Using a shear and a press brake, a shop can produce angular parts for many different types of metal products from sheets and plates of metal. Add a plate roll or slip roll, however, and the product possibilities multiply as curved, cylindrical, and conical parts are added to the mix.
For example, a press brake can be used to shape sheet metal into a rectangular enclosure, such as a tool cabinet or a space to house electrical components. With the help of a plate roll, a fabricator can choose to form a more visually pleasing box with rounded sides.
The following items across a wide range of industries are some of the essential products that can be produced by plate rolls and slip rolls.
Aerospace and Automotive Components
- Aircraft Fuselage Sections. In aerospace, the fuselage sections of aircraft are formed using plate rolls, ensuring aerodynamic efficiency and structural integrity.
- Chassis Components. In the automotive industry, plate rolls are used to create strong and precise parts of the vehicle chassis.
- Exhaust Systems. Both plate rolls and slip rolls are used to create components of exhaust systems, guaranteeing proper fit and performance.
Agricultural Equipment
- Irrigation Pipes. Large-scale irrigation systems use pipes formed by plate rolls, providing durability and consistent water flow.
- Harvesting Equipment. Various parts of harvesting machines, such as cylindrical drums, are produced using these rolls.
- Seed Drills. The cylindrical components of seed drills, essential for planting seeds at a consistent depth, are formed using plate rolls.
Architectural Elements
- Columns and Pillars. Plate rolls can be used to form decorative columns and pillars for buildings, offering both aesthetic appeal and structural support.
- Curved Facades. In modern architecture, curved metal facades are popular for their sleek look. Slip rolls enable the creation of these smooth, curved surfaces.
- Railings and Balustrades. Formed using slip rolls, metal railings and balustrades can be customized for both residential and commercial buildings.
Cones and Conical Shapes
- Funnels. Plate rolls can be used to create funnels for a variety of industrial and agricultural applications.
- Transition Pieces. These are used in ductwork and piping systems to connect different sizes or shapes of pipes and ducts. Rolling machines ensure the accurate formation of these transition pieces.
- Decorative Cones. In architectural applications, conical shapes formed by slip rolls can be used for decorative elements in buildings and structures.
Custom and Artistic Metalwork
- Sculptures. Artists use slip rolls to create intricate and large-scale metal sculptures, leveraging the machine’s ability to form precise curves.
- Signage. Custom metal signs for businesses and public spaces can be created using these machines, providing a durable and stylish solution.
- Decorative Panels. Metal panels with unique shapes and curves are used in interior design and architecture, made possible by slip rolls.
Cylindrical Tanks and Vessels
- Storage Tanks. Plate rolls are often used to fabricate large storage tanks for water, oil, chemicals, and other liquids. These tanks are critical in industries like agriculture, oil and gas, and water treatment.
- Pressure Vessels. These are containers designed to hold gases or liquids at a pressure different from the ambient pressure. Plate rolls ensure the precise curvature needed for the safety and functionality of these vessels.
Food and Beverage Industry Equipment
- Mixing Tanks. Used in the production of food and beverages, these tanks need to be hygienic and precisely formed, which plate rolls can achieve.
- Storage Silos. For storing bulk food items, silos made using plate rolls ensure proper containment and durability.
- Transport Containers. Slip rolls are used to create containers for transporting liquids and other food products, ensuring safety and hygiene.
Marine Industry Products
- Ship Hulls. Large metal plates formed by plate rolls are essential in constructing the hulls of ships, ensuring strength and durability.
- Buoys. Cylindrical and conical buoys used for navigation and mooring are produced using these machines.
- Marine Tanks. Tanks for storing fuel and water on ships are also made using plate rolls, ensuring they withstand the harsh marine environment.
Pipes and Tubes
- Industrial Pipes. Plate rolls are used to produce pipes of various diameters and thicknesses, essential in plumbing, gas lines, and industrial applications.
- Exhaust Tubing. In the automotive industry, slip rolls are employed to create exhaust tubes, ensuring smooth bends and consistent diameters.
- Heat Exchanger Tubes. In power plants and HVAC systems, tubes formed by plate rolls are used in heat exchangers for efficient thermal energy transfer.
Shells and Casings
- Boiler Shells. Boilers used in various industries for steam generation are made using plate rolls to ensure precise and strong cylindrical shells.
- Wind Turbine Towers. The tall, cylindrical towers of wind turbines are fabricated using plate rolls, providing the necessary structural integrity and height.
- Outer Casings for Machinery. Plate rolls can create protective casings for large machinery and equipment, ensuring both durability and a precise fit.
Plate rolls and slip rolls are versatile machines integral to the fabrication of numerous metal products used in different fields and industries. From large storage tanks and industrial pipes to artistic sculptures and architectural elements, these machines provide the precision, efficiency, and adaptability needed to meet the diverse requirements of modern manufacturing and design. Their ability to consistently produce high-quality cylindrical and conical shapes makes them indispensable tools in the metalworking industry.
