Taking sheet metal working into a higher gear

Machineering brought together the cream of metalworking Belgium at Brussels Expo. As a specialist in sheet metal working, VAC MACHINES was present to present to the Belgian public the novelties that stole the show during the past edition of the EMO. We would like to introduce some of them to you in this article.

A first standout at the VAC MACHINES booth was Trumpf's TruLaser3030. This fiber laser was packed with features that support sheet metal workers in delivering a top-quality product at an excellent price per cut. CoolLine, for example, adds water during the cutting process. A technique that gives an enormous quality edge, especially when making small and difficult parts in thick materials. There is also DetectLine, an optical measuring system that determines the position of individual holes and cuts the contour based on several measurements. DetectLine has a second function: automatically setting the optimal focus position. The camera checks the width of the cutting joint and transmits the correction value for the focal position to the control unit. The width of the cutting joint is automatically adjusted to the sheet thickness,  this ensures unmatched cutting quality, even in thick materials, without having to reduce cutting speed. BrightLine allows for easy removal of the loosened workpieces from the residual grid, making the machine operator's job much easier.

Response to demand for greater flexibility and profitability

When developing its laser technology, TRUMPF naturally also had in mind the increasing demand for flexibility and cost-effectiveness. The HighSpeed Eco nozzle was designed with exactly that in mind. Thanks to its patented design, this nozzle boosts your productivity (up to 100% higher feed rate) while consuming up to 70% less cutting gas when cutting with nitrogen. Its secret lies in the optimal passage of cutting gas through the nozzle and its strategic location on the plate so that the cutting gas ends up where it needs to be, without loss. Especially for those who want to cut with nitrogen, this means huge cost savings. Furthermore, the laser cutting machines can be equipped with an automatic nozzle changer.

By combining high travel speed with optimal working conditions, sheet metal workers can improve overall productivity.

Depending on the material to be cut, the machine then chooses the appropriate nozzle itself so that production does not have to be stopped. To simplify programming work, there is Drop&Cut. Using camera support, parts from existing programs can be nested into the sheet in seconds. This system allows sheet metal workers to efficiently utilize what remains in their sheets without wasting time.

Folding as ergonomically as possible

At the booth, ample attention also went to bending with the TruBend 7000 series. Ergonomically designed bending benches that are the perfect example of the synergy between the operator and the machine. By combining high travel speed with optimal working conditions, sheet metal workers can improve overall productivity. Again, the many small features that make the difference in working comfort, quality and efficiency stand out. Something as simple as LED lighting in the tooling location, for example, can make a world of difference. But equally, an angle measurement system to ensure quality and the safety system that automatically adjusts to the height of the tools. Both the foot pedals and the support table are height adjustable for optimal operator comfort. In this way, small pieces can be bended in the most ergonomic way. Finally, the TecZone Bend programming platform gives the choice between offline or on-machine programming. 2D and 3D drawings can be unfolded in no time and converted into a bending program so that even someone with little bending experience can get started.