Roll Forming

Rolling and roll forming are similar metal fabrication processes, but they have some differences.

Rolling is a metal forming process that involves the use of rolling mills to reduce the thickness or change the cross-sectional shape of a metal workpiece. In rolling, the metal workpiece is passed through two rotating rolls, which compress and deform the metal to the desired shape. Rolling is typically used to produce sheets, plates, and long bars with a uniform cross-section.

Roll forming, on the other hand, is a continuous metal forming process that uses a series of rolls to shape a metal strip into a desired cross-section. In roll forming, the metal strip is gradually shaped into the desired profile as it is fed through a series of forming stations, each of which contains a set of rolls that shape the metal in a specific way. Roll forming is typically used to produce long, complex metal profiles with a uniform cross-section.

In conclusion, rolling and roll forming are similar metal fabrication processes, but they differ in terms of the metal workpiece used, the number of rolls involved, and the desired end product. Rolling is used to produce metal sheets, plates, and long bars, while roll forming is used to produce long, complex metal profiles.

Roll forming is used in a variety of industries including:

1. Building and Construction: Roll formed steel is widely used in the construction industry for roofing and siding, window and door frames, purlins, and beams.
2. Automotive: Roll forming is used to produce body panels, structural components, and suspension parts for cars and trucks.
3. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): Roll formed metal is used in ductwork, grilles, and diffusers.
4. Electrical and Electronics: Roll forming is used to produce electrical conduit and components such as metal channels, brackets, and other enclosures.
5. Furniture and Fixtures: Roll forming is used to produce metal parts for furniture, shelving, and storage units.
6. Aerospace and Defense: Roll forming is used to produce structural components and airframes for aerospace and defense applications.
7. Agricultural Equipment: Roll forming is used to produce parts for tractors, combines, and other agricultural equipment.

These are just a few examples of the many industries that use roll forming. The versatility of roll forming makes it a popular choice for producing metal parts for a wide range of applications.

Steel plate, sheet, and coil can be roll formed. Steel is the most commonly roll formed metal, due to its strength and versatility. The specific grade of steel used for roll forming will depend on the application and desired properties of the final product.

The following are some common grades of steel that are used for roll forming:

1. Cold-Rolled Steel: This is a low-carbon steel that has been processed to improve its surface finish and dimensional accuracy. Cold-rolled steel is commonly used for parts that require a smooth surface finish, such as window frames and electrical enclosures.
2. Hot-Rolled Steel: This is a high-carbon steel that is processed at high temperatures to improve its strength and ductility. Hot-rolled steel is commonly used for structural applications, such as beams and columns.
3. Galvanized Steel: This is a steel that has been coated with a layer of zinc to protect it from corrosion. Galvanized steel is commonly used for outdoor applications, such as roofing and siding.
4. Stainless Steel: This is a steel that contains chromium, which provides resistance to corrosion and staining. Stainless steel is commonly used for applications that require a high level of corrosion resistance, such as HVAC ductwork and kitchen equipment.
5. High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) Steel: This is a type of steel that is alloyed with other elements to improve its strength and ductility. HSLA steel is commonly used for automotive and construction applications.

These are just a few examples of the many grades of steel that can be roll formed. The specific grade of steel used will depend on the desired properties of the final product and the requirements of the application.