Jim Rogowski, Director, Machine Tools and Power Tools at TRUMPF discusses some of the companys new product offerings at FABTECH 2013 in Chicago. (Photo: Canadian metalworking)

TRUMPF unveiled a new fibre laser system at FABTECH 2013 today, the TruLaser 5030.

The 5030 is designed for high-speed cutting of both thick and thin parts. TRUMPF is exhibiting several machines at FABTECH, including TruLaser and TruBend equipment.

The 5030 uses a 5 kW source in a smaller footprint than previous models. TRUMPF uses a single cutting head strategy with the 5030 and uses BrightLine fibre technology, which includes a mode switching technique to selec beam profiles for high quality cutting at optimum speed.

According to TRUMPF, the technology allows CO2 cut quality with a fibre laser. According to 2D laser product manager Stefan Fickenscher, The decision is no longer about CO2 versus fibre switching from thick to thin part modes is automatic, selected by the operator. With the 5kW source, up to 1-inch stainless can be cut, even more than with CO2 machines.

TRUMPF offers all three of the firms laser series in either fibre or CO2 versions.

The company also showcased the TruBend 7036 cell, an automated bending cell unique to the North American market. The bending cell uses two robots working together to bend metal parts that are smaller in size — anywher between the size of a business card to that of a legal notepad.

The cell, which has a footprint of roughly 18 by 13 feet, can process blanks at a rate of about 4-6 seconds per bend, and lay the parts on a conveyor for simple processing by the operator.

The company also announced that they have directed $273.4 million into research and development in the last fiscal year.