Among a host of new machine launches at Euroblech 2016, Trumpf also showcased innovative solutions on the way to Industry 4.0 in the field of sheet metal processing with TruConnect. The concept for networked production links machines, people and information via the new data output interface Central Link.
TruConnect safely provides information about the production status of machines. Customers can use it to easily integrate web applications, platforms, and with the OPC UA communication protocol local systems as well. Central Link is the basis for more transparency in production control and plant planning. It transmits production status information to local ERP systems and also, with high data security, to cloud-based solutions for example, to the business platform AXOOM from the Trumpf Group.
On the way to the Smart Factory, assistance systems for man and machine are becoming more and more important. Here, Trumpf already offers a range of innovative solutions such as Smart Punch Monitoring for punching or Smart Unload for unloading.
Trumpf TruLaser Center 7030: The Dream Machine
Billed as a revolution in 2D laser cutting, the brand new, freshly developed, fully automated and compact TruLaser Center 7030 was unveiled by Trumpf to a press gathering at EuroBLECH, Hall 11 on October 26.
A high-precision, fully automatic machine that takes care of production autonomously – the new TruLaser Center 7030 offers efficient, automated and synchronous processes, from its programming all the way to sorted and stacked workpieces.
The machine works with a hybrid drive system to meet the ambitious development goal of eliminating all obstacles to smooth processing in laser cutting today. These include shutdowns due to collisions involving parts tilting over, refinishing work on microjoints, spatter on the undersides of components, and excessive programming work.
The TruLaser Center 7030 moves the sheet and the cutting head simultaneously even while the machine ejects small parts safely and sorts them into containers. In addition, it disposes of residue and slag, sorts and stacks larger parts during machining, loads itself with blank sheets in tight space, scrap skeletons, and the programming is also largely automatic.
Numerous innovative and patented solutions contribute to the coherence of the entire concept. Heinz-Jürgen Prokop, Head of Development and Procurement in the Trumpf Machine Tools division, says: “We were gradually having to face more and more calls for help from our customers, asking us for solutions that would create a secure overall process. It turned out that this wasn’t possible with the machine concepts we already had, so a complete re-think was required.”
The TruLaser Center 7030 works with a TruDisk solid-state laser, with 6 kW of laser power. With this machine, the company is addressing sheet metal fabricators from all sectors who cut sheets from one to 12 mm thick at high capacity.
TruLaser Weld 5000: The laser welding cell that forgives imperfections
Laser welding offers numerous advantages over conventional techniques: better weld quality, a robust bond and faster processing times. Right on time for Euroblech 2016, Trumpf showcased the TruLaser Weld 5000, a new laser welding cell that greatly simplifies the laser welding process for experts and beginners alike.
The TruLaser Weld 5000 can switch flexibly between FusionLine, heat conduction and deep welding
The TruLaser Weld 5000 is a turn-key system for automated laser welding. You can customise this versatile system to your exact requirements. Benefits from the heat conduction welding, deep welding, laser metal deposition and FusionLine welding processes include four different welding processes on a single machine, flexible configuration options, reduced welding times thanks to rotary module for shield gas guidance, tolerant laser welding with FusionLine and ergonomic operating solutions.
FusionLine – tolerant laser welding
Laser welding is known for its perfect results and high-quality visible seams. However, preparing components for laser welding calls for specific expertise. There ought to be as little tolerance as possible in the design – or at least that is how things were in the past. Now, FusionLine offers an ideal complementary technology that helps users get started.
FusionLine is based on a sophisticated combination of laser, beam guidance, optics and a welding wire supply
FusionLine makes it possible to compensate for component imperfections in the welding process and even to close gaps of up to 1mm in breadth. At the same time, the welding seam results and processing times offered by FusionLine significantly outperform those of components processed using conventional welding techniques. This means that users can take advantage of the perfect combination of laser beam guidance, optics and a weld feed system to perform cost-effective laser welding operations even if their component portfolio is not optimised for laser welding. It is now possible to laser weld an array of parts developed for conventional welding without having to modify them specifically for the purpose. This enables users to manufacture parts true to the drawing, and also more kinds of parts than before.
The design of the TruLaser Weld 5000 departs from its predecessor in various aspects. This version of Trumpf’s laser welding cell features the striking cube design. It also comes with a swiveling support arm for the control panel, which contributes to ergonomic working and improved handling. On the exterior, Trumpf has now fitted the TruLaser Weld 5000 with a status light, as successfully employed in the TruLaser Cell. These lights provide an immediate assessment of the machine’s status. A continuous blue light, for instance, indicates that the machine is in teaching mode. Bigger windows provide a better view into the safety cabin, and on the interior there are new approaches to lighting and suction.
As well as offering a camera view of the work area, the new status monitor also supplies further information about the production status, including the remaining time, the current production programme and the quantity of components manufactured. This gives sheet metal operators the most important indicators at a glance.
The laser welding unit operates using a Trumpf TruDisk laser that can also power other machines such as a 2D laser machine. In this sort of laser network, several machines share a single laser – which can significantly reduce the initial investment costs in a new machine.
For more information contact Retecon Machine Tools on TEL: 011 976 8600 or visit www.retecon.co.za
