Ring rollers are indispensable tools in metalworking, capable of bending various metal profiles into circular or elliptical shapes. These versatile machines find applications across numerous industries across the world and the UK, from construction and agriculture to manufacturing and automotive. If you’re looking to enhance your workshop’s capabilities, understanding the different types of ring rollers and their uses is crucial.
What is a Ring Roller and How Does it Work?
A ring roller, also known as a ring rolling machine, or section bender, works by running a metal workpiece between three rollers to shape it into a radiused form. The process most commonly involves:
Setup: The metal is placed between two bottom rolls (most commonly the driving rollers) and top roll (which applies pressure to the material).
Rolling: When actuating the machine in your chosen direction, the bottom two rolls rotate, pulling the material through the machine while the top roll applies pressure to bend it into a radius.
Adjustments: The position of the top roll can be adjusted to change the diameter of the ring being formed.
Completion: The process continues until the desired radius and shape are achieved.
The key is the controlled application of pressure and material feed to gradually bend the metal into the desired shape.
Industries Using Ring Rollers
The applications for ring rollers are vast and varied. Some of the primary industries that rely on these machines include:
- ConstructionRing rollers are used to create components for structural steel, railings, and fences.
- AgricultureThese machines are employed in the manufacturing of farm equipment, such as silos and grain bins.
- AutomotiveRing rollers play a role in producing automotive parts, including exhaust systems and chassis components.
- ManufacturingVarious industries, from aerospace to food processing, utilise ring rollers for fabricating custom components.
Types of Ring Rollers
Ring rollers primarily fall into two categories: manual and hydraulic.
1. Manual Descent Ring Rollers
Manual (top roll) ring rollers are compact and economical, making them ideal for entry-level users and small-scale operations. They require physical effort to adjust the upper roller, which can be time-consuming or difficult for larger or thicker materials. However, their simplicity and affordability make them popular choices for workshops with limited budgets, or those making one-off bespoke pieces.
DIMAKIN’s manual ring rollers, includes the RM-502 ring roller and the RM-602 ring roller, both of which are available on SALE at the moment. These models are known for their user-friendliness and versatility, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
2. Hydraulic Descent Ring Rollers
Hydraulic (top roll) ring rollers offer greater repeatability compared to manual models. The upper roller is adjusted using hydraulic power, allowing for smoother and faster bending, which can be saved into the digital readout of the controller for use at another time. These machines are well-suited for high-volume production and handling heavy-duty materials.
DIMAKIN’s hydraulic ring roller lineup includes the RH-602 ring roller, the RH-603 ring roller, and RH-703 ring roller. These models (also available on SALE) incorporate advanced features like digital readouts (DRO) for accurate top roll positioning and even three powered rolls instead of two for enhanced performance.
Choosing the Right Ring Roller
Selecting the perfect ring roller for your workshop depends on several factors:
- Material thicknessThicker materials require more powerful hydraulic ring rollers.
- Production volumeHigh-volume production benefits from the speed and precision of hydraulic models.
- BudgetManual, and less feature packed ring rollers are more affordable than hydraulic ones.
- Workshop sizeConsider the available space when choosing between compact manual models and larger hydraulic machin
Explore DIMAKIN’s range of Ring Rollers
By carefully considering these factors, you can invest in a ring roller that enhances your workshop’s capabilities and productivity.
DIMAKIN offers a diverse range of ring rollers for sale in the UK to cater to different needs. Whether you’re a small workshop or a large-scale manufacturing facility, you can find the ideal machine to suit your requirements.
