Delivery of Trumpf TrueBend 5320 Machine Indicates Tesla's Focus on Mass Production of Electric Pickup.
Tesla's Giga Texas factory, located in Austin, continues to gear up for the mass production of its highly anticipated electric pickup truck, the Cybertruck. Recent developments at the facility suggest that Tesla is actively equipping the factory with advanced machinery to facilitate the production of the revolutionary Cybertruck. In a recent sighting by Twitter user @JoeTegtmeyer, it was revealed that Tesla had received a new sheet metal bending machine from Trumpf, believed to be a crucial component for Cybertruck production.
The delivery of a massive box from Trumpf to Giga Texas indicated the arrival of a TrueBend 5320 sheet metal bending machine. This new machine, which is not the first of its kind to be delivered to the factory, strongly suggests that Tesla is focused on setting up a dedicated production line for large-scale manufacturing of the Cybertruck. Joe Tegtmeyer shared images of the delivery on Twitter, along with a link to Trumpf's website showcasing the exact machine in action.
One of the defining features of the Cybertruck is its exoskeleton, which is crafted in an origami style. The vehicle's design includes a front and rear single-piece casting that is interconnected by a structural battery pack. The exoskeleton itself is made of a stainless steel alloy, the same material used in SpaceX's Starship rocket's exterior shell.
Upon closer examination of the Cybertruck's exoskeleton, it becomes evident that it deviates from the traditional appearance of conventional vehicles. The body of the Cybertruck showcases minimal gaps between the doors, indicating a precise and seamless construction process. It is highly likely that Trumpf's technologies were employed in the fabrication of the Cybertruck's unique exoskeleton.
Notably, Tesla has specifically ordered the most advanced version of the TrueBend machine, the TrueBend 5320. This machine boasts an impressive clamping force of 3200 kilonewtons (kN), making it the strongest and heaviest in its series. Its capabilities allow for the bending of metal up to a length of 4.42 meters. The Cybertruck's exoskeleton will be crafted from 3 mm thick stainless steel sheets, a task that would surpass the capabilities of conventional metal bending machines. However, the TrueBend 5320 possesses the necessary strength and precision to handle this unique manufacturing requirement.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has previously emphasized the challenges associated with bending the stainless steel sheets required for the Cybertruck's construction. However, with the arrival of the TrueBend 5320 machine, it appears that Tesla has found a solution to this intricate manufacturing process.
As Tesla continues to equip its Giga Texas factory with cutting-edge machinery, it becomes increasingly evident that the company is making significant strides towards the production of the Cybertruck. With its innovative design and advanced manufacturing techniques, the Cybertruck is poised to revolutionize the electric vehicle market and redefine the perception of pickup trucks.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.