Roll forming is a high-speed, high volume production process, which uses a roll forming machine to convert metal sheets or coils into parts as the metal moves through the machine. As the material passes through the machine, rolls situated on both the top and bottom of the machine apply pressure to bend the material thus forming various configurations. Roll forming is a metal roll forming process that is suitable in the fabrication of stainless steel, copper, aluminum and steel products.

Manufacturers use roll forming to create standard parts that include angles, rings, channels and other forms. Some manufacturers can also provide custom roll forming. Many industries rely on roll forming services to fabricate products, which can be utilized in rail cars, door frames and helicopter blades. The advantages of using roll forming services to create these parts are quick and efficient accommodation of high volume orders, diverse range of shapes created with this process and greater uniformity/ consistency of parts.

Some options to review when considering the use of roll forming are:

1. Find roll forming services that provide a wide range of products.

2. Locate manufacturers that offer custom roll forming.

3. Buy roll forming equipment for your business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get roll formed products for many applications

Many industries use roll formed products in diverse applications like helicopter blades, conveyor systems and ramps. When looking for providers of roll formed parts or products, choose those companies that serve many industries, offer a wide array of products, provide secondary operations and that can meet your application needs.

I recommend: Samson Roll Formed Products offers over 40 roll form lines, steel angles, stainless steel and aluminum channels and more. The company also provides secondary operations like stamping and bending. At Johnson Bros. Metal Forming, you can find parts in many metals, pre-finished and plain, rings, channels and frames. Combined these two companies serve a variety of industries that include aerospace, agriculture, material handling, filters and refrigerators/ freezers.

Choose the right manufacturer for your custom roll forming needs

Whether you have a unique application that require precision roll formed shapes, channels or angles or you need a part specially designed for your business, you need companies that have the expertise to handle complex design applications and can deliver quality service.

I recommend: Kroh-Wagner provides many custom parts in various materials and gauges between 0.005 and 0.125 inch; with no minimum runs and design assistance is available. The company serves a host of industries. At M.P. Metal Products, you can find custom profiles, shapes and roll formed parts in gauges from 0.005 to 0.165 inch, widths up 48 inches and design assistance is available. Sharon Custom Metal Forming is another good company that provides these services.

Select roll forming machinery and equipment for your company

Big or small businesses require machinery and equipment that is cost- effective and with features that can reduce set-up and downtime. You need companies that can provide different types of machines, understand the needs of its customers and can customize equipment to meet a customer's overall requirements.

I recommend: Custom Rollform Products offers quality roll form systems, roll forming machines and a full line of sheet metal fabricating equipment. At Metal Rollforming Systems, you can get single or double roll formers and optional equipment like sheet stackers and multi-station decoilers. Go to Alvarez Roll Form for diverse types of machinery. Company also offers on-site service calls for repair and maintenance, rebuilding and customization of equipment.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The metal forming rolling may be either hot rolling or cold rolling methods. The process called cold roll forming creates roll formed products at room temperature.