2022

NEW FEATURES 2022

Lantek Flex3d
 Copyright
The contents of this user manual and graphics
are protected by Spanish law regarding the
intellectual and industrial property right of

Parque Tecnológico de Álava Lantek. The reproduction, distribution, public

communication, and transformation wholly or
Ferdinand Zeppelin 2, Ed. Lantek
partially of the information contained herein, is
01510 Miñano - Álava (ESPAÑA) forbidden without the express authorization of

www.lantek.com Lantek.

info@lantek.com
Disclaimer
The information contained herein is subject to
change. While every effort has been taken to
Parque Tecnológico de Álava
provide accurate information, Lantek is not liable
Ferdinand Zeppelin 2, Ed.Lantek for any errors or damage resulting from incorrect
01510 Miñano - Álava (ESPAÑA) use of the information contained herein. All
product names used in this manual are the
www.lanteksms.com
property of Lantek.
info@lanteksms.com
 New Features Lantek Flex 3d 2022 SP1

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CONTENT
1. GENERAL................................................................................................................................................. 5

1.1 TABLE OF MACHINES................................................................................................................................... 5

1.1.1 Toolbar of the Machines Table ........................................................................................................ 5
1.1.2 Add New Machine ..........................................................................................................................6
1.1.3 Configuration of Technology Tables .................................................................................................6
1.1.4 Machine Configuration ................................................................................................................... 7
1.1.5 Assign Tools to a Machine.............................................................................................................. 11
1.1.6 Assign Standard Turrets to a Machine.............................................................................................12
1.1.7 Toggle between Shared and Non-Shared Use ..................................................................................13
1.2 TABLE OF TOOLS ...................................................................................................................................... 14
1.3 TABLE OF TURRETS ................................................................................................................................... 16
1.4 PROCESSES MODULE..................................................................................................................................17
1.4.1 Process Editor ...............................................................................................................................17

2. CAD ...................................................................................................................................................... 22

2.1 MULTIPLE SELECTION IN DRILLS EDITION G RID................................................................................................. 22

2.2 IMPORT G EOMETRY FROM PART .................................................................................................................. 23
2.3 PARTS ROTATION..................................................................................................................................... 24

3. NESTING ............................................................................................................................................... 25

3.1 G ENERAL ............................................................................................................................................... 25

3.1.1 Export Nesting in IGS Format......................................................................................................... 25

4. MACHINING .......................................................................................................................................... 27

4.1 GENERAL ............................................................................................................................................. 27

4.1.1 Automatic Dot Marking ................................................................................................................ 27
4.1.2 Milling Technology ....................................................................................................................... 28
4.1.3 Extension of Milling Shapes ........................................................................................................... 29
4.1.4 Transform Part Geometry in Milling Operation ............................................................................... 30

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4.1.5 Toolpath Smart Designer (TSD) Improvements – Alias Management................................................ 30

New Features Lantek Expert
4.1.6 Default Machining per Format ...................................................................................................... 34
4.2 TUBES ................................................................................................................................................. 35
4.2.1 L-Shaped Extreme Cuts ................................................................................................................. 35

5. ADDINS................................................................................................................................................. 38

5.1 UPDATE OF SUPPORTED V ERSIONS................................................................................................................ 38

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 New Features Lantek Flex 3d 2022 SP1

GENERAL New Features Lantek Expert

1.1 Table of Machines

1.1.1 Toolbar of the Machines Table

In this version, new options have been added to the machine table toolbar.

Find detailed below the new options:

• Add new machine ( ): This button allows creating new machines.

• Configure tables of technology ( ): This button launches the configuration of the

technology tables of the selected machine.

• Assign tools to a machine ( ): This button allows the user assigning tools to the selected
machine.

• Assign standard turrets to a machine ( ): This button allows the user configuring and
assigning standard turrets to the selected machine.

• Toggle between shared and non-shared use ( ): This button allows the transfer of
configuration files from the local machine to the shared machine and vice versa.

FILE / MACHINES / CONFIGURE MACHINES

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1.1.2 Add New Machine

New Features Lantek Expert
The window for creating new machines has been redesigned. The possibility of modifying the
reference of the machine to be created has been included.

FILE / MACHINES / CONFIGURE MACHINES / ADD NEW MACHINE

1.1.3 Configuration of Technology Tables

A new button has been included to allow the user accessing the technology tables from the
machine list.

FILE / MACHINES / CONFIGURE MACHINES

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1.1.4 Machine Configuration

New Features Lantek Expert
The machine configuration windows have been completely redesigned to make them easier for
the user to understand and use.

As a result of this redesign, the configuration options are now divided into three categories:

• Machine

• System

• Postprocessor

FILE / MACHINES / CONFIGURE MACHINES / EDIT MACHINE

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1.1.4.1 MEC and HEDx files visualization

New Features Lantek Expert
Within the Simulation and vector correction window, a new option has been introduced to
visualize and define the cutting head and machine geometry.

The user can visualize the files by means of the button.

FILE / MACHINES / CONFIGURE MACHINES / EDIT MACHINE / MACHINE / SIMULATION AND VECTOR
CORRECTION

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1.1.4.2 Fixed 5X Support

The options have been categorized and the parameters "M2 can move", "M2 can change sides"
and "Only if the part is large" have been unified into the "M2 mode" parameter.

For further information on supports refer to Flex3d tubes manual.

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FILE / MACHINES / CONFIGURE MACHINES / EDIT MACHINE / MACHINE / SUPPORTS STATION

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1.1.5 Assign Tools to a Machine
The user can access this option is through the machine list.

The window has been redesigned, but the operation is similar to the previous version, two panels
with buttons to move the tools from one to another. One represents the available tools and the
other the tools already assigned to the selected machine/turret.

FILE / MACHINES / CONFIGURE MACHINES / ASSIGN TOOLS TO A MACHINE

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1.1.6 Assign Standard Turrets to a Machine

New Features Lantek Expert
The Standard Turrets window and the way this window is accessed have been redesigned. To do
so, go to Configure machines in the Machines menu. The user must select a machine, which has
been previously created and has tools assigned to it, and then click on the Assign standard
turrets to machine ( ) button.

In the upper right part of the window the system will display a drop-down list containing all the
standard turrets and the active turret.

The active turret will be selected by default.

• Add new standard turret ( )

• Set as active turret ( )

When a turret other than the active one is selected, it is allowed to modify the reference of that
turret. This will be possible as long as the reference entered is not an empty space or is not
already assigned to another turret.

FILE / MACHINES / CONFIGURE MACHINES / ASSIGN STANDARD TURRETS TO A MACHINE

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1.1.7 Toggle between Shared and Non-Shared Use
This option allows the user to see the list of files associated with the selected machine and to
move them to the shared or local location by means of Toggle ( ).button.

In addition, the lower pane shows the contents of the selected file.

The file icons indicate whether they are in the local or shared location.

The saw configuration file will be visible as long as it exists for the selected machine.

FILE / MACHINES / CONFIGURE MACHINES / TOGGLE BETWEEN SHARED AND NON-SHARED USE

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1.2 Table of Tools

New Features Lantek Expert
This table lists the drilling, tapping, etc. tools created in the system.

It follows the criteria of the other tables in the system, and in the toolbar provides options to
create new tools, edit existing tools and delete tools.

The tool creation window has also been redesigned, keeping the functionality already available
in the previous version:

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The tool window also contains the parameters for configuring the tools required for new milling
operations. New Features Lantek Expert

FILE / MACHINES / CONFIGURE TOOLS

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1.3 Table of Turrets

New Features Lantek Expert
This table lists the turrets that have been created in the system.

It follows the criteria of the rest of the tables in the system, and in the toolbar provides options
to create new turrets, edit existing ones and delete turrets.

The turret creation window has also been redesigned, keeping the functionality already available
in the previous version:

FILE / MACHINES / CONFIGURE TURRETS

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1.4 Processes Module

New Features Lantek Expert
To further enhance the user experience, the ability to automate the execution of common
routines has been included through the Processes Module. This new feature allows to automate
almost any task that Flex3d can perform. Through this tool the user can manage master
elements, create geometries, import geometries, manage jobs, perform automatic nesting and
machining, and even generate reports.

All these capabilities can be used for different purposes, depending on the scenario. On the one
hand, it can be used to guide users through automated processes, where their manual
intervention is only required for specific steps. On the other hand, it allows Flex3d to be used as
a black box engine, which is really powerful for automation projects.

In order to make it easier to design the process, a visual Process editor has been included, which
includes the necessary options to carry out this task.

1.4.1 Process Editor

The Process editor has the following appearance:

Find detailed below the options available withing the tabs that comprise the Processes Module.

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Within File tab, the user is provided with the following options:
New Features Lantek Expert
• New ( ): Creates a new process from scratch.

• Open ( ): Allows opening existing processes.

• Import ( ): Imports existing processes and attaches them to the currently open process
tree.

• Save ( ): Saves the currently open process and any changes made to it.

• Save as ( ): Saves a copy of the currently open process.

In the case of the Home tab, the following options are displayed:

• New ( ): Adds a new process to the process tree.

• New ( ): Adds a new Lantek Flex3d specific process to the process tree using the
program configuration.

• Run ( ): Launches the execution of the process, being necessary to have previously
saved the changes to be able to perform this action.

The General tab includes the following options to configure the process:

• New job ( ): Creates a new job.

• Delete ( ): Deletes the specified job.

• Add new part ( ): From here the user can include the paths to the parts required to
import to the database to be specified in the Process ( ) window. The user can define to
which machine is required to assign the parts and with which material.

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• Delete part (): Removes the specified parts from the system.
New Features Lantek Expert
• Add new material ( ): Creates new materials in the system.

• Delete material ( ): Removes the specified materials from the system.

• Add new format ( ): Creates new formats in the system.

• Delete format ( ): Removes the specified formats from the system.

• Add new base profile ( ): Creates new base profiles.

• Delete base profile ( ): Deletes the specified base profiles from the system.

• Update inventory ( ): Updates the system's beam inventory, allowing to increase,

decrease and update the inventory, as well as to delete beams.

• Create ( ): Installs the specified machine and a reference can be assigned to it.

• Configure ( ): Opens the configuration windows of a machine that has been created or
already exists in the system.

• Execute ( ): Allows to launch executables, including those with BAT extension.

• Delay ( ): Creates a delay of a defined time between the steps of the process that have
been entered, allowing in this way to interact with the system freely and, for example, to
be able to review the nests and machining performed.

• Messages ( ): Triggers a system message.

On the other hand, the Job tab displays the following options:

• Add parts ( ): Imports parts into the system from the defined database.

• Add new part ( ): From here the user can include the paths to the parts required to
import to the database to be specified in the Process ( ) window. The user can define to
which machine is required to assign the parts and with which material.

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• Delete parts ( ): Removes the specified parts from the job.

New Features Lantek Expert
• Add kits ( ): Adds new kits to the job.

• Parts ( ): Locks or unlocks the defined parts, as chosen in the selection mode.

• Beams ( ): Locks or unlocks the defined bars, as chosen in the selection mode.

• Configure ( ): Opens the configuration windows of a machine that has been created or
already exists in the system.

• Automatic nesting ( ): Creates the nesting of parts automatically if beams with the
required base profile exist.

• Delete nests ( ): Removes existing nesting.

• Automatic machining ( ): Performs the machining of the nested parts.

• Save ( ): Saves the job with the name defined in the Job ( ) window.

• Print ( ): Prints the report on the defined printer.

• Pdf Report ( ): Opens the report in PDF format.

• Delay ( ): Creates a delay of a defined time between the steps of the process that have
been entered, allowing in this way to interact with the system freely and, for example, to
be able to review the nests and machining performed.

• Messages ( ): Triggers a system message.

The following options are available for all windows:

• Id: The user can define an ID that will appear later during the process so that each step
being executed is identified.

• In case of error: Contains a series of options which allow the user to decide how errors
are handled in case they arise in any step of the process.

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In some of the windows the user has the option to decide whether or not to display the step
when running the process with Visibility Mode. New Features Lantek Expert

In the Process window, the user is provided with the following fields:

• Database: The database on which the process will be executed must be specified.
Changes made in the process editor will only be reflected in the defined database.

• Maximize progress window: Displays the progress window if this parameter is enabled,
otherwise it will remain minimized.

• Run at the end: Allows files to be executed when the process is finished.

• Generate results file: Generates a file with the final results of the process.

Finally, within the tree the user can edit the steps of the process, so that steps can be deleted
( ) or change the order in which the steps occur by moving down ( ) or moving up ( ).

FILE / PROCESS

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CAD New Features Lantek Expert

2.1 Multiple Selection in Drills Edition Grid

The drills edition grid has been modified to allow multiple selection of drills when applying
changes to their data. This selection can be done by:

• Ctrl + Click: Selects / Unselects the clicked row.

• Shift + Click: Selects / Unselects the rows between the first and second click.

• Ctrl + A: Selects all the rows in the grid.

When selecting several rows, the detail panel will show the data of all the selected holes. In case
the data is the same, its value will be shown and in case it is different, the empty data will be
shown.

To update the values the user must use the apply button, so selecting multiple rows will not
change the value in the grid. When that button is pressed, the fields that are filled in will be
assigned to the drills, while those that are empty or with the ◼ symbol will be ignored.

When selecting several elements of the drills edition grid, the user can use the options to Copy
and Move for several elements at the same time. The type of copy or move to be performed will
be displayed in the detail panel along with its corresponding data, indicating the parameters to
be applied in each option. To update the values, the apply button must be used. The action types
for these options are the following:

• Copy: Linear, circular, mesh, horizontal symmetry, vertical symmetry and opposite plane.

• Move: Translation, horizontal symmetry, vertical symmetry and opposite plane.

FILE / PART DESIGN MODULE / DRILLS

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2.2 Import Geometry from Part
Within the New geometry options located in the Home tab, the user is provided with a new
option called Import part geometry.

This option allows the user to import the geometry of the planar faces that lie on the XY plane. In
addition, if it is a tube part and the unfolded tube view is already active, there is the possibility to
import it.

FILE / PART DESIGN MODULE / 2D DRAWING / H OME / NEW GEOMETRY

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2.3 Parts Rotation

New Features Lantek Expert
The possibility of rotating the parts with respect to the X and Z axes has been introduced. This
rotation is applied to the part that is open in the Part Design module, so that the part definition is
modified. It is necessary to save the changes before nesting.

The criteria already existing in nesting are followed to define the degrees and axes in which the
parts can be rotated.

Once the part has been nested, it will not be possible to modify the rotation.

FILE / INFORMATION / CURRENT PART PROPERTIES

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NESTING

3.1 General

3.1.1 Export Nesting in IGS Format

In machine configuration, there is an option to automatically generate an IGS file of the nesting
at the same time as the system saves the nesting. Analogous to a postprocessor, the path and
name of the IGS file will be generated as the CNC program.

In those cases where the user wants to generate the IGS file without generating CNC, the system
has to be configured as follows:

1. Configure the machine as shown in the previous image.

2. Avoid postprocessor definition, by inserting "NoPost.exe" in the postprocessor executable
inside the seed file.

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3. Link the IGS file as the output NC program within the postprocessor configuration file and
define ".IGS" as the extension of the NC file.

FILE / MACHINES / CONFIGURE MACHINES / EDIT MACHINE / SYSTEM / GENERAL

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MACHINING

4.1 GENERAL

4.1.1 Automatic Dot Marking

In the machine configuration, under Automatic Technology section, the possibility of replacing
small contours (by setting the radius limits) with dot marking has been developed.

FILE / MACHINES / CONFIGURE MACHINES / EDIT MACHINE / SYSTEM / TECHNOLOGY / AUTOMATIC

TECHNOLOGY

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4.1.2 Milling Technology

New Features Lantek Expert
If milling technology is applied to an operation, the system will request data to determine the
desired milling strategy.

If it is a closed form, the user is provided with three different modes as displayed in Mode drop-
down list:

• Contour: To contour the border. The user can decide the direction of the compensation.

• Inwards: Roughing from the outside to the inside.

• Outwards: Roughing from the inside out.

For all the above cases, the user can define the lead-in/lead-out type and the diameter of the
milling tool in case it does not correspond to the radius of the geometry.

The system calculates the instructions automatically from the information entered once the
milling tool has been assigned. It also simulates it and computes the time.

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FILE / PART DESIGN MODULE / H OME / OPERATIONS

4.1.3 Extension of Milling Shapes

The possibility of applying milling technology to any 2D contour defined as a single contour has
also been included. That is, consecutive segments or arcs. To do this, the 2D drawing shape is
selected and the desired shape is drawn.

FILE / PART DESIGN MODULE / H OME / OPERATIONS

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4.1.4 Transform Part Geometry in Milling Operation
In order to facilitate the generation of a milling operation on a geometry, the following option
has been created:

This option allows the user to select part contours that lie on flat faces where milling can be
applied. Thus, the user can select the contours to be milled and, at the end, a milling operation
will be created for each selected contour.

FILE / PART DESIGN MODULE / H OME / ASSIGN MILLING TO HOLES

4.1.5 Toolpath Smart Designer (TSD) Improvements – Alias Management

The possibility of assigning an "Alias" to the different machining toolpaths that can be assigned
to each format has been introduced. This "Alias" can be used later in the automatic machining
definition, within the machine configuration, in such a way that the system will apply the
machining associated to this "Alias" for each format where it has been defined.

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1. Alias definition in Toolpath Smart Designer (TSD)

To configure the Aliases, the user will have to assign them to the machining toolpaths of the
formats being used.

This Alias can be assigned to both system and user-created machining definitions.

FILE / PROFILES / CONFIGURE FORMATS / DESIGN ( )

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2. Alias definition in machine configuration

New Features Lantek Expert
An Alias field has been introduced within the Contours Calculation window in the machine
configuration.

This way, the user can assign the Alias to be used when machining the part. If this Alias exists for
the format being machined, the associated definition will be used to machine the part.
Otherwise, if this Alias does not exist, the type defined as System 0 will be used, as before.

FILE / MACHINES / CONFIGURE MACHINES / EDIT MACHINE / SYSTEM / AUTOMATIC MACHINING / CUTTING /
CONTOURS CALCULATION

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3. Use of Alias in Automatic Machining

New Features Lantek Expert
When Automatic Machining is launched the system will show in the Cutting Type tab the
machining definition specified in the machine configuration as preset, but the user can manually
change it and select another one at this point.

A new option has been added to enter the machining definition design module for formats from
Home.

FILE / PART DESIGN MODULE / MACHINING / AUTOMATIC MACHINING / TYPE OF CUT

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4.1.5.1 New Access to TSD

New Features Lantek Expert
It is also possible to access from the Machining section within the Part Design module, using the
Design ( ) button.

Given the case the Alias is for tubes, it will only be possible to use it for tubes. The same
operation applies to profiles. Therefore, if the user selects an Alias for tubes and is working with
a profile, the system will ignore the tube Alias and will select the one required for profiles, and
vice versa. In the event there is no Alias, the option by default in the system will be applied.

FILE / PART DESIGN MODULE / MACHINING / DESIGN

4.1.6 Default Machining per Format

The different system machining paths for holes and extremes, which are already provided by the
system, can now be defined as the “Default” ones per format type. This way, the system will use
the configured ones when it comes to performing the automatic machining.

FILE / MACHINES / CONFIGURE MACHINES / SYSTEM / AUTOMATIC MACHINING / CUTTING / PROFILES

CUTTING

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4.2 TUBES
New Features Lantek Expert

4.2.1 L-Shaped Extreme Cuts

Within the configuration of machines that have a part rotation system, the possibility of
automatically generating a machining operation that eliminates the entire inner radius material
has been included in the Profiles Cutting window.

All material on the inner radius shall be removed, provided that the part extremes are
machined.

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In the case of U- and L-profiles, the following options are available in the drop-down list:
New Features Lantek Expert
• None: Value by default, the system will machine the profile as it has been done so far.

• I-Shape: The user must define a distance to the web to finish the cut.

• L-Shape: The user must define a distance to the web to finish the cut. The system will
perform a cut to delete the material in the inner radius.

• U-Shape: The user must define a distance to the web to finish the cut. The system will
perform a cut to delete the material in the inner radius and will finish on the flange
extreme.

• Parameterized U-Shape: The user must define a distance to the web to finish the cut. The
system will perform a cut to delete the material in the inner radius with a defined width
and will finish on the flange extreme.

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It is also possible to perform the modifications in Part Design module and in Nesting Edition
module on those extreme machinings that adapt to the predefined option. This option will allow
the user to modify the machining of each individual extreme by means of the previously
described options.

FILE / MACHINES / CONFIGURE MACHINES / EDIT MACHINE / SYSTEM / AUTOMATIC MACHINING / CUTTING
/ PROFILES CUTTING

FILE / H OME / NESTS / DESIGN ( ) / N ESTING EDITION MODULE / CUTTING / MODIFY / MODIFY
EXTREME L CUT

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ADDINS

5.1 Update of Supported Versions

The following table shows the versions supported in the new version:

Addin CAD Software Supported version

Flex3d SW SolidWorks 2020, 2021 and 2022 64 bits
Flex3d SW Tube Joints SolidWorks 2020, 2021 and 2022 64 bits
Flex3d SE Solid Edge 2020, 2021 and 2022 64 bits
Flex3d Inventor Autodesk Inventor 2021, 2022 and 2023 64 bits

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 Parque Tecnológico de Álava
Ferdinand Zeppelin, 2 (Lantek)
01510 Miñano (Araba / Álava)
SPAIN

info@lantek.com
www.lantek.com