Tank rolling systems are built to spin various sizes of tanks ranging from very small sizes of pipes to very large vessels. A set of tank turning rolls can have a light load capacity of a few hundred pounds all the way up to hundreds of tons. These machines vary in their designs and features. Conventional Tank Rolls, Fit-up Tank Rolls and Self-Adjusting Tank Rolls are among the most popular tank turning rolls. Check out the article providing detailed information for one of the most popular tank roll types in the market: Fit-Up Rolls How Fit Up Rolls Can Improve Your Tank Welding Process

What is a Tank Rolling Machine?

A set of 2 tank turning rolls that are typically described as and a combination of “drive unit” and “idler unit”  allow rolled parts (tanks, pipes etc.) to be rotated, manipulated and positioned on the rolls of these units during welding. Depending on the length and weight of the shells (rolled parts), more idler units can be integrated into a set to be able to handle larger parts. Some tank rolls will not allow any adjustments to the rolled parts spinning on them. In this case, operators would need to manually make the necessary changes positioning the parts. Whereas some other types of tank rolls such as Self-Aligning Tank Rolls are more advanced and intuitive which allow operators to get the job done in more efficient and effective ways.

What are Tank Rolls Used For?

Tank Rolls are used in a variety of applications from pipe and tank to pressure vessel applications. Industries that use Tank Rolls include but not limited to:

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

Tank rolls are among the most popular equipment for industries that require precise and efficient shell (tanks, pipes etc.) movement so that operators can easily work, weld, or repair the rotating parts.  

Can You Use The Same Tank Roll Machine For All Metal Rolling Projects?

The simple answer would be “no”. Depending on the load capacity needed, the size and the features of the Tank Rolling machines would vary. Also, the length of the shells will need to be taken into consideration when selecting the proper capacity of Tank Roll drive unit and the number of Tank Roll idler units that would be aligned and integrated with the drive unit. Another important point that needs to be thought about is the material type of the rolls on the machines. If the aesthetics are not an issue or the shells are the type of a material that wouldn’t easily slip on the rolls, steel rolls may be ideal. Though, if the least amount of scratches and deformations are desired or the shells will need a better grip to the rolls, polyurethane type rolls may be a better option. At BendmakUSA, we provide consultation to find out the best possible solution to your needs.

Safety Standard Considerations When Constructing Tanks for Hazardous Materials

Utilization of tanks is a common method of storing hazardous materials or waste. These tanks have the capacity to keep high volumes of materials and if these materials are classified as hazardous, certain precautions may need to be taken and production processes of these tanks may be more complicated than just building regular tanks. Thanks to the Tank Rolling machines, these types of tanks can easily be rotated to make the job much more efficient.

How to Select the Right Type and Size of Tank Rolls

There multiple important factors to consider when choosing the right type of Tank Rolls:

Verify the Rail Length

Rail length refers to the length of the connection system that integrates the drive unit to the idler units. Depending on the length of the tanks that need to be rotated on the machines, the length of the rail needs to be selected accordingly so that the overall length of the tank roll system does not fall short.

Verify the Load Capacity

If assumed that the shell that needs to be rolled is symmetrical, the load all the way to the centerline of the shell (about half of the tank) is supported by the drive unit. The remaining of the weight is supported by the idler roll. Considering the different load ratings of these units when selecting the proper Tank Rollers is very crucial. At BednmakUSA, we would be happy to assess your needs and come up with the right solution for you.

Check that the Plates Can Be Aligned Along the Rolls

Alignment and full integration of the tank rolling units is very critical during the set-up. We recommend professional installation.

Verify the Design and Diameter of the Tanks

Verifying the design and diameter of the tanks is critical when selecting the right tank rollers. Also, keep in mind that, if you have a wide range of tank diameters and a diverse selection of applications, it would be wise to do a feasibility study to determine which Tank Rolling machines would bring the most ROI to your organization. Not every machine will roll every size out there.

Shop Bendmak Tank Rolling Systems

Bendmak Tank Rollers are designed and equipped with the state of the art technology and have the capabilities to offer solutions to all your rolling needs. Here is the list of the different types of Tank Turning machines BendmakUSA has to offer:


  • CR Series Conventional Tank Rolls
  • SFU Series Fit-Up Tank Rolls
  • SAR Series Self-Adjusting Tank Rolls

Check Out BendmakUSA Tank Rolls