INDUSTRY NEWS
Lower Liquid Propulsion Module Inter Tank Structure, part of the Ariane 6 main stage.
The ESR Forward Skirt, part of the Ariane 6 booster.
Synchro-Form press brake for heavy parts.
Structural components for Ariane 6 rocket
LVD Company NV, one of the world’ s leading suppliers of heavy-duty press brakes, has won a major contract to manufacture a custom Synchro-Form press brake for MT Aerospace AG. Based in Augsburg, Germany, MT Aerospace AG is a subsidiary of the space and technology group, OHB SE.
“ A modern heavy bending machine, the Synchro-Form 800-ton, seven-metre press brake will produce critical structural components for the European Space Agency( ESA) Ariane 6 space rocket programme, an initiative aimed at enhancing Europe’ s position in the global space market,” LVD told ISMR.
“ This contract represents a strong endorsement of LVD’ s bending expertise,” outlined Carl Dewulf, CEO of LVD Group.“ It reflects the confidence placed in our engineering expertise and proven history in meeting challenging forming applications.”
Synchro-Form is next-generation adaptive bending technology engineered to bend workpieces of four metres or more and specialised materials. It automatically maintains angular consistency and the required geometric profile when handling, positioning and bending large parts.
LVD developed the first Synchro-Form for Kawasaki Heavy Industries( KHI), a significant partner with Boeing in the development and production of the 777X aircraft. This successful installation involved precision bending of large fuselage segments.
Advanced manufacturing technology is helping to evolve the commercial space market to a more diverse and private sector-led industry, fuelled by private entrepreneurship and innovation.
MT Aerospace develops, designs and manufactures the metallic aerostructures for the Ariane 6 heavy-lift rocket, which was first launched in 2024. The company has been significantly involved in the Ariane 6 programme and has introduced several innovations to increase the performance and reduce the cost of the European launcher.
“ The Synchro-Form press brake, planned for installation in spring 2026, will reduce component manufacturing time and allow forming of complex, high-tolerance parts,” confirmed LVD.
LVD is a manufacturer of sheetmetalworking equipment including lasercutting systems; punch presses; press brakes; robotic bending systems; automatic and semiautomatic panel benders; guillotine shears and automation systems, integrated to and supported by its CADMAN ® software suite. n
www
. mt-aerospace. de /
www. lvdgroup. com
Metals supply chain at UK Metals Expo
The UK’ s only dedicated metals marketplace returned to the NEC Birmingham( UK) on 10 and 11 September 2025, with over 320 exhibitors and 140 expert speakers, offering solutions for rising costs and supply chain issues. Exhibitors and supporters included Tata Steel; Hydro Aluminium; Bridgnorth Aluminium; EMR; ArcelorMittal and others. ISMR was a media partner at the event and its September issue was displayed at the show entrances.
“ UK Metals Expo brings the metals supply chain together with the world of engineering and manufacturing. Covering construction; energy; automotive and aerospace, it spans primary metal manufacturing; supply chain management; processing; fabrication; CNC machinery; surface finishing and recycling. It is a crucial hub for industry professionals to navigate the challenges of rising costs, supply chain disruptions and the urgent need for decarbonisation. The event included an exhibition, conference, live equipment
demonstrations and various networking opportunities,” confirmed the show organiser.
Conference highlights included a keynote address from T. V. Narendran, CEO of Tata Steel and Chair of the World Steel Association. The UK Aluminium Alliance outlined plans to strengthen industry partnerships and leading figures debated the future of a UK Steel Strategy. With sustainability in mind, HM Treasury decoded CBAM. Supply chain opportunities from the UK Space Agency and UK Atomic Energy
Authority were highlighted. Issues such as AI, automation and the circular economy were also debated. OEM insights from Jaguar Land Rover; Rolls-Royce; Brompton Bicycle; Babcock International; DEEP Manufacturing and others were also offered during the event.
Next year’ s event will be held from 4-5 November 2026 at the NEC in Birmingham( UK). n www. ukmetalsexpo. com
20 | ismr. net | ISMR October 2025