Added advances on show  

This year, Trumpf will be showcasing its expertise in Laser Metal Fusion (LMF) and Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) at the EMO show in Hannover.

The company will be placing its focus not only on machine solutions, but also on informing visitors about the possibilities afforded by additive technologies.

Rainer Grünauer, head of sales for additive manufacturing at Trumpf says: “Users often still have lots of questions about additive manufacturing, and we want to address those using specific examples.”

Trumpf will be showcasing a comprehensive range of components that illustrates the many potential applications of additive manufacturing in industrial production.

“Additive techniques are most effective for complex components, while for simple parts conventional technologies will often be entirely adequate,” says Mr Grünauer. “Why not have the best of both worlds by relying on a smart mix?”

Trumpf experts will be demonstrating how this works in practice using the example of a toolholder that attaches grinding discs in CNC grinding machines. This two-part component used to comprise several brazed cases – a potential weak point that negatively impacts service life. Now, a new additive manufacturing design strategy has eliminated this weak point: there is now a conventionally manufactured preform anchored in the toolholder, from which additive manufacturing is used to build up the top part, layer by layer, using powder deposition.

When it comes to machines Trumpf will also be showcasing the TruPrint 1000, a compact and universally applicable LMF system capable of cost-effectively producing components of up to 100mm in diameter and 100mm in height.

The TruPrint 3000, meanwhile, is fully focused on the industrialisation of additive manufacturing. It is equipped with a 500watt Trumpf laser and can produce components of up to 300mm in diameter and 400mm in height.

In the spirit of Industry 4.0, it also takes into account both upstream and downstream operations. For instance, the process chain includes the preparation of data for production orders and monitoring solutions during production as well as industrial-grade peripherals for component and powder management.

Visitors at EMO will also have the chance to learn about the Trumpf’s solutions in Laser Metal Deposition (LMD). This innovation will be in action at machine manufacturer Okuma’s booth across the aisle. In this additive manufacturing technique, the laser generates a molten pool on the surface of the component, to which metal powder is added via a nozzle. This creates fused links that generate structures on existing substrates or even entire components. While LMD was first used primarily to apply protective coatings and to repair components, today it is also used to manufacture entirely new components.

EMO 2017 runs from September 18th-23rd.

Trumpf
Hall 27, Stand D46 www.trumpf.com