This week: Tube bending and workholding solutions to implement now

There’s still time to register for our March Manufacturing Lunch + Learn, taking place Thursday March 19 at 12PM ET. Join us for two half-hour sessions offering in-depth looks at two vital manufacturing technologies: tube bending and workholding.

In session 1, Charlotte Werner of WAFIOS AG presents the BMZ 6 CNC tube bending machine, engineered for producing delicate miniature components from tube and wire, such as cannulas and media carrying lines. Its modular design enables complex geometries using mandrel bending, coiling, and free form bending, while allowing extremely short straights between bends. For handling sensitive parts, the system can be equipped with the EasyRobot, integrated directly into WPS without additional robot training.

In session 2, Larry Robbins of SMW Autoblok USA discusses everything you need to know about the latest in workholding technology and the new developments shaping efficiency and performance in machining operations.

Speakers

 

Larry Robbins
President and CEO
SMW Autoblok

Larry Robbins joined SMW Autoblok in 2007 as National Sales Manager and was appointed President of SMW Autoblok’s Commercial Division in 2019, then CEO in 2024.

As CEO, Larry manages all strategic sales and marketing initiatives as well as overseeing SMW Autoblok’s North American sales team and customer base including machine tool dealers, OEMs, and channels currently under development. He also oversees international products and global product launches including the new wireless connectivity company SMW Electronics.

Larry has more than 40 years of experience in the machine tool industry and manufacturing. Prior to working for SMW Autoblok, he owned a successful manufacturers’ rep company for 13 years. Larry’s knowledge and ability in the machining industry began in his early youth when he worked side-by-side with his father who owned a prosperous distributorship in New Jersey.

 

Charlotte Werner
Manager - Technical Sales, Tube Bending Machinery
WAFIOS AG

Charlotte is a Manager in Technical Sales for tube bending machines at WAFIOS AG, based at the company’s headquarters in Germany. She combines strong technical expertise with market-driven thinking and works closely with product development, applications, and customers worldwide. As part of her current role, she is also responsible for the North American market.

During her studies, Charlotte gained extensive hands-on sales experience, including completing her bachelor’s thesis in the field of e-mobility. Her thesis focused on CNC bending machines used in the production of current-carrying components for electric motors. Alongside her studies, she worked as a student assistant in project management, actively supporting project leads in their daily operations.

With a background as a trained office management assistant and a Bachelor of Arts in International Management, Charlotte brings a strong commercial foundation to her technical role. She is known for her hands-on, pragmatic approach, quickly familiarizing herself with new technical and organizational topics and implementing effective solutions efficiently.