TRUMPF Express, Issue October 06

Transcription

10 Movers: Uncorking success
32 Successors: A happy transition
37 Tinkering: Zepf’s miniatures
Magazine for
Sheet Metal Processing
October 06
SpecialNaming
From Trumatic to TruPunch:
What’s behind the new names
And: All the TRUMPF highlights
at the EuroBLECH trade show
From page 19
“No office job, please“
A meeting with Sonja Rothermel, who heads up
an oil tank service and dismantling firm in Germany
October 06 Contents
10
15
16
This matt nickel-plated blank is just one
millimeter thick. ERCO Leuchten GmbH
in the town of Lüdenscheid, Germany, uses
it for its lamp housings. In Express the plate
(slightly modified graphically) puts TRUMPF
customers and their stories in the right light.
32
30
27
37
Express October 06
TOPICS
Entrepreneurs 10 A life between vines and sheet metal
The name Carlo Gai is just as familiar to top winemakers as the
Barolo brand. His machinery bottles fine wines safely and surely.
technical knowledge
15 Learning from a jelly roll
The standard work “Fascination of Sheet Metal”, now completely revised, explains modern sheet metal processing in
suprisingly vivid words and images.
STRATEGIES
16 Growing together
KWL and its customer, HORSCH, work cheek by jowl with their
just-in-time logistics. Not even a roadway comes between them.
Int erview
27 Diversity as a business idea
Gerhard Welkener and Dieter Glahs don’t want to be specialists. We want to know why.
P ortrait 30 Deadlines are there to be met
For 75 years now, the Fritz Deppe Blechbearbeitung has reinvented itself, time and time again. We introduce the youngest
inventor here.
Report
32 The apple falls —
close to the tree?
Title
40 Tank Girl
CHARACTERS
Sonja Rothermel’s father makes a living from filling oil tanks. And she has made a career of maintaining and dismantling tanks. An exceptional woman.
To the Point
05 Innovation requires investments
STANDARDS
06
42
42
44
Panorama
A HISTORICAL TIDBIT
CREDITS
Closing point Sooner or later every family company will be faced with
the question: Who is to succeed to the presidency? Here is
a survey — with some answers.
FINE PROCESSING
37 Minimally invasive operations
Artificial skulls, endoscope guides or grippers. Zepf Laser
technik will make up anything — provided it’s small enough.
SpecialNaming
TruName: The new names From page 19
And
EuroBLECH: The highlights From page 22
Express October 06
T
EN
M
E
INV
Express October 06
T
S
To the Point
Innovation REQUIRES INVESTMENTS
A company that expressly calls itself a leader in innovation undertakes
an obligation to deliver superior performance. This also implies an
above-average investment ratio. Investment activity is an expression
of our fundamental entrepreneurial attitudes, evidence of our striving
for further development. This permanent pursuit of the new and the
better takes place at every level — both in products and in organization concepts.
That is the reason for total investments of 89 million euros in new
and existing locations during the 2005 /06 fiscal year, aiming for internal improvements and capacity expansions. Additionally, we spend
more than 120 million euros on the development of new products
and technologies — in short, investments in our future. Our total investment ratio at about 13 percent is well above the industry’s average.
Thus we are laying the groundwork for innovations such as those we
present at this year’s EuroBLECH. One example is the TruLaser Cell
Series 7000 3 D laser system; another is the new collision prevention
concept for laser cutting heads. We always focus on our customers’
competitive edge.
We also want to make working with us as easy as possible and that
is why we continuously invest in improved customer relations. The
new TruName product name system is one example of this. It will
ensure that machine tools, laser systems, software, components and
accessories can always be clearly and unequivocally identified — as
quality products by TRUMPF. And it will be clearer than in the past
that TRUMPF offers products for every area in flexible sheet metal
processing.
Investments made earlier paid off in the superb 2005 /06 fiscal year.
For the third time in a row TRUMPF achieved record figures in sales
and order received. Net income rose considerably. Growth and profit
represent a solid basis for further investments. We intend to spend 15
percent of sales for investments in the coming year. We are planning
to double investments in fixed assets to about 150 million euros, with
expenditures in Germany, the USA, France and India. And we will be
expanding our efforts in research and applications development, as well.
We are confident that these investments will be fruitful and profitable
for our customers, our associates and the company itself.
Dr.-Ing. Mathias Kammüller
Express October 06
PANORAMA
Coveted
know-how
150 th workshop on “Designing Parts In Sheet”
Dashing off to the USA, South Africa and even Japan. The
TRUMPF trainers sometimes fly halfway around the world for a
workshop where “Designing Parts In Sheet” is discussed. At the
Ditzingen Training Center the many participants experienced
an anniversary this year: the 150th workshop took place at
the beginning of August. Thus, even in the eighth year of this
event, the interest in creative design using sheet metal remains
unabated. The 2006 courses where booked up completely by the
summer. The success secret: In the workshop the participants
design, program and produce samples that might be found in
their own everyday production work. The time and cost savings
thus benefit their companies directly. And Jörg Heusel, one of
the trainers, is especially pleased to report that some of the
solutions were so good that the companies have even applied
for patents.
Hot off the bending machine: Two workshop participants examine a component for commercial ovens.
> Address your questions to:
Jörg Heusel, Phone: +49 (0) 7156 303 – 1127, e-mail: [email protected]
Working together
“Germany is actually a better technology site than it would have you believe.” That’s
the opinion of members of the nationwide “Sachen machen!” technology initiative.
In many sectors — such as energy technology — Germany is the world’s leader.
Founded by the German Engineers’ Association (VDI) in 2006, “Sachen machen!”
devotes itself to three tasks: Getting next-generation technologists involved, promoting innovations and bolstering Germany as a technology site. 75 partners from
the realms of business and science are already members of the initiative and
TRUMPF is among them. Among other efforts, “Sachen machen!” supports start-up
companies in translating patents into marketable products. The partners also
sponsor events such as the “Science Days” at the Rust Europa Park Resort.
Between October 12 and 14, 2006, school students in particular were able
to experience the natural sciences in shows or become active
themselves, trying things out and conducting research
in hands-on workshops.
> Additional information:
www.sachen-machen.org
“Sachen machen!” also promotes the “Formula Student 2006” contest: From engineering and planning through to on-track performance, students develop complete packages for the motorway.
Express October 06
Pictures: Formula Student Germany, TRUMPF Group
More than 75 partners support the “Sachen machen!” technology initiative
PANORAMA
Flashover stop
New generator prevents arcing
in coating operations
This smoothes out coatings and coating operations: the new SCASAR medium-frequency
generator manufactured by HÜTTINGER. It
detects potential for electrical arcing and thus
averts defects in plasma coating work. It responds
in just five microseconds and is thus the fastest
system on the market. Plasma is a conductive
gas which constantly changes. Thus voltages can
be built up and arcing can occur in production
lines for TV screens and solar collector cells. Just
like lightning, these “strikes” can burn craters in
coating materials. If spattering should occur, then
the object being finished can be damaged or
even made unserviceable. But the HÜTTINGER
generator reacts even faster than an arc. And
what’s more, it is particularly economical. Ultrathin, homogenous layers can be applied at values
of less than five millijoules per kilowatt — even
when dealing with coating materials with a low
melting point.
Ansgar Meermann, Phone: +49 (0) 761 8971 – 2126,
e-mail: [email protected]
An award winner: The TRUMPF booth at the CIMES & CMTF 2006 in Beijing.
Three at once
TRUMPF receives prizes at the CIMES & CMTF 2006 in Beijing
TRUMPF swept up three prizes at the CIMES & CMTF 2006, the international machinery
and equipment show in Beijing. The Asian offices of the Swiss-based Ringier publishing
house in Hong Kong awarded the Ringier Awards for the first time and TRUMPF took
two of them — in the fields of “laser technology” and “sheet metal working”. In the future
the publisher will, every two years, honor companies which support the metalworking
industry in China and thus make an important contribution to the Chinese market. In
the foreground here are solutions such as tools, control systems or software. TRUMPF
received yet another award for the trade show booth itself. Fair organizers deemed the
company’s stand to be one of the three best of more than a thousand exhibitors.
Mock weave
Who would have thought it ? Punches can weave, too
Seemingly woven but in fact punched: “Latticework weave”, made up with a special tool.
Over, under, over, under — it looks a bit like
the upper crust on grandma’s apple pie but
in fact it’s a punched sheet metal. This matrix isn’t the product of skilled hands but
rather of a special tool. Martin Walz, tooling engineer at TRUMPF, developed it to
customer specifications. That customer was
looking for a way to make up weave-like
grids at low prices, using a punch. Martin
Walz got to work and perfected the solution.
The machine first uses a tool to punch a uniform pattern of square holes in a standard
sheet of metal. A specially designed tool is
then used to raise and lower the “weft” and
“warp” where the strips cross, thus creating
the woven effect. Additional refinements
have followed in the meantime — matrices
with round and rhomboid holes and crosspieces of differing widths.
Martin Walz, Phone: +49 (0) 7156 303 – 1144,
Express October 06
PANORAMA
1.65 |
billion euros sales volume
1.76 | billion euros in new orders
Machine tool sales
grow by
18 %
Worldwide
Disk laser, seen through the focussing nozzle.
|
|
|
23%
overall sales growth
440 |
|
120
new employees
million euros for
research and development
More power
at excellent
beam quality
Record year
at TRUMPF
New disk laser shines with 6 kW
TRUMPF sees the perfect basis for
Higher output and perfect beam quality are what distinguish the
new 6 kW TruDisk 6002 disk laser. With its high performance the
new laser welds every material faster and deeper — and that includes
even high-reflectivity materials such as copper. The TruDisk 6002
develops excellent beam quality in its performance class and
a laser light guide 200 micrometers in diameter will match every
application perfectly. The TruDisk 6002 uses new high-performance diode stacks for excitation. This makes the investment per
kilowatt lower than ever before. Like all TRUMPF disk lasers, the
TruDisk 6002 also features the unique “application space”: A dusttight partition separates the plug connector for the laser cable from
the optics area. That means that the laser can remain in operation
even if the guide has to be connected or detached. In December 2006
yet another innovation will be appearing on the market: TRUMPF’s
first 8 kW disk laser.
Dr. Rüdiger Brockmann, Phone: +49 (0) 7422 515 – 582, e-mail: [email protected]
Express October 06
Top values for orders received and sales characterize the 2005 /06
fiscal year at TRUMPF. Reflected in 18 percent sales growth to 1.65
billion euros, the marked improvement in the business climate
in Germany is particularly gratifying. And all around the world
customers invested in TRUMPF machines. The Eastern European
markets exhibited extraordinary dynamics in this regard and increased sales triggered a significant improvement in net income.
Thus the TRUMPF Group enjoys a superb liquidity picture, enabling
it to actively shape future growth. The company is getting ready for
growth with extensive investments in the future — at 89 million
euros and thus 75 percent more than in the previous year. Here
TRUMPF is investing primarily in capacity expansions. Almost
two-thirds of these investments will be made in Germany and
that underscores the significance of the company’s home country.
Decisive for competitiveness are expenditures for research and development. Ten percent more in these fields than last year — and a
total of 120 million euros — those are the best proofs of TRUMPF’s
innovative power.
Pictures: TRUMPF Group
a successful future
PANORAMA
A new
challenge
25 years
Hans-Jochen Beilke Swiss anniversary
TRUMPF celebrates a
moves to ebm-papst
He couldn’t resist the challenge: Since October 2006
Hans-Jochen Beilke has been a
member of the executive board
at ebm-papst, the world’s leading manufacturer of fans. He
is to become the company’s
president in February 2007.
Dr. Mathias Kammüller, Head
of the Machine Tool and Power
Tool Division, will assume
Beilke’s duties and also head
machine tool sales.
It all began in 1981 with the development and
manufacture of power tools, on just 2 000 square
meters of floor space. Today TRUMPF offers
500 secure jobs at its location at the town of
Gruesch in Graubuenden canton. In the anniversary year, the hall where the modern 2 D laser
machines are built at a unique assembly line is
by itself about 3 1/ times the size of the original facility. In addition to power tools and laser
cutting systems, Gruesch is also the TRUMPF
center for laser marking systems. Their development, manufacture and sales are all concentrated at this site. TRUMPF has invested more
than 100 million Swiss francs in Gruesch and
is an important business factor for the region.
It all started on just 2000 square meters. Today, 25 years and 100 million euros in investments later, 500 people work here.
Desktop
laser
Compact entry-level machine for
laser marking and labeling
It is small and lightweight but every bit as flexible and precise
as larger models. The new VWS 150 desktop laser marking unit by TRUMPF weighs just 60 kilograms and is thus
one of the most compact ones on the market. This desktop
workstation is especially suited for smaller companies as they
make their first forays into laser technology. Simple and easy
to program, the laser can mark a variety of sizes, shapes and
materials, always at top quality. It can apply lettering, serial
numbers, data-matrix codes or logos to a labeling field of up
to 120 x 120 millimeters.
Everything under control on the desktop:
Marco Doenz uses the new VWS 150 laser
marking station to apply serial numbers
to flange components.
Helmut Müller, Phone: +49 (0) 7422 515 – 125, e-mail: [email protected]
Express October 06
A life between vines
10
Entrepreneurs
“Do you like wine ?” Anyone seeking employment as
an engineer, technician or fitter ought to be able
to answer this question with an honest and heartfelt
“Si” during a job interview with Carlo Gai.
and sheet metal
Whenever fine wines find their way safely into their bottles, it is often thanks to Carlo Gai and his machines.
Carlo Gai, president of GAI spa, prefers to hire people who share his
passion for good wine. Because it‘s wine that provides a comfortable
livelihood for the Gai family and its some 160 employees. At the center
of the Piedmont wine country in Northern Italy, Gai has for more than
60 years developed and produced macchine imbottigliatrici — machines
for which the sober-sounding English translation “filling and labeling
machines” is just about as fitting as the designation “mushroom” for
a fine truffle. The belle macchine engineered by Gai are mechanical
artworks, thought out and designed by passionate engineers, manufactured using technology from Ditzingen, clad in first-rate steel, and
assembled in a spic-and-span plant that would do even the most discriminating housewife proud. For many of the world’s finest and most
costly wines the pipes, tubes and valves in a Gai machine are their last
contact with the outside world before the bottles are filled and corked,
the capsule and labels applied. →
Express October 06
11
Entrepreneurs
A jack of (almost) all trades: The “Monobloc A” machine rinses the bottles, pumps out the air, injects an inert gas to displace the last traces of oxygen, fills the wine and finally
corks the bottle. Another machine — naturally made by Gai, too — takes care of label and capsule application. The top models can process as many as 10 000 bottles per hour.
Living and working are fine here in the hilly green countryside of
the Piedmont region. The region al piè dei monti — at the foot of the
mountains — joins economic muscle with the maximum in artistic and
gastronomic quality. It’s a setting almost tailor-made for the passionate
engineer and pleasure-seeker Carlo Gai. The tiny village of Barolo, just
a few kilometers — but many, many curves — distant from the company’s headquarters, lends its name to one of the world’s noblest wines.
Three hills on down the road, in the town of Bra, the connoisseurs’ “slow
food” movement in the 1980s launched out on its international campaign for culinary pleasure with common-sense understanding. Just
around the corner the white truffles from Alba exude what is certainly
the world’s most precious aroma every year in the late autumn. The
Piedmont business community is also a pièce de résistance of the Italian
economy. It was in Alba that confectioner Pietro Ferrero launched his
sugary revolution and thus laid the cornerstone for one of the world’s
largest makers of sweets. Grand names in fashion such as Loro Piana,
Cerrutti or Miroglio have their roots in Piedmont. Turin, the region’s
capital, is the birthplace and home to the Italian automobile industry.
Families such as Agnelli or De Benedetti represent the industrial nobility of this remarkable area in Italy’s far northwest.
Sheet metal and vines in the genes
Gai is celebrating its 60th anniversary as a company. The firm was
founded by Carlo’s father, Giacomo Gai, who died in 1999. The founding fathers were the bitter need prevailing in Italy in the year 1946, a
heap of post-war scrap and an unimpressive engineering drawing. There
12 Express October 06
was no work to be had in those tough times and the family was already
planning to emigrate to Argentina. And then the trained meccanico
Giacomo Gai reflected on his strengths. Born in 1912, dealing with sheet
metal and vines were part of his birthright. His father was a winemaker,
his grandfather the village smith. Already at the age of just seventeen
Giacomo hung out his shingle as an agricultural implements technician.
During World War II he served as a mechanic in the military and there
he built all sorts of machinery and equipment. It was during this period
that, among other items, a simple bottling machine was devised. It
was destined for the restaurant which his wife Elsa ran. This first macchina imbottigliatrici became, after the War, the means for the family’s
survival and the raw material from which today’s company developed.
“Our machines can’t make wine better than it is. But the
smallest bottling error can destroy a top wine. This responsibility
is the measure of quality — for us and for our suppliers.”
Today Carlo explains with a wink of the eye that his love for wine
must have matured early in his youth as he moved between the shop,
vineyards and restaurant. That’s a love that you might not guess upon
first seeing his large, wiry frame, but it’s nonetheless the driving force
behind his career. He’s thoroughly convinced that good wine deserves
the best possible bottling technology.
In 1969 Carlo Gai, engineering diploma fresh in hand, joined his
father’s company and a few years later, together with his older brother
Battista, assumed management responsibilities. With youthful elan and
new ideas the brothers pursued their vision of realizing high-quality,
state-of-the-art bottling machines. But in their own country these
quality-packed machines didn’t quite match the tastes of the day.
“At that time Italy was purely a mass producer of wine — lots of quantity,
hardly any quality”, Carlo Gai remembers, making a vinegary face. His
high-quality machines were too complex — and too expensive — for
the Italian market at that time. That’s why more than 90 percent was
exported. The French and German winemakers, in particular, appreciate the fine technology developed by these Italian wine lovers. In return,
Gai learns a lot from the winemakers. Particularly in terms of the special demands which the very sweet German wines of that day placed on
the bottling technology. Wines with a high residual sugar content and
low alcohol content spoil much faster than dry wines with little sugar
and a lot of alcohol. That is why bottling has to be under absolutely
sterile conditions. To achieve this Gai developed a process from which
Express October 06
13
Entrepreneurs
The Gai family (r.) will do almost anything for a good drop of wine. On more than 20 000 square meters of spotless production space its company manufactures high-quality bottling equipment for the world’s best vineyards.
the company and its customers profit even today. And recently many
smaller breweries have joined the clientele. Many of these so-called
microbreweries produce unfiltered, non-pasteurized beer that also has
to be bottled in a completely hygienic, sterile environment.
Quality as an engine for growth
The turnaround in the domestic wine market came in 1989. A methanol
scandal shook the Italian vineyards to the roots and sent a wake-up
call to customers between Milan and Palermo. Since that time Italian
winemakers and cooperatives have shifted their emphasis from volume
to value. That’s been good for Gai. As a consequence, the company has
significantly increased its market share and is today the market leader
in Italy for machines with medium filling capacities (up to about 3 000
bottles per hour). The export ratio, at 70 percent, nonetheless remains
high. The bulk of the machinery built in Ceresole D’Alba is at work in
the globe’s best vineyards — in California, New Zealand and Chile, in
Burgundy and Bordeaux and along the River Mosel.
And at the Gai engineering offices and production buildings time
and progress are making their marks. Carlo Gai can certainly remember the first CNC machine which not only turned production upside
down, but his cost calculations as well. At that time he passed the cost
advantage along to his customers almost entirely, something which
earned him no favor among the competition, but all the more among
the clientele. The next revolution was launched by the first TRUMPF
laser, which went into operation working at Ceresole in 1995. A second
joined it just a few years later. A TRUMATIC L 4050 has already been
ordered for delivery in 2007.
Gai’s business is bubbling right along. But Carlo Gai still has the
biggest and most difficult project ahead of him. His nephew Giacomo
and his sons Guglielmo and Giovanni are at the starting gates and
Carlo himself has actually reached retirement age. “But what am I to
do ? This work is my finest hobby,” the engineer is pleased to note as he
gazes out the window over the sunny vineyards of Piedmont.
“A good wine comprises
50 percent imagination.
The rest are grapes,
expertise and technology.”
˘ 14 Express October 06
> Address your questions to:
Mariano Briano, Phone: +39 02 48 48 9-4 47, e-mail: [email protected]
> The finest technology for a noble dram
Name:
GAI spa, Ceresole D’Alba (Italy)
Founded:
1946
Employees: 160
Sales:
30 million euros
TRUMPF machines:
Contact:
TRUMATIC L 4030 (TruLaser 3040), TrumaBend V 170, TrumaBend V 85, TRUMATIC L 4030 (TruLaser 3040), as of February 2007 one TRUMATIC L 4050 (TruLaser 5040 with 6 kW) + LiftMaster + Stopa compact storage
www.gai-it.com
technical knowledge
Learning from a jelly roll
Your wife wants to know what you do all day ? Providing the answer is as simple
as giving her the book “Fascination of Sheet Metal”. There, author Gabriela Buchfink
explains sheet metal processing as clearly as never before.
Surprisingly different, building on solid professional knowledge and written to be readable
and lively — the completely revised standard
work “Fascination of Sheet Metal” is now available in English, too. Clearly written and richly
illustrated, the book takes the reader from the
engineer’s idea to the finished component. Neither does it shy away from an unusual way of
looking at things. The book looks into what a
jelly roll and a sheet metal angle iron have in
common and finds that they both begin to fall
apart when the bending radius drops below
a certain minimum. Author Gabriela Buchfink, together with Frank Neidhart, Project
Manager at TRUMPF, has brought out an extraordinary book — a successful symbiosis of
highly readable texts, technical precision and
a solid scientific foundation. About 100 experts
supported the writers, providing knowledge
straight from the source, giving examples and
contributing depth. Nine chapters covering 252
pages show the entire world of sheet metal — illustrated with 210 photos and 98 figures. The
first topics are engineering and the properties
of the materials. The author then introduces
conventional processes. Chapters on laser
cutting, punching, bending and joining are
rounded out by overarching subjects including control technologies, programming and
operational organization. The author is always
looking to provide enjoyment during reading
and browsing. Buchfink’s objective is “barrierfree technology”. The result is an esthetically
appealing book which encourages readers to
pick it up, open it and become absorbed by
the subject. The tome does full justice to its
title since sheet metal is, indeed, a fascinating
material with limitless possibilities.
> Excerpts and online orders:
www.trumpf.com/fascination-sheet-metal
Available since September: “Fascination of Sheet Metal” shows
the almost limitless possibilities that sheet metal offers.
Depicting complex technology so as to make it clear
and comprehensible — this
approach makes the text
interesting and readable for
lay people, too.
Express October 06
15
STRATEGIES
Growing together
HORSCH, a manufacturer of agricultural machinery, wants to get closer to its customers in Eastern Europe.
Its system partner, KWL, is looking for a second location. Together they strike out “into the unknown”.
During a tour of the manufacturing facilities at the KWL
sheet metal company in Neuwied it is Christoph Andes,
one of the company’s three managing directors, who tells
us about continuous growth. Since relocating to Neuwied
in November of 2 000 the company has enjoyed unabated
expansion. In just this short period of time the production
floor space has been enlarged from 3 500 to almost 6 000
square meters. The traces of expansion and restructuring
are everywhere to be seen. And now KWL wants to continue its success story at the town of Ronneburg, in the
Eastern German state of Thuringia. These professionals
aren’t afraid of a second operating site, even though the
company will almost double in size.
This sense of confidence results from KWL’s permanent
growth and Christoph Andes sees that as confirmation of
the company’s philosophy. He points out the complexity of
the elements. “KWL is not just a job shop that only punches,
lasers, bends and welds. Instead it is a systems supplier and
also develops design solutions for its customers. From thingauge sheet metal to heavy-duty machinery engineering.”
Looking toward the east
The basis for the step to the east is a strategic alliance between KWL and one of its key clients, the HORSCH agricultural machinery manufacturer. The idea was struck
upon together in August 2005 and then pursued jointly.
Just fourteen days after the initial discussion the partners
were essentially in agreement. The intention was to build
two plants immediately adjacent one to another and to
arrange production resources to permit continuous production flow. René Krapf and Martin Lorsbach, the two
other managing directors at KWL, show what this can look
like. They roll out a large drawing on a conference table.
Martin Lorsbach follows the line with his finger. “The production flow will start at our receiving dock and end in the
HORSCH assembly operations.“
KWL and HORSCH will invest a total of 15.7 million
euros and are planning for 70 new jobs. The site is in the
Ronneburg-Ost industrial park near Gera, on a property
nine hectares in size and with a direct link to the A4 autobahn. According to the state’s Ministry of Economics this
is a further confirmation of the attractiveness of eastern
Thuringia as a business location.
The agricultural products manufacturer took the lead
in selecting the location. Cornelia Horsch, Marketing Manager at HORSCH Maschinen GmbH, counted off her reasons for looking eastward. “In Thuringia we can count on
support from government and politicians. Moreover, we
will be closer to the market there. Almost 70 percent of our
German clients are located in the ‘new’ states — in what
was formerly East Germany.”
René Krapf outlines the advantages of the joint location.
“The close proximity will simplify planning and coordination. Both companies will — and on the basis of their
expanded capacities, too — be able to respond more quickly
and flexibly to market requirements.” Thus René Krapf
and his colleagues want to be in a position to react almost
instantly, responding individually to customer needs and
requests, avoiding delivery bottlenecks. Christoph Andes
adds: “What’s more, we’re expecting a distinct reduction in
expenditures for logistics and less capital tied up. Because
we will be able to deliver to HORSCH just-in-time across
this short distance and thus need only a small intermediate storage facility.”
The products being delivered here are steel components
for farm machinery. These can range from small plates to
Getting ready for the move to a new location:
KWL managing directors Christoph Andes (1), René Krapf (2)
and Martin Lorsbach (3) with their team.
( 3)
(1)
(2)
Express October 06
17
STRATEGIES
Big plans: The joint location with its customer Horsch will
almost double KWL’s production floor space, explained the
managing directors.
Instead of over miles of highway, components like these will move just across the lot in the future.
chassis 3 meters wide and 14.5 meters long. They are then
painted and assembled by HORSCH. There the focus is on
product development, finishing and assembly as well as the
associated sales and marketing activities.
> Complete service in sheet metal processing
Further increasing flexibility
Name:
KWL also intends to work with differing manufacturing
concepts and complementary sets of machinery at these
two sites. Extended automation in Ronneburg using welding robots, for instance, will help to further enhance the
company’s flexibility. Martin Lorsbach explains: “We want
to manufacture less time-critical components for HORSCH
in Neuwied, too, and supply other customers from the Ronneburg operations.”
In view of this strategy, René Krapf is optimistic as regards the start in Ronneburg. “We have most recently had
the parts destined for HORSCH manufactured by employees who we are training for deployment at Ronneburg. And
they will be going back to Thuringia once the changeover
has been made. Thus we have a strong basis for a roaring
start.”
And soon it will be time for that start. Christoph Andes
opens a folder with photos. They show the phases in construction for the new plant. “We will only have needed
fourteen months. From the idea for to the alliance to the
commissioning of our machinery in October 2006. Production is to be launched at the beginning of November.” The
partner, HORSCH, will make up the first preliminary runs
in October and will commence full-fledged production in
January of 2007. Thus the date for the starting gun for the
strategic alliance has been set.
Javier Sastre-Ramos, Phone: +49 (0) 7156 303 – 833, e-mail: [email protected]
KWL Blechverarbeitung GmbH, Neuwied and Ronneburg (Germany)
Founded:
1995 (Ronneburg facility in 2006)
Employees: 50 in Neuwied, 30 in Ronneburg
Range:
Manufacturing of casings, machine parts, assemblies and components for construction machinery, mechanical engineering, medical technology, electrical technology, heavy vehicle engineering and large plant engineering
Sales:
8 million euros
TRUMPF machines in Neuwied:
TRUMATIC 600 L, TRUMATIC 5000 ROTATION (TruPunch 5000),
TRUMATIC HSL 2502 C (TruLaser 7025), TRUMATIC L 3050
(TruLaser 5030), TRUMATIC L 4050 (TruLaser 5040), TUBEMATIC (TruLaser Tube 5000), two TrumaBend V 85, TrumaBend V 230, TrumaBend S 500 (TruBend 8500w)
TRUMPF equipment planned for Ronneburg:
TRUMATIC L 3050 (TruLaser 5030 classic), Stopa high-rise
Contact:
shelving, TrumaBend V 2300 (TruBend 5230), TUBEMATIC (TruLaser Tube 5000)
www.kwl-blech.de
> Competence in agricultural equipment manufacture
Name:
Founded:
Employees:
Range:
Sales:
Contact:
HORSCH Maschinen GmbH, Schwandorf (Germany)
1984
170 in Schwandorf, 50 planned for Ronneburg
Production of farming equipment for tilling the soil and sowing
65 million euros
www.horsch.com
SpecialNaming
The new names:
This is how it works
EuroBlech 2006 — ALL THE TRUMPF HIGHLIGHTS
Express October 06
Special Naming
The new success formula
of TRUMPF
Brand names instill identity and impose transparency and organization. That was
reason enough for TRUMPF to establish a new platform for all its product names.
Kleenex, FedEx or Band-Aids. In an endless sea
of brand names there are a few that have set
standards through superior quality, a unique
selling proposition or market leadership. A
woman might reach for the “Saran Wrap” but
it could be almost any kind of plastic wrap and
her husband’s “Jeep” could be any compact
and rugged off-road vehicle. The competition
respectfully refers to these as “benchmarks”,
industry leaders that have given their name
to an entire product genre.
Benchmarks: Ideals for other
“TRUMATIC” is also such a benchmark. Whoever mentions TRUMATIC refers to a high
performance machine tool for sheet metal
processing and associates it with the market
leader TRUMPF. The competence ascribed to
TRUMATIC has grown over a period of forty
years — and always makes a positive reference
to TRUMPF. These competence and quality
Unequivocal naming system: TruName stands for the source and for quality expectations
aspects apply equally to all the other TRUMPF
products. But in the past product designations have not always referenced the manufacturer’s name. Whether the “LASMA 443”,
“TCF 1” or “HLD 6002” — widely divergent brand name consultants, TRUMPF has de- formula: The new “TruName” is assembled
names have appeared during the course of vised a new product name system. Familiar from the brand name, plus technology, plus
product and company history. It is more a brands such as the Mercedes “Atego” utility performance class.
confusing conglomeration than an identity- vehicle, the Renault “Clio” and the “Arcor”
In the future each product name in the
forging whole. Lacking in the past was a sys- and “Thales” corporate names are products machine tools division will mention the protem with clear reference to the manufacturer of this renowned branding agency.
cess (e.g. TruPunch, TruLaser or TruBend). In the laser division the radiation source used
and the associated quality.
That will all be changing soon — on Octo- Unmistakable: A new system
(e.g. TruFlow, TruCoax or TruDisk) deterber 24, 2006, when EuroBLECH, the world’s With the “TruName” concept TRUMPF will mines the new brand name. The second eleleading trade show for sheet metal process- be introducing a uniform, clear and distinc- ment in each name is: a number indicating
ing, opens its doors. Working with the tive system of names for machine tools and the performance class. Thus the brand name
Düsseldorf office of “Nomen international” laser technology. This scheme follows a simple itself will dentify the product’s use and its
Special Naming
Naming system for machinery
6 product families are arranged by technologies. They comprise the prefix “Tru” and the English designation of the technology as the suffix.
→
→
Punching/Laser →
Shearing
→
Bending
→
Marking
→
Laser Processing
TruLaser
Punching
TruPunch
In detail: The TruLaser product family
TruMatic
TruShear
The TruLaser product family includes many variations. TruBend
That is why a supplement indicating the performance class TruMark
or application range is added.
Flat-bed laser cutting machines
→ TruLaser Tube or pipe processing machinery → TruLaser Tube
Naming system for lasers
3 D laser machines
Laser workstations
5 product families for lasers comprise the prefix “Tru”, a suffix to identify Robot cells
the laser type and a number indicating the performance class.
Scanning machines
Welding machines
→
CO2 -Laser Diffusion cooled →
Solid-state Laser Disk
→
Solid-state Laser Pulse
→
Solid-state Laser Short Pulse →
CO2 -Laser Fast flow
Product family
→ TruTops
ToPs 1000 → TruTops
TruLaser Robot
TruLaser Scan
TruLaser Weld
TruDisk
TruPulse
TruMicro
and combine it with the application range. TruLaser Station
TruCoax
When naming software products we use the TruTops product family
Application range
→ Laser
→ Fab
ToPs 100
TruLaser Cell
TruFlow
Naming system for software
→
→
→
→
→
TruName
→ TruTops Laser
→ TruTops Fab
Simple formula:
“Tru” brand + technology
+ performance class in numbers
gives the new “TruName”
Conversion is simple:
TRUMATIC L 3030 → TruLaser 3030
TLF 3200 → TruFlow 3200
Naming system for automation
components, processes, sensors,
special tools, tool accessories
4 anchor names bring products and product features together.
Automation
Process and sensors
Tool accessories
Quick
TRUMASORT
SprintLas
easyload
MultiBend
→
→
→
→
Master
Line
Quick
Multi
Description
Anchor →
→
→
→
Sort
→
→
→
→
Master
Sprint
Load
Bend
Line
Quick
Multi
→
→
→
→
TruName
SortMaster
SprintLine
QuickLoad
MultiBend
classification within the particular equipment family.
The “Tru” prefix is a sure indicator of the
product’s provenance since “Tru” naturally
stands for TRUMPF. Thus this new naming
system is clearly more than “just” a system
for new product designations. Dr. Matthias
Kammüller emphasized: “It reflects above all
our position as this industry’s market and innovation leader. With each and every product
we undertake a commitment to our position
as a complete supplier.”
Express October 06
21
EuroBLECH 2006
Welcome to the TruLaser – Laser cutting through thick and thin
02
TruBend – Novelties in bending
01
Machines that will never again bump heads,
punching without burring and a new gene-
ration of laser-based machines. At the EuroBLECH, in Hall 11 in Hanover, TRUMPF will be
bringing you up to date on every conceivable
question regarding sheet metal machining.
The stage has already been set for a grand entry — 2 214 m 2
of booth space at a prominent location in Hall 11. The new
TRUMPF stand at the EuroBLECH in Hanover offers you a
quick but thorough look at the firm’s capabilities. The chief
actors here will be the machines, tools and products TRUMPF
builds for its customers.
The new booth also symbolizes the market and technology leadership position of this complete supplier for sheet
metal processing. The booth also embodies the new naming
system. Here TRUMPF not only shows the breadth of its
potentials but the clear organization of the product portfolio,
as well, with transparent sector designations. At the same
time the booth’s concept provides a kind of conversion aid
for the transition from the previous to the new product
names. The introduction of the new names will be by way of
a graphically appealing display of the product families, subdividing the booth area at the same time. Open-plan architecture, perceived as a unit, will appeal to visitors with its
dynamics, rhythm and finesse.
08
TruWeld – Laser welding in a 3 D space
The highlights
state of the art
Power tools – Useful helpers
03
ServicePlus – Services from the word “go”
TruMatic – Combination technology for complete machining
04
05
06
TruPunch – Burr-free punching
07
TruLaser Cell – Setting standards in laser cutting and welding
01 Faster bending, automatically
Two innovations at the show highlight TRUMPF’s
market leadership in automatic bending. The new
gripper jaw now makes it possible to bend even the
smallest components automatically. Here an additional traversing axis significantly reduces reacharound time. The new gripper technology augments
the vacuum technology in the BendMaster and
makes the TrueBend a universal bending cell for
small and large workpieces. Also new at the fair: A
conveyor belt interface and pallet conveyors so that
components resistant to stacking can be moved out
of the bending cell through a tunnel or new panels
can be sent into the bending cell.
The bending process is not interrupted here. A single
control unit serves the conveyor belt and pallet conveyor.
> Kontakt:
Simon Hiebl
Phone +43 (0) 7221 603 – 261, e-mail: [email protected]
Express October 06
23
EuroBLECH 2006
What and where: Orientation at the TRUMPF booth
01
08
02
07
02 Through thick and thin with a
single cutting head
The new TruLaser 5030 flat bed laser machine, the
successor to the highly successful TRUMATIC L 3050,
is clearly superior to its predecessor model thanks to
improved dynamics and shorter non-productive times.
The beam guide and cutting head interface have
been redesigned. Now all sheet metal gauges can be
worked with the same cutting head, reducing set-up
and overhead times considerably. The entire cutting
procedure has been optimized to maximize economy — FastLine is the name of the process behind this. The laser source has been improved with the time- tested TruFlow 6000 laser with 6 kW of power.
TRUMPF also continues to offer worthwhile auto
mation components. New here is the LiftMaster Store
Linear in which the vacuum frame and rake can be
moved in linear fashion.
> Contact:
Karel Vincke, Phone: +49 (0) 7156 303 – 6658
03
04
06
05
>Contact:
Werner Cloos, Phone: +49 (0) 7156 303 – 383,
04 All types of machine-related services
Services in review: TRUMPF presents its comprehensive
line of services extending across the entire life of a
machine tool: from financing at purchase, through
individual maintenance and repair agreements and on through to scrapping or selling used machinery —
services which are brought together under the ServicePlus brand. A variety of training courses and applications consulting services, an extensive line of punching and bending tools, and modifications to expand functions are also among these services.
And should you need a spare part, then the team is
ready to respond around the clock — 365 days a year.
> Contact:
Tobias Baur, Phone: +49 (0) 7156 303 – 1254,
05 Easier-to-handle scrap skeleton
03 Sharp, lightweight and unfettered
Cutting is made faster and more flexible with the new C 200-0 PLUS slitting shear by TRUMPF. The power supply is a rechargeable battery, doing away with the
cable. The unit can cut up to 50 minutes per charge and cutting speed is between 3 and 6 meters per minute.
Weighing just 2.4 kilograms, this TRUMPF device is a
true lightweight — but one that’s extremely powerful.
This shear can even cut through steel sheet 2 mm
thick without difficulty — for ducting, guttering and
panels.
Beginning immediately, the scrap skeleton created
during the punching process will exit the machine as
small waste pieces. By introducing the new ShearMaster
scrap skeleton shear TRUMPF has further enhanced
automation in the punching process. A conveyor system
moves the pieces of sheet metal from the punch or
punch-laser machines to the ShearMaster, which autonomously reduces them in size. With the maximum
scrap size of 400 x 100 mm the containers can accept
more scrap and will have to be emptied less frequently.
And the investment in the new ShearMaster is worth-
while for other reasons. Smaller sized scrap often gets
a better price on the market. Moreover, the tedious
and time-consuming handling of bulky and flimsy scrap
skeletons is eliminated.
> Contact:
Hanns Menzel, Phone: +49 (0) 7156 303 – 463,
06 Exiting the punching unit burr-free
Two new tools, two patent applications, one objective.
Thanks to two innovations — the Deburring tool and the
Deburring MultiTool — sheet metal components now
leave the punch burr-free. This means an end to the
touch-up work often required in the past in a separate manual step. Particularly when dealing with coated sheet and shaped pieces, complete processing in
the punch reduces throughput times considerably.
Both tools have one thing in common. They displace
the burr and chamfer the edges. The Deburring tool
uses a specially designed embossing roller for long edges and contours with a radius of more than 20 milli
meters. Smaller radii and fine geometries can be
processed by the three-fold Deburring MultiTool in a single stroke or nibble mode. Both tools are controlled
by the TruTops Punch programming system and are
suitable for steel, stainless steel and aluminum up to
2.5 millimeters thick.
> Contact:
Tobias Jaissle, Phone: +49 (0) 7156 303 – 6370,
The highlights
Inviting from afar: clear booth organization and arrangement by divisions.
07 Dynamic, modern and space-saving
New at the EuroBLECH 2006: The modular laser
systems in the TruLaser Cell Series 7000 by TRUMPF.
With high traversing speeds and axial acceleration
rates of up to 1 g this series of machines sets new
standards in 3 D materials processing. Above all
when cutting shaped sheet metal the superb dynamics make for time savings of up to 30 percent. Two
rotation axes make for full 3 D flexibility. And the
TruLaser Cell 7040 is a real space-saver. Thanks to its compact design the machine offers a maximum
traversing path of four meters but occupies only
about as much space as comparable three-meter
units. In dual-station models set-up and production
Highly diversified, complete supplier: Showcases with customer displays.
operations can run simultaneously — meaning a further
productivity boost.
> Contact:
Ralf Kohllöffel, Phone: +49 (0) 7156 303 – 1076
08 Modular in 3 D
For the first time ever TRUMPF is appearing at the
EuroBLECH as the manufacturer of a robot welding cell.
From the laser source to the safety enclosure, from the
periphery to integration expertise — all the required
know-how has been brought together in one spot.
Only the standard robot, as in the past, is outsourced.
More sophisticated welding optics, a new shut-down
safety feature using a magnetic coupler and optimized
shielding gas supply are proof of innovations down to
the last detail. Of superior value is the automatic adjustment of the focussing orientation. Thus for the
first time the change between deep welding and thermal conduction welding is made possible, in a single
processing cycle. The essential features of the new
cost-optimized safety enclosures are integrated functions such as the switchgear cabinet, cable raceways,
extraction ducts, illumination and safety equipment.
> Contact:
Ralf Kimmel, Phone +49 (0) 7156 303 – 801,
Innovation is in the mind
An innovative solution by TRUMPF will minimize collisions between the laser head
and the workpiece. The multidirectional collision protection feature for laser machining
is based on a magnetic coupling between the laser head and the machine, keeping force
from being applied in any of the three axial directions. A stable connection by way of
permanent magnets and electromagnets will be released in fractions of a second in case
of contact with the workpiece — before damage can take place. And one very special
property: After the incident the head, secured with a plastic strip, is quickly reattached
and the machine is ready for operation without having to be recalibrated. This new
shut-down feature has already been integrated into the new TruLaser Cell Series 7000
being shown at the EuroBLECH, and into the TruLaser Robot 5020, as well.
Ralf Kimmel, Phone: +49 (0) 7156 303 – 801, e-mail: [email protected]
Express October 06
25
Special Naming
Questions and Answers about TruName and EuroBLECH
The company’s exhibit includes numerous innovations.
Is there any one particular highlight ?
The wealth of innovations on display makes our exhibit both interesting and convincing. This is true not only for machines like the
TruLaser 5030 and the TruLaser Cell 7040 but also for the accessories,
one example being the patent-pending Deburring tool. We are showing
new components such as the ShearMaster scrap skeleton shears and
new functions in our TruTops Bend and TruTops Cell software. At
center stage among the electrically powered tools is — in addition to the
rechargeable battery powered shears — the TRUMPF TSC 1 slat cleaner.
What changes will the “TruName” system mean for customers ?
The new naming system is clearer. That will help customers find more
quickly the TRUMPF product they’re looking for. All the machines’
functions remain exactly the same. Service requests and spare parts
orders will be handled in just the same way as in the past. The new
versions of programming systems and machine controls will confront
operators directly with these new names and users will have to learn
some new terminology.
What aids are available to facilitate using the new naming system ?
We have provided our customers with two information media. One
is a brochure and the other is a conversion utility on the Internet at
www.trumpf.com.
What will happen with machines which were ordered prior to EuroBLECH ?
The principle here is “delivered as ordered”. That means all the machines
ordered will be delivered with the previous names. One exception is the
TRUMATIC 1000 ROTATION, introduced at the most recent INTECH
inhouse show. This machine will be delivered, as of November 1, exclusively with the new control interface and identified as the TruPunch
1000. And, by the way, all the machines previously installed will retain
their earlier names.
Will there be changes when reordering wearing parts or supplementary
components for machines already in service ?
No, the customers will continue to use the appropriate item number or
the previous machine name when ordering accessories or spares and
those orders will, as always, be filled promptly.
Can NC programs and third-party programming systems also be used
for machines bearing the new product names ?
Yes, since the interfaces to the execution software will not be changed.
Only the prompts at the user interfaces for programming systems and
control software will be updated. Thus existing NC programs will continue to be compatible with machines of the same design sold under
the new product names.
Will the names change with each new generation of machines ?
No, the names will continue to be used for a long time. And that is one
of the beauties of the “TruName” system. Even today we know what
new products will be called in the future. And all the product names
have been examined for compliance with the law. What’s more, we have
started registered the product family names as trademarks.
INTERVIEW
Devising solutions in
stainless steel: GLA-WEL
managing directors Gerhard Welkener (left)
and Dieter Glahs (right).
Diversity as a business idea
Strategists all over are preaching: Companies have to specialize.
Gerhard Welkener and Dieter Glahs, by contrast, do everything – and that is exactly what is their specialty.
Unusual residential furnishing and accessories, And the many products you manufacture on
components for processing plants, sporting
your own behalf ? How important are they ?
equipment — given your broad product palette, Gerhard Welkener: Manufacturing products for
isn’t there some danger of your getting bogged
the final customer was the main reason for going
down in details ?
into business for ourselves. Today those products
Dieter Glahs: We used to hear that a lot. When
account for about 25 percent of our sales. We
we founded GLA-WEL in 1996 we had one wanted to try out new things and implement our
goal: We wanted to make use of the many own ideas. You remember we were in producpossibilities found in stainless steel and tion management positions for almost 20 years.
modern sheet metal machining techniques.
Regardless of the industry or the ultimate use But wasn’t there any leeway there?
for the stainless steel component. Anyone Welkener: Yes, there was, in principle. But
who requires a special part made of stain- making our own independent decisions and
less steel is to find a solution here. That is exploiting the versatility offered by sheet
precisely the basis for our growth.
metal technology was hardly possible. →
Express October 06
27
INTERVIEW
> From canine sports to a premium product
A further range of products manufactured by
the GLA-WEL GmbH involves trailers and travel
crates for transporting dogs. Gerhard Welkener,
a passionate dog trainer, was able to combine
his experience in both his hobby and sheet metal machining: “We wanted to make up something sturdy and long-lived. And of course our
know-how in sheet metal working helps there.”
The company manufactures latches, interior
doors and grilles itself, some of which are assembled as lasered components. Here GLA-WEL
does not address a mass market but instead targets short production runs. Their efforts have
been successful. Today the kennels and trailers
manufactured in Melle enjoy a fine reputation
among dog trainers. And many special-purpose
police vehicles are equipped with GLA-WEL
crates for sniffer dogs.
So that means that the ideas for the many different products in your exhibit are your own ?
Welkener: Not entirely. In our company we
attach great importance to continuous communication among employees and all the
management levels. And in this way we blend
the widest variety of ideas. Many of the products you see in our display area were created
that way. The table in front of you, for example,
was designed by one of our employees. These
joint development efforts are one reason for
our success.
As varied as the products might be — the production times are short. How does that work ?
Glahs: Initially we farmed our lasered parts out
to four or five subcontractors. But that ultimately proved to put a brake on our growth.
The result was that we often missed delivery
dates because our subcontractors weren’t delivering their components on time. And neither was the quality what we’d expected. It
was the classic “build or buy” decision. We
could either reduce our operations to avoid
dependency on others, or we could start manufacturing ourselves. And as a consequence
we invested in a 4 kW laser cutting system.
Welkener: That was actually a turning point in
our development. In order to grow we had to
offer the market precision and on-time deliveries. In addition we were able to acquire a
leading European pharma company as a customer at that time. There we couldn’t afford any
delivery delays.
And thus independence from suppliers is just
as important an aspect in your development
as the variety in the product portfolio ?
Welkener: To be sure! Growing as fast as we
were, we had to farm work out to outside companies again and again. And we regularly had
problems with delivery dates. Our customers have in the meantime come to count on
receiving components made of special-alloy
sheet metal within 48 hours. That can be done
only if all the processes are in-house. And so
“We faced a decision: Either reduce operations slightly
or do our own laser work.” Dieter Glahs
A great team: Hagen Erben (left) and his laser. GLA-WEL
hired Erben as a specialist when the decision to purchase
a laser unit was made.
GLA-WEL employee Heiko Dröge works sheet metal components at the press brakes made by EHT and TRUMPF.
INTERVIEW
Dieter Glahs (left) and Gerhard Welkener (right) invested in their own laser cutting unit — and from that moment on held all the reins on production.
“We wanted to make our own products for the customer.
That’s why we went into business for ourselves.”
Gerhard Welkener
we augmented our laser system — which in the
meantime has been replaced with a 5 kW laser —
with two press brakes made by EHT and
TRUMPF. Thus we have at the same time integrated the precision bending process into our
operations. Moreover, since March of 2005, a
second TRUMATIC L 3050 delivering 6 kW
lets us cut plate 20 to 25 millimeters thick. Before that we had had to send that out for machining. Now we can truly offer the customers
numerous solutions from a single source.
It seems appropriate that you have even
developed your own software to generate
proposals …
Glahs: Many of our customers had found that
other companies were taking up to 14 days to
submit a proposal. Using our bid preparation
software we can submit a price while we’re still
on the phone, and many of our customers appreciate that. We also developed the PPS / ERP
system ourselves, tailoring it exactly to our operations. We also included special functions for
laser manufacturing using TRUMPF machinery. Right now we’re integrating the ToPs 1000
QuickJob, the TRUMPF software used to plan
and steer sheet metal manufacturing, into our
system. Then laser components manufacture
will be even clearer and we will have a local
materials management capability.
But you’re not thinking about going into the
software business … ?
Glahs (thinking): No … Well, I guess you should
never say “no”.
Welkener ( grinning): But we’ve already had some
inquiries .
> For further information contact:
Ralf Ansel, Phone: +49 (0) 7156 303 – 360, e-mail: [email protected]
> Everything made of stainless steel
Name:
Founded:
Employees:
Range:
GLA-WEL GmbH, Melle (Germany)
1996
50
Components made of aluminum and stainless steel, for plant and mechanical engineering, foods processing and the construction industry. Residential furniture and accessories and designer objects made of stainless steel.
Dog trailers and crates, athletic equipment and much, much more.
5 million euros
Sales:
TRUMPF machines:
Contact:
TRUMATIC L 3050 (TruLaser 5030 with 6 kW), TRUMATIC L 4050 (TruLaser 5040 with 5 kW), TrumaBend S 85 (TruBend 8085), EHT Multipress 300-40
www.gla-wel.de
Express October 06
29
Shipping from Beneckeallee direct
to the customer’s assembly line. In
recent years Fritz Deppe Blechbearbeitung has proven its worth as a
system partner that fully masters
ship-to-line logistics.
Deadlines are there to be met
When Jörg Deppe says that, “Success as a system partner is a question of quality”, he means neither
surfaces nor tolerances. He’s talking about punctual deliveries and logistics challenges.
Jörg Deppe is uncertain. How could he characterize what fills most of his
day? “Disaster management” is Friedrich Deppe’s suggestion. “Yes … No,
that’s not quite it,” his son continues. It certainly has to do with the most
important topic at their metalworking company today and with the most
important business sector, one showing continuous growth: acting as
system partner for component manufacture. And something else is the
commitment at “Fritz Deppe Blechbearbeitung” to meet every deadline
promised, even though scheduling among subcontractors is tight and
time pressures seem to be increasing. In the job shop sector it’s ever more
important to complete — very quickly — orders placed at short notice.
The ability to deal with this pressure — and indeed to turn that ability
into one’s core business — is something that these professionals have
learned over the years. Those efforts are paying off today. The Deppes
deliver housings, safety doors and similar components, complete with
viewing panes, seals, locks. And they do it on time and ready for assembly by their customers. “Ship-to-line” is the new buzzword among
German managers. The success is clear. Double-digit sales growth in
2005 and Jörg Deppe was able to hire nine additional employees. “And
there’s sufficient reason to do that again this year”, he explains while
nodding toward the stack of orders received on his desk.
PORTRAIT
The founder and his great-grandson:
Jörg Deppe can draw on experience
garnered in 75 years in business.
Those are great numbers for a company which in 2006 is celebrating of my time,” he says. But his smile also says that he enjoys this time,
yet another significant number: Fritz Deppe Blechbearbeitung turns in spite of all the stress.
75 this year. Today’s proprietor, Friedrich Deppe, is the third generation in the business and the second person to head the company after Putting our heads together to achieve progress
his grandfather Fritz. He withdrew from active participation in the
The component business is opening a second door to the future for
operative business a few years ago, however, and left his overloaded this firm: providing practice-based advice when specifying compodesk to sons Jörg and Jens.
nents and assemblies. Here Jörg Deppe already has his foot in that door.
It was only a few hundred meters from this desk that Fritz Deppe “We have to consider with every order how we can best manufacture a
founded his company, in a barn out in the meadow. Naturally, that component, how much precision is required or whether unnecessary
building no longer stands after many years of growth. “Recently we have precision just wastes money. And the earlier we get involved in the
discussed again and again whether to pursue a greenfields solution for process, the more useful we can be to the customer later,” he explains.
further growth,” says Jörg Deppe. But then the family decided to stay His customers have come to realize that. They are consulting their
put and to modernize once again. Within one year the Deppe team re- future system partner ever more often and ever earlier in questions of
placed the entire CNC processing capacities — using new machines made engineering and manufacturing processes.
by TRUMPF. “That started in October 2005 and proceeded at almost
Jörg Deppe is still looking for a suitable description for the bulk
a monthly cycle from that time on,” Friedrich Deppe recalls. “The old of his work. “A qualified system partnership”, he says, “means above
machine went out, a new one came in. And then the next one in line. all to bring a degree of calm to a complex and fast-running process.
We wanted to be able to continue working, after all.” Today the modern Because only if 90 percent of the processes run smoothly do we have
equipment, with its rapid changeover from one program to another and time to manage the ten percent where catastrophe threatens.” “And so
very short set-up times, makes for even more flexibility in day-to-day it’s disaster management, after all?” Friedrich Deppe questions. “Yes,
business.
sometimes that’s true,” his son finally agrees.
Quality in the process
“It’s clear that flexibility and manufacturing quality play a major role,”
Jörg Deppe adds. “But it’s even more important to have a firm hold
on the transport routes from our suppliers to our receiving dock and
from our shipping dock to the customer’s site.” And we have to be so
firmly in charge that even abrupt schedule changes can neither rattle
the responsible personnel nor influence quality.
Jörg Deppe provides one example. “When 300 housings to be
delivered in two months suddenly turn into 400 housings in four
weeks — you need more than just the sheet metal. You also require locks,
hinges, viewing windows, gasket profiles. And all that had actually
been ordered for delivery later, from subcontractors who have their own
suppliers.” He refers to this branched and tapered structure, with the
customer at the top, as the “pine tree”. Keeping this pine tree healthy
and keeping it in line is what defines the quality of the logistics in his
opinion. Ultimately the word “logistics” comes from roots associated
with “rational” and above all the “ability to calculate”. And mastering
all this is exactly the task that Deppe tackles daily. “70 to 80 percent
> For further information contact:
Wolfgang Römer, Phone: +49 (0) 7156 303 – 991, E-Mail: [email protected]
> Sheet metal and logistics experts: The system partner
Name:
Founded:
Employees:
Range:
Fritz Deppe Blechbearbeitung , Hanover (Germany)
1931
50
Manufacture and just-in-time delivery of complete components,
support in specifications and engineering.
TRUMPF machines:
TRUMATIC 6000 L (TruMatic 6000), TRUMATIC L 2510 Contact:
(TruLaser 2030), TrumaBend V 2300 (TruBend 5230), TrumaBend V 850 (TruBend 5085)
www.fritz-deppe.de
Express October 06
31
getty images
Ultimately it’s all a matter of maturity: that of
the heirs, enabling them to run the company,
and that of the seniors, enabling them to turn
loose of a life’s work.
REPORT : CORPORATE SUCCESSION
The apple falls —
close to
the tree ?
Ready for a change of generations in your company ?
Two junior and two senior family members talk about choosing
the right time, about trust, tolerance and acceptance.
At family dinner on Sunday the patriarch, at 87,
announces proudly: “My son, it’s time to hand
the company over to you.” But junior is curt:
“Thanks, Dad, but at 65 I’d like to retire!”
Pure fiction ? Regrettably not. In many family firms the question of succession is put off
far too long. Certainly it’s not always easy to
pass on one’s life work. Will the successor continue to manage the company in the family’s
best interests ? Does he or she have the expertise and vision required to survive on the
market ?
There are other ways to handle this problem. This is demonstrated by propitious sucExpress October 06
33
> Mauser & Co. GmbH
The company “Mauser — Die Experten für Technik” is located in Ditzingen and manufactures highquality sheet metal assemblies for mechanical engineering. Mauser provides convincing support to
customers with extensive consulting and advisory services — beginning in the development
stage and continuing through to the finished
component.
Name:
Mauser & Co. GmbH, Ditzingen (Germany)
Founded:
1925
Employees: 23
Range:
Modern sheet metal processing, with emphasis on mechanical engineering.
Contact:
www.mauser-blechtechnik.de
Georg Mauser (right) appreciates the critical eye of his father Ewald.
“What I particularly enjoy is when the boys come and ask:
‘Boss, how did you do that in the past ?‘“ Senior Ewald Mauser
cession processes at two firms: “Mauser — Die
Experten für Technik” at Ditzingen and
“Handte Umwelttechnik” in Tuttlingen. Both
TRUMPF customers began active management
of succession early on.
Selecting a time for succession or deciding
on a suitable successor is often difficult. At
Mauser and Handte the necessary restructuring of the companies triggered the process.
Both of the patriarchs got the next generation
involved in the planned changes, intended to
ready the firms for the future. And fortunately
for both companies: Successors Georg Mauser
and Jakob Handte were already in place.
The path followed by Mauser
“We finally have an engineer!” Even at Georg
Mauser’s birth it was clear that one day he
would take over the family company. It is
hardly surprising that even while still in
school he poked his nose into the company.
He consistently focussed his vocational train- talk about everything but he’s responsible for
ing on his future as a businessman and then company development’,” Ewald Mauser emin 1992 joined the family firm. The question phasizes. But Dad’s not even begun to think
of succession was approached after a year of about retiring. He is still an active member of
successful cooperation with his father. The management. His responsibilities include the
impetus here was the realignment of the com- logistics sector and he thinks it’s “simply great
pany. Processes were to be restructured and that, as a senior, I can still make a difference”.
ISO 9001 quality management was to be intro
duced. The father’s intention was that son The course adopted by Handte
Georg should take a pivotal part in planning Jakob Handte had set the course for succesand implementing the restructuring.
sion by studying mechanical engineering, speGeorg’s grandfather Theodor Mauser was a cializing in process technology. The “senior”,
member of management until January 1, 1993, Siegfried Handte, would have liked to see
and then he handed over to Georg Mauser his daughter Christine also join the company but
management duties and 25 percent of his she decided on a different career.
holdings in the company. A further 25 perWhen Jakob Handte joined the company
cent were passed along to the grandson upon in 1998 he first rotated through a number of
Theodor Mauser’s death with the other half departments in order to get an overall picture.
going to Ewald Mauser, but responsibilities Today the strategic goal set together by father
for company management lie largely with the and son has long since been reached. New
“junior chief”. “I tell people: ‘He’s the boss. We business activities have been developed and
“Letting go of power
was not easy!
And I don’t mind
my tongue even
today — because
constructive criticism
is necessary.”
Senior Siegfried Handte
Siegfried Handte (left) enjoys the view of a successful future for the company group under the leadership of his son Jakob.
the transition from a pure plant engineering
company to OEM supplier has been completed.
It is Jakob’s responsibility to launch and provide stimulus for the required steps. “I have
never doubted my son,” notes a proud father.
When he entered the firm Jakob Handte bought
30 percent of the shares from his father. Siegfried Handte disposed of the rest of his holdings by transferring equal shares to his two
children. Management responsibilities went
entirely to son Jakob in 2004. To do justice to
the operational changes, father and son three
years ago recruited a partner from outside the
family. He holds 33 percent of the shares and
is responsible for commercial affairs.
Siegfried Handte is today active as a consultant to the group. He might have handed
down his management post, but he still speaks
his mind. Ultimately he still contributes many
good ideas and recently filed new patents
once again.
Corporate responsibility is a must
Decisive for the success of the course adopted — and this is something clear to both
successors — was that they were not only appointed to management positions but that they
held a stake in the company from the very beginning.
Ewald Mauser learned from his own experience how important it is to assign responsibilities to successors early on. “You have to transfer
authority to the boys in their best years, when
they’re between 30 and 40,” he says while adding, with a wink, “Maybe not the entire company, but a goodly bit of authority.”
Courage to tolerate a gap ?
In both companies the two generations have
engineered a succession that ensures the future
viability of the company — based on a great deal
of mutual respect for the achievements of the
others. But even with all this mutual admira-
> Handte Umwelttechnik
The Handte Umwelttechnik group, located in Tutt
lingen, delivers bespoke, high-quality environmental technology solutions and applications associated
with exhaust gas cleaning — manufactured using
the newest techniques. The company has delivered
extraction systems to TRUMPF for eight years now.
These systems draw off the dust generated during
laser cutting and clean the exhaust air stream in a
dry filter. The special feature: The extraction units
extinguish sparks and thus prevent filter fires.
Name:
Handte Umwelttechnik,
Tuttlingen (Germany)
Founded: 1889
Employees: 160
Range:
Technology and services associated
with exhaust air purification and
improving working conditions
Contact:
www.handte.de
Express October 06
35
Ask the
pro :
Corporate consultant Toni C. Plonner
tion it’s still surprising how little was set down
in writing. The people in Tuttlingen drew up
the share sales documents and the articles of
partnership with the help of their tax advisors
and that was it. “The overall concept worked
out fine for us, but there was some degree of
luck involved. If we had developed confidence
in consultants earlier it might have been even
smoother.”
Looking back, Georg Mauser is also convinced that an outside “moderator” would have
been useful in order to lay down clear rules.
“We talked a lot but, with the exception of the
articles of partnership, we didn’t write much
down.” Here he would have like to have external support in order to lay out the path. And
to show the father, that his path was leading
in the right direction.
When the old hand and
the new broom …
Particularly when both generations are involved in the company it is important to
clearly delineate authority and thus enable
balanced collaboration. Everyone involved
in both companies agrees with this. And all
agree that mutual tolerance, acceptance and
trust are essential to success. The elders see a
challenge in trusting the abilities of their offspring and giving them free rein, even if they
don’t feel every new path is the right one. And
Georg Mauser and Jakob Handte would not
want to be without their fathers’ ideas and experience. You need only listen to the seniors
when they gush about heir own active years.
Then their eyes light up and you can be sure
they’re not just paying lip service to the past.
Surely there was the occasional disagreement. “But it was always in a spirit of sportsmanship,” Jakob Handte noted. And Georg
Mauser summed up with a smile: “Friction
generates heat — and that’s fresh energy for the
company!”
“The successor has to be qualified in
the eyes of senior management.”
According to surveys conducted by the Institute for Middle-Market Research in Bonn,
there are currently about 70 000 companies in Germany on the threshold of succession; they employ about 678 000 people. The bad news: Owing to the lack
of successor about 6 000 companies will have to be shut down and another 15 000
sold. The good news: 43.8 percent of these firms have been able to work out succession within the family. Many TRUMPF customers see themselves confronted with
the challenge of succession. That is why TRUMPF Express asked Toni C. Plonner,
president of UnternehmerPlan GmbH, about central aspects, paths and solutions.
Why do so many companies shy away from managing this subject actively
and in good time ?
Many businesspeople do not know how to initiate the process, what to do, and how
to plan for succession. Often there is a lack of pressure which would encourage
change.
What has to be observed at all costs ?
It is essential that the “elder generation” view the successors as competent, that
they trust the new generation and assign the appropriate degree of authority. Both generations — and this could include outside successors — will have to undertake an intensive dialogue in which the future of the company is defined. The current state of the company plays an important part here. The company will have
to be readied for the change.
Why is it helpful to engage outside consultants ?
It’s a simple truism that companies have no experience with what is to be done.
The unobstructed view of an external consultant can help to arrange topics and
unanswered questions in the interest of an auspicious succession strategy.
What is typical for a successful transfer process ?
Thorough preparation and carefully balanced planning in the family and the company,
taking a critical look at the future of both the company and the company’s future
proprietor, along with transparent information policies — these are the guarantees
for a promising succession process. At its conclusion a satisfied senior looks back
proudly at his life’s work while a motivated junior, full of entrepreneurial energy, sets
off to shape the future.
Toni C. Plonner, corporate consultant and coach, was himself
proprietor of a middle-market group of companies. He is
president of the UnternehmerPlan GmbH. He concentrates on
strategy development for businesspersons and family firms.
FINE PROCESSING
And everything here is perfectly
normal? Not hardly. The paper
clip shows that all the components — from the pressure spring
(far left) to the artificial skull
(right) — are very much
enlarged in this
view.
Minimally invasive
operations
“You mustn’t get too close to the rear wall of the tube during laser work,” Wolfgang Zepf explained.
That’s clear enough. But what do you do when the tube’s diameter is the same as a pencil lead ?
Things tend to be tight where Wolfgang Zepf works. Not in the production hall. He just recently expanded that building. It’s tight at the
workpiece. Anyone who intends to use a laser beam to cut a hole in
the one-millimeter wall of a tube just a few millimeters in diameter
doesn’t have much room for error. “You mustn’t come to close to the
rear wall of the tube as it would otherwise deform,” Zepf says. →
Express October 06
37
Zepf, 49 years of age, is the proprietor of Zepf Lasertechnik at SeitingenOberflacht. The company, situated between Rottweil and Tuttlingen,
near the A81 autobahn, has specialized in making up detailed two- and
three-dimensional sheet metal components. From steel, copper alloys,
titanium, aluminum or ceramic materials — whatever the customer
might specify. “There are no disagreeable materials,” Zepf says, “only
disagreeable material thicknesses.”
Pathogen-free precision
In the surgical setting it is essential that workpieces be absolutely free
of pores where pathogens could lodge themselves. This is a requirement
for which laser welding is virtually predestined. Soldering was the
technique of choice in earlier years and even today some of the competitors still reach for the soldering iron. This is in part because a laser
workstation might cost one hundred times as much as a workplace for
soldering. But, “You don’t know, for example, whether the solder has
Surgeons for sheet metal at the laser station
actually penetrated into the solder point”, Zepf cautions. And soldering
Zepf takes as his example a pressure spring which he could easily cover is manual work, with all the quality fluctuations that involves.
with the tip of his index finger. Adjoining a bent rib, no longer or thicker
Wolfgang Zepf points to a long steel tube 4.5 millimeters in diameter;
than an ant, there are two delicate, rectangular frames which protrude a tube 0.9 millimeter in diameter is to be welded to each side. This is a
like wings. At the end of the two wings a rib barely one millimeter high mechanical guide for a surgical instrument used in minimally invasive
stands proud. “We could easily bend or laser-cut most of this item,” Zepf interventions. The waveguide is passed through the wider tube while
reports. “But there were no suitable bending tools for the very fine ribs the cables with which the surgeon guides and operates the instruments
at the ends.” So Zepf’s employees first welded a bracket on the miniature pass through the two thin tubes. “No touch-up work is required when we
rib so as to be able to hold it securely. Then they welded these ribs to the laser weld a part like this and we can determine while welding whether
wings by hand. Finally they used a laser beam to remove the bracket, the seam is free of pores.”
free of all residues.
Zepf’s associates split the beam so as to ensure that the carrier tube
The tiny spring shows no sign of all the effort expended here. If the is deformed only in a closely controlled fashion during laser welding.
customer had needed large numbers, then he would have gone to a com- Thus both tubes can be welded to the carrier tube simultaneously. “And
pany with the required presses. But the client required only 20 of these that — in contrast to soldering — at identical quality for every part. It
springs — any kind of mass production would have been uneconomical. is series production, after all,” Zepf emphasized.
Short runs such as this — and prototypes and samples, too — are the
Drawing on the 13 years of experience which the company has garZepf Lasertechnik specialties. Consequently the company works with nered in the meantime, Wolfgang Zepf feels himself well girded to
many engineering offices. Proprietor Wolfgang Zepf is a machine confront all the twists and turns encountered in precision machining
builder. When he was young this was an apprenticeship trade which of sheet metal. Only once, in the very early years, did he have to return
survives today as the “fine mechanics fitter”. Zepf earned his master an order. “Otherwise we’ve managed to do everything — even if the
craftsman’s certificate and then worked in several sheet metal shops, work lasted well into the night,” he said. “We don’t know the words ‘It
ultimately as production manager. During this time he acquired knowl- can’t be done’.”
edge of business management which serves him well today as an independent entrepreneur. When Zepf became self-employed his customers > Address your questions to:
Steffen Henzler, Phone: +49 (0) 7156 303 – 1344, e-mail: [email protected]
were primarily in the field of surgical technology.
> A minimalist for the finest work
Name:
Founded:
Employees:
Range:
Customers:
Machines:
Contact:
Zepf Lasertechnik GmbH & Co. KG, Seitingen-Oberflacht (Germany)
1993 20
Precision laser cutting and welding. Complete machining of sheet metal components (laser
cutting, punching, nibbling, reshaping) at gauges of between 0.01 an 4 millimeters.
Mechanical engineering, tool and prototype construction, surgical and precision technology,
electrical technology and the like.
Four 4-axis and 5-axis manufacturing centers and two manual workstations with solid-state lasers, TRUMATIC 3000 L (TruMatic 3000), TrumaBend E 35
www.zepf-lasertechnik.de
FINE PROCESSING
“There are no disagreeable
materials, only disagreeable
material thicknesses.”
The surgeon among laser specialists:
Wolfgang Zepf’s operations specialize in
everything tiny and fine, demanding
the highest degree of precision.
Express October 06
39
CHARACTERS : PEOPLE AND Sheet Metal
“I have yet to meet another woman in my field.
My line of work is still firmly in the masculine
domain.”
Tell us,
Ms. Rothermel ...
… what do you see as your greatest
strength? And your greatest weakness?
Tank Girl
Sonja Rothermel abandoned the typewriter in favor of the nibbler. And she launched her own fuel tank services company.
Sonja Rothermel does not regret at all her
second choice of careers. “I always wanted
to work with my hands — an office job just
wasn’t right for me,” she says. And she stands
by her decision, even when things get hot. Like
once, just after she had started her own business, “Tankschutz Rothermel”. Then, in 2001,
Sonja Rothermel still used sawdust to soak up
the last oil residues whenever an oil tank was
dismantled. “But we weren’t able to sweep up
all the sawdust. When we then used a cutting
disk to dismantle the tank, sparks ignited the
oil-soaked sawdust,” Sonja Rothermel recalls.
“Fortunately, this was just beginners’ bad luck.
Everything worked out OK.”
She grew up with oil
An error like that isn’t likely to happen today.
It’s not just that in the meantime she uses a
fireproof granulate instead of sawdust. She’s
also made the transition from the cutting disk
to the TRUMPF N 700-2 nibbler, the ideal tool
for dismantling oil tanks. In the past five years
she has been able to accumulate a great deal
of experience, this thanks to the good order
situation. She learned about oil from early
childhood onward. “My dad runs a heating
oil dealership in Östringen. He used to farm
out orders for building, cleaning or dismantling tanks. I was always interested in his work
and that’s why I often went along — and it excited me from the very first,” Sonja Rothermel
reports. In the meantime she has built, in a
neighboring town, a new shop and offices for
her company. The firm will be relocating in
this year.
Sonja Rothermel has two full-time employees
in her company — both of them men. “Sometimes, when there’s a lot to do, I use temporary
help. That might even include women friends
of mine.” Otherwise women are the exception
in her job. “I have yet to meet another woman
in my field. My line of work is still firmly in
the masculine domain.” This has been the
cause of some surprised looks — when the female voice on the telephone suddenly appears
in real life in front of the door – in the form of
Sonja Rothermel, in safety clothing and with
the nibbler in hand.
But she has had no adverse experiences as
a woman in her profession. “I have never had
to fight for an order, or lost an order, because
I’m a woman. More the opposite is true. But
I do have the feeling that I have to prove
a lot more in my work — but on the other
hand, my work is very highly esteemed,”
she says. And she adds: “I like my job!
I always welcome a challenge and
I’ve always got to be in the middle
of things. A pure desk job just isn’t
my cup of tea.”
>
My great strength is my iron will. I always
tell myself, “Success lies in action.” When I really want something, then that becomes
my unconditional goal. My greatest weakness is that I can’t say “no”. Sometimes I find that I simply don’t have enough time
for myself.
… how would you characterize yourself
in three words ?
That’s simple: I’m impulsive, funny and ready
to take part in any kind of nonsense!
… where do you get your energy ?
From my business success, which pleases me very much — but primarily from my family.
… what would you want to have
on that proverbial desert island ?
I wouldn’t want to be on a desert island at all! A great party on the weekend is my thing. But in any case I’d want to take an agreeable companion along on that desert island.
… what dream would you want to make
true in any case in your life?
I’d love to have children.
Sonja Rothermel and
her favorite tool: The TRUMPF N 700-2 nibbler. It will chew its way,
spark-free, through
seven-millimeter structural steel.
Address your questions to:
Werner Cloos,
Phone: +49 (0) 7156 303 – 383,
E-Mail: [email protected]
> Kontakt: [email protected]
Express October 06
41
SHEET METAL : A HISTORICAL TIDBIT
Credits
TRUMPF Express October 06
Magazine for Sheet Metal Processing
Published by
TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
Johann-Maus-Straße 2
71254 Ditzingen
www.trumpf.com
Best by …
Responsible for content
Dr.-Ing. Mathias Kammüller
The patent for the tin can was awarded to Englishman Peter Durand in 1810.
That made it possible to preserve food safely and relatively easily.
But how were users to open the cans ?
Editor-in-chief
Martin Lober
+49 (0) 7156 303 - 428
[email protected]
Consulting
Napoleon Bonaparte — French emperor, gen- so for almost half a century hungry people
eral — and indirectly responsible for the tin had to make do with a hammer and chisel.
can. Because in 1795 Napoleon announced American Ezra J. Warner did in fact patent a
a prize of 12 000 francs for an invention that can opener in 1858 but the real breakthrough
would make it possible to store foods longer. didn’t occur until 1870 when his countryThe reason: Most edibles spoiled during long man William Lyman invented a can opener
sea journeys, marches or expeditions. But nine with a cutting wheel. It was feasible only beyears elapsed before Parisian baker and confec- cause tin plate had become much thinner in
tioner François Nicolas Appert in 1804 came the meantime. In their infancy tin cans were
upon the revolutionary idea of storing foods in made of considerably thicker sheet metal — sealed jars and then heating them to 100 °C and closed off with toxic lead solder. Today
to preserve them. It wasn’t until 1810 that the tins are sealed with a folded seam and a
British merchant Peter Durand packed the plastic film is applied to the inside so that
foods in containers made of tin sheet — and the contents can no longer react with the
in the same year applied for a patent on the sheet metal walls. The manual can opener
tin can.
with the cutting wheel is still in use today all
around the world — at least in those houseFirmly packed but hard to open
holds where it has not been supplanted by
But Durand had forgotten one important de- the electric-powered version originally intail: A utensil with which to open the cans. And troduced in 1931.
Long-lasting foods are thanks to a Frenchman and an Englishman. An American invented the practical opener.
Helmut Ortner
Edited by
pr+co. gmbh, Stuttgart
Norbert Hiller
Nadine Leimbrink
Layout and production
pr+co. gmbh, Stuttgart
Gernot Walter
Markus Weißenhorn
Martin Reinhardt
Reproduction
Reprotechnik Herzog GmbH, Stuttgart
Printed by
frechdruck GmbH, Stuttgart
Contribution
Dr. Christine Kühn
Nadine Leimbrink
Olaf Meier
Martin Reinhardt
Stefan Schanz
Michael Vogel
Jürgen Warmbold
Translation
Stewart Lindemann, Wuppertal
Photography and computer graphics
KD Busch
Ralf Kreuels
Claus Langer
Udo Loster
GLA-WEL GmbH
TRIAD Berlin Projektgesellschaft mbH
Conny Tüch
Illustration
Gernot Walter
Inspiring young people!
„Sachen machen!“ is an initiative realised by the VDI
(Association of German Engineers) and various partners
from the German economy and sciences. The slogan´s
message is “don´t talk about it, do it!” Currently more
than 75 top-class partners have joined „Sachen machen!“
Their joint aim is to emphasize the efﬁcient performance
of Germany as a technical location, and to support and
nurture the next generation as well as innovation in
Germany.
>> www.sachen-machen.org
Among others, the following partners support the initiative:
Hard cash — Not so hard to come by
Brightly printed paper, whenever you need it. Today that’s
no problem at all and we owe that to an inventive — and
above all impatient — American. The idea for the automatic
teller came to Don Wetzel in 1965 while waiting in a long
line in front of a bank teller’s window. Modern life is hardly
conceivable without ATMs. Wincor Nixdorf in Paderborn
manufactures a large share of these machines. The company
is one of the leading manufacturers of “money dispensers”
and supplies international banks and financial services institutions. To do so, 7 000 tons of light-gauge sheet metal
are processed in Paderborn alone, using TRUMPF technology. But shipping every machine has to demonstrate in
the company’s own testing facility that it can really count
correctly. www.wincor-nixdorf.com

TRUMPF Express, Issue October 06

Transcription

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