you to filter by layers in DXF/DWG files and delete unneeded geometry during file import. This significantly reduces manual post-processing and speeds up the preparation phase. In addition, a new punch change option in the turret configuration solves the problem of turret limitations on the machine by allowing users to use rectangular and square punches for operations with tools of different sizes, even if they are loaded at a different angle. This ensures faster processing on the machine – without time-consuming detours. 
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Support of robot cutting heads with Lantek Flex3D
Lantek Flex3D V44 includes features to increase performance, ease of use and productivity in tube and profile cutting. Improvements to part import and job management and storage increase performance and make the system more agile. For the production of steel structures, the introduction of new cutting techniques enables a choice between straight, angled or Z-shaped cuts, taking into account welding allowances and gaps to obtain precise dimensions after welding. In addition, support for robotic cutting heads increases Flex3D’s compatibility for machines with more than five axes, including robots, enabling optimized cutting movements for complex steel construction projects.
3D production feedback
Lantek MES V44 brings upgrades to improve efficiency and flexibility in manufacturing, driving the digital transformation of production. Lantek MES Intralogistics optimizes the flow of raw materials from the warehouse to the workstations, reduces downtime and ensures that materials are provided to the production machines as needed. This also increases material traceability and minimizes errors – which makes processes more efficient overall. With the new 3D production feedback function, operators can register finished parts directly in the system without having to perform complex graphical nesting, which simplifies the management of remnants, especially in manual processes. In addition, advanced scrap management gives operators the ability to quickly rework or recover lost or damaged parts without having to restart the entire workflow, significantly reducing delays and increasing overall productivity.
Definition of scrap prices
Lantek Integra V44 comes with improvements in ease of use, cost management accuracy and workflow efficiency. The new file drag and drop feature simplifies file management and allows users to insert geometry files or documents directly into quotes, customer orders or freight numbers. The system automatically identifies and links the file format, which considerably speeds up and simplifies business processes. In addition, the definition of scrap prices provides more precise control over material cost calculations, as users can set specific scrap prices for different materials. This allows for more accurate, competitive quoting and cost estimation, with the system automatically taking into account scrap costs for each nesting and also ensuring full traceability.
New export functions
Lantek Bend V44 offers powerful new features to increase the automation, integration and efficiency of the bending process. The enhanced CAD import module now supports a variety of native CAD file formats and utilizes the Hoops library to automatically detect materials, thicknesses and bend lines. This reduces manual input and speeds up the import process. In addition, the new Starmatik export capabilities expand Lantek Bend’s capabilities for robot programming by exporting bend line data to a DXF format for use with Lantek Expert, ensuring accurate and automated programming based on specific material properties. In addition, deeper integration with Lantek Expert, MES and Integra transforms Lantek Bend into a fully connected solution, allowing users to seamlessly open, modify and synchronize 3D files across all systems. This integration simplifies data management, provides real-time updates and improves the efficiency of quoting and production by reducing complexity for users of all skill levels while increasing operational agility.
A big step on the way to the smart factory
Lantek V44 is not just another software update – it redefines the way modern manufacturing works. The new “Connected. Live. Smart.” – combined with Lantek Analytics for data analysis – provides sheet metal fabrication with real-time insights for smarter decisions by connecting machines, operators and data sources. Its powerful tools increase manufacturing efficiency and enable users to optimize their planning, monitor performance and get a complete overview of their production lines. “With V44, we want to help companies in sheet metal production to become more networked, more intelligent and therefore more efficient,” says Christoph Lenhard, Head of the German office responsible for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Web: www.lantek.com/de
