New straightening and cambering machines make
light work of heavy-duty structural steels

“It only took one project to pay for our machine”

Stierli Bieger straightening and cambering machine

The bending of large beams and profiles had been a somewhat difficult and time consuming process for fabricators and structural steel companies, until the advent of a range of innovative multi-functional machines by the Swiss company, Stierli Bieger AG. Represented by Kaltenbach Ltd in the UK, the range of machines enables the straightening, cambering, forming and bending of a broad mix of structural steels, including heavy-duty beams, plate and fabricated sections.


A perfect example of where a Stierli Bieger cambering/straightening machine installation has made a dramatic difference, is at Billington Structures Ltd, at their facility in Wombwell, Nr Barnsley. “It only took one project to pay for our machine” says Kevin Campbell – Prod Director at Billington Structures. “The saving in time and benefits of in-house control of the straightening process, coupled with the elimination of any added transportation costs to an external contractor, have made ownership of this process very attractive”, he added.

Billington Structures are a long established company, typically handling steel projects from 50 to 5000 tonnes, for all types of industrial and commercial properties throughout the UK, with the Stierli Bieger machine processing beams up to 610 x 305. The straightening function has also proved invaluable after the fabrication of heavily welded sections, which are prone to distortion. Significant reductions are claimed in production time and cost, offering fully CNC controlled straightening and bending machines with manual override and semi-automatic versions. The cambering and straightening models use a horizontal press action, with an entry-level capacity of 200 tons, to handle plate up to 80mm thick and a 300 tons option with a 100mm capacity. The horizontal process greatly simplifies ease of loading, enabling a wide mix of profiles to be loaded from above by use of overhead crane.

CNC instructions are entered via keypad, with data options including profile, material length and height of camber. The software manages data such as number of bends, beam positioning and length of bending stroke. A variety of sub-programmes support the operator to ensure the fastest cycle times. Active Laser Measurement is used during the working cycle, which enables a direct comparison between the actual bend and the computer model, allowing for spring-back compensation for example. Any difference in dimensions between actual and required profile, can be measured and corrected as necessary. This innovation removes the need for manual checking and any added corrective work.

A graphic display detailing the required camber profile is shown on screen throughout the process. The operator may manually intervene at any time to make changes, with programming altered at point of operation, or off-line via a remote CAD-work station.