Roll forming

Feedstock usually consists of a strip from coiled sheets which continuously supply material to the process. To fix any deformation due to winding, the strip often passes first through a station where it goes through a number of rollers which make the strip flat.

Each roll-set shapes the band as pre-processing for the next set of rolls. By stepwise plastic deformation the band is formed into a profile, which can reach very complex shapes.

If a closed profile is sought, generally the final roll set compresses the profile edges together and are joined by welding, usually with HF welding or laser welding.

Before the strip is formed it can be processed by piercing, notching, embossing, etc., to create a finished product.

Completed profile usually appears continuous and is cut up into required lengths with a saw that follows the movement of the profile so as not to stop the process.