PRODUCT REVIEWS
RAS presents XLTbend 2 folding technology
At this October’ s Blechexpo in Stuttgart, RAS Reinhardt Maschinenbau GmbH presented its new XLTbend 2 folding machine.
“ With the XLTbend 2, we are introducing a new generation of folding technology designed for precision, efficiency and intelligent control. The machine is available in two versions, with bending lengths of 3200mm and 4060mm. Depending upon the model, it handles material thicknesses of up to 3mm. This makes it highly versatile and perfectly suited for a wide range of sheetmetal applications,” RAS explained.
“ The intelligent crowning system ensures consistent and accurate bending results across the entire working length. In combination with the newly developed, optional robot integration and our powerful LUNA automation solution, the XLTbend 2 enables fully automatic loading and unloading, which makes the production process significantly more efficient. With
well-defined interfaces, the machine can be seamlessly integrated into existing production environments. This optimises workflows and increases process reliability,” it continued.
Advanced drive technology
A key focus during development was on energy efficiency by replacing the four main drives from IE3 asynchronous motors with modern IE5 or higher servo drives. The result, according to RAS:“ more power, less energy consumption and a clear contribution to cost-effective and environmentally conscious production.”
The XLTbend 2 also offers a range of practical, application-oriented improvements. The 3-in-1 hybrid back gauge with increased suction power, combined with rear access to the bending line, provides greater safety, flexibility and convenience when handling parts. In addition, the stronger folding beam stroke offers more power and expanded functionality for advanced bending operations.
RAS offers folding machines, swing beam shears, forming machines and automated / customised manufacturing solutions. n
www. ras-online. de
Images: RAS Reinhardt Maschinenbau GmbH.
INFOCOIL and INFOMEX for coil slitting
INFOCOIL is a modern optimisation solution dedicated to metal coil slitting. Developed by INFORMA in partnership with coil processing specialist, Gabella Macchine, INFOCOIL is designed to streamline the slitting process by maximising efficiency, enhancing precision and fully integrating with modern manufacturing systems.
“ INFOCOIL begins by processing a list of orders to be slit. Leveraging advanced algorithms creates an optimised nesting plan that accounts for machine constraints, sales orders and material specifications. This allows for optimal use of resources while minimising waste,” explained both partners.
“ The optimised solution is stored for historical analysis, statistical evaluation and future reference. It can seamlessly integrate with existing ERP systems and INFOMEX, our Manufacturing Execution System( MES) tailored for coil processing,” they added.
INFOCOIL’ s intuitive graphical user interface( GUI) allows operators to select the correct coil from the warehouse and transmit this data to Gabella’ s SCADA system through INFOMEX.
Gabella’ s modern slitting line then processes the data. The solution includes an automatic labelling system and a marking tool that facilitates manual bending. Real-time data on coil slitting and completed pieces
are returned to INFOMEX and displayed on the operator’ s panel, ensuring full transparency and traceability.
INFOMEX also graphically represents the next scheduled job, helping to streamline production planning and execution.
“ INFOCOIL fully complies with Industry- 4.0 standards, ensuring connectivity, automation and real-time data exchange to support the smart factories of tomorrow,” added Gabella Macchine.
INFOMEX in focus
INFOMEX enables the coil-slitting industries to control and monitor production operations from customer orders to warehousing. It supports and manages the entire execution of the slitting process and integrates all main machines, equipment and handling systems. For Gabella Macchine, the integration is embedded.
“ The software features offer a multilevel security login, based on authorisation according to company role. INFOMEX logs the material consumption and the duration of the operation itself for each production batch,” said INFORMA.
“ It is possible to assign and manage the quality and potential defects of each production batch to automatically manage the customer’ s quality requirements. Reworking of the rolls that do not meet the quality standard can be generated automatically,” it continued.
INFOMEX is fully integrated with Gabella Macchine’ s SCADA. It can be integrated with the INFOPLAN scheduler and the INFOCOIL slitting optimiser, as well as with in-house solutions( ERP, warehousing and scheduling systems) and production machines( cut-tolength lines, slitting lines etc.). n
www
. gabella. it
www. informasrl. com
68 | ismr. net | ISMR November 2025