Salvagnini Maschinenbau recently hosted Xperience, an event for over 500 executives, managers, and professionals from the sheet metal sector, representing more than 30 countries.
Xperience showed how sheet metal manufacturers can respond to a more demanding industrial environment with technologies designed to combine flexibility, control and continuity.
Manufacturing is becoming harder to manage. Demand is less predictable, supply chains remain exposed to external pressures, and regulation continues to add complexity. At the same time sheet metal manufacturers are being asked to deliver lighter, more precise and better-finished parts, often in smaller batches and with shorter lead times.
Customisation, high production and labour scarcity are pushing companies to adopt production models that are easier to manage, less dependent on operator skill and more stable over time. In this context, panel benders are an increasingly effective answer: they combine flexibility, repeatability and automation to help manufacturers handle variability, protect quality and simplify the sheet metal process.
Participants discovered the potential of the full Salvagnini panel bender range, whether used as stand-alone solutions or integrated with complementary technologies to support different production strategies. The range includes two bending platforms and a variety of configurations designed to meet different production requirements.
The event reaffirmed Salvagnini’s approach: applying technology where it creates real value in the production process, to turn the management of manufacturing complexity into a competitive advantage.
Salvagnini Maschinenbau, located in Ennsdorf (Linz, Austria), is the largest manufacturing facility entirely dedicated to panel benders in Europe and the Group’s key plant for high-end panel bending technology. The plant brings together approximately 500 dedicated technicians with decades of specialist expertise in panel bending.
Technologies on displayPX + B3A bending cell designed to improve flexibility when producing mixed-complexity parts. The panel bender performs the main operations, while the press brake completes bends not achievable on the panel bender. P PB CXN software automatically loads the B3 programme at the end of the panel bending cycle, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity.
P4-2120A flagship model combining advanced automation with strong versatility. Equipped with CLA and CLA/SIM, it automatically sets up auxiliary tools for partial bends, enabling complex geometries without manual input. In this configuration, the ABA55 blankholder extends capability, particularly for longer return bends.
L3.G4 + P2-1620A work cell demonstrating how cutting and bending can be effectively connected without physical automation. Data Matrix marking, DPR scanning and PDD with OPS SFC visual support enable automatic programme recall and traceability between work centres, reducing manual intervention.
FSL S4 + P4-2520A Flexible Smart Line designed for lean, continuous production. Punching and panel bending are fully integrated with no manual handling, intermediate storage or setup interruptions. Automatic tool changes and FLOW software ensure efficient sequencing for batch-one and high-mix production.
P2-1620 + P2-2120These models highlight the scalability of the P2 platform. A single bending logic with multiple configurations allows manufacturers to increase flexibility without added complexity.
P2-2520HGDesigned for heavy applications, this model offers extended thickness capability. It handles up to 3.2 mm stainless steel, with higher limits for mild steel and aluminium, while machine-controlled handling reduces operator effort.
P2-3020Designed for large parts up to 3 metres long, this machine improves ergonomics by managing the panel throughout the cycle, making handling safer and less demanding.
P4-4020The largest high-end panel bender in the range, built for large applications. It processes parts automatically, improving control and handling. Options such as CLA, P tools and CUT expand its capability to more complex geometries and profiles within a single cycle.