New 3D laser cutting software Argo by BLM Group

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The software department of BLM Group has introduced Argo, a new CAM programming software for their 3D laser cutting systems.

The software enables the comprehensive management of tubes and three-dimensional metal profiles, including deep-drawn, punched, die-cast, and hydroformed parts. It ensures consistency in processing.

Additionally, it can be integrated with other applications of the BLM Elements Suite. Argo allows for the coordination of the "virtual" offline world (the software) with the "real" world (the machine) through its user-friendly and intuitive interface.

The software automatically recognizes cut and bent parts, including all aspects relevant to processing, such as cutting rules, cross-sections, axes, and bends.

By integrating tube bending machines and tube lasers, this solution represents another step towards all-in-one functionality. It calculates the strains of materials occurring in the bending process and corrects the cutting geometries, enabling customers to produce flawless parts right away. At Argo, they can now freely decide whether to cut the tubes before or after bending, even in the bends of the tubes.

Argo also enables so-called "reverse engineering": existing part programs can be re-imported to generate completely new projects based on parts that have already been manufactured. Changes made on the machines are incorporated into the models in work preparation.

One of the main features of the Argo software is its ease of use through the advanced human-machine interface. It ideally supports the programming of the entire laser cutting system, including the robot that positions the parts to be processed in the workspace.

According to the manufacturer, flexibility is the strength of Argo: because the software gives customers the freedom to produce identical workpieces with other configurations of the LT-Free. Or different parts with the same LT-Free system.

Customers already working with BLM Group machines will, according to the manufacturer, benefit from perfect integration and consistency with other applications of the BLM Elements Software Suite. This is especially true for the Cad/Cam software Artube of the BLM Group. It is a suitable solution for drawing, processing, and designing workpieces from tubes.

According to BLM, the new software enables offline programming and rapid synchronization with the machine, increasing production efficiency. Argo can ensure optimal, collision-free

cutting paths and automatically generate the fixtures for the workpieces. For bent tubes, the software automatically recognizes their cross-sections and bending axes, simplifying their handling and facilitating an interactive definition of the grip position along the bending axes of the tubes.

Furthermore, Argo enables processing of both supported workpieces and parts held by the robot.

With Argo, the entire integrated production process can now be controlled. For offline programming, the BLM Group has also developed its own solution. It offers all the advantages of synergy between machine and software.

Argo also offers the possibility to create a digital twin of the physical machine configuration in a virtual environment. Each machine is equipped with a configuration file that accurately reflects its real position in the workspace. This allows for an exact digital representation of the physical machines.

Thus, Argo is a scalable solution that can be tailored to individual requirements and also offers advantages in update management. Additionally, customers, according to the manufacturer, can manage their maintenance and upgrade contracts through the BLM portal, which is intended to ensure continuous, optimal service.