Trumpf wins 50-machine order from Volkswagen AG for TruLaser Cell 8030 series laser cutting machines

The first phase of machines will be divided between Volkwagen's headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany, and its sites in Kassel, Germany, and Spain. These initial deliveries form part of the order, which will be delivered over two years. Volkswagen will be using the laser cutting machines in high volume production of hot formed parts for car bodies. The carmaker chose the Trumpf TruLaser Cell 8030 based on its very high productivity, teamed with the energy saving, fibre guided TruDisk laser. This combination is designed to drive down operating costs and minimise the cost per part. The TruLaser Cell 8030 has been developed to be integrated optimally into a high productivity environment and used flexibly for further cutting applications, says Trumpf. The use of solid-state over CO2 laser for this purpose ensures maximum productivity and minimal part costs, it advises. Furthermore, the TruLaser Cell 8030 is compact, with electrical panels integrated into the machine frame. This not only minimises the system's footprint, but also ensures rapid start-up. Non-productive times have been sharply reduced by use of optimised control sequences. The machine also incorporates highly dynamic rotation changer for faster turnround time. The large amount of contamination created during the cutting of hot-formed components is a challenge to the long-term production safety of any machine. The TruLaser Cell employs a three-stage system to ensure its superior performance. A patented extraction system creates a controlled airflow in the working area and increases the effectiveness of the process several times over - less contamination both inside and outside the working area is the result. Second, patented bellows actively repel the deposition of cutting emissions, substantially increasing their service life. This reduces the probability of contamination reaching the guideways through the bellows. Finally, all bearings are protected against possible ingress. The lubrication system has also been optimised on the TruLaser Cell 8030, with the inclusion of new and patented felt pinions. Longer service life and higher availability are the clear advantages. This new safety concept allows flexible and optimal parts logistics and reduced travel distance during loading and unloading. Newly developed functions such as the visual slug detection system, ObserveLine, also play their part in improving component quality and increasing safety of the production process. Proven methods such as FocusLine for automatic focus position adjustment or rapid piercing via FastLine Cell, are also available on the new TruLaser Cell 8030.