EuroBLECH 2022: New TRUMPF gripper boosts productivity for automated bending processes

New multigripper from TRUMPF is substantially faster and easier to set up than previous systems // Efficient and highly versatile workpiece handling in bending cell // Enables economic automated production of small batches

Hannover/Ditzingen, October 25, 2022 – At this year’s EuroBLECH, TRUMPF is showcasing a new and versatile multigripper that delivers greater productivity for automated bending processes. The innovative vacuum gripper is fitted to the TRUMPF BendMaster robotic arm. Up to 12 grippers can be positioned in this way. Using these grippers, the BendMaster is able to remove a workpiece from the stack, move it reliably and efficiently within the bending cell and then place it on the stack for finished parts. This new multigripper can be set up much more quickly than conventional vacuum grippers. Whereas a conventional gripper has to be modified for each new workpiece, all necessary adjustments for the new multigripper can be made at the system level. This reduces the time needed to set up the bending cell. “Two challenges facing sheet-metal processors are small-batch production runs and a shortage of skilled labor,” explains Bernhard Fischereder, director of product management and international sales for bending at TRUMPF. “The TRUMPF multigripper makes it economic to use automated bending processes even for smaller batch sizes. Any company – even those already well advanced in the area of automation – can increase their efficiency with the multigripper.” The gripper is available in two variants: small (S) for the transport of workpieces up to four kilograms in weight, and medium (M) for workpieces up to 35 kilograms. Using these two variants, companies will be able to cover a wide range of parts. The gripper is used with the TruBend Cell 5000.
Suitable for small batches
As a rule, the automated production of small batches in the sheet-metal industry is regarded as uneconomical. This is because the gripper has to be modified for each new workpiece, a process that requires a number of manual steps. For example, operatives have to cut metal sections to size, attach brackets and suction cups, bolt all the components together and then connect them with hoses at the appropriate points. This often requires several hours in the workshop. Moreover, there is a shortage of skilled labor at the present time, and operatives proficient in such activities are not always available. The new multigripper from TRUMPF can be adjusted to handle a new workpiece in a matter of minutes. With the M-variant, each of the eight suckers can be adjusted and replaced by means of a hex key. Minimal expertise is required to perform this operation. As a result, it is much quicker and easier to set up the gripper for a new workpiece. Moreover, with the M-variant, each of the suckers can be individually activated. This is useful when handling workpieces with complex geometries. 
Faster handling of workpieces
In addition, the new multigripper offers highly efficient and versatile handling of workpieces within the bending cell. The S-variant, for example, features a swivel joint that rotates through 180 degrees. This means that the multigripper can turn over workpieces without having to put them down – something which conventional gripper systems are unable to do. This reduces cycle times. The multigripper is ideal for companies that have a TRUMPF bending cell and are looking to boost their productivity. In particular, job shops will profit from this solution, since they have to undertake frequent gripper modifications in order to bend new workpieces. TRUMPF is to launch the new multigripper at this year’s EuroBLECH trade show.
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.

		Multigripper
TRUMPF's new multigripper handles components in the bending cell faster and more flexibly than conventional grippers. (Source: TRUMPF)

	
		Fast setup
The new multigripper can be set up particularly quickly, as changes can be made directly on the system (Source: TRUMPF)	

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