Laser Cutting Machine Automation.
Turn chaos into an orderly flow.
Laser cutting machine automation involves the system taking over all key operations related to feeding and unloading sheet metal sheets and their storage in an automatic warehouse. This means that the loading-unloading module, integrated with the sheet warehouse, is responsible for retrieving the correct material from the warehouse, transporting the material to the laser table, receiving the cut parts, and placing them in the appropriate locations – without operator involvement.
In practice, laser automation enables unmanned operation, including night shifts and weekends, while simultaneously increasing process efficiency and predictability.
Are your lasers working, or... waiting for material?
In the traditional model, the laser cutting machine actually cuts only 30-40% of the shift. The rest of the time it waits for material loading, handling, and planning the next order.
Labor shortage
Difficulties in finding qualified operators for night shifts and weekends (machine downtime).
Downtime and delays
Underutilized potential of laser cutting machines, which instead of working - wait for material.
Nightmare of short runs (HMLV)
Too long setup times and searching for the right sheet with a large number of short runs.
Full laser power, without unnecessary downtime.
Integrate. Automate. Gain an advantage. Utilize your lasers' potential up to 85% and cut 24/7 without constant operator presence.
Increase OEE to 85%
Significant increase in cutting machine efficiency (faster ROI).
Produce "Lights Out" (24/7/365)
Machine operation on the 3rd shift and weekends without constant supervision.
Recover up to 80% of space
Elimination of pallets and vertical storage (up to the ceiling).
Choose automation tailored to your production scale.
Loader
Loader is a compact loading-unloading module for one laser cutting machine. It automates sheet feeding from the pallet and retrieval of cut parts, relieving the operator while maintaining full access to the laser table. Ideal as the first step toward automation in smaller companies.
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Loader with automatic warehouse (MonoTower)
The loader with warehouse combines automatic loading and unloading with a tower sheet warehouse. The system ensures constant access to many types, sizes, and thicknesses of material, organizes storage, and shortens setup times. A good solution for plants that want to increase the number of orders without expanding the hall area.
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MultiLoader
MultiLoader is a transport module for companies that need to handle larger volumes and multiple workstations. It transfers sheet bundles between the warehouse and one or more laser cutting machines, creating an efficient material buffer. It enables further expansion of the SmartFlow System as production demand grows.
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SmartFlow System
SmartFlow System is a fully integrated ecosystem connecting an automatic warehouse with loading and unloading of one or more laser cutting machines and various access points. It automates the entire material flow – from raw sheet retrieval to placing cut parts, allowing machine utilization up to 85%. It enables unmanned operation (24/7/365) and completely eliminates forklift traffic in the cutting zone.
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SmartPicking System
SmartPicking System is an advanced solution automating sheet metal storage and kitting for specific orders. It consists of an automatic warehouse and a vacuum suction module that independently retrieves and stacks individual sheets on a pallet. It drastically shortens kitting time (especially for diverse HMLV orders), protects sheets from scratches, and allows operation without operator involvement.
Learn moreIndependence that gives you freedom of choice.
Full flexibility
We don't lock you into one ecosystem. You can connect lasers from many leading manufacturers to our warehouse. We have experience in this.
Tailor-made
We go around the pillars in your hall and adapt to the infrastructure, not the other way around. We can fit 66 tons of material in 120 sqm along with automation for 2 cutting machines.
IT integrations (ERP, MES, CAD/CAM)
Connection on three levels: mechanics, automation, and IT (data exchange with your IT environment).
From idea to full implementation
We plan, design, implement, integrate. We provide service and machine maintenance.
See our implementations
SmartFlow System
Implementation at Dajano company: 4 BLM lasers integrated in SmartFlow System.
Result: 24/7 operation without operators, 85% machine utilization.
SmartFlow System
Implementation at Marbo Sport company: TwinTower storage system with Multiloader and Loader 3015 along with Flower Pro integration with CAD/CAM.
Result: Double OEE increase (from 15% to 32%), material delivery time reduced to 2 minutes.
See more implementations
Implementation process
Needs analysis
First, we identify goals, constraints, and risks: hall layout, material handling method, critical points at machines. We gather requirements regarding materials, work organization, and expected control method to clearly define the scope of automation and priorities.
Concept and solution selection
Based on collected data, we prepare a layout concept and system operation logic in typical scenarios. We select the warehouse, feeding modules, access points, and integration layer so that the material receipt, feeding, retrieval, and sorting process is consistent and predictable.
Design and integration
Then we design mechanics, automation, and communication with the plant's systems. We agree on signals, safety rules, and integration requirements, refining details so that commissioning runs smoothly and is understandable for the client's team.
Installation and commissioning
We install the system in the hall and conduct functional tests in real production conditions. We start key work scenarios, verify process stability, train operators, and refine handling standards.
Post-implementation support
We provide support for stabilizing operations and adjusting settings to actual orders. We help develop the process – from organizational changes to layout expansion – and ensure continuity through service and consultations.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. What if the automation stops? How do I operate the laser?
Even if the automation system fails, production does not have to come to a halt. Baumalog systems do not block the cutting machine – you always retain full manual access to the machine table and in emergency situations you can load sheets using a forklift.
2. We produce very short series (HMLV). Won’t the warehouse slow us down?
On the contrary! Our systems are optimized specifically for High Mix Low Volume production. Lightning‑fast access to each material type (in less than 3 minutes) and the use of dual‑level access points (Duo Stations) drastically shorten changeover times when the product mix changes frequently.
3. We don’t want to rebuild the hall. How much space does the installation require?
Automation does not take up space, it frees it up. Storing material vertically allows you to save up to 80% of floor space in the hall. For example, a MonoTower warehouse that can store 80 tons of sheet metal occupies only about 16 m² of floor area.
4. Does depalletizing sheets before loading take too long?
Depalletizing in Baumalog systems is extremely fast. Thanks to a dedicated station equipped with depalletizing pins, the process of separating the wood from the sheet bundle takes only about 1 minute. This eliminates empty pallets from the cutting zone and saves up to 20% of space in the warehouse.
5. How often do we have to replace wear‑out parts and the grates (rack) on the laser table?
The frequency of grate replacement depends on the thickness of the cut material and production intensity. Importantly, our automation is designed so that the laser table is always directly accessible for safe and convenient cleaning or grate replacement. The automation wear‑out parts themselves are very durable – only items such as forks belts, air filters (roughly every 2 years), or relays are typically replaced, while the main polyamide guides can last for several decades.
6. What is laser cutting machine automation and when should it be implemented in a plant?
Laser cutting machine automation takes over sheet feeding, part removal, and transport to the warehouse, enabling the laser to run steadily with fewer downtimes and less operator involvement. It is worth implementing when you want to fully utilize the machine’s potential and move to 24/7/365 production.
7. How does the loading‑unloading module at the laser work and what benefits does it provide in daily operations?
A loading‑unloading module (e.g. Loader) independently retrieves sheets from pallets, feeds them onto the laser table and collects the cut parts. This reduces heavy manual work, significantly shortens production cycle times and directly improves safety and ergonomics at the machine.
8. How does the integration of a laser cutting machine with a sheet metal warehouse work in Baumalog systems?
Integration consists of connecting the warehouse, the transport module and the software so that the laser automatically receives the correct material from organized, central storage. We achieve this coherently on three levels: mechanics, control systems and data exchange.
9. How does basic laser automation differ from full integration of the laser with a warehouse and software (ERP, CAD/CAM)?
Basic laser automation mainly covers the hardware‑based feeding and removal of sheets. Full integration of the laser with the warehouse and systems such as ERP, WMS or CAD/CAM creates a true digital ecosystem. It enables intelligent planning, scheduling and real‑time tracking of production within one consistent flow of material and data.
