A Comprehensive Comparison Between 3 Roll and 4 roll Plate Bending Machines in CNC Technology

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.