Everything You Need to Know About the Sheetmetal Plate Rolling Machines

Sheetmetal plate rolling machines — also known as plate rollers or sheet metal rollers — are machines that are specially designed to roll various types of metal sheets into cylindrical or conical shapes. They are commonly used in manufacturing processes to create parts for tanks, pipes, ships, automobiles, tunnel supports,boiler equipment, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and more.

These machines work by passing the metal sheet through a set of sheet metal rolls, also known as the rollers, which apply pressure to bend the metal to the desired curvature. The sheet metal rolls are typically arranged in a set of three or more, with adjustable positions to control the amount of curvature applied to the sheet. The rolls apply pressure as the sheet passes through, gradually bending it into a cylindrical or conical shape. The size and configuration of the rolls determine the final shape and thickness of the rolled metal. Sheet metal rollers come in a range of different sizes and configurations, depending on the thickness and type of metal being processed. Scroll down to learn more, or browse sheetmetal rolls for sale here. 

The plate rolling operation begins by feeding a large, flat sheet of metal into a rolling machine, where it is pressed between two or more powerful rollers. The sheetmetal curving rolls gradually bend the metal into the desired shape, with multiple passes sometimes necessary for more complex curves, like those needed for conical forms. Driven by an electric or hydraulic system and controlled by a nearby computer screen, these machines can handle various metal thicknesses. Plate rolling machines come in 3-roll or 4-roll models, each suited for different bending needs and precision levels.

Plate roller machines come in a wide range of different makes and models, with the chief differentiating factor being the number or rollers (typically 2, 3 or 4). Most curving roll machines work with a fairly straightforward design: at least one roll is powered by the gearbox, while another is adjusted using screws or fasteners. In 3 or 4-roll models, the fixed rollers number between 2 and 3, providing enhanced stability and control over the shape of the metal. The type and thickness of the metal you need to curve will determine the best curving roll machine for your workshop. Simple 2-roll machines are ideal for fast, high-volume production but lack the precision of 3 or 4-roll machines. They are also less suitable for thicker metal. Conversely, 3 and 4-roll machines can handle thicker metal. The additional roller in 4-roll models offers greater flexibility and precision, allowing for quicker and more accurate curvature adjustments.

In addition to the differing number of rollers, there are also different specialised types of rolling equipment that have been designed for different applications. Pipe rolling machines, such as the Akyapak APK 121, are specifically tailored for rolling cylindrical shapes, such as pipes and tubes. Their design ensures uniformity in curvature and diameter, which is crucial for applications in industries like oil and gas and construction. Hydraulic plate rolling machines, such as Akyapak hydraulic plate rollers, use hydraulic power to operate their rollers, providing precise control and smooth adjustments for various metal thicknesses. This makes them ideal for tasks requiring accurate curvature, such as in shipbuilding or heavy machinery.

Plate roller machines offer a slew of benefits, including: 

Cost-Effectiveness: Plate rolling machines offer a cost-efficient method for bending metal into complex shapes, providing significant savings compared to manual forming processes. This efficiency results in long-term savings for businesses. This efficiency results in long-term savings for businesses.

Speed and Efficiency: Plate rolling machines are known to operate quickly, thereby reducing downtime and enhancing overall productivity. This efficiency boosts overall productivity and reduces the time required for each project.

Capacity to Form Thicker Plates: Plate rolling machines can handle thicker metal plates,  with their robust design ensuring durability and reliability during demanding tasks, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications such as the shipbuilding and aerospace industries.

Adjustable Force: Plate rolling machines feature adjustable force controls, allowing operators to tailor the pressure applied to meet specific application requirements. This flexibility ensures precision and adaptability for various metal forming needs.

Formation of Complex Shapes: Some plate rolling machines are able to create intricate and curved shapes with high accuracy, and their advanced design can accommodate a wide range of complex and customised metal forms.

Reliability and Consistency: The mechanical nature of plate rolling machines ensures a reliable and repeatable process, producing consistent results across multiple pieces. The controlled environment of the machine guarantees that each part meets precise specifications.

If you are shopping around for a plate rolling machine, we suggest you take the following consideration on board: 

• Curving System Specs: When purchasing a curving roll machine, it's important to consider the type of curving system, the length and thickness of the material it can handle, the minimum rolling diameter, and the diameter of the rolls. Additionally, we always advise that you confirm the overall dimensions of the machine to ensure it will fit within your designated workspace. Curving rolls are usually several metres in length, designed to handle full sheets and plates of steel, unlike section rollers. Their size means they need considerable space, so if you have a small workshop or are a hobbyist, a section roller might be a more practical option.
• Curving Material Length: The length of the material that a curving roll machine can handle affects the size of projects it can accommodate. Machines designed for longer materials allow you to work with larger sheets and plates, making them suitable for extensive projects. Conversely, shorter machines are better suited for smaller, more compact tasks, so choose based on your typical project size.
• Curving Material Thickness: The thickness of the material that can be curved by the machine determines its versatility and application range. Machines have specific thickness capacities, so it's important to select one that can handle the thickness of the materials you frequently use. A machine with a higher capacity will be more versatile and able to manage thicker, more robust materials.
• Roll Diameter: The roll diameter plays a significant role in the machine's ability to form different shapes and sizes of materials. Larger roll diameters enable the machine to handle bigger curves and thicker plates, while smaller diameters are better for tighter bends and thinner sheets. Ensure the roll diameter aligns with the types of shapes and material sizes you need to produce.
• Material & Machinery Type: The type of material and machinery are crucial in determining the suitability of a curving roll machine for your needs. The machine must be capable of handling the length and thickness of the material you intend to curve, ensuring it matches your project requirements.The machinery type also affects how well it can form different shapes and sizes, so selecting a machine designed for your specific material type and project scale is essential for optimal performance. Though there are several different plate rolling machine brands to choose from, it’s worth noting that one of the more popular brands in Australia is Akyapak.

When using plate rolling machines, it is extremely important to follow the recommended safety practices:

• Operators should always wear proper safety gear, including eye protection and gloves.
• Regular inspections of the machine and its components are essential to ensure they are functioning correctly.
• Machine operators should be correctly trained to use it, and they should always avoid attempting to roll plates that are too thick or large for the machine to handle safely.

Applied Machinery provides a range of high-quality plate curving rolls, plate rolling machines, pipe rolling machines, and plate rollers for sale in Australia. Our extensive stock includes sheetmetal plater rolling machines of all kinds, including manual, hydraulic, pipe rollers, and CNC machines. We only stock the most reputable brands, such as Akyapak, which are designed for ease of use, which feature a control panel and separate foot switches, as well as a user-friendly interface, allowing excellent results with just one operator. Akyapak boasts a range of series such as AHK, AHS, ADM, APK, and the ASM. 

You can browse our sheetmetal plate rolling machines, or head over to our homepage to check out our other equipment. Need assistance? You can contact us directly here.