Forming the Future – March Edition

Your Guide to Rollforming & Folding Innovation

Automation in Action:
The Thalmann TD 150 Revolutionising Sheet Metal Fabrication

In the fast-paced world of sheet metal fabrication, speed, precision, and efficiency are paramount. The Thalmann TD Series Double Folders exemplify these qualities, delivering a fully automated process that transforms production capabilities.

A recent demonstration at the CIDAN showroom in Feldkirch, Austria, showcased the TD150 6.4m in action. The results were in our opinion, very impressive:

Part Loading: 13 seconds
Hemming: 12 seconds
Flipping: 14 seconds
Three-Bend Sequence: 10 seconds

These figures aren’t just statistics—they represent a fundamental shift in the ability for manufacturers to improve processing times, with reduced operator intervention. This means a lower cost per part, and a safer, more reliable production environment. 

The Challenge: Manual Handling vs. Automation

Long folding operations have always been a balancing act of labour costs, efficiency, and accuracy. With rising demand and ongoing workforce shortages, reducing reliance on manual labour is no longer just an advantage—it’s a necessity.

Automation can cut labour costs by up to 50%, with machines that previously required two or more operators now efficiently managed by a single person. This shift allows manufacturers to both reduce cost and increase throughput making them more competitive and profitable, particularly in high-cost regions like Australia and New Zealand.

With its automated loading, flipping, and bending, the TD series eliminates inefficiencies, ensuring a streamlined and repeatable process that maintains the highest levels of accuracy. The result? More parts, in less time, with greater consistency—while reducing reliance on semi-skilled manual labour.

A Strategic Investment for the Future

Beyond its impressive speed, the TD series is a long-term investment in the future of manufacturing. Businesses adopting this technology report significantly lower labour expenses, with some achieving more than 50% cost per part savings due to reduced operator requirements and increased throughput.

Its automation capabilities also lead to:

✔ Fewer errors and reduced rework costs
✔ Higher material efficiency and less waste
✔ Enhanced operator safety
✔ A safer, more cost-effective work environment

Automation: A Competitive Necessity in ANZ

For manufacturers in Australia and New Zealand, where labour costs are rising and skilled sheetmetal workers are increasingly hard to find, automation isn’t just an upgrade—it’s essential tool for driving your business forward.

By investing in an automated system like the Thalmann TD Double Folder, businesses can increase production, improve quality and reduce lead times without increasing their workforce—meeting growing demand while maintaining profitability.

Book a time with us for a live demonstration of the latest machines from our partners at CIDAN Machinery, Thalmann and Etcoma.  

For more details on the Thalmann TD Double Folder and how it can transform your manufacturing process, visit our website or reach out at solutions@totalrollforming.com.

The future of sheetmetal fabrication is here—are you ready to embrace it?

Bite sized tip:  Three reasons to monitor chain tension

1. Increased Wear and Premature Failure • Loose chains can skip sprocket teeth, causing uneven wear or chipping. • Accelerates elongation and wear on both chain and sprockets, leading to breakdowns. 2. Reduced Efficiency and Performance • Loss of tension reduces power transmission, causing jerky motion, slippage, or control lag. • In rollforming, this may result in length inaccuracy or product slippage. 3.  Increased Maintenance and Downtime • Poor tensioning leads to unplanned stoppages—often right when urgent orders are due for dispatch.