TRUMPF Korea Highlights Real-Time Weld Monitoring and Ultrashort Pulse Laser Technologies for Smart Manufacturing

[산업일보]
As semiconductor, battery, and display manufacturing continue to demand higher precision, laser processing technologies are evolving beyond cutting and welding. Manufacturers are increasingly seeking integrated solutions capable of improving yield, monitoring process quality in real time, and supporting data-driven production management.

These industry trends were showcased at LASER KOREA 2026, held from July 8 to 10 at KINTEX Exhibition Center 1 in Goyang, South Korea. Hosted by Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and organized by the Korean Laser Processing Society and the Korea Nano Convergence Industry Association, the exhibition was held alongside several advanced manufacturing events, including Nano Korea, AM KOREA, Advanced Ceramics, and Smart Sensor Korea.

At this year's exhibition, TRUMPF Korea presented its latest laser processing technologies under the theme "Maximum Productivity," focusing on solutions that improve manufacturing efficiency, process stability, and quality control.

Among the technologies receiving significant attention was the PFO33 scanning optics combined with VisionLine OCT Check, an in-line quality monitoring solution for laser welding.

The system uses Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to measure weld penetration depth and seam geometry in real time during laser welding. Unlike conventional inspection methods performed after production, the solution continuously monitors weld quality throughout the process, allowing immediate process correction while reducing inspection time and overall manufacturing costs.

Compatible with TRUMPF's TruFiber and TruDisk laser sources, the solution is designed for EV battery manufacturing applications including busbar welding, can-cap joining, and battery module assembly.

Another key technology showcased was the TruMicro 3000 Series, TRUMPF's latest ultrashort pulse laser platform.

Designed for next-generation semiconductor and advanced packaging applications, the system delivers high-energy ultrashort pulses that minimize thermal impact while enabling extremely precise material processing. The technology also expands laser applications to difficult-to-process materials such as glass substrates, ceramics, and other advanced electronic materials increasingly used in semiconductor manufacturing.

According to Ahn Jung-sik, Sales Group Manager of TRUMPF Korea's Laser Division, manufacturing competitiveness is becoming increasingly dependent on precision.

"Today's manufacturing trends are centered on yield improvement and ultra-precision processing," he said. "Industries such as semiconductors and HBM require exceptionally accurate machining because process quality directly influences manufacturing competitiveness."

He added that the TruMicro 3000 Series was developed to provide higher pulse energy for precision applications and expects broader adoption in semiconductor production beginning next year.

TRUMPF also demonstrated its Encoded SCP technology, which enables laser processing on moving workpieces.

Instead of requiring stationary positioning, the system automatically synchronizes laser processing with moving components by continuously tracking speed and position. Combined with OCT-based automatic height compensation, the solution adjusts laser focus without manual intervention, helping maintain consistent processing quality even when workpiece height varies.

For electric vehicle manufacturing, TRUMPF introduced the TruFiber 9000 S and TruFiber 4000 G fiber laser systems.

The TruFiber 9000 S provides up to 9 kW of output power with dual output ports for continuous production environments. Integrated BrightLine Weld technology helps reduce spatter while maintaining stable welding quality.

The TruFiber 4000 G is designed for EV battery production, supporting applications such as battery case welding, cell can-cap joining, and busbar welding. Its BrightLine Mode enables optimized heat distribution for processing aluminum housings and various EV structural components.

Additional technologies on display included the TruMicro 6020 ultrashort pulse laser for semiconductor packaging, MEMS, display processing, precision drilling, and thin-film removal, as well as the TruPulse 2030 nano, which supports coating removal, surface cleaning, precision cutting, notching, and welding of heat-sensitive materials including battery foils, aluminum, and copper.

Beyond laser hardware, TRUMPF emphasized digital manufacturing services designed to improve factory operations.

The company's connected laser platform enables centralized monitoring of machine status, power consumption, and operating conditions through a unified dashboard. Predictive maintenance functions help identify equipment issues before failures occur, allowing manufacturers to reduce downtime and improve equipment availability. Remote diagnostic services also support production sites where on-site technical assistance may not be immediately available.

During the exhibition, Ahn also shared his thoughts on his recent appointment as Sales Group Manager for TRUMPF Korea's Laser Division.

"Over the past decade, I have worked closely with customers in the EV industry, helping them solve various manufacturing challenges," he said. "In my new role, I hope to expand that experience across semiconductor, display, battery, and other industrial sectors by providing comprehensive manufacturing solutions rather than simply supplying laser equipment."

He added that TRUMPF will continue strengthening its capabilities in laser processing, automation, smart services, and digital manufacturing to help customers improve productivity and manufacturing quality across a broad range of industries.