3 Roll Plate Bending Machine

As a professional plate rolling machine manufacturer with 10 years of technical expertise, today we reveal the standardized process for positioning sheet metal before operating a plate rolling machine.

Plate rooling machines are important equipment in metal sheet processing, used to roll flat sheets into arcs or cylindrical structures. The positioning of sheet metal before operation directly affects the final forming quality, so it is necessary to follow a standardized process to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and safety. This article will systematically explain the steps and precautions for positioning sheet metal before operating a plate rolling machine.

The importance of sheet metal positioning

Sheet metal positioning is the most important step in roll forming. Its accuracy determines whether the shape of the rolled sheet metal meets requirements. Improper positioning can cause sheet metal displacement, wrinkling, uneven curling, and even damage to equipment. Standardized processes can reduce human error, improve processing consistency, and reduce operational risks.

Preparation before operation

1. Equipment inspection

Before placing the sheet metal, ensure that the rolling machine is in normal condition. Check that the upper and lower roll surfaces are clean and free of debris or oil stains to avoid affecting the surface quality of the sheet metal. Confirm that the roll shaft is well lubricated and that there is no abnormal noise or looseness in the mechanical transmission system.

2. Sheet Inspection

Inspect the flatness, thickness, and edge condition of the sheet. Warped or deformed sheets must be pre-corrected, otherwise they will affect positioning accuracy. At the same time, confirm that the sheet edges are free of burrs, cracks, and other defects to prevent breakage or damage to the roll shaft during rolling.

3. Mold and Parameter Settings

Select appropriate roller spacing and pressure parameters based on the sheet material, thickness, and target curvature radius. Different materials have different springback characteristics, so corresponding data must be entered into the equipment control panel to ensure rolling accuracy.

Standard steps for positioning sheet metal

1. Center the sheet metal

Place the sheet metal flat on the feed table of the rolling machine and adjust its position so that its center line is aligned with the center line of the roller shaft. Use the positioning scale or laser guide line provided with the equipment for calibration to ensure that the sheet metal is symmetrical on both sides and avoid uneven force during rolling.

2. Adjust the feed angle

The sheet should be kept vertical when entering the roller shaft, and the front edge should be parallel to the lower roller. If the sheet is fed at an angle, it will cause asymmetrical curling. The operator can manually fine-tune the angle of the sheet or use lateral positioning plates to assist with alignment.

3. Pre-bending treatment

For thicker or more rigid plates, pre-bending is required. Feed the front end of the plate into the roller shaft by approximately 100-200 mm, and gently press down on the upper roller to form an initial arc at the end of the plate. Pre-bending reduces stress concentration during subsequent rolling and improves forming quality.

4. Fixed auxiliary device

If the sheet metal is long or thin, it is prone to shifting during rolling. Magnetic clamps or lateral support devices can be used to temporarily secure the sheet metal to ensure that it remains in a stable position during processing.

Post-positioning review and adjustment

1. Manual test run

Before formal roll production, a manual test run can be performed to observe whether the sheet material is running smoothly, and whether there is any deviation or abnormal resistance. If any problems are found, immediately stop the machine and adjust the position of the sheet material or the roller pressure.

2. Measure the initial curvature

After pre-bending, use a curvature template or tape measure to measure the bending radius at the end of the sheet metal and confirm that it meets expectations. If there is a large deviation, readjust the roller spacing or sheet metal position.

3. Final confirmation

After completing the above steps, the operator should check again that the sheet metal is centered, the roller pressure is appropriate, and the equipment safety devices are in place before starting the automatic rolling program.

Frequently asked questions and solutions

1. Sheet deviation

If the sheet deviates to one side during rolling, stop the machine immediately and check whether the rollers are parallel, or adjust the sheet feed angle.

2. Uneven curling

If the arc of the sheet metal is uneven after rolling, it may be due to uneven roller pressure or uneven sheet thickness. The equipment parameters need to be readjusted or the material replaced.

3. Excessive springback

Some materials (such as stainless steel and high-strength steel) have significant springback. The pre-bending amount can be increased appropriately during positioning, or a rounding process can be added after rolling.

Sheet metal positioning prior to plate rolling machine operation is a critical step in ensuring processing accuracy. Through standardized inspection, alignment, and adjustment processes, processing errors can be effectively reduced and product quality improved. Operators should be proficient in positioning techniques and flexibly adjust them based on actual working conditions to achieve the best rolling results.

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