Plate rolls, also known as plate bending machines, is a type of roll forming machine used to roll and subsequently shape different kinds of sheet metal. There are a range of plate roll machine types including, twin rolls plate machines, three rolls plate machines and four rolls plate rolling machines.
The type of plate roller you choose will depend mainly on the material thickness you are looking to bend.
Twin roll plate machines consist of two rollers, one is a rigid metal roller and the lower is an elastic roller covered in strong polyurethane material which can usually be adjusted vertically. The sheet metal is passed through the two rollers where the force of the rolling causes the metal to bend into the desired shape. Twin plate roller machines are simple to use and can produce a high level of precision in just one stroke. In saying that, this type of plate roller cannot be used on thick materials and is best suited to batch production of thin products.
Three roll plate machines can perform all the same functions as the twin roll machines, but with the added bonus of more control over the desired shape. Generally, 3-rollers can perform single-pinch bending which requires inserting the sheet metal twice to pre-bend both ends. Three rollers plate machines are available as either mechanical or hydraulic powered machines.
Finally, the last type of plate roll machine is the 4-rolls plate roller which is a universal machine that can roll multi-segment arc shapes, o-shapes, square, arc and circular shapes. These types of plate roll machines can also be equipped with CNC systems for a higher degree of automation but they do tend to come at a higher price. Generally, the 4-rolls plate rolling machine can work on metal with a thickness anywhere from 6mm through to 200mm thick.
Of course, the type of plate roll machine you choose will depend on the type of work you're doing, your budget and the thickness of material you are working with. Plate rolls can range in price anywhere from $5,000 up to $250,000. Some of the most popular brands on the market include Davi, Hafco Metalmaster, and Steelmaster.
If you're not sure which plate rolls machine is right for your needs, make sure you speak to local dealers and sellers for more information.
