Xteg CEO Tobias Kersten speaks of „Germanized machines“ when talking about the three product lines for sheet metal and metal cutting with fiber laser technology. He explains, “We have completed the laser machines of our Chinese partner with quality components which are developed and produced here in Germany and for which the spare parts also come from Germany. “Since December 2019 the 2D fiber laser cutting machine series MARVEL can be seen in the newly opened demonstration and application center in Neuenstein near Heilbronn. For those who these days prefer to get their information online the company´s web site (www.xteg.de) offers comprehensive information and a video of the demonstration center. The AUTOBOT line for 3D laser cutting and the LT line with laser tube cutting machines completes the portfolio.
Software updates and support from Germany
Quality components made in Germany: For its machines HGTECH obtains CNC control and engines from Siemens in Erlangen, cutting heads from Precitec in Gaggenau and suction technology from Camfil in Tuttlingen. Partnering with Lantek meant for Xteg to gain IT experts which not only contribute longtime expertise but also “non-proprietary software which does not bind customers to a certain machine type and supports further technology beyond laser processing,“ says Kersten. “In addition, companies can also calculate parts with this CAD software – and have the possibility to connect their production and, if they want to, the whole company with other modules from the Lantek portfolio.“
The HGTECH lines for 2D and 3D laser processing are equipped with the software bundle Lantek Expert, the fiber laser tube cutting machine with Lantek Flex 3D. Matthias Rolf, territory sales manager of Lantek: „In close exchange with our Chinese colleagues and the technicians of HGTECH in China and also here in Germany we have customized the basic installation of our nesting software to the machine. To this end we have adopted all the relevant machine parameters and have also developed a completely new post-processor.“ Other advantages of the cooperation with Lantek for the Xteg customers are that software updates and support are coming from Germany, states Kersten.
The Lantek software portfolio is made with 30 years of experience in sheet metal processing. It covers the whole process from quote generation and production to warehouse management and invoicing. Analytical tools from Lantek are helpful instruments for companies and their data-based decisions. The elements have a modular design and are tightly intermeshing. According to the company´s digitization level they can be composed and by and by developed.
Multiple advantages of fiber laser technology
The founders of Xteg are no novices to the sector. So far working at mteg they successfully have provided companies in the sheet metal industry with second-hand machines of diverse technologies by TRUMPF – also CO2 laser. But the advantages of fiber laser technology have gotten around the sheet metal industry. The machines are eco-friendlier, more energy efficient and operate less expensive because they can do without laser gas and have a lower maintenance requirement due to their simple construction. The fiber laser makes higher manufacturing speed possible and offers the opportunity to cut nonferrous metals (copper, brass, ...) The latter was not possible in the past with CO2 lasers.
Xteg wants to meet the growing demand for fiber lasers in Germany and therefore has signed an exclusive contract with HGTECH for Germany, Austria and Switzerland in August 2019. HGLaser is a brand of the HGTECH, founded in 1977 and amongst the top ten of laser manufacturers around the world. In close coordination with Xteg HGTECH has adapted its machines to the demands of the domestic market regarding user interface, DIN standards and safety regulations. After the shut down due to the corona pandemic for weeks the Chinese are now returning to work. “They have rapidly ramped up production and have already reached almost 100 percent, “reports Kersten. Meanwhile the atmosphere in the German sheet metal market changes. “Especially these days companies ask for cost-effective and likewise high-quality fiber lasers with German components, spare parts and support, “he has learnt and adds: “Our sound price-performance ration will convince them.“
