Salvagnini Combi P4+L3

MAC3.0 accepts a 3D part model or a DXF flat pattern as input. From the part geometry, MAC3.0 automatically: (1) unfolds the 3D model to produce the flat blank shape if a 3D model is provided; (2) generates the laser cutting nest — packing the flat blank shape and any part features (holes, cutouts, slots) onto the raw sheet format most efficiently; (3) calculates the bending sequence for the panel bender, including blank repositioning path, bending blade positions, and springback compensation values; (4) produces a single production order that is sent to both machines. The operator confirms the production order and releases it — both the laser and the panel bender begin executing their respective portions of the program. This single-step programming reduces part setup time from 30-60 minutes (programming laser and press brake separately) to 5-15 minutes for a new part.

The L3 laser component within the Combi system includes an automatic part sorter that identifies cut parts versus skeleton scrap. Finished blank parts are transferred to the panel bender conveyor. The cutting skeleton (the remaining sheet material after part removal) is automatically moved to a scrap container or skeleton pallet by the L3's material handling system. Small offcut parts that are programmed as production parts (not scrap) can be sorted to a secondary output bin for manual routing to additional operations. The skeleton handling is automatic — the operator does not need to manually clear scrap between cycles, which is critical for unmanned overnight runs.

Yes. While the Combi P4+L3 is designed as an integrated system, both the L3 laser and the P4lean panel bender can be operated as standalone machines when the combined workflow is not required. The operator can run the laser only (for cutting flat parts that do not need bending), run the panel bender only (feeding pre-cut blanks manually from an external source), or run both in integrated mode. This independence is important for maintenance scheduling — a service event on the panel bender does not prevent the laser from running flat-cutting orders, and vice versa. However, for peak overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), the integrated mode is preferred.

The L3 laser cuts mild steel (CR and HR), stainless steel (304, 316, duplex), aluminum (5xxx and 6xxx series), galvanized steel, and copper. The P4lean panel bender processes mild steel and stainless (0.5-3.0 mm) and aluminum (0.5-4.0 mm). In practice, the Combi P4+L3 handles virtually all thin-gauge sheet metal used in enclosure, HVAC, and light structural fabrication. Materials that the laser can cut but the panel bender cannot subsequently bend (e.g., thick stainless above 3.0 mm, copper sheet for electrical bus components) would be cut by the laser and routed to a standalone press brake for bending — a workflow the MAC3.0 system can accommodate by flagging those parts for manual transfer.

The S4Xe FMS (Flexible Manufacturing System) is Salvagnini's most comprehensive automated sheet metal system, incorporating the S4 automated tower warehouse for raw sheet and blank storage, the L3 or L5 laser cutter, the P4lean panel bender, and a fully automated part routing system that sequences orders across all machines without operator intervention. The Combi P4+L3 is a simpler two-machine combination — laser plus panel bender — with automated blank transfer but without the full tower warehouse integration of the S4Xe. The Combi P4+L3 is appropriate for shops with a dedicated part mix running large batches. The S4Xe FMS is appropriate for shops running high-mix, low-volume work where automated sequencing of many different part orders across multiple machines delivers the greatest efficiency gain.