Exploring the Benefits of Digital Solutions in Cutting Automation

In today’s rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape, digital solutions have revolutionized various aspects of production - including in the area of cutting automation. Traditional manual cutting processes are being replaced by advanced technologies that aim to leverage the full capabilities of fabrication. 

Cutting software is a critical component for a productive operation. Everyone is looking for a way to efficiently program machines and effectively analyze how well a process worked. So how exactly do programs for nesting, CAD/CAM, and data management assist with these tasks and improve the overall cutting operation? 

In this blog, we will discuss some of the benefits of digital solutions for cutting automation and consider how manufacturers can move toward a digitally-enabled production. 

Improve Efficiency During Planning

Cutting automation is all about efficiency, and uptime - and running an operation that is efficient starts at the planning stage. That’s where digital solutions come into play. By harnessing the power of cutting software, companies can expedite work preparation and get to cutting faster.

Cutting software provides production managers with:

1. Accurate Estimates: Digital solutions provide an accurate estimate of material requirements and cutting times. Cutting software analyzes geometries prior to cutting and generates detailed reports and NC programs on plate utilization, quantities, and cutting parameters. This enables management to plan more precisely before the cutting process starts.
2. Optimal Resource Utilization: With digital solutions software, operators get an overview of materials, equipment, labor, and more to get a better understanding of how to utilize all resources. All of this information is helpful in the decision-making and planning process. The data influences how production managers schedule cutting, minimize downtime, and maximize machine usage across the operation. 
3. Streamlined Workflows: Automating tasks that are tedious or repetitive is an easy way to start experiencing greater efficiency in your operation. Digital solutions streamline fabrication workflows from the beginning to the end of cutting projects. From design creation and nesting optimization to scheduling operations and analyzing productivity, users experience a smoother, standardized process.

Assign the Right Technology

The plan for a cutting project may seem perfect during programming. However, if the right technology is not assigned to the material, the cutting process is costly to productivity and quality. 

Cutting software assigns the right technology and tools for the project based on the materials, distances and other settings inputted into the system. The settings are based on a standard technology database we provide. They can be altered or fine-tuned by the customer. By applying industry-leading technologies and algorithms, cutting is automatically prepared for optimized results.

With cutting software for nesting and CAD/CAM, operators can take the guesswork out of the process and stop wasting time and material.

Generate Return on Investment

Adding software to a cutting machine is non-negotiable. It is also an investment. Many operations managers wonder if there is a tangible return on the amount of money and resources spent to incorporate more software into the cutting process.

Digital solutions optimize cutting operations across the board. Cutting software reduces manual interventions and minimizes errors. The data inform decisions that lead to faster production cycles, reduced downtime, and increased overall productivity. Enhanced efficiency results in a higher output from the same or reduced resources.

The potential savings on material costs also directly contribute to the ROI for cutting software. For example, nesting software and CAD/CAM systems arrange shapes and parts within a sheet in a way that minimizes waste. This reduction in scrap and maximization of material use directly contributes to a company’s bottom line and can lead to significant cost savings.

Move Toward a Digitally-Enabled Production

How does a company start incorporating digital solutions into the cutting process? The first step is to determine what type of software the operation needs to improve productivity and quality.

There are three types of digital solutions software to consider for cutting automation - nesting, CAD/CAM, and data management.

Nesting Software

If a cutting operation is looking to increase efficiency, there is nothing faster than automatic nesting. 

Nesting is the process of arranging shapes or parts within a larger sheet or material for optimal plate utilization and quality. This plays a critical role because it ensures efficient use of resources and improves production efficiency. 

In the age of cloud-based technology, many operators are turning from traditional nesting systems to automatic nesting software. Traditional nesting becomes inefficient and less cost-effective as the complexity and volume of the nesting task increase. It is also a manual approach that relies heavily on user expertise and is subject to more human errors. 

Web-based nesting software overcomes these traditional barriers by leveraging updated technology to reduce waste and enhance overall production. This cutting software is easy to use and enables operators to leverage the full potential of their cutting machine without being a process expert.

CAD/CAM System

The basics of digital solutions for cutting automation start with a CAD/CAM system. Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programs are used to create and program cutting processes. This system lets designers develop precise and detailed models of the parts and shapes for cutting. After designing, the system processes and develops toolpaths to prepare the program for cutting.

CAD/CAM systems may also include beveling, automatic nesting, and cut optimization abilities. Each of these features is designed to improve the overall productivity of the operation and produce a higher-quality cut.

It is important to consider the expectations of a cutting operation before investing in a CAD/CAM system. CAD/CAM systems require powerful computers and come with more up-front costs than the basic software on a cutting machine. However, the specific requirements of an operation may require a more industrial approach (i.e. a full-size network within the workshop) to achieve the desired results. 

Data Management Software

How do operators analyze the success of their cutting process? The proof of an accurate, precise, and productive cut is found in more than just the appearance. 

Data management software helps production managers see the full picture of the cutting process in real-time. This data informs future decisions that lead to higher productivity and efficiency.

Data management software identifies:

●    Cut quality

●    Traceability data

●    Productivity bottlenecks

●    Maintenance issues

●    Full traceability

Data management software is a simple way to start incorporating data into the cutting process. It puts the control back in the hands of production managers and provides an overview of cutting productivity. By leveraging this information, operations can experience streamlined cutting processes.

Cutting software is an essential part of the automation process. No matter the size of the operation, there are tangible productivity, efficiency, and quality benefits to embracing digital solutions for cutting automation. Shops should consider the overall scope of their cutting operation and consult with industry experts to determine the best software fit for their business.

Cutting Software from InduSuite

InduSuite is a collection of welding, cutting, and robotics applications. Shops around the world experience driven productivity improvements, cost reductions, and a streamlined administration in fabrication operations. 

InduSuite offers three cutting software options:

●    CutCloud - Data Management Software
●    EasyNest Online - Nesting Software
●    COLUMBUS - CAD/CAM System 

Do you want to learn more about cutting software products from InduSuite? Reach out to one of our experts today to find the right fit for your cutting operation.