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Trumpf TruMatic 5000 manufacturing cell featuring a new fully automatic SheetMaster is set to be unveiled at
Blechexpo, the international trade fair for sheetmetalworking, being held 7-10 November in Suttgart. As well as possessing fully automated laser-cutting, punching and forming capabilities, the new SheetMaster enables a fully automated flow of materials within the manufacturing cell – from loading and unloading the machine to removing finished parts.
Trumpf product manager Steffen Wagner said: “The TruMatic 5000 is yet another example of Trumpf’s market-leading position in the field of connected manufacturing. This solution is designed to be seamlessly integrated in a self-contained smart factory, giving users efficiency gains along the entire process chain.”
Trumpf’s new machine is equipped with a 6kW fibre laser to maximise productivity. As well as saving energy, this laser also does an impressively fast job of cutting sheet metal parts and the system comes with a descending die that prevents parts from being scratched during the punching process. The TruMatic 5000 punching head also comes with a patented Trumpf electric drive known as the DeltaDrive, which uses around 30% less energy.
Saving valuable timeTrumpf has fully automated the material flow in the TruMatic 5000. This improvement was made possible by the new SheetMaster technology, which uses grippers to handle parts in the manufacturing cell. The suction cups on the new SheetMaster’s grippers are monitored by sensors and can be activated individually; this makes gripper operation even more flexible, speeding up workpiece handling and saving valuable time, especially for smaller batches.
In addition, the SheetMaster can be connected to an automated STOPA storage system which automatically supplies the manufacturing cell with raw material. The system also palletises and sorts parts negating the need for human intervention. Further benefits of the new SheetMaster include its ability to eject cut and punch parts within in the manufacturing cell. Components can then be transported directly to the next stage of the process, such as bending, deburring or grinding. This reduces non-productive time and increases efficiency on the shopfloor.
The TruMatic 5000’s automation technology also includes the ToolMaster, a tool changer with up to 90 different tool cartridges that can automatically switch between multiple punching and forming tools. The ToolMaster enables users to produce small, high-mix batches of parts without having to manually retool the machine. Also included is an automatic nozzle changer with a nozzle inspection function. This prevents unscheduled stoppages during the night, for example due to a damaged nozzle.
Blechexpo 2023 marks the commercial launch of the new punch-laser machine, which promises particular benefits for businesses that are keen to take their productivity to the next level through automation. Trumpf says that it is ideal for companies that have already introduced connectivity to their shopfloor, as well as those that are currently planning to do so. Typical areas of application include industrial kitchens, control-cabinet manufacturing and the furniture industry.