As a leading provider and user of Industry 4.0, Luton-based Trumpf Ltd is transferring its digitalisation solutions to its TruPrint series of 3-D printers to optimise additive manufacturing processes.

To enable connected manufacturing, the TruPrint 3-D printers are linked to a manufacturing execution system (MES) and a smart ordering platform.

This gives operators mobile real-time access to the printers’ process data and pending orders, and it facilitates planning and paperless management of production, which boosts transparency, flexibility and ultimately manufacturing productivity.

To establish additive technologies in industrial manufacturing, Trumpf focuses on ensuring that its systems are highly reliable and efficient.

“Otherwise, 3-D printing methods can’t compete with conventional technologies such as milling and casting,” says Thomas Fehn, Trumpf general manager (additive manufacturing).

Trumpf (www.trumpf.com) has more than 50 years of experience in machine tools.

As one of the few manufacturers of 3-D printing systems, the company has everything under one roof: laser beam sources, optics and machines.

Mr Fehn said: “We have everything needed for 3-D printing. This is highly advantageous when industrialising these processes, because we have access to the technologies that best fit our customers’ needs.”

Since 2017, Trumpf has seen an increase in orders for its 3-D printing systems. Leading the pack is the TruPrint 1000, which is currently its best-selling system world-wide.

The company also reports growing demand for its high-performance TruPrint 5000.