Lantek and Vicomtech bring interactive 3D simulation to sheet metal cutting heat processes with BeroSim

Constantly in tune with the processes of technological evolution and the needs of the market, and as part of its R&D&I strategy, the multinational Lantek, pioneer in the digital transformation of the industrial metal sector, in collaboration with Vicomtech, the Visual Interaction and Communications Technologies Center Foundation, has launched BeroSim. The aim of the project has been to develop a 3D simulation software system that allows the user to calculate graphically and interactively how heat sources affect sheet metal during the laser or plasma cutting process.

With this initiative, both organizations have taken a step further in their aim of offering the metal and sheet metal transformation industry innovative solutions and services that respond to its needs and provide real added value, allowing companies to adapt to a changing and increasingly competitive global environment that is being driven forward by industry 4.0 and advanced manufacturing.

The simulation of sheet metal cutting processes is a phase of the production process that enables the definition of the best sheet metal strategy and cutting order and substantially improves performance, since it makes it possible to anticipate and detect possible unforeseen anomalies in the layout phase. In this way, using BeroSim the program does not need to be tested on the actual machine, which results in savings in machine time, materials and energy, while at the same time lessening the risk of possible breakdowns or workplace accidents.

From now on, and thanks to BeroSim, the user will be able to see through a simulation how heat propagates and is distributed in the sheet metal as it is cut and how this affects the material, since the cutting process using plasma or laser technologies locally increases the overall temperature of the sheet metal and modifies the properties of the material, which may alter its characteristics (thickness, etc.). 

In this way, BeroSim also allows defining of the sheet metal cutting strategy and the cutting and machining order, preventing possible material deformities when the part is cut by laser in order to obtain optimum quality sheet metal.

Likewise, the user can correct the cutting path and trajectory of the machine, maintaining, at all times, the quality of the sheet metal.

"Digital transformation has become a key aspect in the industrial sector, which needs advanced technological solutions that provide added value, something that is only possible with research and innovation," explains Dr. Iñigo Barandiaran, Head of Vicomtech’s Department of Industry and Advanced Manufacturing. "The industrial sector must continue to be an economic engine and guarantor of stable employment, and this will be achieved with the help of technology."

"With BeroSim, we contribute to this process of change and to the modernization of the sheet metal machining, simulation and verification sector, providing a set of functionalities and innovative capabilities that provide greater efficiency to production processes, enabling the optimization of both material, human and economic resources,” says Susana García, head of CAD/CAM systems development at Lantek. "This collaboration with Vicomtech also helps us to promote the implementation of productive models and methodologies that will allow the users of our solutions to achieve greater competitiveness and efficiency."

The BeroSim project reinforces the position of Lantek as one of the leaders in innovation worldwide in a very competitive and mature market, providing its Lantek Expert product with highly differentiating features. At the same time, it supports the role of Vicomtech as a promoter and driver of applied research and a facilitator for the development of new product prototypes. 

Moreover, the technological cooperation between Lantek and Vicomtech consolidates the relationship between both entities and complements their efforts in terms of innovation for the industrial sector.

The BeroSim project represents a scientific breakthrough regarding the state of the art, recognized by the prestigious Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering scientific journal, which has published an article about the research carried out by Lantek and Vicomtech in relation to interactive 3D simulation of the influence of heat during sheet metal cutting processes. "Understanding how heat sources affect sheet metal cutting processes is essential to be able to design efficient simulation tools. The success of BeroSim is a consequence of the fluid relationship between Lantek and Vicomtech,” says Dr. Aitor Moreno, Vicomtech researcher and expert in industrial process simulation techniques.