Plate rolls are used to roll flat metal sheets into a round or conical shape. While it seems simple enough, there are some variations in design between different plate rolls that provide unique benefits. There are basically four different types of plates roll designs:

  • Pyramid
  • 3 Roll Double Pinch
  • Single Initial Pinch
  • 4 Roll Double Pinch

 

Pyramid Rolls

Pyramid Rolls

Pyramid Rolls

Pyramid rolls have an adjustable top roll for bending with the bottom two rolls being fixed and driven.

Pyramid rolls cannot pre-bend which leaves relatively long flat ends (leading & trailing).

Difficult to roll thin material and small diameters.

The top roll is usually larger than the two lower rolls as pictured below.

Best use: Older design that is not used much in today’s modern shops.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 Roll Double Pinch

3 Roll Double Pinch

3 Roll Double Pinch

3 roll double pinch rolls have a fixed top roll with the lower two rolls being adjustable for bending.

These machines can alternate bending and clamping functions between the two lower rolls, and thus are able to pre-bend both ends (leading & trailing) without the need to take the material out and turn it.

All three rolls are usually the same size and all three rolls are usually driven.

Best use: Versatile, good job shop machine.

 

 

 

 

 

Single Initial Pinch

Single Initial Pinch

Single Initial Pinch

Single Initial Pinch rolls have a fixed top roll, a lower roll for clamping material (pinch roll) and a rear roll for bending.

Pre-Bends well but for pre-bending both ends, the material must be taken out and rotated 180 degrees.

All three rolls are usually the same size with two or all three rolls being driven.

Best Use: Less expensive, good job shop roll.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 Roll Double Pinch

4 Roll Double Pinch

4 Roll Double Pinch

4 Roll Double Pinch rolls have a fixed position top roll, a bottom clamping roll (pinch roll) and two bending rolls.

Pre-bends both ends well without the need to rotate material.

Top & pinch roll usually driven.

Best Use: Very Versatile, best roll for pre-bending, good for repetitive rolling and cone rolling, job shop use.

 

If you have any questions, be sure to contact us at Worldwide Machine Tools. Our expert staff would be glad to help you find the perfect plate roll!