Kombimatec has introduced an automated PVC-U profile bending machine to the UK window manufacturing sector.

According to Kombimatec, the machine is designed to address persistent skilled labour shortages whilst enabling fabricators of all sizes to compete in the premium arched window market.

The PBM60 is a hydraulically actuated three-roll profile bending machine that produces controlled, incremental curvature on metal and plastic sections, combining heavy-duty construction with configurable control systems for precise and repeatable geometry.

This transforms what has traditionally been a specialist, labour-intensive process into a single-operator function. The system uses hydraulic technology combined with electronic controls to bend PVC-U profiles around precision guides, eliminating the manual judgement calls that frequently result increased, over-bent, or misshapen profiles.

“The quality of the finished product surprises fabricators most,” explains David Parsons, managing director of Kombimatec. “It’s not just about the physical result, but the confidence in knowing each bend will be consistent. Operators can be up and running straight away with full training, compared to the months or years required to develop manual bending skills.”

Traditional profile bending requires two skilled operatives working in tandem. One must judge the precise time and temperature to cook the profile in the oven so that it becomes malleable. Then together with the second operative they must quickly transfer the soft material to the cooling table without distortion and quickly wrap it using internal and external formers around a predefined curved shape.

The automated system eliminates both requirements. Electronic controls manage temperature and speed parameters, whilst the machine’s design allows a single operator to complete the entire process. Kombimatec says that this represents a 50% reduction in labour requirements for fabricators undertaking curved window production.

Kombimatec offers the bending machine as part of an optional integrated package alongside an EKS432 single head welder and AFV370 electronic radius end miller. This combination provides fabricators with a complete curved window manufacturing solution, removing the need to source compatible equipment from multiple suppliers.