Metal can be shaped into a variety of shapes, structures, and sizes through the process called metal forming. Traditional metal forming techniques include casting, forging, and extrusion. However, plate rolling is frequently the method of choice when it comes to forming metal plates into cylindrical or conical shapes. We’ll talk about plate rolling’s advantages over other conventional metal-forming techniques in this blog post.
Capitol Engineering specializes in metal fabrication services, such as plate rolling. They offer more than 40 years of experience in the field and offer professional guidance on the ideal metal-forming technique.
Plate Rolling vs. Forging
A metal object is heated during the forging process, which then shapes it by exerting force on it using a hammer or press. Although forging can be used to produce complex shapes with high levels of strength, it is not the best method for rolling plates. Significant waste is produced during forging because the metal piece must have a significant amount of material removed. In contrast, plate rolling employs the entire metal plate to form the required shape, producing less waste and saving money.
Plate Rolling vs. Casting
In the process of casting, molten metal is poured into a mold and allowed to cool and solidify into the desired shape. Although casting is useful for producing exact replicas of parts and intricate shapes, it is not the best solution for rolling plates. Rolling metal is more ductile and less likely to break under stress than cast metal, which can be brittle and prone to cracking. Additionally, plate rolling enables greater control over the metal’s thickness and curvature, resulting in a more precise and reliable final product.
Plate Rolling vs. Extrusion
Extrusion is a method of shaping metal that entails forcing a metal piece through a die to produce a certain shape. Rolling plates are not the ideal use for extrusion, even if it is excellent for producing long, straight pieces with a consistent cross-section. Conical and cylindrical shapes can be produced using plate rolling, which also accommodates a variety of thicknesses and diameters. While plate rolling can accommodate much larger sizes, extrusion is also constrained by the size of the die.
Benefits of Plate Rolling
Compared to other conventional metal forming techniques, plate rolling has a number of advantages. In the first place, it is a method that minimizes waste and material expenses. It is a flexible technique that can produce a range of shapes and sizes with higher accuracy and consistency. Additionally, plate rolling creates a metal that is more ductile and durable, which reduces the likelihood that it will break under pressure.
Plate rolling is frequently chosen over more conventional metal forming techniques including forging, casting, and extrusion when shaping metal plates into cylindrical or conical geometries. A versatile, affordable process that generates stronger and more ductile metal is plate rolling. Capitol Engineering can offer professional assistance and high-quality services to fulfill your metal fabrication needs.
