PRODUCT REVIEWS
New launches from TRUMPF
This year ’ s EuroBLECH sheet-metal exhibition in Hanover , Germany ( 25-28 October 2022 ) will see TRUMPF launch a new press brake for companies entering the metal-bending market , as well as a new solution to improve the quality and robustness of laser welding .
New TruBend 1000
“ Featuring the new Right Angle ( RA ) control system , the TruBend 1000 is extremely easy to program . Operation is similarly straightforward thanks to the user-friendly interface . Like all new entry-level machines from TRUMPF , the TruBend 1000 is precisely tailored to the needs of companies looking to break into metal bending . The machines are every bit as robust and reliable as our highend models but come with a much lower price tag . We will now be providing even more solutions to help companies grow and manufacture competitively ,” said TRUMPF .
A variety of machine types are on offer , with press forces ranging from 60 to 320 metric tons and bending edges from two to four metres . It can therefore be used to produce a broad spectrum of bending parts . “ The most favourably priced model – the Classic – costs around two-thirds less than the TruBend 5000 and therefore offers an attractive alternative for customers who might otherwise purchase from manufacturers outside Europe ,” added TRUMPF .
The new press brake is available in two models – Classic and Comfort . Because machines are already configured , they can be shipped within a few days .
“ Smaller companies want to start operating with a new machine as quickly as possible because , unlike larger companies , they have less capacity to process orders . Online sales of preconfigured machines enable us to guarantee rapid delivery ,” said Harald Böck , product manager at TRUMPF .
TruBend 1000 customers can also benefit from TRUMPF services based on the latest digital technology . TRUMPF technicians can connect with a machine online and provide users with remote support . The Classic model is equipped with a clamping system enabling customers to use any bending tools they may already have . The Comfort model comes with the TRUMPF clamp and is compatible with TRUMPF bending tools . Users have access to a demo version of the offline programming software , TecZone Bend , so that the machine can be programmed from the office while in full operation , further increasing productivity , TRUMPF told ISMR .
The TruBend 1000 Classic is suitable for companies manufacturing simple and semicomplex parts in medium batch sizes . The Comfort model comes with the TRUMPF tooling system so it is also suitable for small batch sizes , as tool changes are quicker and more automated . This model , said the manufacturer , is primarily suitable for smaller companies or contract manufacturers operating in single shifts . The initial version of this model weighs 225 metric tons and has a bending length of four metres . Further machine weights and bending lengths are expected to follow .
Laser welding quality
TRUMPF will also be launching a new solution to improve the quality and robustness of laser welding at EuroBLECH 2022 . BrightLine Scan technology will be showcased for TRUMPF ’ s TruLaser Weld 5000 laser-welding machine .
“ Currently , the only way to guide the laser beam during the welding process is via the welding robot but our new BrightLine Scan technology will also allow users to guide the laser beam using the laser scanner . This
TRUMPF ’ s new BrightLine Scan technology enables the laser beam to be guided by the robot and laser scanner simultaneously .
The new TruBend 1000 from TRUMPF .
combination of robot and scanner makes it possible to supplement the forward motion of the robot with a further , freely programmable movement of the laser in any desired direction ,” it explained .
This ‘ oscillating motion ’ is facilitated by specially developed lightweight mirrors . By enabling scan frequencies in the kilohertz range , the new technique doubles the thickness of sheets that can be processed in heat conduction welding , upping it from three to six millimetres . The new technology allows users to tailor the parts ’ bonding surfaces – which are melted directly by the laser beam – to suit each application . This , said TRUMPF , makes for a more reliable process and results in higher quality parts . It also makes it easier to achieve tighter tolerances , it added .
The task of guiding the laser beam via the laser scanner in BrightLine Scan is performed by the freely programmable PFO 20 focusing optics . These are integrated into the robot ’ s welding optics . Guiding the beam using a combination of the robot and scanner provides a major boost to the robustness and flexibility of the laser welding process . It also makes it easier to correct any minor inaccuracies that may creep in during previous processing steps .
TRUMPF provides companies with TechSets , which contain the parameters they need for common applications . BrightLine Scan in the welding cell ’ s TruTops Weld offline programming system enables users to program the machine while it is busy welding a different part . n