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TruFlow, reliable, robust, and versatile
TruFlow, reliable, robust, and versatile
CO2 laser

TruFlow

Reliable, robust, and versatile

A true all-around solution

The TRUMPF CO2 lasers in the TruFlow series have been used in industry as universal standard tools in material processing for years. The flow lasers cut, weld, and treat the surfaces of two- or three-dimensional parts in a reliable and cost-effective way. The wavelength of 10.6 µm and the large power spectrum from 2 to 20 kW give a great degree of freedom in the selection of material type and thickness. TruFlow lasers not only process metal, but also organic materials, compound materials, and glass.

Stable design

Due to its square design, the resonator is mechanically robust and temperature-resistant.

Save energy

The cooling concept and intelligent energy management make TruFlow lasers the most energy-efficient lasers of their kind.

Minimal wear

Wear-free laser operation with respect to gas circulation and RF excitation.

Integrated beam guidance

Optimally formed laser light using integrated and encapsulated beam guidance.

Always safe

Continuous monitoring of temperature and degree of contamination.

Square basic construction of the resonator
Robust and compact

In CO2 lasers, high laser power and good beam quality depend directly on the length of the resonator. The special construction of the TruFlow folds the quartz tube, which is several meters long, into a square circuit on two levels. This – and the nearly closed system – make TruFlow lasers compact, thermally and mechanically durable beam sources for everyday industrial applications.

Resonator of the TruFlow CO2 laser
Durable and versatile

Even under the toughest conditions, TruFlow lasers operate extremely cost-effectively and with high availability. The power spectrum ranges from 2,000 W to 20,000 W – so the laser covers a broad field of applications.

Assembly of the TruFlow laser resonators in the clean room
Lifelong basic adjustment

TruFlow laser resonators are assembled in the clean room and receive their basic adjustment there. This basic adjustment lasts for the laser's entire lifetime as a result of the patented mounts for the deflection mirrors. The system excludes thermal effects on the adjustment: all mechanical and optical components of the resonator are either directly or indirectly water-cooled. Coolers developed specifically for the TruFlow product group keep the cooling water temperature constant within +/- 0.5°C and thus guarantee optimal parameter stability.

Integrated, encapsulated beam guidance of the TruFlow CO2 laser
Integrated, encapsulated beam formation

Optical elements can be integrated directly in the laser for beam formation in a space-saving manner, e.g. a phase shifter, circular polarizer, diameter adjustment mirror, or beam telescope. In this way, the output beam can be set individually. Due to the encapsulated design, the optical components stay clean, and the laser power and focus geometry remain absolutely constant.

TruFlow, wear-free gas circulation
Wear-free gas circulation

With up to 60,000 RPM, the radial turbine blowers generate unique gas flow rates. They thereby create the conditions for an energy-efficient transformation of the electrical excitation energy into laser power. The integrated blowers work using magnetic bearings. This means that contact between the interior of the resonator and the outside world is avoided and the system functions without wear. The magnetic technology also prevents blower damage in the event of a power failure or emergency shutoff and prevents contamination through lubricant. This is a further advantage compared to mechanical drives.

Thick and thin sheet applications with the TruFlow

Through thick and thin

Due to their outstanding beam properties and large power bandwidth, TruFlow lasers are not only well-suited for thin sheet applications, but for thick sheet applications as well. The process window, which is large due to the wavelength, ensures good processing quality, even with large sheet thicknesses and feed rates.

Laser-processed tubes and profiles

Tubes and profiles

With TruFlow CO2 lasers from TRUMPF, you can create non-porous continuous seams, without deposits of molten metal discharge on the conveyor rollers of tube and profiles – and you can do all of this around the clock. The TruFlow thus proves its high performance in continuous operation.

Laser-welded transmission component

Differential gear

The TruFlow attains very good application results with thick sheet welding. TRUMPF CO2 lasers are frequently used to create deep welds where seams are subject to high stress, such as differential gears on trucks.

Laser-cut component made of fiber-reinforced composite (CFRP)

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic component

With the TruFlow lasers, it is possible to cut fiber reinforced composites, such as CFRP, without mechanical load. Due to good absorption in the basic structure of the plastic, the CO2 laser can demonstrate its advantages here.

Processing wood using TruFlow lasers from TRUMPF

Processing wood

Due to the wavelengths used, the CO2 laser achieves very good absorption with organic materials. Even low laser power leads to good processing results. Free contours and precise edges in woodcutting are possible with the TRUMPF CO2 laser.

TruFlow laser amplifier for EUV applications

EUV application

As part of the EUV application, CO2 laser light is focused on a small drop of liquid tin in a vacuum chamber. This creates a hot plasma, which emits the EUV light (wavelength 13.5 nm). This short wavelength can be used to produce the finest of structures in semi-conductor lithography. This pioneering technology makes miniaturization and increased productivity of semi-conductor elements possible.

Thick sheet welding in shipbuilding

Using the CO2 laser in shipbuilding reduces weight and increases load capacity. Low distortion and high degree of automation in laser processing significantly reduce production costs.

Coil joining with the TruFlow

Coil joining

When it comes to coil joining applications, the TruFlow can handle extreme ambient conditions in steel plants around the world.

Laser parameters                      
Power constancy at rated laser output ± 2 % ± 2 % ± 2 % ± 2 % ± 2 % ± 2 % ± 2 %        
Continuously adjustable power range 100 W - 2000 W 135 W - 2700 W 160 W - 3200 W 200 W - 4000 W 250 W - 5000 W 300 W - 6000 W 400 W - 8000 W 500 W - 10000 W 600 W - 12000 W 750 W - 15000 W 1000 W - 20000 W
Beam quality, standard (K / M²) 0.55 / 1,82 0.55 / 1,82 0.55 / 1,82 0.55 / 1,82 0.55 / 1,82 0.55 / 1,82 0.55 / 1,82 0.52 / 1,9 0.26 / 3,8 0.24 / 4,2 0.22 / 4,5
Beam quality, optional (K / M²) 0.9 / 1.11 0.9 / 1.11 0.9 / 1.11 0.9 / 1.11 0.9 / 1.11 0.35 / 2,86 0.35 / 2,86 - - - -
Wavelength 10.6 μm 10.6 μm 10.6 μm 10.6 μm 10.6 μm 10.6 μm 10.6 μm 10.6 μm 10.6 μm 10.6 μm 10.6 μm
Adjustable pulse duration 10 µs … cw 10 µs … cw 10 µs … cw 10 µs … cw 10 µs … cw 10 µs … cw 10 µs … cw 10 µs … cw 10 µs … cw 10 µs … cw 10 µs … cw
Typical power constancy at rated power ± 2 % ± 2 % ± 2 % ± 2 %              
Structural design                      
Dimensions of beam generator (W x H x D) 1185 mm x 615 mm x 1150 mm 1185 mm x 615 mm x 1150 mm 1185 mm x 615 mm x 1150 mm 1185 mm x 615 mm x 1150 mm 1185 mm x 615 mm x 1150 mm 1185 mm x 615 mm x 1150 mm 1185 mm x 615 mm x 1150 mm 1185 mm x 615 mm x 1150 mm 1665 mm x 1100 mm x 1524 mm 1665 mm x 1100 mm x 1524 mm 1665 mm x 1100 mm x 1524 mm
x 1420 mm x 2100 mm x 800 mm 1420 mm x 2100 mm x 800 mm 1420 mm x 2100 mm x 800 mm 1420 mm x 2100 mm x 800 mm 1800 mm x 2100 mm x 800 mm 2000 mm x 2100 mm x 800 mm 3000 mm x 2100 mm x 800 mm        
Dimensions of RF generator and control (W x H x D) 2000 mm x 2100 mm x 800 mm 3000 mm x 2100 mm x 800 mm 3000 mm x 2100 mm x 800 mm 5200 mm x 2100 mm x 800 mm              
Installation                      
Ambient temperature, standard 5 °C - 35 °C 5 °C - 35 °C 5 °C - 35 °C 5 °C - 35 °C 5 °C - 35 °C 5 °C - 35 °C 5 °C - 35 °C 5 °C - 35 °C 5 °C - 35 °C 5 °C - 35 °C 5 °C - 35 °C

With TRUMPF, you have many options for adapting the TruFlow precisely to your needs. For example, you can set up your beam guidance with additional components such as a pilot laser, circular polarizer, beam telescope, and others. TRUMPF also gives you several options for the cooling water circuit. If necessary, you can use the active laser power control to keep your process even more constant or bring more flexibility to your production with a movable resonator.

Integrated beam-guiding components

In addition to the beam source itself, you can choose from an extensive selection of optical components and additional accessories. Many of these beam-guidance components fit under the laser hood such as the circular polarizer, beam telescope, pilot laser, or diameter adjustment mirror. Ventilation of the components with air that is filtered in several stages prevents the gas from becoming contaminated from outside.

Square basic construction of the resonator
Versatile cooling concepts

To cool the laser, you can choose between water-water or water-air compressor coolers. If you are already operating your own cooling circuit, you can also use a plate heat exchanger.

TruFlow laser in a mobile system
Mobile resonator

Due to its mechanical stability, you can also potentially use TruFlow on mobile systems. There are two options here: either only the resonator moves and is supplied by way of a flexible RF cable, or the generator moves along with the resonator.

Active laser power control

The active laser power control stabilizes the laser power to deviations of +/- 1% and thereby keeps the process constant, regardless of ambient influences.

Lasers and laser systems – with us, the perfect pair. All beam sources are optimally attuned to the requirements of the TRUMPF laser systems. You can choose between numerous versions and options, resulting in a system which is precisely tailored to your task. TruFlow lasers are well-suited to both 2D and 3D laser cutting machines and can also be integrated in punch laser machines.

TRUMPF helps you with individual adjustment of the beam guidance to meet the relevant requirements. For this purpose TRUMPF ensures its customary high quality in offering individual optical components for integration into existing or newly designed manufacturing systems. This means, for example, that beam splitters or deflection mirrors, as well as a beam telescope or circular polarizer can be integrated into the external beam guidance.

TRUMPF deflection mirror

These mirror units offer 90° deflection and are available with apertures of 1.7 in. to 3.1 in and a maximum load capacity of up to 20 kW. Their high, thermomechanical stability enables you to implement even challenging beam guidance tasks over large distances.

TRUMPF 2-way beam switch

The 2-way beam switch consists of a radiation-resistant enclosed protective housing with integrated safety detection. The deflection mirror blocks are moved pneumatically on a precision linear guide and feature quick-change holders and electric mirror monitoring. An AS-i box is used as the electrical interface.

This product range and information may vary depending on the country. Subject to changes to technology, equipment, price, and range of accessories. Please get in touch with your local contact person to find out whether the product is available in your country.

Footnotes
  • Other optics configurations are available on request.

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