The additive manufacturing (AM) technology of TRUMPF makes semiconductor manufacturing systems more precise and efficient. “Semiconductor manufacturers can reduce scrap and cut costs with AM technology. The innovative approach of using additive manufactured parts enhances the functionality and precision of semiconductor manufacturing machines and paves the way for more efficient production processes”, said Marco Andreetta, responsible for the semicon industry at TRUMPF. The chip industry requires machines that work with optimal precision and repeatability with performance specifications in the nanometer range. The smallest of deviations can lead to defective chips, i.e. expensive scrap. At Formnext, the leading trade show for additive manufacturing, held in Frankfurt, the high-tech company TRUMPF showcased additive manufactured sample parts for the semicon industry, such as manifolds used in water and gas lines of semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
Semicon industry reaps benefits from AM technology
The complex machines in the semiconductor industry depend on the precision of each individual component. Fluid and gas manifolds are examples of this fact. Because of their design, the traditional manufacture of complex fluid manifolds resulted in large, heavy parts that have abrupt fluid flow and stagnant zones and could be prone to leakage. The resulting pressure drops and flow-induced vibration have a negative influence on the semiconductor capital equipment. “With AM technology, suppliers of semicon capital equipment can avoid the traditional complex manufacturing assembly and consolidate several parts into one, improving yield and reliability”, said Andreetta. The optimization of the manifolds leads to more efficient and robust components, ultimately improving the overall performance of semiconductor manufacturing machines. AM technology of TRUMPF enables the production of components for semicon machines with enhanced stiffness and reduced weight, crucial for the high-performance demands of semiconductor manufacturing. AM-manufactured fluid manifolds have fewer pressure drops, mechanical disturbances and lower flow-induced vibration. The geometrical freedom of AM can help reduce possible leakage points and increase part performance and reliability.
Semicon industry can rely on TRUMPF AM technology
The quality required for parts used in semiconductor manufacturing machines is unparalleled, and a challenge for any manufacturing technology. With its monitoring solution for 3D printing, TRUMPF makes it possible to fulfill these requirements with automatic multi-laser alignment (AMA) and melt pool monitoring. AMA offers TruPrint users fully automated online monitoring and correction of the positioning of the laser beam paths in relation to each other – accurate down to a few micrometers. TRUMPF premiered the second release of the AMA system at Formnext 2024, which enables faster acquisition and finer correction. The patented system visually acquires the position of master and slave and corrects the second one. The procedure is performed between the production of individual layers, with an interval set by the user. TRUMPF technology also monitors the melt pool live during the printing process. “This not only ensures quality, but also potentially reduces costs,” said Andreetta. That is possible because live monitoring of the melt pool during the manufacturing process could reduce expensive non-destructive tests (NDT) such as a computer tomography (CT) scan of the component after production.
Additive manufactured manifold
The AM technology of TRUMPF enables the production of components for semicon machines with enhanced stiffness and reduced weight. (Image: TRUMPF)
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New software for TRUMPF 3D printers eliminates the need for almost all support structures. Users such as toolcraft cut down material usage and reduce part costs.
Combining Japanese craftsmanship and industrial manufacturing expertise is a great way to create world-beating products. The agile utility vehicles from Canycom are a good example with help from TRUMPF.
Business with the electromobility sector is extremely buoyant at TRUMPF right now, with the company supplying laser systems to all major battery manufacturers.
LVD At Blechexpo 2021: High-Power Laser Machine And More!
The powerful 20 kW Phoenix FL-3015 provides laser cutting productivity and processes efficiently a wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous materials and material thicknesses up to 40 mm. Equipped with LVD’s Easy-Form® Laser adaptive bending system, Ulti-Form guarantees angle accuracy, ensuring consistently accurate bending results.
The latest CADMAN software can also manage the complete sheet metal production process without the need for an ERP system. This functionality makes CADMAN a practical solution for sheet metalworking businesses of all sizes, including companies that don’t have an ERP system.
LVD At Blechexpo 2021_ High-Power Laser Machine And More!
MAXXDRIVE® Industrial Gear Units
The overall portfolio of MAXXDRIVE® parallel and right-angle gear units from NORD DRIVESYSTEMS offers high output torques from 15 to 282 kNm across eleven sizes. In addition to this proven standard series, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS offers the new MAXXDRIVE® XT series with right-angle gear units having a thermally optimised design in seven sizes from 15 to 75 kNm.In combination with its comprehensive accessories and options programme, the modular system allows for the planning of perfectly matched drive systems for heavy-duty applications like conveyors or agitators. In combination with the suitable accessories, MAXXDRIVE® provides a technically and economically perfect drive solution for each customer project.
MAXXDRIVE® industrial gear units
Mencom Corp: New Cast Aluminum Distribution Boxes
Mencom offers Die-Cast Aluminum Alloy Distribution Boxes that are used for housing sensitive electronic assemblies, signal, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical control devices in wet & dirty (AP/AC Series) Environments or explosive (AX Series) environments.
The AP series distribution boxes feature gaskets that ensure the waterproof protection rating (IP66/IP67) while the new galvanized steel captive cross-headed screws ensure easier installation.
Both AP & AC series and covers are supplied with provision for a terminal earthing connection to protect it from indirect contacts.The inside of APX distribution boxes contains supports for protective earthing and the application of the bottom plates.
MencormCorp_AP-AC-AX Distribution boxes_Print
New EPLAN Data Portal
Selecting appropriate product data in engineering is often time consuming. However, the new EPLAN Data Portal, with a new user interface and improved search algorithms, makes it easier and faster than ever before. Expanded search parameters mean that users can quickly find exactly the components they are looking for. Individualised solutions based on configurators can be intuitively generated – as demonstrated by the Lenze product configurator.
The new EPLAN Platform is on the verge of being released and will also mark the moment when the EPLAN Data Portal will exclusively be available for use in the EPLAN ePulse cloud environment.
New EPLAN Data Portal
Renesas Air Flow Sensor Modules
Mouser Electronics, Inc., is now stocking the FS1015 and FS3000 air flow sensor modules Renesas Electronics. The vertical-mount FS1015 and the surface-mount FS3000 provide precision air flow monitoring for detecting system failures, measuring air handling, controlling fan speed, and more in HVAC systems, analytic gas-monitoring systems, data centers, and air quality systems.
Both the sensors, use a series of MEMS thermocouples to provide high-sensitivity air monitoring. Both sensors measure direct local air at up to fifteen meters per second, allowing system control to adjust quickly, providing closed-loop control while achieving maximum efficiency and cost savings. The solid thermal isolation of the MEMS sensing element combined with a silicon-carbide film offers excellent abrasive wear resistance and long-term reliability.
Renesas Air Flow Sensor Modules
Sandvik Coromant Launches New High-Feed Milling Solution
Sandvik Coromant has launched a new high-feed milling tool. The CoroMill® MH20 is primarily designed for milling cavities, or pockets, in ISO S, M and P materials. Ensuring secure and vibration-free machining, especially at long overhangs, the CoroMill® MH20 delivers best-in-class edge security for a variety of industries and is particularly suited for machining aerospace components.
The CoroMill® MH20 complements existing products in the CoroMill® range, and fills a strategic gap in the high feed indexable milling product line. Designed to deliver reliability with minimal vibration, the CoroMill® MH20 has been adapted for applications where components are notoriously difficult to machine, such as in the oil and gas, mold and die and aerospace sectors.
Softing’s mobilLink Power Interface
mobiLink Power, Softing’s multiprotocol interface for commissioning and maintenance of field devices in process automation can now be used with Emerson’s AMS Instrument Inspector to access Foundation Fieldbus devices.
mobiLink Power simplifies mobile access to field devices for process industry operators and supports the three most used communication protocols: HART, Foundation Fieldbus (FF) and PROFIBUS PA. It has an integrated power supply which eliminates the need for additional components during use in workbench applications. A FDI CommServer (Field Device Integration Communication Server) is now available for mobiLink Power, making it fit for accessing Foundation Fieldbus (FF) devices with Emerson’s AMS Instrument Inspector.
Softing’s mobilLink Power interface
Siemens’ 2022 Version Of Solid Edge® Software
Siemens Digital Industries Software has released the 2022 version of Solid Edge® software, which brings embedded rules-based design automation, greater capabilities to work with point-cloud, mesh and imported data without the need for translation alongside new tools to for 2.5 axis machining and ultra-efficient upfront fluid flow simulation. Part of Siemens’ Xcelerator portfolio of products, Solid Edge is an intuitive product development platform for accelerating all aspects of product creation, including 3D design, simulation, visualization, manufacturing, and design management. Siemens brings design automation, more accessible part manufacturing and greater collaboration capability to Solid Edge 2022
Siemens’ 2022 version of Solid Edge® software
TRUMPF Launches Automated Laser Welding
High-tech company TRUMPF will be unveiling a new solution at Blechexpo that aims to help sheet-metal fabricators make the jump into automated laser welding. Many companies in this sector still rely on manual welding, which is both costly and time-consuming – especially in high wage countries such as Germany. The alternative is automated laser welding, but today’s systems tend to be large, expensive, and complex to operate. Companies need low-cost solutions to get a foothold in this business – but these are few and far between. The new system is particularly suitable for job shops that weld products such as electrical cabinets, sheet-metal boxes, and covers.
TRUMPF Launches Automated Laser Welding
ZASCHE Introduces Series Of Carbon-Fibre Material Handling Solutions
ZASCHE handling, a leading provider of load handling technology, unveils its new series of carbon-fiber handling solutions. Engineered in close consultation with a renowned German university, the low-weight Carbon series offers high performance that does not compromise on safety. The product is available globally in articulated arm and lifting axle formats. This feature improves significant ergonomics on the shop floor, as it ensures that device dead weight is kept lower than a workpiece’s mass.
ZASCHE Introduces Series Of Carbon-Fibre Material Handling Solutions
As a leader in innovation and technology, TRUMPF combines the know-how on additive manufacturing with competence in developing cutting-edge industrial beam sources.
Blechexpo is an international trade fair for sheet metal working which is held once every 2 years in Stuttgart, Germany. It is a trade fair that begun in 1994 by Südblech which over the years, has gained much fanfare to be ranked top in Europe and second globally for trade fairs on sheet metal processing.
With industry players to exhibit their latest developments and experts to be present for the three-day spectacle, there is much anticipation among visitors to attend the Blechexpo 2021.
Trumpf, one of the leading industry players in innovation and technologies will exhibit how companies can use networked solutions to streamline processes across the entire sheet metal process chain. Introducing, the new generation TruLaser Series 1000 –with more productivity, process stability, and cost-effectiveness. For the first time, the Highspeed Eco function is being used on this machine type. A nozzle developed by TRUMPF directs the cutting gas specifically to the sheet metal which significantly increases the machine’s feed rate by up to 70 percent, while reducing gas consumption by around 60 percent. Hence, the machine cuts sheet metal significantly faster than conventional 2D laser machines. In addition, the new series also features a newly added CoolLine technology. This function automatically sprays water mist onto the sheet to ensure optimum cooling during the cutting process.
Another new feature of this machine type is the intelligent Smart Collision Prevention function. TRUMPF relies here on a sophisticated algorithm that calculates, for example, the sequence in which the parts must be cut in order to avoid collisions between tilting parts and the cutting head. This reduces downtime and improves production efficiency. Hundreds of cutting data for different materials and sheet thicknesses are already stored in the operating software. Production workers can select the cutting program at the touch of a button and get started right away. “Thanks to its high productivity, broad range of applications and ease of operation, the new generation of the TruLaser 1000 is ideal for companies that want to get into 2D laser cutting. It also ideally complements the machine fleets of companies that already use 2D laser cutting and want to increase their capacity,” says TRUMPF Product Manager Jean-Baptiste Karam.
The machine design has been deliberately kept simple and thus optimally meets the requirements of beginners or companies that already work in one to two-shift operation.
The TruLaser Series 1000 can be used for a wide variety of materials allowing companies to use it for a wide range of applications. An automatic nozzle changer also contributes to the ease of use. With this technology, the new TruLaser Series 1000 automatically replaces the cutting nozzle as soon as the material changes. This eliminates manual intervention by personnel and reduces setup time. The new generation of machines will be available from Blechexpo 2021 in three external dimensions: 3×1.5 meters, 4×2 meters and 6×2.5 meters. Users can choose different laser powers between three and six kilowatts for their machine. Furthermore, the machine can be expanded to include various automation functions for loading and unloading. At the highest level, it is possible to operate it without personnel.
In addition to networked machines, software and services, TRUMPF will be showcasing their compact, fully automated folding machine that can effortlessly process even thick sheet metal. At the world’s leading trade fair for sheet metal working, the company will also be demonstrating how existing machine parks can be set up and networked in a future-proof manner using entry-level solutions. For example, digital assistants that provide employees with even better support with the help of artificial intelligence, for example when sorting the sheet metal parts. Existing machinery can also be made future-proof by retrofitting. The company is also showing a “Service App” that helps employees with service cases, for example through automatic spare part recognition, digital instructions or live support with video function from TRUMPF customer service on site.
TRUMPF has announced a change in leadership in the Machine Tool Business Division: Stephan Mayer (40) will become the new CEO Machine Tools (CEO MT) and succeed Heinz-Jürgen Prokop (63), who will leave TRUMPF at the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2021, after reaching the age limit for members of the Group Executive Board. Stephan Mayer has been with TRUMPF since 2012, initially as head of the Organizational Development and Production and Quality Management central departments.
On July 1, 2015, Mayer took on the management of TRUMPF Hüttinger GmbH + Co. KG in Freiburg and led the subsidiary back to success. On October 1, 2017, he returned to Ditzingen as Managing Director of Production and Purchasing at TRUMPF Machine Tools.
Since 2019, Stephan Mayer has been responsible as President China. Stephan Mayer is responsible for all TRUMPF activities in China and manages the two locations in Taicang/Jiangsu and Jinfangyuan CNC Machine Co., Ltd. (JFY) in Yangzhou.
Stephan Mayer studied mechanical engineering at the University of Karlsruhe from 2000 – 2004, where he also earned his doctorate in 2007 – 2009. Mayer, a native of Schramberg, worked in consulting at McKinsey & Company Inc. in Stuttgart from 2004 until he joined TRUMPF.
Heinz-Jürgen Prokop started as Head of the Design Department at TRUMPF Lasertechnik GmbH in Ditzingen, Germany, in 1988 and was Vice President, Head of Development/Design and production at IHI-TRUMPF-Technologies in Yokohama, Japan, until 1992. After holding various external positions as Managing Director at Thyssen/Krupp in Essen, Fritz Studer AG in Steffisburg, Switzerland, and Frigoblock in Essen, he returned to Ditzingen in 2012 as Managing Director of Development and Purchasing at TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG. Since July 1, 2017, Heinz-Jürgen Prokop has been a member of the Group Executive Board as CEO MT.
The TRUMPF Group’s corporate venture capital unit has acquired a minority stake in the US start-up Battery Resourcers. Headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts, Battery Resourcers has developed an efficient and eco-friendly process for recycling lithium-ion batteries. Unlike conventional methods that start by breaking down batteries into their separate chemical components, this new approach directly synthesizes new battery-ready cathode active materials from spent lithium-ion cells.
“The new recycling process developed by Battery Resourcers enhances the sustainability of e-mobility. It keeps scarce resources available in the circular economy, cuts the cost of manufacturing new battery cells, and saves energy in the production process,” says Dieter Kraft, Managing Director of TRUMPF Venture. The new technology recovers 97 percent of the metals contained in the battery cell, reducing cathode cost by 35 percent which compares well to manufacturing a new cell from virgin material. It also reduces production emissions by around 32 percent and energy consumption by 13 percent.
Lithium-ion batteries lie at the heart of most of today’s commercial electric vehicles. They are made from materials such as lithium, nickel, manganese and cobalt, which are expensive to mine and, in some cases, unsustainable. This is why the industry is determined to find the most efficient way to recycle battery cells.
“Our aim is to establish a sustainable value chain for lithium-ion batteries. Our technology can recycle almost all the materials used in cell production – not just for the batteries used in e-mobility, but also for the kinds of smaller batteries found in consumer electronics as well as large, industrial storage batteries regardless of their Lithium-Ion-based chemistries,” says Mike O’Kronley, CEO Battery Resourcers. Conventional recycling options are based on complex processes that mechanically crush the battery cells and chemically separate the mix of materials into individual purified constituent elements such as nickel, cobalt, manganese and lithium. The new method developed by Battery Resourcers eliminates much of this chemical processing by allowing the material mix to be turned into new active cathode material without the separation step, still resetting all memory from previous applications.
“This is a field that will be vitally important in the future. By investing in Battery Resourcers’ promising technology, we’re reinforcing our commitment to e-mobility,” says Kraft. As a key provider of high-tech manufacturing equipment, TRUMPF already plays an important role in driving forward e-mobility. The company’s systems and machines are ideally designed for tasks such as cutting sheet-metal components for battery housings and foils, and TRUMPF lasers are the perfect choice for welding battery cells, electronic contacts and electric motors.
