A plate rolling machine, also known as a rolling machine or sheet rolling machine, bends metal plates into cylindrical, arc-shaped, or conical workpieces.
Industries use these machines to form tanks, pressure vessels, boilers, ship structures, and steel components. Manufacturers classify plate rolling machines into two-roller, three-roller, and four-roller types. Two-roller machines usually roll thin or small plates, while four-roller machines typically process large and thick plates such as marine steel plates.
Structural principle of Plate rolling machine
A plate rolling machine includes the main body, the hydraulic station, and the electric control cabinet. The electric oil pump delivers high-pressure oil to the working cylinders or motors. This oil pushes the plungers and generates strong thrust and torque. The bending molds then shape the metal plate with stable and precise force.
The machine rotates the transmission roller and uses friction to drive the other rollers. This coordinated rotation gradually bends the sheet into the required curvature. Operators can adjust the roller spacing to control plate thickness, rolling force, and finished diameter. With proper settings, the machine rolls stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, and alloy plates with high accuracy.
Five Major Technological Features Of The Three-Roller Plate Rolling Machine
- High performance — The full hydraulic drive improves rolling stability, increases bending precision, and supports automatic welding processes.
- High motor power — The motor outputs strong torque, ensures high efficiency, and handles continuous heavy-duty forming.
- High strength — The reinforced frame enhances rigidity, reduces vibration, and improves long-term structural reliability.
- Good safety — Durable components extend service life, maintain consistent performance, and reduce downtime.
- Wide applicability — The machine supports manufacturing industries such as boilers, chemicals, mining, construction, energy, and shipbuilding.
These features make the three-roller plate rolling machine suitable for metal fabrication workshops, heavy engineering projects, and industrial production lines.
Differences Between Three-Roller Plate Rolling Machine And Four-Roller Plate Rolling Machine
The main differences between three-roller and four-roller plate rolling machines appear in their structural design, working principles, operating methods, and processing accuracy.
Structural Components
Three-Roller Plate Rolling Machine
- Structure: It uses one upper roller and two lower rollers, or one upper roller with one lower roller and one side roller, depending on the type.
- Common Types:
- Symmetrical three-roller machine: The upper roller sits between two lower rollers, and it moves vertically during rolling.
- Asymmetrical or inclined three-roller machine: The upper roller tilts at a certain angle to make feeding and discharging easier.
- Number of Rollers: It uses three rollers (one upper roller and two lower rollers).
Four-Roller Plate Rolling Machine
- Structure: It includes one upper roller, one lower roller, and two side rollers, making a total of four.
- Roller Positions: The upper roller moves vertically in the center, while the lower roller stays fixed or adjustable. The two side rollers move horizontally on both sides.
- Number of Rollers: It uses four rollers (one upper, one lower, and two side rollers).
Working Principles
Three-Roller Plate Rolling Machine
- The rollers grip the plate through friction, and the upper roller applies downward force to create bending.
- In symmetrical machines, operators feed the plate from one side and remove it from the other, and the machine usually cannot form a complete cylinder in one pass.
- Asymmetrical machines allow side feeding, which improves convenience but still lacks the flexibility of a four-roller machine.
Four-Roller Plate Rolling Machine
- The side rollers first clamp the plate and guide it into the space between the upper and lower rollers.
- The upper roller then applies pressure and bends the plate while the machine controls feeding and pre-bending more precisely.
- It easily forms accurate cylindrical shapes and supports complex shapes such as cones with high rolling precision.
Operation and Use
Three-Roller Machine
- Operators find the machine easier to use, and manufacturers benefit from lower equipment costs.
- In symmetrical machines, the plate usually keeps straight edges at both ends, and operators must process these edges before welding.
- It suits applications with moderate accuracy requirements or small-to-medium production volumes.
Four-Roller Machine
- The machine requires slightly more complex operation, yet it allows higher automation and integrates well with CNC systems.
- It completes pre-bending, centering, and rolling in one setup, which reduces secondary processing.
- It suits high-precision rolling, large plate sizes, complex shapes, mass production, and industries requiring high-quality results.
Conclusion
Plate rolling machine can complete the pre-bending and curling of various specifications of cylindrical and arc-shaped workpieces after one loading, and the equipment performance is reliable.