What is a roll former?
A roll former is a continuous sheet metal bending machine equipped with a shear to cut the produced sheets. The roll forming machine enables the industrialization and automation of sheet metal panel production, allowing the manufacture of parts much longer than what can be done with a press brake.
How do rollformers work?
The material to be roll formed is sheet steel or aluminum. In most cases, the material comes in coil form.
Upstream of the rollformer, a decoiler is installed to unroll the metal coil as the machine requires it.
The rollformer itself is divided into three main sections:
- The entry table, which allows the sheet to enter the machine and ensures proper alignment.
- The rollforming (or forming) section. This is where the sheet metal bending occurs. The sheet passes through multiple forming stations made up of rollers, which gradually shape the desired final profile. The number and design of the forming rollers have a direct impact on the quality of the finished product. The more forming stations there are, the longer the machine. In general, the longer the machine, the fewer internal stresses in the final product, resulting in higher quality (as internal stresses tend to warp the product).
- The shear cutter, which cuts the product at the exit of the rollforming section to the desired length.
Naturally, many options can be added to rollformers. The general design of the machine depends on the product to be manufactured and the materials to be used (different widths and gauges).
At the machine’s exit, you may have a stacking table, an automated stacker, a conveyor, or even a packaging robot.
Profiilikeskus Rollformers
Profiilikeskus manufactures rollformers for industrial production of roofing and cladding elements, as well as concealed fastener wall panels, gutters, and downspouts.