A Machine that Grows to Meet New Challenges

TRUMPF Inc. (Farmington, CT) has developed an economical, compact and automation-friendly punching machine that is specifically designed to grow with a user’s business. The modular TruPunch 1000, introduced last year to the European market, enables sheet metal fabricators to upgrade their machine to the equally space-saving new TruMatic 1000 fiber. With its expandable functionality, the TruPunch 1000 is the perfect machine for entry into precision punching. It can handle sheets up to 0.25 in thick at rates of up to 600 spm, yet is remarkably compact. With a footprint of just 21 ft x 12 ft, it is approximately 15 percent smaller than its predecessor. The machine enables fabricators to process medium-format sheets without repositioning for significantly faster production overall.

The machine’s unique modular design enables the TruPunch 1000 to transition into the new TruMatic 1000 fiber, a combination punch laser machine. The process is achieved by adding a 3 kW TruDisk solid-state laser and retrofitting the TruPunch 1000 with a laser cutting system, a laser evacuation unit and a beam guard system. Through this conversion process, sheet metal fabricators are able to increase the variety of parts they manufacture. Customers with an existing TruDisk solid-state laser also have the added flexibility of connecting to the TruMatic 1000 fiber via the TRUMPF laser network. With a low cost of entry, these fabricators are able to easily switch from strictly 2D laser cutting to punch laser processing.

Both new machines offer a completely redesigned drive technology that is crucial to the success of this modular concept. The patented “Delta Drive” moves both the electric punching head and the laser along the Y-axis while the sheet moves in the opposite direction – a revolution in punching head technology. Powered by two servomotors, this arrangement enables the machine to accelerate far faster in the Y-axis and eliminates the need to move the sheet or work table. As a result, the punching process is more dynamic and the machine is more productive than with the previous design. Decreasing relative movement between the machine table and the metal sheet also reduces the risk of collisions and makes the process more reliable overall. In addition to machine dynamics, productivity and process stability, this new approach facilitates a significantly compact footprint.

Both the new TruPunch 1000 and the TruMatic 1000 fiber are designed to automatically sort finished parts up to 7 in x 7 in. Processed parts are sent down a chute and can be sorted into a series of four boxes (16 in x 12 in). The boxes are positioned below the machine for easy removal. Alternatively, an additional extra-large flexible parts flap, a standard feature of the TruMatic 1000 fiber and an option for the TruPunch 1000, provide users with a second choice for part sorting. Equipped with a sensor that detects whether all the parts have been properly ejected from the machine’s working area, this solution can be used to eject long and wide parts into containers as well as onto conveyors or pallets during both the punching and laser operations. The machine simply ejects the parts through the generously sized flap and places them straight in the container.

As the first entry-level combination machine from TRUMPF with a solid-state laser, the goal was to make the TruMatic 1000 fiber as compact as possible. For this reason, a special space-saving beam guard system was developed that is compatible with the machine’s modular concept. The machine’s protective housing, a requirement for safe laser processing, is integrated into the system and features two laser safety windows that allow users to visibly monitor laser cutting. This protective housing automatically moves out of the way when the machine is punching to give operators maximum visibility and accessibility.

The new TruPunch 1000 and TruMatic 1000 fiber are more compact than any other comparable machines on the market, even when configured with automated handling. Both can be connected to the new SheetMaster Compact, an automation system that is designed to load small to medium sized sheets and blanks and unload microjoint sheets and scrap skeletons. Optimized loading cycles makes it possible to complete most of these tasks while the machine is in operation. Both machines are also equipped with an intuitive touchscreen for easy operation, and are compatible with the MobileControl for remote operation from a tablet. The machines come equipped with the TruTops Boost Punch software for maximum ease in programming.

TRUMPF Inc., Farmington Industrial Park, 111 Hyde Road, Farmington, CT 06032, 860-255-6104, www.us.trumpf.com.