Cutting, shaping, creating beadings, nibbling, thread forming, marking, deburring and embossing are just some of the possible applications for the innovative punching machines made by TRUMPF, the technology company based in Ditzingen near Stuttgart.

As an economical entry-level machine, the TruPunch 1000 represents a cost-effective solution that covers all the applications expected of a TRUMPF punching machine.

The numerous technical specifications and capabilities are what convinced the buyer to purchase Hettingen’s thousandth TruPunch 1000. Completed on December 17, 2014, the machine was recently delivered to the customer in Missouri, USA.

We’re delighted that our products are so popular, and regard this milestone as a true compliment to our employees’ hard work, says Steffen Braun, site manager at TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG in Hettingen.

The new owner of this special machine is Watlow, a producer of thermal solutions including electric heaters, temperature sensors, power controllers, temperature controllers and supporting software. A family-owned company that is now in its third generation, Watlow has nine manufacturing facilities and three technology centers located around the world.

The punching machine supplied by TRUMPF will replac an older TRUMPF model in use at the company, thereby improving Watlow’s productivity and competitiveness.

Here in Hannibal, Missouri, the TruPunch 1000 will produce sheet metal parts for our electric heating elements, says Curt St. Clair, senior engineer at Watlow. As far as he’s concerned, the benefits of punching are obvious. Many of our parts feature simple holes and square or rectangular contours, and in such cases punching has clear advantages. The high productivity of the TruPunch 1000 for these kinds of parts takes the heat off our laser machine, which is also made by TRUMPF. That makes us much more flexible and increases our production capacity.

Watlow has been using TRUMPF machines since 1995, despite some initial skepticism.

I found TRUMPF’s idea of using linear tool magazines instead of a turret system a little strange at first, says St. Clair. We thought it would be too slow. But after careful consideration, we quickly realized the benefits: By allowing the tool head to rotate, the TRUMPF system is more agile than revolver systems, with a design that is more stable and has fewer moving parts. We here at Watlow greatly appreciate the distinctive way that the TRUMPF engineers address such technical challenges. I guess it’s because we take a similar approach ourselves: We too are a very innovative company that’s always looking to find better solutions for our customers.

For more information, visit www.us.trumpf.com.