Salvagnini has strengthened its B3 press brake range with AU-TO FAST, the new AU-TO tool identification system designed to make automatic set-up faster, safer and more reliable. Designed for dynamic production, the B3 range includes press brakes with table length from 2,040 to 6,100mm and maximum bending force from 80 to 400 tons, while B3.AU-TO models are available in 4,250mm length with 170, 240 and 320 tons bending force. The range is built to support changing batches, kit production and batch-one manufacturing with a tailored, modular, scalable approach to bending automation.
The B3 combines the features and benefits of electric and hydraulic press brakes with Salvagnini expertise in automation, software, mechanics and electronics. The full range is available in standard configurations, while more demanding production environments can adopt customised automated versions.
The Salvagnini scalable automation architecture allows companies to configure the machine according to actual production needs — ATA automatically adjusts the upper tool length, ATA.L and MVM support automated lower-tool management, and AU-TO handles automatic tool change to prepare the machine according to the production flow. This approach increases machine availability, reduces low-value manual activities, and helps make bending more predictable in terms of times, costs and production planning.
With AU-TO FAST, Salvagnini says it has added a new level of control to automatic set-up. The system enables the upper and lower locks to recognise each punch and die segment automatically, so the press brake can verify the tool configuration on the bending line in real time without manual intervention. The result is a faster and more robust set-up process, with improved protection against anomalies such as unexpected tools or incorrectly assembled tools. This evolution reduces set-up times by up to 30% compared with the previous version.
The AU-TO device works together with ATA and does not replace it: it prepares the machine by maximising the potential of automatic tool set-up and applying the most suitable strategy according to the production flow. The covered rear tool store can hold up to 24m of tools up to 1,000mm in length, even without segmentation, and the operations take place in-cycle and in masked time to further improve efficiency. The B3 also supports mixed tooling, allowing the manual integration of standard WILA tools or special tools when required.
Beyond automation, the B3 range stands out for high configurability, a broad set of standard and optional features, and a strong focus on safety and ergonomics. Available equipment includes multiple back gauge types, front sliding shelves, sliding doors, data part reader, STL lighting and FLW sheet follower. Safety is supported by the LSB system and, on machines equipped with automatic ATA and AU-TO tool change, by the radar safety system, which helps balance safety, ergonomics and performance.
B3 press brakes also integrate adaptive technologies that improve consistency and reduce corrections: S-CROWNING ensures uniform bending along the full length, AMS measures angle variations caused by springback, and TFC2.0 compensates in-cycle structural variations. Direct Drive technology optimises energy consumption in real time and enables fast approach and return speeds of up to 250mm/second.
On the software side, B3 can be equipped with STREAMFORMER, OPS, and connected to LINKS, while P-PB-CXN enables direct integration between the press brake and a Salvagnini panel bender, automatically loading the B3 program at the end of the panel bending cycle.
With its wide dimensional range, scalable automation options and the introduction of AU-TO FAST, the B3 confirms its role as a flexible bending platform for manufacturers seeking higher autonomy, more reliable tool management and better control of increasingly dynamic production flows.