You cannot leave behind the plate bending/rolling machines when it comes to metal-forming and workshop industries. Two widely used machines to bend or roll the workpiece are the Linear Guideway plate bending/rolling machine and the Swing Guideway plate bending/rolling machine.
Bending/rolling a workpiece is a work of precision and the initial phase of what will become a final product. Albeit, it is impossible to buy a machine without first understanding its better and limiting side. So, while opting for one of the two, knowing the machines inside out stands out as an important factor.
Let’s understand Linear Guideway and Swing Guideway bending/rolling machines and see how these metal-forming machines compare.
Linear Guideway Plate Bending/Rolling Machines
The Linear Guideway machines come in 3 or 4-roll variants and stand as one of the most versatile bending/rolling machines in the metal-forming industry. When it comes to productivity, there aren’t many machines that can stand to Linear Guideway plate bending/rolling machines.
The top roll (idler) is steady, while the two in the bottom are movable to adjust the thickness and angle to desired limits. You can pre-bend, bend/roll, and post-bend in a single feed.
Availability to roll from mere 2mm thinness to 100mm thickness and a productivity score that comes out on top when compared to other bending/rolling machines are major highlights you don’t want to miss as a decision-maker. Every machine has advantages and limitations when placed at a construction site or factory.
Advantages of Linear Guideway Plate Bending/Rolling Machines
These are highly rated bending/rolling machines due to their versatile workload ability. Let’s see more advantages of Linear Guideway machines.
It can be used in a factory or at a construction site according to the need due to its less floor space requirement.
The top roll is interchangeable, and the procedure takes not more than 30 minutes.
Smallest possible flat end for the workpiece is received upon completion of bending.
Operation is simple (user-friendly) and doesn’t require highly skilled operators.
It doesn’t break down easily and comes with a life expectancy of up to 35 years.
It is easily resalable with comparatively resale value.
Limitations of Linear Guideway Plate Bending/Rolling Machines There’s only one way a machine can be perfect. Hypothetically. Depending on the workshop, every machine has some limitations. But Linear Guideway machines have lesser limitations.
Interchangeable top roll is only available in 3-roll and not in 4-roll plate bending/rolling machines.
Higher initial cost of manufacturing and expensive foundation.
CNC is absent in 3-roll plate bending/rolling machines (available in 4-roll plate bending/rolling machines).
Swing Guideway Plate Bending/Rolling Machines
Just like Linear Guideway machines, Swing Guideway bending/rolling machines come with 3 and 4-roll plate bending mechanisms. Bending of the workpiece is achieved using the lateral movement of the swing arms. The bending process commences by transferring the force to links due to lateral movement.
Metal sheets/plates need to be bent in large quantities, and frequent use of machines is no new page in the book since the revolution began in the metal-forming industry. The ability of Swing Guideway plate bending/rolling machines to handle workloads is a big benefit for companies that handle such frequent bending operations.
As good as a machine seems, it is always necessary to get through its advantages and limitations. Since buying a machine is a major decision for a business, no page should be left unturned. Let’s discuss some advantages and limitations of the Swing Guideway plate bending/rolling machine.
Advantages of Swing Guideway Plate Bending/Rolling Machines
Just as Linear Guideway machines, these machines also provide bending for thicknesses up to 2mm to 100mm. We have listed down some more advantages of these machines for you.
Top roll is changeable in a 3-roll Swing Guideway plate bending/rolling machine.
Provides good productivity and handles frequent workloads effortlessly.
Requires moderate operator skills for commencing bending/rolling of sheet metal.
Transportation cost is moderate since the build is not too bulky for transportation.
Life expectancy of up to 15 years under a favorable workload.
Limitations of Swing Guideway Plate Bending/Rolling Machines
There are comparatively more limitations in Swing Guideway Plate Bending/Rolling Machines than in Linear Guideway machines. Nevertheless, we are listing them here for your reference.
Upon completion of bending/rolling, a higher flat end is received compared to Linear Guideway machines.
The top roll is changeable, but it is very hard to change and a time-consuming process.
The accuracy of the resultant job is poor and out of comparison with Linear Guideway machines.
Cost of the equipment itself and maintenance cost is considerably higher.
Breakdown is frequent and results in a life expectancy of 15 years, while Linear Guideway machines last up to 35 years.
Both machines have their own better and limiting sides. Let’s see how these bending/rolling workshop machines compare with each other.
| Linear Guideway | Swing Guideway |
| | |
Thickness Range | 2mm - 100mm | 2mm - 100mm |
Productivity | Good | Good |
Pre-Pinching and Pre-bending | Smallest possible flat end is achieved | Higher flat end compared to Linear Guideway |
Workload | Versatile | Versatile |
Interchangeable Top Roll | Available and takes 30 minutes to change | Available but time-consuming and complex procedure to change |
Life of Machinery | 25-35 Years | 15-20 Years |
Maintenance and Cost | Low | High |
Breakdown | Low due to solid build quality | Frequent due to high wear and tear and cheaper quality of construction |
Resale Value | Easily resaleable and good value | Hard to resale and available at a quarter the real value of the purchase |
Which One is Ideal for You?
As an entity looking to bend/roll a plate, you must ensure that the flat ends are as small as possible. Linear Guideway comes out on top with better productivity, longer life of machinery, maintenance cost and resale value. While both machines are versatile, the difference of 20 years in the life of machinery is a big yes to Linear Guideway plate bending/rolling machines. Have more doubts regarding bending/rolling machines? We are here to help you.