Based in Switzerland, ASTES4 SA (ASTES4) is engaged in the development, production and sales of patented automated sorting solutions for sheet metal laser processing machines. As a wholly owned subsidiary, customers can now benefit from integrated solutions available across the global market with ASTES4’s automated sorting systems embedded into Mitsubishi Electric’s sheet metal laser processing machines.

Sheet metal laser processing involves loading the material, laser cutting, unloading cut materials as well as removing and sorting cut parts from the frame. A shortfall of skilled human resources in production facilities around the world, combined with the ability of fiber laser machines to produce higher volumes of work has escalated worldwide demand for sorting solutions. A significant increase in productivity is made possible by automating sheet metal laser processing, including pre- and post-processing.

ASTES4 provides flexible automated sorting solutions for various materials using its own patented technology with high-quality system engineering capabilities that can integrate the entire automation system.

With this acquisition, Mitsubishi Electric will further strengthen its portfolio of automation systems together with sorting solutions for sheet metal laser processing machines to provide its customers with integrated solutions that require less manual loading, unloading and sorting to realize higher productivity and efficiency.