Around 50 guests, exclusive insights into our production and engaging conversations during the evening get-together: We recently had the pleasure of hosting the event called “Gipfeltreffen” of the Heuberg Business Association.
As part of this event series, member companies open their doors to showcase their operations and encourage exchange within the regional network. We were delighted to welcome so many representatives from a wide range of companies to WSM.
Focusing on digital, automated and energy-efficient manufacturing, we guided our guests through the entire value chain, demonstrating how a precise welded assembly for medical technology is created from a flat sheet of metal.
As a family-owned company, it was particularly important for us to not only present our technologies, but also share the values that have shaped WSM over the years. Alongside senior owner Klaus Hermle, the next generation – Marcel, Alexander and Simon Hermle – is now actively driving the company’s continued development.
From Sheet Metal to Finished Assembly
During the tour, guests explored our production step by step in small groups. The focus was on three key stages of sheet metal manufacturing – from raw material to the finished assembly.
In demanding industries such as medical technology, precision, process reliability and consistent quality are essential. This is exactly where our technologies and manufacturing expertise come into play.
Efficient Part Production Through Integrated Processes
The tour began with the production of individual parts. At WSM, punching, laser cutting and minor forming operations are combined within a single process. This is made possible by the TRUMPF TruMatic Fiber 3000, which stands out due to its high level of automation.
Automatic loading and unloading of sheet metal, integrated scrap skeleton removal and the seamless discharge of finished parts ensure an efficient production flow while significantly reducing downstream processing steps.
Another advantage is the use of self-generated nitrogen as a cutting gas. This reduces dependency on external suppliers and supports an energy-efficient, sustainable production process.
Precision Bending for Perfect Geometries
In the next step, flat sheet metal is transformed into precise three-dimensional components.
With our TRUMPF TruBend Cell 5000, the bending process is fully automated. A CNC press brake combined with a 6-axis bending robot, an automatic tool changer and precise robotic part handling ensures stable and efficient production.
A key factor in maintaining quality is the integrated angle measurement during the bending process. The ACB system monitors each bend in real time and automatically compensates for even the smallest deviations.
This enables angle repeat accuracy of up to ±0.02° – a critical requirement for perfectly fitting assemblies.
Finished parts are then automatically stacked and transferred directly to downstream processes.
Automated Welding for Consistent Quality
With the TRUMPF TruArc Weld cell, recurring components can be produced with high precision, repeatability and efficiency.
A 6-axis welding robot performs all movements with exact accuracy, ensuring consistently high quality regardless of batch size or production volume.
The efficiency gains are significant: what typically takes around 25 minutes of manual welding can be completed in approximately 2 minutes using automation.
Processes such as MIG/MAG welding – in some cases using the CMT process – allow for reliable processing of materials including steel, stainless steel and aluminum.
A Valuable Exchange and a Successful Evening
For many guests, this was their first time experiencing modern sheet metal manufacturing firsthand, which made the discussions along the production line all the more engaging.
The exchange continued during the get-together with snacks and a glass of wine, where impressions were shared and conversations deepened. The consistently positive feedback was greatly appreciated and once again highlighted the value of personal exchange within a strong regional network.
We would like to sincerely thank all our guests for their interest, their time and the engaging discussions. Events like this underline the importance of openness, collaboration and innovation in building a strong regional economy – values we are committed to fostering in the future.
For more insights, feel free to visit WSM on LinkedIn.
