How to choose the best plate rolling machine?

Selecting the optimal plate rolling machine requires a comprehensive consideration of your company's production needs, plate characteristics, and budget. Choosing the most suitable plate rolling machine hinges on considering three key factors: what to roll, how to roll, and how much to roll. Below, I'll provide a detailed analysis of these key points.

1. Identify processing requirements (most important):

l Material type: carbon steel/stainless steel/aluminum alloy (the yield strength of different materials influences machine selection and power requirements).

l Thickness range (thinnest to thickest) and plate width (maximum processing width).

l Required minimum inner diameter (minimum diameter when rolled into tubes/coils).

l Production volume: single piece, high-volume production/small batch, high-mix production/occasional processing (influencing the need for CNC and automation).

These parameters determine the plate rolling machine's optimal load capacity, drum diameter, and length, among other key specifications.

1) Selection Based on Plate Characteristics

– Plate Thickness

l Thin plates (1-6 mm): Generally, a three-roller symmetrical plate rolling machine or a four-roller plate rolling machine is used, offering high precision and easy adjustment.

l Medium and thick plates (6-40 mm): A four-roller plate rolling machine is recommended, offering easier operation and greater pre-bending capability.

l Extra-thick plates (over 40 mm): A heavy-duty four-roller plate rolling machine or a CNC top-roller universal plate rolling machine is required.

– Plate Width

The working length of the plate roll must be greater than or equal to the plate width; otherwise, processing is impossible.

Common ranges: 1.5 m, 2.5 m, 3.2 m, 4 m, and above.

– Material Strength

Ordinary carbon steel is easy to roll.

High-strength steel and stainless steel require larger, stronger coils.

2) Selection Based on Process Requirements

– Forming Accuracy

If high precision and good roundness are required, a four-roller plate rolling machine is preferred.

A three-roller symmetrical plate rolling machine requires two workpiece flips, resulting in slightly lower efficiency and accuracy.

– Pre-bending Capability

A three-roller plate rolling machine requires a pre-bending mechanism at the end of the plate or allows for scrap.

A four-roller plate rolling machine has an automatic pre-bending function, which reduces scrap and improves efficiency.

– Conical Forming

If a conical shape is required, a universal plate rolling machine with tilted side rolls is recommended.

– Automation Level

Manual plate rolling machines are suitable for small batches and low budgets.

CNC plate rolling machines are suitable for large batches and automated production lines.

2. Choosing the Optimal Roller Model

1) Common Plate Rolling Machine Models

Common plate rolling machines include two-roller, three-roller, and four-roller models (as well as specialized models).

l Three-roller: Simple structure and relatively low price. Suitable for general thicknesses and conventional forming, but requires higher operating skills for small diameters or complex pre-bending processes.

l Four-roller (double-press): Utilizing a dual clamping system, front and back clamps, it simplifies operation and facilitates high-precision, small inner diameter forming. While this reduces labor, it also increases costs.

l Two-roller/tapered and specialized machines: Suitable for rolling special cross-sections or tapered shapes.

The choice between three-roller and four-roller directly impacts pre-bending efficiency, finished product edge straightness, and minimum coil diameter.

2) Equipment Performance

l Roller Diameter and Strength: The larger the roller diameter, the greater its rigidity and resistance to deformation.

l Drive Type: Hydraulic drive > mechanical drive, which offers greater power and reliability.

l CNC System: Whether or not CNC/PLC control is available influences the level of automation and processing efficiency.

l Safety and Maintenance: Overload protection, operational safety, and a complete lubrication system are crucial.

3) Key Technical Parameters

Thickness × Width × Material Yield Strength is the cornerstone of calculating machine tool capacity: Manufacturers typically specify machine capacity based on a specific yield strength. If your material is stronger, the actual capacity will be lower. Please provide the manufacturer with the specific material information for your plate.

A common rule of thumb regarding roller diameter and minimum roller diameter is "maximum roller diameter ≈ 1.5 × top roller diameter." This applies to both three-roll and four-roll systems. Therefore, if you need to roll smaller diameter workpieces, you should select smaller top rollers or a more appropriate machine model.

Roller Length (Effective Working Width): This should at least match your maximum plate width, allowing for clamping and pre-bending.

3. Economic and Brand Factors

l Budget Range: Domestic plate rolling machines offer high cost-effectiveness. Imported models (such as Italy's DAVI and France's FACCIN) offer high precision and automation, but are more expensive.

l After-sales Service: Check local service locations and timely spare parts availability.

l Long-term Investment: Choose energy-efficient, low-maintenance models for greater long-term profitability.

Recommended Models:

l Small sheet metal fabrication plants (light plate) → Three-roll symmetrical or economical four-roll plate rolling machine.

l Medium-to-large plants (thick plate, stainless steel) → Hydraulic four-roll plate rolling machine.

l High-end manufacturing (pressure vessels, wind power, shipbuilding) → CNC four-roll or top-roll universal plate rolling machine with automated loading and unloading.

Comparison table of common sheet metal rolling machine models:

Selection Guide:

l Limited Budget, Thin Plate Processing → Three-Roller Symmetrical/Asymmetric Plate Rolling Machine

l Medium and Thick Plate, High Efficiency Requirements → Hydraulic Four-Roller Plate Rolling Machine

l Heavy Duty Manufacturing, Special Cones → Top-Roller Universal Plate Rolling Machine

l High-Volume, High-Precision, Automation Requirements → CNC Four-Roller Plate Rolling Machine

4. Key Points for Plate Rolling Machine Selection

1) Plate Thickness

l Thin Plate (≤12mm): Three-roll Asymmetric Plate Rolling

l Medium Plate (≤20mm): Three-roll Symmetrical Plate Rolling

l Thick Plate (20-60mm): Hydraulic Three-roll/Four-roll Plate Rolling

l Extra Thick Plate (≥60mm): Four-roll Plate Rolling/Top-roll Universal Plate Rolling

2) Process Requirements

l General Rolling: Three-roll

l High Precision, Pre-bending, and High Efficiency: Four-roll

l Conical Rolling: Conical Plate Rolling

l Automation and High Production Requirements: CNC Plate Rolling

3) Budget and Application Considerations

l Small Factory with Limited Budget → Three-roll Plate Rolling (Highly Cost-Effective)

l Medium to Large Manufacturing Enterprises → Four-roll Hydraulic Plate Rolling (Mainstream Choice)

l High-end Equipment Manufacturing (Wind Power, Pressure Vessels, Shipbuilding) → CNC Four-roll or Universal Plate Rolling

Choosing the best plate rolling machine means finding the one that best suits your working conditions and budget. The best plate rolling machine is not the most expensive one, but the one that best suits your plate thickness, process requirements and budget.