Abstract: A laser cutting machine including an X1 axis provided with clamps which make it possible to firmly grip a material to be cut in sheets or on reels (the blank) enabling the material to be moved from left to right; a Y-axis: perpendicular to the X1 axis, enabling the movement of a laser cutting head; an X2 axis with at least one pair of clamping rollers enabling the material to be moved to the left or to the right; a straightening/de-cambering/levelling system placed beside this X2 axis comprising an optimised number of rollers; a unit incorporating the X2 axis and the straightening system which can be moved upwards or downwards, and a motorized discharge table enabling the cut elements (scrap and good pieces) to be discharged at a precise point, delimiting a picking zone.

Abstract: The apparatus for manufacturing a tubular, sheet metal heat-insulating element (1) from a sheet metal blank (9) successively comprises, in a direction of travel perpendicular to the axis of the heat-insulating element to be produced, a drive unit (5) for conveying the blank (9) flat in the direction of travel (F), a set of shaping rolls (61, 62) comprising shaping rollers (65, 66) for forming a relief on the edge of the blank, and a roll-bending unit (7), situated immediately downstream of the set of shaping rolls, for roll-bending the blank comprising said relief. Firstly, reliefs are shaped on the edges of the blank by means of shaping rolls, then roll-bending is performed, preferably immediately thereafter and in the same operation, the edge-forming and roll-bending being carried out in a single pass.