New developments

Ed Hill reports.

Heading up the German sheet metal processing manufacturer's UK operation is Annette Doyle (pictured) who took over as managing director in July 2015.

Ms Doyle has a long history with Trumpf. Originally from Germany, where she completed studies in mechanical engineering and business administration, she started as an intern at the company's US subsidiary in 2001. Initially working as service project engineer, she then moved on to oversee the company's training centre before being given the job to manage the US assembly plant for the last five years.

She is joined by Gerry Jones as national sales manager and Lee Moakes, the company's technical director who both have many years' experience with Trumpf. Another new face on the management team is Alexander Mainos who has been appointed manager of finance. Also a German citizen, Mr Mainos has been a senior auditor at Trumpf since 2011.

Ms Doyle comments: “Arriving here in the UK I found a successful company with people with great commitment and enthusiasm. Although there were substantial personnel holes to fill, the remaining employees ensured fluid continuation of business and we were able to fill the open management positions very successfully.

“As expected, during the months of transition we witnessed a short softening of our order intake, however, this has already reversed and we are now on track for another good year at Trumpf UK.”

Across the global Trumpf group profits rose; income before taxes increased by 43.8% to €357 million, while the net operating margin was 13.1%. This growth was partly due to a one-off effect from the sale of the company's Medical Technology division.

Trumpf also boosted its machine sales. Combined sales increased in relation to the previous year by 5% to €2.72 billion so in an annual comparison adjusted for the Medical Technology division sale, revenues increased by 12.6%.

Feel the power

On the hardware front Trumpf is particularly keen to promote its latest TruLaser 5030 Fiber with TruDisk 8001 machine. This reported to be the first 2D fibre laser cutter to provide 8kW of power on the market.

With the machine's increased power and its BrightLine Fiber technology it can cut stainless steel sheet up to 40mm thick, mild steel and aluminium up to 25mm and reflective metals such as copper and brass up to 10mm.

These machines also feature new Trumpf technology: CoolLine, PierceLine, Smart Beam Control, Smart Collision Prevention and Drop & Cut.

CoolLine is particularly suitable for cutting thicker materials. The system works by spraying mist around the laser beam on the workpiece. The evaporation of the water cools the material, thus helping the temperature remain near constant during the cutting process. It also allows much more intricate parts to be cut and a tighter sheet layout to be adopted.

PierceLine enhances the production process by enabling even smaller contours to be cut while significantly boosting speed.

Smart Beam Control automatically regulates the laser's focal position during the cutting process resulting in enhanced process reliability. It also makes it possible to perform cutting system diagnostics at the machine or remotely via Teleservice to Trumpf advisors.

Smart Collision Prevention analyses the entire cutting procedure and generates an intelligent process strategy. Parts at risk of tipping over are cut free only where there no risk of any collision. This means sheets can be cut reliably without the need for micro-joints and supervision is less necessary freeing up operators for other tasks.

Drop & Cut makes repeat production more cost-effective and enables residual sheets to be used to minimise wastage. The operator is presented with an image of the cutting area on the machine's control unit. The programmed shape can then be virtually dragged and dropped onto the scrap material or remnant in the desired orientation.

Other optional features of the machine include the application of a standardised, industrial dot matrix code to cut parts and a mobile system for monitoring and controlling the machine via an iPad.

These new 5 series 8kW machines are proving a popular option for sheet metal processors in the UK with three machines already ordered and ten more in the pipeline.

Another new flatbed laser cutting machine is the TruLaser 2030 Fiber. This compact machine is a step up from basic the entry level 1000 series and is equipped with a TruDisk 3kW (4kW optional) laser. This higher spec machine is also easily upgradable to allow for automated loading and unloading to be fitted as well as other enhancements. With key components integrated into the machine frame the TruLaser 2030 Fiber is compact in size. Including the pallet changer, the footprint is just 7.8m by 5.9m.

On the pressbrake front Trumpf has introduced the TruBend Series 5000. These machines have higher axis speeds driven by four cylinder servo drives and new angle measuring systems to ensure better accuracy. Many new features are designed to enhance the machine for the operator, including new touchscreen controls and a ‘MagicShoe' fitted with sensors which allows the operator to initiate the stroke wherever they are standing at the machine.

A new area of technology where Trumpf is making its early inroads is additive manufacturing. The company is applying its expertise in lasers to produce metal powder 3D printing machines using both laser metal fusion (LMF) and laser metal deposition (LMD).

These include the TruPrint 1000 which can generate parts a maximum of 100mm in diameter and 100mm tall using LMF. Trumpf is enhancing and some of its TruLaser production cells with the option of adding LDM technology. This can be used for applications such as adding a bolt flange to a pipe.

Online integration

As well as hardware Trumpf is focusing on the increasingly digitally integrated needs of manufacturing, the Smart Factory and Industry 4.0.

TruConnect allows Trumpf machines to be integrated in a fully automated, Internet-based production environment. It is a framework that allows customers to implement measures that will create a smart factory for their own specific needs. The list of options can be expanded on a modular basis to take advantage of new opportunities and may include software packages for production control, warehouse logistics or the automatic generation of orders. TruConnect also offers monitoring and quality inspection tools and solutions for marking and tracing parts.

In addition, Axoom is a new IT services provider, founded by Trumpf specifically for the manufacturing sector which supports the entire product value chain. The Axoom open platform is available to all customers, their suppliers and service contractors as well as other partners.

Ms Doyle concluded: “I see the role of Trumpf in the manufacturing community as always providing our customers with the latest technology, such as our 8kW solid state laser, and innovation in processes such as TruConnect along with continuous support so they can stay a step ahead of their competition. It's is not just a quick sale but the long-term commitment on all sides that makes us special.”

TRUMPF UK
www.uk.trumpf.com