Short delivery times possible thanks to seamless flow in laser cutting

Online is the future, even for those in need of flawlessly cut metal parts. Thyssenkrupp Materials Belgium Division Laser Works can call itself a pioneer in this field. State-of-the-art machinery ensures that the Merelbeke-based company can keep its promises in terms of delivery times. For laser cutting and bending work, it resolutely opts for Bystronic technology. Top in material processing, even better in creating a seamless flow.

Olivier Goubau (left) and Peter Buggenhout: "Every Bystronic that has already been working here has proven itself to be particularly reliable. If problems do arise, we can fall back on excellent support."

Thyssenkrupp Materials Belgium Division Laser Works has been operating as a subcontractor in laser cutting of tube and sheet since 1991. In addition, it is responsible for the cutting work on thyssenkrupp's stair elevators, which enjoy a worldwide reputation. "Our strength comes from our teamwork. On the one hand, the skilled people behind the machines who work here in three shifts, and on the other, the state-of-the art technology at the heart of the machinery. The synergy between the two is what enables us to deliver such quality in short time," says Olivier Goubau, Laser Cutting product manager. "For stair elevators, for example, we get the cutting done in 22 hours. after which it can leave directly for the customer. Then you have to be able to work seamlessly and flawlessly."

Several years ago, the first fiber laser cutting machine made its appearance. Goubau sees the technology catching up with CO2 laser.

Software stands out

Crucial to merging all processes into a seamless whole is software. "Through our webshop, customers can order laser work in 2 minutes. An online portal can only be useful if you can deliver it with the same efficiency on the other side. An ERP package is indispensable in this, but the production must also be able to be controlled." Thanks to Bysoft7, Bystronic's software, that runs like clockwork.
"Bystronic's cutting technology is top-notch and with the accompanying software they make even more of a difference from competitors. Compare it to Apple. The software is so intuitive that the advantages stand out. I can confidently let a new bending machine work here on its own after half an hour of training. That's how user-friendly it is. The software automatically translates customers' 3D drawings, whether loaded in .dwg, .dxf or .step, into a CNC program and collates them into an efficient nesting. In doing so, we don't want to exploit every cm² of plate but to make a healthy trade-off between the price of the material and the cost of sorting it out," says Goubau.

For the stair elevators, for example, thyssenkrupp Materials Belgium Division Laser Works gets the cutting work done in 22 hours. Then you have to be able to work seamlessly and flawlessly.

Always ahead of the pack

The cooperation between thyssenkrupp Materials Belgium Division Laser Works and Bystronic dates back to 1992. "In the meantime, our production floor here has grown into a small showroom for them," Goubau says with a wink. "It started with a laser cutting machine that could cut both sheets and profiles flawlessly. The increasing demand soon resulted in two separate machines and that's how the ball kept rolling. Before every investment, however, we go to the market to compare. Thanks to Bystronic, our machinery was always ahead of the pack. The intense cooperation has certainly not hurt us." A few years ago, the first fiber laser cutting machine made its appearance. Goubau sees the technology catching up with CO₂-laser. So more could follow in the future. "The cutting quality in thicker materials improves enormously. The great thing about Bystronic and sales manager Peter Buggenhout, is that they really think along with us. For example, how a larger fiber laser, here two CO₂-lasers can replace and how that can be profitable in terms of space and investment."

The cooperation between thyssenkrupp Materials Belgium Division Laser Works and Bystronic dates back to 1992.

Excellent service

In addition, Goubau is enormously pleased with the service. "The first few years this was from Switzerland, now from the Netherlands. Every machine from Bystronic that has already been working here has proven to be extremely reliable. If problems do arise, however, we can fall back on excellent support. Because of the strength of their team, they can solve most problems remotely. But if necessary, someone is also with us in no time. We can always count on Bystronic."    

"I can confidently let a new pleater work alone here after half an hour of training. That's how user-friendly the software is."