Why Usability Is Becoming Increasingly Important in Tube Bending Technology
Tube bending processes are becoming increasingly complex. At the same time, demands for productivity, process reliability, and flexibility continue to grow. In addition, the shortage of skilled workers presents a significant challenge: experienced machine operators are difficult to find in many regions, while new employees need to be trained quickly. As a result, intuitive machine controls have become a key factor in ensuring efficient production operations.
Less Complexity, More Productivity
The faster operators can navigate and understand a control system, the more efficiently tube bending machines can be set up, programs adjusted, and processes monitored. Clear and intuitive user guidance reduces training requirements, minimizes operating errors, and provides greater transparency throughout day-to-day production.
Today’s machine control systems must do far more than simply enable machine operation. They are expected to support users during setup, present process data in a clear and accessible way, and provide the foundation for automated manufacturing environments.
A Control System That Supports the Operator
With the new NxG Control 2.0, Schwarze-Robitec has fundamentally redesigned the user interface of its machine control system. The new Human-Machine Interface (HMI) offers a clearer visualization of processes and machine statuses, as well as optimized user guidance for faster access to key information.
At the same time, the proven programming structure remains unchanged: the basic setup of the bending programs continues to be based on the established TOB program concept, which many users are already familiar with. This is complemented by numerous graphical visualizations that simplify data entry. For example, tool components are displayed visually, and the corresponding required dimensions are shown directly. As a result, machine and tool setup becomes faster, more intuitive, and less prone to errors.
In addition, the integrated AI-Bend assistant supports operators with navigation, troubleshooting, and process optimization directly at the machine. This makes expertise more readily available and simplifies day-to-day operations.
Greater Transparency in the Bending Process
In addition to usability, process reliability plays a crucial role in modern tube bending operations. Features such as the Bending Process Guard enable process deviations to be detected at an early stage—before they result in scrap, quality issues, or unplanned downtime.
The control system is further enhanced by simulation and collision-checking functions, allowing bending programs to be verified before production begins. This helps ensure smooth commissioning, reduces setup risks, and increases overall process efficiency.
A Future-Proof Platform for Tube Bending Technology
The new NxG Control 2.0 was developed to support manufacturers in meeting both current and future challenges in tube bending technology. In addition to intuitive operation and increased process reliability, it provides a solid foundation for the continued automation of manufacturing processes.
As a cell controller, NxG Control 2.0 can integrate not only the tube bending machine itself, but also upstream and downstream process steps. This makes it a future-proof platform for both new production systems and the subsequent automation of existing manufacturing environments.
The goal: to make the operation of tube bending machines simpler, more transparent, and more efficient—from setup through to ongoing production.
