In 1979 TRUMPF presented the TRUMATIC 180 LASERPRESS (TC 180 L) for flexible sheet metal working. Using a 750 Watt CO2-Laser the machine cut through thin sheet metal without touch and wear. The freely programmable shapes had a high-quality cutting edge. It was a quantum leap at that time. The power of the laser light was not yet sufficient to create a hole to start from, so the laser was combined with a punching machine: The birth of the combined punching/laser machine that still plays an important role in sheet metal processing. With a multiple of the laser power of the first machine and intelligent process control the 2D laser cutting machine TruLaser 3030 NEW demonstrates high-end laser cutting 30 years later.