Rolling
Rolling shapes metal by passing it between rollers, including plate rolling into cylinders and cones, section rolling of angles and beams into curves, ring rolling, and thread rolling. It forms curved and cylindrical parts without cutting material.
What it is
Plate rolling machines bend flat plate into cylinders, shells and cones for tanks, ducts and vessels. Section benders curve angles, channels, beams and tubes. Ring rolling makes seamless forged rings, and thread rolling cold-forms threads on bolts and studs.
Rolling preserves material and, in thread and ring rolling, improves grain flow and strength.
Typical applications
- Cylindrical shells and tanks
- Cones and transitions
- Curved beams, angles and rings
- Seamless rolled rings
- Rolled threads on fasteners
Suitable materials
- Mild and structural steel plate
- Stainless steel
- Aluminium
- Alloy steels (rings, threads)
Points to consider
- Minimum rolled diameter depends on plate thickness and machine roll size.
- Flat ends remain on rolled plate; pre-bending reduces them.
- Rolled threads are stronger than cut threads.
- Specify inside or outside diameter clearly.
Frequently asked questions
What is plate rolling?
Bending flat plate between rollers into cylinders, shells or cones.
Why are rolled threads stronger?
Thread rolling cold-forms the thread without cutting fibres, work-hardening the surface and improving fatigue strength.
Can beams and angles be curved?
Yes. Section bending machines roll beams, channels, angles and tubes into arcs and rings.