Rolling

Rolling is a method to make sheet metal and components thinner and change its structure.

Rolling makes a piece of material thinner by feeding it through rolls, which are big rotating cylinders. When this is done, the workpiece's size and structure will change. The rolls, which can be adjusted, determine the end result. For example; rolls can be flat if the intention is to make a workpiece thinner. It is also possible to make a sheet round if it passes over two rolls, while a third pushes in between them from above, which is called roll bending or forming. This is the same way cones are produced, if one roll is inclined. There are several different kinds of rolling.

It is possible to do rolling with cold material, which usually means at room temperature. The benefits of this is usually nice tolerances and surface finish. Hot rolling also exists, but is mainly used for sheet metal and profiles of larger dimensions.

Rolling is mostly carried out by raw material suppliers. Some workshops also do rolling, and usually specialize in this or do it as a part of larger projects.

Picture: Irvon Press & Shear Ltd