Applying Industry 4.0 to 3D printing

As a provider and user of Industry 4.0, Trumpf is transferring its digitalisation solutions to its TruPrint series of 3D printers to optimise additive manufacturing processes.

To enable connected manufacturing the Trumpf, TruPrint 3D printers are linked to a manufacturing execution system (MES) and a smart ordering platform.

This gives employees mobile, real-time access to the printers’ process data and pending orders and facilitates planning and paperless management of production, which boosts transparency, flexibility and ultimately also manufacturing productivity.

To establish additive technologies in industrial manufacturing, Trumpf focuses on ensuring that its systems are highly reliable and efficient.

“Otherwise, 3D printing methods can’t compete with conventional technologies such as milling and casting,” says Thomas Fehn, Trumpf General Manager Additive Manufacturing.

Trumpf brings more than 50 years of experience in machine tools to the table. As one of the few manufacturers of 3D printing systems, Trumpf offers everything under one roof: laser beam sources, optics and machines.

In order to fully utilise and mass produce 3D printers, the systems must be automated. It is precisely for this reason that the new TruPrint 5000 has an automated process start, which reduces manual activities when employees prepare the system for printing. This saves time and improves both quality and productivity in additive manufacturing.