FACE TO FACE
ISMR: Please highlight your most notable initiatives over the past three years, and the philosophy behind them.
MM: The market is currently experiencing a downturn, so the past three years for manufacturers have been very challenging. Despite this, TRUMPF has been investing‘ across the board’ in software that supports and interlinks the sheet metal machinery and systems that are on our booth here at Blechexpo / Schweisstec in Stuttgart. It is all about software, connectivity and offering customers complete solutions for end-to-end processing. This incorporates issues such as logistics, material flow, programming and digitalisation.
We also continue to focus on artificial intelligence( AI) applications. Last year, we presented our SortMaster Vision system( an AI-supported sorting system which needs no programming at all). We are working with Intrinsic on a completely automated sorting system with no programming needed. The system uses cameras that recognise a part, and the self-learning system can be continuously improved. We also train the system to recognise overlapping parts. I believe that our AI and digital competencies really differentiate us from other manufacturers in the market.
As well as these solutions provider initiatives, we continue to launch new products and improve and develop our existing products for customers.
ISMR: Please highlight any new products, technologies or services that you are releasing at Blechexpo / Schweisstec.
MM: We are promoting our new form of interlinked systems, with machines working efficiently together. The indirectly interlinked manufacturing system consists of the TruBend Center 7030 panel bender, the TruMatic 5000 punching and laser machine, and a new STOPA storage system. Customers can use it to manufacture their components for kit and batch production. It enables users to combine the flexibility of individual machines with the productivity of production lines. It also gives companies the opportunity to automate their production piece by piece and expand it into a smart factory. The solution is particularly suitable for small and mediumsized companies that want to expand their production capacity.
We are also showcasing our Flex Cell mobile bending cell, in combination with TecZone Bend, here at Blechexpo / Schweisstec. Using new software, the bending cell can be programmed in milliseconds offline, without any loss of productivity and without requiring in-depth programming knowledge.
Our third highlight here is the TruBend 3000 bending machine, an advanced all-rounder that
The indirectly interlinked system from TRUMPF consists of the TruBend Center 7030 panel bending machine, the TruMatic 5000 punching and laser machine, and an automated STOPA storage system.
Machine interlinking solution at Blechexpo
At Blechexpo 2025, for the first time, TRUMPF presented a fully automated, interlinked system from the next generation of TruBend Center 7030 panel bending machines, TruMatic 5000 punching and laser machines, and the STOPA flex automated storage system.
“ Compared to conventional interlinked production lines, this solution is particularly flexible. This is made possible by the STOPA storage, which stores the parts between the individual production steps. In this way, we combine the flexibility of individual machines with the efficiency of production lines,” TRUMPF explained.
“ An important step toward further increasing efficiency in sheet metal production is the direct interlinking of cutting, punching and bending— with the smallest possible batch sizes, right down to one-piece flow. This saves space costs, internal logistics and unnecessary parts inventories. Thanks to the integrated, fully flexible software, new parts can be programmed in no time at all,” added Stephan Mayer, CEO of TRUMPF Machine Tools.
The networked system manufactures individual parts and high-volume batches. Decoupling stabilises the overall system and enables better utilisation of each individual machine. The solution requires just one operator, reducing parts costs. The interlinked solution is networked via TRUMPF’ s OSEON software. allows users to process up to 85 per cent of their components. Compared to the previous series, this solution is 30 per cent more productive and saves around 40 per cent of energy, thanks to its integrated On-Demand Servo Drive.
In terms of services here at the trade show, I would highlight condition monitoring where we use AI to analyse the huge quantity of data from a machine. The proactive AI algorithms recognise patterns and flag where they may be issues with a machine before a breakdown occurs. This predictive maintenance service is hugely useful for our customers.
ISMR: What is your vision, as well as your strategic and technical focus, for TRUMPF? How do you aim to achieve these?
MM: I think there are two elements. We must not forget what we stand for and continue to maintain our identity. However, we must also be adaptable, listen to the market and change accordingly. This philosophy underpins our solutions and services. We provide innovative offerings, keep our costs under control and pride ourselves on being a reliable partner to our customers for the future. This is our image, reputation and brand.
The markets need more automation and AI solutions as manufacturers struggle globally with the lack of skilled labour. This move towards‘ usability’ is a trend that is seen not
Digital connectivity is key at TRUMPF.
ISMR December 2025 / January 2026 | ismr. net | 29