en.Wedoany.com Reported - During the 2026 World Cup, Daktronics will provide display systems for six stadiums in the United States and one in Mexico, including giant screens, main display systems, and courtside displays for real-time scores, game footage, replays, and advertising content. Matt Kurtenbach, Vice President of Manufacturing Operations, stated that some display systems consist of millions of micro-LEDs.
Daktronics employs 2,500 people and handles in-house production of metal enclosures, LED modules, electronic components, and control systems. The equipment enclosures are primarily made of aluminum alloy, with the core display units—LED modules—connected to system components via wiring. The company has used Trumpf machine tools for cutting, punching, and bending sheet metal for approximately 25 years. Kurtenbach recalled that when the factory used older turret punch presses, tool wear was rapid, and frequent tool changes led to downtime and reduced production efficiency. After Trumpf promised extended tool life, the company first purchased a CNC punch press as a trial, and this initial machine is still in service on the shop floor.
Daktronics has 2,500 employees globally and produces everything in-house, from metal enclosures and LED modules to various electronic components and control systems.
Daktronics' display systems will illuminate stadiums, enhancing the visual experience of the matches.
Daktronics employs automated production processes, with nearly all equipment equipped with automation components and integrated into the STOPA storage system.
Daktronics typically customizes solutions based on customer needs, characterized by high variety and low volume. The company has added multiple bending machines, punch presses, a Trumpf TruMatic 6000 fiber laser combination machine, and a Trumpf TruLaser Weld 5000 laser welding system. Kurtenbach revealed that when selecting equipment, in addition to high precision and reliability, durability and overall cost advantages were key considerations. Although Trumpf equipment is expensive, its high reliability makes it a worthwhile investment over its lifecycle, and service support remains available years later. Currently, nearly all equipment is equipped with automation components, including the SheetMaster for sheet loading and unloading, the STOPA storage system, and the ToolMaster for automatic tool changes, thereby improving production efficiency and the working environment.
High variety and low volume characterize Daktronics' manufacturing operations, with most products made to order. Kurtenbach noted that customers can choose from various configuration options, and the company combines these into customized solutions. Trumpf's continuous and interconnected production philosophy has greatly inspired the company.
The enclosures for these display systems are mostly made of aluminum, with some using steel. The LED modules, as core display units, are installed inside the enclosures and connected to various system components.
Quality has always been a focus for Daktronics, including high-precision bending of oversized frame components.
Daktronics has used Trumpf machine tools for about 25 years, and Kurtenbach acknowledges their performance in precision, reliability, and durability. He is already considering the next step in automation: automatically transporting raw materials to automated production cells and then transferring finished parts to the next production equipment. The company's strategic partner, Counterpart, Inc., uses a Trumpf TruLaser Center 7030 laser cutting center and a Trumpf TruLaser Weld 5000 robotic laser welding system to ensure timely and stable delivery of parts. Assembly of the display systems is still primarily manual, but further automation is expected in the future. Kurtenbach believes that as pixel pitch decreases, higher manufacturing precision for display system structures is required, necessitating tighter tolerance control in the future.
In Kurtenbach's view, modern equipment, higher levels of automation, and manufacturing precision ultimately serve a core commitment: customers purchasing from Daktronics are not just buying a display screen, but also trust in a reliable product and a long-term partner. He hopes that with the support of partners like Trumpf, Daktronics' display systems will deliver impressive experiences in every future event.
