Lantek Systems Ltd

Adam Ball takes over as Lantek UK Commercial Director

Lantek Systems Ltd — 31/07/2025

It is all change at Lantek UK as Rob Powell hands over the reins to Adam Ball who has taken over the role of Commercial Director for Lantek UK.

Lantek is recognised as a market leader in the sheet metal industry opening its UK office in 2000. Rob Powell, who has been working in the industry for over 40 years, says, “I joined Lantek in September 2000 with only one Lantek Expert system installed in the UK. It was hard at first to get the name known in the market but, once companies understood that Lantek was one of the best CAD/CAM systems for punching and profiling and backed this up with top class support, the business flourished with 20 systems installed by 2005 and around 1,500 in the field now.”

Rob will continue as Director of OEM Partnerships in the UK for the first quarter of 2025. This has been an area where Lantek has excelled with over 120 OEM partnerships with sheet metal machine tool manufacturers worldwide. Its Expert software has been tailored to optimise the particular strengths of each make and model of machine, covering laser, punching, waterjet, oxy cutting, plasma, tube cutting and combination machines all within one integrated system.

During Rob’s tenure as Commercial Director, Lantek UK has grown to 14 people dedicated to sales and customer support, providing the highest levels of service for its users. He adds, “2010 was a milestone for Lantek with the launch of the Integra ERP software. This was an innovative step, offering the industry a business system designed to suit the specialist requirements of the sheet metal industry. The demand for this software is taking off as the UK market is becoming more mature and it is set to be a major part of our offering, producing a step change for our customer’s operations.”

Adam Ball, the new Commercial Director has over 20 years of experience in sheet metal machinery gained in senior roles in service, applications and sales. This in-depth and diverse knowledge of machinery and manufacturing processes will bring a thorough understanding of every aspect of business to Lantek’s clients, providing them with real world solutions that will reduce costs and increase productivity. He says, “It is an exciting time at Lantek, software development is continuing at an increasing pace through AI and cloud applications, and it is a privilege to build on Rob’s achievements. Lantek is unique in the depth, capability and integration of its sheet metal software which enables manufacturers to choose the most suitable machining and cutting technologies for their company, integrating this with the administrative aspects of their business for maximum efficiency, productivity and profitability. I am really looking forward to the challenge and to playing my part in the continued growth of our business.”

Lantek and BCAM collaborate to revolutionize part nesting calculation for sheet metal cutting

Lantek Systems Ltd — 13/08/2019

Lantek, a multi-national pioneer in the digital transformation of the sheet metal and metal industry, has entered into a collaborative agreement with the Basque Center for Applied Mathematics (BCAM). BCAM is an international research center specializing in the field of Applied Mathematics. It was pioneered in 2008 by the Basque Government, the University of the Basque Country, and Ikerbasque. BCAM is supported by the Provincial Government of Bizkaia and Innobasque. It has a workforce of over 90 high-level researchers in different areas, from data science to mathematical modeling.

The agreement reached by both organizations focuses on developing new models of applied mathematics and algorithms. It will enable metal forming industries to reach high levels of calculation efficiency. The collaboration seeks to resolve the calculation of machining and optimization of the consumption of material. This area is exceedingly complex for manufacturers trying to achieve maximum machine efficiency.

As a starting point, the collaboration will explore new avenues for parts nesting. In the industrial world, the nesting process strives to maximize use of material. By configuring and arranging pieces of sheet metal for optimal cutting, manufacturers avoid material waste and improve machine cutting time. The agreement may bring about significant advances, contributing to the efficiency of the sheet metal industry.

Since its creation, Lantek’s objective has been excellence in software engineering. They achieve this through developing products and applying knowledge of mathematical models which provide better solutions for the sheet metal and fabrication industry. To this end, one of its main research areas focuses on optimizing 2D part layout on a large rectangular sheet in the shortest time possible. This minimizes waste material.

This collaboration will result in the development of an advanced algorithm that achieves the optimization of 2D nesting from various approaches. The researchers from the Computational Mathematics group at BCAM have extensive experience in geometric modeling and optimizing. They’re pouring their knowledge into the Lantek collaboration with the following objectives:

• Design an efficient algorithm for the problem of parts nesting in 2D

• Design discreet pairing measures

• Improve the current method, which uses the representation of areas (pixels), through boundary representation

• Develop software which increases the speed of calculations and optimizes material management

The current method focuses on improving the geometrical representation of objects and optimizing the search for local solutions between the vertexes of different parts. According to Michael Barton, lead project researcher at BCAM, from the mathematical and computational point of view, a challenge the collaboration faces is obtaining a very precise solution while keeping the rasterization size to a minimum. This will streamline the algorithm and avoid excessive computing times.

“Lantek has always been at the forefront, with software solutions such as Lantek Expert. Expert provides a solution for the nesting and cutting of parts for companies in the sheet metal and fabrication sector. Thanks to this collaboration with BCAM, we’re adding a powerful R&D resource to our organization for research into mathematical problems in general and, specifically, for the improvement of nesting. During the collaborative research with BCAM we will focus on designing an effective algorithm that optimizes the use of space and minimizes both the waste of sheet material and the time spent on calculations,” explained Alberto López de Biñaspre, CEO of Lantek.

The scientific director at BCAM, Jose A. Lozano, states that the transfer of knowledge to industry has been one of the Center’s priorities from the outset. They have created the Knowledge Transfer Unit (KTU), “a platform for developing mathematical solutions for scientific challenges based on real-life applications and collaboration with the industry.” He explains that these collaborations present themselves in the form of “strategic agreements, R&D projects, joint ventures, training courses, mentoring of Master and PHD students, and the organization of outreach activities.”

The agreement also envisages the international placement for a PHD student to collaborate with research staff at Lantek. The student will research the possibilities and evaluate the best algorithm, in terms of applicability and results obtained from concept tests. The estimated duration of the project is 4 years, followed by the publication of a doctoral thesis.

“Backing innovation is in our DNA. It plays a pivotal role in our annual R&D investment, which is well above average for our sector. We are confident that this collaboration with BCAM will bring about significant nesting improvements for our clients that will allow them to reduce scrap metal in a reasonable timeframe,” added the CEO of Lantek.

About Lantek Sheet Metal Solutions

Lantek pioneered Industry 4.0 solutions for the Sheet Metal Fabrication Industry. Their solutions include CAD/CAM Nesting, MES, ERP and they specialize in integrating software for Smart Factories. Lantek is globally headquartered in the Basque Country of Spain. Having over 30 years of experience, Lantek supports more than 20,000 customers in 100 countries. Lantek has offices in 14 countries. Lantek’s U.S. Headquarters is in Mason, OH.

Founded in 1986 in the Basque Country (Spain), one of the main European hubs of machine tool development, Lantek enables the integration of sheet metal and metal processing technologies using the most advanced manufacturing management software. The company is currently the outstanding leader in its sector thanks to its capacity for innovation and commitment to internationalization. With more than 20,000 customers in over 100 countries and 20 offices in 14 countries, it has an extensive network of distributors with an international presence. In 2017, its international business contributed to 86% of its revenue.

For more information, visit: www.lanteksms.com/us

About the Basque Center for Applied Mathematics – BCAM

The Basque Center for Applied Mathematics - BCAM is an international research center in the field of Applied Mathematics that was founded in 2008 by the Basque Government, the UVP/EHU and Ikerbasque. It is also supported by the Provincial Government of Bizkaia and Innobasque. One of its main objectives is to place mathematics at the service of society through the transfer of knowledge, making the results of its research available to sectors such as biosciences, health, energy or advanced manufacturing, and working together with local and international institutions and companies.

It currently has a workforce of over 90 researchers from 25 nationalities who work in different areas, from data science or computational mathematics to mathematical modeling. BCAM has been accredited as a "Severo Ochoa" center of excellency for the second consecutive year by the State Research Bureau, a distinction that is granted to the best research institutions in the world in their field.

For more information, visit: www.bcamath.org

Lantek signs agreement to develop technological campus for smart industry in Spain

Lantek Systems Ltd — 28/05/2026

Lantek, a multinational technology company specialising in software and solutions for advanced manufacturing in the metal industry, has announced the signing of a framework agreement with the Basque Technology Park and its new urban campus on Zorrotzaurre Island in Bilbao, Spain.

Through this agreement, the company will establish its own facility, the Lantek BNEST Technological Campus, located on plot RZ-9 within this emerging space, which is intended to become the leading innovation hub in the Basque Country.

Lantek will develop a technological campus spanning more than 6,000 m², which will become an island of knowledge, technology, innovation and smart industry.

The facility will support an open multivendor ecosystem involving machine tool manufacturers, OEMs and technology centres, together with companies specialising in software, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, to accelerate the digital transformation of the industrial sector.

Alberto López de Biñaspre, CEO of Lantek, says: “Through this new campus, a native space for innovation and high technological specialisation, we reaffirm our commitment to the multivendor DNA that defines us and to the strategy that has enabled us to grow and scale internationally. Zorrotzaurre, an island with a strong industrial legacy and now a centre of transformation, provides the ideal setting for advancing smart manufacturing and fostering collaboration among leading companies in the sector. This project not only consolidates our trajectory but also enables us to continue attracting and developing specialised talent, while promoting an entrepreneurial ecosystem with international reach. It is a sustainable, emblematic and strategic environment where technology and innovation meet.”

Zorrotzaurre is an urban regeneration initiative promoted by the Bilbao City Council that is transforming the former industrial peninsula into a dynamic and innovative island district. The master plan, designed by the renowned Anglo-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, reimagines more than 800,000 m² as a new urban environment dedicated to coexistence, creativity, leisure and business activity.

A hub for innovation and technological talent

In the field of talent development and education, the campus will provide a unique environment for experimentation, simulation and testing involving advanced technologies and next-generation digital environments. This will be achieved through the use of intelligent machinery, Living Labs, training rooms and shared spaces designed to encourage collaborative work.

Alberto López de Biñaspre adds: “At Lantek, we integrate advanced machine-tool connectivity, intelligent data processing and artificial intelligence solutions to redefine the industrial paradigm. We not only transform traditional factories into intelligent environments, but also enhance their productive capacity by optimising processes and ensuring efficiency and sustainability at every stage of manufacture.

“This new space is far more than a technological campus; it is an ecosystem designed to attract, develop and empower talent that shares our vision of innovation. Here, companies and projects with transformative ambitions will find a strategic partner capable of driving their digitalisation, consolidating their growth, and leading the technological future of industry.”

About Lantek

Lantek is a leading Smart Factory platform for sheet metal and metal manufacturers. Its portfolio integrates CAD/CAM, MES, ERP, quoting, analytics, and systems integration solutions, connecting machinery, processes, and business management within a single technological environment.

With more than 38,000 customers worldwide, Lantek possesses one of the largest installed bases in the sector, connecting more than 4,500 machine models. Compatible with any manufacturer and cutting technology, Lantek Expert is the most widely implemented CAD/CAM software internationally for sheet metal cutting and punching.

Founded in 1986 and headquartered in the Basque Country, Lantek is a multinational company specialising in software for the metal industry. The company operates through 23 offices across 17 countries, supported by an international distributor network that ensures local support in the world’s principal industrial markets.

For more information, visit: https://www.lantek.com/uk

Industrial automation or how to save time and money

Lantek Systems Ltd — 16/08/2021

When we talk about automation we mean using technology to reduce the need for human intervention within a plant. The aim is to optimize the factory, making it more productive and, ultimately, more competitive in an environment where competition is growing and margins are becoming increasingly narrower.

The reasons that push us towards the automation of processes, either with software or robots (RPA, Robotic Process Automation), are diverse, such as eliminating repetitive or complex tasks, replacing people carrying out dangerous tasks or in environments and/or activities that involve high physical exhaustion, increasing safety and precision, reducing time and costs, especially in terms of energy.

Industrial automation does not mean that people, operators, are expendable. Quite the opposite, they become more important in their task of supervising the automation, in addition to carrying out the maintenance of these systems and verifying the end quality of the products.

Likewise, industrial automation increases the factory’s production, which means that it can take on a greater volume of orders which, in turn, leads to more personnel and also a faster amortization of the investment we’ve made.

Automation, step by step

But... where to start? The first thing to do is to sensorize the plant. Sensors are devices designed to collect data from machines and different processes for subsequent analysis using software with artificial intelligence algorithms. It’s what we call the Internet of Things (IoT), that is, interconnecting the factory to find out more about the production chain and control, in real time, everything that happens at the plant.

When implementing automation systems, a series of steps must be carried out:

Planning: find out everything about the whole production process and the supply chain to identify which processes can be automated and carry it out in such a way that there are no interruptions in manufacturing.

Integration: all the elements and data need to be computerized so that, once the plant has been sensorized, the automation software understands and processes the data properly.

Monitoring: the operators will monitor the systems to verify that they are working effectively.

Maintenance: it is also important to design a maintenance plan so that actions required to keep the systems performing optimally are carried out.

Equally, an automated factory communicates using a Distributed Control System (DCS) that consists of five levels and is known as the automation pyramid:

Process level: this is the field to be controlled, where the connected sensors are located.

Control level: PLC systems

Monitoring level: Visualization and Process Control Systems (SCADA)

Planning level: the manufacturing execution systems (MES)

Management level: comprehensive enterprise planning and management software (ERP).

Advantages of automation

We can identify 5 advantages that have been analyzed throughout this article.

Greater productivity. Automation makes production faster and optimizes the use of machines, allowing people to dedicate more time to other valuable activities where automation is unable to help. This improvement in productivity is not only noticeable in the production plant itself, but also in other areas such as stock management or order processing.

Savings in time and costs: A report by the market research firm, ARC Advisory Group, quantifies that only by adopting universal automation can we generate savings of up to 30 billion dollars a year for the industry.

Availability: automation works 24x7x365. It doesn’t rest, so orders can be processed at any time without human intervention.

Quality: Limiting manual processes means reducing the risk of oversights and errors that have an impact on product quality.

Efficiency: the use of industrial automation allows us to obtain excellent results in the products we manufacture, with minimal material wastage and perfect precision.

Automation has only just begun and when the technological enablers of Industry 4.0 gain ground in factories, just like Machine Learning or artificial intelligence is already doing, process automation will extend to other, more complex, areas. According to Deloitte’s annual study, "Automation with Intelligence", the incorporation of automation technologies increased last year by 73% compared to 58% the previous year and three out of every four companies have now started using them.

The sooner this competitive advantage is introduced, the greater the profitability distances with regards to the competition.

Lantek appoints Adam Ball as its Solutions Sales Manager for the UK

Lantek Systems Ltd — 31/03/2023

Lantek, a leading multinational in the digital transformation of the sheet metal and fabrication sector, announces the appointment of Adam Ball to develop the sales of its manufacturing solutions within the UK.

He has over 20 years of experience in sheet metal machinery, including laser cutting, waterjet and bending machines, gained in senior roles in service, applications and sales. This in depth and diverse knowledge of machinery and manufacturing processes will bring a thorough understanding of every aspect of business to Lantek’s clients, providing them with real world solutions that will reduce costs and increase productivity.

Adam Ball says, “It is an exciting time at Lantek, which made me want to return to the company. New software development is continuing at an increasing pace through AI, cloud applications, the expansion of the development team and the investment from Trumpf. All these factors combine to make a forward-thinking company which will give me the opportunity to offer the industry both step-change and incremental improvements.”

Lantek is the acknowledged leader in the field of sheet metal software and digital transformation and its open software can drive hundreds of different makes and models of cutting and punching machines. It has OEM partnerships with more than 120 machine tool suppliers worldwide enabling it to manage virtually any make or model of machine, helping companies work towards a smart factory whatever their state of digital readiness.

Adam Ball adds, “My objective is to build strong relationships with customers so that I can offer advice and the right solution to drive their businesses forward. Lantek is respected throughout the industry for excellence in software and service and I am looking forward to helping customers with systems tailored to their individual requirements.”

Your road to Digital Transformation..

Lantek Systems Ltd — 21/08/2018

Join us for a special introduction to Lantek MES and ERP software on Thursday the 18th October at Malven Hills Science Park.

Lantek Systems UK Ltd will be running an afternoon session where we will be exploring the road to improving communication and job management throughout your company.

During this afternoon session our Lantek Experts will be showcasing the latest version of Lantek CAD/CAM, and demonstrating our integrated SALES, QUOTING and JOB PLANNING tools.

Click HERE for more information and to register for your FREE Ticket .

New Lantek software feature improves part identification and streamlines workshop operations

Lantek Systems Ltd — 13/10/2025

Lantek, a global leader in software solutions for the sheet metal industry, has enhanced its Nesting by Attribute feature, which is released in the latest v45 of its Lantek Expert software.

Designed to enhance part handling and shop floor efficiency, this latest feature allows manufacturers to set custom nesting priorities based on operational needs.

The latest Nesting by Attribute tool enables users to group and organise parts on sheet metal based on selected criteria, simplifying part identification and improving operator workflow.

Parts from the same job or production stage can be colour-coded, separated by offset zones or even divided by visible lines, making them easier to identify and remove.

Adam Ball, Commercial Director at Lantek, explains: “The latest Nesting by Attribute tool is extremely user friendly, helping machine operators quickly identify which parts belong to which job.

“With today’s high speed modern laser cutting machines, shop floor operators often struggle to sort cut parts quickly enough. Grouping parts from different jobs on a single sheet can sometimes disrupt the production flow if the parts require different post-processing steps. This new feature helps to avoid that, reduce errors and save valuable time.”

Users can now clearly define nesting priorities using any attributes stored in Lantek Expert or Lantek MES, such as delivery deadlines, follow-up processes, container type, associated job orders or assemblies. During nesting, parts matching the selected properties are prioritised, while others are placed in the remaining spaces.

This new functionality was developed as a response to industry needs and customer feedback.

Adam Ball continues: “The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with customers valuing the flexibility it offers. In some cases, full material optimisation is ideal, but in other cases, it's far more practical to nest in a way that supports faster and more efficient part handling on the shop floor.”

For more information, visit: https://www.lantek.com/uk

For more information on Lantek Expert, visit Lantek Expert CAD/CAM Nesting Software

TRUMPF forms close partnership with Lantek to promote open communication standards

Lantek Systems Ltd — 13/08/2021

Alberto López de Biñaspre, CEO of Lantek, based in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, explained that, with the new TRUMPF partnership, the company’s existing relationships with machine tool vendors will not change.

In early spring a major machine OEM purchased a major software company, an acquisition that, if projections from sources come to fruition, could represent an inflection point in the sheet metal industry—a move toward interconnectivity and away from the walled garden. On March 18 TRUMPF announced its purchase of and new partnership with Lantek. Financial details behind the transaction were not disclosed.

“Ten years ago we thought of TRUMPF as a company driving the sheet metal market with technology. At that point we thought, ‘It must be our own software, and everything must be developed by TRUMPF technicians and engineers.’ This mindset has changed. We started this transformation several years ago [in 2014] with [the acquisition of] Metamation … For us, it’s all really about the transformation toward servicing the entire process chain, toward openness, and toward the cloud.”

So said Ditzingen, Germany-based Tom Schneider, managing director of machine tool development at TRUMPF. He added that just as Metamation has remained an independent business unit of TRUMPF, so will Lantek.

“We see the market as an evolving one,” said Alberto López de Biñaspre, CEO of Lantek, based in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. “We’re now seeing a new kind of openness in the sector, and this will continue. It will give customers more freedom to select and move into cloud solutions. Such openness also means we can cover every aspect of the business. This is not a product business [focused on just one manufacturing step or technology]. This is now a solution business, and that is something that’s here to stay.”

According to sources, Lantek will maintain its existing relationships with more than 120 machine tool builders, from the very largest to smaller niche players. It will also maintain its customer-direct sales channels. As López de Biñaspre explained, “Letting machine OEMs compete in the market is something that is core to Lantek. The multivendor strategy will continue. And we will continue to be an enabling solution provider to make connections [between different machines and systems] possible.”

The acquisition and, perhaps more significantly, the companies’ views toward openness and interconnectivity could point to a coming sea change in the sheet metal machine tool business. Industry 4.0, the digital factory, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI) all share one requirement: Competing technologies need to be able to connect easily, ideally using a common platform.

A laser might cut at incredible speeds, an automated bending machine might triple the forming department’s throughput, and a laser or arc welding system might reduce the need for finishing and send productivity through the roof, but how do these work within the overall business, from the first quote to the final shipment? For fabricators to see the whole picture, their machines need to connect and communicate, ideally at a deep level. The digital factory can’t come to full fruition in the shadow of a Tower of Babel.

Both TRUMPF and Lantek are proponents of umati, or the universal machine technology interface, which aims to provide a common communication platform. Working from this platform, different machine OEMs still can build functionality that differentiates them from competitors. But the platform does provide a common foundation so that, at least for certain functions like machine stop, machine run, material is missing, machines of different brands will send identical signals and speak the same language.

“Five years ago [umati began] within a small German group of machine tool builders,” Schneider said. “Five years later, it’s a world standard for connecting machines in sheet metal.”

According to López de Biñaspre, Lantek’s aim in the acquisition was to be able to tap into TRUMPF’s resources, especially in the field of AI. “If we can join forces to build this infrastructure, that can be something provided to the market where everyone can build on. It still won’t hinder other [machine] OEMs or customers to make their own decisions with their products.”

Tom Schneider is managing director of machine tool development at TRUMPF.

Proliferation of the ideas behind Industry 4.0, Schneider said, will require a common communication platform. “Where do I see the sheet metal business in 10 years? I believe there will be a common, cloud-provided open standard for the process chain itself, where every machine builder can easily connect its machines, and where customers have the power of choice to find the right software solutions.”

According to sources, this new reality can’t happen in a walled garden requiring specific machine and software brands. That’s because fabricators transitioning toward the digital factory can’t look at specific fabrication processes in isolation. They need to look at the entire enterprise.

“The approach in the sheet metal business no longer will be about a single item in the process,” López de Biñaspre explained. “It will be about the whole business.”

“We strongly believe in an open future,” Schneider added, “because in this way the community will get stronger. The differentiation is within the process, and the customer drives the process. This makes every fabricator unique. So, we at TRUMPF, as machine tool builders, and those at software providers like Lantek have to open up our systems so our customers can succeed. It’s our obligation to provide an open ecosystem. If we limit them, they cannot be successful.”

Lantek helps Midtherm Laser to increase the volume of parts manufactured and reduce lead times to 4 days

Lantek Systems Ltd — 12/01/2018

Midtherm Laser specialises in laser cutting and folding and, with around 40,000 parts going through its workshop every week, needed an efficient way of handling the large volume of administrative work necessary to deliver high quality parts on time at a competitive cost. Mark Hannon, Works Manager for Midtherm Laser, says, We moved to our Dudley site in 2004 and since then we have grown to four Bystronic CO2 flatbed lasers, one Bystronic fibre laser and two press brakes. Before we installed the Lantek software we used around four software packages which did not connect to one another to manage the business.

Lanteks CADCAM and ERP system has enabled Midtherm Laser to smooth its quotation, customer relationship and production processes, nest parts and program all five of its lasers in one system, control non CNC processes such as folding, powder coating or tapping and automatically generate delivery notes and invoices.

The company has around 350 live customers. Because of its reputation and service some of these simply order parts without asking for a quotation. However, Midtherm still needs to create in the region of 800 quotations every month which is a simple and fast process with Lantek. Mark Hannon explains, We get CAD models, DXF files, drawings or even just a description of the part or kit to be quoted for. We manufacture a huge variety of parts from different industries including pharmaceutical, aerospace, automotive, petro chemical and construction, so we need to be very flexible. We import the CAD data or redraw it where necessary to get it into the Lantek software. All the customer and job data is only entered once, while within the system we have the price per kilogram of the material which we update monthly. We can then choose how we want to define the material usage, for example, laser with common line cutting or whether to nest parts in a large cutout on a particular job. The system already knows the cut length and we have a generic machine defined for cycle time generation. With this information, we can create a new and accurate quotation extremely quickly.

During the configuration of the Lantek system Midtherm Laser worked through the large number of parameters available within the system with one of Lanteks engineers. Once the defaults have been set to suit the machines and way of working, operation is very simple as the layout of the different screens within the Lantek system is consistent so editing parameters where necessary is intuitive. The user can even simulate the nest of parts, if required, to get an even more accurate cost. Using the generic machine configuration gives Midtherm the flexibility to choose which of its five machines to cut the parts on. Once the quotation is finished it is recorded with a unique number and it is emailed to the customer, set out in a format tailored to Midtherms requirements.

Once the order is placed, the quotation becomes a sales order with the click of a button. Parts are amalgamated with all the other ordered parts according to material and thickness and delivery date. A dynamic nest is created which may feature parts from several different customers, as well as stock parts, and which may use up tracked and identified sheet remnants from previous operations, maximizing material utilisation. The system also creates a job list for a number of sheets of material together with a diagram of the individual part and the different nests to allow easy identification. A separate job card is issued for the laser cut part when there are extra operations such as folding or external operations such as tapping. These cards have extra information about how the part is to be folded or special production instructions for repeat jobs.

As each process is completed, including non CNC and external operations, the information is fed back into the Lantek Manager software, instantly updating the status of each part. Mark Hannon says, Previously, it was very difficult to find out where a part was in the production cycle, we would probably have had to look for it. Now we can get an answer instantly searching the data by many different parameters enabling us to track an order and ensure on time delivery. Once the parts or kits have been completed, a delivery note and invoice is automatically generated and the data passed to our accounting system.

He adds, Our order input has increased vastly and delivery times have gone from 5-7 days to 4-5 days and, despite the recent huge drop in material prices, our turnover has gone up which means we are producing more parts with the same machinery. More importantly, profits are up by 10-15%. Administration is much quicker and because it is all in one system our employees are collaborating much better as they all understand the complete process and can switch between roles. We are now considering a 3rd shift which will provide us with even more efficiency through reduced energy costs at night.

For more information visit: www.lanteksms.com

LANTEK

Robert Powell

sales.uk@lanteksms.com

Lantek responds to Covid induced evolution

Lantek Systems Ltd — 13/08/2021

Solutions Sales Manager at Lantek UK, Shane Langston, examines how Covid has changed the sheet metal business.

The immediate impact of Covid was the need for staff to work from home, if possible, which meant programming machines and preparing quotations needed to be quickly made operational from home. About 40% of our customers needed this capability as soon as lockdown started. As Lantek had already done work on remote access in the operation of its Lantek Expert software, we implemented floating software licences for the customers.

The sudden change in the work environment caused manufacturers in the sheet metal industry to re-evaluate their business structures and strategy. The disruption raised questions about whether new and more efficient procedures could be implemented to bring long-term benefits. Once the initial problems of home working had been resolved, managers had more time to look into these questions.

Working from home stopped day-to-day interaction, so it was more difficult to coordinate activities and quote preparation. There is evidence from our users that accurate quotation speed has a direct correlation to winning business. The solutions in Lantek’s MES Manager and Quoting modules are designed to resolve this, enabling the team to know when a job has been completed and accurately find costs from their remote environment.

Many customers realised the importance of moving forward with Lantek MES and Integra towards a smart factory. More manufacturers are looking at traceability for their products as part of their strategy to improve business. With Lantek, companies can create a unique identifier for each part, tracking the processes and machines used, right back to the material batch it came from. This capability is a key differentiator giving manufacturers improved access to customers and markets.

As part of Lantek’s Integra software, quotations, CRM, stock and manufacturing control all provide live information about sales, the status of manufacturing, the source of material, its availability and its price – essential information not only for production efficiency and profitability but also for traceability. By moving along the path to smart manufacturing, companies will get far more control of business KPIs.

LANTEK SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES LATEST V45 SHEET METAL SOFTWARE AT MACH 2026

Lantek Systems Ltd — 19/05/2026

Lantek, a global leader in software solutions for the sheet metal industry, generated a huge amount of interest at MACH 2026 (NEC, Birmingham, UK) in its new v45 software, with a high volume of demonstrations to visitors throughout the week.

The Lantek team were on hand to show visitors how the innovative new features of v45 help sheet metal manufacturers to achieve higher efficiency, tighter process control and better connectivity.

Adam Ball, UK Commercial Director at Lantek, explains: "This is the first time that v45 has been showcased in the UK and we had a great response from visitors. The manufacturers we spoke to were particularly impressed by the introduction of KAI, our new transversal digital assistant and its AI-powered capabilities.”

He adds: “Sheet metal manufacturers are increasingly embracing AI and new technologies and v45 is perfectly positioned to help them work smarter, reduce errors and simplify production processes. We were thrilled with the level of interest at MACH - it was a great opportunity to show people first-hand how this latest version of our software can benefit their business."

Lantek introduced KAI into the latest v45 software to support technicians throughout their daily workflows, by multiplying capabilities and radically simplifying their processes. For users, this means a smarter companion that saves time, reduces effort and improves consistency, opening an exciting new path towards intelligent manufacturing.

v45 also delivers advances in Assembly to Nesting (A2N), with improved usability and greater unfolding accuracy. By leveraging bending tool data, manufacturers can move from 3D assembly to cutting more quickly and with fewer errors.

Another key feature of v45 is Lantek MES, the company's production management system, which includes a new generation of the Production Planning tool. This delivers greater transparency around delivery times and resource utilisation through a modern, full web interface, giving managers clear visibility and precise control over expected shopfloor performance and potential bottlenecks. The update also brings improvements to intermediate warehouse management and expanded machine connectivity, allowing virtually any type of workshop machine to be integrated into the system. This results in greater transparency, better predictability and increased responsiveness to changing demands.

Further enhancements in v45 include updates to sheet metal programming tools Stackmaster and Lantek Expert, which extends compatibility with new lift devices and improves integration with other systems. These refinements help reduce programming time and support more cost-effective production.

For more information on v45 software, visit: www.lantek.com/uk

The importance of making data-based decisions in the sheet metal industry

Lantek Systems Ltd — 13/08/2021

The Covid-19 pandemic has shown us the importance of making decisions that are based on objective and accurate data. The reliability and quality of said data is fundamental and we must know exactly which data to use in order to justify decisions and add value. But we can’t just use any old data.

Data management is one of the greatest challenges in the metal and sheet metal industry in the current 4.0 ecosystem. Gathering data by identifying it correctly via a network with an internet connection to the Internet of Things (IoT) and the sensorization of machines and processes is vital, along with storing data in the Cloud so that it can be processed using data analysis algorithms.

The implementation of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Big Data software in the model is a fundamental step for this analysis. On the one hand, to create autonomous decision-making processes in the value chain, freeing people of repetitive tasks and/or tedious decisions that require long-term analysis and vision; on the other, to predict behaviors, foresee strategic decisions, identify problems with product quality, avoid critical downtimes and reduce costs. This way, more intelligent decisions are made that improve product quality and deliver efficiencies in the productive system in terms of time and costs.

Let’s take a detailed look at five advantages of automating a factory’s data collection.

1. Obtaining information in real time from any location and device allows you, for example, to find out about a fault as soon as it occurs or automatically increase stock. Thanks to an alerts system, the operator instantly receives information on their device, wherever they are.

2. Working with reliable information that is not based on assumptions helps to detect inefficiencies caused by micro-stops, the slowing of machines, malfunction, activity overloads...

3. Focus on more productive tasks. Technicians, operators and managers can focus on tasks that contribute more value to the plant, tasks that automation and data analysis are unable to assist with.

4. Centralize information. These systems allow data to flow throughout the whole factory, without needing to request data from the corresponding department. Production is aware of the order status; maintenance, the machine breakdowns; finances, the production cost at all times; and management, the efficiency of the plant.

5. Saving on times and costs and increasing productivity results in an improvement in the factory’s profitability and competitiveness.

The personalized focus that Lantek uses to guide companies through their digital transformation is fundamentally based on data analysis, as well as an evaluation of the data’s journey through the processes.

Even the best mathematical model is of little use if the company that is supposed to implement it doesn’t understand it. In order for key data to be used for decision-making and the automation of companies, the company must use a processing model that allows it to utilize, extract and analyze its existing data to obtain more specialized information to subsequently control its processes in a more optimized manner. This self-tested cycle includes establishing the commercial objectives, data appreciation, data preparation, modeling, evaluation and implementation.

Data preparation is key for this. For this reason, Lantek has created the Data-Quality-Report to evaluate data quality bearing in mind its validity, consistency and representation, as well as the uniqueness and integrity of the data gathered. There are several tools for this and for making proper use of data in production and management. However, the human factor plays an essential role. For example, the role of Chief Data Officer (CDO) has become a fixed, executive-level position in many companies that are embarking on the digital transformation and optimization of their processes based on data intelligence.

For the metal and sheet metal industry, at Lantek, we have the most advanced software for data processing and delivering intelligent responses that help professionals to make better manufacturing decisions. That program is Lantek Analytics, an intelligent manufacturing module that gathers, filters, groups and connects all of the machines’ data to subsequently back decisions with reliable information in real time.

Lantek Analytics integrates with sheet metal design and cutting, CAD/CAM, manufacturing management, MES, and enterprise resource planning, ERP (existing or external) programs, offering a comprehensive overview of everything that happens at the plant. This way, we can find out the productivity of the manufacturing process through the OEE indicator, which measures it using three parameters. First, it offers a machine’s available running time; second, the performance of the machine; and, third, the manufacturing quality of the pieces from each machine. At the same time, it displays the current status of the machine according to three aspects: operation, programmed downtime and accidental downtime.

The program also has a module that sends alerts, both in cases of possible faults and stock requirements, allowing you to adjust the inventory to the real demand at the time, which results in improved efficiency and cost savings.

But the program doesn’t only monitor manufacturing itself, it also monitors the evolution of orders integrating sales and quoting software. Clients’ historical and current data allows us to find out more about them which facilitates the detection of consumer patterns from demand behavior (order frequencies, volume, materials type of cut...). Algorithms allow us to anticipate and improve order planning and suggest new orders that increase business volume. At the same time, customizing quotes even allowing us to offer client discounts.

All of this offers speed, flexibility, objectivity and segmentation in quoting which benefits both the factory and the client, subsequently building loyalty.

Returning to the initial point, Covid-19 forces us to be agile, to make remote decisions, for one thing is key: having reliable data in real time.

Programming a rotary axis laser with Lantek makes complex parts easier and quicker to manufacture

Lantek Systems Ltd — 15/03/2018

ISM Solutions has a variety of different CNC sheet metal machinery including a Trumpf 5kw CO2 laser and a Strippit punch press. Investing in Lantek Expert and Lantek Flex3d Tubes CADCAM software has enabled the company to programme all the machines from one system, including the rotary axis on the Trumpf.

The company operates on the Isle of Wight and serves a wide range of industries including aerospace, petrochemical, wind turbine and construction across the UK. As well as sheet metal cutting and folding, it offers electroplating, powder coating welding and assembly. Will Thomas, Managing Director, says, We are ambitious for growth and, the rotary axis on the Trumpf laser has opened up new markets and new ways of cutting parts, which we would otherwise have to mill and drill and then hand finish. Now, thanks to the rotary laser programming in Lantek Expert and Lantek Flex3d Tubes, we can produce parts in one operation.

ISM Solutions has several 2D & 3D CAD systems enabling it to work closely with its customers, importing and producing models in a wide variety of formats, and exporting dwg, dxf, IGES or STEPS files into Lantek ready for programming and nesting. The company nests 100s of parts by material specification and thickness every month, so it mixes parts from different customers on the same sheet to maximise material utilisation. There is a database of sheet material offcuts in the Lantek system and the programmers nest into these as well, minimising wastage.

With Lantek Flex3d Tubes, ISM Solutions can visualise and simulate the tube cutting operations, nesting parts on the tube for maximum material utilisation. The software is parametric so changes can update throughout the programming process. Will Thomas, says The software is very easy to operate and we can modify the profiles where needed. Lantek worked hard on implementing the Trumpf lasers rotary axis in its software to make it work perfectly when we are cutting tube or box section. ISM Solutions uses laser profiling technology to make its own jigs and fixtures and, for the products it manufactures designed to separate oil and water it has revolutionised the production methods as these require a significant number of tubular parts. Will Thomas adds, A major project for the manufacture of a gondola to allow inspection personnel to access wind turbines, made significant use of the laser rotary axis, and the ease of programming in Lantek helped considerably. The process has enabled us to reduce the manual input, parts are more accurate and they can be produced much faster. For the gondola, TIG welding the kit of parts we cut on the laser produced a lovely job.

To help with the smooth running of the laser in 2D, Lantek Expert enables the programmer to change the datum. Will Thomas says, By altering where the cutting starts we can even cut the wear on the supporting slats, which makes them last longer. This sounds simple, but it reduces costs and maintenance and helps to increase the available machine time. Using Lantek software has certainly increased the complexity of components which we can easily produce and has also helped us to turn around jobs much quicker, making it a valuable asset to the company. Our relationship with Lantek is very good. We get all the software upgrades and the changes are self-explanatory. Phone support is excellent and where necessary Lanteks engineers can fix any issues we have remotely.

About Lantek

Lantek is a multinational company which is leading the digital transformation of companies in the industrial sector of sheet metal and fabrication. It offers its own software solutions in business manufacturing intelligence, which enable connecting the plants thereby converting them into smart factories. It rounds off its range with the development of CAD/CAM/MES/ERP solutions for companies that manufacture metal parts from sheet metal, tubes and profiles, with any cutting technology:laser, plasma, oxycut, waterjet, shearing,and punching.

Founded in 1986 in the Basque Country and with its headquarters in Vitoria-Gasteiz (Álava), Lantek enables the integration of cutting and punching technologies in the plant using the most demanding advanced manufacturing management software. The company is currently the outstanding leader in its sector thanks to its capacity for innovation and commitment to internationalization. With more than 20,000 clients in over 100 countries and its own 20 offices in 14 countries, it has an extensive network of distributors with a worldwide presence. In 2017, its international business contributed to 86% of its revenue.

For more information visit: www.lanteksms.com

LANTEK SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES LATEST V45 SHEET METAL SOFTWARE AT MACH 2026

Lantek Systems Ltd — 19/05/2026

The Lantek team were on hand to show visitors how the innovative new features of v45 help sheet metal manufacturers to achieve higher efficiency, tighter process control and better connectivity.

For more information on v45 software, visit: www.lantek.com/uk

SELMACH EXTENDS LANTEK SOFTWARE TO PRESS BRAKE EQUIPMENT

Lantek Systems Ltd — 31/07/2025

Selmach Machinery, one of the leading specialist suppliers of metal working machinery and equipment in the UK, has extended its relationship with Lantek to utilise its Lantek Bend software with its Morgan Rushworth press brake machinery.

Selmach Machinery, which already supplies Lantek Expert Cut alongside its Morgan Rushworth CNC Fibre Laser range for 2D CAD/CAM nesting, was looking for an advanced software solution which would enable customers to import parts and generate flat drawings automatically, rather than having to create these from scratch.

Lantek Bend provided the ideal solution as it significantly cuts down processing time between receiving drawings and cutting blanks on the profiling machines, which results in cost savings on every job. As part of the agreement with Selmach Machinery, Lantek will also provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to the end user.

Calvin Smith, Machinery Consultant from Selmach Machinery, explains: “We recognise the quality of the Lantek software, having supplied Lantek Expert Cut for many years. Lantek Bend is a highly intuitive piece of software that is very straightforward to use. It saves customers time and money and allows them to focus on production, not design. In addition, our customers will benefit from the support and guidance that Lantek offers with its software to optimise the use of our machines.”

Adam Ball, Commercial Director at Lantek UK, said: “We are delighted to be extending our software to Selmach’s Press Brake equipment. Lantek Bend enables easy import of the customer’s 3D CAD models with the software breaking them down into the individual components, unfolding each part and working out the most efficient way of bending each part with the minimum number of tool setups. This is all done without needing complex programming, calculations or specialist knowledge. It means that drawings can be processed quickly and passed to production, with the whole operation running smoothly and efficiently for maximum profitability.”

Selmach Machinery has an extensive customer base from small businesses to global manufacturers operating sheet metal equipment and stocks a wide range of equipment to suit different requirements and budgets.

Lantek Bend offers a range of advanced features that make it a versatile tool for businesses. It features powerful algorithms for intelligent solutions, including real-time validation of the bending process and the ability to batch process multiple parts. Other notable features include adaptive flat patterns, support for several machine manufacturers and controllers, and the ability to export standard work document reports.

For further information about Lantek Bend or its range of other innovation software, visit: www.lantek.com

Lantek’s revenues reaches 17.6 million euros, an increase of 11%

Lantek Systems Ltd — 11/05/2018

- The results for 2017 reflect growth in the customer base, which exceeded 20,000.
- At a global level, China and the USA experienced a significant increase of 67% and 47%, respectively.
- By areas, growth was driven by Lanteks Digital Transformation business, which increased sales by 25%.
- In 2018 the company plans to launch new products aimed at completing its Advanced Manufacturing portfolio.

Lantek, world leader in digital transformation and Advanced Manufacturing for the sheet metal industry, consolidates its position as an international benchmark after recording an increase in its turnover of over 11% and reaching a milestone in its number of customers. In 2017, turnover reached 17.6 million euros and the customer base grew by more than 2,000 new customers, exceeding the level of 20,000 active customers in more than 100 countries on five continents.

The company presented its results during the 2018 International Meeting, an annual meeting where all the employees meet to make an assessment of the year, as well as growth forecasts for the new year.

These results highlight the strength of the company's international business, which accounts for 86% of total revenue. In this regard, the progress recorded in markets with high potential such as China (+67%) is significant, where Lantek is already the leader for laser manufacturers, and the US (+47%), where companies have been pushing for digitalization for some time now.

In Europe it is worth mentioning countries such as Spain, France, Italy and Poland, where companies are taking advantage of the grants that governments have made available to businesses that opt ??for digitalization.

This has been a very positive year. We have reached most of the objectives we set, which demonstrates the trust that our customers have placed in Lantek. Our commitment is to work ever closer with them to help them on the road to their digital transformation, says Alberto Martínez, CEO of Lantek.

Digital Transformation

By business areas, growth was mainly driven by the projects undertaken in Digital Transformation, with an increase in sales of 25% compared to 2016. This shows that Lantek's commitment in recent years to the development of solutions for the sheet metal and fabrication sector oriented to Industry 4.0 is bearing fruit. As a result, Lantek is about to offer a new advanced manufacturing service using MES+ software and Lantek Analytics, which will enable better performance of factories through data analysis.

We have committed ourselves to developing advanced manufacturing solutions that connect machines, processes and factories to facilitate the digital transformation process, which is so necessary for our customers today. All these developments are aimed at turning factories into Smart Factories, improving the technological and competitive positioning of our customers in their sector, remarked Lanteks CEO.

This firm commitment to technology associated with Industry 4.0 has made Lantek a pioneer in the digitization of companies in the sheet metal sector. In line with this, in Spain, the company has achieved 14% growth in its Digital Transformation business, and expects it to reach 26% in 2018. In the case of countries such as Germany, Lantek expects a significant growth of 78% in digitization projects in 2018, given that it is a prepared market and has government support for business initiatives linked to Industry 4.0.

Regarding investments, during the past year the company allocated 1.8 million euros to R&D, implementation teams and project development. Worthy of note is the opening in Bilbao of a new technological center with the incorporation of 10 engineers.

During 2017, Lantek hired about 30 professionals in all its departments, which has increased the staff to over 200 people, spread over 19 offices all over the world.

The sectors in which Lantek has consolidated its global presence are industrial machinery, shipyards, automotive industry, duct parts, metal constructions, iron and steel industry, elevators, air conditioning, metallic furniture and distribution.

Forecast for 2018

Lantek faces 2018 with forecasted growth higher than that recorded last year, after a significant increase in the order book, especially for orders related to digital transformation projects, which will boost turnover towards a new milestone, reaching 20 million euros in invoicing.

"This year we plan to launch several products focusing on advanced manufacturing that will consolidate our strategy as a driving force in the digital transformation of our sector and that will help the sheet metal and fabrication market adapt to the new changes required by Industry 4.0", concludes Alberto Martínez.

About Lantek

Founded in 1986 in the Basque Country and with its headquarters in Vitoria-Gasteiz (Álava), Lantek enables the integration of cutting and punching technologies in the plant using the most demanding advanced manufacturing management software. The company is currently the outstanding leader in its sector thanks to its capacity for innovation and commitment to internationalization. With more than 20,000 clients in over 100 countries and its own offices in 15 countries, it has an extensive network of distributors with a worldwide presence. In 2017, its international business contributed to 86% of its revenue.

Laser, waterjet, plasma and flame cut programmed in Lantek Expert delivers flexibility and efficiency

Lantek Systems Ltd — 24/05/2018

Pegasus Profiles has three sites. The main site is in Thetford and the other two are in Andover and near Daventry. The company has been operating over 40 years and the Lantek software has enabled the company to consolidate its waterjet, laser cutting, plasma cutting and flame cutting CNC programming into one system.

Nigel Clark, Managing Director of Pegasus Profiles says, We cut material up to 500mm thick as well as thin material, extremely hard wear plate material such as Hardox, high strength steels such as Strenx and non-metallic materials including MDF, carbon fibre and foam. This requires us to have a wide range of cutting machinery to suit the different applications. In addition, we also have plough grinding capability with Lumsden grinders which offer a cost effective method of machining the surface area of plate to give a clean bright finish and a tolerance of ± 0.25mm. Pegasus is also able to supply refurbished spare parts and consumables for Lumsden grinders.

Originally, the two different waterjet machines by Calypso and WJS had their own dedicated software as did the Esprit plasma and Technicut flame cutting machines, resulting in the programmers needing to learn, understand and use multiple software packages to generate the unique CNC code for each machine. When Pegasus Profiles installed a Trumpf 3050 laser from MSS Lasers, Nigel Clark realised that he could replace all these diverse software packages with the Lantek Expert system and dedicated postprocessors to suit each machine, which was particularly attractive to the company. The Lantek graphics is the same for each machine, so we only have to learn one system. The old systems were machine specific. We have three CNC programmers and each of them had a specialist area. With Lantek, we can make much better use of our programming resources. There is a significant amount of programming to be done as every job is bespoke and consist of a lot of one off parts. For example, a structural steelwork project may have up to 160 different parts, all of them unique.

The company has around 500 tonnes of steel in stock and processes about 2,500 tonnes every year. Flame cutting applications include special purpose machines and wind turbine parts, while waterjet is ideal for parts which are non-metallic or which cannot be cut by laser, plasma of flame cut and materials such as titanium where the product would be damaged by a heat affected zone. To make the best use of material, the nesting within Lantek Expert is very important. We nest together parts from multiple projects according to cutting process, material specification and thickness. The ability to mix these parts on one sheet of material enables us to maximise material utilisation. The nesting software is powerful and easy to control, enabling us to get up to 80% utilisation and also, with its library of offcut shapes, reuse remnant material, particularly important for some of the costly materials we process.

Data on new products comes in a range of formats from a sketch to DXF and DWG files which can go straight into Lantek Expert for programming. The lead time achieved by Pegasus Profiles from order to delivery is 3 days for most products and the flexibility and ease of use of Lantek Expert contributes to this. Nigel Clark says, Lantek Expert is simple to use. It has enabled our staff to be more flexible as they can use one system instead of multiple systems and, the nesting saves significantly on material costs. The superior shop floor documentation generated by Lantek Expert is also a big improvement for us. We are confident that Lantek Expert will programme any machines we install in the future.

Lantek helps DaRo to be flexible in its choice of machines and eliminate operations.

Lantek Systems Ltd — 19/04/2018

DaRo Products success story started with a management buyout in 2000. Within the first year the company was turning over £600,000 fabricating sheet metal products for its customers. Since then the company has maintained a strong core of subcontract customers, manufacturing parts for many different products including commercial wood chippers.

However, in 2008 it had the opportunity to acquire the business of one of its customers, manufacturing UV water treatment systems, growing the DaRo UV Systems business to £1 million. It continued with this policy and has since acquired a second company designing, manufacturing and assembling Ministry of Justice approved lighting. Daro Products also supplies fibre optic enclosures, racks trays and patch panels to leading communications companies through Commscope. Damon Goodyear, Managing Director at DaRo Products says, We built on our sheet metal and fabrication skills and we now have our own range of products which assures the future of our manufacturing facility. Furthermore, we have expanded the processes we carry out in house from CNC punching, forming and welding to include vacuum forming, powder coating and assembly.

At the heart of its manufacturing facility are two CNC punch presses, a Rainer and a Trumpf TruPunch 3000. These are both programmed with Lantek Expert, which was first installed in 2005. Since the software was installed, the CNC punch presses have changed four times and each time, it has been easy to tailor Lantek Expert to programme the replacement machine. Damon Goodyear adds, Before we installed Lantek Expert, we had a dedicated piece of software for our first Rainer machine. The flexibility to programme any machine with the Lantek Expert software was a very important in our purchasing decision.

Many of the parts produced by DaRo have to be carefully de-burred to remove any sharp edges. To achieve this, the company uses a de-burring tool on the Trumpf machine which coins a small chamfer on the cut edge during the punching cycle. Damon Goodyear says, We carry out this operation on all our parts, so that they can go straight to the customer or to assembly off the Trumpf without any secondary operation. We worked closely with Lantek to develop the process and incorporate it into the CNC programmes generated by Lantek Expert. The tool will accurately follow the profile of the job no matter how complex it is. Additionally, we can regenerate existing programmes with one click to incorporate de-burring into these as well. Previously the company de-burred parts by hand so the on-machine method has saved a process, freeing up an operator to carry out other tasks. As well as de-burring, DaRo uses the punch machines to carry out forming operations such as knockouts. Currently, it subcontracts its laser cutting, but should the volume of work justify investment in its own laser, it will be able to use Lantek Expert to program this as well.

Most parts come as a DXF file, which goes straight in to the Lantek software. For reverse engineering and quality control the company also has a Virtek LaserQC which can scan parts in 2D and create a DXF file. This makes it possible to scan an existing part ready for CNC punching or compare a manufactured part with its drawing. Damon Goodyear says, With Lantek Expert, we can produce a punching programme in a few minutes. Our subcontract business and the continuous development of our own products makes the automated programming in Lantek Expert important for keeping up with the pace of work. Nests are organised to create a kit of parts as the company mainly manufactures complete products or assemblies. Lantek is a very friendly and helpful company to work with and the software maintenance contract keeps us up to date with the latest technology. Previously it was very easy to get left behind. Now we can be sure that our manufacturing is operating at peak efficiency.

Lantek: Unleashing the Power of Multi-Vendor Laser Software

Lantek Systems Ltd — 12/11/2025

For the sheet metal fabrication industry, the right software isn't just a tool—it's the engine of the modern smart factory. This is where Lantek delivers, shattering the limits of traditional software with a solution that is both deep-rooted in manufacturing expertise and dynamically future-forward.

Lantek’s journey began nearly four decades ago, built on a single, powerful idea: an intelligent CAD/CAM core to drive cutting machines. Today, this core, now refined across 45 versions, powers Lantek Expert Cut, providing unparalleled precision for laser equipment. It's this technical wizardry under the hood, meaning Lantek Expert is the World’s most advanced CAD/CAM nesting software system, designed for automating the CNC programming of sheet metal machines. They also provide the most advanced nesting algorithms and machining strategies (Thinkingmetal Technology) for any of the existing cutting (laser, plasma, oxy-fuel, water jet technologies) and punching machines.

The All-in-One Digital Command Centre and the Director’s Return

What makes Lantek genuinely exciting is its transformation into a total, end-to-end digital command centre for the entire shop floor. They’ve moved beyond simple nesting to offer a seamlessly integrated suite of management tools: ERP/MRP for business planning and the MES (Manufacturing Execution System) for live, shop-floor data capture and scheduling. This unified platform provides instant, complete visibility across your entire operation—a massive leap in efficiency and control.

This commitment to the future is what convinced Commercial Director Adam Ball to return to the company. His return was driven by his deep-seated belief in the company’s potential. “I knew Lantek had that something special needed to truly lead the industry,” Adam states. He now drives the strategy that leverages Lantek’s formidable foundation.

The Unstoppable Multi-Vendor Advantage and Global Reach

In a world where machine brands often force proprietary software, Lantek offers total freedom. This is their unstoppable, market-leading advantage: they are a multi-vendor solution.

Lantek’s software is engineered to seamlessly drive nearly 4,500 models of laser and cutting machines from any manufacturer. This means you are never locked into a single brand. You can buy the best machine for the job, regardless of who made it, and know Lantek will programme and optimise it.

This inherent flexibility has allowed Lantek to build a vast and varied customer base of over 36,000 clients. Their solutions scale perfectly, serving everyone from a small fabrication company just beginning its journey with a single laser to multi-national corporations with staggering turnover that operate across multiple sites. As Adam notes, “It makes sense that we're left as multi-vendor—our market stays the size it is, and we give all our customers fantastic choice and development.” This demonstrates a commitment to the customer's choice and the open market.

With a highly experienced UK support team backed by a massive global R&D hub, Lantek doesn't just provide software; they provide the ultimate foundation for the modern, efficient, and unrestricted sheet metal manufacturer. They empower businesses to focus on cutting-edge production, not complicated software workarounds.