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Technical Editor Sara Black is CT's technical editor and has served on the CT staf for 15 years. sara@compositesworld.com Read this article and two Web-only sidebars online and view some of the fatbed cutting systems described here in action , via video | short.compositesworld.com/AutoCut. compositesworld.com nesting, so that the pieces come out in the order it would place them in the tool," he points out, "nesting efciency … is unacceptably low." Te company has developed nesting sofware that harmonizes the ofen conficting need to simplify pick-and-place for the robot and the desire to minimize waste by nesting pieces most efciently. Bell points out that the robot can pick up pieces individually or, better, pick up a full "window" of parts, leaving the scrap to be pushed into a container by the moving table surface. "We can recommend an efective cutting solution that's compat- ible with many diferent CAD, cut fle formats and ERP systems, and ofer standard interfaces for robotic communication on the ofoad side," says Gunnar's Hofmann. "For us, it is important to work together with our cus- tomers to analyze their specifc needs. He adds that the company's robotic interface provides a fast automatic way to ofoad cut parts. "But, depending on the application, our laser projection identifcation system is an efcient way to optimize manual ofoading, as well." Zünd's "open" control systems make that company's cutting tables compatible with many other types of peripheral equip- ment, including robotic control systems, which facilitate their incorporation into high-rate production molding cells: "We're not selling a canned solution," says Drury. "We ofer customized, and adaptable, solu- tions for many processing situations." AGFM actively incorporates commer- cial robots, as well as internally produced automated pick-and-place systems, into its machine systems, notes Elliott. "Tese types of application requests from customers are reviewed in detail by our technical staf to determine the best solution," he adds. Lectra's Epperson, whose background includes robotic manufacturing, sees more automation on the horizon, including ro- botic pick and place, but points out that his customers typically add such systems aer purchase of a cutting table. As regards ro- botic integration, Cook sees the utility, but still believes that a human operator is best: "Tere might be a beneft with a robot, but a human operator can inspect the cut piec- es and identify potential quality issues." KEEPING UP WITH THE PRESS In the end, it comes down to making molding processes more ef- cient to compete with lightweight metals, particularly in the auto- motive sector. But a production line is only as fast as its slowest link. Automated cutting plays a critical role in removing the bottlenecks that remain in the industry's pursuit of production speed. | CT | There's not just one thing that sets us apart at Composites One, there are thousands – of PRODUCTS that is, including the widest range of raw materials from more than 400 industry-leading suppliers. We stock everything you need, from resins, reinforcements, core materials, closed mold products and equipment, to processing and tooling supplies helping your operation stay productive. You'll get them quickly, thanks to our nationwide network of locally based distribution centers. You'll also receive the unparalleled support and value-added services that only a market leader can provide. That's the power of one. Composites One. 800.621.8003 | www.compositesone.com | www.b2bcomposites.com NEW from Composites One - Visit the all-new Closed Molding Knowledge Center on compositesworld.com Product | People | Process | Performance ÒService is my top priority; you can depend on me to get you the right materials Ñ on time.Ó Tony Seger, Composites One Warehouse Team C T J U N E 2 0 1 4 3 7 0614CT CuttKitt-OK.indd 37 5/20/2014 8:51:26 AM