To technically define it, the phrase metal rolling describes a technique of metalworking that passes the metal between a pair of rolls in order to plastically deform it. Simply put, this specific method assists particularly in altering the cross section of any piece of metal. This technique plays an important role in the manufacturing of products and parts for a wide range of industries. It is one of the four major and most common methods employed in the process of bulk deformation. The remaining three are extrusion, drawing, and forging.
Metal Rolling Applications
There are a number of applications in which this technique is used throughout various types of manufacturing industries. The most common application is in manufacturing rolled cylinders, tubing, pipes, and metal rings. Each of these components can be formed in a seemingly endless array of different dimensions and sizes.
In the metal working industry, there are several common processes used for metal rolling, including:
* Ring rolling
* Roll forming
* Controlled rolling
* Profile rolling
* Roll bending
Each one of these processes is advantageous in its own way, depending upon the application. They can all be used with different materials including brass, copper, aluminum, steel, and stainless steel, and can be finished in a variety of different ways.
Cold Rolling
Cold rolling is a specific metal rolling process which can be applied in situations where surface finish and detailed dimensional accuracy are the main concerns of the required application. Cold rolling is carried out at a temperature below that of the metal’s re-crystallization temperature. This method is commonly applied in the industries of metal working and metal forming to manufacture pipes and tubes from sheets, plates, rods, and strips of metal. This process can be completed using several rollers or in one single pass, depending on the desired results.
Deep Drawing
Deep drawing is another common metal rolling process which uses hydroforming, punching, or a similar process to form a sheet of metal into a three dimensional shape. This process is a vital part of manufacturing various items such as tanks and cans, component housing, sinks, and a wide range of vessels.
Choosing the Right Provider for Metal Rolling Services
When choosing the right type of service provider, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, it is vital to be sure that the firm being considered meets industry standards according to ASME and AWS. They should also have the ability to handle any number of parts, from one to 100,000, and be able to offer international delivery of the finished components. Lastly, always remember to check the company’s client portfolio. The best companies will have an extensive portfolio and an established reputation.
