FK news
FKSlabNester - The perfect software for slab cutting (23.12.2011)
FKSlabNester is a special software for automatic nesting of different slabs in sheets and afterwards, automatic creation of the belonging cutting line.
The aim is to place the required slabs of an order into the given sheets and to divide them in stacks of sheets in such a way that utilization of material is optimum.
During the following routing, that means the creation of the cutting line, the minimization of the cutting time (et. al. prevention of multiple cutting) has highest priority.
The aim is to place the required slabs of an order into the given sheets and to divide them in stacks of sheets in such a way that utilization of material is optimum.
During the following routing, that means the creation of the cutting line, the minimization of the cutting time (et. al. prevention of multiple cutting) has highest priority.
Result of a "Slabnesting" are contour data files.
These can be processed in three different ways:
These can be processed in three different ways:
- Direct cut on a Vertical CNC Contour Cutting Center (F 52; F 62; CF 67F; CF 67)
Contour data files must be loaded manually, the required sheets (requirements by FKSlabNester) have to be provided to the Contour Cutting Center. - Contour data files are the basis for the Order Management Software FKOrder to create cutting line orders for a cutting line combination consisting of Horizontal Splitting- and Stacking Machine W22/H52 and a Vertical CNC Contour Cutting Center (F 52; F 62).
- Contour data files are the basis for the control of the Combined horizontal/vertical CNC Cutting Center CF 67 to create cutting orders (option).
Example of a slabnesting
An order list (e.g. out of MS Excel®), which contains all information about the slabs to be cut, and a sheet list, which contains all information about the available material, are the basis for FKSlabNester. Theses lists normally are imported into FKSlabNester, but can also be created there.
Based on these lists FKSlabNester creates the contour data files in consideration of all boundary conditions (sheet size, sheet thickness, max. stacking height, material, priority, number etc.).
FKPickByView – The commissioning support for contour-cut foams (22.06.2011)With the new software module “Pick by View“ Fecken-Kirfel has implemented a commissioning support as a further development to the existing fully automatic nesting systems. This new module is working in a similar way as other already in the market existing commissioning systems which are applied for cutting machines in the textile and leather industry. The software simplifies the handling of cut contour parts both for smaller and larger quantities. The allocation of the foam parts or of their packaging is made much easier and therefore accelerated. Other optimised software solutions from the AutoRouting to the Interactive 3D-Nesting complete the software package.
In order to be able to reasonably and efficiently process the huge amounts of contour parts which are generated at the high cutting speed of the vertical contour cutting machine, it is necessary to support the operator concerning the commissioning. “Pick by View” is displaying the cut layer pattern on a huge screen in the way it is appearing in front of the operator. Within the displayed layer pattern those contour parts which have to be taken away next are highlighted in colour so that the operator can easily identify them and allocate them to the corresponding commission.
The parts which actually need to be taken away appear in green colour on the screen, parts which were already taken away are red-coloured.
First layer pattern before removal of parts Second layer pattern after removal of parts
Parallel to this step it is also possible to print out self-adhesive labels which can then be sticked by the operator to the displayed part. These labels serve for a later identification of the parts in stock or for further processing steps. They contain e.g. information such as the contour name, foam quality, graphical illustration of the contour or other customer-specific information.
Sample of a label
This software module considerably increases the efficiency of the contour cutting machine once more.
Long-established cutting technology in a new Loop frame (03.01.2011)
Fecken-Kirfel is known for their decade-long experience in the field of heavy cutting machines. Solid, heavy-duty casings as they are unapplied by any other supplier in the world are one of the main features of the cutting units made by Fecken-Kirfel. They provide a high stability, extreme durability and a reduction of material waste. The cutting unit H 32 which have been applied in loop cutting lines worldwide for many years has now been consolidated to a 100% Loop independent of any partner. The result is the new H 32 LF (LF = Loop Frame). The new symbiosis of a well-proven cutting concept in a new frame for circulating material was first presented on the occasion of the K 2010 live at our facility with a 60 m (196.9') long block in operation and already met a great approval in the market.
High capacity at reduced material loss
The Loop is ideal for the splitting of long blocks made of flexible PU foam and similar materials into thin layers to be wound-up into roll goods. According to the requirements endlessly glued blocks of up to 60 m (196.9') length can be split in a circulating process at a speed of up to 120 m/min (393.7'/min). Due to the high advance speed and its solid construction the Loop is especially suitable for high production volumes of roll goods. Compared to other splitting machines for foam blocks the processing of long blocks offers a considerably reduced rate of material loss. For a material-saving, lateral trimming of the blocks the bilateral trimming device V 116 or circular knives are applied.
Quality, cutting precision and easy handling
According to the customer’s requirements not only the block length is considered but also the loop equipment is individually adapted to the customer’s needs. On demand the Fecken-Kirfel Loop can be equipped with a number of different drive systems or with idler rollers which are especially designed for high working speeds. The rollers are ball-bearing, hot-dip galvanised and compel by their rotary precision and thus differentiate from other usual rollers.
The heart of the machine is the cutting unit. As mentioned above it disposes of a solid-cast machine casing and is equipped with an endless bandknife which is guided between two hardened bondstrips and continuously ground and kept in position during the cutting process. This automatic bandknife re-adjustment guarantees a continuous and mark free cutting quality. The motors of the optional vacuum device for the fixing of light materials were consciously placed outside the machine in order to avoid any vibrations and resulting marks in the material.
After the splitting process the split layers a wound-up into roll goods by the winding-up device A 1. For an easy handling this winding-up device can be placed laterally and at ground-level next to the Loop.