Customers from Netherlands Visit BLMA Factory to Inspect Advanced CNC Tube Bending Machine

In a significant milestone for BLMA Machinery’s global expansion and customer confidence, a group of engineering professionals and procurement specialists from the Netherlands recently visited BLMA’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Ma’anshan to inspect and test one of our latest CNC tube bending machines. Their goal: to assess whether our CNC technology meets the high expectations of the European industrial manufacturing market. The result: they were highly impressed with the precision, efficiency, and intelligent capabilities of our CNC pipe bending equipment.

This visit marks a continued trend of international clients turning to BLMA Machinery for technologically advanced, user-friendly, and reliable solutions in pipe and tube bending automation.

Meeting the Demands of a Changing Industry

The Dutch delegation represented a well-established metal processing and mechanical assembly company that serves industries ranging from shipbuilding to renewable energy infrastructure. With increasing demand for precision tube bending and complex multi-radius geometries, their current NC (numerical control) bending equipment was no longer sufficient. They needed greater flexibility, improved repeatability, and integration with CAD/CAM software for seamless digital production.

That’s where BLMA’s CNC tube bending machines come in.

During their factory visit, the Holland team observed the full cycle of machine production — from precision machining and frame assembly to electrical wiring and controller testing. Their main focus, however, was on one of BLMA’s flagship models: a fully automatic 3-axis CNC tube bending machine equipped with servo motor control, a touchscreen interface, and remote diagnostic capability.

A Hands-On Demonstration of CNC Excellence

The centerpiece of the demonstration was BLMA’s DW63CNC-3A-1SV CNC tube bender, designed for medium-to-large diameter pipes up to Ø63mm. Our engineers programmed a series of test bends based on sample drawings provided by the customers in advance. The CNC controller quickly and precisely executed each instruction — from mandrel positioning to bending angle and rotation control — resulting in consistent, accurate bends with minimal deformation.

What stood out most to the Dutch visitors were:

• The speed of setup and programming – thanks to the intuitive Delem-style HMI and visual interface, complex multi-bend parts were programmed in just minutes.

• The machine's multi-axis synchronization – each servo axis moved with exceptional smoothness, ensuring zero collision and optimal mandrel retraction timing.

• Bend consistency – repeated cycles demonstrated a high level of repeatability, a key requirement for large batch production.

• Remote monitoring capability – with an optional Ethernet interface and support for Industry 4.0 integration, the machine allows real-time production data tracking.

The delegation was also given full access to test their own stainless steel and aluminum tubing samples. Results showed tight radii, minimal ovality, and zero surface marks — essential for automotive and hydraulic applications where tube integrity is critical.

CNC vs. NC Tube Benders: A Clear Advantage

To truly appreciate the value of the CNC tube bending machine, it’s essential to understand the limitations of traditional NC machines.

1. Programming and Precision

• NC tube benders require manual angle input and trial runs, leading to time-consuming adjustments and material waste.

• CNC tube benders, on the other hand, allow full digital control. Operators can program complex sequences in advance, run simulations, and store hundreds of part profiles in memory.

2. Automation and Productivity

• NC machines typically involve manual repositioning and tool changes between bends.

• CNC machines like BLMA’s 3A and 5A models automate all three axes: feeding, rotation, and bending. This dramatically increases throughput and eliminates human error.

3. Repeatability and Quality Control

• NC pipe benders often show variation in bend angles and positions across batches.

• CNC pipe benders offer servo-controlled precision that maintains consistency from the first part to the thousandth, reducing rejects and ensuring compliance with international standards.

4. Versatility

• CNC machines support integration with tube measurement systems, auto-loaders, and robotic arms — features virtually impossible on traditional NC models.

• They can also handle more complex bends such as compound curves, multi-radius bends, and irregular geometries.

The Holland visitors concluded that CNC tube benders offer not only higher productivity but also increased profitability over time due to labor savings, fewer errors, and higher part quality.

A Partnership Built on Trust and Technology

The customer's team spent two full days at BLMA, participating in detailed Q&A sessions with our mechanical, electrical, and software engineers. They appreciated our transparent approach to machine construction and quality control — including how each component, from the servo motors and drive to the hydraulic proportional valve, is sourced from internationally recognized brands like Mitsubishi. Yaskawa, Yuken, Rexroth, and SMC.

A final factory acceptance test (FAT) was performed in their presence, with video documentation and performance reports prepared for their internal engineering team. They also received a complete English-language maintenance manual, spare parts list, and remote video training schedule.

“We were looking for a long-term equipment partner in Asia that can support both quality and service. BLMA has impressed us with their CNC capabilities, technical support, and willingness to customize machines based on our specific needs,” said one of the senior Holland engineers at the conclusion of the visit.