Lectra satisfies automotive suppliers’ need
to meet fluctuating demand with a newly expanded range of FocusQuantum, the
state-of-the art laser airbag cutters already implemented by market-leading
airbag cushion suppliers worldwide, such as Dual, GST, HMT, Key Safety Systems,
Kolon and Sumisho.
FocusQuantum FT3K, Lectra’s accessible new version
of its laser cutting solution for multi-ply airbag fabric, is designed to help
airbag cushion suppliers seize new business opportunities by lowering their overall
manufacturing costs.
As introduced, featuring a single cutting head
and 3 kW laser source, the new model places the solution’s advanced technology
within the reach of a greater number of manufacturers.
FocusQuantum FT3K also offers the
possibility of satisfying increased production volumes with an on-site upgrade.
The more powerful configuration features a second 3 kW laser source and second
cutting head for an increase in productivity of up to 65% without the need to
build new facilities or expand an existing plant.
Upon completion of the upgrade, airbag
suppliers benefit from precisely the same functionality and performance of
FocusQuantum FT3K’s top-of-the-line counterpart, FocusQuantum FT6K.
According to Lectra, the automotive airbag
market is currently growing at a rate of 8-9% per year, as the supplier
ecosystem continues to reorganize. To remain competitive, many automotive
suppliers are re-evaluating their manufacturing footprint. Although they must
ensure that their manufacturing sites are robust enough to meet fluctuations in
demand, suppliers must also rationalize their capital expenditures.
By opening access to the high performance
and capacity of integrated airbag cutting solution FocusQuantum, Lectra says it
enables suppliers to immediately address new business opportunities while also
laying the foundation for an expanded manufacturing footprint.
“Having the production capacity to meet
growing demand is an absolute necessity to stay in the game,” observes Céline
Choussy Bedouet, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Lectra. "That
is why Lectra has expanded its multi-ply fabric cutting range, providing
automotive airbag suppliers with the flexibility to scale up production and
maintain their position on a continually evolving market.”
The redesigned FocusQuantum range for multi-ply
fabric also includes all-new versions of FocusQuantum Suite cutting preparation
software and FocusQuantum pilot cutting software compatible with the revised
equipment models.