CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
13 October 2008
Implementation Investments
SigmaTEK Combines Technology With Service at Katmex
Katmex Ltd, based in Stockton-on-Tees, is part of the Katsushiro Matex Group, which has multiple manufacturing plants in Japan, China, Thailand, Indonesia and the USA. It is a major supplier of fabricated components and assemblies to construction equipment manufacturers including Komatsu, JCB, Toyota and Hitachi.
The UK plant has two Tanaka multi-torch gas profilers with 15m beds, one Tanaka 4kW Laser, a Messer Griesheim twin head plasma cutter and Messer Griesheim Omnimat Skew Rotater bevel cutting plasma. Katmex processes around 20,000 tonnes of raw material each year, ranging from 3 to 160mm thick.
Originally, Katmex used a Japanese CAD/CAM system to programme its cutting machines, but when this software became obsolete within the UK the company needed to invest in new technology. Neil Ross, Planning and Procurement Engineer, said, “We evaluated several systems and found that SigmaNEST from SigmaTEK Europe was the best software for our application. We particularly liked the versatility and speed of the nesting. It also produced the highest plate yield during our trials.” The company achieves material utilization of at least 70% and finds it easy to manage the production requirements generated by its MRP system. New parts are either drawn in SigmaNEST or imported in DXF format, ready for the application of cutting technology such as the lead-in or lead–out style. Pre-programmed parts are then sorted by material grade and thickness so nests can be built up quickly for each sheet in order to meet customers on time delivery requirements. To maximise yield and minimise handling the company’s engineers try to fill each plate completely but, where there is a remnant, the shape can be stored in SigmaNEST so that it can be fully used in subsequent production. Shop floor information is generated in the software through Katmex’s MRP system, so it can be customized to suit Katmex’s needs, including data such as plate weight, plate yield, cutting time and a thumbnail sketch of the component for easy part identification.
The installation of the Messer Griesheim Omnimat Skew Rotater bevel cutting plasma presented a new challenge for Katmex. SigmaTEK worked very closely with the company to provide a programming solution for the machine, which includes sophisticated technology for rotating the torch and setting the angle of the bevel. The SigmaNEST software was developed to ensure that the angle of the bevel remained constant as the torch moved around the part, and to offer users five different types of bevel form and control. Neil Ross said, “SigmaTEK put a lot of resources into developing the technology for us, ensuring that it was both reliable and accurate. SigmaNEST has been easy to learn and to operate, and this new function only took us 5 minutes to get to grips with, once it had been installed.” The SigmaNEST software has safeguards and knowledge built in. The limitations of the machines are considered during processing, ensuring that programmes cannot be run on the wrong machine, while technology tables consider factors such as amperage, material thickness and kerf width to ensure that cutting performance is optimised.
Neil Ross emphasised the importance of the three SigmaNEST systems they use. “98% of our components go through the plasma cutting machines, so the software is crucial to the smooth operation of our company. Nesting times are now two to three times faster, saving valuable time, which allows us to concentrate on other efficiency improvements elsewhere in our business. We also have an excellent relationship with SigmaTEK’s support team, which answers queries promptly and professionally and ensures that our software is always up to date.”
About the SigmaTEK Corporation
Formed in 1992, with offices in Cincinnati, Ohio, Seattle, Washington; international offices in Europe, Japan and Australia, and a worldwide distribution network, over 4000 SigmaNEST® systems are now in use round the globe. SigmaNEST® software maintains its technological leadership in sheet metal nesting and cutting by a commitment to research and development, providing customers with tools to maximise material utilisation and increase machine throughput while minimising programming time and effort. Authorised training centres around the world provide after sales technical support and education.
Become a member of the CIMdata PLM Community to receive your daily PLM news and much more.
Tell us what you think of the CIMdata Newsletter. Send your feedback.
CIMdata is committed to your privacy. Your personal information will never be sold or shared outside of CIMdata without your express permission.