Electronic Publishing
EP_1445
Trumpf TruPrint 5000
Yesterday, machine tool and laser manufacturer, TRUMPF announced the launch of its latest Laser Metal Fusion (LMF) system, the TruPrint 5000, its third machine in the same number of years, at formnext powered by tct.
Announcing at the Frankfurt event, which TRUMPF’s CTO Peter Leibinger described as the “most important show” for the company, and proving that all good things come in threes, this new triple-laser system is said to be the fastest machine of its kind on the market.
In combination with the exposure strategies developed by TRUMPF and optimally adjusted process parameters, the TruPrint 5000 cuts exposure time per job by a factor of three. The three scanner-guided lasers are fitted with optics specially designed to operate simultaneously at any point in the system’s 300 (D) x 400 (H) construction chamber. The medium sized system is aimed at the aerospace, tooling and medical industries and features a host of smart automation features that make the process of producing metal parts more streamlined. For example, the manufacturing process can begin automatically as soon as the build cylinder is placed into the machine and features a zero point clamping system which does away wth the need for manual steps such as tightening screws. The plate can also be pre-heated to 500 degrees Celsius to ensure quality when working with hot-work steels and titanium. In addition, once the build has finished, the cylinder can be moved automatically out of the construction chamber and replaced with a new cylinder to start the next job whilst remaining inert.
Planetary gear printed on the TruPrint 5000
TRUMPF also showed where it envisions the additive automation process extending with an exhibit showing the integration of robotics to move AM parts between processes such as the construction chamber and unpacking station. Automation on the factory floor was a big theme at last year's formnext and it was interesting to see companies like TRUMPF taking the first steps to make this concept a reality.
The company is experiencing promising growth within the additive manufacturing sector, counting its 80th month of economy growth and is investing further into the field with a new development unit in Aachen, boosted by its proximity to Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology and the RWTW Aachen University.
Leibinger commented: “If the market for 3D printers continues to develop in line with current indications, then we see an opportunity for our company to achieve additional revenues of half a billion euros in a timescale of five to seven years. We want to gain a leading role in the market and secure a market share of around 20 percent in the medium term.”
Speaking during a press meeting at formnext, Leibinger described his outlook for the industry as the company aims to confirm itself as a major player. Speaking candidly, he said “additive manufacturing for me is an ambivalent topic, one side is real” noting “classic industries" such as aerospace and dental but he also said “it’s fair to say we have a phenomenon where it’s sometimes hard to tell what’s hype and what’s real”. With a goal to gain market share and secure a revenue of half a billion Euro in the field in the next 5-7 years, the company is taking the necessary steps in partnering up and expanding to ensure it's on the right side of that conversation.
