Types of Plate Rolling Machines: Applications, Advantages & Disadvantages
Plate rolling machines play a crucial role in the metal-forming industry, allowing workshops worldwide to shape metal plates into cones, cylinders, and curved shapes. In this article, we will explore the different types of plate rolling machines and delve into their working mechanisms, advantages, and drawbacks. Whether you belong to the construction, manufacturing, or aerospace industry, understanding these machines can be beneficial. So, let's get started!
Plate Rolling Machines: Applications and Importance:
The metal-forming industry heavily relies on plate rolling machines for their versatile capabilities. These machines find applications in a wide range of industries, including construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, oil and gas, aerospace (rocket shell building), automotive, oil tank manufacturing, medical equipment, defense, and renewable energy. The following examples highlight the significance of plate rolling machines in these industries.
Types of Plate Rolling Machines: Working Mechanism, Advantages, and Drawbacks: 2-Roll Plate Rolling Machines:
The 2-roll plate rolling machine represents the basic form of this technology. It consists of one idler roll that remains stationary and another roll that can be adjusted vertically.
This machine applies force and pressure to shape metal plates into the desired radius. Industries such as manufacturing, construction, and automotive utilize 2-roll plate rolling machines to create body shells, equipment components, chassis, frames, and body panels. While these machines offer high production efficiency and minimal warping, they may lack precision due to the fewer number of rolls.
Advantages of 2-Roll Plate Rolling Machines:
High production efficiency (350-1000 pieces/h)
Minimal or zero warping and cracks
Straight section of thin plates remains within material thickness
Drawbacks of 2-Roll Plate Rolling Machines:
Requires a new guide roll for each production batch, which is time-consuming and expensive
Lacks precision compared to machines with more rolls
3-Roll Linear Guideway Plate Rolling Machines:
Linear guideway plate rolling machines are highly versatile and known for their exceptional productivity. They come in 3-roll and 4-roll variants, enabling pre-bending, rolling, and post-bending in a single feed. These machines are ideal for rolling metal plates ranging from 2mm to 100mm in thickness. Their applications span across industries, including manufacturing, construction, and automotive.
Advantages of 3-Roll Linear Guideway Plate Rolling Machines:
Requires less floor space for on-site usage
Interchangeable top roll
Provides high precision and smallest possible flat end
Suitable for cone bending, hot rolling, and non-circular bending
Drawbacks of 3-Roll Linear Guideway Plate Rolling Machines:
Higher initial cost and foundation requirements
Changing the roll can be time-consuming
4-Roll Linear Guideway Plate Rolling Machines:
Renowned for their high precision and efficiency, 4-roll linear guideway plate rolling machines offer excellent productivity. These machines feature one top roll and three bottom rolls, providing increased versatility. They can roll metal plates as thin as 2mm up to 100mm, and even thin plates below 10mm in a single pass. Their applications align with those of 3-roll linear guideway machines, but they also excel in mass production scenarios.
Advantages of 4-Roll Linear Guideway Plate Rolling Machines:
Allows feeding from either direction
Performs pre-bend, roll, and post-bend in a single insertion
Capable of cone bending, non-circular bending, and hot rolling
Provides simple operation and does not require highly skilled operators
Drawbacks of 4-Roll Linear Guideway Plate Rolling Machines:
Higher initial cost compared to 2 or 3-roll machines
No interchangeable top roll available
Difficult to re-roll a welded cylinder
3 and 4-Roll Swing Arm Plate Rolling Machines:
Swing arm plate rolling machines come in 3-roll and 4-roll configurations. These machines utilize the lateral movement of swing arms to roll metal plates. The 3-roll swing arm machines have two bottom rolls and an interchangeable top roll, while the 4-roll swing arm machines have three bottom rolls and an interchangeable top roll.
They offer a rolling range of 2mm to 100mm and provide efficient handling of heavy workloads.
Advantages of Swing Arm Plate Rolling Machines:
Interchangeable top roll for enhanced versatility
Great efficiency and ability to handle heavy workloads
Suitable for moderate operator skills
Long life expectancy under favorable workloads
Drawbacks of Swing Arm Plate Rolling Machines:
Higher flat end received upon completion of rolling compared to linear guideway machines
Changing the top roll can be time-consuming
Equipment cost and maintenance are comparatively higher
Conclusion
Plate rolling machines are indispensable tools in various industries, enabling the formation of complex shapes from metal plates. In this article, we explored the different types of plate rolling machines, their working mechanisms, and their applications in various industries.
By understanding the advantages and drawbacks of each type, you can make informed decisions when choosing a plate rolling machine for your specific requirements. If you have any questions or need assistance with plate rolling machines, feel free to contact us. We are here to help."