Factors in Buying a New Plate Roll
Manufacturers must remain competitive in today's competitive marketplace and an investment of a new plate roll that have the capability and flexibility to meet your production volumes and tolerances will increase your profit margins and give you the leading edge over your competitors.Reputation
A reputable machine tools dealer will take the time to understand your specific plate bending roll needs. These discussions should include factors like inside diameters, material type, tolerances and the desired shape of the finished product.
Our salesmen know the industry inside and out and know the right questions to ask to ensure your investment of a new plate roll will meet your needs for years to come. We will carefully evaluate cost and benefits to ensure your are getting a machine that will satisfy your production needs and budget.
Temper and Yield Strength
Because today's steel is stronger and requires more strength to bend it than a couple decades ago, the metals temper and yield strength must be considered to determine the specifications of the plate roller and ensure that end results are free from defects and waste.
Operating Parameters
When your margin for error is low, consideration of operating parameters is critical. Normally roll plate bending machines are usually cambered at 50 percent of the full-rated value of the machine. Often when rollers are pushing the limits of their plate rolls you are likely to see a small degree of barrel effect that may result in an out of spec product.
Severe defects frequently happen when the plate thickness is close to the upper end of a machine's rating which reduces productivity because it needs to be adjusted with a shim. At the other spectrum, when thin materials are put through rolling machines that are rated for thick plate, finished products often come out with an hour glass effect.
Bending Diameters
When rolling thick plate into a tight inside diameter more pressure is required and the top roll and the layout of the machine will determine if the cylindrical edges meet and close.
Generally, machines are able to roll plate at 1 and a half times the upper roll diameter. Machines that include planetary guides give a 30% improvement on tight diameters because they offer 1 to 1 ratios with 50 percent more area of the plate under bend-pressure during operation without causing barrel defect.
Energy Consumption and Maintenance
High-energy consumption will eat into profits. Less sophisticated rolling machines use inefficient chains and connecting links, multiple gear trains and bronze bushings that will reduce motor efficiency up to 60%.
Plate rolls with spherical ball bearings, independent hydraulic planetary gear drives and a swing-guide system will cut drive line friction and realize a 30% energy consumption savings.
Traditional geared plate rolls require a high level of daily maintenance and greasing while power trains offer less moving parts that require maintenance. Look for self-sealed bearings and encased drives that reduce maintenance time with the elimination of regular lubrication.
Active Machinery Sales offers quality plate roll machines for sale. Call or email us today and we can help you find the perfect machine for your shop.