TechForward 2026 - Key Technologies for the Future of Production
June 8 - 12, 2026, BLM GROUP opened the doors to its headquarters in Cantù (CO) for TechForward 2026, an event entirely dedicated to the technologies developed at this facility: pipe-bending machines, wire benders, tube forming machines, 3D laser cutting cells, and robotic laser welding cells.
This year’s edition was focused on the major technological advancements developed by the Group, including the introduction of artificial intelligence in tube bending, new automation solutions, and the innovative coil-to-tube processing with integrated mandrel in a single machine.
Significant attention was also be given to technologies that enable access to emerging, high-value-added sectors, such as aerospace, defense, and data center construction. These include tube bending, 5-axis laser cutting, and robotic laser welding, which enable compliance with the standards of excellence required by these sectors.
Standout solutions spotlighted for this edition:
The new visionary solution for tube bending: AI is here now!
The integration of advanced software, artificial intelligence, digital services, and mechanical innovations has given rise to a new way of approaching tube bending. An intelligent ecosystem that makes the process accessible to every operator: from assisted programming with VGPNext, to the management, generation, and purchase of bending tools, all the way to the automatic calculation of technological parameters thanks to artificial intelligence.
This integrated ecosystem combines machines, software, and services, eliminating the need for specialized know-how and ensuring greater efficiency, quality, and operational continuity.
Learn more: https://blog.blmgroup.com/intelligent-tube-benders-ai-also-supports-less-experienced-operators
Coil bending with mandrel in a single machine
PRO-RUNNER28 is the ideal solution for those who want to combine productivity and tube bending with high aesthetic quality. This solution combines coil processing, mandrel bending, and innovative technological solutions, all in a single machine.
Orbital cutting technology allows cutting to be performed in-line with the bending phase, thereby reducing cycle times and material waste. Programming is simple and intuitive with VGPNext software, which guides the operator step by step, from part import to simulation.
Learn more: https://www.blmgroup.com/tube-benders/pro-runner
Aerospace Solutions
Aerospace solutions are designed to meet the highest quality standards required by the industry’s leading players.
In the field of tube bending, machining materials such as special aluminum and titanium alloys, along with extremely tight tolerances of surface roughness, present a significant technological challenge. BLM GROUP pipe-bending machines and custom solutions developed specifically for this sector enable us to meet the demands of the most exacting criteria and contractors.
Bending, 3D laser cutting, and robotic welding technologies ensure a significant reduction in scrap, consistent quality over time, flexibility, and full compliance with industry specifications.
For more information: https://www.blmgroup.com/aerospace
Software
Elements: a complete software suite for managing all process technologies
Alongside its tube and sheet metal processing systems, BLM GROUP offers a suite of native software solutions that fully leverage the power of its machines and ensure users achieve outstanding operational performance and robust process capabilities—both for on-machine programming and office-based programming.
VGPNext is the three-dimensional graphic programming software for BLM GROUP tube and wire benders. Simple, intuitive, available in machine or office versions, it allows the operator to bend the tube with absolute quality and precision with a few simple clicks.
ArTube is the BLM GROUP CAD/CAM software specific for the Group's Lasertube systems. It allows you to program the cutting of a large variety of tubular profiles and manage single parts as well as complex frames. Complete, powerful, dynamic, technologically precise and intuitive, it is adaptable to specific sector needs.
ArGo is the CAM software for programming 3D laser cutting cells, enabling offline programming of new parts and fast, straightforward production start-up.
Through immediate and intuitive 3D interface, ArGo simplifies the programming of any threedimensional part, automatically resolves potential collisions, and accurately simulates the cutting program in a way that faithfully reflects real production conditions.
PartViewer performs the graphic simulation of cutting programs for Lasertube systems and estimates the time and cost of executing the part.
Prometheus is the software MES of BLM GROUP to manage production on all BLM GROUP systems connected from a single interface in an easy and transparent way. Prometheus allows you to prepare technologically precise work orders in the office, efficiently plan production, send production orders to the machines, track operating modes and automatically collect data from the workshop. By applying AI strategies and optimized interconnection with customer ERP management software, Prometheus is the enabling key for the evolution of Industry 4.0 smart applications.
More: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Swu_7MjeOA
More: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBe0TsAEbxI
Services
Always close to the customer with dedicated solutions
BLM GROUP offers a wide catalog of services designed to transfer its experience to the benefit of the customer and accompany them throughout the entire life cycle of the system, so as to maintain the highest level of efficiency and machine availability.
Among the many services that the Group offers it is possible to find:
Assistance contracts, which allow you to quickly resolve any unforeseen problems with systems or software and provide support to respond to new production needs, thanks to the intervention of highly qualified and specialized technicians. Assistance can also be used remotely through augmented reality tools such as Active Eye.
More: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNH-LxIAciM
BLMportal: all services just a click away
For companies using high-tech production systems, services such as assistance, maintenance and staff training are essential to fully leverage plant potential over time. For customers, access to these services must be simple, convenient and fast.
BLM GROUP’s BLMportal allows each customer to access a personalized area and manage a wide range of production-related services. Users can find machine information and documentation, access production statistics, manage service tickets and interact with technical support, purchase consumables and stay constantly up to date. BLMportal provides convenient 360-degree access to the world of BLM GROUP.
BLManalytics enables real-time monitoring of machine production data, with the aim of providing valuable insights into plant utilization and overall production performance, highlighting potential critical issues and areas for improvement. This makes it possible to take fast, targeted and effective strategic decisions, ensuring maximum efficiency while reducing maintenance costs and downtime.
Maintenance programs. Based on specific production requirements, customers can choose the maintenance program best suited to their operational pace. Service activities can be scheduled to avoid production interruptions and extend the service life of each machine through dedicated plans, including routine and/or extraordinary maintenance, breakdown repairs and spare parts supply.
In any production environment, BLM GROUP offers a comprehensive range of solutions for processing tubes, sheet metal and any three-dimensional metal profile, enhanced by dedicated software solutions and a portfolio of services that provide customers with full 360-degree support.
For more information:
Chiara Vaccari – Corporate Communication Coordinator BLM GROUP
E-Mail: [email protected]
BLM GROUP
BLM GROUP presents itself as a global partner for the entire tube and sheet metal working process, with a widespread presence worldwide and with thousands of applications. The companies that are part of the Group are:
- BLM SPA, of Cantù (CO), specialized in the production of tube bending, tube end-forming, wire bending machines and 3D laser cutting cells.
- ADIGE SPA of Levico Terme (TN), specialized in the production of laser tube cutting systems (Lasertube), sawing machines for tubes, solids and profiles with brushes and measuring, washing and collection systems.
- ADIGE-SYS SPA of Levico Terme (TN), specialized in the production of sheet metal laser systems for tubes, systems for the laser processing of large tubes and profiles.
June 8 - 12, 2026, BLM GROUP opened the doors to its headquarters in Cantù (CO) for TechForward 2026, an event entirely dedicated to the technologies developed at this facility: pipe-bending machines, wire benders, tube forming machines, 3D laser cutting cells, and robotic laser welding cells.
This year’s edition was focused on the major technological advancements developed by the Group, including the introduction of artificial intelligence in tube bending, new automation solutions, and the innovative coil-to-tube processing with integrated mandrel in a single machine.
Significant attention was also be given to technologies that enable access to emerging, high-value-added sectors, such as aerospace, defense, and data center construction. These include tube bending, 5-axis laser cutting, and robotic laser welding, which enable compliance with the standards of excellence required by these sectors.
Standout solutions spotlighted for this edition:
The new visionary solution for tube bending: AI is here now!
The integration of advanced software, artificial intelligence, digital services, and mechanical innovations has given rise to a new way of approaching tube bending. An intelligent ecosystem that makes the process accessible to every operator: from assisted programming with VGPNext, to the management, generation, and purchase of bending tools, all the way to the automatic calculation of technological parameters thanks to artificial intelligence.
This integrated ecosystem combines machines, software, and services, eliminating the need for specialized know-how and ensuring greater efficiency, quality, and operational continuity.
Learn more: https://blog.blmgroup.com/intelligent-tube-benders-ai-also-supports-less-experienced-operators
Coil bending with mandrel in a single machine
PRO-RUNNER28 is the ideal solution for those who want to combine productivity and tube bending with high aesthetic quality. This solution combines coil processing, mandrel bending, and innovative technological solutions, all in a single machine.
Orbital cutting technology allows cutting to be performed in-line with the bending phase, thereby reducing cycle times and material waste. Programming is simple and intuitive with VGPNext software, which guides the operator step by step, from part import to simulation.
Learn more: https://www.blmgroup.com/tube-benders/pro-runner
Aerospace Solutions
Aerospace solutions are designed to meet the highest quality standards required by the industry’s leading players.
In the field of tube bending, machining materials such as special aluminum and titanium alloys, along with extremely tight tolerances of surface roughness, present a significant technological challenge. BLM GROUP pipe-bending machines and custom solutions developed specifically for this sector enable us to meet the demands of the most exacting criteria and contractors.
Bending, 3D laser cutting, and robotic welding technologies ensure a significant reduction in scrap, consistent quality over time, flexibility, and full compliance with industry specifications.
For more information: https://www.blmgroup.com/aerospace
Software
Elements: a complete software suite for managing all process technologies
Alongside its tube and sheet metal processing systems, BLM GROUP offers a suite of native software solutions that fully leverage the power of its machines and ensure users achieve outstanding operational performance and robust process capabilities—both for on-machine programming and office-based programming.
VGPNext is the three-dimensional graphic programming software for BLM GROUP tube and wire benders. Simple, intuitive, available in machine or office versions, it allows the operator to bend the tube with absolute quality and precision with a few simple clicks.
ArTube is the BLM GROUP CAD/CAM software specific for the Group's Lasertube systems. It allows you to program the cutting of a large variety of tubular profiles and manage single parts as well as complex frames. Complete, powerful, dynamic, technologically precise and intuitive, it is adaptable to specific sector needs.
ArGo is the CAM software for programming 3D laser cutting cells, enabling offline programming of new parts and fast, straightforward production start-up.
Through immediate and intuitive 3D interface, ArGo simplifies the programming of any threedimensional part, automatically resolves potential collisions, and accurately simulates the cutting program in a way that faithfully reflects real production conditions.
PartViewer performs the graphic simulation of cutting programs for Lasertube systems and estimates the time and cost of executing the part.
Prometheus is the software MES of BLM GROUP to manage production on all BLM GROUP systems connected from a single interface in an easy and transparent way. Prometheus allows you to prepare technologically precise work orders in the office, efficiently plan production, send production orders to the machines, track operating modes and automatically collect data from the workshop. By applying AI strategies and optimized interconnection with customer ERP management software, Prometheus is the enabling key for the evolution of Industry 4.0 smart applications.
More: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Swu_7MjeOA
More: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBe0TsAEbxI
Services
Always close to the customer with dedicated solutions
BLM GROUP offers a wide catalog of services designed to transfer its experience to the benefit of the customer and accompany them throughout the entire life cycle of the system, so as to maintain the highest level of efficiency and machine availability.
Among the many services that the Group offers it is possible to find:
Assistance contracts, which allow you to quickly resolve any unforeseen problems with systems or software and provide support to respond to new production needs, thanks to the intervention of highly qualified and specialized technicians. Assistance can also be used remotely through augmented reality tools such as Active Eye.
More: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNH-LxIAciM
BLMportal: all services just a click away
For companies using high-tech production systems, services such as assistance, maintenance and staff training are essential to fully leverage plant potential over time. For customers, access to these services must be simple, convenient and fast.
BLM GROUP’s BLMportal allows each customer to access a personalized area and manage a wide range of production-related services. Users can find machine information and documentation, access production statistics, manage service tickets and interact with technical support, purchase consumables and stay constantly up to date. BLMportal provides convenient 360-degree access to the world of BLM GROUP.
BLManalytics enables real-time monitoring of machine production data, with the aim of providing valuable insights into plant utilization and overall production performance, highlighting potential critical issues and areas for improvement. This makes it possible to take fast, targeted and effective strategic decisions, ensuring maximum efficiency while reducing maintenance costs and downtime.
Maintenance programs. Based on specific production requirements, customers can choose the maintenance program best suited to their operational pace. Service activities can be scheduled to avoid production interruptions and extend the service life of each machine through dedicated plans, including routine and/or extraordinary maintenance, breakdown repairs and spare parts supply.
In any production environment, BLM GROUP offers a comprehensive range of solutions for processing tubes, sheet metal and any three-dimensional metal profile, enhanced by dedicated software solutions and a portfolio of services that provide customers with full 360-degree support.
For more information:
Chiara Vaccari – Corporate Communication Coordinator BLM GROUP
E-Mail: [email protected]
BLM GROUP
BLM GROUP presents itself as a global partner for the entire tube and sheet metal working process, with a widespread presence worldwide and with thousands of applications. The companies that are part of the Group are:
- BLM SPA, of Cantù (CO), specialized in the production of tube bending, tube end-forming, wire bending machines and 3D laser cutting cells.
- ADIGE SPA of Levico Terme (TN), specialized in the production of laser tube cutting systems (Lasertube), sawing machines for tubes, solids and profiles with brushes and measuring, washing and collection systems.
- ADIGE-SYS SPA of Levico Terme (TN), specialized in the production of sheet metal laser systems for tubes, systems for the laser processing of large tubes and profiles.