FACE TO FACE
“ This means that production lines have to be faster and more efficient. This is only possible with lasers that have more power, beam-shaping options, precision sensors and dynamic welding optics,” explained Bührle.
A battery consists of a battery cell, a battery module and a battery pack.“ There are more than 30 different applications for the laser in the battery cell alone. There are many more in the battery pack and battery module. The laser is the key tool for the efficient production of batteries, without which e-mobility would not be possible,” added Bührle.
Another area of application is the welding of copper connections in the high-performance electronics of electric cars.
AI to improve laser cutting edges
At its in-house INTECH trade fair, TRUMPF showcased its“ Cutting Assistant,” an application which uses artificial intelligence to improve the quality of laser-cut edges.
To use it, production employees take a picture of their component’ s cut edge with a hand scanner. The solution then assesses edge quality by evaluating for objective criteria, such as burr formation. With this information, the Cutting Assistant’ s optimisation algorithm suggests improved parameters for the cutting process. The machine then cuts the sheetmetal once more. If the quality still does not meet expectations, the user has the option to repeat the process.
“ With the Cutting Assistant, we are demonstrating that we are a pioneer in the use of AI in industrial manufacturing. Users aren’ t just empowered to combat the skilled worker shortage, they’ re also able to save time and money. This gives them a competitive edge when it comes to productivity,” highlighted TRUMPF product manager, Louisa Peters.
TRUMPF offers this solution for all TruLaser series featuring a power output of 6kW or more. Most owners who are already in possession of TRUMPF machines should be able to download the Cutting Assistant.
During laser cutting, users often have
“ With the Cutting Assistant, users get the perfect laser cutting parameters for their material. All they need to do is take a photo of the cut edge using a hand scanner. The AI takes care of the rest,” said TRUMPF.
No specialised knowledge is required. After about five runs, the solution enables cut component edges, with no experience or programming.
difficulty determining the correct parameters for their material grades. Materials which are not optimised for laser cutting often produce edges with wide variations in cut quality, forcing production employees to constantly change the technology parameters. This entails adjusting each individual parameter one by one— a process which demands a lot of time and employee experience. This presents challenges for many companies, especially those with inexperienced workers in production positions.
“ By integrating the Cutting Assistant into the machine software, optimised parameters can be transferred seamlessly into the software without the need for programming. This saves time and reduces errors,” outlined TRUMPF.
In the future, data from applications in the field will also be incorporated into the solution. This, said TRUMPF, will enable faster and more reliable results because the self-learning system will continuously improve. Through all of this, TRUMPF ensures that the algorithm does not distribute the user’ s expertise.
“ Manufacturers and users alike benefit from this novel development approach. Of course, data security remains a top priority for TRUMPF,” concluded Peters. TRUMPF provides users with online updates that can be downloaded to their machines.
Automation for 3D laser material processing
TRUMPF is now offering its laser systems as automated complete solutions for end users.
“ With our flexible automation solutions, users can reduce their cycle times and save costs in 3D laser material processing,” it told ISMR.
“ Our laser machines are highly productive. By automating our systems, we are now also offering our customers the opportunity to become more efficient in upstream and downstream production steps. Thanks to our extensive experience, broad planning expertise and close cooperation with our partner Autom8 during implementation, we ensure that our customers receive a customised solution,” said Martina Gassenmeier, responsible for sales of automation solutions for laser technology at TRUMPF.
At the INTECH in-house exhibition, TRUMPF demonstrated a sample flexible automation solution. This featured a 3D laser cutting machine, a robot for component handling and a camera-based quality control system.
Demand for automation solutions is continuously growing, especially for hotformed parts for car body construction where the handling of ever-larger components often presents production planners with challenges. TRUMPF also offers its services to companies that have little experience in automating their production. Users receive a complete package from TRUMPF, which extends from the initial request to planning, installation and start-up and onto service.
“ Our decades of experience help us to find the right automation solution for every requirement,” added Gassenmeier. TRUMPF coordinates on-site installation together with automation specialist, Autom8. TRUMPF is responsible for project management throughout the entire process to ensure smooth workflow. After the start-up, TRUMPF is then available as a central point of contact for all service-related matters such as troubleshooting and maintenance planning.
Productivity and quality control
TRUMPF is also using artificial intelligence( AI) to increase productivity in automotive manufacturing. The high-tech company has developed an AI solution that checks the quality of components( such as batteries for electric cars) immediately after laser welding, identifies possible defects and enables repairs in the laser welding station.
“ This enables users to reduce their manufacturing costs because the AI solution can replace other time-consuming quality inspections,” outlined Martin Stambke, the TRUMPF product manager responsible for AI
30 | ismr. net | ISMR May 2025