FACE TO FACE
With TecZone Bend, the robot and the bending machine in the Flex Cell can be programmed remotely i. e. offline. During this time, the machine and bending cell can continue to operate.
Flex Cell mobile cell
TRUMPF showcased its Flex Cell mobile bending cell in combination with its TecZone Bend programming software at the Blechexpo / Schweisstec trade show in Stuttgart, Germany, from 21-24 October 2025. The Flex Cell is the company’ s fastest mobile bending cell. Users can connect it to the TruBend 7050 bending machine in a few steps and then let the bending machine work automatically. The Flex Cell itself is suitable for complex components and assemblies, as well as components with a format of up to 600 x 400mm. It can process sheet thicknesses of up to 6mm.
“ The addition of TecZone Bend software reduces the programming effort for the bending machine and the robot to a matter of seconds, making automation worthwhile even for new components with very small batch sizes. The bending cell can be programmed‘ offline’ with TecZone Bend, for example from the office. Meanwhile, the mobile bending cell can continue to produce parts. This further increases productivity,” outlined TRUMPF.
just in B2C markets but also for machine development( machinery needs to be easy to operate and easy to understand). Automation and the services around it will continue to be a core focus for TRUMPF. I expect to see not just more robots and automation in the future, but also more humanoid robots being employed eventually. This will be the next big jump.
ISMR: In view of current geopolitical tensions and conflicts( including U. S. tariffs), what are your views on the global and European business climate for sheetmetal professionals in 2025? What do you project for 2026?
MM: These challenges( trade wars, tariffs etc.) are external factors that we cannot influence so we have to deal with them. They create a climate of uncertainty and business generally needs certainty for investment. It is a very challenging environment, but we have adjusted and it has rapidly become the new‘ normal’. We have learned, over the past few years, that supply-chain resilience is crucial.
Although the European market has been suffering, we now see encouraging signs of improvement. After months of seeing PMI index falls, we are now finally seeing evidence of improvement in some western European countries. This tells me that Europe is slowly coming out of recession. Companies are restructuring and re-orienting themselves in line with differing market requirements i. e. the data centre industry. This transition takes time, but we see positive signs for a slow recovery. I certainly see more opportunities in western European countries. Eastern Europe is not seeing the same level of recovery and is still highly dependent upon subsidies.
There is no doubt that the market has also been disrupted by low-price technology / machinery, but we have reacted to this by offering own economy line of products. We have also cut costs to make us fitter and more agile for the future. In short, I am very confident about opportunities for TRUMPF in 2026.
ISMR: What, in your view, are important global market trends and challenges? How are you responding to these?
MM: As well as automation and AI, smart manufacturing is a clear trend. TRUMPF is in a strong strategic position in this market as we can offer customers a real smart factory
New generation of bending machines
At Blechexpo 2025, TRUMPF also presented a new, completely redesigned version of its TruBend 3000 bending machine series.
“ The solution is particularly fast and precise, easy to program and saves energy. We have succeeded in reducing the throughput time by around 40 % compared to the previous model. With the new TruBend 3000 bending machine, we’ re offering users a technologically advanced all-round machine with which they can process around 85 % of all components in sheetmetal production,” said TRUMPF.
Depending upon the machine type, the new TruBend 3000 offers a press force of 85-230 tonnes and a bending length of 2-4m. To ensure high part quality and reduce scrap levels, TRUMPF has integrated the ACB Laser automatic angle measuring system. TecZone Bend offline programming software enables users to program the machine while it is producing parts. TRUMPF’ s Bend Guard, cameras and matrix sensors monitor the machine’ s working area to protect the machine operator.
“ The machine also supports the trend towards greater sustainability in production. With the speedcontrolled‘ On-Demand Servo Drive’, the machine’ s motor only switches on during the bending process. This saves 30 % of energy compared to a hydraulic drive and further reduces costs,” said TRUMPF.
The new TruBend 3000 series of bending machines.
from scratch, including factory simulation( digital twins for machinery) and part layout, machine installation, production ramp-up etc. This includes connectivity between machines, digitalisation and automation. With our‘ Smart Factory Consulting’ service, we are also able to implement customised solutions tailored to individual customer requirements.
Data transparency is also key and analysis of Big Data from machinery to help make a customer’ s manufacturing processes more productive and efficient. To allay any cybersecurity concerns for customers, we enable them to download their software updates via their MyTRUMPF e-portal.
30 | ismr. net | ISMR December 2025 / January 2026