TPT March 2019

C U T T I NG T E CHNOLOG Y

Software for mechanised cutting upgraded ESAB Welding & Cutting Products demonstrated its new Columbus ® III version 1.6 CAD/CAM software for mechanised cutting at EuroBLECH, which took place in Hanover, Germany, in October.

The new version of Columbus III includes cost calculations based on actual production data

The new ESAB CutCloud version 3.0 utilises Microsoft Azure IoT and the ThingWorx ® Industrial Innovation Platform from PTC, which respectively allow for on-premises, hybrid and cloud- based architectures, and functionality to import and visualise machine data. Columbus III version 1.6 now includes the ability to calculate offers and orders for customers based on actual production data. An easy-to-use cost calculator enables fabricators to enter cost variables, such as costs for machine time per hour, cutting process (including associated consumables), preparation, programming and materials. After nesting parts using built-in design tools or importing a parts nest, Columbus III

day Columbus III user group meeting, held annually at our Karben, Germany, location,” said Holger Hahn, ESAB’s global product marketing manager, ap- plication software. “With our software developers con- necting directly with the end users, we are able to make many improvements each year, which helps us to keep Co- lumbus III one of the most successful software suites available for mecha- nised cutting.”

can calculate costs based on length, duration or weight of material cut. Data can be exported to Excel and used for future cost calculations. Additional functions include keyboard shortcuts to rotate a parts nest in user- defined increments; rotating thepartsnest and/or plate orientation to consider grain direction; a new colour to clearly delineate Cut Rapid mode (the fastest cut without regard for edge quality); and a direct mode function that allows dragging lines over parts to quickly and easily sequence them. “Our continuous improvements re- flect the input we obtain from our two-

ESAB Group (UK) Ltd – UK Email: service@esab.co.uk Website: www.esab.com

79

www.read-tpt.com

MARCH 2019