Above: TRUMPF’s panel benders can automate the bending of complex sheet metal parts with more speed and precision than a traditional press brake.
February, 2026- The data center infrastructure boom is a major growth engine for U.S. manufacturers this year. Fabricated metal products in this market segment are projected to grow 5.5 percent with capital investments in AI-ready facilities expected to reach $89 billion in the U.S. alone. Data center components are driving demand for flat steel and aluminum and will dictate the need for high-precision sheet metal bending technology capable of maintaining tight tolerances typically associated with aerospace manufacturing. It’s one of the market trends that TRUMPF Inc. is closely monitoring.
A maker of machine tools, industrial lasers, electronics and power tools, TRUMPF’s bending options range from die and panel bending to large-format bending machines and fully automated options. The company last year introduced its Flex Cell mobile bending cell with software created for fast programming of both the robot and press brake. It also redesigned its TruBend 3000 series for faster throughput and improved accuracy.
“Automation requirements will rise to meet the demands of parts production for large-scale infrastructure projects for data centers,” says Sebastian Leeb who oversees product management, automated bending and material flow for TRUMPF.
TRUMPF redesigned its TruBend 3000 series for faster throughput and improved accuracy
USER-FRIENDLY
TRUMPF’s high-speed automation, precision bending for complex geometries and integrated software are especially suited for production of components like server and electrical cabinets. Its automated TruBend Cell, equipped with the BendMaster robot, can load, unload and manipulate parts for fast, consistent cycle times. “Even seconds add up, particularly for small parts in high-volume production,” Leeb explains.
The Flex Cell mobile bending cell and new software make programming of both the robot and press brake fast.
Small to medium-sized manufacturers will support the data center infrastructure boom as niche specialized providers and regional partners. While large hyperscale investments remain dominant, the shift to regional supply hubs is providing entry points for smaller fabricators. TRUMPF’s redesign of its TruBend 3000 series was engineered to help small to medium manufacturers challenged by high costs and time constraints.
Automatic angle measurement gives it higher precision, BendGuard enhances safety and on-demand servo drive helps save energy costs. It’s user-friendly and cost-effective for complex bending tasks, according to Leeb.
TruBend bending machines come in different series (1000, 3000, 5000 and 7000) from base models to high-speed, fully equipped machines. “We designed greater accuracy into the framework of the 3000. If a customer has 1000 and 5000 series machines, the redesigned 3000 closes the gap between the two,” according to Leeb.
Aside from the need to keep pace with growing market spaces, manufacturers continue to struggle with an expanding labor shortage. Operating a legacy manual press brake requires an operator with the skills to make a 3D part from a 2D design, but most shops no longer have enough personnel with the experience to perform those tasks. TRUMPF can automate a manual press brake by adding a mobile, stand-alone robot cell.
“Customers tell us they need to scale up production but can’t find the labor they need so they are drawn to automation,” says Leeb. “We introduced the Flex Cell to provide autonomy while reducing complexity.”
COMPACT AND MOBILE
The compact, mobile robotic automation system can turn a manual TRUMPF TruBend 7050 press brake into a fast, flexible bending cell. The Flex Cell can give a customer up to 42 uninterrupted hours of unmanned operation with features like part disposal via conveyor belt and double-sheet detection.
“Mid-sized companies that are not automating need to be thinking about it now,” recommends Leeb. “The Flex Cell offers fabricators a good entry point into bending automation that is quick and adaptable without requiring a large, dedicated robotic cell. Our TecZone Bend software allows for easy programming too. An operator can bring a part to the cell in minutes rather than hours.”
The Flex Cell can give a customer up to 42 hours of unmanned operation with features like part disposal via conveyor belt and double-sheet detection.
In addition to automated cells and press brakes, panel benders have become more popular over the last few years. For example, if a job shop is running high-volume, repetitive production of complex, pan-shaped parts like HVAC components, server racks or appliances, a panel bender is often better suited to the job than other machinery. Its speed and lights-out capability can free up a flexible press brake for custom, low-volume or thick-plate jobs. TRUMPF recently updated its TruBend Center 7030 panel bender, which reduces cycle time by 20 to 30 percent.
FEASIBILITY
“We try to understand customers’ challenges, what parts they want to make,” says Leeb, “We look at which solution best fits their production needs and their budget. A question I often hear is, ‘how do I know if I need a panel bender or a robotic press brake?’ We ask them to send their parts to us so that we can perform feasibility and time studies, gather piece counts and other data. We want to make sure our customers have the right bending solution.” “Automation used to mean high volume for large manufacturers,” Leeb continues. “Now we are able to automate low volumes or batch work as well. We continue to increase our portfolio to tailor solutions to customers’ needs.”
TRUMPF Inc., 860/255-6000, trumpf.com.
