About Roll Forming Technology
A Quick Overview of Roll Forming Technology
Roll forming is a simple, proven process. It's a continuous bending operation in which a long strip of metal (typically coiled steel) is passed through consecutive sets of rolls, or "stands," at room temperature. Each set performs incremental parts of the bend until the desired cross-section profile is obtained. Unlike other common metal shaping methods, roll forming's inherent flexibility allows secondary processes to be integrated into a single production line—increasing efficiency while reducing operational and capital costs by eliminating unnecessary handling and equipment.
Typical roll forming mills can accommodate material gauges ranging from .010" to 0.3875" thick. The bond radius is largely determined by the ductility of the metal, but 180" bends are commonly acheived with the right material.
Roll forming excels in applications that require medium and high-volume production runs of parts with tight tolerances and consistent, complex cross section profiles. It can be used as a cost effective alternative to extruding press baking and stamping components.
Advantages of Roll Forming Technology:
- High-volume capacity
- Ultra-precise processing to very tight tolerances with excellent part uniformity and superior surface finishes
- Can process multiple metals with variable surface coatings, flexibilities, lengths, widths, and thicknesses
- Able to process higher-strength steels without breaking or tearing to create stronger and lighter structural components using less steel, which saves money on materials
- Integration of secondary operations such as welding, punching, and precision laser cutting optimizes production efficiency
- Can combine multiple, separate shapes into one complex profile to streamline production
