EVOBEND · Biegemaster · RAS · Variobend · JORNS · THALMANN – Which one is right for your workshop?
What is a double-action bending machine and why do you need one?
A double-action (dual) sheet metal bending machine is a machine that can bend sheet metal in both positive and negative directions without the need to manually flip the sheet. Thanks to two bending arms or special kinematics, the entire process can be managed by a single operator, significantly reducing labour costs and increasing productivity.
In this article, we compare 6 leading manufacturers of double-action bending machines from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. We focus on technical parameters, drive type, automation level, maximum capacity, and service availability in the Central European region.
1. EVOBEND D-Series
🇦🇹 Austria · evobend.com · Fully electric drive
EVOBEND presents itself as the fastest dual bending machine on the market – achieving up to 25 bends per minute. It is a fully electric machine (0% hydraulics), which brings up to 90% lower energy consumption compared to hydraulic competitors.
Key Features
- Fully electric drive – quiet, precise, low-maintenance, no hydraulic oil
- SmartBend technology – unique bending principle with minimal movements, enabling the production of previously unrealisable profiles
- Max. sheet thickness: 2.0 mm (steel 400 N/mm²)
- Insertion depth: 1,250 mm on all models
- Free space: 300° in front of the bending jaws
- Automatic grippers, sliding tables, and disc shears in standard equipment
- Closed construction – no swinging arms, high safety
Available Models
| Model | Working length | No. of C-frames | Max. steel (400 N/mm²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| D300 | 3,200 mm | 4 | 2.0 mm |
| D400 | approx. 4,000 mm | – | 2.0 mm |
| D600 | approx. 6,000 mm | – | 2.0 mm |
| D800 | approx. 8,000 mm | – | 2.0 mm |
| D1000 | approx. 10,000 mm | – | 2.0 mm |
2. Biegemaster BENDTRON
🇩🇪 Germany · biegemaster.de · Electro-kinematic drive
BENDTRON is a fully electric bending machine with an electro-kinematic drive for all bending joints. It is focused on quiet, precise, and energy-efficient operation.
Key Features
- Electro-kinematic drive – faster and quieter than hydraulics
- Max. sheet thickness: 1.5 mm (steel 400 N/mm²), 2.0 mm aluminium
- Max. bending angle: 150°
- BMS multi-touch display with intuitive CNC control
- Electronic, computer-controlled rear stop
- Optional electric cutting module (up to 2 mm steel)
- Profile preparation on PC/tablet with Wi-Fi/USB transfer
Available Models
| Model | Working length | No. of uprights | Steel (400 N/mm²) | Aluminium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BENDTRON 4.1,50 | 4,010 mm | 4 | 1.5 mm | 2.0 mm |
| BENDTRON 6.1,50 | 6,400 mm | 6 | 1.5 mm | 2.0 mm |
| BENDTRON 8.1,50 | 8,020 mm | 8 | 1.5 mm | 2.0 mm |
| BENDTRON 10.1,50 | 10,020 mm | 10 | 1.5 mm | 2.0 mm |
| BENDTRON 12.1,50 | 12,020 mm | 12 | 1.5 mm | 2.0 mm |
3. RAS XXL-Center
🇩🇪 Germany · ras-online.de · Automatic bending centre
The RAS XXL-Center is an automatic long bending centre that automatically feeds, straightens, positions, and bends the sheet – both upward and downward. It is more of a complete production line than a classic bending machine.
Key Features
- Full automation – automatic feeding, straightening, positioning, and bending
- Double-action bending – up and down, without flipping the sheet
- Free space: Up to 300° – patented design
- Bendex software: Automatic programming with “one click”
- Surface-friendly: Tools roll on the surface – no scratches
- Max. sheet thickness: 1.5 mm (400 N/mm²), 2.0 mm (200 N/mm²), 1.0 mm (750 N/mm²)
- Optional CutModul – cutting directly on the machine (up to 1.5 mm)
Available Models
| Model | Bending length | Max. steel (400 N/mm²) | Free space | Machine dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAS 75.04-2 | 4,240 mm | 1.5 mm | 300° | 6,400 × 3,500 mm |
| RAS 75.06-2 | 6,400 mm | 1.5 mm | 300° | 8,600 × 3,500 mm |
4. Variobend DB / V
🇩🇪 Germany (ASCO) · Distribution: ASCO · Hydraulic drive
Variobend is a CNC segmented hydraulic bending machine that enables bending at both positive and negative angles without flipping the sheet. It offers the widest range of models in this comparison, including the heavy-duty “V” series for thicknesses up to 2.5 mm.
Key Features
- Hydraulic drive with 22 kW motor
- Clamping frame opening: 770 mm – easy handling of already bent sheet
- Max. bending angle: 140°
- Rear stop: 5–1,000 mm (optionally 1,250 mm) with ball screws
- Angular stops – allow tapered sheets in the range of ±100 mm
- Hydraulic disc shears as standard
- Automatic crowning as standard (DB up to 2 mm)
- Start-Stop technology and safety light curtain
- V-Mobile App mobile application
- Robust steel frame without the need for anchoring
Optional Accessories
- Servo drive (approx. 30% acceleration)
- Automatic clamps with stop fingers
- Turning device for automatic sheet flipping
- Automatic crowning system
- Rollformer edge bending accessory
Available Models – DB Series (up to 2.0 mm)
| Type | Arms | Working length | Max. thickness | Opening | Rear stop | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DB 4.1,5 | 4 | 4,320 mm | 1.5 mm | 770 mm | 1,000 mm | 6,400 kg |
| DB 4.2,0 | 4 | 4,320 mm | 2.0 mm | 770 mm | 1,000 mm | 6,700 kg |
| DB 6.1,5 | 6 | 6,400 mm | 1.5 mm | 770 mm | 1,000 mm | 8,650 kg |
| DB 6.2,0 | 6 | 6,400 mm | 2.0 mm | 770 mm | 1,000 mm | 8,800 kg |
| DB 8.1,5 | 8 | 8,640 mm | 1.5 mm | 770 mm | 1,000 mm | 10,400 kg |
| DB 8.2,0 | 8 | 8,640 mm | 2.0 mm | 770 mm | 1,000 mm | 10,700 kg |
| DB 10.1,5 | – | 10,400 mm | 1.5 mm | 770 mm | 1,000 mm | – |
| DB 10.2,0 | – | 10,400 mm | 2.0 mm | 770 mm | 1,000 mm | – |
Available Models – V Series (up to 2.5 mm)
| Type | Arms | Working length | Max. thickness | Rear stop | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V 2.5-4 | 4 | 4,300 mm | 2.5 mm | 1,250 mm | 12,000 kg |
| V 2.5-6 | 6 | 6,400 mm | 2.5 mm | 1,250 mm | 19,200 kg |
| V 2.5-8 | 8 | 8,640 mm | 2.5 mm | 1,250 mm | – |
5. JORNS TWINMATIC
🇨🇭 Switzerland · Distribution SK: JORNS · Two bending arms
JORNS TWINMATIC and TWINBEND are model series with positive and negative bending using two bending arms. With the maximum capacity of 3 mm at 400 N/mm² strength, this is the most powerful machine in this comparison.
Key Features
- Two bending arms for double-action bending
- Max. sheet thickness: 3 mm (at 400 N/mm² strength) – highest in this comparison
- Available lengths: 4.6 / 4.8 / 10 / 12.2 m
- No auxiliary staff needed – a single operator is sufficient
- Many times faster than conventional single-direction bending machines
- Distribution and service in Slovakia: MTMONT
Available Lengths
| Model | Working length | Max. steel (400 N/mm²) |
|---|---|---|
| TWINMATIC / TWINBEND | 4,600 mm | 3.0 mm |
| TWINMATIC / TWINBEND | 4,800 mm | 3.0 mm |
| TWINMATIC / TWINBEND | 10,000 mm | 3.0 mm |
| TWINMATIC / TWINBEND | 12,200 mm | 3.0 mm |
6. THALMANN TD Doppelbieger
🇨🇭 Switzerland · thalmann-ag.ch · Hydraulic drive with control shafts
THALMANN is a premium Swiss manufacturer with a top-tier reputation in the field of sheet metal bending. The TD Doppelbieger is built on the unique kinetic control shaft technology – the heart of all THALMANN machines – which ensures synchronous force transmission along the entire length of the machine.
Key Features
- Control shaft technology – synchronous force transmission along the entire machine length – something other manufacturers do not have
- Dynamic Folding Technology (DFT) – simultaneous movement of multiple axes = faster bending without loss of precision
- Max. sheet thickness: 2.50 mm (at 400 N/mm²)
- Tool material: Hardox 400 – extremely wear-resistant
- Insertion depth: 1,250 mm
- Quiet hydraulic drive: only 62 dB, 250 l oil tank
- Optional Super-HighSpeed mode
Automation Modules
- Automatic sheet turning (Blechwende-Einheit)
- Automatic lateral sheet feeder (seitlicher Blecheinzug)
- Automatic finished profile unloader (Blechentnahme-Einheit)
- Automatic grippers – single, double, conical
- Multi-zone gripper control – simultaneous bending of multiple sheets
Available Models
| Model | Max. thickness (400 N/mm²) | Standard working lengths |
|---|---|---|
| TD 125 | 1.25 mm | 3.2 / 4.2 / 5.0 / 6.4 / 8.2 / 10.0 / 12.0 m (individual lengths on request) |
| TD 150 | 1.50 mm | |
| TD 200 | 2.00 mm | |
| TD 250 | 2.50 mm |
Summary Comparison of All Machines
The following table provides a quick overview of the most important parameters of all six compared machines.
| Criterion | EVOBEND D | Biegemaster BENDTRON | RAS XXL-Center | Variobend DB/V | JORNS TWINMATIC | THALMANN TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive type | Electric | Electro-kinematic | – | Hydraulic | – | Hydraulic |
| Double-action bending | ✅ Yes | ❌ 1 direction only | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Max. steel (400 N/mm²) | 2.0 mm | 1.5 mm | 1.5 mm | 2.0 – 2.5 mm | 3.0 mm | 2.5 mm |
| Working lengths | 3.2 – 10 m | 4 – 12 m | 4.2 – 6.4 m | 4.3 – 10.4 m | 4.6 – 12.2 m | 3.2 – 12 m |
| Insertion depth | 1,250 mm | up to 1,250 mm | – | 1,000 – 1,250 mm | – | 1,250 mm |
| Speed | Up to 25/min | – | High | Medium | High | High (DFT) |
| Automation | Standard | Basic | Full | Optional | – | Modular full |
| On-machine cutting | Disc shears | Optional | Optional CutModul | Hyd. disc shears | – | El. longitudinal cutter |
| Distribution SK/UK/EU | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Price segment | Premium | Mid/Upper | Premium | Mid | Upper | Premium |
Recommendations Based on Your Priorities
Every workshop and every production is different. Here are our recommendations based on what matters most to you:
Maximum automation and precision
For manufacturers who want near-unattended production with the highest repeatability.THALMANN TDRAS XXL-Center
Fastest and most modern electric machine
Up to 25 bends per minute, zero hydraulics, minimal maintenance, and 90% energy savings.EVOBEND D-Series
Thicker sheets (2.5 – 3 mm)
If you process thicker materials, you need a machine with greater bending force.JORNS TWINMATIC (up to 3 mm)Variobend V (up to 2.5 mm)
Best price/performance ratio with local service
Availability of service and spare parts without unnecessary waiting is important.VariobendJORNS
Longest machines (10 – 12 m)
For long roofing panels, facade elements, and special profiles.THALMANN TDJORNS TWINMATICBiegemaster BENDTRON
Quiet operation and low energy consumption
Electric machines are significantly quieter and more energy-efficient than hydraulic ones.EVOBEND D-SeriesBiegemaster BENDTRON
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a double-action sheet metal bending machine?
A double-action (dual) sheet metal bending machine is a machine that can bend sheet metal in both positive and negative directions without manually flipping the sheet. Thanks to two bending arms or special kinematics, a single operator can manage the entire process, significantly reducing labour costs and increasing productivity.
Which double-action bending machine can handle the thickest sheet?
JORNS TWINMATIC can bend steel sheet with a strength of 400 N/mm² up to a thickness of 3 mm, which is the highest capacity among the
