Introduction:
CNC plate bending machines are integral to various industries, offering the capability to bend non-metallic plates into diverse shapes. Within this category, both 3 roll and 4 roll plate bending machines serve unique purposes, each with distinct advantages. This article delves into the differences between these machines, emphasizing their construction, working principles, and specific functionalities.
3 Roll VS 4 Roll Plate Bending Machine
1. Roller Movement and Working Principles:
- Three-Roller Plate Bending Machine:
- The upper roller is symmetrically positioned between the two lower rollers, and hydraulic oil facilitates vertical lifting and lowering movements.
- Final gear of the main reducer drives the gears of the lower rollers, creating a rolling movement and providing torque for bending.
- Four-Roller Plate Bending Machine:
- The upper roller acts as the main drive, connected through a reducer and cross slider coupling to offer torque for rolling.
- Lower roller moves vertically, clamping the plate with mechanical drive, while side rollers on both sides tilt and lift for additional control.
- Four work rolls utilize rolling bearings for enhanced stability.
2. Machine Structure and Operation:
- Three-Roller Plate Bending Machine:
- Asymmetric design with the upper roller as the main drive and the lower roller moving vertically to clamp the plate.
- Gear interaction between upper and lower rollers provides dual functionality for pre-bending and rolling.
- Compact structure, ensuring easy operation and maintenance.
- Four-Roller Plate Bending Machine:
- Fixed upper roller position, with the lower roller moving upward to clamp the plate.
- Side rollers adjust their position either linearly or in an arc, providing flexibility in curvature radius adjustment.
- Superior pre-bending of straight edges and roundness compared to three-roller counterparts.
3. Performance and End Results:
- Three-Roller Plate Bending Machine:
- Efficiently rolls round, arc-shaped, and tapered workpieces within a defined range.
- Four-Roller Plate Bending Machine:
- Performs pre-bending at the sheet ends, resulting in smaller remaining straight edges and high work efficiency.
- Ideal for rough leveling of metal plates, ensuring precision and quality.
4. Operating Process:
- Four-Roller Plate Bending Machine:
- Comprises four rollers with a fixed upper roller position and hydraulic cylinders driving the lower roller’s upward movement.
- Adjustable distance between side roller and upper roller accommodates diverse bending requirements.
- Sequential movements of the lower and side rollers allow for the efficient formation of cylindrical shapes.
Conclusion:
Understanding the differences between 3 roll and 4 roll plate bending machines is crucial for industries relying on CNC technology. While both adhere to the three-point circle determination principle, the four-roller variant stands out with its superior pre-bending capabilities and precise curvature adjustments, offering enhanced efficiency and quality in metal sheet processing. Selecting the right machine depends on specific project requirements and desired outcomes.