TRUMPF launches entry-level machine for automated laser welding
Smaller fabricators can enjoy the benefits of automated laser welding for the first time // Hand-guiding makes robot programming quick and easy // Three-kilowatt solid-state laser from TRUMPF welds thin sheets without distortion 

Ditzingen, Germany, October 19, 2021 – High-tech company TRUMPF will be unveiling a new solution at Blechexpo that aims to help sheet-metal fabricators make the jump into automated laser welding. Many companies in this sector still rely on manual welding, which is both costly and time-consuming – especially in high wage countries such as Germany. The alternative is automated laser welding, but today’s systems tend to be large, expensive and complex to operate. Companies need low-cost solutions to get a foothold in this business – but these are few and far between. “The TruLaser Weld 1000 from TRUMPF fills a gap in the welding market. For the first time, it enables smaller companies to enjoy the benefits of automated laser welding, so they can boost the productivity of their production processes and gain a real competitive edge,” says TRUMPF product manager Martin Geiger. The new system is particularly suitable for job shops that weld products such as electrical cabinets, sheet-metal boxes and covers.
Simple to program
The TruLaser Weld 1000 makes programming quick and easy. Unlike most commercial systems, it does not require employees to spend several days attending training courses. Instead, all the necessary information can be obtained through e-learning. The system incorporates a robot whose operation is based on the concept of a collaborative robot, or cobot. However, its six-axis articulated arm enables it to move much faster and more precisely than a standard cobot, resulting in higher-quality weld seams and less non-productive time. The operator manually guides the robot over the seams on the part that need to be welded, pressing a button to mark the relevant waypoints. The software then creates the weld program. “Depending on the part, this style of programming – where you simply guide the robot along the seam – takes a matter of minutes. So it’s also a good choice for small-batch production,” says Geiger. With its compact format and dimensions of 5,200 x 2,200 x 2,800 millimeters, the system will fit most manufacturing facilities and can typically be installed and commissioned within a single day.
Double the work area at the touch of a button
Efficiency is a key selling point of the TruLaser Weld 1000. One example is the way in which the TRUMPF developers have divided the work area into two sections with a partition. While the robot is welding a part on one side of this partition, the operator can load and unload the machine on the other. Once the welding process is finished, the robot automatically switches to the other side along a linear axis and starts work on the next part. This saves time and boosts productivity. If the operator wishes to weld larger parts, the partition can be automatically raised to provide a work area that is double the size. To maximize safety, the TRUMPF developers have installed a wall behind the robot to ensure that no laser light can escape during welding. This keeps employees safe when they are working right next to the robot.
High-quality welding of thin sheets 
TRUMPF has opted for a three-kilowatt solid-state laser as a beam source. This high-power laser energy rapidly penetrates the sheet when and where it is needed, making it easier to weld thinner sheets of up to four millimeters without distortion. In most cases, no post-processing is required, so companies can save time and cut costs. The TRUMPF laser system is also a great choice for processing thicker sheets. TRUMPF will officially launch the new machine at Blechexpo.
Digital photographs in print-ready resolution are available to illustrate this press release. They may only be used for editorial purposes. Use is free of charge when credit is given as “Photo: TRUMPF”. Graphic editing – except for cropping out the main motif – is prohibited. Additional photos can be accessed at the TRUMPF Media Pool.

		TruLaser Weld 1000
The new TruLaser Weld 1000 from TRUMPF helps companies enter the field of automated laser welding. (Source: TRUMPF / Martin Stollberg)	

Robot-assisted welding programs
The new TruLaser Weld 1000 includes a robot that makes it quick and easy for users to create welding programs. (Source: TRUMPF / Martin Stollberg)

		
Applications
The TruLaser Weld 1000 is particularly suitable for job shops that weld products such as electrical cabinets, sheet-metal boxes and covers.
 (Source: TRUMPF / Martin Stollberg)	

		
		
About TRUMPF
TRUMPF is a high-tech company offering manufacturing solutions in the fields of machine tools and laser technology. The Company drives digital connectivity in the manufacturing through consulting, platform products and software. TRUMPF is a technology and market leader in highly versatile machine tools for sheet metal processing and in the field of industrial lasers.
In 2020/21, the company employed some 14,800 people and generated sales of about 3.5 billion euros (preliminary figures). With over 80 subsidiaries, the TRUMPF Group is represented in nearly every European country as well as in North America, South America and Asia. The company has production facilities in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, the Czech Republic, the United States, Mexico and China.

Find out more about TRUMPF at www.trumpf.com

Press contact:
Ramona Hönl
Spokesperson Machine Tools, Group Communications
+49 7156 303-31251
Ramona.Hoenl@trumpf.com

TRUMPF GmbH + Co. KG, Johann-Maus-Straße 2, 71254 Ditzingen, Germany