Solid-State Laser Meets XXL Tube Processing

In Booth C-10574, the new TruLaser Tube 7000 fiber from TRUMPF Inc. (Farmington, CT) combines the high speeds of a solid-state laser with a broad range of processing capabilities. It can cut tubes and profiles with diameters up to 254 mm and materials as thick as 10 mm. In addition, this machine executes high quality bevel cuts up to 45 deg. The machine has a 4 kW TruDisk 4001. The beam source is robust and reaches the high cutting speeds typical of solid-state lasers. The RapidCut function further increases productivity. Superimposing the movements of the tube axis and cutting head has achieved a fourfold increase in machine dynamics. As a result, the high feed rates of the solid-state laser are noticeable even in small contours. Meanwhile, the PierceLine option has been transferred from sheet to tube processing to speed up the piercing process and TRUMPF has drawn on their expertise from laser flatbeds for the cutting data so that overall, the TruLaser Tube 7000 fiber processes tubes and profiles faster than its CO2 laser cousins.

With LoadMaster Tube, the TruLaser Tube 7000 fiber system is capable of fully automated operation. The loading unit’s tube magazine holds up to four metric tons of raw materials. LoadMaster Tube performs all the necessary settings automatically, which reduces setup times. Before loading, software compares the geometry of the tubes and profiles with the data stored in the control system, thereby ensuring that the right material has been loaded. A gripper system transfers the tubes from the magazine to the machine. Collet chucks position and hold the tube while handling the material gently. Sensors monitor the clamping system and ensure that it adjusts automatically to each tube geometry and profile geometry. For small-scale series and special profiles, the operator can use the swivel-mounted conveyor system, which also loads the machine automatically.

In addition, individual tubes can be loaded manually at any time. While finished parts are being unloaded, sensors test whether the machine has discharged them correctly. According to requirements, conveyor tables transport the parts directly in wire mesh boxes or in containers – sorted, if necessary. In automatic mode, the operator can take the finished parts off the conveyor tables at an ergonomic working height. TRUMPF provides flexible automation solutions so that customers can cost-effectively manufacture shrinking batch sizes. The TruLaser Tube 7000 fiber also has the Central Link interface that can be used to gather and evaluate machine data and allow users to optimize production plans for machines and efficiently load even small batch sizes. In order to increase utilization of lasers in the initial phase, users can operate equipment in a laser network, which gives them a more cost-effective way to adopt new technology. In a laser network, the tube cutting system uses the beam source of a machine that is already there. This means shops do not have to invest in a laser in the first instance, which reduces their initial investment.

TRUMPF Inc., 111 Hyde Road, Farmington Industrial Park, Farmington, CT 06032, 860-255-6000, Fax: 860-255-6424, www.us.trumpf.com.