FORMING AND FABRICATING AUTOMATION
All of the Mazak laser cutting equipment at Co-Line uses Radan software from Hexagon: Radnest for the flat-sheet cutters, and Radtube for the tube-cutting machines, with both delivering significant benefits in nesting speed and material utilization since coming online beginning early in 2024. Other stated benefits: ability to set up rules and styles, the use of automated directional tabs, ease of importing DXF files, and efficiency of the overall machine database.
Nesting for Laser Processing Boosted Big Time at Co-Line T his high-volume Iowa manufacturer switched nesting software for the majority of its flat-sheet and tube laser cutting machines in early 2024. The result: significant improvements including doubled nesting speeds and more efficient material usage.
machine without automation,” Eric Brand, Co- Line owner, says. “Given the speed of process- ing in today’s technology, to utilize a machine to its fullest mandates automation.” New Nesting Software All of the Mazak laser cutting equipment at Co-Line uses Radan software from Hexa- gon: Radnest for the flat-sheet cutters, and Radtube for the tube-cutting machines, with both softwares delivering significant benefits since coming online beginning early in 2024. The overall benefits: an estimated 30% reduc - tion in nesting time along with an increase in material utilization. Radnest analyzes the true shape, material and thickness of all components in a batch; automatically sorts and separates material; and produces optimal material utilization on sheets, off-cuts and remnants, according to
Contract manufacturer Co-Line Mfg. serves customers as a one-stop shop, with sheet metal-processing services including stamping via presses in capacities from 60 to 800 tons; laser 3D, flat-sheet and tube cutting; manual and automated welding; press brake bending; and wet painting and powder coating. Providing for Co-Line’s needs requires a formidable laser cutting arsenal, and the com- pany has just that. Transitioning from CO 2 laser cutting machines years ago, Co-Line now employs fiber laser cutting equipment to the tune of eight Mazak Optonics flat-sheet machines, ranging in power from 7 to 15 kW and all automated to ease material loading and unloading. Also on the Co-Line roster: two Mazak 3D laser cutting machines that pri- marily serve stamping operations by trimming after forming, and tube-cutting laser setups. “We will not buy a flat-sheet laser cutting
be defined. Comprehensive simulation and proofing tools allow users to streamline day- to-day production and minimize programming time, while creating more efficient cut-paths, according to Hexagon.
Hexagon officials. It enables reduced lead times through dynamic nesting and enhanced data imports. Other reported features: flexible nest-editing tools; machine-specific nests with associated CAM rules; automatic remnant usage and tracking; and a simple, intuitive interface with clear, simple icons showing status. Radtube provides intuitive programming that allows tubes or sections to be parametri- cally defined from a library of standard shapes into which cutting apertures and profiles can
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