Left and above: AUTO-BEND measures, predicts and adjusts.
PRODUCT REVIEWS
AM, software and automation in one cell
“ For decades, checking the bending radius has depended heavily upon manual measurement and operator experience. EYE-BEND changes that. Its laser-scanning system continuously monitors the bending radius and makes real-time measurements available directly through the CNC,” it explained.
There is no physical template as well as no need to approach the plate itself for manual checks. Instead, the machine is sent a flow of precise, live information about what is happening during the forming process.
“ More information and less manual intervention,” said Faccin.
AUTO-BEND
“ Now, the machine can bend on auto-pilot using AUTO-BEND. AUTO-BEND measures, predicts and adjusts. Fully integrated into the CNC, it combines live measurements from EYE-BEND with advanced predictive models and self-adjusting technology,” outlined Faccin.
AUTO-BEND acquires the production parameters and continuously measures the actual bending radius. Predictive logic anticipates how the process will evolve. The machine then adjusts the bending process autonomously in real time, minimising the number of passes required and aiming for the correct result from the first plate.
“ The operator does not need to continuously measure, interpret and correct the process. He or she can press‘ Start’ and AUTO-BEND does the rest. This is bending on autopilot,” confirmed Faccin.
Behind it all: THEIA
“ Technology like this starts long before it reaches the machine. It starts with research,” said Faccin.
THEIA is Faccin Group’ s dedicated R & D division for intelligent manufacturing, built around three fundamental areas: Vision, Metrology and Intelligence. Its multidisciplinary engineering team develops and validates proprietary measurement systems, refines predictive models and works with real production data. AI supports this process by organising, filtering and interpreting the information collected.
In conclusion
“ This is the direction in which plate rolling is moving. E-DRIVE gives the machine a new way to move. EYE-BEND gives it the ability to see. AUTO-BEND gives it the ability to predict, adjust and bend on autopilot,” concluded Faccin.
About Faccin Group
The Faccin Group has installed over 17,000 machines for rolling, bending and forming metal. Founded in the 1970s, its brands are Faccin, Roundo and Boldrini based in a production facility covering over 25,000 square metres. Each brand retains its unique identity and expertise while promoting the sharing of best practice, experience and work methodologies. Three brands in one group. n
FACCIN at EuroBLECH
Meet the Faccin Group on stand D07 in Hall 11 at EuroBLECH 2026 in Hanover( 20-23 October 2026).
www. faccingroup. com
Whether for a spare part, prototype or complex one-of-a-kind piece, Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing( WAAM) is becoming increasingly important as an industrial process. The new WAAM-based Additive Cell from Fronius combines modern CMT welding technology, intelligent process control and user-friendly software to produce metal components more easily, quickly and efficiently.“ WAAM enables decentralised, locationindependent manufacturing without the need for complex production lines. Even irregular geometries can be built to the highest quality standards without wasting valuable material,” summarised Manuel Stinglmayr, Business Development, Fronius International GmbH. A stable welding process that enables uniform layer build-up is crucial for achieving the required quality with the Directed Energy Deposition-Arc( DED-Arc) method.
“ The CMT Additive PRO, which is based on the Cold Metal Transfer( CMT) process developed by us, is particularly well-suited to additive manufacturing as a relatively cool-dip transfer arc process that combines a higher deposition rate than other additive manufacturing methods with low heat input. The‘ CMT Additive PRO’ welding characteristics are specifically tailored to the requirements of additive manufacturing providing features such as a deposition rate stabiliser, Pulsed HotStart, CTWD measurement and power correction,” confirmed Fronius.
“ The CMT Additive PRO guarantees uniform and, above all, predictable layer build-up across the entire component. This drastically reduces scrap rates as well as the workload required for any rework,” added Manuel Stinglmayr.
Inside the welding cell, the CMT Additive PRO and Fronius iWave carry out the welding process while the Polaris system remains in overall control.
The Fronius Additive Cell includes the hardware and the proprietary software bundle Vectris, which brings together the machine tool service kit( MTSK) and the post-processor on a single central platform. The software is designed specifically for additive manufacturing with the Fronius Additive Cell.
Meet Fronius at Formnext in Germany( 17-20 November 2026) on stand B59 in Hall 12 for further details of the Fronius Additive product and service portfolio. n
www. fronius. com
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