What it is and what you need to know.
The metal rolling process can be greater defined as being, ‘the process of metal working that involves the technique of plastic deformation by passing metals between two rolls.’ This technique serves to alter the cross section of a piece of metal. Metal rolling is only one of the four most common types of bulk deformation. The others are:
* Forging
* Drawing
* Extrusion
Where is rolling used most often?
Rolling is most commonly used during the manufacturing of rolled cylinders. This is the preferred method for the formation of things such as tubes, pipes, cylinders and rings. Rolled metals can be formed in a variety of sizes and dimensions.
Cold rolling is used in situations where things like dimensional accuracy and surface finish are a concern. The cold rolling process is carried out below the re-crystallization temperature of the metal. This is one of the most common methods used in metal forming and delivers highly accurate results when used to manufacture pipes and tubes from sheet metal, as well as during the manufacturing process of plates, rods, and strips.
Different types of metal rolling
There are a number of different types of metal rolling techniques and processes used in the fabrication industry. Some of the most commonly used (and the most effective) are: roll bending, ring rolling, roll forming, profile rolling, and controlled rolling. There are advantages and disadvantages to every technique and each process can be used with a number of different materials, such as brass, copper, aluminium, stainless steel, and steel. The finishing techniques used will depend greatly on the materials used and the specifications of the product.
Things to consider when searching for a metal fabricator or metal rolling provider
No two business are alike, that is why it is important to carefully evaluate new service providers prior to venturing into a project partnership. Here are some things to keep in mind when evaluating a potential provider:
* When evaluating potential vendors, it is important to work with those who follow metal industry guidelines and quality standards (such as AWS or ASME)
* Working with a company that offers international delivery of final products will offer greater flexibility in delivery locations. A typical turnaround for delivery can range in 4 to 12 weeks
* Some facilities are not able to offer small batch production, these might not be suitable for smaller projects. Look for fabricators that offer volumes ranging for 1 item and up.
