Leather and materials specialist Lectra says it has unveiled a major evolution of its Versalis digital leather cutting solution designed to support automotive suppliers during its fifth annual automotive event.
Hosted at Lectra's International Advanced Technology & Conference Center (IATC) in Bordeaux-Cestas, France, Lectra welcomed 60 guests, from more than 15 different countries, representing the automotive seating, airbag and interiors value chains.
During the two-day event, Lectra experts and external thought leaders shared industry knowledge and presented best insights on the design challenges and opportunities shaping the evolution of the automotive interior. The prevailing idea is that interiors will transform to replicate the comforts and design of a living space. This new trend for comfort and luxury underscores the importance of leather, Lectra maintains.
It says automotive leather suppliers need to pursue their digital transformation while implementing Industry 4.0 principles. This means finding the 'right blend of production flexibility, operational agility and cost minimization through process optimisation and continuous improvement'.
Lectra says that Versalis 2019, its new digital leather cutting solution, is adapted to automotive production needs and promises higher productivity and performance capabilities. Software improvements have been made and cutting precision is 'improved substantially thanks to the use of a large pressure plate that flattens wrinkles before the start of the cutting operation to deliver a higher level of quality performance and production standardisation'. Versalis' ergonomic design enhances the ease of use through augmented reality, with a newly redesigned hide reception tray and automated belt cleaning.
"Consistent with Lectra's longstanding commitment to continuous improvement, our newest leather cutting range will enable suppliers of leather cut parts to not only achieve digital transformation but also prepare their operations for future challenges," says Céline Choussy, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Lectra.

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