One of the bedrocks of the IMCAR product line are the options of standard and custom plate rolls. With options for 3 roll double-pinch, 3 roll variable geometry, 4 roll plate rolls and our Hi-Tech line for sheet metal rolling, we have your application covered. To understand which machine best suits your needs, you must first understand how each machine works.

3 Roll Double Pinch – SIHR & SIH Series

The 3 roll double pinch design is a standard machine for job-shop type applications of a wide range, and is also well-suited to cone rolling applications. The 3 roll double pinch design has a central and stationary top roll, with two lower rolls both operating on a planetary design for movement down away from the top roll and up towards it. The lower rolls also tilt in-order-to better adjust for cone rolling by allowing for a more encompassing contact point. Basic operation and movement can be shown in the illustrations below:

3 Roll Variable Geometry – 3RHT Series

Next is the 3 roll variable geometry machine, also referred to as translating geometry. These machines are unique in that both the lower roll movements are in a horizontal plane, while the top roll is adjusted in a vertical plane. This unique function allows the top roll to operate in a press fashion, allowing for a wide range of pre-bending capability.

With both lower rolls able to adjust on a horizontal plane in toward the top roll or away from it, the machine has a wide “sweet spot” range without the concern of crowning in the rolls resulting in the barrel-effect on finished products. These machines are ideal for heavier plate applications, for shops who require a wide working range, and for cone applications. Basic operation and movement can be shown in the illustrations below:

4 Roll Plate Rolls – 4R & 4RH Series

The most common plate roll in the modern era is the 4 roll plate roll. These machines operate with a top roll and central roll found in a parallel orientation with two adjustable side rolls found on either side. These side rolls can adjust via planetary design or linear guide design. Planetary guide design is the cheaper of the two but compromises overall machine durability by increasing pressure points and moving parts. IMCAR machines in the 4R and 4RH series are only built with a linear guide design for maximum power transfer and overall machine strength and durability.

4 roll plate rolling machines are optimal when there is a need for precision pre-bending or a desire to incorporate CNC control options for volume production and precision repeatability. 4 roll plate rolls require a minimal learning curve and are generally considered simple to operate. Basic operation and movement can be shown in the illustrations below:

All IMCAR machines are built with only the highest quality components, including solid steel weldments and machined parts for the frame. Hydraulics are oversized, ranging on average 30% larger than those found on our competitors’ machines, in-order-to allow low working pressure, thereby reducing stress loads on the machines that reduces maintenance and increases machine life.

Hi-Tech Series

IMCAR also produces an industrial grade line of machines suited for sheet metal and thin plate applications, most commonly ranging from 24 gauge to 3/16″ in material thickness. These machines are offered in three primary categories:

• 4 roll pneumatic machines for rapid part production and optimum repeatability at an economical price point
• 4 roll hydraulic plate roll machines for more complex parts with blended radii, slightly heavier material than used in pneumatic applications, or more complex production cells
• 2 roll hydraulic machines where precision and speed are combined for lighter material thickness requirements where no unbent straight is desired

All machines in the Hi-Tech series can be configured in production cell packages to include part loading, ejection, palletizing, and even feeding into welding systems and all configured to each customer’s requirements and production needs.
Along with these standard machine types, IMCAR also commonly produces machines for custom applications, full or partial scale production systems based on customer requirements, and unique solutions offered from our decades of experience and solutions for various steel fabrication applications.

In North America, please contact Fabrication Solutions & Technologies, an IMCAR company, for all your plate rolling equipment and solutions needs.