Kombimatec has introduced an automated PVCU profile bending machine, which it said addresses persistent skilled labour shortages while enabling fabricators of all sizes to compete in the premium arched window market.
The PBM60 is a hydraulically actuated three-roll profile bending machine that produces controlled, incremental curvature on metal and plastic sections, combining heavy-duty construction with configurable control systems for precise and repeatable geometry.
This transforms what has traditionally been a specialist, labour-intensive process into a single-operator function, the company said. The system uses hydraulic technology combined with electronic controls to bend PVCU profiles around precision guides, eliminating the manual judgement calls that frequently result increased, over-bent, or misshapen profiles.
“The quality of the finished product surprises fabricators most,” Kombimatec MD David Parsons. “It’s not just about the physical result, but the confidence in knowing each bend will be consistent. Operators can be up and running straight away with full training, compared to the months or years required to develop manual bending skills.”
Traditional profile bending requires two skilled operatives working in tandem. One must judge the precise time and temperature to cook the profile in the oven so that it becomes malleable. Then together with the second operative they must quickly transfer the soft material to the cooling table without distortion and quickly wrap it using internal and external formers around a predefined curved shape..
The automated system eliminates both requirements. Electronic controls manage temperature and speed parameters, while the machine’s design allows a single operator to complete the entire process. This represents a 50% reduction in labour requirements for fabricators undertaking curved window production, the company said.
“Finding the right skills within the workforce has been the real barrier to expanding on arched window manufacture, rather than capital investment,” David said. “This is a specialised market where fabricators serious about adding arched windows to their portfolio need to commit properly.”
Kombimatec offers the bending machine as part of an optional integrated package alongside an EKS432 single head welder and AFV370 Electronic radius end miller. This combination provides fabricators with a complete curved window manufacturing solution, removing the need to source compatible equipment from multiple suppliers, the company said.