PRODUCT REVIEWS
Sustainability focus for TRUMPF
The nano-joint process from TRUMPF means that laser-cut parts can be nested right next to one another , thereby saving material ( image source : TRUMPF ).
German high-tech company TRUMPF used its annual INTECH in-house exhibition recently to showcase solutions designed to boost sustainability and productivity in connected manufacturing . Alongside technologies to lower the consumption of materials , energy and cutting gas , the exhibition also featured processes to reduce or eliminate the use of environmentally harmful chemicals in automotive manufacture .
New developments on show at this year ’ s INTECH included the Eco Cooler , an innovative technology that uses nothing but pure water to cool TRUMPF laser-cutting machines . According to TRUMPF , this reduces energy consumption for refrigeration by 80 per cent and dispenses entirely with environmentally harmful refrigerants .
TRUMPF also showcased Highspeed Eco , a process that reduces gas consumption in laser cutting “ by as much as 60 per cent ”, it told ISMR .
“ Our other exhibits presented technology designed to reduce the use of materials in manufacturing . Among these was the nanojoint process , which substantially reduces the size of the retaining tabs that connect parts to the sheet from which they have been cut by laser . This means that parts can now be nested right next to one another , thereby reducing the amount of waste material in the skeleton ,” explained TRUMPF .
Short-pulse lasers
At this year ’ s INTECH , TRUMPF also demonstrated how laser technology can
help automakers make their operations eco-friendlier . The company showcased short-pulse lasers that eliminate the use of chemical cleaning agents in the industry .
“ Unlike the conventional process , shortpulse lasers only clean components where it is actually needed . This not only saves water but also reduces the use of environmentally harmful chemicals ,” said the sheet metal specialist .
Short-pulse lasers from TRUMPF also prepare bonded joints in electromobility . Battery manufacturers must glue battery cells for e-cars into the battery pack . To ensure that the adhesive adheres better , the laser cleans and structures the corresponding areas on the metal before bonding .
Above : With HS-LMD , the automotive industry can coat brake discs so that they are more hard-wearing and produce barely any particulate emissions ( image source : TRUMPF ).
High-speed laser metal deposition ( HS-LMD )
TRUMPF also demonstrated how the use of high-speed laser metal deposition ( HS-LMD ), a technology that is now ready for industrial application , can help to reduce brake-disc wear in road traffic and thereby particulate emissions . Even very low concentrations of particulate matter are harmful . This laser process can also provide corrosion protection , which is particularly important for the brake discs of electric vehicles .
“ About half of the particulate emissions produced by road traffic are due to the abrasion of vehicle brakes , tyres , clutches and road surfaces . Around half of this matter is brake dust . Brake discs coated by means of HS-LMD produce far less particulate matter compared to conventional brake discs . Visitors at INTECH were able to view this technology ,” concluded TRUMPF .
The laser metal deposition principle works through interaction of laser and metal powder . This makes it possible to create pore- and crack-free layers . At the heart of the process is the powder and energy supply . Instead of the metal powder being applied to the component and then melted there by laser light , in high-speed laser metal deposition it enters the laser beam already above the component . The light heats the powder to melting temperature on its way to the component .
TRUMPF offers manufacturing solutions in machine tools and laser technology . It drives digital connectivity in the manufacturing through consulting , platform products and software . TRUMPF is a technology and market specialist in machine tools for sheetmetal processing and industrial lasers . n
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. trumpf . com
ISMR May 2023 | ismr . net | 65