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2023 Buyer's Guide To The Best Plate Rolls

Plate rolling is an essential process of plate metal forming and metal fabrication. The machines used in this process, known as plate rollers, plate bending machines or plate bending rolls, can to create a variety of shapes out of plate metal. These machines come in a variety of types, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we'll take a closer look at plate rolling, the different types of plate roll available, and what you should consider when purchasing a plate roll.


What exactly is plate rolling?

Let’s start off by getting this question out of the way. Plate rolling is a metal forming process used to shape flat plate metal into curved shapes like cylinders, cones, and even more complex designs. This is done by passing the plate through rollers that apply pressure to it, bending it into the desired shape. The pressure can be applied mechanically with the help of gears, or hydraulically by means of hydraulic cylinders. Selection of the appropriate type depends on a number of factors such as the material being used, the intended shape, and how much of it needs to be produced.


What are plate rolls used for?

Plate rolls can be used in conjunction with other metalworking machinery, such as metal cutting shears and press brake machinery, to create even more complex shapes and structures of varying sizes.

These structures may include:

  • Pressure vessels: Plate rolls are often used to create the cylindrical shapes needed for propane tanks and pressure cookers.

  • Sheet metal ducts: Plate rolls can also be used to create the curved shapes needed for the metal ducts used in HVAC systems.

  • Automotive parts: The curved parts of automobiles such as exhaust systems and body panels can also be manufactured using plate rolls.

  • Artistic sculptures: Plate rolls are also used in creating unique and interesting sculptures out of plate metal.

Types of Plate Rolls

There are several different types of plate rolls available, each with their own unique features and capabilities. Some of the most common types include.

Based on the mode of operation, there are:

  • Slip roll: This type of plate roll is typically used for making small to medium-sized cylinders and cones. They are also used for forming sheet metal into curved panels. These types of rolls are very precise and can be used to create tight radius bends. These are best suited for low to medium volume production environments.

  • Pyramid roll: This type of plate roll is used for creating complex shapes, such as dish shapes. They are often used in conjunction with press brake machinery. These types of rolls are able to create more complex shapes than slip rolls, but they are also more specialized. They are best suited for medium volume production environments.

  • Initial pinch: These rolls are used for making the initial bend in a piece of plate metal.  They are typically used in conjunction with other types of rolls, such as double pinch rolls. These types of rolls are very precise, and are used to create tight radius bends. They are best suited for low to medium volume production environments.

  • Double pinch: These rolls are used for making precise bends in plate metal. They are often used in conjunction with initial pinch rolls. These types of rolls are very precise and are used to create tight radius bends. They are best suited for low to medium volume production environments.

  • 4 roll machines: These machines use four rollers to apply pressure to the plate metal, which allows for more precise bending. They are often used in high production environments. These types of rolls are very precise and are able to create tight radius bends. They are best suited for high volume production environments.


Based on the means by which pressure is applied, we can have:

  • Hydraulic rolls: These rolls use hydraulic cylinders to apply pressure to the plate metal. They are often used in high production environments. These types of rolls are versatile and can be used to create a wide variety of shapes. They are best suited for high volume production environments.

  • Mechanical rolls: These rolls use gears to apply pressure to the plate metal. They are often used in low to medium production environments. These types of rolls are versatile and can be used to create a wide variety of shapes. They are best suited for low to medium volume production environments.

Considerations when selecting a type of plate roll

When selecting a plate roll for your application, it's important to consider the size of the plate roll you'll need. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the right size plate roll for your application:

  • Material thickness: The thickness of the material you'll be working with will play a major role in determining the size of the plate roll you'll need. Make sure to choose a plate roll that can accommodate the thickness of the material you'll be working with.

  • Production volume: The production volume you'll be working with will also play a major role in determining the size of the plate roll you'll need. If you'll be working on large-scale industrial projects, you'll likely need a larger plate roll. If you'll be working on small-scale projects, a smaller plate roll may be more suitable.

  • Desired shape: The desired shape of the final product will also play a role in determining the size of the plate roll you'll need. Some plate rolls are better suited for creating specific shapes, such as cylinders and cones, while others are better suited for creating complex shapes like dish shapes.

  • Space constraints: The space you have available for the plate roll will also be a consideration. Make sure to choose a plate roll that will fit in the available space and that can be easily integrated into your existing production process.

  • Budget: The budget you have available for the plate roll will also be a consideration. Make sure to choose a plate roll those fits within your budget while still meeting your needs.

You will also want to consider other aspects such as technical specifications of the plate roll. It would help to review the plate width, plate thickness and the minimum and maximum bending radius to ensure the plate roll is suitable for the job you have in mind. The diameter of the rollers, the power of the motor, the type of control system, the speed of the rollers, the weight of the machine, and the dimensions of the machine should also be considered.

By considering these factors, you'll likely be able to select the plate roll size that is best suited for your application. It's important to remember that a larger plate roll may be more expensive initially, but it may be more cost-effective in the long run due to its ability to handle larger production volumes and thicker materials. 

On the other hand, a smaller plate roll may be more affordable initially, but it may not be able to handle the same volume and thickness of materials. It's important to strike a balance between your budget and your needs to ensure that you get the best value for your money.

In that regard, let’s now take a look at pricing.
Pricing and budgeting Ideas

The cost of a plate roll will depend on several factors, including the type of roll, the size of the roll, and the production volume. New plate rolls can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from a few thousand dollars for a small slip roll to hundreds of thousands of dollars for a large 4 roll machine. Used plate rolls can be a more affordable option, but it's important to make sure that the roll is in good working condition before making a purchase. It's also important to consider the long-term costs, such as maintenance and repair costs, when making a decision.

At Sterling Machinery Exchange, we offer a wide selection of new and used plate rolls from top manufacturers such as Bertsch, Us Industrial, GMC, and Baileigh. Whether you're looking for a small slip roll or a large 4 roll machine, we have the right roll for your needs at a price that fits your budget.

Get a plate roll today affordably

Sterling Machinery Exchange offers a wide variety of plate rolls from top manufacturers that can be used for various purposes and budgets. So, if you're in the market for a new or used plate roll, look no further than Sterling Machinery Exchange. We offer a wide selection of plate rolls from top manufacturers at competitive prices. Contact us today to learn more about our selection and pricing, and to find the perfect plate roll for your needs.


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