BYSTRONIC, an active supplier of high-quality solutions for the cost-effective processing of sheet metal and other sheet materials, showcased a number of innovations in waterjet cutting and automation at Blechexpo 2011, an international trade fair for the sheet metal working industry, held in Stuttgart, Germany (June 6 to 9).

The Swiss manufacturer presented its new waterjet cutting system ByJet Smart, the ByTower storage tower, and an automatic nozzle centering system for laser cutting machines – the last two aimed at automating Bystronic laser cutting systems and ensuring reliable processing.

In addition, innovations from the recent past and “evergreens” from all product segments of the Bystronic portfolio were put on display. These include the fibre laser cutting system BySprint Fiber, an example of a CO2 laser source from the ByLaser series, as well as Hämmerle 3P and Xpert pressbrake. The company also demonstrated the usefulness of its CAD/CAM software package Bysoft, for cutting and bending processes.

ByTower storage tower is the third automation module by Bystronic, after BySort and ByTrans Extended. ByTrans or ByTrans Extended automatically load and unload the laser cutting system, while BySort removes and sorts cut parts.
ByTower permits optimal use of the machine’s capacity thus increasing profitability. It automates the work process without the need for operator intervention, whereby the machine’s shuttle table still remains completely accessible, according to a spokesman for the company. Also thanks to the ingenious drive system and simple operation, various material types and thicknesses can be processed in the shortest possible time, he adds.

In addition, ByTower impresses through its compact, vertical construction. All Bystronic laser cutting systems with a cutting area of 3 m by 1.5 m can be equipped with the ByTower, which can be supplied in three sizes, with 11, eight and six cassette positions.

Apart from ancillary automation, Bystronic is also promoting automation of processing itself on the machine. The company last year introduced a new cutting head for the BySpeed Pro laser cutting system, which helps enhance the machine’s autonomy. It features, among other innovations, an automatic nozzle changer and the automatic changing of the lens cartridge.

At Blechexpo, Bystronic took this a step further with the system for automatic centering of the nozzles, which prevents collision between a cutting head and, for example, a protruding part. If this occurs, it is detected automatically and the cutting process is interrupted, preventing the production of defective parts.

Turning to the compact ByJet Smart, the spokesman says it is an economical, high-quality waterjet cutting system, which proves that performance and quality does not essentially relate to price, thus offering a two-fold advantage – low purchase price and reduced operating costs.

This apart, ByJet Smart is equipped with numerous high-end components, including an innovative cutting bridge fitted with a linear motor, an excellent cutting head with reliable height-sensing and a precision-manufactured machine frame, he says. Other benefits include a compact design with a small footprint, ergonomic arrangement of elements and high safety.