At the heart of the new GERBERcutter Z1 is Axis™ software, a Windows®-based system that is said to be easy to use and delivers significant productivity enhancements. These include reports that help users analyse total cut time, idle time, jobs completed, material utilisation and more; a job queuing function that enables simultaneous loading of all jobs to be cut during an entire shift or day’s work; and job recovery functionality that initiates cutting at the precise point the job was interrupted.
“The new Axis software platform enables Gerber to solidify its position as a total solutions provider, in fact, redefining the value of the GERBERcutter system," says Gerber President Marc Giles.
"No longer is it merely a device to cut material but, instead, is an integral part of the user’s entire workflow. It accommodates an extensive portfolio of tools that automate non-value-added tasks and improve efficiencies up and down our customers’ manufacturing value streams.”
The GERBERcutter Z1 is built upon a new distributed control system, the foundation upon which many options like inkjet-printed part identification can be added. Gerber reports that by distributing the intelligence away from the main controller, the system is more modular and flexible, installation is simplified, processing power is significantly improved and system uptime is maximised.
“Gerber is proud to serve the world’s largest public aerospace companies and to have contributed to the manufacture of parts for the Boeing 787, Bombardier C-series, Learjet 85 and Airbus A350 programmes," says Hal Osthus, president of Gerber’s Composites and Automations Solutions business.
"Based on customer acceptance testing, I am confident that the GERBERcutter Z1 system will be a welcome addition to our proven suite of automation solutions for composites nesting, cutting, kitting, layup and measurement.”
Virtek products
Also on display at China Composites Expo will be the Virtek® LaserEdge™ system for three-dimensional laser templating and ply positioning and the GERBERconnect™ remote diagnostic system.
Visitors to the show will witness the Virtek LaserEdge system in action. Virtek LaserEdge is an easy to use three-dimensional laser templating and positioning system that eliminates the need for physical templates, reduces costly rejects and shortens set-up time. It accurately projects a virtual laser template onto moulds and parts to guide operators through the layup process of composite part fabrication.
With GERBERconnect software on a customer’s cutting system, Gerber service personnel are able to diagnose systems remotely when necessary, and, for matters that require a Gerber technician to be on site, issues can be resolved swiftly because the technician has the information needed to thoroughly troubleshoot the issue beforehand.
China Composites Expo 2011 will take place 7-9 September in Shanghai.