News & Events

PNBend Update | New Features Q3 2026

With the latest version of PNBend, WiCAM is expanding its bending programming capabilities with new functions designed to enhance process reliability and enable more flexible component production. The focus is on the automatic detection of critical contours within the bending zone, the programming of parametric 3D variants, and improved support for step bending.

The new functions help users to identify potential problems as early as the programming stage and to prepare different component variants more efficiently for production.

PNBend Update | Contour Detection within the Bending Zone

When creating a bending simulation, PNBend now takes into account contours located within or in the immediate vicinity of a bending zone.

• Automatic detection of relevant contours in the vicinity of the bend line
• Visual representation of potentially problematic geometries in the bending simulation
• Early detection of potential problems during the bending process
• Better assessment of manufacturability as early as the programming stage
• Greater process reliability before the programme is transferred to the press brake

Holes, cut-outs and other contours in the immediate vicinity of a bend can be critical during forming. Thanks to this additional detection feature, these areas are already visible in the simulation and can be assessed accordingly by the programmer.

This function helps to identify potential problems at an earlier stage, thereby reducing the risk of defective components and unnecessary corrections on the machine.

PN4000 Update | 3D Variant Programming

Variant programming has been extended to include the processing of 3D components. This means that parametric components can no longer be generated solely on the basis of traditional 2D geometries, but can be modelled directly in the three-dimensional model.

• Creation of parametric variants based on 3D components
• Variable adjustment of component dimensions and geometries via defined parameters
• Automatic generation of different component versions
• Use of conditions and dependencies within variant programming
• More efficient processing of recurring components with different dimensions

Particularly for component families that differ only in terms of specific dimensions or versions, 3D variant programming significantly reduces the design workload.

Instead of recreating each component individually, a defined base variant can be used and adapted to the respective order via the relevant parameters.

This makes variant production within PN4000 even more flexible and allows for better integration into automated production processes.

PNBend Update | Improved Step Bending

The existing step bending function has been further optimised in the new version of PNBend. This now allows components to be programmed and simulated which could not be modelled, or only to a limited extent, in previous versions.

This applies in particular to parts that consist almost exclusively of a continuous curve and do not have a traditional bend edge. Such geometries can now be better recognised, processed and produced via several individual bending steps.

Would you like to use PNBend in your production?

PNBend is manufacturer-independent and enables the programming of press brakes from all leading manufacturers, making it possible to use our bending simulation for mixed machine fleets. Request your personal online demo now!

ARRANGE AN ONLINE DEMO