The rapid prototyping service provider 3-Dimensional Services has discovered its "dream machine" in the TruLaser Cell 5030 for prototype construction and small series parts manufacturing. As a test customer, the company from Detroit, USA, has been closely involved in the development of the new TRUMPF 3D laser cutting system from the very beginning and has been able to put many of the machine's demands into practice along with TRUMPF during a two-year cooperation period.
The challenge
The 3-Dimensional Services Group knew exactly what they wanted in terms of a new laser cutting machine: a high-performance and compact installation offering an attractive price-performance ratio for the company. A winning machine with a technology that can keep up with the large high-end machines while also very easy to use. Speed was important - as in prototype and small series production, new production orders have to be constantly set up and aligned. Parts had to be made available to the customer very quickly for testing, with improvements subsequently implemented together. Therefore, the laser machining system had to be extremely efficient and flexible. In addition, it had to be possible to do maintenance and repair work as quickly as possible to prevent prolonged machine down times. In summary: a machine was needed for prototype construction which worked almost as fast as a premium production machine but at the price level requested by 3-Dimensional Services.
Solutions
3-Dimensional Services has wanted to work with TRUMPF since the company was founded 30 years ago. But for a long time, the all-purpose machines made by TRUMPF were too costly and had extensive capacities exceeding the requirements of the young company. Around two years ago, TRUMPF approached the management of 3-Dimensional Services with the question, "What would your 'dream machine' look like and what would it need to be able to do?" Within the next 24 months, TRUMPF and the rapid manufacturing service provider worked closely together to develop the TruLaser Cell 5030. Company president Alan Peterson stated that not only were all the requirements listed satisfied - but much more as well. Thanks to the offline programming software TruTops Cell, the machine can be put to constant use for cutting and jobs can be changed very quickly. The cutting speed has increased 4- to 5-fold, so that 3-Dimensional Services can now satisfy their own customers' requirements in the best way possible. The main reason for this is the laser beam of the solid state laser, which in TRUMPF machines moves quickly and efficiently over the stationary workpiece. In addition, the company from Detroit called the very rapid door mechanism a "unique feature" of the TruLaser Cell 5030. This makes it possible for the operators to quickly load and unload the machine.
