TRUMPF, a high-tech company acknowledged for its manufacturing solutions in the fields of machine tools and laser technology, will be back at Formnext in Frankfurt, both virtually and on site in Hall 12.0, Booth D 81. The Company that drives digital connectivity in manufacturing through consulting, platform products and software will showcase a wide range of solutions and applications for the AM industry under the motto, “the right solution for every metal AM application”.
With over 80 subsidiaries, +/- 16 500 people and generated sales of about 4.2 billion in 2021/22 – all divisions combined -, in the AM industry, TRUMPF is known for the development and commercialization of Laser Powder Bed Fusion or Laser Metal Deposition systems. It is active in almost all sectors of the industry, from software to smart factories and gradually addresses the array of hurdles raised by industry 4.0.
At Formnext 2022, the company will focus its presence on showcasing the capabilities of key industrial 3D printers and materials, a wide range of industrial applications that AM can enable as well as its consulting services.
Key industrial 3D printers and materials
Whether one deals with powder bed fusion and laser metal deposition, TRUMPF has developed a comprehensive portfolio of machines that could help meet the most complex industrial manufacturing requirements.
As a reminder, in a laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process, the laser creates parts component layer by layer out of powder. Ideal for pre-series or series production, the parts created with this process are stable and light.
In a laser metal deposition (LMD) process on the other hand, the laser generates a weld pool on the component surface. A metal filler material is gradually added and melted on in this pool. Beads that are welded to one another are created, and thereafter form structures on existing base bodies for repairs or coating, or form entire components. Described as one of the most versatile processes due to its ability to perform repairing or coating processes, LMD is an ideal production candidate for the repair of turbine blades or brake discs, as well as other high-performance applications in demanding industries.
Visitors at Formnext will be able to (re)discover the capabilities of the TruPrint 1000 and TruPrint 5000 industrial systems. Both machines are based on LPBF and are designed to respectively enable industrials to achieve small series or prototypes and maximum productivity.
The TruPrint 1000 is also a great entry-level 3D printer for those who are taking their first steps in LPBF. According to TRUMPF, it has been enhanced to enable higher productivity and premium quality in metal 3D printing. “And all this in the smallest footprint. The new design of the TruPrint 1000 is optimized to fit through a standard door and fit in any lab. Whether in the dental industry or in a university”, the company says. The industrial machine remains an interesting production candidate for those who are looking to achieve high build rates at low part costs while scoring with ergonomic, contact-free powder handling and extended monitoring.
Key features of the TruPrint 1000 include:
| Build volume (cylinder) | Diameter 100 mm x 100 mm Height |
| Effective build volume (standard) | Diameter 98 mm x 100 mm Height |
| Processable materials | Metal powders for welding, such as stainless steels, tool steels, and aluminum, nickel basis, cobalt-chrome, copper, titanium or precious metal alloys, amorphous metals. |
| Maximum laser power at the workpiece (TRUMPF fiber laser) | 200 W (opt 2x 200W) |
| Beam diameter (standard) | 80 μm (opt 55/80 μm) |
| Layer thickness | 20 – 60 μm |
| Build rate | 10 – 50 cm³/h |
As for the TruPrint 5000 machine, it is a semi-automated 3D printing system that enables the manufacture of high-quality components across the tool and mold making, the aviation and aerospace as well as the medical technology sector, and from a wide range of metal materials. The company explains that the 3D printer may come with features such as an optional 500 °C preheating and the Fullfield Multilaser equipment with three 500-watt TRUMPF fiber lasers. At Formnext, TRUMPF will present new features of this machine i.e. the new preform option, that enables hybrid manufacturing. “The machine produces high-quality components from various metallic materials quickly and reliably – and meets the high-quality demands in aerospace, medical or tool and mold making. Optionally, the entire process chain can take place in an inert gas atmosphere. Combined with external parts, powder management and monitoring solutions from TRUMPF, it is predestined for industrial additive series production”, TRUMPF told 3D ADEPT Media.
Key features of the TruPrint 5000 include:
| Build volume (cylinder) | Diameter 300 mm x 400 mm Height |
| Effective build volume (When Preheating > 200 °C) | Diameter 290 mm x 390 mm Height |
| Processable materials | Metal powders for welding, such as stainless steels, tool steels, and aluminum alloys, nickel-based alloys, titanium alloys. |
| Preheating (Standard)
Preheating (Option) |
Up to 200 °C
With up to 500 °C |
| Maximum laser power at the workpiece (TRUMPF fiber laser) | 500 W |
| Beam diameter (standard) | 80 μm |
| Layer thickness | 30 – 150 μm |
| Build rate | 5 – 250 cm³/h |
Among the wide range of metal powders that its 3D printers can process, a key highlight of TRUMPF’S presence at Formnext will be pure copper, a material that is increasingly gaining momentum due to its extremely high conductivity (over 400 W/mK). Users of TRUMPF’S machines could now build large components using pure copper and combine it with the company’s green laser technology (TruDisk 1020 with wavelength of 515 nm). This opens up a new way to manufacture induction coils or components for demanding cooling applications, e.g. for power and optoelectronics.
Focus on industrial applications & Consulting
If you have a slight interest in AM, you should know that this manufacturing technology opens up a wide range of applications across the mobility/engineering, aerospace/energy and medical/dental industries, all of which will be highlighted in Hall 12.0, Booth D 81. While we know TRUMPF has recently expanded its AM medical and dental businesses through the acquisition of its joint venture with SISMA, we’ve also been able to witness how the company’s technology enables OEMs to produce high-performance parts.
Lastly, while we can legitimately say that the AM market is more and more mature, we need to recognize that the learning phase of AM usually varies from one company to another. Depending on a company’s investment in the project, it can take several years and might require expensive means. To mitigate these risks and to a certain extent, to reduce this integration time, the consulting team at TRUMPF advises organizations on topics along the complete Additive Manufacturing (AM) process chain from powder to production.
“Whether it’s about getting started with the technology, selecting and developing suitable components, or optimizing your production – at TRUMPF, you can always count on competent support along the entire AM process chain. With our comprehensive range of training and consulting services, we enable you to learn and apply new methods as quickly as possible and thus enter the additive manufacturing of your component optimally prepared. Become more economical, more efficient and of higher quality – we will support you”, TRUMPF concludes.
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