A plate rolling machine bends flat plate into cylinders, cones and arcs by passing it through three or four rolls. The rolls are moved closer step by step until the plate reaches the required diameter. It is used for tanks, pipes, ducts, pressure vessel shells and chimneys. Capacity is quoted as the thickest plate it can roll at a given width.
Quick facts
- Main types
- 3-roll (pyramid or initial pinch), 4-roll
- Capacity
- E.g. 10 mm (0.394 inch) × 2,500 mm (98.43 inch) in mild steel
- Smallest diameter
- About 1.2–1.5 × the top roll diameter
- Pre-bending
- Needed to avoid a flat end; built in on 4-roll machines
- Drive
- Mechanical or hydraulic
- Control
- Manual, NC or CNC
3-roll or 4-roll?
| 3-roll | 4-roll | |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-bending ends | Plate must be turned or pre-bent separately | In one setup |
| Accuracy | Good | Better |
| Speed | Slower | Faster |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
Good to know
- Capacity drops for stronger steels like stainless
- Cones need special settings or a cone attachment
- Rolled shells are tack welded, then rerolled to make them round
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Questions
- Why do rolled cylinders have flat ends?
- The rolls cannot bend the last bit of plate on a 3-roll machine; pre-bending the ends removes the flat.
- How is plate rolling capacity stated?
- As maximum thickness × width in mild steel, for example 12 mm (0.472 inch) × 2,000 mm (78.74 inch).
- Can a plate roller make cones?
- Yes, with a cone attachment or by tilting the rolls, though cones are harder than cylinders.
The figures on this page are typical values for guidance, written by Diemeco from standard engineering practice. They are not a specification: confirm grades and properties with the relevant standard or the supplier's mill test certificate, and tolerances with your workshop. Last checked 23 October 2026.