An apparatus and method for calibrating an automated wire bending machine is provided that includes a camera system comprising a camera and a lens configured with a focal plane fixedly positioned relative to a bending surface provided on the automated wire bending machine. The disclosed apparatus and method further includes a processor device configured to interpret images captured by the camera system. The apparatus and method measures an actual angle formed in a wire while a bent portion of the wire is substantially within the focal plane of the camera system, and a memory device stores values generated during a calibration sequence of the automated wire bending machine. The values correspond to the actual angle and a target angle provided for the calibrating of the automated wire bending machine.