Metal fabrication is a crucial aspect of many industries, and a plate roll bending machine is a valuable tool in this process. Whether your making buckets for bulldozers or tanks for fuel trucks a plate bending roll is crucial to meet this need. While there are different types, styles and many options to choose from adding even the most basic plate bending roll to your shops capabilities can increase profits, widen capabilities and open new avenues in manufacturing. This article will give you a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about plate roll bending machines, including their definition, different types, and the benefits they offer.

Definition of Plate Roll Bending Machines

A plate roll bending machine is a machine that is used to bend and shape metal plates into a specific shape or curve. These machines work by using three or four rolls that rotate around a central pinch point (or axis), with the metal plate placed between the rollers. The rollers then apply pressure to the metal plate pinching it and roll it progressively against other adjustable rolls, bending it into the desired shape in one or more passes.

Overview of Plate Roll Bending Machines

Plate roll bending machines are commonly used in the metal fabrication industry for a variety of applications. These machines are capable of bending metal plates into various shapes, including cylinders, cones, and arcs. Plate roll bending machines are also capable of bending metal plates of different thicknesses and materials, making them a versatile tool for metal fabrication. In a recent article we discussed all the options available for a plate bending roll that add safety and increase productivity. 

Main Types of Plate Roll Bending Machines

There are several types of plate roll bending machines available, each designed to meet specific bending requirements. These include:

  1. Three-Roll 'Initial Pinch' Plate Roll Bending Machine: This is the most common type of plate roll bending machine and is designed to bend thinner gage metal sheets into cylinders, cones, and arcs. These machines are typically direct electrical drive systems. 

  2. Three-Roll 'Variable Geometry' Plate Roll Bending Machine: These machines come in a couple of different configurations but are generally used in heavier plate applications where machine investment is of primary importance. These plate roll bending machines are designed to bend medium to thick metal sheets and plates also into cylinders, cones, and arcs. These machines are typically hydraulically driven systems. 

  3. Four-Roll 'Double Pinch' Plate Roll Bending Machine: This type of machine uses four rollers, which allows for a more precise bending process and greater control over the final shape of the metal plate. Often combined with a CNC Controller for producing out of round geometry they are by far the most capable, safest and durable machines to use. 

Benefits of Using a Plate Roll Bending Machines

There are several benefits to using a plate roll bending machine, including:

  1. Increased Capability: Plate roll bending machines are capable of bending metal plates allowing for a shop to increase their product offering and when bringing rolling applications in house, increasing overall productivity.

  2. Improved Accuracy: Plate roll bending machines are designed to provide precise and consistent bends, resulting in a high-quality finished product. When outsourcing your rolling applications your limited on the quality of rolled shapes that you control when the process is in house. 

  3. Versatility: Plate roll bending machines are capable of bending metal plates of various thicknesses and materials while adding a CNC Controller allows for bending of multi-geometrical shapes.  Making them a versatile tool for tank building, pipe manufacturing or simple metal fabrication.

  4. Cost Savings: Plate roll bending machines are designed to reduce the amount of manual labor required in the metal fabrication process, bringing the process in house results in cost savings over time.

Investing in a plate roll bending machine is a smart decision for any metal fabrication business, rather then outsource the work or avoid the potential work rolling requires. With increased productivity, improved accuracy, versatility, and cost savings, a plate roll bending machine is a valuable tool that can help take your business to the next level. Whether you're in the market for a three-roll or four-roll plate roll bending machine, there is a machine available that can meet your specific requirements at BendmakUSA. So if you're looking to improve the efficiency of your metal fabrication process, consider investing in a plate roll bending machine today.

Plate Rolling Machinery at BendmakUSA