TRUMPF TruMatic 2000R

TruTops Punch/Laser uses a rules-based assignment system with user-adjustable parameters: (1) Feature type - round and rectangular holes within the punch tool library are assigned to punch by default; complex contours not available in the turret are assigned to laser; (2) Size threshold - features smaller than the laser's minimum pierce diameter are assigned to punch; large cutouts where laser speed is competitive with multiple punch strokes may be assigned to laser; (3) Material - stainless and aluminum assigned to laser for edge quality; mild steel uses punch for standard holes; (4) User override - the programmer can manually reassign any feature to either process. The software estimates machine time for each assignment option and can suggest the faster option. For production programming, the assignment logic is fine-tuned in setup sessions to match the shop's preferred process allocation.

CO2 laser (2.2-3.2 kW): operates at 10.6 µm wavelength, well-absorbed by organic materials and steel. Advantages: better beam quality for thick stainless and mild steel cutting; wider available power range. Disadvantages: requires more complex gas laser technology with gas consumption and tube replacement costs; slower on thin material compared to fiber. Fiber laser (2-3 kW): operates at 1.07 µm wavelength, better absorbed by metals including copper and aluminum that CO2 cannot cut efficiently. Advantages: faster cutting on thin material (1-6 mm); cuts reflective materials (aluminum, copper, brass) safely; lower operating cost; no gas tube replacement. Disadvantages: higher initial cost. For new installations, TRUMPF recommends fiber laser for most applications due to the broader material capability and lower operating cost. CO2 TruMatic 2000R machines are legacy installations.

The TruMatic 2000R punch section (18 tons, 20-station turret) supports the same forming tool catalog as standalone TRUMPF TruPunch machines: louvres (single and double), lances (for ventilation grilles), dimples, bridge extrusions, card guides, tab-and-slot features, and countersinking. For the combination machine application, formed features are particularly valuable because the laser cannot perform 3D forming - louvres and embosses must be punched. The combination machine workflow: (1) Punch all holes and formed features first; (2) Laser cut the part outline and complex internal contours. This sequence ensures the sheet is structurally intact during forming. Forming tool stroke height limits must be managed: the Z-axis must accommodate the largest forming tool in the 20-station turret.

For a part requiring 30 punched holes, 5 louvres, and a laser-cut complex outline: separate machine workflow: punch on punch press (2.5 minutes) + manual transfer to laser (5-10 minutes) + laser cut (1.5 minutes) = 9-14 minutes total per part. Combination machine workflow: all operations on one machine (3.5-5 minutes) without transfer = 3.5-5 minutes. Time saving: 50-70% for this part type. The combination machine advantage is maximized for complex parts requiring both processes. For parts requiring only punching or only laser cutting, the combination machine provides no throughput advantage and the dual-system investment is over-allocated. The business case for combination machines depends on the fraction of the product mix that genuinely requires both processes.

The TruMatic 2000R handles sheet sizes from approximately 300 x 300 mm minimum to 1,500 x 2,500 mm maximum. Standard sheet use: 1,250 x 2,500 mm (3 x 8 ft equivalent) and 1,500 x 2,500 mm (close to 5 x 8 ft) are the most common commercial formats compatible with this machine. Full 4 x 8 ft (1,219 x 2,438 mm): yes, this fits within the 1,500 x 2,500 mm envelope. Full 4 x 10 ft (1,219 x 3,048 mm): exceeds the 2,500 mm Y capacity - shops requiring 10 ft sheet handling need the TruMatic 5000 or 7000. Skeleton removal: the combination machine processes the full sheet including skeleton - the laser can cut the skeleton into smaller pieces for removal without manual handling.