LVD - a leading global player in the sheet metalworking equipment space - showcased the benefits of process efficiency at Blechexpo 2021 (held from October 26-29, 2021 at Stuttgart, Germany), demonstrating the Phoenix FL-3015 fiber laser cutting machine with new 20 kW power source, the new Ulti-Form robotic bending cell, and updated CADMAN® v8.7, a software suite designed to empower the smart factory. 

Laser cutting 2.5 times faster than 10 kw

The powerful 20 kW Phoenix FL-3015 provides the ultimate level of laser cutting productivity and processes efficiently a wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous materials and material thicknesses up to 40 mm. The machine cuts up to 2.5 times faster than a 10-kW fiber laser. It pierces and cuts thick materials at rates faster than most plasma cutting systems with straighter kerfs and the ability to cut holes half the thickness of the sheet, all with the processing efficiency and accuracy of fiber laser cutting.

Acceleration and accuracy are further supported by the machine’s rigid welded steel frame construction. An integrated control and drive system ensure the highest reproduction of programmed contours at fast processing speeds.

The 19” Touch-L control is user-friendly: operators of all skill levels can interact easily with the Phoenix. Phoenix FL offers a number of options to advance performance, including a 10-station automatic nozzle changer, CADMAN-L programming software, and MOVit modular automation from the Compact Tower to full tower and warehouse systems (TAS and WAS). The 20-kW fiber laser source is available on Phoenix FL-3015, 4020 and 6020 models.

Bending cell needs no robot teaching

LVD’s new Ulti-Form robotic bending cell keeps bending productivity at its peak, handling short and long production runs efficiently. Ulti-Form offers a fast “art to part” process with LVD’s powerful programming. CADMAN-B automatically calculates the optimal bend program and imports all bending data into the robot software CADMAN-SIM, no robot teaching is required. SIM automatically calculates gripper positions, generating the fastest collision-free path for the robot and then feeds the information back to B, enabling the operator to work with just one program.

LVD’s auto-adapting gripper accommodates a number of part geometries, automatically adjusting to the workpiece size. Its smart design saves investment in different grippers and gripper changeover time. Ulti-Form features a 135-ton automated tool changing press brake with built-in tooling warehouse integrated with an industrial robot. The cell handles parts from 50 x 100 mm up to 1200 x 800 mm weighing up to 25 kgs. Equipped with LVD’s Easy-Form Laser adaptive bending system, Ulti-Form guarantees angle accuracy, ensuring consistently accurate bending results.

Software advances process flow

Newly released CADMAN software v8.7 introduces several key features, as well as updates for CADMAN-JOB (Manufacturing Execution System), CADMAN-SDI (Smart Drawing Importer), CADMAN-P (punching) and CADMAN-L (laser cutting). CADMAN v8.7 is able to integrate foreign operations such as tapping, deburring, and grinding, allowing to control, monitor and log an order from raw material to finished part. Foreign operations are now visible in the CADMAN-JOB overview screen, and can be tracked and traced in the production process for real-time transparency. 

The latest CADMAN software can also manage the complete sheet metal production process without the need for an ERP system.  Work orders can be created within CADMAN-SDI for transfer to CADMAN-JOB.  This functionality makes CADMAN a practical solution for sheet metalworking businesses of all sizes, including companies who don’t have an ERP system.

Enhancements also include the ability to create an execution plan and add unplanned operations during production using CADMAN-JOB; “drag and drop” importation of files and the ability to “expand parts,” in CADMAN-P and CADMAN-L, among other new updates.  

LVD is a leading manufacturer of sheet metalworking equipment, including laser cutting systems, punch presses, press brakes, 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.