A roll forming machine is a line of roller stations that bend flat sheet from a coil a little at a time until it becomes a finished profile. A decoiler feeds the strip, punches can add holes, and a flying or stop cut-off cuts parts to length. Each profile needs its own set of rollers, so the line pays off on long runs.
Quick facts
- Stations
- About 10–30 roller stands
- Speed
- About 10–60 m per minute
- Thickness
- About 0.3–4 mm (0.0118–0.157 inch) typical
- Width
- Coil up to about 1,250 mm (49.21 inch)
- Cut-off
- Stop-to-cut or flying shear
- Control
- PLC with length and quantity setting
Main parts
- Decoiler (uncoiler) and straightener
- Pre-punching press for holes and notches
- Roller stations with shaped rolls
- Cut-off press with profile-shaped blades
- Run-out table and stacker
Good to know
- More stations bend more gently and give better profiles
- Quick-change cassettes let one line make several profiles
- Pre-painted and galvanised sheet keeps its coating when rolls are well made
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Questions
- How many stations does a roll forming machine need?
- Simple angles need about 8–12; complex profiles such as purlins or racking need 20 or more.
- Can one roll forming machine make different profiles?
- Only with roll changes, or with cassette or adjustable designs made for a family of sizes.
- What is a flying cut-off?
- A cut-off that moves with the strip, so the line keeps running while each length is cut.
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.