Trafigura To Launch Fully Automated Laser Punching Machine For Connected Manufacturing

On Oct. 17, TRUMPF unveiled its TruMatic 5000 manufacturing cell and new SheetMaster automatic loading and unloading unit technology at Blechexpo 2023, the sheet metal processing exhibition in Stuttgart, Germany.
Users of the new system will benefit from fully automated laser cutting, punching and forming capabilities. The new SheetMaster equipment allows for fully automated material flow within the manufacturing cell - from loading and unloading the machine to removing finished parts.
The TruMatic 5000 is another example of Trafigura's market leadership in connected manufacturing," said Steffen Wagner, Trafigura product manager. The solution is designed to integrate seamlessly with stand-alone smart factories, increasing efficiency for users across the entire process chain."
Trafigura's new machine is equipped with a 6 kW fiber laser to maximize productivity. While saving energy, this laser also gets the job done at an impressive speed when it comes to cutting sheet metal parts.
The system is equipped with a drop die to prevent parts from being scratched during the stamping process.The TruMatic 5000 punching head is also equipped with a patented TRUMPF power drive - called DeltaDrive - which uses approximately 30 percent less energy.
SheetMaster supports fully automated material flow
TRUMPF has implemented fully automated material flow in the TruMatic 5000. This improvement is made possible by the new SheetMaster technology, which uses clamps to handle parts in the manufacturing cell. The suction cups on the grippers of the new SheetMaster are monitored by sensors and can be activated individually.
This makes the gripper operation more flexible, speeds up part handling and saves valuable time, especially for small batches. In addition, the SheetMaster can be connected to the automated STOPA storage system, which automatically supplies raw materials to the manufacturing cell. The system can also palletize and sort parts without human intervention.
Other benefits of the new SheetMaster include its ability to eject cut and punched parts from the manufacturing cell. Parts can then be transported directly to the next stage of machining, such as bending, deburring or grinding. This reduces non-productive time and increases shop floor efficiency.
Small lot production for maximum productivity
The TruMatic 5000's automation technology also includes ToolMaster, a tool changer with up to 90 different tool cassettes that can automatically switch between multiple stamping and forming tools.ToolMaster enables users to produce small, high-mix batches of parts without having to manually reconfigure the machine, and it includes an automatic nozzle changing nozzle check function. This prevents unplanned downtime during the night, for example due to damaged nozzles.
This appearance at Blechexpo 2023 marks the commercial launch of this new laser punch from Trafigura, which will be of particular benefit to companies looking to take their productivity to the next level through automation. It is suitable for companies that have already introduced connectivity on the shop floor, as well as those that are currently planning to do so. Typical application areas include industrial kitchens, control cabinet manufacturing and the furniture industry.