Choosing the right roll plate bender for your machine shop or metal fabrication business requires understanding the differences between each one, and their unique characteristics, uses, and advantages. It is important to understand what types of output each machine is able to create, along with what finishing processes you need to perform manually.
2 Roll Plate Benders
A 2 roll plate bender is capable of creating cylinder shapes, semi-circles, and other basic curved shapes. Machines consist of two rollers between which the sheet metal is passed, and then the force of the rolling causes the metal to bend into the desired circular shape. Some models do provide the ability to create flanges, but they do not support cones or other detailed geometric shapes.
3 Roll Plate Benders
3 roll plate benders can perform the same functions as 2 roll bending machines. The key difference is that, with 3 roll bending, you have greater control over the desired output shape. The most common ones support single-pinch bending functions, which require inserting the sheet metal twice to pre-bend both ends. However, there are also double-pinch models available to make pre-bending processes on both ends easier, faster, and more precise.
4 Roll Plate Benders
The biggest benefit a 4 roll plate bender has over 2 roll and 3 roll bending machines is it makes bending processes easier and simpler. These machines are fully capable of performing the same functions as a 2 or 3 roll machines. Some models also can perform similar functions as a press brake. Furthermore, 4 roll benders make it possible to create rectangular and square-shaped output by carefully bending the metal in specific areas as it passes through the machine.
Geometry Plate Benders
This type of plate bender provides flexibility by allowing the operator to work with a wider array of metal thicknesses and achieve more precise results. Geometry plate benders are also capable of creating a variety of geometric shapes, like cones, and can be used to create 2 roll and 3 roll bending output.
Which Bending Machine Is the Best?
One of the key decision-making factors you should consider is not only what type of plate bender will meet your current needs, but which could also satisfy future business needs. For instance, if you currently need a machine that can crank out large volumes of cylinder shaped materials, all four types of benders can perform this task.
If this is the only type of output you create, then a 2 roll bending machine could easily satisfy your shop’s needs. On the other hand, if you also are considering expanding your operation to offer a greater variety of shapes or are looking to increase the precision of the output, then a 3, 4, or geometry bender might be the better choice.
For assistance in selecting the best plate roll bending machine for your business, please feel free to contact Quantum Machinery Group at (909) 476-8007 to speak with a representative today!
