Are there benefits to buying a 4-roll plate bending machine over a traditional 3-roll? The answer is a resounding “Yes!”

Not only are four roll plate rolls more precise than their three roll counterparts, but they are also more productive, more versatile, faster, safer and easier to operate. They are less dependent on operator competence. Four roll machines are ideal for bending bigger plates, even up to 6″ thick.

Here are several specific reasons to choose a 4-roll plate roll:

• The fastest and most accurate bends are made by 4-roll machines. The plate is held securely in place between the top and bottom rolls while the side rolls move vertically to create the bend.
• The bottom roll moves up to hold the plate securely against the top roll while the side roll is raised to form an accurate pre-bend, minimizing the flat zone on the plate edge. Pre-bending on a three roll machine requires that plates be tilted down as they are being fed. In contrast, plates are loaded horizontally at the feed level for pre-bending on a four roll machine, which allows the use of horizontal motorized roller tables to help feed the plate.
• Plate feeding can take place on either side of a four roll machine. If fed from only one side, they can even be placed close to a wall to save floor space.
• The side rolls are positioned to the right and left of the bottom roll and are on their own axes. The independent axis of each roll helps make a perfect bend. The “back” side roll (at the far side of the feeding point) also functions as a back gauge to square the plate for proper alignment. This eliminates the need for someone to assist the operator.
• The plate is kept square without slipping during both pre-bending and rolling because of the constant secure clamping of the top and bottom rolls.
• Four roll machines do not require the operator to remove, flip, and then try to square and reposition the plate a second time after pre-bending, as is the case with three roll IP machines. Keeping the material in the machine makes four rolls 50% more efficient than three roll IP machines, and allows a cylinder to be rolled to the required diameter immediately following pre-bending.
• Bending the back edge takes place after the cylinder is rolled, for a one direction, single pass operation.
• Cone rolling is easier on a four roll machine. The side rolls can be tilted to establish the cone angle and the bottom roll can also be tilted to clamp and drive the plate.
• Four roll machines can effectively make use of NC and CNC controls because of the constant clamping and driving of the material during all steps of rolling. Bending difficult shapes like polycentric or elliptic work pieces can be easily done with CNC 4-roll machines.

Please give Bud’s Machine Tools a call today and let us help you find the perfect plate rolling solutions for your upcoming projects and long-term needs. 385-271-6718 or email Sales@BudsEquipment.com