Innovations

The consistent implementation of the research and development strategy is achieved at an early stage at both Trodat and Trotec through intensive cooperation with universities and non-university research institutions. At Trotec, a wide spectrum, from the drive technology of the future to laser physics, is worked on together with our partners. At Trodat, for example, the focus is on material developments relating to upcycling in order to fulfil the sustainable environmental protection concept and to optimise the constant improvement of stamp movement with dynamic simulations.

At Trodat, product development is carried out as interdisciplinary project work, nationally or internationally. The focus is on product requirements in order to optimally meet market and customer needs.

Product designs and product constructions are verified as prototypes in terms of functionality, handling, etc. using 3D printing processes. Strengths, functions, occurring forces and deformations of the components are analysed using the appropriate simulation software. Our modern CAD system enables a consistent and comprehensive design solution from product design, construction and production of the tools and assembly systems required for implementation, through to series production support.

At Trodat, the plastic parts of a stamp are mainly manufactured using the plastic injection moulding process. The tools required for this are designed and constructed in-house for economical and reproducible series production of the components. Modern injection moulding simulation processes guarantee optimal tool design. In this way, the cooling system can be optimised, and cycle time, shrinkage, warpage, filling, weld lines and process pressures can be calculated. We use tools with 48 cavities and a cycle time of eight seconds ‒ i.e. 48 parts fall out of the tool in eight seconds.

The tool types are determined by the product properties and production requirements and include 1-component, 2-component, IMD tools with cold runner/hot runner/HK valve gate pneumatic or lifting plate with servo drive. The tools are manufactured and calibrated in our in-house tool shop using state-of-the-art tooling machines. In tool manufacturing, the focus is on quality, production costs and lead time.

The series parts are manufactured at Trodat using modern plastic injection moulding machines. In addition to hydraulic machines, fully electric machines are also used. In addition to quality and reproducibility, the energy efficiency of the machines is also an important criterion. Flow and temperature control of the cooling system, as well as pressure monitoring of the plastic melt, guarantee high-quality, reliable production. The central material supply/drying and the colouring of the series parts directly on the machine allow a quick and flexible change of material and colour. Short set-up times are accomplished by using quick-release systems. In order to produce as little waste as possible, process waste is recycled directly on the machines. An OEE analyser developed in-house increases the machine availability and the efficient use of our systems.

Hollow containers (e.g. ink bottles for filling ink cartridges) are produced using blow moulding technology.

The date bands and rubber plates for the laser engraving of customer-specific texts for our stamps are vulcanised in-house.

The inks used in Trodat self-inking stamps are hygroscopic ‒ i.e. they restore the water lost when stamping on paper from the humidity. This process has to work at different temperatures and humidities all over the world. The ink mixtures are developed, tested and manufactured in Trodat’s own in-house laboratory.

Trodat develops, designs and builds assembly systems for its own needs. All mechanics, pneumatics, electronics, image processing and software are manufactured by in-house specialists. The safety-related design of each system with a declaration of conformity is important. The digital networking with our ERP system automates the data exchange (e.g. order change) and monitors system efficiency. These systems produce stamps that consist of up to 30 different components every second. A variety of fully-integrated test stations ensure consistent product quality.

The numerous innovations in the TroGroup are protected by a consistent IP strategy. We currently have around 400 active patent families worldwide and around 230 designs.