More efficient production with new machines and pioneering solutions

Challenges

Pure chance played a role in the encounter between Marc, Yannik and Raphael Willgenss and TRUMPF. On their way to view a competitor's machine, the three businessmen made a detour to Ditzingen and on the spur of the moment decided to buy a TruLaser Tube 7000 fiber to extend their portfolio. Raphael visited the TRUMPF Smart Factory Center during the operator course and was enthusiastic: "Of course, it was extremely interesting for me as an IT person. I am the one in the company who drives anything to do with digitalization. TRUMPF solutions such as production control and programming software won me over." To ensure a strong position in the future, Yannik and Raphael wanted to implement software for further automation in the HEUN Group – the aim was to make the production more effective and energy-efficient with a new machine pool. They chose a holistic solution from TRUMPF.

Solutions

Utilization of the TruLaser Tube 7000 fiber at 30 to 40 percent is ensured thanks to a customer framework agreement. Raphael Willgenss explains, "We have been receiving numerous additional queries ever since our customers found out that we have this system." The entrepreneurs are aiming for a more productive and energy-efficient production as well as an extension of the portfolio. Not without reason: calculations showed that the monthly electricity consumption of the aging laser cutting and bending machines at HEUN were costing about 18,000 euros. Raphael und Yannik Willgenss decided to invest in new machines. A TruLaser Cell 7040 was installed in the production system at Primetall in May 2021. Two TruLaser 3030 systems were added at H. K. Heun. One machine is loaded manually, and the second TruLaser 3030 is automatically loaded and unloaded by a LiftMaster.

Implementation

From the very beginning, the emphasis was on a long-term relationship for the business partnership between HEUN and TRUMPF. Raphael Heun says, "TRUMPF offered us the solutions and general framework that we needed. We are on the right track for success with the solutions from Ditzingen."

Forecast

Increased automation and digitalization will be important topics for the HEUN Group far into the future. The TruTops Fab production control system which is already installed at Primetall will also be in operation at their affiliate company H. K. Heun from the summer of 2021. The brothers are also planning on replacing the existing bending machines with TRUMPF bending machines. The programming system TruTops Boost will take over programming of the laser and bending programs.