High-tech premieres in the fall

The Blechexpo trade fair was a great success with 1,498 exhibitors from 36 countries and more than 41,150 visitors from 131 countries. Bystronic presented innovations in the field of laser cutting and bending, such as the ByTube 130 and the BySmart Fiber. In addition, the company showed flexible automation solutions with the tool changer Modular tool Changer and the Automation-on-Demand concept of the Xpert 80 with the Mobile Bending Cell. Finally, the new Robot Manager software was in the spotlight. Metaalvak spoke with Marius van der Hoeven, CEO Bystronic Germany/Belgium.

What technology trends are changing sheet metal working the most right now?

The demand for fully integrated solutions for sheet metal processing is increasing. These are total solutions, where the combination of hardware and software is fully coordinated. From this point of view, the software is becoming a central element. Of course, in parallel, the linked machines must also function more efficiently and reliably than ever before.

Visitors there were able to learn about the latest generation of fiber laser cutting machines and bending systems.

What can users do with these technologies today?

Linked and automated production processes increase efficiency on the shop floor. The user gains: higher quality, more workpieces and more of that. Flexibility can also be improved. For example, there is versatile automation for small series and for complex products. The user can produce successfully despite greater cost and time pressure. By the way, those who cut and bend excellently can maintain the same high quality in the further steps of the production process.

What are the changes for the sheet metal worker in terms of competition and market situation?

Both the market situation and the order situation are changing significantly. The familiar market segments are changing and new sectors are emerging, where metalproducts are used. Our customers face reduced production runs and more pressure on costs and delivery times. It is also becoming increasingly difficult to estimate order intake over time. In this situation, the customer must plan for the long term and invest accordingly, because the competition is also investing. In this, As a technology and service partner, we provide our customers with plenty of guidance.

How does Bystronic support its clients in this regard?

It's about much more than just supplying and installing machines. After installing a new system, for example, we support them with process analyses, workshops and targeted technology training. This is how we help our customers significantly improve the quality of their production process. Only if we develop solutions for our customers that add value to their business does the investment in new technologies make sense.

What do sheet metal workers need to invest in to stay competitive?

Powerful cutting machines with state-of-the-art technology provide a wider range of products and reduce production costs per workpiece. If they also expand these laser cutting machines with automated loading and unloading and linked storage systems, productivity increases even more. The same applies to bending. Here we offer flexible automation solutions that allow rapid changeover between manned and unmanned operation. As a supplier, we must accompany the customer step by step and offer him a suitable solution for his application. Software and service are also important here.

The new Robot Manager software was also in the spotlight.

How will digitization change service offerings in the future?

Digitalization helps to support customers even faster and more efficiently, for example with preventive maintenance before the machine fails or by remote service. The availability of appropriate replacement parts can also be accelerated thanks to digitization.

Finally, what should we at Bystronic remember from the fair?

We presented there the latest generation of high-end and mid-range fiber laser cutting machines for processing flat sheets and tubes as well as our latest bending systems. We showed visitors the possibilities of a linked and uninterrupted production process, where software and automation ensure optimal material and data flow. In addition, we gave customers an overview of the services we can offer them to improve the quality and efficiency of their processes.