Belgium-based
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 in Augsburg, Germany, a subsidiary of the
OHB SE.
A ‘state of the art’ heavy bending machine, the Synchro-Form 800-tonne, 7m press brake will produce critical structural components for the
European Space Agency (ESA) Ariane 6 space rocket programme, an initiative aimed to enhance Europe’s position in the global space market. The order reinforces LVD’s reputation as a trusted supplier of advanced, high-performance bending equipment and heavy-duty press brakes tailored to meet demanding operational requirements.
LVD Group’s CEO Carl Dewulf said: “This contract represents a strong endorsement of LVD’s bending expertise. 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 accurately bend workpieces of 4m or more and in 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 precise bending of large fuselage segments. Advanced manufacturing technology is helping 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. MT Aerospace 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.