Formnext: TRUMPF brings the 3D printer to industrial series production

Economically comparable to traditional manufacturing, additive manufacturing TRUMPF’s expertise in machine manufacturing enhances 3D printing / New equipment and supplies at Formnext

TRUMPF is opening up new areas of application with its 3D printers. “Falling component costs are increasingly bringing additive manufacturing (AM) on a par economically with conventional manufacturing. Our systems are ready for industrial series production,” says Richard Bannmüller, President and CEO of TRUMPF Laser Technology Germany.

TRUMPF is already using 3D printing in series production for its own parts manufacturing. “The advantages of additive manufacturing outweigh all conventional manufacturing processes for some of our parts. For example, the TruPrint 3000 is crucial for us to use in-house,” says Bannmüller. At the high-tech company, AM machines run with its own series of components 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 3D printing experts at TRUMPF support other departments in identifying and developing AM applications and in production. Additively manufactured series components include lens holders and motor coolers for the lasers.

Application possible in many industries

Additive manufacturing of series parts has now arrived in many industries. “Our customer Heraeus additively manufactures components for headphones, for example. However, there is still a lot of untapped potential in the industry, for example, the series production of bicycle parts with metal printing. Series production of AM parts in the automotive industry is also conceivable,” says Bannmüller. Designer engineers can completely rethink the design of components in additive manufacturing and print geometries that cannot be implemented in other ways, such as cavities. TRUMPF offers a wide range of qualification courses for this purpose.

AM systems benefit from TRUMPF mechanical engineering expertise

TRUMPF has extensive experience in laser technology and mechanical engineering. “Our robust systems deliver repeatable results, making them particularly suitable for industrial use. Our experience as a machine builder and laser specialist helps us here,” says René Kreissl, Head of the Additive Manufacturing business unit at TRUMPF. For example, the AM systems incorporate TRUMPF’s own laser sources. TRUMPF is also pushing the automation of its machines. “Our AM systems can be integrated into partially automated production lines. Unlike our competitors, we have open systems in terms of software and powder,” Kreissl says.

New 3D printing machines introduced at Formnext 2022

In terms of user industries, TRUMPF focuses on the dental sector, aerospace, medical technology, and tool and mold making. “We are the market leader in AM systems for the dental industry. We want to expand this position even further,” says Kreissl. In order to achieve this, the high-tech business introduced the new TruPrint 1000, which made its global debut at Formnext in Frankfurt. The system’s output is three times greater than that of its predecessor.

TRUMPF’s 3D printing equipment has been widened

The high-tech business also exhibited a new iteration of the TruPrint 5000 at the premier additive manufacturing trade expo. This model will eventually also be offered with a green laser. It can be used by users to print substantial copper components. The range of powder alloys available from TRUMPF for their 3D printing equipment has been widened. TRUMPF demonstrated the possibilities of new alloys like titanium, aluminium, stainless steel, and tool steel for additive manufacturing. Thus, users of TRUMPF machinery can always develop new applications through additive manufacturing or enhance current ones using fresh powders.