From CO2 to Fiber: Enhancing Trumpf Laser Performance
Tiempo de lectura: 12'

From CO2 to Fiber: Enhancing Trumpf Laser Performance

Sky Fire Laser and TA Laser Alliance Featuring TruLaser Upgrade Success Stories

1 Introduction of Trumpf

Trumpf is a global leader in laser cutting, consistently ranking among the top laser technology brands. Its high-power laser systems dominate industries like automotive and aerospace. Compared to competitors like Bystronic and Amada, Trumpf stands out for its cutting-edge automation technologies, such as BrightLine fiber and Nano Joint, which enhance precision and reduce post-processing. With over 75 years of innovation in laser processing, Trumpf’s solutions are known for their versatility, reliability, and precision, keeping it ahead in market share and technological advancements.​​

1.1Trumpf's Financial and Market Performance (Fiscal Year 2022/23)

Category Data (2022/23) Previous Year (2021/22) Comments
Total Revenue €5.4 billion €4.2 billion A historic 27% increase in revenue, marking Trumpf's highest sales in 100 years​( )( ).
Revenue - USA €900 million €656 million Trumpf’s largest market, contributing significantly to the overall revenue​( )( ).
Revenue - Germany €770 million €589 million Strong domestic growth with a 30% increase year-over-year​( ).
Revenue - China €600 million €575 million The strongest market in Asia, showing stable growth​( ).
Machine Tools Revenue €3.0 billion €2.3 billion The largest business division, growing by 32.8%​( ).
Laser Technology Revenue €2.1 billion €1.6 billion A 28% increase, demonstrating the importance of laser solutions​( ).
Number of Employees 18,352 globally, including 9,124 in Germany 16,554 globally Added 2,000 new jobs worldwide, mostly in high-growth sectors like electronics​( )( ).
R&D Investment Increased R&D spending above the industry average - Trumpf continues to prioritize innovation, fueling its leadership in laser and machine tool technology​( ).

 

1.2 The main models of Trumpf laser

  • TruLaser Fiber: Designed for efficient, high-precision cutting across a wide range of material thicknesses, offering high productivity with fiber laser technology.

  • TruLaser Tube: Optimized for tube cutting, providing high accuracy and automation for tubular material processing.

  • TruLaser CO2: Offers versatile CO2 laser technology for a range of applications, ideal for thick material processing.

  • TruMatic L: A CO2 laser cutting machine built for heavy-duty applications, excelling in large-format and thick material cutting.

2 About Sky Fire Laser and TA Laser

Sky Fire Laser and TA Laser have formed an exclusive business alliance, focusing on the retrofitting and upgrading of Trumpf laser equipment. We are committed to providing industry-leading upgrade solutions and excellent technical support.

2.1 Our Positioning

  • The goal of the collaboration between Sky Fire Laser and TA Laser is to enhance the performance of laser equipment through innovative technology, extend its lifespan, and reduce maintenance costs.

  • We specialize in providing efficient upgrades for Trumpf laser equipment, particularly retrofitting Trumpf CO2 laser cutting machines to fiber laser systems, focusing mainly on the TruLaser and TruMatic L models.

  • We offer comprehensive technical services, including installation, commissioning, upgrades, maintenance, and troubleshooting, ensuring our customers' equipment remains in optimal working condition.

  • Our solutions help customers avoid the high cost of new equipment investment by upgrading existing machines to achieve efficient and cost-effective production.

3 General Overview of Upgrading CO2 Laser Cutting Machine to Fiber Laser

3.1 Advantages of the Upgrade

  • Quick Upgrade: The upgrade can be completed quickly while retaining the excellent dynamic performance of the original equipment.
  • Ease of Operation: Simple to operate and maintain, addressing the high maintenance costs of aging CO2 lasers.
  • Cost Efficiency: Avoid high investment in new equipment and eliminate the need for retraining on a new operating interface.

4 Issues with Old CO2 Laser Cutting Machines

4.1 High Maintenance Costs

CO2 lasers age and require expensive maintenance. Upgrading to fiber lasers can save at least $5,000 annually. CO2 lasers near the end of their life are costly to maintain, with turbine costs exceeding $30,000, electron tubes around $2,000, and expensive lenses. Glass tubes also age over time.

4.2 High Power Consumption

CO2 laser cutters consume a lot of power, operating at only 10-15% efficiency. In contrast, fiber lasers can reach 30% efficiency, halving the electricity costs.

4.3 High Operating Costs

CO2 lasers consume gases like helium, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. A bottle of gas costs over $200, and it typically lasts only two weeks.

4.4 Comparison Between CO2 Laser and Fiber Laser

CO2 Laser (6000W) Fiber Laser (6000W)
Power Consumption: >75KW 30KW
Laser Gas Consumption: Yes Not needed
Consumables: Lenses, mirrors, nozzles, ceramic rings Only protective lenses, nozzles, ceramic rings
Assist Gas: Required Required
Cutting Cost: $101 Cutting Cost: $43

Fiber Laser saves more than 100% of the cost compared to CO2!

5. Advantages of Replacing CO2 with Fiber Laser

Replacing the CO2 laser with a fiber laser increases power and boosts cutting speed.

5 Our Advantages: Why Choose Our Optical Fiber Upgrade Solution Over Buying New Machines

5.1 Trumpf’s Global Leadership

Trumpf is the second-largest cutting machine manufacturer in the world. While its machines excel in mechanical and electrical performance, our upgrade fills the optical field gap, enhancing their capabilities.

5.2 Retain Performance with Laser Replacement

Our solution focuses on replacing only the laser, preserving the original machine’s excellent performance, dynamic response, and user-friendly interface. This approach ensures high output and operational efficiency.

5.3 Cost Efficiency in Economic Downturns

In challenging economic times, companies seek cost-saving alternatives. Upgrading existing machines avoids the high expense of purchasing new equipment, helping businesses manage investments cautiously.

5.4 Time and Labor Savings

Our upgrade reduces installation, debugging, and training time, saving significant labor and operational costs.

5.5 Collaboration with Raycus Laser

Partnering with Wuhan Raycus Laser Company, we have mastered fiber laser core technology, guaranteeing lifetime service, maintenance, and worry-free collaboration.

5.6 Trumpf’s Fixed CNC System

Trumpf’s CNC system and hardware remain unchanged, and after rebooting and updating the software, the system runs smoother and more efficiently.

5.7 Economic Comparison: New Machine vs. Upgrade

A new Trumpf fiber machine costs between $600,000 and $1 million, while upgrading a CO2 machine to fiber laser costs less than $300,000. Upgrading is far more economical than purchasing a new machine.

5.8 Why Choose an Upgrade Over New Equipment

Many Chinese manufacturers struggle with high-power laser cutting. Their machines are often unstable and costly in the long run. Instead of investing in new, potentially unreliable equipment, it’s better to upgrade the power, efficiency, and quality of your current machine.

 

6 Our Service and Supply Offerings

Components Solution with IPG Solution with Raycus Note
Laser Source IPG 2000W-6000W Raycus 2000W-6000W CE Version
Laser Cutting Head Raytool Raytool Customized LC808/Rilabor
CNC Controller TA6000 TA6000
Chiller TongFei TongFei 2000W-6000W
Drag Chain Igus Igus Germany
Spare Parts Corresponding Corresponding
1-Year Consumables Lens, Nozzles, Ceramic Ring Lens, Nozzles, Ceramic Ring

 

7 Solution Details

7.1 Main Features of the Upgraded Fiber Laser Cutting Machine

The upgraded fiber lasers deliver unprecedented efficiency and precision when cutting thin metal sheets. Combining high-tech fiber technology with advanced mechanical systems, these lasers are energy-efficient, powerful, easy to operate, and environmentally friendly.

7.2 Machine Structure After Upgrade (Remains Unchanged)

  • High-speed stable gantry structure, with open access to the working area.
  • No clamping needed, with automatic edge finding and positioning.
  • High-quality, long-term stability, and reliability with minimal maintenance.

7.3 Drive System After Upgrade (Remains Unchanged)

  • AC servo disc motor: Direct drive, no intermediate gearbox, high momentum, and low inertia.
  • Offers high dynamic performance (acceleration), precision, and long-term reliability.
  • Closed drive system with centralized lubrication for extended protection.

7.4 Upgraded Laser Cutting Head (Upgraded to Fiber Laser Cutting Head)

  • Optimized focal length for a wide cutting range.
  • Non-contact automatic height tracking.
  • Focal length adjustment for accuracy.

7.5 Post-Upgrade Operation (Remains Unchanged)

  • Automatic and manual operation modes: Supports manual setting, cutting adjustment, restart, tracking, and material separation.
  • Various restart methods minimize downtime after cutting interruptions.

7.6 Upgraded CNC System (Added TA6000 CNC Controller)

  • The TA6000 CNC controller is integrated to transfer signals from the Trumpf main controller to the fiber laser source and cutting head.
  • The existing Trumpf operating software remains unchanged, ensuring a seamless match to the new laser system.
control board for conversion of trumpf co2 to fiber

7.7 Added Water-Cooling System for the Fiber Laser Source

7.8 Upgraded Laser Fiber Generator (IPG/Raycus 2000W-6000W)

  • Delivers high energy efficiency with low power consumption.
  • Equipped with cutting-edge fiber laser technology, which requires no laser gas and offers low maintenance costs.
  • Capable of cutting non-ferrous metals.

8 Warranty and Guarantees

  • 2-year warranty on the laser source and 1-year warranty on other parts.
  • The upgrade guarantees excellent mechanical and electrical performance, extending the machine's lifespan by 10 years.
  • No need for large-scale construction or machine relocation.
  • Operators can continue using the equipment with no additional training.
  • Installation and commissioning are completed within 2-3 days, with no production delays, even if done over the weekend.

 

9. Customer Testimonials

"We had been struggling with the high maintenance costs of our old CO2 laser. After upgrading to a fiber laser with Sky Fire Laser, we saved thousands on electricity and gas while boosting production speed."
Mark S., Metal Fabrication Company

"The upgrade process was smooth and fast. Our Trumpf machine was fully functional within two days, and our operators didn’t even need extra training. Fantastic service!"
Emily T., Precision Engineering Firm

"Sky Fire Laser and TA Laser not only provided a great upgrade but also backed it with excellent technical support. Our machine’s performance has improved significantly."
John D., Automotive Parts Manufacturer

10 Q&A

1 Why should I upgrade my CO2 laser cutting machine to a fiber laser cutter instead of buying a new one?

Answer: Upgrading your existing CO2 laser cutter saves a substantial amount of money compared to purchasing new equipment. The upgraded machine enhances cutting efficiency, reduces operational and maintenance costs, and avoids retraining operators. You retain the excellent performance of your current machine and extend its lifespan, saving hundreds of thousands in investment.

2. What is the core difference between fiber laser cutting and CO2 laser cutting?

Answer: Fiber laser cutting is more efficient and consumes less energy. Unlike CO2 lasers, fiber lasers don't require laser gases, significantly reducing maintenance costs. Fiber lasers have an energy conversion efficiency of 30%, compared to 10-15% for CO2 lasers. Additionally, the maintenance of fiber laser cutting heads is simpler, and the cutting speed is faster.

3. What Trumpf models can be upgraded?

Answer: We currently retrofit TruLaser and TruMatic models. These machines can be upgraded to fiber laser technology, improving cutting efficiency, extending equipment life, and reducing maintenance costs. The upgrade does not require significant modifications to the machine bed or CNC system, ensuring a quick, cost-effective, and efficient process.

4. How long does the upgrade take, and will production be affected?

Answer: Typically, upgrades are completed within 2-3 days and can be done over the weekend to minimize production interruptions. With proper preparation, the process is quick and has minimal impact on the production schedule.

5. Do operators need retraining after the upgrade?

Answer: No. We retain the original operating system and interface, so no additional operator training is required. The upgraded machine operates the same way it did before, ensuring a seamless transition.

6. What is the warranty period for the upgraded equipment? 

Answer: We offer a 2-year warranty for the fiber laser source and a 1-year warranty for other parts. The upgraded Trumpf machine can continue operating for at least 10 years, with long-term maintenance and technical support services available to ensure stable operation.

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