FACE TO FACE
Manually running in machines costs companies time and money . TRUMPF ’ s digital run-in assistant speeds up this process with the help of AI .
TRUMPF ’ s new ‘ Runability Guide ’
At its recent in-house INTECH exhibition , TRUMPF presented its ‘ Runability Guide ’, an initial version of a new AI-based solution that helps production employees run in the TruMatic 5000 punch laser machine more quickly and more easily .
“ At present , when using the machine to produce a new order with a new geometry or from new materials , users must individually test the machine program . This results in idle machine time that can quickly add up , especially with fully automated machines that produce many different parts . With our AI-supported software ‘ Runability Guide ’, users can avoid idle times of up to 20 minutes when running in the system . Based on various evaluation models , the new run-in assistant shows ( for each new job ) whether the TruMatic 5000 can produce parts directly or whether manual intervention will be required ,” explained TRUMPF .
The ‘ Runability Guide ’ uses various models to determine a part ’ s complexity . Development engineers from TRUMPF continually upload knowledge from production experts into the cloud . In addition , the software uses physical simulations and AI to identify any possible problems in each of the process steps . The solution also works with genuine machine data from TruMatic 5000 users . This enables it to draw inferences about potential issues during processing .
An AI demonstration at TRUMPF ’ s INTECH exhibition .
TRUMPF laser cutting head .
ISMR : What , in your view , are important industry trends and challenges ? How are you responding to these ?
SM : The industry is currently experiencing several major trends in parallel . One is the integration of artificial intelligence and automation into production processes . This use of AI helps us to enter a next level of uptime , productivity and quality .
In addition , we see a strong focus on environmentally friendly production techniques and reducing the CO₂ footprint . We also invest in advanced technologies and automation to optimise our production processes . Sustainability is a central part of our corporate strategy and we are continuously working to improve our environmental footprint . At the same time , we attach great importance to the continuous training of our employees and the creation of attractive working conditions to attract and retain skilled workers .
We want to support our customers to reduce their CO₂ footprint by producing modern machines and laser systems with intelligent functions and optimising production processes . In addition to climate protection initiatives , social responsibility and responsible corporate governance are also very important to us . We are committed to our employees and society and are focused on long-term success .
ISMR : You announced some important developments on TRUMPF ’ s use of artificial intelligence earlier this year . What is your overall vision for AI in the TRUMPF Group ?
SM : As with digitalisation , AI is not an end ( in itself ). Our target is maximum uptime , quality and productivity . To achieve this , we apply digitalisation wherever it helps . We also apply AI where it can boost digitalisation . So , AI is a solution for some still unsolved challenges in sheet metal , not vice versa . We do not apply
AI because it is exciting . We apply AI where it brings value and helps to solve a problem . We aim to become the leading user and provider of AI solutions in our industry within five years .
Digitisation and AI go hand in hand . As a pioneer in connected manufacturing in our own production , we are also able to secure a market-leading position among machine suppliers when it comes to AI . For our customers , this means uptime , productivity and quality gains along the entire sheet metal process chain in the future — regardless of the size of the company . At EuroBLECH in Hanover this October , we will show some initial real applications for products .
ISMR : Which areas of growth / opportunities can you highlight for TRUMPF machine tools ?
SM : In addition to trends towards automation , digitisation and AI , sustainability ( in particular ) will play a major role in the future . More frequently , large companies are demanding that their suppliers minimise CO₂ emissions . Customers can respond to these requirements through small investments , for example by replacing an old CO₂ laser with a fibre laser . Such changes not only serve the climate , but also pay off financially .
We offer a range of solutions that enable our customers to save energy , materials and operating resources . These include , for example , “ Active Speed Control ”, “ Cool Line ” or “ Highspeed Eco ” functions for optimising cutting processes . And of course , the biggest saving in energy is if you do not produce scrap .
ISMR : Which issues are of prime importance for your machine tool customers and how are you addressing these issues for them ?
SM : When it comes to laser machines , many customers are concerned about laser safety .
34 | ismr . net | ISMR October 2024