Some parts need more than a laser can deliver. Lasertech's TRUMPF TruMatic machines combine fiber laser cutting with CNC punching in a single setup — producing louvers, embosses, forms, and knockouts alongside laser-cut profiles without a second machine or a second queue.
A laser-only machine produces clean, precise cut geometry — but it can't raise a louver, form a tab, or create an emboss. Those features require a punch. Traditionally that meant two machines, two setups, and two queues. A combination machine eliminates all of that.
Lasertech's TRUMPF TruMatic machines integrate a fiber laser cutting head with a CNC turret punch in a single unit. The sheet goes in once. Punch operations run first to form the three-dimensional features. The laser cuts the surrounding geometry. The finished part comes off the machine complete — no secondary setup, no re-registration, no inter-operation handling.
When punch and laser operations run on the same machine in the same setup, punched features and laser-cut edges hold their positional relationship precisely — no accumulated error from re-fixturing between two separate machines.
Eliminating a second machine setup and queue can cut lead time significantly on parts that would otherwise require separate laser and punch operations. One job in, one job out — not two jobs sequenced across two machines.
Some flat part designs combine tight-tolerance laser-cut profiles with formed features in close proximity. The positional accuracy of a combination machine makes these achievable. Two separate operations with manual re-registration often can't hold the geometry.
Electrical enclosures, equipment panels, and HVAC components almost universally require both laser-cut openings and punched features — knockouts, louvers, embosses. Combination processing is the natural fit for this entire category of part.
Combination processing typically costs less per part than running the same work on two separate machines — less setup time, less handling labor, fewer opportunities for error. The advantage grows as part complexity and volume increase.
Laser cutting produces flat geometry — profiles, holes, slots, and notches. Punching displaces material in three dimensions. These are the features that require a punch, and that Lasertech can integrate into the same part as your laser-cut geometry.
Angled ventilation slots raised from the sheet surface. Louvers allow airflow through a panel without creating an open hole. Common on electrical enclosures, HVAC components, and equipment housings. Cannot be produced by laser cutting — the slot must be formed, not cut through.
Punch-Only FeatureRaised or recessed surface features formed by displacing material without cutting through it. Used for stiffening, part identification, cosmetic branding, or locating mating components. Available in a wide range of geometries from simple raised rectangles to custom profiles.
Punch-Only FeatureSmall raised bosses used as standoffs, locators, or spacers. A dimple raises a small circular area of the sheet to a precise height, creating a contact point that spaces the part off a mating surface or locates it in an assembly. Standard and custom dimple heights available.
Punch-Only FeaturePartially punched slugs that remain in the sheet and are removed by the end user at installation. Common on electrical enclosures for conduit entry points. The knockout is fully scored but not separated — it stays in place during shipping and pops out cleanly when needed.
Punch-Only FeatureA tab cut on three sides and bent up from the sheet surface. Used for retaining clips, cable management loops, snap features, and ground tabs. The lance cuts define the tab geometry; the form raises it to the required angle. Available in a range of tab sizes and bend angles.
Punch-Only FeaturePunch tooling can create extruded holes for self-clinching fastener installation and thread-forming operations. Extruded holes provide additional thread engagement in thin sheet material. Combine with Lasertech's fastener insertion service for a complete hardware-ready part.
Punch-Only FeatureNot every part needs combination processing. If your design is flat geometry only — profiles, holes, slots, notches — laser-only is simpler, faster to program, and typically lower cost. Combination processing earns its place when your part requires features that a laser can't produce.
The clearest signal to use laser/punch combo: your design has any feature that requires material to be raised, formed, or displaced without cutting through it. If your flat part drawing calls out any of the features in the punch capabilities section, bring it to Lasertech as a combo job.
All Features Are FlatProfiles, holes, slots, notches, and cutouts — no formed or raised features anywhere on the part.
Tight Laser Tolerances Are the PriorityParts where cut accuracy and edge quality are the only requirements and no formed geometry is needed.
Reflective or Thick Material, No FormsCopper, brass, or heavy-gauge steel parts that require laser capability but have no punched features.
Part Has Louvers, Embosses, or DimplesAny formed ventilation, surface feature, or standoff that cannot be laser-cut — these require the punch.
Knockouts Are RequiredElectrical enclosures and panels with pre-scored breakouts need punch capability — lasers cut through, not score-and-leave.
Lance Tabs or Ground Tabs Are SpecifiedAny tab raised from the sheet surface requires a lance-and-form punch operation.
Tight Feature-to-Cut Registration NeededWhen punched forms must hold precise position relative to laser-cut holes or edges, one-setup combo processing is more reliable than two separate machines.
Combination processing requires careful operation planning to sequence punch and laser work correctly. Here's how Lasertech takes a laser/punch combo part from file to finished flat part.
Punch features are identified and separated from laser geometry. Operation sequence is planned — punch ops always run before laser cuts to avoid sheet distortion.
Punch tooling is confirmed for each formed feature from Lasertech's standard tool library. Special tooling is flagged and quoted at this stage if required.
Parts are programmed for both punch and laser operations and nested to maximize material utilization across the full sheet.
The TruMatic executes punch then laser operations in a single automated run. The sheet stays registered throughout — no manual intervention between operations.
Finished parts are separated, deburred as needed, and moved to the next operation — forming, hardware insertion, welding, or shipping.
Lasertech operates two TRUMPF TruMatic combination machines — the industry standard for laser/punch integration. Both machines run fiber laser cutting heads alongside CNC turret punch capability, handling the full range of combination part work Lasertech produces.
TRUMPF's flagship combination machine. High-power fiber laser combined with full CNC turret punch capability — handles the broadest range of materials, gauges, and feature types of any machine in Lasertech's shop. The go-to machine for complex, high-mix combination parts.
TRUMPF combination laser/punch machine. Integrates fiber laser cutting with punching capability — ideal for light-to-medium gauge sheet with a combination of laser profiles and punched forms. Runs alongside the TruMatic 7000 for flexible capacity allocation across the combination work queue.
Send us your files — laser-cut profiles, punched louvers, embosses, and knockouts all in one job. Lasertech's TruMatic machines handle it in a single setup. Get a quote today.