What does a plate rolling machine do?

A plate rolling machine is an industrial device used to bend metal sheets (such as steel, aluminum, and copper) into arcs or cylinders. It is widely used in machinery manufacturing, pressure vessels, shipbuilding, chemicals, energy, and other fields. Its core function is to achieve continuous plastic deformation of metal sheets through roll forming, forming the desired arc or cylindrical structure.

1. Core Function

Sheet Metal Forming

Rolling: Rolling flat sheets into circular, arc-shaped, or conical shapes (such as pipes, oil tanks, and air ducts).

Pre-bending and Rounding: Pre-bending the ends of the sheet to avoid straight edge defects and ensuring roundness through multiple roller adjustments.

Efficient Production

Continuous Processing: Compared to segmented welding, a plate rolling machine can complete the forming of long cylindrical shapes in a single operation, reducing the number of welds.

Batch Manufacturing: Suitable for the rapid production of standardized products (such as steel columns and storage tanks).

Compatible with a Wide Range of Materials

Metal Types: Carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, etc. Thickness range: from thin plates (0.5mm) to extra thick plates (over 200mm, heavy-duty plate rolling machine).

Typical Applications

2. Key Points for Operating and Maintaining a Plate Rolling Machine

Pre-Operation Inspection

Equipment Status Check:

Confirm that all lubrication points (roller bearings, gearbox) are greased.

Check the hydraulic system oil level (if applicable) for leaks.

Electrical system abnormalities (emergency stop button and limit switches are functioning properly).

Plate Preparation:

The plate surface is free of welding slag and burrs to avoid damage to the roller surface.

Measure the plate thickness to ensure it does not exceed the rated processing capacity of the equipment.

Operation Procedure

Plate Alignment:

When feeding the plate into the rollers, ensure it is perpendicular to the roller axis to prevent deviation.

Step-by-Step Pressing:

Thick plate processing: Roll the plate in multiple steps (lowering the plate by 5-10mm each time) to avoid excessive deformation that could overload the equipment.

Thin plate processing: Single forming is possible, but the rolling speed must be controlled (≤5m/min).

Pre-bending and Rounding:

Pre-bend the plate ends (to eliminate straight edges) before rolling the entire plate.

CNC models allow you to input the target diameter and automatically adjust the rolling parameters. Unloading Safety:

After rolling is complete, slowly release the rollers to prevent the drum from suddenly popping open and injuring anyone.

Prohibitions

Excessive thickness and width processing is strictly prohibited.

Adjusting the roller gap or cleaning debris while the equipment is running is prohibited.

Avoid any hard objects (such as weld bumps) on the sheet metal surface from directly contacting the rollers.

Troubleshooting

3. Plate Rolling Machine Maintenance Guide

Lubrication and Maintenance: All moving parts of the plate rolling machine, such as bearings, gears, guide rails, and screws, must be regularly lubricated with appropriate lubricating oil or grease to reduce friction and wear. The hydraulic system's oil level and quality must be checked regularly. Any oil contamination or deterioration should be replaced promptly. Ensure that the hydraulic lines are leak-free.

Cleaning and Rust Prevention: After each use, clean the workbench, rollers, and equipment surfaces of metal shavings, oil, and dust to prevent impurities from affecting machining accuracy or causing rust. When not in use for extended periods, apply anti-rust oil to key areas to prevent corrosion.

Mechanical Component Inspection: Regularly inspect the drive system (such as chains, belts, and gears) for wear. Any looseness, cracks, or excessive wear should be adjusted or replaced promptly. Roller parallelism and clearance should also be regularly calibrated to ensure accurate plate rolling.

Electrical System Maintenance: Check cables and terminals for looseness or aging, and ensure that electrical components (such as contactors, relays, and limit switches) are functioning properly to prevent electrical failures that could cause equipment downtime.

Hydraulic and pneumatic systems: Check the hydraulic cylinders, air cylinders, and seals for leaks and ensure stable pressure. If any abnormalities are found, repair or replace the seals promptly to prevent insufficient system pressure or oil or air leaks.

Operating specifications: Operators must strictly follow equipment procedures to avoid overloading, improper operation, or overheating caused by prolonged continuous operation. Regularly inspect the equipment, record operating status, and promptly address any problems.

Regular professional maintenance: In addition to routine maintenance, it is recommended that professional technicians perform a comprehensive inspection every six months or annually, including precision calibration and flaw detection of key components, to ensure the equipment is always in optimal condition.