Structural shape rolling, also known as shape rolling and profile rolling, is a metal forming process where structural shapes are passed through rollers to bend or deform the workpiece to a desired shape while maintaining a constant cross-section. Structural shapes that can be rolled include: I-beams, H-beams, T-beams, U-beams, angle iron, channels, bar stock, and railroad rails. The most commonly rolled material is structural steel, however other include metals, plastic, paper, and glass. Common applications include: railroads, bridges, roller coasters, art, and architectural applications.
It is a cost effective way of bending this kind of material because the process requires less set-up time and uses pre-made dies that are changed out according to the shape and dimension of the workpiece. This process can roll workpieces into full circles.
Read more about Structural Shape Rolling: Process
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