Lantek will use EuroBLECH 2026 to unveil Lantek v46, the latest version of its manufacturing software platform, introducing new AI-assisted quotation capabilities, expanded automation and broader machine connectivity designed to help sheet metal manufacturers work more efficiently from quotation through to production.
While the release includes enhancements across CAD/CAM, MES, bending and machine integration, one of the most significant developments for manufacturers is the continued expansion of KAI, Lantek’s artificial intelligence technology. Rather than focusing on programming alone, KAI now supports manufacturers much earlier in the production process by helping engineering teams prepare faster, more accurate quotations for increasingly complex jobs.
For manufacturers facing growing pressure to respond quickly to customer enquiries while maintaining profitability, the ability to automate parts of the quotation process could become a significant competitive advantage. This fits a broader trend across industrial software, CAM and IIoT, where manufacturers are using AI to improve decisions before production begins.
AI moves upstream into manufacturing quotations
One of the headline developments within Lantek v46 is a major evolution of the company’s iQuoting solution.
The redesigned platform introduces an enhanced part import assistant capable of processing both individual 3D components and complete assemblies. It provides tools to detect and manage geometries, organise layers and prepare imported models before costing begins.
Once imported, integrated feasibility rules automatically evaluate whether parts can be manufactured using the available production technologies and workshop capabilities. These checks are combined with configurable costing models, predefined work plans and production logic that allow manufacturers to reflect their own manufacturing routes, resources and pricing strategies.
Supporting many of these processes is KAI, Lantek’s AI technology.
According to Lantek, KAI analyses manufacturing information, interprets engineering design data and assists with complex decision making throughout the quotation workflow. Rather than replacing engineering expertise, the AI is designed to reduce repetitive manual tasks while improving quotation speed, consistency and accuracy.
The company has also strengthened the connection between iQuoting and the wider Lantek software portfolio, allowing accepted quotations to move more smoothly into downstream manufacturing processes. This reflects the continuing shift towards connected manufacturing, where commercial, engineering and production information flows through a single digital thread.
Programming enhancements across punching and nesting
Lantek has also expanded the capabilities of Lantek Expert v46, particularly for punching and combined punch-cut applications.
New programming functions automate the preparation of both individual parts and complete nests while supporting increasingly sophisticated machining strategies.
A notable addition is the extension of NOS, or Nesting Optimisation Service, to punching machines. Previously available only for cutting technologies, the optimisation engine now brings advanced material utilisation to punching environments, extending optimisation across a broader range of sheet metal manufacturing processes.
Although Lantek has not described NOS itself as an AI technology, the development represents another important step towards more intelligent and automated programming. It also strengthens the relevance of v46 to manufacturers following developments in AI in sheet metal, where software is increasingly being used to reduce programming time, improve material utilisation and automate repetitive engineering tasks.
Automation extends beyond the cutting machine
Automation receives considerable attention throughout the new release.
Lantek has redesigned Stackmaster, delivering a more intuitive palletising programming environment that is fully integrated within Lantek Expert. At the same time, the company is expanding support for automated storage systems capable of coordinating cutting machines, warehouses, production workflows and material inventory within a single automation framework.
For tube and structural steel manufacturers, Lantek Flex3D v46 introduces a new module for creating tube-to-tube connections directly inside 3D assemblies using parametric joint libraries. The software also supports automatic unbending of bent tubes during 3D file import, generating developed geometries ready for manufacturing preparation.
Lantek has also broadened its integration ecosystem by introducing connectivity with Tekla PowerFab, complementing its existing StruMIS integration for structural steel production management. These integrations give manufacturers greater flexibility to connect Lantek software with their preferred production management systems.
Greater flexibility for bending operations
Another important enhancement focuses on bending.
Lantek v46 enables manufacturers to calculate multiple validated bending solutions for the same component across different press brakes.
Production teams can evaluate technical feasibility, tooling requirements and setup information before selecting the most appropriate machine based on current availability, workload or tooling conditions. By delaying the final machine selection until closer to production, manufacturers gain additional flexibility while retaining validated process information for each available option.
This type of workflow flexibility is becoming increasingly important as manufacturers use connected software to manage changing production priorities across multiple machines and work centres.
More connected workshops
Machine connectivity also continues to expand.
Lantek is extending connectivity beyond cutting machines to include press brakes and additional CNC equipment. The updated Control Panel introduces a redesigned interface that improves visibility of live machine information while supporting smoother real-time monitoring of production events.
By collecting data from a wider range of production assets, manufacturers can improve production visibility, strengthen OEE reporting and gain more accurate operational insights through Lantek MES and Lantek Analytics. This continues the industry’s move towards connected manufacturing environments where software provides real-time visibility across the entire workshop.
Speaking ahead of EuroBLECH 2026, Adam Ball, Commercial Director of Lantek UK, said:
“We are looking forward to revealing our latest smart manufacturing software at EuroBLECH. We will be offering demonstrations of v46 to showcase its unique and innovative features. EuroBLECH is the largest show in our industry in Europe and we will be reinforcing our position as an international supplier with a strong local presence, supported by a worldwide network of offices and specialised teams.”
Lantek will be demonstrating v46 throughout EuroBLECH 2026, where visitors will be able to see the latest developments across quotation, programming, automation and connected manufacturing.
MTN Analysis
One of the most interesting aspects of Lantek v46 is where the company has chosen to deploy AI.
Much of the manufacturing AI conversation has centred on machine programming, process optimisation and predictive maintenance. Lantek is applying AI much earlier in the workflow.
For many fabricators, quotation is one of the biggest bottlenecks in the business. Engineering teams often spend hours interpreting customer drawings, assessing manufacturability and estimating production costs before a machine starts cutting metal.
By embedding KAI into this stage of the process, Lantek is positioning AI as a commercial tool as much as an engineering one. Faster, more consistent quotations could shorten response times, improve customer service and help manufacturers win work without increasing engineering resource.
As manufacturers continue searching for productivity gains across the entire production lifecycle, AI-assisted decision making before production begins may prove as valuable as automation on the shop floor. It also reinforces the wider movement across manufacturing software and IIoT towards connected systems that link quoting, engineering, programming and production.
FAQ
What is Lantek v46?
Lantek v46 is the latest version of Lantek’s manufacturing software platform for sheet metal, tube and structural steel production. It introduces new capabilities across quoting, CAD/CAM, MES, bending, nesting, automation and machine connectivity.
What is KAI?
KAI is Lantek’s artificial intelligence technology. It assists manufacturers by analysing manufacturing information, interpreting design data and supporting complex decision making during the quotation process.
Where will Lantek unveil v46?
Lantek will unveil v46 at EuroBLECH 2026, the major European exhibition for sheet metal working technology.
Which manufacturers will benefit from Lantek v46?
The software is designed for sheet metal, tube and structural steel manufacturers using laser cutting, punching, plasma, oxyfuel, waterjet, shearing and other CNC fabrication technologies.
Where can visitors see Lantek at EuroBLECH 2026?
Visitors can see Lantek demonstrating its latest v46 software and KAI AI technology in Hall 11, Booth 11-C08 at EuroBLECH 2026, where the company will showcase its latest developments in intelligent quoting, CAD/CAM, automation, machine connectivity and connected manufacturing
