Significant step forward for Clijsters BVBA

Clijsters BVBA has commissioned a new SafanDarley H-Brake 700T Ultra. This hydraulic press brake has a capacity of 700 tonnes and can bend sheets up to 7 m long. The investment marks a significant step forward in Clijsters’ production capacity.

The decision to invest in the new press brake stemmed from the need to replace an old machine. Managers at Clijsters BVBA searched for a modern press brake that would better meet its specific production needs. After extensive research and consultation, the company chose SafanDarley, partly because of the company’s ability to provide tailor-made solutions.

SafanDarley adapted the new hydraulic press brake to Clijsters BVBA’s specific requirements. Providing significantly improved accuracy and precision, the H-Brake will play a crucial role in increasing production efficiency and delivering high-quality products that meet Clijsters BVBA’s strict standards.

One of the added options is SafanDarley’s advanced laser angle measuring system: E-Bend L-Blue. This dedicated angle measurement system allows Clijsters BVBA to measure the angles of the material that requires bending in real time using laser technology. Measurement data is then automatically used to control the press brake, minimising human error and raising production quality to a higher level.

Eric Clijsters, director of Clijsters BVBA, speaks enthusiastically about the investment: “The purchase of our new press brake marks an important milestone. We’re always delighted to increase our production capacity and invest in the latest technologies. This modern press brake allows us to meet the ever-growing demand of our customers while ensuring the highest quality.”


Frank Clijsters, co-owner of Clijsters BVBA, adds: “We are convinced that this new press brake will enable us to serve our customers even better and exploit new business opportunities.”

For further information www.safandarley.com

Innovative bending solutions showcased by RAS

At November’s Blechexpo exhibition in Stuttgart, RAS showcased its extensive range of cutting-edge sheet metal machinery solutions. Among the highlights was the RAS MEGAbend, the Multibend Center ECOauto, the FLEXI2bend, and advanced beading, flanging and folding machines. RAS machines are available in the UK from Press & Shear.

The MEGAbend stood out with its high performance and precision, capable of bending steel measuring up to 6 mm thick. According to Press & Shear, its advanced features set new benchmarks in sheet metal processing.

Also on display, the Multibend Center ECOauto demonstrated its innovative automation functions, significantly boosting production efficiency, while the FLEXI2bend was showcased as a versatile tool for various bending applications, highlighting the diversity of the RAS product line. Beading, folding and flanging machines completed the portfolio, highlighting the expertise of RAS in forming technology.

The company’s exhibition stand was a showcase of more than just cutting-edge sheet metal machinery; it was a testament to modern design and thoughtful product presentation, including live demonstrations. These demonstrations, alongside the stand’s structured layout, allowed visitors to gain a hands-on understanding of RAS’s innovative offerings and see the machinery in action.

Blechexpo was marked by active engagement, with visitors showing keen interest in the machines on display. Technical discussions at the stand reflected a dynamic exchange on the latest trends in sheet metal processing, with positive feedback underscoring the alignment of RAS with industry needs.

The trade fair marked a significant milestone for RAS. It provided an excellent platform to showcase the company’s latest technologies and innovations to a broad audience. The positive reception has bolstered the optimistic outlook of RAS for the future.

For further information www.pressandshear.com

Schwarze-Robitec celebrates 120th anniversary

A historic milestone for Schwarze-Robitec: in December 2023, the tube bending specialist was able to celebrate 120 years of expertise in mechanical engineering. The company provides customised and high-performance tube bending solutions, ranging from individual machines to fully automated bending cells.

Founded in 1903 as Gebrüder Schwarze (Schwarze Brothers), Schwarze-Robitec has specialised in tube bending for more than nine decades. The company has been headquartered in Cologne from the very beginning and today presents itself as a technology partner for first-class tube bending solutions. Schwarze-Robitec tailors all bending machines to individual requirements and manufactures its tube benders in Germany.

The product portfolio of the tube bending specialist reflects the diversity of the industries it serves: from the high-performance series for the automotive and aerospace industries, through heavy-duty machines for plant construction, shipbuilding and the offshore industry, to the boiler and power series for the power plant sector.

In 1976, the company presented the world’s first CNC tube bending machine, followed by the first multi-radius bending machine in 1988. Fully electric machines arrived at the turn of the millennium, and in 2018 Schwarze-Robitec could offer the world’s largest full-electric multiple-radius tube bending machine.

Since 2020, Schwarze-Robitec has expanded its expertise into the rapidly growing sector of electromobility. Here, precision manufacturing is crucial: the busbars required for e-mobility require accurate bending while considering individual geometries and without damaging the insulation. The demand for fully automated bending processes is also rising. This concept involves integrating numerous upstream and downstream processes, such as assembly, end forming and measuring, into the tube bending cell. Incorporating additional systems for tube feeding and/or robots is also among the specific requirements for fully automatic tube processing. For further information www.schwarze-robitec.com

Stroj acquires second Haco press brake

Stroj d.o.o. from Slovenia recently acquired a second Haco press brake via Fingal, Haco’s partner in the country. The company had already bought a Euromaster press brake but opted for expansion with the new HDSY 40600 press brake.

With over 70 years of experience in assembling, welding and processing complex steel components, Stroj delivers high-quality structures to leading manufacturers across Europe and beyond. The company exports nearly 90% of its production to western Europe.

A Stroj representative says: “We are very satisfied with the performance of our previous machine, which works accurately and reliably. That’s why it was logical to choose Haco again.”

Due to the acquisition of the HDSY 40600, Stroj has increased its production capacity, with the press brake capable of bending lengths up to 4 m and processing materials up to 18 mm thickness. The improved quality of work and precision, which the company already knew from Haco, were additional benefits of the investment.

Fingal has sold over 300 Haco machines in the Slovenian and Croatian markets. With its own sales and service team, Fingal also provides excellent service for Haco machines.

“We chose Haco because of the excellent quality of their machines, continuous development and good price-to-quality ratio, and especially because of the European origin of the machines,” explains Sergej Brandl of Fingal.

The sales and installation process went smoothly, according to both Stroj and Fingal, confirming their confidence in the sustainable collaboration with Haco.

For further information www.haco.com

Sharpe Products invests in electric tube bender

Wisconsin-based Sharpe Products, a North American specialist in custom tube and pipe bending and tube laser cutting, has invested in an all-electric Unison Breeze CNC tube bending machine: a 100 mm single-stack model. It will be the ninth Unison Breeze tube bender purchased by Sharpe Products since 2003, providing additional capacity when bending tubular components for the company’s customer base.

Sharpe Products and UK-based tube bending machinery manufacturer Unison Ltd have a long and proud history of working together. Sharpe’s president and CEO, Paul Krickeberg, was an early convert to the idea of all-electric tube bending and bought one of the very first British-built Unison Breeze machines in the United States.

“This latest Unison Breeze tube bending machine will help to support our ability to offer short lead times and consistent results; attributes that are essential to our customers,” he says. “We’ve worked with Unison for numerous years and look forward to leveraging the advantages of this next-generation machine at our plant.”

Stuart Singleton, VP of Unison Tube LLC, adds: “Equipped with the latest version of our Unibend control system, the new Breeze machine will deliver cycle time improvements in the region of 25% compared with earlier versions. It also incorporates innovative new teach routines and simulation features.”

Just like all Unison Breeze tube bending machines, the latest model offers rapid set-up, fast tooling changes, high power, rigid mechanical design and all-electric control for right-first-time repeat subcontract work, or immediately after producing a single trial part.

Other single-stack Unison Breeze machines operated by Sharpe Products include 80 mm and 100 mm variants. Sharpe also has 76, 80 and 130 mm multi-stack Breeze machines.

For further information www.unisonltd.com