Lectra releases Vector TechTex FX 100

New cutting solution for industrial fabrics and composite materials.

Paris – Lectrahas announced the release of its new VectorTechTex FX 100 cutting solution for industrial fabrics and composite materials.

This new solution enables companies to cut wide pieces and meets the needs of professionals looking to diversify their offer by covering a broader spectrum of applications. In a tense economic context, in which companies must confront significant changes in their activities and business environment, VectorTechTex FX 100 helps ensure greater flexibility and contributes to increased profitability. "The ability to process a wide variety of industrial fabrics with a single, unique cutting solution is now essential to the survival of many companies. By extending the range of possible activities open to them with the VectorTechTex FX 100, these companies will be able to target new markets and, consequently, limit the risks tied to a decrease in volumes," said Daniel Harari, Lectra CEO.

VectorTechTex FX 100 is the most advanced solution available to deliver the flexibility required by professionals working with industrial fabrics and composites. Adaptable and reliable, it is particularly well-suited to short runs and tight production deadlines. By allowing for wider cuts (up to 2.54 meters), VectorTechTex FX 100 stands out from the competition as it can process a wider variety of pieces, all of varying sizes and shapes, while limiting fabric scraps. Material consumption is thus optimized. This cutting solution broadens Lectra’s VectorTechTex FX range by considerably extending the variety of materials that can be handled, from pre-preg carbon fiber to multi-layer cutting of dry materials such as fiberglass and honeycomb fabric.

With VectorTechTex FX 100, manufacturers and subcontractors can enter new markets under optimal conditions for profitability, thereby enlarging their order portfolio, thanks to a solution that meets all their needs.

Securing the cutting process: an essential requirement

The VectorTechTex FX 100 meets rigorous safety criteria. It is perfectly adapted to meet the stringent safety requirements that professionals in industrial fabrics and composite materials may face due to the hazards created by certain materials used. In particular, it integrates a new feature to vacuum away dust produced during cutting, greatly reducing the dispersal of particles that may affect the health of operators and limiting the impact on both the environment and the equipment.

Reducing electricity consumption

The VectorTechTex FX range also enables professionals in industrial fabrics and composites to reduce their energy consumption by 20 to 30% in comparison with standard cutters on the market. Lectra’s "Energy Saver" system helps to minimize energy usage by changing the machine’s vacuum power during cutting as needed and according to the fabric processed.

Ensuring maximum availability

Even more than in other fields of activity, for industrial fabrics and composites professionals, the availability of cutting solutions is crucial.

Some materials, such as the pre-preg composites used particularly in aeronautics, require pre- or postcut treatments that involve just-in-time production processes. The manufacturing of parts, which demands immediate cutting, must occur on a very precise production schedule, which rules out any delays. Machine malfunction that slows—or indeed stops—this process would risk altering the properties of the materials, leading to serious consequences that could greatly penalize production. The availability—or up time—of their production system is therefore critical for manufacturers, especially since some experience large fluctuations in their production volumes. They must be able to trust that their cutting system will be fully operational whenever it is needed.

Lectra associates its Vector® cutting solutions with a full range of services to optimize customers’ operations. Lectra’s preventive maintenance plans and service contracts provide continuous, remote assistance. These include monitoring the production tool in real time, looking at such elements as state of operation, and wear on parts and consumables.

Through numerous sensors integrated into Vector cutting solutions, data is quickly received and analyzed by Lectra’s specialists, enabling them to take the necessary action and/or begin an intervention by taking remote control of equipment. In this way, 67% of cases are resolved almost immediately, without the on-site intervention of a technician, which ensures minimum repair times and maximum equipment up time.

Combined with its reliable VectorTechTex FX solutions, Lectra’s effective and high-quality services provide manufacturers with a record availability rate of 98%, which secures the production process and improves return on investment.