Plate rolls are machines used to bending of metal sheets and shape metal plates by rolling them into cylindrical or conical shapes.
PLATE ROLLS
- What is the process of plate rolling?
- What are common types of plate rollers?
- What materials are used in the rolling process?
What is the process of plate rolling?
Plate rolling is a way to shape flat metal plates into curved shapes like cylinders or cones. Here's a simplified explanation of the process:
- GET THE RIGHT METAL PLATE: Choose the right type and size of metal plate for your project.
- PREPARE THE PLATE: Give the plate a slight curve along the edges to make it easier to bend.
- SET UP THE MACHINE: Place the plate on a special machine called a rolling mill.
- ADJUST THE MACHINE: Set the machine to the right thickness and shape settings for your project.
- START ROLLING: Feed the plate through the machine, and it will gradually bend into the desired shape.
- REPEAT IF NEEDED: For thicker plates or tighter curves, you might need to pass the plate through the machine multiple times.
- FINISH UP: Once the plate is bent the way you want, trim any excess metal and smooth out rough edges.
Plate rolling is used in many industries to make things like pipes, tanks, and structural parts. It can be done manually or with computer-controlled machines for more precision.
What are common types of plate rollers?
There are several common types of plate rollers used in the metalworking industry. These include:
- THREE-ROLL PLATE ROLLERS: This is the most common type of plate roller, consisting of three rolls arranged in a triangular formation. Two horizontal rolls, also known as the top and bottom rolls, and one vertical roll, also known as the side roll, work together to bend the plate. Three-roll plate rollers are versatile and can handle a wide range of plate thicknesses and materials.
- FOUR-ROLL PLATE ROLLERS: Four-roll plate rollers have an additional roll compared to three-roll plate rollers. Two rolls are positioned vertically, one on top of the other, and two rolls are positioned horizontally. Four-roll plate rollers provide greater precision and control over the bending process, especially for thicker plates and tighter radii.
- PYRAMID PLATE ROLLERS: Pyramid plate rollers have three rolls arranged in a pyramid-shaped formation. The top roll is positioned above the two bottom rolls, creating a triangular structure. This design allows for easy pre-bending and precise bending of plates with varying thicknesses.
- VARIABLE GEOMETRY PLATE ROLLERS: Variable geometry plate rollers, also known as variable axis plate rollers, have rolls that can be adjusted independently to create complex shapes and profiles. This type of plate roller is ideal for producing curved and conical shapes with varying radii.
- CNC PLATE ROLLERS: Computer Numerical Control (CNC) plate rollers are equipped with computer-controlled systems that automate the bending process. CNC plate rollers offer high precision and repeatability, making them suitable for high-volume production and complex bending operations.
What materials are used in the rolling process?
The rolling process can be used with various materials, including:
METALS:
- Steel
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Titanium
- Nickel
- Lead
- Tin
ALLOYS: Mixtures of metals with specific properties.
NON-METALS:
- Plastics
- Composites, like carbon fiber and fiberglass.
These materials are chosen based on what's needed for the final product, like strength, durability, or specific properties.