SmartFlow System with MAZAK cutting machine

ALASER is a French company based in Canejan near Bordeaux, specializing in the service processing of aluminum and steel , including stainless steel. The scope of services includes cutting and bending of sheet metal. The company belongs to a group of companies that also offer water, plasma and oxygen cutting.

• Flexibility of the production process and increase of production capacity in the field of High-Mix, Low-Volume orders.
• Reduction in the number of operators involved in operating laser cutters.
• Creating a system in a limited space – developing an extremely compact solution that, despite the small available hall dimensions, ensures sufficient capacity of the storage system and an optimal flow of materials.

Due to ALASER’s experience in the automation of laser cutting machines, it was consciously decided to cooperate with an independent automation manufacturer, which gives full freedom in the integration of laser cutters of any brand, without dependence on one manufacturer.

At ALASER, we have launched an advanced SmartFlow System line that automates the sheet metal cutting process. The system consists of the TransferTower automated storage system equipped with 73 shelves with a total capacity of 219 tons and the MultiLoader system for loading and unloading the laser cutting machine tables. Effective and efficient management and planning of order queues is ensured by Smart WMS software.

The SmartFlow System has been integrated with the Mazak Optiplex 15 kW laser cutter and Profirst Group CAD/CAM software. The two-level access point and the MultiLoader ensure efficient material flow and the expansion of the system in the future with a second cutting machine.

Thanks to the intelligent management of the order queue with the Planner Lite module acting as the “Master”, as well as the integration with CAD/CAM software, the customer gained full control over production planning and order execution.

As the owners of ALASER emphasize, the installation brought immediate results right after commissioning – it enabled the achievement of a new level of customer service. Our solution dramatically reduced the lead time and allowed us to take full advantage of the capabilities of a modern high-power laser cutter.

• Full flexibility in order processing by providing access to each assortment of sheets within 3 minutes and the possibility of buffering the material after cutting, without the need for sorting on an ongoing basis.
• Multiplying the efficiency of the cutting process (loading of individual sheets up to 40 pieces/h).
• Ability to work at night and on weekends, without the constant presence of an operator.
• Effective and efficient planning and management of the order queue.