PRODUCT REVIEWS
Laser cutting XXL sheets
High-tech company TRUMPF will be showcasing a new laser-cutting machine that specializes in oversized sheets at its INTECH in-house trade show , which will be held from 17-20 May 2022 . The TruLaser 3080 fiber fabricates parts in sheets of up to eight metres long and is particularly suitable for cutting large and heavy parts weighing up to 7,850kg , such as facade components and trailers for trucks or cranes .
The TruLaser 3080 fiber can also be used for small and medium-sized parts , so that operators can use it to its full capacity and make best use of their production capacity .
“ There are only a few companies in the sheet metal fabrication market that can cut oversized parts precisely to size . We pride ourselves on being a solution provider , and this machine really does give our customers a competitive edge and the ability to process even more jobs in less time ,” said TRUMPF product manager , Patrick Schüle . The machine can handle sheet thicknesses of up to 50mm and processes a variety of materials ranging from aluminium to mild steel .
The TruLaser 3080 can be used in multishift operation without requiring complex automation . It comes with an automatic pallet changer that automatically inserts a second sheet as soon as the laser has completed its first cutting pass . This results in an overall machining area of 40m ² of sheet metal and allows the machine to cut parts for several hours without the operator having to add any additional raw material .
Due to the size of the panel , different component shapes can be nested in the cutting program in a material-saving manner . This allows users to use all the raw material . The machine is also equipped with a universal cutting unit with a fully adaptive lens system . The focus diameter of the laser beam can be selected as desired . With this flexibility , the TruLaser 3080 fiber manufactures a wide variety of applications .
“ The machine can process a wide range of materials including mild steel , stainless steel , copper and brass , and can also create high-quality parts from thin metal sheets . In addition to an oversized sheet , companies can also place several smaller sheets on the pallet in the machine . This gives them even more flexibility in production ,” added TRUMPF .
The TruLaser 3080 also features TRUMPF ’ s new ‘ nano joints ’ technology , which boosts process reliability on the shop floor by eliminating the need for through-thickness tabs , or ‘ micro joints ’, in sheet metal fabrication . Micro joints are commonly used to ensure that cut parts do not bank out while the rest of the sheet is being cut . They remain in place until they are broken by a production worker after the parts have been removed from the machine . Subsequently , the breakage points on the cut edge need to be smoothed , which leads to additional finishing work .
Micro joints also increase the time it takes to remove parts from the nest , because it is not always possible to break the joints smoothly . As well as adding time to the overall process , micro joints also waste material because operators cannot place parts directly next to each other in the nest .
“ Unlike micro joints , TRUMPF nano joints only create tiny retaining tabs . This enables users to arrange parts directly adjacent to each other in the sheet , thereby saving material . In addition , the processing time is shortened because the laser creates the retaining tabs while cutting the contour of the component . Almost no post-processing work is required because the contour injury is barely visible . Production workers do not have to apply as much force to separate parts from the metal sheet , so they can remove parts from the nest quicker ,” explained TRUMPF . n
www . trumpf . com
Storage and retrieval
Supplying storage and retrieval solution for the engineering sector since 1963 , Polstore Storage Systems manufactures and designs CNC tool storage and transport products . The range includes CNC toolholders ; CNC stand and trolleys ; roller shutter cabinets ; storage cabinets as well as racking and shelving . Built as a modular storage solution , each component is designed around the customer ’ s working practices . Every inch of the workspace can be optimised , the company told ISMR .
Whether opening a new workshop or renovating an existing workspace , the company can show examples of workshop fit-outs .
“ Every storage challenge is individual and is treated as such . A foam shadow board system is a cost-effective way for storing tools , fixtures and high-value assets . Adding bold colours to the shadow board can give a visual clue to a user when an item is missing . All foams are designed inhouse and manufactured from plastazote , a material which is inert , chemically resistant and hard-wearing ,” said the company .
“ Our project sales team can help to design storage systems , working with customers to create efficiency ; enhance display and accessibility ; reduce waste ; lower costs ; improve attitudes and motivate people within the workplace ,” it added . n
https :// polstore . co . uk
68 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR May 2022