Clean cutting of fibre composite with no smoke or hazardous dust

Trumpf
Trumpf

Trumpf has developed a new nibbler that is the first of its kind worldwide. The TruTool FCN 250 is designed to separate various fibre composite materials up to 2.5mm thick.

Unlike saws, milling cutters and angle grinders that have been traditionally used to cut this type of material, the Trumpf nibbler generates minimal dust so personal protective equipment is no longer essential. And by comparison with other slitting processes, the TruTool’s per-metre costs are as much as 50% lower.

Trumpf is already an expert in nibbling technology for sheet metal and has modified the cutting geometry and cutting tools of its proven design to accommodate fibre composites. Available from early summer 2018, the TruTool FCN 250 can separate thermosetting plastics and thermoplastic polymers as well as carbon-fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP), glass-fibre reinforced plastics (GFRP) and aramid-fibre reinforced plastics (AFRP).

This highly effective portable power tool is suitable for any sector that uses these materials. Examples include aerospace, automotive and prototype manufacturing as well as the production of equipment for sports and leisure activities.

Nibbling is a cold process which cuts a contour by producing a series of overlapping slits or notches. Thanks to the high-quality, coated cutting tools featured in the TruTool FCN 250, users can create clean cut edges with this method without the danger of delamination (interlaminar separation) or fraying.

The easy-to-operate TruTool FCN 250 achieves a high working speed of 1.9m per minute. As the tool provides users with a clear view of the work surface, they can make precise separating cuts along a scribed line or template, straight line or any contour that involves a tight radius. The tool carrier can also be rotated through 360°, simplifying tasks in hard-to-reach areas.

The long service life of wearing parts is ensured thanks to a special coating. Just one die, for example, will typically process 300m of two millimetres thick GFRP or CFRP before needing to be replaced; cost-efficiency is even greater for thinner materials. Punch replacement is recommended after 150m and is accomplished in a matter of seconds with no need for additional equipment.

The TruTool FCN 250 can be used continuously with little or no operator fatigue. This is largely due to the compact size of the machine and optimised distribution of weight of the operating head and motor, giving a good ergonomic grip.

www.trumpf.com/en_GB

Company

Trumpf

Most recent Articles

Exel secures deal with Chinese bus builder

Finnish composite manufacturer Exel Composites has secured a new project with Chinese automotive manufacturer Foton Bus and Coach Company to supply pultruded glass fibre composite profiles.
16 hours ago News

Zünd establishes branch in Australia

Zünd Systemtechnik has announced the establishment of its own branch in Australia. Zund Australia will be based in Melbourne serving existing and new customers from all areas of application in which Zünd is active.
1 day ago News

Login / Sign up