When Atlas Manufacturing shifted from turret punch presses to Trumpf machines with linear tool changers, it changed how we punch. Knowledge of Trumpf punching methodology expanded quickly into off-line tool setup that cut changeover time, Wilson wheel technology, extrude and tap capability, and a wide range of form features we could not produce on turret punches. A new set of punching techniques and capabilities opened up for the Atlas engineering team. As business grew, so did demand for punching, which led to the purchase of additional Trumpf 5000 punches.

The Trumpf 5000 punch is fast and precise, with up to 25 tons of punching force. With a tower to feed material, automatic sorting and scrap skeleton removal, and a linear tool changer that swaps tools automatically along the full rail, it is one of the most flexible high-speed punching machines on the market. Over 16 years, Atlas has continually added machines and tooling to support complex precision fabrication.

These machines work hard, day after day, year after year. As with most mechanical systems, parts eventually wear, break, and need service. Our 2009 Trumpf 5000 was no exception. When the punch stopped, we called Trumpf service to analyze the problem. The analysis revealed a catastrophic fault inside the punching head caused by a keyway failure. Faced with the choice of replace or repair, we decided to remove the punch head unit and ship it to Germany for inspection and rebuild.

Here is where the story gets interesting. Sending a major machine component, really the heart of the machine, to Europe for repair seemed unthinkable at first. Our confidence in the technology and in Trumpf gave us the conviction to ship the punch head overseas. Because we run multiple 5000 machines, we could afford the downtime while it was out for repair.

Then the shipment notification came. The punch head had been repaired and was on its way back to Minneapolis. Naturally, some doubt crept in. Would it arrive intact? Would Trumpf be able to reassemble it? Once installed, would it actually run? After two days of installation and testing, the machine was up and running like new. It was a successful return after an extended trip to Europe, and the machine is back in production.