The 1,000th TruPunch 1000 Punching Machine

The TRUMPF factory in Hettingen, Germany, recently produced its 1,000th TruPunch 1000 punching machine. "This milestone machine was transported to the U.S., where it will be installed this spring to help yet another customer increase their competitive edge," said a company spokesperson. "Cutting, shaping, creating beadings, nibbling, thread forming, marking, deburring and embossing are just some of the possible applications for the innovative punching machines made by TRUMPF.

"As an entry-level machine, the TruPunch 1000 is built to be a cost-effective solution that covers all the applications expected of a TRUMPF punching machine. These range from the production of simple perforated sheet metal parts to the creation of complex shaped and labeled workpieces involving numerous forming processes."

The key factor allowing this punching machine to produce a large variety of components is its flexible tool system. The linear magazine, designed to hold up to 18 tools, is designed to be prepped in advance quickly and comfortably. Due to the machine's 360° tool rotation - one of the particular benefits offered by TRUMPF punching machines - the punching head can rotate any tool to whatever angle is required, regardless of the tool's shape, size or position in the magazine. "Not only does this lower set-up times and tool costs, but it also makes more efficient use of materials due to the tool rotation function parts that can be nested more closely on the metal sheet," said the spokesperson. "By using MultiTools, which integrate up to 10 different punch and die inserts in one toolholder, processing potential is increased further."

These technical specifications are what convinced the buyer to purchase Hettingen's 1,000th TruPunch 1000. Completed on Dec. 17, 2014, the machine was recently delivered to the customer in Missouri. "We regard this milestone as a true compliment to our employees' hard work," said Steffen Braun, Site Manager at TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG in Hettingen.

Milestone Machine in the U.S.

The new owner of this machine is Watlow, a producer of thermal solutions including electric heaters, temperature sensors, power controllers, temperature controllers and supporting software. A family-owned company that is now in its third generation, Watlow has nine manufacturing facilities and three technology centers located around the world. "The new punching machine supplied by TRUMPF will replace an older TRUMPF model in use at the company, thereby improving Watlow's productivity and competitiveness," said the spokesperson.

"Here in Hannibal, MO, the TruPunch 1000 will produce sheet metal parts for our electric heating elements," said Curt St. Clair, Senior Engineer at Watlow. "Many of our parts feature simple holes and square or rectangular contours, and in such cases punching has clear advantages. The high productivity of the TruPunch 1000 for these kinds of parts takes the heat off our laser machine, which is also made by TRUMPF. That makes us much more flexible and increases our production capacity."

Watlow has been using TRUMPF machines since 1995, despite some initial skepticism. "I found TRUMPF's idea of using linear tool magazines instead of a turret system a little strange at first," said St. Clair. "We thought it would be too slow, but after careful consideration, we quickly realized the benefits. By allowing the tool head to rotate, the TRUMPF system is more agile than revolver systems, with a design that is more stable and has fewer moving parts. We here at Watlow greatly appreciate the distinctive way that the TRUMPF engineers address such technical challenges."

For more information contact:

TRUMPF Inc.

Farmington Industrial Park

111 Hyde Rd.

Farmington, CT 06032

860-255-6000

info@us.trumpf.com

www.us.trumpf.com

Watlow

6 Industrial Loop Rd.

Hannibal, MO 63401

573-221-2816

www.watlow.com_