Types of Plate Rolling Machines: Pros, Cons & Applications
Updated: Sep 5
In this article, we explore the different types of plate-rolling machines and delve into their working mechanisms, advantages, and drawbacks.
Understanding these machines can be beneficial if you belong to the construction, manufacturing, or aerospace industry. So, let's get starflat-endted!
Here’s Your Answer To “Why Do I Need a Plate Rolling Machine?”
Now, the question you keep asking about needing a plate-bending machine has various answers. But we are providing you with the 5 important ones you need to know.
Reason 1: Enhanced Efficiency
Plate rolling machines enhance efficiency by automating complex bending and shaping processes.
Reason 2: Precision Fabrication
These machines ensure precise fabrication through consistent adherence to tight tolerances.
Reason 3: Less Labor, More Work
Plate-rolling machines reduce hard labor requirements. This makes your skilled workers free for more proactive tasks.
Reason 4: Versatility and Adaptability
These machines add versatility to your plate rolling sector by accommodating various plate sizes and materials for diverse applications.
Reason 5: Accelerated Production
Plate-rolling machines significantly boost production, meeting demanding industrial timelines with ease.
These are the reasons you need a plate rolling machine at your fabrication workshop. But it can be an uphill battle to choose the right type of plate rolling machine.
Here is the list of different types of plate rolling machines for you to understand which one will best suit your needs.
Plate Rolling Machine Types: Working Mechanism, Advantages, and Drawbacks
Different machines are used for different rolling and bending jobs. The number of rolls can vary, but usually, the generic or the most widely required number of rolls reaches up to 4 rolls in a plate rolling machine.
Let’s see the types of plate rolling machines now.
Type 1: 2-Roll Plate Rolling Machine
The 2-roll plate rolling machine represents this technology's most primal and basic form. It consists of one idler roll that remains stationary and another roll that can be adjusted relating to the bending job required.
This machine applies force and pressure to shape metal plates into the desired radius. Manufacturing, construction, and automotive industries utilize 2-roll plate rolling machine types 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 rolls.
Advantages of 2-Roll Plate Rolling Machines
High production efficiency (350-1000 pieces/h)
Minimal or zero warping and cracks in the final plate rolling job
Straight section of thin plates remains within the material thickness
Now, since it is the most basic plate-rolling machine, it has a couple of drawbacks.
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
Type 2: 3-Roll Linear Guideway Plate Rolling Machine
Three roll plate rolling machines are where the plate rolling market starts meaning business. Also, the linear guideway plate rolling machine type is one of the most versatile ones.
It’s to be noted that these machines 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 as thin as 2mm to a staggering 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 the smallest possible flat end
Suitable for cone bending, hot rolling, and non-circular bending
Drawbacks of 3-Roll Linear Guidewat Plate Rolling Machines:
Higher initial cost and foundation requirements
Changing the roll can be time-consuming
Type 3: 4-Roll Linear Guideway Plate Rolling Machines
If you are looking for higher precision and efficiency, the 4-roll linear guideway plate rolling machine is not just advisable but ideal too.
There is one top roll and three bottom rolls that provide unmatchable productivity. These machines can roll metal plates as thin as 2mm to up to the ones of 100mm thickness.
The plates with > 10mm thickness can be rolled in a single pass. The applications are for the same industry as their 3-roll cousins, but when it comes to efficient mass production with precision, look nowhere else, sire!
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 is available
Difficult to re-roll a welded cylinder
Type 4: 3 and 4-Roll Swing Arm Plate Rolling Machines
When compared to the linear guideway collection, these swing-arm plate rolling machines utilize the lateral movement of swing arms to roll metal plates.
There are two bottom rolls and one interchangeable top roll in the 3-roll swing arm plate rolling machine, and there is one additional bottom roll in the 4-roll swing arm plate rolling machine. The top roll is interchangeable with moderate machine knowledge.
The rolling range is quite a major consideration when it comes to these machines, which can roll from 2mm to 100mm thick.
Separate workloads can be handled efficiently, and thin metal plates can be rolled effortlessly with these machines.
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
Wrapping Up
In many sectors, plate rolling machines are essential tools because they allow metal plates to be formed into intricate forms.
In this post, we looked at the numerous kinds of plate rolling machines, how they operate, and what industries they are used in. You may choose the best plate rolling machine for your particular needs by being aware of the benefits and downsides of each model.
Get in touch with us if you need more information or support with plate rolling equipment. We're available to assist.