In Tank, Pipe and Pressure Vessel manufacturing, welding the shells of rolled material is a necessary and vitally important step. However, at times these components can be massive, weighing many tons and requiring all sorts of rigging, cranes and devices to arrange them for proper fitting prior to being permanently joined together through the welding (SAW) process. For many years the process of aligning these rolled tank shells was left up to the welder through a series of wood blocks, wedges and sledge hammers. Through brute force these fabricators brought these massive shells together, aligned them and began welding them together. The time involved aligning these pieces was unbearable and difficult, especially as the pieces grew larger and larger. There had to be a better way and engineers developed the first powered set of Fit-Up Rolls. 

What Are Fit Up Rolls?

Fit-Up Rolls are a set of rolls that allow a shell (rolled parts) to be placed on them and then “roll” the shell around for positioning during welding. They also allow for several rolled shells to be placed on them to be aligned together for diametrical welding. Some fit-up rolls do not allow for any adjustment to the shells riding on them and the operator is left to shift, raise or lower the shells using whatever manual means necessary. Other more advanced fit-up rolls, such as those offered from Bendmak use a series of powered rollers to shift, lift and lower the rolls and the shells riding on them, for better alignment and fit. 

6 Ways Fit Up Rolls Streamline Your Tank Welding Operations

  1. Fast Alignment Of Rolled Parts: With Bendmak’s Tank Fit-Up Rolls you have complete control of shifting from left to right, up or down and closing the gap between the shells all from the comfort and safety of a hand held pendant controller. 
  2. Less Operator Fatigue: Without the need to man handle large rolled shells the operator/welder is in much better condition to focus on his expertise, welding without the need to forcefully lift, shift and push components together. 
  3. Reduce Your Crane Operation: Saving valuable crane time when assembling tanks, pipes for pressure vessels with Bendmak’s Fit-Up rolls.These autonomous positioning systems can drive and align small to very large shells together for accurate and precision seam welding using the latest in Sub Arc Welding technology. 
  4. Faster and more Automatic Welding: Speed up the process of welding by allowing Bendmak’s Fit-Up rolls rto do the heavy lifting and quickly aligning tank sections for welding. 
  5. Integrated with Boom Welding Systems: Of course every tank roll positioning system is useless without a quality, sturdy and integrated boom welding system to quickly and cleanly weld the seams and joints. Bendmak provides a complete tank welding solution including static and rail mounted boom welding systems. 
  6. Safety: With powered adjustment of these large shells your operator is safely back from the motion of these systems and unlike other systems, does not need to manually adjust heavy components while under the weight of the rolled shells. 

Common Applications of Tank Fit Up Rolls

Bendmak’s Tank Fit-Up Rolls are used in a variety of applications from pipe and tank to pressure vessel applications. Industries that use Bendmak Fit-Up Rolls include: 

  • Oil & Gas 
  • Construction and Mining 
  • Metal and Steel Fabrication
  • Chemical Industry
  • Cleaning and Assembling
  • Pipeline Repair 
  • Trailer Manufacturing

Whether you are new to the tank building process or replacing older technology, BendmakUSA has the right Bendmak solution for you. Check out our Tank Fit-Up roll options or contact us for help with your specific application. 

Shop Bendmak's Fit-Up Rolls