FOCUS ON PUNCHING
The TruPunch 5000 optimises the sheet ’ s surface area to punch as many indentations of the required shape as possible .
All images supplied by the TRUMPF Group . alternatives to the old machines . It was not until September 2023 that they were able to put the new TRUMPF punching machine into operation .
“ The old machines were so revered that we couldn ’ t even imagine a modern machine being able to process the sheet metal in the way that we needed ,” said Schwarz . Cimbria reached out to ten suppliers , but only TRUMPF remained in the running .
“ To meet Cimbria ’ s requirements , we made several trips to Cimbria Heid ,” confirmed Peter Sternat , TRUMPF sales manager for eastern Austria . “ Günther Schwarz also visited our Customer Centre in Ditzingen , Germany .”
Together , they integrated the TruPunch 5000 into the existing machine park layout and developed the initial tool heads for the teardrop-shaped mould . “ We ’ ve gradually become more aligned ,” said Sternat .
The grain must fit exactly into the indentations in the sheet metal ( known as ‘ pockets ’).
Austrian plant manager , Günther Schwarz .
Capacity improvements
For Cimbria Heid , the new machine represents a real increase in efficiency . The TruPunch 5000 now performs work steps that were previously handled by different machines . It punches the indentations into the sheet at up to 1,600 strokes per minute .
Active blankholders prevent the material from swelling during the process , eliminating the need for any subsequent straightening . One function cuts the sheet to the required size and another deburrs the cut edges while embossing tools apply labels to the sheets .
The SheetMaster now handles the 40kg sheets , relieving production employees of this task . Tool change for over 50 tools is also automated . Cimbria Heid produces the complex segment plates for the trieur during the day so that results can be evaluated .
At night , the machine produces simpler flat screens autonomously .
“ We can now utilise the machine much more effectively , and our team is thrilled with the new technology ,” highlighted Patrick Jansen .
Cimbria Heid has accumulated some 450 punching heads for various grain and seed moulds over 130 years , and these heads are also needed for the new machine .
“ We test each individual tool to ensure that the sorting plates continue to meet our quality standards . This process still takes some time ,” explained Patrick Jansen .
The fate of the old machines remains uncertain . However , the production manager is confident : “ We will find a fitting place for them . Perhaps they ’ ll find a new home in an industrial museum ,” he mused . n
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92 | ismr . net | ISMR November 2024