TRUMPF to build digitally connected demonstration facility in Chicago

Photo: TRUMPF

Machine tool and laser manufacturer TRUMPF is building a demonstration factory in Chicago that is designed as a flexible, digitally connected production plant. The entire sheet metal process chain, from ordering of a sheet metal part to its design, production, and delivery, will be interconnected.

Rather than highlighting individual machines like a traditional showroom, the factory will focus on the entire customer process, complete with material and information flow. Covering an area of roughly 59,200 sq. ft., the new site—scheduled to open in summer 2017—will demonstrate the interaction of people, machines, storage equipment, automation, software, and Industry 4.0 systems.

The Industry 4.0 offerings at TRUMPF—called TruConnect—will be in operation at the plant. The production line will be designed so customers at TRUMPF in Chicago can dispatch their own orders. Their requirements and findings from production will be collected in the development offices on-site and then made available to the central R&D departments of the TRUMPF Group.