Redefining Sheet Metal Automation Strategy

To work efficiently, laser cutting systems need a swift supply of material and subsequent sorting. ASTES4 SA (Balerna, Switzerland) specializes in the development of automated sorting systems for sheet metal laser processing machines. They developed LASORTING, the first fully integrated system for the cutting, sorting and storage of sheet metal to streamline processes, speed up production and reduce labor costs. Recently acquired by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Tokyo, Japan), an established automation solution partner for Mitsubishi Electric, MC Machinery Systems, Inc. (Elk Grove Village, IL), ASTES4 now provides MC Machinery with direct access to LASORTING and other premium sorting systems for laser automation. “The entire industry is trying to move in the direction of part sorting, and we’ve seen a lot of excitement surrounding the capabilities of this system,” said Jason LeGrand, an automation specialist at MC Machinery. “This is essentially a smart robot, it knows what the part is, the right measurements and where it belongs. With unmanned operations human error is eliminated, and it is a safer system because parts no longer have to be detached from the skeleton and sorted by hand. This dramatically reduces accident risks from the handling of heavy loads.”

The laser cutting systems for LASORTING are designed to operate dependably, efficiently and with the highest cutting quality. They are capable of processing sheets measuring 3 m x 1.5 m and 4 m x 2 m in an output range of 2 kW to 8 kW. With four sorting heads, each independent head is capable of lifting 1,100 lb and has a maximum speed of 9,600 ipm. “When putting in raw steel sheets, what comes out on the other end are perfectly stacked and organized parts already on pallets ready for wrapping and shipping or to go to the secondary operation,” added LeGrand. “A fully automatic warehouse with a sorting system ensures optimum materials flow and continuous processes.” This system is highly configurable to fit many different shop floors and, thanks to its modularity, a LASORTING production cell adapts to a shop’s production requirements and space available on site. Its characteristics and precision make this an ideal system for shops who want a balanced, efficient and dependable process.

MC Machinery Systems, Inc., 85 NW Point Boulevard, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, 630-616-5920, www.mcmachinery.com.