BLM Group Will Launch PRO-RUNNER 28 Tube System in 2026
Manufacturers of automotive and HVAC parts will gain a consolidated workflow for processing 28mm tubes.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Manufacturing
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BLM Group plans to introduce its PRO-RUNNER 28 tube bending system in 2026. The new machine integrates multiple stages of tube processing, including bending and secondary operations, to streamline production workflows.
Why it matters
The system reduces operational complexity and costs by eliminating the need to transfer parts between multiple machines. This consolidated approach aims to increase throughput for firms in the automotive, HVAC, and industrial vehicle sectors.
The system handles tube diameters up to 28 mm and leverages the company's 65 years of industry experience. It reduces manual handling by combining straightening, bending, and end-forming into a single process.
The players
BLM Group
An international manufacturer specializing in tube processing technology with over 65 years of industry experience.
The details
The PRO-RUNNER 28 utilizes a magnetically suspended mandrel to support precision during coil-fed bending operations. By integrating end-forming, drilling, and cutting directly into the bending workflow, the unit reduces the logistical friction of secondary processing. Programming is managed via VGPNext software, which provides 3D simulation to verify bends before production begins.
Timeline
The machine will be introduced at FABTECH 2026.
Market Landscape
The launch builds on the existing VGPNext software ecosystem to provide deeper control over automated shop-floor workflows. It aligns with broader industry trends toward compacting traditional multi-machine production lines into single, cell-based configurations.
Operators in the furniture and appliance sectors should evaluate whether consolidating their tube processing workflow could justify the capital expenditure of the new system. Assess your current downtime and transfer costs between secondary processing machines to prepare for the 2026 launch.
The takeaway
The PRO-RUNNER 28 suggests a trend toward increased integration of secondary manufacturing tasks into primary bending cells. Operators should review their current production cycle times to determine if multi-stage automation will provide a sufficient return on investment for their product mix.
Further reading
For more on industry hardware developments, visit the Manufacturing section.
More information
For additional specifications and upcoming release details, visit the BLM Group corporate website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fabricating and Metalworking.
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