Roll forming is a metal working process in which sheet metal is gradually bent into a desired cross-sectional profile through a series of roll stations. Stud and track roll forming machines are used to form studs and tracks from coiled steel which are used in wall framing and curtain wall systems in the construction industry.

Overview of Stud and Track Roll Forming Machines

Stud and track roll forming machines transform flat strips of sheet metal into studs and tracks with specific cross-sectional dimensions by passing them through a series ofpasses with contoured rollers. This continuous and automated process forms the strips into ‘C’ or ‘U’ shaped channels through cold roll forming without using heat.

Here are the key details about stud and track roll forming machines:

• Function: To produce studs and tracks from steel coil in different sizes as per specified profile and cross-section
• Working: Cold roll forming of sheet metal by progressively bending along a linear path through a series of rolls
• Process: Coiled steel sheet is fed through a series of roller stations to gradually shape it into desired form. The number and contour of rollers determines the final shape.
• Key Components: Uncoiler, feed rollers, breakdown rollers, finishing rollers, reform rollers, pre-punched holes station, shear and cut-off, stacker
• Drives: Electrical servo motor drives for each roller station
• Automation: Fully automatic with controls for speed, feed and cutoff
• Materials: Galvanized steel, stainless steel or aluminum coils of thickness 0.5 mm to 3 mm
• Productivity: Up to 100 m/min forming speeds depending on thickness
• Profiles: ‘C’ shaped studs, ‘U’ shaped tracks, ‘L’ , ‘Z’ or custom profiles
• Sizes: Thickness 0.5 mm to 3 mm, width up to 300 mm, web height up to 300 mm
• Applications: Walls, curtain walls, roof trusses, steel frames for buildings
• Benefits: High speed, superior quality, consistency, reduced waste, low operation cost

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There are two main types of stud and track roll forming machines:

Key Differences:

• Combo lines offer flexibility but lower productivity of around 60-70 m/min
• Dedicated lines have higher output of up to 100 m/min but can make only one profile
• Combo lines need quick tooling changeover; dedicated lines have fixed tooling
• Combo lines take up more space; dedicated compact and less costly
• Choose dedicated lines for mass production; combo lines for smaller volumes

Main Components of Stud and Track Roll Forming Machines

Stud and track roll forming machines consist of a series of roller stations or stands for shaping the material, along with uncoiling, feeding, cutting and stacking mechanisms.

Typical Specifications and Design Standards

Stud and track roll forming machines are designed as per application requirements and standards. Below are typical specifications:

The profiles, dimensions and sizes of studs and tracks are as per standards like AISI S200, AS/NZS 4600, EN 14195. Hole patterns follow standards like TEK screw patterns.

Applications and Uses of Studs and Tracks

The major applications of studs and tracks include:

Other applications include mezzanines, racking systems, security partitions, agricultural buildings, prefabricated structures etc.

Studs and tracks work as framing components that form the structural skeleton by acting as vertical studs, horizontal tracks, bracings and furring channels. They are assembled on site using screws, bolts or welding.

Comparison of Stud and Track Roll Forming Machine Manufacturers

There are many leading manufacturers across the world producing stud and track roll forming machines. Here is a comparison between the top players:

Key differences:

• European companies like ACL and Metform provide higher speeds, torque and production
• American and European manufacturers offer more advanced controls and automation
• Chinese companies provide cost-effective solutions with lower speeds and capabilities
• Top brands like ACL, Metform command a premium for their quality and output
• Choose as per output rate, coil size, profile complexity and budgets

Pricing Details of Stud and Track Roll Forming Machines

The price of stud and track roll forming machines depends on the production speed, line configuration, automation features, brand and location. Here is an overview:

Price drivers:

• Production speed and output requirements
• Level of automation – manual, semi or fully automatic
• Roller material and profile complexity
• Additional features like hole punching
• Reputed European/American brands command higher pricing
• Buying complete lines costs more than purchasing components

How to Select Your Stud and Track Roll Forming Machine Supplier

Choosing the right stud and track roll forming machine supplier is crucial to get equipment that meets the needs, with good after-sales service. Here are tips on selection:

Factors to Consider

• Technical expertise and experience of supplier
• Production speeds and output rates required
• Quality of machining, components and finishing
• Options for automation and control features
• Roller design for profile shape needed
• Coil size and thickness to be handled
• Quick changeover between profiles if needed
• Installation support and training provided
• Maintenance programs and service quality
• Spare parts availability and supply logistics
• Overall purchasing and operating costs
• Reviews and reputation through customer references

Evaluation Steps

• Define production volume and profile requirements
• Research options from online directories and trade shows
• Shortlist suppliers based on capabilities and reviews
• Check certifications, site visit if possible
• Review detailed quotes from multiple vendors
• Evaluate after-sales service and long term support
• Negotiate pricing and payment terms
• Select supplier offering best value overall

Choosing the right partner greatly influences machine performance, lifetime, and the total cost of ownership. Invest time to make the best choice.

Installation and Operation of Stud and Track Roll Forming Machines

Proper installation and operation procedures are vital for optimizing performance of the stud and track roll forming machine. Here are the guidelines:

Installation

• Prepare level, vibration-free foundation as per floor load
• Position machine as per layout drawings, anchor securely
• Install infeed and outfeed tables at correct height and angle
• Connect electric power, pneumatic and hydraulic lines
• Install safety guards for pinch points and moving parts
• Integrate cut-off saw if separate from main machine
• Test run empty machine and check functioning

Operation

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions manual for startup sequence
• Load coil of specified material and properties on uncoiler
• Set speed, feed, cutoff and other parameters
• Adjust gauges and sensors, program control as needed
• Run machine without stock to check rolls are turning correctly
• Feed test material through entire machine and debug
• Start production run when machine makes components correctly
• Monitor line during operation, adjust settings if needed
• Perform regular maintenance during breaks

Safety

• Wear protective gear like helmets, safety shoes when operating
• Keep hands away from roller housing and material flow areas
• Stop operation if unexpected vibration, noise or other issues occur
• Follow lockout tagout procedures during maintenance or repair

Proper installation combined with disciplined operating practices will result in years of optimal performance. Training from supplier’s technicians is highly recommended.

Maintenance of Stud and Track Roll Forming Machines

Regular preventive maintenance is essential for trouble-free operation and maximum line productivity. Below are maintenance guidelines:

Tips for Maintenance

• Maintain logbook to track maintenance history
• Replace worn rolls to maintain profile quality
• Keep spare inventory of wear parts like chains, bearings
• Train inhouse team or get annual service contract
• Schedule major overhauls after 3-5 years as needed
• Follow manufacturer’s maintenance manual

With scheduled maintenance and overhauls, the machines can deliver over 20 years of reliable production. This lowers the total cost of ownership over the life of the equipment.

Advantages and Benefits of Stud and Track Roll Forming

Stud and track roll forming machines offer several benefits that make them advantageous for manufacturers:

Benefits

• High production speeds up to 100 m/min
• Quick changeovers between sizes and profiles
• Consistent and uniform profile dimensions
• Reduced material waste due to precision forming
• Low operating costs compared to other processes
• Minimal need for secondary finishing processes
• High uptime and productivity due to automation
• Ability to form complex and customized shapes
• Just in time production with small coil inventory
• Safer working compared to fabricating studs manually
• Low noise levels compared to other metal working processes
• Provides finished components ready for installation
• Produces lightweight but high strength building components

The automated and continuous operation allows roll forming lines to produce high volumes with less manpower cost effectively. This makes it ideal for mass production applications.

Limitations and Challenges of Stud and Track Roll Forming

While providing many benefits, stud and track roll forming also poses some limitations and challenges as outlined below:

Limitations

• Not economical for low production volumes
• Substantial initial capital investment required
• Complex profile changes require roll tooling changes
• Limited to using coil feed stock, cannot use sheets or blanks
• Size limited by maximum coil width that can be handled
• Adjustments needed when changing material thickness and grade
• Professionals needed for operation, maintenance and repairs
• Require separate punching process for punching holes
• Not suitable for small-scale manufacturers

Challenges

• Achieving profile tolerance and hole alignment as per standards
• Troubleshooting breakdowns and line disruptions
• Managing quick changeovers between different profiles
• Handling coils without surface damage and tape residue
• Maintaining consistent shape over long production runs
• Training operators to run the line optimally

Automation and precision quality control at each stage is necessary to overcome these limitations.

Choosing Between Roll Forming and Fabrication of Studs/Tracks

Roll forming and fabrication are the two main methods used for producing studs and tracks. Here is a comparison between roll forming and fabricating them:

Key Considerations:

• Roll forming optimal for long and continuous production runs
• Fabrication suitable for low volumes or custom profiles not possible through roll forming
• Roll forming has faster delivery with minimal finishing work
• Fabrication requires skilled workers for quality and consistency
• Roll formed studs and tracks offer superior structural performance

For long production runs, roll forming is the preferred process with its speed, quality and cost benefits. But fabrication provides the shape flexibility for custom profiles.

FAQ

Q: What are the typical production rates for studs and tracks?

A: Production rates vary from 60 to 100 meters per minute depending on the machine speed, thickness up to 3mm, and profile complexity. Fully automatic lines can produce up to 100 m/min.

Q: What thickness of coils can be roll formed?

A: Coil thickness between 0.5mm to 3mm can be typically roll formed. The yield strength is usually around 550 MPa.

Q: What shapes other than C and U can be formed?

A: Advanced roll forming lines can produce L, Z, C, Omega and custom shapes. Hat shaped profiles are also possible.

Q: What motors are used to drive the roll forming machine?

A: Stud and track lines predominantly use AC servo motors that allow precise speed control for each roller station.

Q: What are the typical maintenance needs?

A: Roller inspection, lubrication, hydraulic/pneumatic systems checks, fastener tightening, roll replacement when worn out.

Q: How quick are the changeovers between different profiles?

A: On combo lines, changeovers take 15-30 mins depending on number of rolls to be changed. Fixed profile machines have longer change times.

Q: What is the typical line layout?

A: It starts with the uncoiler, followed by feeding unit, breakdown section, pre-punching if needed, finishing stands, cut-off press and then stacker.

Q: What kind of training is required to operate these machines?

A: Comprehensive classroom and on-the-job training by technicians is recommended. Operators need training in machine setup, operation, safety and maintenance.

Q: What factors affect the total price of the roll forming line?

A: Speed, coil size handling capability, automation features, changeover design, and optional accessories impact the pricing. Brand and location influences price.

Q: What are the end applications for studs and tracks?

A: Main applications are wall framing, curtain walls, mezzanine floors, roof trusses and suspended ceiling grids. They form the structural skeleton for buildings.

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