Digitized and Networked Sawing Processes

For digitized and networked sawing processes, KASTO offers intelligent solutions such as seamless system connection through KASTOlink, optimized cutting plans with KASTOoptisaw, mobile control via the KASTOapp, and automated cutting optimization with KASTOrespond. Users benefit from efficiency, lower costs, and high process reliability during the sawing operation, the company reported.

"When it comes to sawing, we no longer focus solely on the individual machine; we consider the entire material flow," explained Sönke Krebber, member of the management board at KASTO. "Our experts develop solutions that optimize cutting strategies, automate processes, and intelligently network machines. Interfaces play a vital role in this aspect-we have been offering OPC UA and various other standards for over a decade. This integration turns every saw cut into a component of a well-designed digital process chain, ensuring maximum efficiency, safety, and transparency for our customers."

Seamless System Connection

KASTOlink enables seamless networking of KASTO saws with other processing machines, storage solutions, or warehouse management and ERP systems. It provides a continuous, digital process chain from order to production. This versatile interface solution not only enables integration with KASTO systems, but also flexible connections to machines from other manufacturers. Users can efficiently and transparently network their KASTO products with the entire IT and machine environment through interfaces such as OPC UA, MQTT, REST API, DSTV+, CSV, or KASTO's own HOST link.

Optimum Cutting Plans at the Touch of a Button

During the sawing process, users face the challenge of maximizing material usage while minimizing waste to keep resource consumption and costs at a minimum. This is where KASTOoptisaw comes into play. Fully integrated into the KASTOlogic WHM software, KASTOoptisaw optimally assigns stored bar stock to specific sawing orders, considering various machine parameters such as kerf width and minimum kerf length. It can handle bars, tubes, and profiles of different lengths and miter angles, thereby minimizing waste. This not only reduces costs, but also saves storage space, as unusable remnants no longer need to be returned to storage. Additionally, KASTOoptisaw assists directly at the saw by automatically determining the most efficient cutting plan by repeatedly exploring various possible section arrangements, combining them to find the optimal solution. Users can also create cutting plans manually using a graphic wizard based on geometric data. This wizard allows for further optimization by selecting different stock.

Mobile Control and Monitoring

KASTOapp provides a real-time overview of the status of all KASTO sawing machines within the network. When a saw is operating in automatic mode, the app accesses the information stored in the respective machine control systems. Users-whether individually or simultaneously-receive precise information about all relevant parameters. This includes data related to the article, cut-off lengths, target, and actual quantities, as well as feedrates and cutting speeds. In the event of an error during operation, the app promptly displays the relevant error message, allowing users to respond quickly and minimize downtime. To help ensure optimal security, KASTO protects information from unauthorized access by transmitting it through encrypted connections using HTTPS, and utilizing its own servers.

Automatic Saw Optimization

KASTOrespond optimizes the settings of the sawing machine, whether it is processing solid materials, tubes, or profiles individually or in bundles. This system continuously measures the forces acting on the tool without the need for additional sensors. It uses this information to determine the appropriate digital feedrate. KASTOrespond can detect variations in wall thickness, differing contact lengths, and particularly hard areas in the material, adjusting automatically to accommodate these factors. For the operator, this means only a few relevant parameters need to be input, such as cutting lengths, quantities, and material types. As a result, operation times are reduced, and the service life of the tool is extended.

New Control Generation

KASTO's new control generation, part of its comprehensive package of intelligent solutions, has been developed from the ground up to streamline daily operations, making them easier, faster, and more efficient. The user interface features a modern design, smart functions, and a role-based user guide that enhance clarity and efficiency. A "Simple Mode" allows for the quick and secure processing of sawing orders with fewer clicks, while access via a browser provides flexible and convenient machine control via a PC or tablet. Various lengths of the same material can now be bundled in one cutting plan, allowing multiple orders to be processed automatically one after another. Important statistics are clearly displayed on the dashboard, and if questions arise, context-related help is available to provide targeted assistance exactly where it is needed.

For more information contact:

KASTO Inc.

3002 Venture Court

Export, PA 15632

724-325-5600

sales@us.kasto.com

www.kasto.com