Trumpf drives efficiency with new LaserHybrid welding system

Trumpf Maschinen Austria GmbH, headquartered in Pasching, offers a comprehensive range of products, including advanced systems for die and panel bending, large-format bending machines, and fully automated bending solutions. Setting high standards for productivity and quality, Trumpf counts on state-of-the-art welding technology from Fronius in production.

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Trumpf has recorded significant growth with its bending machines in recent years and has continuously expanded its product portfolio in this segment. With its capacity utilisation increasing, the company had to order the frames it uses for its multi-ton bending machines. This led to longer production times, higher costs, and limited flexibility in production. Welding was done manually at the supplier's premises, leading to time-consuming rework. This included an energy-intensive spheroidising process that was needed to avoid hardening in the steel, an undesirable effect of manual welding.

During spheroidising, the steel is heated to up to 800 °C in an annealing furnace. As it heats, the material reacts with the oxygen in the air, oxidises on the surface, and forms rust. This means the components have to be sandblasted before painting," explains Thomas Reiter, production manager at Trumpf. "Thanks to our new LaserHybrid gantry welding system, we can skip the annealing process, which takes up a lot of time and money. We use the laser to heat the steel along the weld to between 150 °C and 180 °C, depending on the material. This reduces the cooling rate after welding, avoiding hardening, cold cracks, and corrosion."

The company is reaping economic and environmental benefits by eliminating the spheroidising process. The energy it saves is equivalent to the annual electricity needs of approximately 270 four-person households.

Optimum edge fusion and reduced tendency to form pores