The focus of the smart factory is to advise and train customers on the introduction of digitally connected production solutions.
The control room features large display areas and makes various process parameters available to visitors in real time.
The skywalk spans the full length of the 180' long hall.
A 180' long production hall connects sheet metal production with a central storage system that supplies the machine tools with material.
TRUMPF has opened a new technology center in Chicago, IL. This 50,000 sq. ft. smart factory will focus on consulting and training its customers as they introduce digitally connected production solutions. To this end, the company designed a factory that intelligently connects the entire sheet metal process chain-from the initial order for a sheet metal component to its design, manufacture and delivery. Investments for the facility totaled $15 million in construction and $15 million in equipment.
Chicago is at the center of the North American market for sheet metal processing and some 40% of the entire sheet metal processing industry is based in directly neighboring states. "North America is one of our most important markets," said Nicola Leibinger-Kammüller, CEO of the TRUMPF Group, at the opening of the smart factory. "In Chicago, we can present our vision for connected production to our customers in the Midwest practically at their doorstep-and work with them to drive connected production in the Industry 4.0 era."
The TRUMPF smart factory features custom-designed architecture. The control room and its large screens provide visitors with real-time process performance data for the current production process. A production hall 180' in length houses a connected sheet metal manufacturing line, the centerpiece of which is a high storage bay that supplies materials to the machine tools connected to it. A skywalk spans the production hall, offering a comprehensive view of the production systems as well as material and information flows as a whole. It is part of a self-supporting steel ceiling structure that was manufactured by one of TRUMPF's customers in Atlanta.
TRUMPF increased its sales in the North American market by 14% in the past fiscal year, totaling $465 million and making the U.S. the company's second-largest market after Germany. The company plans to continue expanding in this market over the long term. Opening the smart factory in Chicago was a key milestone in this endeavor.
For more information contact:
TRUMPF Smart Factory Chicago
1900 W Central Road
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
224-539-4043
gerianne.cain@us.trumpf.com
www.trumpf.com