The automation of sheet metal working processes, including CNC punching, CNC laser cutting and CNC press brakes will be emphasised for MACH 2008 visitors

The Trumpf stand at the UK's MACH 2008 machine tool exhibition will emphasise that there is no need to compromise on automation or unmanned sheet metal working. Trumpf will demonstrate its competence in automated punching, laser cutting and bending and the ability of its systems to accommodate changing production needs and still achieve quality parts at the lowest unit cost.

The machines accept flexible and expandable automation.

The choices range from simple productivity gains from features such as automatic laser nozzle exchange through to all the elements necessary for full 'lights out' production.

All Trumpf machines are designed so that the batch size, material and program can be changed with ease and with no detrimental effect on manufacturing cost.

* Degrees of automation - many of the machines featured will demonstrate different degrees of automation.

For example, the single station punching or laser cutting head is a vital component of every Trumpf machine.

This remains a novel feature and one that significantly reduces set-up and machining times.

With this intelligent head system Trumpf said it offers the basis for true l'ights out' production.

In the field of 2D laser cutting, for example, the head works in tandem with another novel feature, automatic laser nozzle exchange.

The system makes it possible to process a variety of parts and materials using optimum cutting parameters, even during unmanned shifts.

Dependent on the machine model chosen, any sheet thickness from 1 - 25mm can be processed with the machine's single cutting head as the engineering beam guidance system automatically adapts to the material and adjusts the laser beam.

Automatic nozzle changing will be demonstrated separately at MACH 2008 to highlight its significance.

2D precision laser cutting will be demonstrated at MACH 2008 by the TruLaser 2030.

This larger format model is new to the UK and will be shown with the higher powered 3.2kW TruCoax laser that delivers exceptional beam quality.

This compact machine has fully integrated load and unload and is designed for high productivity.

* Fully automated bending - the TruBend 5130 CNC press brake (brake press) will be converting the parts produced by the TruLaser or TruPunch CNC machines into finished components.

This press brake is characterised by its short cycle times.

Precise bending every time is assured by the Automatically Controlled Bending a system that has potentially up to eight sensors.

This press brake will be shown complete with BendMaster that will feed the machine blanks as well as sort and stack the finished parts.

BendMaster automatically selects a mechanical gripper for small parts or a vacuum gripper for larger ones.

As a result it can handle a wide product range up to a maximum weight of 40kg.

The TruBend and BendMaster are operated by a single control and jointly programmed by the dedicated TruTops Bend software.

* CNC punching - Trumpf will also be emphasising another important point at MACH 2008 - don't dismiss punching.

Thanks to continuous development punching is the quickest and cheapest method of producing many parts, especially those that require additional operations such as forming and tapping.

The company's latest punching machine, the TruPunch 5000, will demonstrate this potential.

The high productivity of this machine has been achieved through faster processing and tool rotation, additional drives and faster acceleration thanks to lighter weight components, said Trumpf to manufacturingtalk.com.

These developments have given the TruPunch 5000 a productivity boost of 15% on its predecessor.

In common with all of the Trumpf high productivity machines this model can be specified with automation to suit the need from semi-automatic loading through to a fully automatic manufacturing cell with warehouse interface.

* Marking and welding - the TruMark Station 5000 performs a wide range of marking and microprocessing tasks on various metals, plastics and ceramics.

Its compact design allows its easy integration into a production line.

This model is also available with flow-through transfer allowing longer workpieces to be processed.

The stand-alone TruLaser Station 5004 is the last exhibit and is a compact and ergonomic workstation for deposition laser welding with wire.

It represents another first in laser processing with the inclusion of an electronic stereomicroscope that allows quicker and easier set-up.

* Trumpf at MACH 2008, NEC, Birmingham, UK, April 21-25, Hall 4, Stand 4730.



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