LVD wins contract to build heavy-duty custom press brake for commercial aerospace application
24.03.2026
Ultra-modern Synchro-Form will fabricate structural components for the Ariane 6 rocket program set to advance Europe’s competitiveness in the commercial space market
LVD Company nv, one of the world’s leading suppliers of heavy-duty press brakes, has won a major contract to manufacture a custom Synchro-Form press brake for MT Aerospace AG, Augsburg, Germany, a subsidiary of the space and technology group OHB SE. A state-of-the-art heavy bending machine, the Synchro-Form 800-ton, 7-meter press brake will produce critical structural components for the European Space Agency (ESA) Ariane 6 space rocket program, an initiative aimed to enhance Europe’s position in the global space market.
Two components of the Ariane 6 rocket whose panels serve as the basis for developing the Synchro-Form press brake:
1- ESR Forward Skirt, part of the Ariane 6 booster
2- LLPM ITS: Lower Liquid Propulsion Module Inter Tank Structure, part of the Ariane 6 main stage
The order reinforces LVD’s reputation as a trusted supplier of advanced, high-performance bending equipment and heavy-duty press brakes tailored to meet demanding operational requirements.
“This contract represents a strong endorsement of LVD’s bending expertise,” said Carl Dewulf, CEO of LVD Group. “It reflects the confidence placed in our engineering expertise and proven history in meeting challenging forming applications.”
SYNCHRO-FORM: PRECISION FOR LARGE PARTS
Synchro-Form is next-generation adaptive bending technology engineered to accurately bend workpieces of four meters or more and in specialized materials. It automatically maintains angular consistency and the required geometric profile when handling, positioning, and bending large parts. LVD developed the first Synchro-Form for Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), a significant partner with Boeing in the development and production of the 777X aircraft. This successful installation involved precise bending of large fuselage segments.
Synchro-Form press brake: the synchro modules used to automatically handle, position, and bend heavy parts.
EVOLVING COMMERCIAL SPACE MARKET
Advanced manufacturing technology is helping evolve the commercial space market to a more diverse and private sector-led industry, fueled by private entrepreneurship and innovation.
MT Aerospace develops, designs and manufactures the metallic aerostructures for the Ariane 6 heavy-lift rocket, which was first launched in 2024. MT Aerospace has been significantly involved in the Ariane 6 program and has introduced several innovations to increase the performance and reduce the cost of the European launcher. The Synchro-Form press brake, planned for installation in spring 2026, will reduce component manufacturing time and allow forming of complex, high-tolerance parts.
More information: