In recent years, there has been a growing demand for data centers. As of March 2025, there were an estimated 5,426 data centers in the United States alone, and this growth is fueling the need for efficient, scalable and precise sheet metal fabrication. Automated panel bending is a transformative method in sheet metal manufacturing and is useful in data center infrastructure production, like racks and enclosures. Let’s explore automated panel bending further and how Vander-Bend provides top-tier solutions.
A Closer Look at Automated Panel Bending
Automated panel bending is a sheet metal forming process that uses a bending machine to shape panels. Automation in panel bending is due to CNC processes, which makes it different from traditional press brake bending. This method plays an important role in high-volume, precision-driven manufacturing like data centers.
Let’s take a closer look at five key benefits of automated panel bending:
1. Increased Efficiency
This method adds efficiency to sheet metal manufacturing due to its continuous, automated processes. Automation reduces setup time and with its capability for lights-out (24/7) manufacturing, you can expect faster time to market.
2. Enhanced Precision and Repeatability
Automated panel bending adds consistency to each component. CNC programming ensures exact dimensions and tolerances are met, adding repeatability and accuracy, making this process suitable for high-volume manufacturing.
3. Reduced Labor Costs
One operator can manage multiple automated panel bending machines. This frees up skilled workers for more complex tasks, like assembly or quality assurance, and reduces overall labor costs.
4. Greater Customization Opportunities
This manufacturing method is well-suited for tailored applications. CNC programming can allow for different panel sizes, shapes, bends, and other custom configurations, and since automated panel bending can also quickly adapt to design changes, it is very versatile and customizable.
 5. Improved Workplace Safety
Automation minimizes the manual handling of large or heavy panels. This reduces injury risk and increases overall workplace safety.
Partner with Vander-Bend for Top-Tier Automated Manufacturing
Automated panel bending offers increased efficiency, precision, and safety, as well as reduced costs, allowing it to be a strategic process that meets the demands of the growing data center industry. Vander-Bend is the ideal partner for this complex process.
For over 25 years, we’ve been industry leaders in data center sheet metal manufacturing, and we offer highly precise and highly automated services so you can get the exceptional components your project requires. Our capabilities included automated sheet metal manufacturing, early stage planning, assembly, and more.
Our internal automation team provides expert, efficient services, and we are able to create sheet metal components for custom server racks and cabinets, power distribution panels, filler panels, bracketry, and much more. With our U.S.-based manufacturing, we are able to deliver high-caliber products that are designed to perform.
We are committed to supporting our customers in all that we do, and we’re ready to demonstrate our precision excellence for your next project. Reach out to Vander-Bend today to get started.