EuroBLECH 2022: TRUMPF increases quality and robustness of laser welding

New BrightLine Scan technology improves robustness and stability of welding process and enables particularly smooth seams // Technology allows users to guide the laser beam using both the robot and optics simultaneously // Users benefit from doubling of maximum sheet thickness to as much as six millimeters during heat conduction welding

Ditzingen, September 8, 2022 – TRUMPF will be launching a new solution at EuroBLECH 2022 to improve the quality and robustness of laser welding. Currently, the only way to guide the laser beam during the welding process is via the welding robot – but TRUMPF’s new BrightLine Scan technology will also allow users to guide the laser beam using the laser scanner. This combination of robot and scanner makes it possible to supplement the forward motion of the robot with a further, freely programmable movement of the laser in any desired direction. This “oscillating motion” is facilitated by the use of specially developed lightweight mirrors. By enabling scan frequencies in the kilohertz range, this new technique doubles the thickness of sheets that can be processed in heat conduction welding, upping it from three to six millimeters. The new technology allows users to tailor the parts’ bonding surfaces – which are melted directly by the laser beam – to suit each particular application. This makes for a more reliable process and results in higher quality parts. The fact that the beam can now also be guided using the scanner also makes it easier to achieve tighter tolerances. “BrightLine Scan is another example of TRUMPF’s determination to offer industry-relevant solutions by focusing on the needs of sheet-metal fabricators. Companies can enjoy huge benefits by incorporating this technology in their day-to-day work, because tighter tolerances in the welding process mean less scrap, faster processing and lower costs,” says TRUMPF product manager Martin Geiger. EuroBLECH will mark the launch of the new BrightLine Scan technology for TRUMPF’s TruLaser Weld 5000 laser welding machine. 
Dual method of guiding laser beam makes process more robust
The task of guiding the laser beam via the laser scanner in BrightLine Scan is performed by the freely programmable PFO 20 focusing optics. Developed by TRUMPF engineers, these are integrated into the robot’s welding optics. Guiding the beam using a combination of the robot and scanner provides a major boost to the robustness and flexibility of the laser welding process. “Previously, we had to position the laser beam right over the seam to guarantee a high-quality weld. If you deviated from the right spot by a millimeter, or even less, the part often had to be scrapped. But now that the beam can also be guided via the scanner, it’s easier to achieve tighter tolerances. That makes it possible to correct any minor inaccuracies that creep in during previous steps such as bending,” says Geiger.

Simple to program and use
BrightLine Scan is seamlessly integrated into the robot’s welding optics, so programming the TRUMPF welding cell is as quick and easy as ever. TRUMPF provides companies with TechSets, which contain all the parameters they need for common applications. Fabricators can also benefit from BrightLine Scan in the welding cell’s TruTops Weld offline programming system. This allows users to program the machine while it is busy welding a different part. “Offline programming is a fast and economical solution for both low and high-volume production. And the ability to store all the basic process information directly on the machine gives us the buffer we need to deal with the shortage of skilled workers,” says Geiger. The new technology provides a reliable solution for welding sheets up to six millimeters thick, which makes it particularly suitable for agricultural and construction machinery. The high precision and quality of the seams also makes it an efficient choice for manufacturing furniture products and EV battery trays. BrightLine Scan is also a great option for producing electrical cabinets.

Digital photos in print-ready resolution are available to illustrate this press release. These may be used only for editorial purposes. Photographs may be reproduced free of charge provided acknowledgment is made of the source (“Photo: TRUMPF".) No alterations may be made to graphical content, with the exception of modifications designed to emphasize the central motif. Additional photos are available from the TRUMPF Media Pool

		BrightLine Scan
TRUMPF's new BrightLine Scan technology enables the laser beam to be guided by the robot and laser scanner simultaneously. (Source: TRUMPF)

	

		Laser scanner
The laser’s focusing optics are freely programmable with TRUMPF's BrightLine Scan technology. TRUMPF provides users with the parameters they need for all the most common applications. (Source: TRUMPF)	

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.

	
		
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 2021/22, the company employed some 16,500 people and generated sales of about 4.2 billion euros (preliminary figures). With over 70 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 Additive Manufacturing, Group Communications
+49 7156 303-31251
Ramona.Hoenl@trumpf.com

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