How Roll Forming Helps In Manufacturing Different Metal Shapes

The continuous bending operation, roll forming shape the metal until the desired profile is achieved and, therefore, considered the best technique to produce different metal shapes. The process is ideal for manufacturing parts for many industries including architectural, hardware, appliance, transportation, construction & mining, agriculture and lot more. The roll formed shapes has always been in great demand to meet the most demanding specifications of industries.

Any material that can be manipulated using sheet forming technique can be roll formed and the best examples being stainless steel, aluminium, copper, galvanized and exotic metals. These materials are highly used in industries including road transport, rail transport, recreational, agriculture, automotive, office furniture and mining. Roll formed parts may range from a few inches to long and heavy sections.

Let’s have a look at some metal shapes or profiles that are formed using roll forming technique and popular in different sectors…

Standard Shapes – Standard shapes are most common shapes and roll formed in different angles, channels, and shapes. Dimensions, gauges, and lengths are manufactured in different combinations and cross-sectional dimensions. U-channels, C-channels, Z-shapes, and hat shapes are some best examples that can also be customized as per client’s specifications.

Heavy-Wall Shapes – Standard profiles cannot satisfy today’s demanding environments and dynamic requirements, therefore, heavy-wall structures are manufactured. One-piece lengths eliminate the chances of misalignment. Some parts are completed after secondary operations to make them ready for installation.

Custom Shapes – To satisfy the demanding environments, customized parts are manufactured and unique profiles are created. These profiles have unique hole and slot pattern, specialized finishing operations, and hardware to meet the dynamic needs. Customized profiles are mostly used in automotive, agriculture, transport, mining, etc.

Commercial Patterns – Special products are required for specific applications and, therefore, more precise patterns are created for commercial use. Strut channel, structural steel, and dunnage bars are best examples of commercial products. Strut channels are known for a variety of sizes and styles whereas steel dunnage bars are available in any length.

Logistic Shapes – For truck and trailers, logistic side posts are manufactured either in a single row or double depending upon the vehicle’s construction techniques. The sheets are available either pre-pierced or an option to get holes as per industrial requirement. These sheets are available in a variety of materials and gauges and can be customized as per client’s requirements.

Roll forming machines used for creating different cross-sectional profiles and shapes help reduce labour cost and streamline the entire manufacturing steps into one efficient operation.

The author writes for roll forming industry and how this technique has completely transformed various fields including construction, automotive, agriculture, mining, corporate and more.