Laser beam cutting
Laser cutting of tubes and sections
Robotic welding
Sheet metal bending
The metal industry stands at the threshold of a technological revolution. Traditional metal processing methods are giving way to advanced solutions that not only increase precision and efficiency but also open new production possibilities. In the coming years, we can expect dynamic changes in three key areas: laser cutting, robotic welding, and CNC bending. As Pro Metal Form, a company that already uses cutting-edge technologies today, we want to share our vision of the industry's future.
Laser cutting has come a long way from its first industrial applications. Today's laser systems achieve precision on the order of micrometers, but this is just the beginning. In the coming years, we can expect breakthrough innovations in this field.
Next-generation fiber lasers will be characterized by even greater power while simultaneously reducing energy consumption. It is predicted that by 2028, lasers with power exceeding 30 kW will become standard, enabling the cutting of significantly thicker materials while maintaining high edge quality.
The future of laser cutting will be inseparably linked with the implementation of artificial intelligence. AI systems will analyze cutting parameters in real-time, automatically adjusting laser power, traverse speed, and focus position to current material conditions. This means practically zero material waste and maximum cutting quality.
Adaptive quality control systems will use high-resolution cameras and machine learning algorithms to instantly detect and correct any irregularities in the cutting process. Every defect will be automatically compensated, eliminating the need to re-cut elements.
The development of composite materials and advanced alloys will require new approaches to laser cutting. The development of hybrid cutting technologies is anticipated, combining different types of lasers in one system – for example, a CO2 laser for preliminary cutting and a fiber laser for edge finishing.
3D cutting will become standard, not an exception. Multi-axis systems with laser heads will be able to cut complex spatial shapes without the need for additional material positioning.
Contemporary welding robots, such as those used by Pro Metal Form, already offer unmatched precision and repeatability today. However, the future will bring even more advanced solutions.
Collaborative robots (cobots) will become common in small and medium enterprises. These robots will be able to work safely alongside humans, combining the precision of automation with the flexibility of manual work. By 2027, it is predicted that cobots will account for over 40% of new welding robot installations.
The future of robotic welding lies in adaptive welding systems. Robots equipped with advanced sensors will analyze in real-time:
Based on this data, AI systems will automatically adjust welding parameters, ensuring optimal joint quality without the need for prior programming.
Fully autonomous welding systems will be able to independently plan welding paths for complex structures. Using Computer Vision technologies and machine learning, robots will analyze CAD models and automatically generate optimal welding programs.
Predictive maintenance will become standard. Sensors will monitor the condition of torches, welding wire, and other components, predicting failures before they occur and automatically ordering replacement parts.
The development of new materials will require new approaches to welding. Hybrid welding, combining different methods (for example, laser + MIG/MAG), will allow for joining different types of materials in one process.
Additive welding will evolve toward creating complete components by depositing successive layers of material. Welding robots will essentially become 3D printers for metals.
CNC bending already allows for creating complex shapes with unprecedented precision today. The future will bring even greater possibilities.
Multi-axis systems with 8, 10, or even 12 control axes will be standard for complex applications. This will allow bending elements in one setup, eliminating the need for repositioning and increasing final precision.
Adaptive bending systems will use artificial intelligence to predict material behavior during bending. These systems will consider:
Real-time compensation will automatically correct bending parameters, ensuring perfect dimensions without the need for testing and readjustment.
Breakthrough die-less forming technology will use controlled magnetic fields or point heating systems to bend material without traditional dies and punches. This means the ability to create unique shapes without expensive tooling.
Incremental forming will allow creating complex 3D shapes through gradual material deformation with small, controlled movements. This technology will be ideal for small series and prototyping.
Digital twin technology will become standard in CNC bending. Each bending process will first be simulated in a virtual environment, allowing for:
The future of the metal industry does not lie in isolated technologies, but in their integration. Smart factories will connect all processes into one intelligent network.
Laser cutting will automatically transmit information about element dimensions and quality to welding systems, which will adjust their parameters to actual, not theoretical dimensions. Bending systems will receive data about material properties measured during previous operations.
Every machine will be equipped with sensors transmitting data about:
Predictive analytics will optimize production schedules, predict material demand, and plan maintenance before failures occur.
The future of the metal industry will also be sustainable. Closed material loops will minimize waste through:
Energy efficiency will be a key parameter of all processes. Energy management systems will automatically select the least energy-intensive production methods.
Technology development will require new competencies from workers. Operator-programmer will replace the traditional machine operator. Understanding will be necessary of:
Growing digitalization brings new threats. Industrial network security will become a key element of every production system. Companies will need to invest in:
Mass customization will be possible thanks to flexible production systems. Factories will be able to quickly switch between different products without long downtime for changeover.
As a company aware of upcoming changes, Pro Metal Form is already investing in future technologies today. Our latest generation welding robot and modern CNC machine tools are the first steps toward Industry 4.0 factory.
We systematically develop our team's competencies, investing in training in modern technologies and quality management systems. Our specialists regularly participate in industry conferences and certification courses.
We cooperate with suppliers of cutting-edge technologies, which allows us early access to innovative solutions and testing them in real production conditions.
The future of the metal industry will be characterized by:
Companies that are already investing in modern technologies today and developing their teams' competencies will be leaders of tomorrow's industry. Pro Metal Form, thanks to its proactive approach and investments in cutting-edge solutions, is ready for these challenges.
The future of the metal industry is not a distant vision – it is a reality that is taking shape today. The key to success will be not only adapting to new technologies but also their creative use to create added value for customers.
Is your company ready for the metal industry of the future?
Pro Metal Form is a leader in metal processing, offering welding services using latest generation robots, precision CNC machining, and advanced 2D and 3D bending techniques. Our company combines years of experience with investments in cutting-edge technologies, allowing us to be a partner for companies preparing for the future of the metal industry.