4 roller plate bending machine

Types of 4 roller plate bending machines

The 4 roller plate bending machine, also called the 4 roll plate bending machine, is one of the machines that rolls plates into cylinders or arcs. compared to 2-roll machines, the 4 roller bending machine provides better accuracy and the ability to produce tighter radii on thicker materials.

The 4-roll plate bending machine consists of 4 main parts: upper roll, lower roll, side roll, and frame; the components are made of stiff metal and held together with strong bolts and nuts, and the metal bends plates as per the required shape. The upper and lower rolls are positioned horizontally, and the side roll applies pressure to the plate from above. The pressure causes the plate to deform plastically and take up a curved shape.

There are various ways to classify 4 roller plate bending machines:

• By the controlling system, the machine could be a numerical control machine, PLC machine, NC machine, or CNC machine, or it could be from the electromagnetism, such as the electromagnetism integration, electricity integration, etc. For example, the 4 roller CNC bending machine employs computer numerical control to precisely roll material into spirals or arcs, ultimately making the project more manageable, more straightforward, and more efficient in a bending accuracy that can reach ±1°.
• Between the following-up system and the feedback system, the bending machine could be an open-loop, which is relatively simple but has lower accuracy, or a closed-loop with more precision, like the bending accuracy that can reach ±1°.
• In the kind of drive and transmission, such as hydraulic drive, gear drive, etc. They have different characteristics in the driving technology, sealing, reliability, operating system, and noise. For instance, the hydraulic drive has a reliable rolling capacity for bending, while the gear drive has more high-speed output than the latter.

Depending on the thickness of the plate that can be bent, the 4 roller plate bending machine can be used in various industries, such as bending oil plates in power and energy, pressure cooker plates in the food industry, drum plates in the chemical industry, shipbuilding in the marine and aerospace industry, bending hot water heater plates in the plumbing business, and other industries that use and require stainless and carbon steel.

Specification & Maintenance

• Material: The material is what the machine works with; it has to be strong so the machine can bend plates.
• Thickness Range: This tells how thick plates the machine can work on, from the thinnest to the thickest it can handle.
• Bending Radius: It's the smallest curve or round edge the machine can make on a plate.
• Bending Speed: This is how fast the machine can bend plates, usually measured in inches or centimeters per minute.
• Roller Diameter: The size of the machine's rollers, which are the round parts that do the bending.
• Drive Power: This is the power that drives the machine, usually mentioned in horsepower (HP) or kilowatts (kW).
• Control System: The way the machine's controls are set up, like whether it has a digital display or automatic functions.
• Machine Size: The overall size of the plate roller machine, usually represented in length, width, and height.
• Machine Weight: The weight of the entire machine, which is often expressed in tons or kilograms.

Maintenance Tips for 4 Roller Plate Bending Machines:

• Keep Clean: Regularly clean the machine to remove any dirt, grease, or dust. Use water and mild detergent to wipe the surface and avoid using harsh chemicals. Clean the work surface after each use to keep it hygienic.
• Lubrication: Apply proper lubrication to all moving parts of the machine, including bearings and roller shafts. Use appropriate lubrication oil or grease to ensure smooth operation.
• Regular Checks: Frequently inspect the machine for loose parts, wear, or damage. Pay attention to important components such as bolts, chains, and belts. Tighten loose parts and replace worn or damaged parts as needed to maintain equipment stability and safety.
• Avoid Overload: Follow the specified load capacity to avoid overload use. Understand the machine's capacity limits and avoid processing excessively thick or large plates to prevent damage to the equipment.
• Operating Guidelines: Ensure that machine operators are familiar with operating instructions and safety precautions. Do not overload or exceed the specified bending capacity during operation. Maintain a safe distance from rotating parts and avoid manual contact with them.

Scenarios for 4 roller plate bending machines

The 4 roller plate bending machine is widely used in different industries. Here are some common applications of the roller in the industry:

• The 4 roller plate bending machine is commonly used in the construction industry. It is used to roll large plates of steel and other materials into different kinds of architectural shapes. These shapes include arcs, cylinders, domes, ellipses, and others.
• The plate bending machine is also used in the shipbuilding and marine engineering industry. It is used to roll metal plates into cylindrical shells for constructing hulls, tanks, and piping systems.
• In the automotive and transportation industry, the plate rolling machine is used to manufacture control and roll body parts, such as guards, chassis, and other components.
• The roller machine is also used in the furniture and decor industry for making cabinet body parts and pipes.
• In the wind energy industry, the plate bending machine is used to manufacture wind turbine blades.
• Finally, the plate bending machine is used in the defense industry to roll metal sheets into barrels and other military equipment parts.

How to choose 4 roller plate bending machines

When it comes to selecting a 4 roller bending machine, several factors need to be considered ensuring that it meets the specific requirements of the business.

• Thickness and width of the material

  One of the first things to consider when choosing a four roller plate bending machine is the thickness and width of the material that needs to be bent. There are machines with great bending capacities and those with lower ones.

• Accuracy requirements

  Accuracy is a critical factor in many bending operations. Customers need to choose a machine that provides the level of accuracy their business needs. This could vary depending on the type of 4 roller plate bending machine they select.

• Roller diameter and spacing

  The diameter and spacing of the rollers can affect how well the machine bends certain materials. Customers should choose a machine with rollers that are the right size for the materials they work with.

• Control options

  Four roller bending machines come with different control options, including CNC controls and manual controls. Customers should choose a machine with controls that work based on the skill level of the employees and the bending operations that need to be performed.

• Power requirements

  Businesses should consider the power requirements of the 4 roller bending machine and ensure that it is compatible with the electricity supplied by the business.

• Mobility and floor space

  The amount of floor space available in the workshop and the machine's mobility need to be considered. If the rollers have to be moved from one place to another, the bending machine should have a reasonable size and weight so that it is easy to transport.

• Safety features

  Let the safety features of the machine be prioritized as it ensures that the operators are protected while working with it. Choose the bending machine that comes with emergency stop buttons, safeguarding elements, and other safety features that comply with standard regulations.

• Budget and ROI

  Finally, the budget and return on investment (ROI) should be considered while choosing the 4 roller bending machine. Compare the bending machines based on their features and advantages. Choose the one that offers great value for money and helps the business earn a good return on its investment quickly.

4 Roller Plate Bending Machine FAQ

Q1: How does a plate rolling machine work?

A1: In general, all rolling machines work by bending a flat metal into circular or arc shapes as required. The machine clamps the plate using the rolls and then starts to rotate the plate until the desired bend is achieved. The process may vary, as some machines require additional steps of flipping the plate. Now, in the case of a 4 roller plate bending machine, the entry plate is initially pre-bent using a top roll that has a belt system.

Q2: What are the types of plate rolls?

A2: The most common types of plate rolls are;

• Three-roll circular bending machines: They have three rolls, one horizontal roll above and two rolls below. The two lower rolls are adjustable.
• Four-roll plate bending machines: They have two lower rolls that are fixed, an upper bending roll also, and an additional rear roll that is adjustable.

Q3: What are the advantages of using a four-roll plate bending machine?

A3: The four-roll plate bending machine has a higher degree of accuracy when rolling plates. Additionally, it is easier to align the plates because of the pre-bending feature. There is minimal wastage in the 4 roller plate bending machine due to the accurate pre-bending of the plates.