Integrated systems will be the focus of the BLM Group’s presentation at Tube. The Italian company wants to present itself to its customers as a complete contact partner that opens up as many options as possible for their production.
“In today’s industrial world, it’s not just individual machines that add value. Rather, it is networked overall systems that enable maximum operational efficiency by integrating procedures, data and processes,” explains Maurizio Toselli, Head of Sales at the BLM Group. “With this in mind, we provide our customers with comprehensive, modular technical support throughout the entire service life of their machines.”
© BLM
One system handles all tasks
The systems on display at Tube & Wire in Düsseldorf follow this logic. The integration of software, artificial intelligence (AI), digital services and mechanical innovations enables a new approach to tube bending.
An intelligent overall system now allows operators of any qualification to work in tube bending. This ranges from assisted programming with VGP-Next to the management, design and procurement of bending tools and the automatic calculation of the technical parameters of the bending process using artificial intelligence. This system integrates machines, software and services, reducing dependence on specialist knowledge and ensuring greater efficiency, quality and continuity in the bending process.
The LT14 Fiber is a tube laser from the Lasertube family with a fiber source for tubes with diameters of up to 355 mm and profiles with bar weights of up to 100 kg/m. Its multi-fiber laser allows higher cutting speeds for thin wall thicknesses and higher quality for thicker materials. The laser machine’s three spindles guarantee optimum handling and precision in processing with fully automated settings, regardless of the wall thickness, diameters and type of material. In addition, the rear spindle can retract in “zero waste mode” so that the laser can cut at the end of the bar and minimize material waste.
© BLM
Production cell shows diversity of integration
A tube laser, a tube bending machine, a laser cutting system with five axes and a laser welding cell are the elements of a production island concept with robots presented at the trade fair. These are independent processes that can also be subsequently integrated into a scalable manufacturing process.
The manufacturing island for the production of components for the automotive and motorcycle industry has a medium degree of automation. It comprises an LT6 tube laser, an E-Turn 63 bending machine, an LT-Free 3D laser cutting system and an LW-S laser welding cell with robot.
For bending from coil with mandrel with just one machine, BLM is exhibiting the Pro-Runner 28, which integrates the processing of tubes from coil with bending with mandrel and technical innovations. Its orbital cutting technology enables inline cutting in the bending process, which shortens cycle times and reduces material waste. The machine’s VGP Next software enables simple programming, from importing components to simulation.
Consulting service for the life of the machine
The Italian machine manufacturer has developed My BLM as a new consulting service for increasing productivity and profitability. It is designed to enable customers to achieve maximum efficiency throughout the entire life cycle of their machines. BLM wants to adapt the systematic optimization process to the requirements of companies. The commissioning of new machines includes training and on-site support so that operators can quickly work independently and the machines produce efficiently right from the start. Once these goals have been achieved, My BLM supports customers with process analyses and the identification of potential improvements. With My BLM, the machines become tools that continuously generate added value and productivity.
In terms of software, BLM provides information about Elements, a suite for controlling all processing methods for tube and sheet metal processing. These applications provide performance and reliable process characteristics both on the machines and in work preparation.
Software complements the range of machines
VGP-Next is a three-dimensional graphical programming software for the BLM Group’s tube and wire bending machines. It enables operators to create any tube geometry with just a few clicks. Artube is the Italian machine manufacturer’s CAD/CAM software for programming tube lasers. It can be used to draw, process and design individual parts or assemblies made of tubes with any cross-section.
Argo serves as the CAM software for programming the 3D laser cutting systems. It can be used to program new parts offline and transfer them to production. The 3D graphics simplify the programming of three-dimensional components. Argo detects and resolves any collisions and simulates the cutting programs. In addition, Partviewer graphically simulates the cutting programs for the tube lasers in the Lasertube family and calculates the cycle times and costs.
The Prometheus Manufacturing Execution System (MES) rounds off BLM’s software portfolio. It allows customers to manage the production programs for their most important machines via an interface. Prometheus can be used to prepare precise production orders in work preparation, plan production efficiently and transfer production orders to all connected machines. The MES also enables the traceability of all processing steps and machine parameters. In combination with AI strategies and the integration of customers’ ERP systems, it forms the basis for intelligent Industry 4.0 environments.
BLM at Tube 2026: Hall 5 Stand G55
Web:
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