FACE TO FACE
The main issue for our customers is to automate as quickly as possible e. g. sorting laser-cut parts. Skilled labour shortages globally means that they need easy-tooperate equipment, supported by automation. The challenge is to keep offering more technologically complex solutions but at a price point that the market can accept. Customers want to be able to do more, but with fewer machines and resources.
TRUMPF’ s Cutting Assistant uses AI to optimise the cut edges of components.
ISMR: How do you view the rise of artificial intelligence( AI) for manufacturing in general? How are you using AI in your business?
MM: AI has been the gateway to massive change at TRUMPF and is of great strategic importance to us. Our goal is to become a leading provider and user of AI solutions in manufacturing. Our AI teams work with leading companies and research institutions such as Microsoft, Intrinsic and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology( KIT) to drive innovation.
To drive AI even more efficiently across the company, we founded an AI hub at the beginning of 2025 that bundles AI activities at TRUMPF. This means a lot of experimentation because these systems are self-learning and improve over time.
We have invested a lot into using AI internally to optimise our company processes and our own manufacturing, not just for
the products and services that we sell to customers. If you do not digitalise or use AI internally, you cannot sell digitalisation or AI externally.
Many of the solutions that we sell already incorporate AI( e. g. Cutting Assistance for automatic optimisation of the cut edges of a component or the SortMaster Vision).
ISMR: How do you embed sustainability into your products, internal systems and operations?
MM: Sustainability is a key topic. The challenge is to provide sustainable solutions and services that make a positive business case and bring competitive advantages to our customers( large or small). Our solutions support customers to save material and energy along the sheet metal process chain. This helps our customers to reduce their carbon footprint. Our machines are particularly durable, can be easily repaired and offer a 15-year warranty for spare components( even if the machine is no longer produced).
Sustainability is also part of TRUMPF’ s corporate strategy. We are increasing the energy efficiency of our own manufacturing and have been producing on a carbon-neutral balance sheet since 2020.
We support climate neutrality in our production. For example, we use the waste heat from our lasers for heating, use 100 per cent green electricity at all our locations( generating it ourselves, where possible) and rely on electric cars in our fleet.
However, safety is also the best way to be sustainable. There is nothing more valuable than human life and no better way to demonstrate sustainability than saving a life. Safety is part of TRUMPF’ s business philosophy and is an integral part of our products, software and services.
ISMR: Thank you for your time. n
The BrightLine Scan function on the TruLaser Weld 5000 is designed for high weld seam quality for aluminium and higher gap-bridging capability.
Automated laser welding
TRUMPF launched the new generation of its TruLaser Weld 5000 automated laser welding machine at Blechexpo 2025. Compared to the previous series, the machine can be set up much more quickly and easily. Using the new TeachLine Touch mode, users can optimise their welding programs directly on the machine’ s screen. To do this, the operator uses a touch gesture to move the welding points to the desired position on the actual component. Previously, a separate teach panel was required for this.
“ The increased user-friendliness adds value, especially for small batch sizes, as users can get to the first component in their series much faster. The welding program is created by the user in advance, while the machine is welding parts, with TruTops Weld offline programming software,” outlined TRUMPF.
“ The TruLaser Weld 5000 is also particularly energy-efficient, as the integrated next-generation TruFiber laser consumes around 20 % less energy. At the same time, welding depths can be increased by 5 %. Benefits for the user include lower operating costs, a smaller carbon footprint and greater productivity. The new design of the protective cabin with higher doors also ensures that larger components can be transported into the machine more easily,” continued TRUMPF.
On the TruLaser Weld 5000, TRUMPF’ s BrightLine Scan function is designed for high weld seam quality for aluminium as well as higher gapbridging capability. The technology also enables higher weld seam strength, for example in lap seams. BrightLine Scan expands the fields of application for optics, allowing users not only to weld components but also to clean and engrave them— without having to retool the machine.
“ With the TruLaser Weld 5000, users can choose between a latest-generation TruFiber laser with 3kW, 6kW or 9kW of laser power. Almost all common materials can be processed with the machine( particularly structural steel, stainless steel, copper or aluminium). Companies can use the TruLaser Weld 5000 to produce small and medium batch sizes just as economically as large batches,” concluded TRUMPF.
www. trumpf. com
ISMR December 2025 / January 2026 | ismr. net | 31