Skip to main content

KMF Group invests in automated bending

4th May 2021

Submitted by:

Sara Waddington

 

(Image caption above: KMF's new TruBend Cell 7000.)

KMF Precision Sheet Metal, the sheet metal fabrication arm of the KMF Group in the UK, has kickstarted the first quarter of the year with investment in new robotic bending equipment. As part of plans which began in 2015 to introduce automated robotic systems in the UK, it has committed to a rolling technology investment programme.

The latest addition to its ambitious innovation plans is a TRUMPF TruBend Cell 7000, complete with Wireless ACB (Automatically Controlled Bend technology), which has already begun delivering products.

Terry Stanway, KMF purchasing and facilities director, commented: “The combined offerings from the current technology will ensure that we can now investigate lights-out production opportunities for larger volume demand, particularly for smaller components, where additional capacity is required. The installation of the Autobend Cell represents the first phase of investment in 2021, during which time we also expect to commit to further technology advancements with an upgrade to our existing automated twin system, Laser Cell. 

“From initial investigations, it is expected that this project is likely to result in production cycle reductions of up to 60% across a range of material types and gauges,” he added.

KMF Group is a leading subcontract manufacturer of precision sheet metal components, enclosures, machined components and electro-mechanical assemblies. It delivers precision sheet metal fabrication, CNC machining and value-added services such as value engineering, design and electro-mechanical integration, to manufacture sheet metal parts and assemblies for OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) across the UK and Europe.

It spans 255,000 sq. ft. of metal manufacturing floorspace and provides services across a broad range of industries. See www.kmf.co.uk/

Image: Gene Gallin, Unsplash.

Global shipbuilding markets

We analyse trends, growth patterns and drivers in global shipbuilding markets for manufacturers.

===

“The

Submitted by:

Sara Waddington

Dr Jan Antonis, InspecVision Ltd

A drive for innovation

InspecVision, a leading UK manufacturer of precision inspection systems for quality control, has achieved the

Submitted by:

Sara Waddington

TRUMPF Managing Board

A strategy for success

ISMR attended TRUMPF’s INTECH exhibition at its headquarters in Ditzingen, Germany. The company highlighted its

Submitted by:

Sara Waddington

KUKA HRC cobot

Industrial robotics markets

Industrial robots contribute to improved productivity by minimising human errors, focusing on precision and operating

Submitted by:

Sara Waddington

Blechexpo Schweisstec 2025

Meet ISMR at Blechexpo/Schweisstec

Stuttgart, Germany, will be the venue for the 17th Blechexpo international trade fair for sheet

Submitted by:

Sara Waddington

Blechexpo Schweisstec 2025

Meet ISMR at Blechexpo/Schweisstec

Stuttgart, Germany, will be the venue for the 17th Blechexpo international trade fair for sheet

Submitted by:

Sara Waddington

Riccardo Rosa, President of UCIMU

Made in Italy

Manufacturing prospects, machine tool trends and macro-economic forecasts for Italy are outlined in this article

Submitted by:

Sara Waddington

AM-manufactured part (Shutterstock.com)

Design to print

In the April 2025 issue of ISMR, we outline the benefits, challenges, growth forecasts and

Submitted by:

Sara Waddington

Ursula von der Leyen, President, European Commission

EU Action Plan on Steel and Metals

On 19 March 2025, the European Commission took action to maintain and expand European industrial

Submitted by:

Sara Waddington

FABTECH 2023

FABTECH show preview

Registration is now open for FABTECH 2025, North America’s largest event for metal forming, fabricating

Submitted by:

Sara Waddington

People standing around an F1 car

Subcon show preview

‘Subcon – The Manufacturing Solutions Show’ will be held in Hall 3A at the NEC

Submitted by:

Sara Waddington

TRUMPF Managing Board

A strategy for success

ISMR attended TRUMPF’s INTECH exhibition at its headquarters in Ditzingen, Germany. The company highlighted its

Submitted by:

Sara Waddington

Blechexpo Schweisstec 2025

Meet ISMR at Blechexpo/Schweisstec

Stuttgart, Germany, will be the venue for the 17th Blechexpo international trade fair for sheet

Submitted by:

Sara Waddington

Image: Tata Steel.

Made in the UK

We highlight forecasts, drivers and challenges for the UK economy and its manufacturers.

===

The

Submitted by:

Sara Waddington

Image: Gene Gallin, Unsplash.

Global shipbuilding markets

We analyse trends, growth patterns and drivers in global shipbuilding markets for manufacturers.

===

“The

Submitted by:

Sara Waddington

Dr Jan Antonis, InspecVision Ltd

A drive for innovation

InspecVision, a leading UK manufacturer of precision inspection systems for quality control, has achieved the

Submitted by:

Sara Waddington

Image: Oliver Bornhauser, Unsplash.

Global aerospace markets

We present selected analysis on prospects, challenges and opportunities in the global aerospace sector for

Submitted by:

Sara Waddington

Image: Tata Steel.

Made in the UK

We highlight forecasts, drivers and challenges for the UK economy and its manufacturers.

===

The

Submitted by:

Sara Waddington

FABTECH 2023

FABTECH show preview

Registration is now open for FABTECH 2025, North America’s largest event for metal forming, fabricating

Submitted by:

Sara Waddington

Dr Jan Antonis, InspecVision Ltd

A drive for innovation

InspecVision, a leading UK manufacturer of precision inspection systems for quality control, has achieved the

Submitted by:

Sara Waddington

IGEMS waterjet cutting software next to waterjet cutting system.

The water margin

The waterjet process is recognized as one of the most versatile and fastest-growing cutting processes

Submitted by:

Sara Waddington