Fabtech 2026: Lantek to Unveil V46 Advancing Automation, Connected Manufacturing Across Sheet Metal Workflow
October 23, 2026Lantek, a global provider in software solutions for the sheet metal, tube and structural steel industries, will introduce Lantek v46: Further in Booth C6037 at Fabtech Expo 2026 scheduled at Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV, October 21-23, 2026.
Lantek v46 introduces significant advances across quotation, engineering, programming and manufacturing functions by extending automation to more technologies, connecting more workshop systems, all improving the flow of manufacturing information across the Lantek software portfolio. Together, these developments help manufacturers manage increasingly complex production environments with greater efficiency, flexibility and consistency.
A New Generation of Intelligent Quotation
Lantek introduces a major evolution of its iQuoting solution. A redesigned part import assistant supports individual 3D parts and complete assemblies, providing tools to detect and manage geometries, manipulate layers, and prepare imported data for quotation.
Integrated feasibility rules then evaluate whether the geometries can be manufactured using the available technologies and production capabilities. Combined with deeper and more configurable calculation methods and predefined work plans, these capabilities bring manufacturing knowledge into the quotation process earlier, allowing manufacturers to represent their own production logic, manufacturing routes, resources and costing criteria more accurately when estimating increasingly complex projects.
Many of these capabilities are supported by KAI, Lantek's AI technology, which assists users by analyzing manufacturing information, interpreting design data and automating complex decision-making throughout the quotation workflow. Rather than replacing engineering expertise, KAI helps companies prepare accurate quotations more quickly while reducing manual effort and improving consistency.
Additionally, the integration with the broader Lantek software portfolio has also been strengthened, enabling a smoother transition from an accepted quotation into downstream manufacturing processes.
Advanced Punching Programming and NOS Optimization
Lantek Expert v46 offers new options to streamline and automate the programming of individual parts and complete nests, while supporting advanced machining strategies and complex operations combinations.
A key development is the extension of NOS (Nesting Optimization Service) to punching machines. Previously available only for cutting technologies, Lantek’s most advanced nesting engine now brings its material optimization capabilities to punching environments, extending advanced optimization across a broader range of sheet metal technologies.
Extending Automation Across Production Workflow
The newly redesigned Stackmaster delivers a more intuitive and visual palletizing programming experience, fully integrated within Lantek Expert, the company reported. At the same time, Lantek is extending its capabilities for automatic storage systems with technology designed to connect and coordinate cutting machines and warehouses while managing the related MES workflows, production processes and material inventory as part of a complete automation flow.
New Possibilities for Tube, Structural Steel Manufacturing
Lantek Flex3D v46 incorporates a new module for designing tube-to-tube connections directly within 3D assemblies. Users can create and adapt these connections from an extensive library of parametric joint types commonly used in industry. By integrating these capabilities into Lantek Flex3D, recurrent manufacturing-oriented design work can be completed without returning to an external CAD application. The solution also introduces the unbending of bent tubes during 3D file import, automatically generating the developed geometry required for cutting and manufacturing preparation.
For structural steel and profile fabricators, Lantek v46 adds a new integration with Tekla PowerFab, linking its MES-MRP environment with Lantek’s programming solutions. Together with the established StruMIS MRP Connector, this broadens Lantek’s integration ecosystem and gives manufacturers greater flexibility to work with their preferred specialized production management platforms.
More Flexible Bending Decisions on Shop Floors
Lantek v46 introduces a more advanced integration between Lantek Bend and the MES manufacturing workflow. The system can calculate and retain alternative bending solutions for the same part across different press brakes. For each option, manufacturers can assess in advance whether the bending operation is technically feasible on that machine, together with the machine-specific tooling, setup and process information required for production allowing the final press brake to be selected closer to execution, based on actual machine availability, workload or tooling conditions. Production teams gain greater flexibility to respond to changing workshop priorities while retaining the validated technical information for the selected machine.
Expanded Machine Connectivity Across Workshops
Lantek’s Control Panel has also been renewed with a redesigned user interface. The new design improves the organization, clarity and readability of machine information, complemented by a smoother and more responsive visualization of real-time machine events. By enabling a broader range of production assets to feed reliable data into Lantek MES, Control Panel and Lantek Analytics, this expansion reinforces Lantek’s multivendor approach, improves real-time visibility across the workshop and supports more accurate OEE calculations and other key production indicators.
“Connected manufacturing is not simply about linking machines or applications; it is about making the right information available when decisions need to be made,” said Raúl Chopitea, Head of Product at Lantek. “With v46, we are creating a more continuous manufacturing environment in which automation, planning and execution work together more effectively.”
To learn more about Lantek v46, visit Booth C6027 at Fabtech Expo 2026 for live demonstrations or visit https://www.lantek.com/us.
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