Absolutely not.  We were in good standing with TRUMPF up to the moment we notified them of our intention to make a change.  This move was initiated by HART completely. We have appreciated all the work we’ve done with TRUMPF, we were proud to represent TRUMPF for decades, but it became clear that HART, and our customers, needed something new.

Our decision to leave TRUMPF was not an easy or simple one.  A combination of factors led to the decision including: disappointment from customers when it came to service and reliability over the last few years with TRUMPF equipment; a changing attitude and approach to customers and how they felt valued by TRUMPF; and financial and operational pressures and limitations for HART in our relationship with TRUMPF.

All that said, HART would not have made a change if not for the fact that we found an alternative that we find to be a clear cut improvement for HART and our long-time customers as well.  We made this change because we believe we can offer a clear upgrade across the board to our customers.

It starts with the values of Cutlite: honesty, transparency, and truly valuing the customer.  These values echo through every action and decision that Cutlite makes.

Next is their technology.  From an incredibly robust manufacturing platform to best in class power availability, while maintaining the highest levels of precision and productivity, Cutlite satisfies an even greater number of needs for fabricators and service centers. 

For TRUMPF equipment under warranty, you will still look to TRUMPF for service, maintenance and repairs, as you’ve always done. 

For equipment outside of warranty, HART will assist you in every way that we can with available service and maintenance plans, as well as application engineering support. 

The cost for these services will be almost certainly cheaper than services sourced through TRUMPF or their associated dealers.

Cutlite is a purely laser-focused builder.  Starting on July 1, we will offer Baykal press brakes in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi. 

HART expects to have a high precision Italian press brake available as soon as this fall to pair with our Cutlite offering. 

Our approach for the press brake will be the same as we had with Cutlite: we refused to take a step back on quality or technology, but an improvement when it comes to reliability, service and customer relationships. 

The majority of Cutlite lasers use IPG sources, the most respected source available in the world.  IPG and Cutlite have a strong partnership which allows Cutlite access to the most cutting edge power levels. 

Cutlite also offers Raycus sources.  Raycus is a Chinese manufacturer of fiber lasers.  This is an optional offering for customers who want the high quality of the Cutlite platform, software and customer service, but with a more affordable laser source.  Even with these sources, there is no comparison between the quality of a Cutlite with a Raycus source and the knock-off Chinese brands available at dollar store prices.

The choice is yours and we will walk you through all the options.

We would love to show you the lasers!  Cutlite has a Customer Experience Center in Alpharetta, GA that you have to see.  Housing a number of different models that Cutlite offers, the CXC is a great place to be introduced to the Cutlite technology and the experience of working with Cutlite.

Additionally, there are a number of lasers in production facilities as well, from the 4kW entry level lasers all the way up to the 50kW varieties.  As HART gets rolling, you can believe that there will be an ever-increasing number of lasers across our territory.

Cutlite will, of course, be at FabTech this year with the 50kW Bevel Plus, a 20kW FAST model and they will be launching their new tube laser as well. The tube laser has been in production in Europe for over a year, but will be introduced to the US market at FabTech.