Roll forming refers to the process of shaping sheet metal into various shapes, mainly round and conical. But roll forming also allows us to make angled shapes such as rectangles and squares. They can be equipped with crowning systems, software and controllers to provide unmatched precision and quality. Due to their flexibility and versatility, sheet roll forming machines are a very popular mechanical system that are indispensable in factories that manufacture a variety of products, from household appliances to space supplies.

Sheet bending machine technologies vary greatly, but the working principle is the same. In this article, we will explain sheet roll forming machines and give you some basic information about roll forming. Remember, when using sheet roll forming machines, it is important to entrust this task to experienced operators or train your team beforehand.

How roll forming works

Sheet roll forming machines are used to bend materials through different technologies, forming O-shapes, U-shapes and angles. The working principle of sheet roll forming machines is to bend the material by pressing it between rollers. There must be an upper and lower roller. Since then, sheet roll forming machines have evolved to have two, three or four rollers, with different structures and designs.

The upper roller acts as a clamp to keep the material stable and well placed, while the lower roller performs a rotational movement, providing torque, thus forming the material. The metal sheet goes through this process back and forth until it reaches the desired shape. To create details and edge bends, additional equipment is required. It should be noted that the accuracy of the final product depends on the type of material, thickness, position of the rollers and other characteristics.

Mechanical and Hydraulic Plate Rollers

We can classify plate rolling systems into mechanical and hydraulic movement methods. For information on the classification of plate rolling machines by construction and structure (number of rollers), please refer to our other article.

Mechanical three-plate rollers can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. The symmetrical design has two bottom parallel rollers and the third roller is located in the center above. The bottom roller performs a rotational movement and is the main driving force in the forming operation.

In an asymmetrical structure, we use the upper roller as the main driving device. This roller is located above, another roller is located directly below, and the third roller is located to the side. The side rollers are very effective in pre-bending, which the symmetrical structure cannot do without additional equipment.

In hydraulic rollers, the upper roller is in the form of a drum and can be raised and lowered vertically, providing flexibility and a straighter result.

Finally, we always recommend that a workshop professional conduct an evaluation before making a decision. If you need more guidance during this process, you can contact our technical sales team who will provide you with valuable insights to make your purchase journey a rewarding one.