Since 2015, Fraunhofer IPA and Trumpf have been collaborating on the “Flexible sheet metal working lab” project, aiming to leverage the benefits of Industry 4.0 for the sector. IPA scientists tested new solutions in a demo workplace designed especially for this purpose at the “Application Center Industrie 4.0”, comparing and contrasting them against conventional manual methods. Among other things, the experts integrated digital tools to process information, allowing workers to intuitively receive comprehensible information in their working environment. The scientists also implemented a system whereby workplace data is automatically returned to the primary system. Based on camera data, process progress can be identified and valuable information can be attained for subsequent process steps. The success of the technologies was confirmed in a comparison with the current state of affairs. Depending on the situation, time savings of between 28% and 51% can be achieved. The award-winning demo workplace equipped with the new solutions was first presented by Trumpf and Fraunhofer IPA experts at the former’s EuroBLECH exhibition stand

The Euro BLECH competition entitled “The New Generation of Sheet Metal Working” was held for the first time in 2014 and re-launched for this year’s instalment of the industry trade fair. A community of sheet metal working industry representatives selected the winners across a total of five categories via an online vote. Overall, 46 entries were assessed with over 2,600 votes cast. The award for “Academic Excellence” was accepted by IPA Project Manager Ulrich Schneider and Dr. Jens Ottnad, Head of Pre-Development of Networked Production at Trumpf, from Stephen C. Brooks, Chairman Mack Brooks Exhibitions.