Month: September 2026

Automating Part Picking After Laser Cutting to Improve Production Efficiency

Automatic cut parts picking is an important stage in sheet metal processing automation. At the end of the laser cutting cycle, the components produced must be removed from the work area, separated and transferred to the next stages of production.

When this activity is performed manually, it can require time and constant operator intervention, especially when dealing with numerous parts, frequent cutting cycles and varied production runs.

A system for automatic cut parts picking makes it possible to automate this stage and integrate it into a broader process that includes cutting, sorting and component handling.

What Is Automatic Cut Parts Picking?

Automatic picking involves the automated handling of components produced by laser cutting, with the aim of removing them from the processing area and directing them to their intended destination.

After cutting, the work surface may contain numerous components with different shapes, dimensions and characteristics. The picking system handles these parts without relying exclusively on manual handling for every operation.

Picking can therefore represent the first step in an automatic sorting process, in which components are subsequently separated, organized and handled according to production requirements.

Why Automate Cut Parts Picking?

Collecting components can become particularly demanding when the laser cutting machine is used intensively throughout the day.

Each cutting cycle can produce numerous parts that must be removed from the work area before they can be handled during subsequent stages.

Automating picking addresses this specific activity and can provide several benefits for production organization.

Reduced Manual Operations

The first benefit is the ability to reduce repetitive activities performed by operators.

Manually collecting components can require frequent and continuous intervention. An automatic system can instead take over this stage, allowing operators to focus on supervision and process control.

Reduced Handling Times

The time required to manually collect and transfer parts can affect the overall efficiency of the process.

An automatic system makes the transition from cutting to subsequent operations faster and more organized.

Greater Process Continuity

Automatic picking helps create a more continuous flow between the laser cutting machine and the part management system.

This can reduce waiting times associated with manual operations and make better use of the production capacity of the system.

Better Component Organization

Automated handling makes it possible to transfer parts to the areas specified by the production process, maintaining better organization of the material produced.

How Does Automatic Cut Parts Picking Work?

The way the system operates depends on the configuration of the production line and its specific requirements, but the process can generally be divided into several stages.

Identifying the Parts

At the end of the cutting cycle, the system must manage the position of the components located in the work area.

Information about the position of the parts makes it possible to organize picking according to the nesting configuration and production requirements.

Picking the Components

The system then performs the automatic removal of cut parts, handling the components according to the specified sequence and operating conditions.

Automation reduces the need for manual intervention and makes material handling more structured.

Separating the Parts from the Sheet Metal

Once cutting is complete, the components must be separated from the remaining sheet metal.

Automating this stage makes it possible to distinguish the finished parts from the material that will not be sent to subsequent processing operations.

Transferring the Parts

The picked components can then be transferred to their intended destination, such as a collection area, a subsequent processing area or a system dedicated to part handling and sorting.

Automatic Picking After Laser Cutting

Laser-cut parts picking becomes particularly relevant when the production process involves numerous cycles throughout the day.

The laser cutting machine may process different types of sheet metal and produce components intended for different production orders. At the end of each cycle, the material produced therefore needs to be handled quickly and in an organized manner.

When this activity is performed manually, the time spent collecting parts can increase as production volumes grow.

Automation makes it possible to connect the cutting stage with the picking stage, creating a more continuous process and reducing activities that do not directly add value to the production process.

Which Parts Can Be Picked Automatically?

The characteristics of the parts produced can vary considerably depending on the type of processing.

A picking system must therefore be designed around the characteristics of the components it will handle.

The main factors to consider include:

• part dimensions;
• component weight;
• shape and geometry;
• thickness of the processed sheet metal;
• number of components in the nesting;
• frequency of cutting cycles;
• production order management requirements.

Evaluating these parameters makes it possible to define a solution that is consistent with the production process and the characteristics of the system.

Automatic Picking and Part Sorting

Picking and sorting are closely related operations, but they are not the same.

Automatic picking mainly concerns the removal and handling of parts from the cutting area. Sorting involves broader component management, which can include part separation, organization and destination management.

In an automated production line, the two functions can be integrated into the same production flow.

The process can therefore follow a sequence such as:

• sheet metal cutting;
• component identification;
• automatic picking;
• part separation;
• sorting and organization;
• transfer to the next stage.

For more information about how this process works as a whole, see the article dedicated to sheet metal sorting.

Automatic Picking and Production Order Management

Part management after cutting becomes more complex when a machine processes multiple production orders at the same time.

Different components may be produced during the same cycle and must subsequently be organized in a way that keeps the different production orders separate.

An automated system makes it possible to structure this stage more effectively, reducing the need to manually collect and organize each individual component.

Picking can therefore become part of a broader process of automated production order management.

Automatic Picking and Productivity

The productivity of a laser cutting machine does not depend exclusively on cutting speed.

Operations taking place before and after the processing cycle can also affect the efficiency of the entire system.

If the machine completes a cycle quickly but the parts then have to be collected manually, a bottleneck can occur in the subsequent stages.

Automating picking makes it possible to improve this part of the process and create greater continuity between cutting, handling and sorting.

Integration with the Laser Cutting Machine

The picking system must be designed around the laser cutting machine and the overall production line configuration.

Work area dimensions, sheet metal characteristics, nesting configuration, number of parts and available space are some of the factors that must be considered during the design process.

Integration turns picking into an automated stage of the production process rather than a separate activity performed manually at the end of each cycle.

Integration with Sheet Metal Loading and Storage

Part picking can be incorporated into a broader automation system.

Before cutting, sheet metal can be managed through automatic storage and machine loading systems. After cutting, the process can continue with component picking and sorting.

This creates a workflow that can include:

• sheet metal storage;
• laser cutting machine loading;
• component cutting;
• automatic picking;
• part sorting;
• transfer to subsequent processing operations.

The goal is to reduce interruptions and create a more integrated production process.

Automatic Picking in High-Variety Production

Automatic picking can be particularly useful for companies handling production characterized by a high variety of components.

When production orders change frequently, operators may have to continuously handle parts that differ in shape, size and quantity.

Automating handling makes this stage more structured and allows the process to adapt to different production configurations.

This approach is particularly interesting for companies working with small batches, numerous production orders and frequent production changes.

Automatic Picking and Workplace Safety

Manual handling of parts can involve repetitive activities and the need to handle components with different physical characteristics.

Automating these operations reduces the presence of operators during repetitive handling activities and allows human resources to focus on system supervision and control.

Automation must, of course, be designed with consideration for operating conditions and the safety requirements applicable to the industrial environment.

Integrating Automatic Picking into an Existing Production Line

Picking automation can also be considered when a company already has a laser cutting machine and an operational production line.

In this case, it is necessary to analyze the existing configuration, available space, material flows and the way parts are managed after cutting.

Custom design makes it possible to assess how the picking system can be integrated into the production line without compromising the organization of the manufacturing process.

How to Choose an Automatic Cut Parts Picking System?

The choice of a solution should start from the actual characteristics of the production process rather than solely from the theoretical performance of the system.

It is important to consider:

• type and characteristics of the laser cutting machine;
• part dimensions and weight;
• production volumes;
• number of daily cycles;
• component variety;
• available space in the production area;
• integration requirements with sorting, handling and storage.

A comprehensive assessment makes it possible to identify a solution that is genuinely useful for the production process.

A Picking System Designed Around Your Production

Every sheet metal processing operation has specific characteristics. For this reason, automatic cut parts picking must be designed around the requirements of the production line.

An effective solution must integrate with the laser cutting machine, the available space and the subsequent processing stages.

The goal is not simply to automate a single operation, but to create a workflow in which picking contributes directly to the overall efficiency of the production process.

BEMATIK’s Experience in Sheet Metal Automation

BEMATIK develops automation systems for sheet metal processing, with solutions dedicated to the different stages of the process, from loading and handling to sorting and material management.

The company has more than 25 years of experience in the sector and over 600 installations worldwide.

This experience makes it possible to address projects with different production requirements and develop systems designed to integrate with existing equipment and the customer’s operational needs.

From Automatic Picking to Part Sorting

Automatic cut parts picking makes it possible to automate a stage that directly follows the laser cutting process and can have a significant impact on production continuity.

Automatically removing, separating and handling components reduces manual operations and creates a smoother connection between the laser cutting machine and subsequent production stages.

By integrating picking with an automatic sorting system, it is possible to manage produced parts more comprehensively, from their removal from the cutting area through to their organization and handling.

Discover BEMATIK solutions for automating cut parts handling and integrating picking into the production process.

Automating Part Picking, Separation and Management After Laser Cutting

An automatic sorting system makes it possible to automate the management of parts produced by laser cutting, reducing manual operations and creating a smoother transition between the cutting process and subsequent production stages.

When a laser cutting machine processes sheet metal with different geometries and numerous components, cutting is only one part of the overall process. Once processing is complete, the cut parts must be picked, separated, organized and handled.

Integrating a sorting system makes it possible to automate these operations, creating a more efficient connection between the laser cutting machine and the rest of the production area.

What Is an Automatic Sorting System?

An automatic sorting system is a solution designed to automatically manage parts produced by a cutting machine, handling the operations that follow the cutting process.

The system can manage the picking of cut parts, their separation and subsequent organization, reducing the need to perform these activities entirely by hand.

Sorting can therefore become an integral part of the production process and contribute to creating an automated workflow connecting the laser cutting machine with subsequent stages.

To learn more about the topic in general, you can also visit the page dedicated to the sorting system for cut parts.

How Does an Automatic Sorting System Work?

The operation of a sorting system depends on the plant configuration and production characteristics, but the process can be divided into several stages.

Picking Parts from the Cutting Area

Once the cutting cycle has been completed, the system takes over to manage the produced components. Automatic cut parts picking reduces the manual work required to collect components from the processing area.

This becomes particularly important when many parts are produced during the same day or when the nesting contains numerous different geometries.

Separating the Components

The parts must be separated from the remaining sheet metal and managed in an organized way. The sorting system automates this stage, making it possible to distinguish components intended for different production orders or processes.

Organizing the Parts

After picking, the components can be organized according to production requirements. Structured management helps prevent disorganized accumulation and facilitates the transition to subsequent processing operations.

Automated Handling

The system can also manage the movement of components towards the areas specified by the production process, creating a more continuous flow between the different stages of processing.

Why Use an Automatic Sorting System?

Sorting automation addresses the need to eliminate or reduce a series of repetitive operations that, in an industrial production environment, can require a significant amount of time and resources.

Automating these activities makes it possible to improve not only process speed, but also its organization, continuity and reliability.

Reduced Manual Operations

One of the main benefits is the ability to reduce the number of manual interventions required after cutting.

Operators can therefore dedicate more time to supervision, quality control and production management rather than continuously handling components.

Greater Production Continuity

An automatic system makes it possible to connect the end of the cutting cycle with the management of the produced parts more efficiently.

This can help reduce waiting times between stages and make better use of the laser cutting machine’s production capacity.

Better Production Area Organization

Automated component management helps keep the production area more organized and allows parts to be arranged according to subsequent processing requirements.

Reduced Handling Times

Collecting, separating and handling parts can represent a significant portion of the overall time dedicated to component management.

Automating these operations makes it possible to reduce non-productive time and improve material flow efficiency.

Automatic Sorting System for Laser-Cut Parts

Automatic sorting of laser-cut parts is particularly important in production environments characterized by a high number of different components.

The laser cutting machine can produce complex nesting layouts containing parts with different shapes, dimensions and production destinations.

Once cutting is complete, manually managing all these components can become a lengthy and inefficient operation. A sorting system, on the other hand, makes it possible to automate part management and maintain a more organized production flow.

Sorting therefore becomes the connection between the cutting stage and the subsequent management of components.

What Types of Parts Can a Sorting System Handle?

The characteristics of the parts produced can vary significantly from one company to another. Components with different shapes, dimensions and quantities can be processed depending on the characteristics of the production process.

For this reason, the design of a sorting system must take several parameters into account:

• part dimensions;
• component weight;
• geometry of the cut parts;
• number of parts produced;
• frequency of production order changes;
• management methods for subsequent processing operations.

The goal is to create an automation system that is consistent with the actual characteristics of the production process.

Automatic Sorting and Production Order Management

An industrial production environment may handle numerous production orders simultaneously, each with different components and quantities.

Proper sorting management makes it possible to keep parts organized and reduce the risk of components belonging to different processes being mixed together.

The system can therefore contribute to more structured management of the produced material, facilitating the activities carried out after laser cutting.

This is particularly interesting for companies that frequently work with small batches and diversified production.

Sorting System and Laser Cutting Machine Automation

A sorting system reaches its full potential when it is integrated with the laser cutting machine and other automation systems present in the production area.

The process can be organized as a workflow in which the different stages communicate with one another:

• sheet metal storage;
• automatic machine loading;
• laser cutting;
• part picking;
• automatic sorting;
• component organization and handling.

In this way, sorting is not considered an isolated piece of equipment, but rather part of an integrated automation system.

To learn more about the relationship between automation and part management, you can also read the article dedicated to sheet metal sorting.

Integrating Sorting into an Existing Production Line

An automatic sorting system can also be considered for production lines that are already operational.

In these cases, it is necessary to analyze the laser cutting machine configuration, available space, material flows and the way production orders are managed.

The integration must allow the new system to fit into the existing process without creating obstacles to production.

Customized design makes it possible to evaluate the characteristics of the production line and identify the configuration best suited to the company’s requirements.

Automatic Sorting and Industry 4.0

Sorting is one of the technologies that can contribute to the digitalization and automation of production processes.

When integrated with the laser cutting machine, handling systems, management software and an automatic warehouse, sorting can become part of a production ecosystem in which the different stages are interconnected.

The goal is not simply to replace a manual operation with an automated one, but to create a more continuous and structured process.

When Is It Worth Installing an Automatic Sorting System?

Sorting automation can be particularly interesting when manual part management represents a limitation to productivity.

Situations in which it may be useful to consider this technology include:

• high production volumes;
• many cutting cycles throughout the day;
• numerous different parts in each nesting;
• frequent changes in production orders;
• the need to reduce manual activities;
• the need to improve organization within the production area;
• the need to increase production process continuity.

The decision should nevertheless be made by considering the production process as a whole and evaluating the relationship between investment, productivity and the benefits that can be achieved.

A Sorting System Designed Around Production Requirements

There is no single sorting configuration that is equally suitable for every company.

An effective solution must be designed around the characteristics of the production process, the laser cutting machine being used and the way parts are managed after cutting.

Automation customization makes it possible to take into account component dimensions and weight, production volumes, frequency of process changes and available space.

The result should be a system capable of integrating into the production process and providing a tangible improvement in part management.

From Sorting System to Automated Sheet Metal Management

Sorting is an important stage in a broader process of sheet metal processing automation.

When the system is also connected to the previous stages, it is possible to create a workflow that starts with raw material management and continues through to the management of cut components.

Automatic sheet metal storage, laser cutting machine loading and subsequent sorting can therefore be considered as parts of a single automation strategy.

BEMATIK’s Experience in Sorting Automation

BEMATIK develops automation systems for processes related to sheet metal processing, integrating solutions for loading, handling, sorting and material management.

The company has more than 25 years of experience in the industry and more than 600 installations worldwide.

This experience makes it possible to address projects with different production requirements and develop solutions designed to integrate with existing industrial processes.

The goal is to create reliable systems designed for continuous operation within the customer’s production environment.

Automating Part Management After Cutting

An automatic sorting system makes it possible to automate a key stage of sheet metal processing: managing parts after laser cutting.

Picking, separation, organization and handling can be integrated into a single workflow, reducing manual activities and improving production continuity.

When sorting is integrated with automatic loading, laser cutting and sheet metal storage, it is possible to achieve a more complete and coordinated automation process.

Discover BEMATIK’s automatic sorting solutions and learn more about how to automate the management of cut parts within your production process.

Automating Cut Part Management for More Efficient Production

Sheet metal sorting is becoming an increasingly important stage in automated sheet metal processing. After laser cutting, the produced parts must be picked, separated, organized and managed efficiently before moving on to subsequent production stages.

When these operations are performed manually, managing the parts can be time-consuming and may involve several operators. An automatic sorting system, on the other hand, makes it possible to automate the handling of cut parts, making the process more organized, faster and better integrated with the laser cutting machine.

Sheet metal sorting therefore fits into a broader automation process in which the material is managed from storage and feeding through to cutting and the subsequent separation of the parts.

What Is Sheet Metal Sorting?

The term sheet metal sorting refers to the set of operations required to automatically manage and organize the parts obtained from cutting a sheet of metal.

Once the laser cutting cycle has been completed, the working surface may contain numerous parts with different shapes and dimensions. These components must be separated from the remaining sheet material and organized according to production requirements.

An automatic sorting system can handle these operations, reducing the need for manual intervention and allowing the parts to be transferred to the destinations specified by the production process.

Sorting therefore involves more than simply picking up the parts. It can include more comprehensive material management, from separating components to organizing and handling them.

How Does Sheet Metal Sorting Work After Laser Cutting?

The sorting process is generally carried out at the end of the cutting cycle. The laser cutting machine performs the nesting of the components on the sheet metal and proceeds with cutting according to the planned configuration.

Once this stage is complete, the cut-part management system takes over and can automate the subsequent operations.

1. Part Identification

The system must recognize the arrangement of the components produced by the cutting process and the information required to manage them correctly.

Knowing the position and characteristics of the parts makes it possible to organize the subsequent picking operation consistently with the production program.

2. Picking the Cut Parts

Automatic cut parts picking makes it possible to remove components from the working area without necessarily requiring manual intervention for every individual part.

This stage is particularly useful when the nesting contains numerous components or when different production batches are processed frequently.

3. Separation from the Remaining Sheet

After cutting, the parts must be separated from the remaining sheet structure. Automating this operation makes it possible to manage both the components intended for production and the remaining material in a more organized way.

4. Component Organization

The parts can be organized according to criteria related to production, the production order or the subsequent processing stage.

This helps prevent components belonging to different production orders from being mixed together and facilitates the management of subsequent operations.

5. Transfer to the Next Stage

Once separated and organized, the parts can be moved to the area specified by the production process.

The result is a more continuous flow between laser cutting, sorting and subsequent processing operations.

Why Automate Sheet Metal Sorting?

Manual management of cut parts can become a limitation, especially in production lines characterized by high production volumes, frequent changes in production orders or long work cycles.

Sorting automation addresses precisely this stage, reducing repetitive activities and improving process continuity.

Reduced Manual Operations

One of the main benefits is the reduction of manual work required to collect and organize components after cutting.

Operators can therefore focus more on activities that require monitoring, supervision and production management.

Greater Production Continuity

A sorting system integrated with the cutting process can help make the transition between one stage and another more efficient, limiting interruptions caused by the manual handling of parts.

Better Part Organization

Automatically separating and organizing components helps keep the production area more organized and makes it easier to identify parts belonging to different production orders.

Reduced Handling Times

When component picking and management are automated, it is possible to reduce the time dedicated to operations following laser cutting.

This is particularly interesting in production environments characterized by many cutting cycles throughout the day.

Laser-Cut Parts Sorting

Sorting laser-cut parts becomes particularly important when a single sheet contains numerous different components.

Nesting makes it possible to optimize the arrangement of geometries on the sheet, but once cutting is complete, the challenge of managing the resulting parts remains.

An automatic system transforms this stage from a simple collection operation into a genuine component management process.

Part separation can be integrated with information generated by the cutting process, creating continuity between machine programming and management of the produced material.

Automatic Sorting and Part Picking

Automatic cut parts picking is one of the core functions of a sorting system.

Depending on the plant configuration, the system can manage components with different shapes, dimensions and quantities, organizing handling operations according to production requirements.

Automatic picking also reduces the need to manually handle parts that can vary significantly in size and weight.

To learn more about this aspect, visit the page dedicated to automatic cut parts picking.

Sheet Metal Sorting and Production Order Management

One of the most interesting benefits of automatic sorting is the ability to keep components intended for different production orders separate.

In a production environment characterized by numerous orders, a single day may involve cutting many different types of parts. Managing these components manually can increase the risk of confusion and require additional time and space for their organization.

An automated system makes it possible to establish a more structured approach to part management, facilitating the transition from cutting to the next production stage.

Sorting thus becomes an integral part of automated production management rather than simply an operation performed at the end of the laser cutting cycle.

Integration Between Laser Cutting and Sorting

The real value of sorting emerges when the system is integrated into the production line.

The laser cutting machine is only one stage of the process. Before cutting, the material must be managed, while after cutting, the produced parts and subsequent operations must be handled.

Complete automation can therefore connect several stages:

• sheet metal storage;
• laser cutting machine feeding;
• component cutting;
• cut parts picking;
• sorting and component organization;
• handling towards subsequent production stages.

In this way, sorting is not considered an isolated system, but rather part of a broader automated process.

Sorting and Sheet Metal Production Automation

Automating sheet metal management makes it possible to improve several activities that traditionally require the constant presence of operators.

Sorting is one of these stages and can contribute to improving the overall efficiency of the production line when it is designed around the characteristics of the manufacturing process.

The most suitable solution depends on several factors, including production volumes, sheet dimensions, part types, frequency of production changes and department organization.

For this reason, a sorting system should be evaluated as part of the overall production process rather than solely on the basis of the individual picking operation.

When Is It Worth Installing an Automatic Sorting System?

Sorting automation can be particularly interesting for companies using laser cutting machines with frequent and diversified production.

Situations in which it can provide greater value include:

• a high number of daily cutting cycles;
• production of many different parts;
• frequent changes in production orders;
• the need to reduce manual operations;
• the need to improve organization within the production area;
• the need to increase production process continuity.

The benefits should nevertheless be evaluated by considering the entire production flow and the relationship between investment, production capacity and the reduction of manual activities.

Sheet Metal Sorting and Existing Production Lines

Introducing a sorting system does not necessarily mean completely replacing the existing production line.

In many cases, the goal of automation is precisely to integrate new functionalities into an existing production process, connecting the sorting system to the laser cutting machine and other equipment already present in the production area.

The design must therefore take into account the available space, the characteristics of the laser cutting machine, material flows and the way production orders are managed.

A customized approach makes it possible to develop a solution that is consistent with the company’s actual requirements.

From Sorting to Automated Sheet Metal Management

Sorting is one stage of a broader process that includes sheet metal management before, during and after cutting.

To achieve a higher level of automation, sorting systems can be connected with systems dedicated to automatic sheet metal storage and warehousing, creating a continuous flow between raw material and cut products.

In this scenario, the material can be picked from the warehouse, sent to the laser cutting machine, processed and subsequently managed through the sorting system.

The result is a more integrated process in which the different stages of production are designed to communicate and work together.

A Sorting System Designed Around Production Requirements

Not every company processes sheet metal in the same way. The requirements of a company producing large standardized batches can be very different from those of a business handling numerous orders with small quantities and frequent production changes.

For this reason, a sheet metal sorting system must be evaluated according to the specific characteristics of the production line.

Component dimensions and weight, number of parts produced, working area layout, production order flow and integration with other machines are all factors that can influence the configuration of the automation system.

The goal is to create a system capable of fitting into the production process without introducing additional operational complexity.

BEMATIK’s Experience in Sheet Metal Automation

BEMATIK develops automation solutions dedicated to sheet metal processing, with particular focus on the integration of loading, handling, cutting, sorting and material management.

The company has more than 25 years of experience in the industry and more than 600 installations worldwide, providing the expertise required to address production projects with different requirements.

Automated systems are designed around the characteristics of the production line and the customer’s objectives, with the goal of creating reliable solutions suitable for continuous industrial use.

From Laser Cutting to Automatic Sorting

Sheet metal sorting makes it possible to automate a key stage in the management of parts produced by laser cutting.

Picking, separation, organization and handling of components can be integrated into a single process, reducing manual operations and improving production continuity.

When sorting is also connected to loading systems and automatic sheet metal storage, it is possible to create a more complete workflow that starts with raw material and continues through to the management of cut parts.

To learn more about automation opportunities, discover the sorting system for cut parts and BEMATIK’s solutions for automated sheet metal management.

Automating the Management of Cut Parts

A sorting system for cut parts makes it possible to automate the management of components obtained from the laser cutting process, reducing the manual operations required to separate, pick and organize the processed parts.

After the sheet metal has been cut, the production process does not end. The parts must be separated from the processed sheet, identified, picked and organized according to the subsequent production stages.

An automatic sorting system can operate precisely at this stage, creating a connection between laser cutting, parts picking and processed material management.

The goal is to make the production process more efficient, reduce manual handling and increase the level of automation of the production line.

What Is a Sorting System for Cut Parts?

A sorting system for cut parts is an automated system designed to manage components obtained from sheet metal cutting.

Once the laser cutting machine has completed the cutting program, the different parts can be automatically picked and managed according to the plant configuration and production requirements.

The system can perform several operations, including:

• picking cut parts;
• separating components from the sheet metal;
• moving the parts;
• organizing components;
• grouping parts;
• transferring components to subsequent production stages.

In this way, sorting becomes an integral part of sheet metal processing automation.

Why Automate the Sorting of Cut Parts?

In traditional production processes, once laser cutting is complete, the operator must intervene to separate and move the parts that have been produced.

This activity can become particularly demanding when handling:

• high production volumes;
• numerous parts on each sheet;
• large sheets;
• repetitive production cycles;
• complex cutting programs;
• production processes with frequent changes in operations.

Automating the sorting process makes it possible to reduce these manual activities and connect the cutting stage with subsequent operations.

The result is a more organized process in which parts are managed directly after processing.

How Does an Automatic Sorting System Work?

The operation of an automatic sorting system can vary depending on the plant configuration, but the process can be outlined through several main stages.

1. Sheet Metal Cutting

The laser cutting machine executes the cutting program and produces the different components required for production.

Once processing is complete, the parts remain inside the machine’s working area and must be separated from the sheet metal.

2. Part Identification

The system can manage information relating to the different components produced, making it possible to organize the sorting process according to the planned production operations.

This allows parts to be associated with different orders, processes or production destinations.

3. Automatic Picking

The sorting system performs the automatic picking of cut parts from the processing area.

Automation reduces the need for manual intervention during the separation and handling of components.

4. Separation and Organization

The parts can be separated and organized according to the plant configuration.

Management can be carried out based on the production order, part type or subsequent production stage.

5. Transfer

Once picked, the components can be transferred to the area designated for subsequent operations.

The process can then continue with assembly, bending, welding, painting or other manufacturing operations.

Laser Cut Parts Sorting

Sorting laser-cut parts is one of the most important stages in completing the automation of a sheet metal processing line.

The laser cutting machine automates the cutting process, but managing the components after processing may still require manual intervention.

Integrating a sorting system makes it possible to extend automation to this stage as well.

This creates a more complete production flow:

STORAGE → LOADING → LASER CUTTING → SORTING → HANDLING → SUBSEQUENT PROCESSING

In this way, sorting is not considered an independent system, but rather as part of a broader automated process.

To learn more about this topic: Laser Cutting Machine with Integrated Storage

What Are the Benefits of Automatic Sorting?

Automating the management of cut parts can provide several benefits within a production department.

Reduced Manual Operations

Picking and handling parts can require a significant amount of manual work.

An automated system makes it possible to reduce these activities and allocate personnel to other higher-value operations.

Greater Production Continuity

Automating the stage following laser cutting reduces the time required to clear the laser cutting machine’s working area.

This can contribute to a more continuous production cycle.

Better Part Organization

The system can manage components according to predefined criteria, making it easier to organize production orders and subsequent processing operations.

Reduced Material Handling

Automated handling reduces the need to manually move components, especially when producing large parts or high volumes of components.

Greater Safety

Reducing manual operations involving metal parts contributes to a more organized production area and limits certain material-handling activities performed by operators.

Automatic Picking of Cut Parts

The automatic picking of cut parts is one of the core functions of a sorting system.

After the laser cutting program has been completed, the system operates on the processed sheet metal to retrieve the components that have been produced.

Picking can be organized according to the geometry of the parts, their dimensions, weight and production requirements.

The goal is to prevent operators from having to manually retrieve each individual component.

To learn more about this topic: Automatic Cut Parts Picking

Sheet Metal Sorting and Part Management

The term sheet metal sorting can refer to the set of operations required to separate and organize the parts obtained from the cutting process.

The system therefore does not simply pick up the component, but can be integrated into a broader material management process.

Proper organization of the parts reduces post-cutting operations and makes it easier to transfer components to other production stages.

To learn more: Sheet Metal Sorting

Integration Between the Laser Cutting Machine and the Sorting System

The highest level of automation can be achieved when the sorting system is designed to work together with the laser cutting machine.

In this case, the different components of the plant can be connected within a single process.

The production line can include:

• sheet metal storage system;
• handling system;
• automatic loading system;
• laser cutting machine;
• sorting system;
• parts handling;
• subsequent production stages.

Integration therefore makes it possible to automate not only the loading of raw material, but also the management of the products obtained from the cutting process.

From Storage to Sorting: An Automated Process

Automation can be developed throughout the entire sheet metal workflow.

The process can start from the automatic warehouse and continue through to the management of cut parts:

SHEET METAL STORAGE
↓ MATERIAL PICKING
↓ AUTOMATIC LOADING
↓ LASER CUTTING
↓ AUTOMATIC SORTING
↓ PART MANAGEMENT

This approach makes it possible to create a production line in which both raw material and processed products are managed through automated systems.

To learn more about storage: Automatic Sheet Metal Storage

Automatic Sorting for Different Production Requirements

A sorting system can be configured according to the characteristics of the production process.

The solution must take several factors into account:

• part dimensions;
• component weight;
• number of parts produced;
• sheet metal format;
• type of processing;
• frequency of cutting cycles;
• production order management methods;
• available space in the production area.

Proper evaluation of these factors makes it possible to design a system that meets actual production requirements.

Sorting and Production Automation

Sorting represents an important evolution in sheet metal processing automation.

Automating only the cutting process can leave some of the subsequent operations manual.

Integrating sorting, on the other hand, makes it possible to extend automation to the management of the parts produced.

This approach can be particularly interesting for companies looking to increase the autonomy of their laser cutting lines and reduce manual operations.

Sorting and Industry 4.0

A sorting system can be integrated into a broader production digitalization and automation project.

Managing data related to cutting programs and produced parts can help coordinate the different stages of the process.

When sorting, the laser cutting machine, loading systems and storage systems are integrated, the production line can achieve a significantly higher level of automation.

Sorting therefore becomes a connecting element between sheet metal processing and subsequent production stages.

When Is It Worth Installing a Sorting System?

Sorting automation can be particularly interesting for companies handling high production volumes or looking to reduce manual work after laser cutting.

An automatic system can be considered when:

• production generates numerous parts from each sheet;
• manual picking requires a significant amount of time;
• the laser cutting machine needs to operate with greater autonomy;
• frequent production cycles are carried out;
• there is a need to reduce manual handling;
• better organization of produced parts is required;
• sorting needs to be integrated with other automation systems already present in the production area.

Integrating Sorting into an Existing Production Line

Introducing a sorting system does not necessarily require replacing the entire production line.

In certain situations, it is possible to evaluate the integration of the system with a laser cutting machine already installed at the facility.

Feasibility must be assessed by considering the characteristics of the machine, the production area layout, part dimensions, material flow and the way cut material is currently managed.

An integration project should therefore begin with an analysis of the entire production process.

A Scalable Sorting System

Not every company requires the same level of automation.

For this reason, the system can be designed according to current requirements while maintaining the possibility of integrating additional automation technologies in the future.

Modularity makes it possible to progressively develop the process by connecting sorting systems with loading systems, automatic warehouses and other technologies already present in the production area.

This makes it possible to create a system proportionate to actual production requirements.

BEMATIK’s Experience in Sheet Metal Automation

BEMATIK Srl develops robotic systems for automating processes related to sheet metal processing, from handling and loading to sorting and warehouse management. The BEMATIK website presents sorting as one of the main areas of its automation solutions.

The company has more than 25 years of specific experience in automation systems serving laser cutting machines and several hundred installations worldwide.

Systems can be designed according to the characteristics of the production line, available space and production requirements.

BEMATIK also has experience in developing customized solutions and integrating them with existing production systems.

An Integrated System for Managing Cut Parts

A sorting system for cut parts makes it possible to automate an important stage of the sheet metal processing process.

After laser cutting, parts can be picked, separated, organized and transferred to subsequent production stages with reduced manual intervention.

Integration with loading, handling and storage systems also makes it possible to extend automation across the entire production workflow.

The goal is therefore not simply to automate parts picking, but to create a process in which storage, loading, cutting, sorting and component management are connected to one another.

For companies looking to increase the level of automation in sheet metal processing, sorting represents an important opportunity to improve organization, production continuity and the management of cut parts.

Discover BEMATIK’s sorting solutions.