Understanding the Essence of Plate Rolling

08 April 2022

Metal workpieces are often subjected to a wide array of processes so they can boast the needed specifications of manufacturers. Some of these processes alter their physical dimensions, while others tend to change their chemical properties.

One process that can alter the physical dimensions and characteristics of metal workpieces is plate rolling. Plate rolling is a process wherein a metal workpiece is curved for it to possess either a round or conical shape. This forming process is somehow similar to pyramid rolling, where a workpiece is subjected to turning shafts and rolls to obtain the needed radii.

The following are some more things you should know about plate rolling.

An Overview of Plate Rolling

Plate rolling, as previously stated, is a method of curving sheets of metal into round or conical shapes. During this process, the metal workpiece is placed in a plate rolling machine and curved multiple times. Normally, metal sheets are curved around three to four times so they can acquire the needed properties of the manufacturer. The roller diameter, however, can limit the diameter of the rolling process. Once the plate rolling process is done, the metal sheets are expected to have reduced thickness.

The process of plate rolling can be categorised into two: hot rolling and cold rolling. These plate rolling processes are categorised based on the temperature of the steel plates. Hot rolling caters to steel plates that have a temperature above the recrystallisation point. Cold rolling, alternatively, caters to steel plates that have a temperature below their recrystallisation point.

Hot Rolling vs. Cold Rolling

Hot rolling often produces high-quality parts and products. However, they may end up covered with mill scale due to their exposure to high temperatures. Fortunately, it can be removed by pickling, regaining its smooth surface back. Hot rolling is conduced to process parts and materials for automotive products, agricultural equipment, compressor shells, guard rails, and metal structures.

Cold rolling, alternatively, produces workpieces that have better strength, improved surface finish, and boosted tolerances. Sheets and strips that undergo cold rolling may be full-hard, half-hard, quarter-hard, and skin-rolled. Full-hard sheets and strips have reduced thickness by up to 50%, while skin-rolled ones have reduced no more than 1% of their thickness. Products that can be generated by cold rolling include hinges, lighting fixtures, metal furniture pieces, and motorcycle parts.

Using Plate Rolling Machines

The plate rolling process can only be done by utilising plate rolling machines. These machines maximise work rollers to carry out continuous point metal sheet bending, generating a wide array of cylindrical parts, conical parts, and other parts with varying arc shapes and appearances. As sheet metals pass through the lower and upper rollers of these machines, they are expected to boast an altered shape and undergo a curvature.

The radius of the curvature then depends on the mutual position of the rollers. Rollers should be moved away if a product should boast a wide radius. Rollers, on the other hand, must move closer if a product must have a smaller radius.

For plate rolling projects, you must contact us at Sharp Welding and Crane Hire.