Anybend Takes Centre Stage On Day 2 Of IMTEX Forming 2026 As SLTL Accelerates Intelligent Metal Forming

Day 2 at IMTEX Forming 2026 saw SLTL Group focus on laser bending automation, with the Anybend Bending System drawing strong interest for reducing setup time, improving consistency, and enabling a connected workflow across cutting, bending, and welding.

Day 2 of IMTEX Forming 2026, held at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), marked a clear evolution in industry dialogue-from conversations dominated by speed and power to deeper engagement around intelligence, automation, and process integration. At the SLTL Group pavilion, the focus shifted decisively toward laser bending automation, with the Anybend Bending System emerging as the defining technology of the day.

Following the high-energy response on IMTEX 2026 Day 1, which showcased high-speed fiber laser cutting machines, CNC laser cutting machines, and live laser welding solutions, Day 2 attracted manufacturers seeking answers to a more complex question: how to eliminate bottlenecks after cutting and create a seamless, intelligent sheet metal workflow.

From Cutting Power to Smart Forming Intelligence

On Day 1, SLTL’s advanced laser cutting machines-including the VECTOR 12 kW fiber laser cutting machine, INFINITY F1, X5, and tube cutting solutions-commanded attention with high-speed laser cutting, precision metal cutting technology, and live demonstrations. These systems reinforced SLTL’s leadership in laser cutting and welding solutions at IMTEX 2026.

Day 2, however, focused on what happens next.

Bending, long regarded as the most operator-dependent and time-consuming stage in sheet metal fabrication, took centre stage. Manufacturers across industries-from automotive and electrical enclosures to general engineering and heavy fabrication-engaged in detailed discussions around how bending could be transformed into a digitally controlled, automation-ready process.

This is where Anybend redefined expectations.

Rather than positioning bending as a secondary operation, SLTL presented it as a core productivity driver, fully aligned with Industry 4.0 laser manufacturing, smart factory laser solutions, and end-to-end sheet metal solutions.

Anybend Bending System: Designed for Real-World Manufacturing

The Anybend laser bending solution attracted sustained interest from OEMs, job shops, panel manufacturers, and export-oriented fabricators-particularly those dealing with high-mix, low-volume production.

Unlike conventional press brakes that rely heavily on tooling changes, trial bends, and highly skilled operators, Anybend introduces laser bending automation built around digitally programmed motion control. This enables manufacturers to handle frequent design changes without compromising productivity.

Key capabilities that resonated strongly with visitors included:

• Ability to execute multiple bend profiles without complex tooling
• Seamless adaptation to varied part geometries
• Consistent, repeatable output independent of operator skill level

For manufacturers facing rising labor dependency, increasing tooling costs, and pressure to reduce lead times, Anybend presented a compelling alternative within modern sheet metal fabrication solutions.

Live Demonstrations That Changed the Conversation

During IMTEX 2026 Live Demonstrations, Anybend was tested under real production conditions. The focus was not solely on speed, but on control, consistency, and predictability-key requirements for manufacturers pursuing intelligent sheet metal processing.

Visitors observed:

• Stable bending across long and complex components
• Uniform angles maintained across repeated cycles
• Minimal spring-back variation
• Clean, mark-free surfaces without deformation

What stood out most was the minimal adjustment required between jobs, a critical factor for manufacturers running multiple part variants daily. These demonstrations reinforced Anybend’s value in automated bending for metal fabrication, especially in environments where setup time directly impacts profitability.

Automation That Eliminates Traditional Bottlenecks

A major theme on Day 2 at IMTEX 2026 Metal Forming Show was the elimination of setup-related inefficiencies. Traditional press brake operations often depend on manual tool changes, angle corrections, and repeated trial bends.

Anybend replaces these limitations with digitally programmed execution, aligning seamlessly with AI-enabled laser machines, IoT-integrated laser systems, and digital manufacturing with lasers.

Manufacturers highlighted key benefits:

• Up to 70-80% reduction in setup time
• Faster job changeovers and improved throughput
• Reduced dependency on specialized bending operators
• Enhanced shop-floor safety and process consistency

For many attendees, this automation alone represented a decisive step toward higher ROI and scalable production.

Smart Manufacturing Aligned with IMTEX’s Industry 4.0 Vision

IMTEX Forming 2026 placed strong emphasis on connected, intelligent manufacturing. Anybend’s digitally driven architecture aligned naturally with this vision.

The system enables:

• Program-based bending execution
• Consistent performance across shifts and operators
• Easy integration into automated production lines

This made Anybend particularly attractive to manufacturers planning long-term transformation toward smart laser manufacturing rather than incremental equipment upgrades.

A Unified Workflow: Laser Cutting, Bending, and Welding

One of the strongest narratives emerging from IMTEX 2026 Laser Technology showcase was SLTL’s ability to deliver a unified workflow-from cutting to forming to joining.

With laser cutting machines, laser welding machines for sheet metal, and intelligent bending systems operating as part of a single ecosystem, SLTL demonstrated true end-to-end sheet metal solutions.

This integration helps manufacturers reduce:

• Rework caused by tolerance mismatches
• Delays between cutting and bending stages
• Manual corrections during forming

For visitors, this reinforced SLTL’s positioning not just as a machine supplier, but as a strategic partner for complete sheet metal fabrication modernization.

Material Consistency and Quality Control

Day 2 discussions also focused on material behavior during bending, particularly for high-strength steels and precision-grade metals. Anybend’s controlled bending process ensures uniform force distribution and reduced stress concentration.

Manufacturers noted:

• Lower risk of cracking and deformation
• Improved dimensional stability
• More predictable downstream assembly

This consistency directly improves production yield and reduces inspection and rework cycles-critical advantages in competitive manufacturing environments.

High-Quality Engagement with Serious Buyers

Unlike high-footfall moments, Day 2 at the SLTL pavilion was characterized by long, technical discussions. Manufacturers engaged SLTL experts on:

• Replacing traditional press brakes
• Redesigning bending workflows
• Automating forming for complex parts
• Improving ROI through reduced tooling and labor dependency

These conversations reflected a mature buying mindset focused on long-term capability and scalability.

Made in India Innovation on a Global Platform

Engineered as Made in India laser technology, Anybend strengthened SLTL’s position as a leading Indian laser machine manufacturer at India’s largest metal fabrication expo. Designed with deep understanding of Indian manufacturing realities, the system meets global performance expectations-resonating with both domestic and international delegates at IMTEX 2026 Exhibition Bengaluru.

Day 2 Defines the Future of Intelligent Metal Forming

As Day 2 concluded, Anybend stood out not merely as a machine, but as a shift in how bending is perceived. No longer an operator-dependent bottleneck, bending emerged as a digitally controlled, automation-ready process aligned with Industry 4.0 goals.

With focused technical engagement and strong buyer interest, SLTL reaffirmed its leadership in shaping the future of metal fabrication-where high-speed laser cutting, clean and distortion-free laser welding, and intelligent forming converge to drive smarter manufacturing.