Trumpf, Inc., has opened a new facility in Plymouth, MI, featuring a fully accessible, state-of-the-art laser laboratory for the development and validation of applications for industries ranging from automotive to medical. With more than 15 different TRUMPF lasers and laser machines, the Laser Technology Center can now encourage the growth and support the current development of lasers in manufacturing.
"Our world-class applications lab is truly the highlight of our new facility," explains Klaus Loeffler, Director of the Laser Technology Center, "We made this investment to support North American manufacturers with process development and product improvement through the use of laser technology."
As the Trumpf Laser Technology Center has grown, so too has the need for new developments in manufacturing with lasers. In recognition of this need, Trumpf developed the new laser technology center, a 29,000 square foot facility with more than 50 employees, over half of which are highly skilled technicians and engineers.
The laser laboratory occupies 25% of the entire facility. It includes two highpower HL series Nd:YAG lasers connected via flexible beam delivery cables to a laser robot cell. Three low-power HL series Nd:YAG lasers also connected via beam delivery cables to the Trumpf Lasma, a workstation for 2D- and 3D cutting and welding of small work pieces.
The laser laboratory also includes an 8 kw CO2 laser - the TLF 8000, and a small multi-axis laser cell. Adjacent to the TLF 8000 is the TLC 1005; a laser cell for cutting, welding and surface treating designed for large, bulky workpieces, and is equipped with a 5kw CO2 laser.
In addition to these lasers and laser machines, the center also offers access to the Trumpf Profiweld - perfect for precision welding of small workpieces, the PowerWeld - for precision welding and mold repair; the VectorMark Compact - Trumpf's diode pumped marking laser, and the L2530 - a high-speed, 2D, sheet metal cutting machine.
Manufacturers can now access Trumpf products to test new design and production concepts using laser technology. They are already taking advantage of this opportunity, with trials conducted daily on applications such as spotwelding of tiny electrical components to laser cutting of hydroformed parts for the automotive industry. This facility is truly a step forward in the advancement of lasers in North American manufacturing.
Trumpf is the world's largest manufacturer and integrator of CO2 and Nd:YAG laser resonators. The Laser Technology Center specializes in TRUMPF's line of stand-alone lasers for customized systems, five-axis laser systems, and both pulse and continuous wave low-power and high-power solid state Nd:YAG lasers.