Page 33 - MetalForming April 2012

cient—way, resulting in a cost overrun. “Now we cut the job the way it was quoted,” says Carpenter, “every time.” Improved quote accuracy means the company is improving the compa- ny’s win rate on new quotes, “and we’re internally more profitable,”
adds Carpenter.
New Release, New Features
SigmaTek recently issued V9.1 of SigmaNest, with several new features that Carpenter has begun to experi- ment with, including a feature for plas- ma cutting called iPierce designed to minimize the number of pierces required in a nest. iPierce creates an eyelet into the skeleton as it cuts the part, according to SigmaTek, then places the next lead-in in the eyelet area, eliminating the need for a pierce. Reducing pierces dramatically decreas- es the cycle time to cut a nest, espe- cially when processing thick metal. Another benefit of pierce reduction is the elimination of slag where parts have been cut.
“I’m still getting used to using iPierce,” says Carpenter, “but it’s defi- nitely a plus. We’ll grow into it for sure.”
Another feature Carpenter particu- larly appreciates is a new multi-torch optimization module introduced by SigmaTek early in 2011. The module, designed specifically for steel service centers or job shops using multi-torch machinery, “balances the conflicting desires of getting the most efficient use of material and fastest multi-torch machine cutting path,” says SigmaTek literature. After the number of torches has been selected to process a partic- ular nest, SigmaNest automatically gen- erates a nest to optimize cutting time and programming time.
“We often will cut part of a nest with one torch (on an oxyfuel-cutting machine), then switch to two or three torches,” explains Carpenter. “Before SigmaNest, doing so required creating separate programs, and in production the operator would have to stop the machine and load the second program. Now, we create one program in Sig- maNest to seamlessly switch from sin-
gle- to multiple-torch configurations. The time savings can be significant, as much as three or four hr. per job just in programming, plus the obvious bene- fit on the shop floor.”
Last but not least, Carpenter appre- ciates how readily SigmaNest supports bevel cutting on the firm’s new water- jet-cutting machine (a Flow Mach 4). “Beveling on the waterjet, rather than having to use a milling machine, has
brought several new customers to our door,” he says.
“Simply, the software supports our growth strategy,” adds Carpenter. “It’s easier for us to bring in new machines. We’ve grown immensely in the last few years, and as our customers look to focus more on assembly and less on fabrication, we intend to continue to grow investing in value-added processes.” MF
I will succeed every time I compete against you.
I’ve directed my team to see and compare the world’s newest
manufacturing technology solutions in person.
They have the budget and the power to buy. They’ll meet with the best minds in the business. Educational sessions will enhance their knowledge.
Decisions will be made. Orders will be placed.
We will begin taking deliveries. You will be hard-pressed to keep up.
Some call this continuous improvement. We call it survival of the fittest.
Dominate the competition.
Attend IMTS 2012. Register at IMTS.com
be there.
INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY SHOW
Sept. 10-15 2012 · McCormick Place · Chicago
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