China cable tray roll forming machine is an advanced automated machine used for continuous production of cable trays. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about cable tray roll forming equipment from China – their types, main parts, working principle, specifications, applications, advantages, manufacturers,costs and more.
Overview of China Cable Tray Roll Forming Machine
Cable tray roll forming machine adopts roll forming technology to produce cable trays continuously and efficiently. This equipment forms metal coil strips into required cable tray shapes by progressive roll forming through a series of rolling stations.
Here is a quick look at China cable tray roll forming machines:
| Parameters | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Components | Uncoiler, feeding mechanism, roll forming stations, cutting device, hydraulic system etc |
| Roll Forming Stages | Decoiling, feeding, pre-bending, roll forming, cutting, output |
| Forming Capability | Various sizes and profiles of cable trays |
| Key Benefits | High speed, large output, good stability, easy operation |
| Main Applications | Cable tray production lines |
| Industries Served | Construction, infrastructure, power, telecom, IT, factories |
| Popular in Country | China, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Africa |
This versatile equipment is widely used by manufacturers of cable management systems due to its high efficiency and reliability in producing cable trays in bulk quantities.
Working Principle of Cable Tray Roll Forming Machine
The working principle involves unwinding coil strips, followed by feeding and progressive bending through successive roll forming stands to shape the strips into desired cable tray profiles.
Uncoiling – The metal coil strip is loaded on an uncoiler and passed through a straightening mechanism to flatten it.
Feeding – The flattened strip is fed to the roll forming section through an automated feeding device.
Roll Forming – As the strip passes through each roll station, it is gradually bent into the profile of the cable tray. The number of stands depends on the complexity of the shape.
Cutting – After the final forming, the continuously produced cable tray is cut into required lengths by a cutting machine.
Output – The finished cable trays slides onto the output conveyor and is collected at the end.
The roll forming process involves consecutive bends along the length to shape the metal coil into a longitudinally bent profile. The stations apply pressure consecutively to obtain the desired cross-section profile progressively.
Types of Cable Tray Roll Forming Machines
China manufacturers offer cable tray production lines in different configurations, automation levels and capacities:
Based on Automation
- Manual – Stop after each tray to cut manually
- Semi-Automatic – Auto-cut after set length with manual feeding
- Fully Automatic – Automatic uncoiling to output with HMI
Based on Production Speed
- Low Speed – 10-20m/min
- Medium Speed – 20-40m/min
- High Speed – 40-80m/min
Based on Forming Capability
- Single-layer – Only base channel
- Double-layer – Additional top channel
- Special shapes – Omega, perforated, wire mesh, ladder type etc.
So customers can choose machinery as per their workflow, scale of production and product range.
Main Parts of Cable Tray Roll Forming Machine
China cable tray roll forming equipment consists of the following major components:
| Parts | Functions |
|---|---|
| Decoiler/Uncoiler | Holds metal coil strip, allows unwinding |
| Feeding device | Feeds strip at controlled speed |
| Guiding system | Guides strip through each forming stage |
| Roll forming stations | Bend and shape the strip progressively |
| Hydraulic system | Applies pressure for roll forming |
| Cutting machine | Cuts cable tray at required length |
| HMI and Control panel | Sets machine parameters and automation |
| Conveyors | Transport trays from start to end |
The right combination and sizing of the above parts based on production needs is key for optimal working of the entire roll forming line.
Specifications of Cable Tray Roll Forming Equipment
China manufacturers provide custom built cable tray production lines tailored to customer’s requirements. The main specifications include:
| Parameters | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Coil Width | 100mm – 1000mm |
| Strip Thickness | 0.8 – 3mm |
| Forming Speed | 10 – 80 m/min |
| Roller Material | GCR15, 45#, 50CrVA |
| Power Supply | 220V, 380V, 415V AC |
| Roll Stations | 6 – 16 |
| Final Tray Width | 50 – 600mm |
| Tray Height | 25 – 300mm |
| Length per Tray | 1000 – 6000mm |
| Length Accuracy | ±1mm |
| Hydraulic Pressure | 16MPa |
| Machine Dimension | 8000x1500x2000mm |
| Gross Weight | 3000 – 10000kg |
Customizations available as per production needs in terms of speed, size, accuracy, automation level etc.
Applications of Cable Tray Roll Forming Machines
China roll forming equipment is ideal for:
- High volume production in cable tray manufacturing units
- OEM manufacturers of cable management systems
- Companies producing cable trays, cable ladders, wire mesh cable trays
- Electrical contractors and MEP firms installing cable infrastructure
- Industries like construction, infrastructure, power, telecom, IT/server rooms etc.
Suitable for factories looking for automated solution for mass production of cable carrying systems in different profiles. Enables fast production of cable trays in various sizes and shapes.
Benefits of China Cable Tray Roll Forming Equipment
China manufacturers provide feature-rich roll forming machinery for cable trays at relatively affordable pricing.
Benefits include:
- High Production Speed – Up to 80m/min forming rate
- Labor Cost Savings – Reduced manual work due to automation
- Advanced Technology – Precision hydraulic system and controls
- Material Savings – Low wastage compared to other processes
- Flexibility – Quick changeover between sizes and profiles
- Heavy Duty Built – Durable and stable performance
- Low Maintenance – Requires less upkeep than other methods
- Safety – Equipped with safety features and sensors
- Cost Competitive – Priced competitively compared to European/American brands
Cable tray production lines from China provide fast, efficient and cost-effective solution for high volume manufacturing with good quality and technology.
Leading Manufacturers of China Cable Tray Roll Forming Machines
Top manufacturers and exporters of cable tray roll forming equipment in China include:
| Company | Location | Product Range |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Uniontech Machinery | Shanghai | Single layer, double layer, special shapes |
| Jinan Formtek Machine | Jinan, Shandong | Manual to fully automatic lines |
| Hangzhou Oriroll Technology | Hangzhou, Zhejiang | omega, ladder, perforated trays |
| Wuxi Tengxiang Machinery | Wuxi, Jiangsu | Medium to high speed lines |
| Foshan YingLite Machinery | Foshan, Guangdong | Affordable smaller capacity machines |
| Wuxi Chengming Machinery | Wuxi, Jiangsu | Semi-auto and fully auto production lines |
These companies offer roll forming lines catering to wide ranging requirements – from manual stands alone to integrated high speed production lines.
Cost of Cable Tray Roll Forming Machines from China
- Cost depends on:
- Automation level – manual, semi or fully automatic
- Production output – low, medium or high speed
- Type of line – single layer, double layer, special profiles
- Size and thickness handling capacity
- Additional devices like decoiler, stacker etc.
- Level of customization – standard or tailor-made
- Brand and manufacturing expertise of supplier
- Indicative price range:
- Manual and semi-automatic – $5000 to $20000
- Automatic single layer – $20000 to $50000
- Automatic double layer – $30000 to $80000
- High speed special profiles – $50000 to $100000
- Additional costs:
- Testing and installation
- Shipping and customs
- Spares and accessories
Sourcing cost-effective machinery without compromising quality requires good supplier evaluation and negotiation skills.
How to Choose Right Cable Tray Roll Forming Machine Manufacturer in China
Follow these tips for selecting reliable China machinery suppliers:
- Review their industry experience and production expertise
- Evaluate types of roll formers supplied earlier
- Check clientele and get references from previous buyers
- Ensure they offer customized solutions, not just standard equipment
- Examine equipment quality and manufacturing infrastructure
- Verify ability to produce high precision roll formed parts
- Clarify after-sales service and technical support provided
- Compare pricing of different suppliers for same specifications
- Ensure compliance to safety standards and quality norms
- Review company credentials like awards, certifications, ratings
- Visit factory if possible to inspect first-hand before ordering
Choosing the right partner ensures you get high performance roll forming equipment for cable tray production.
How to Operate and Maintain Cable Tray Roll Forming Machine
Proper operation and maintenance guidelines must be followed:
- Carefully read instruction manual before use
- Ensure safety guards are in place before switching on
- Select suitable metal coil strip as per machine capacity
- Set parameters like feeding speed, cut length etc.
- Use hand wheels to adjust rollers gradually to required positions
- Start with lower speed and increase gradually after initial run
- Apply lubricants on roller bearings, gearbox as prescribed
- Monitor strip flow and tray forming to check for issues
- Stop machine if excessive vibration or abnormal noise
- Perform periodic cleaning and lubrication as suggested
- Inspect wear on rollers and other parts frequently
- Replace damaged or worn out components like bearings
- Keep electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems in good condition
- Undertake yearly service by authorized technician
Proper care ensures smooth functioning, avoids breakdowns and extends machine life.
Advantages of Cable Tray Roll Forming Machine
- High production speed up to 80 m/min
- Quick and easy size/profile changeover
- Consistent dimensional accuracy as per standards
- Allows mass production at low operational cost
- Minimal wear and maintenance expenses
- Better material savings than traditional fabrication
- Safer working than manual cable tray manufacturing
- Automated process requires less labor
- Produces smooth edges and bends
Limitations of Cable Tray Roll Forming Machine
- High initial purchase cost of automatic lines
- Difficult profile shapes may require more stations
- Not ideal for small to medium production scales
- Trained technician needed for maintenance and repairs
- Roller settings need adjustment for each profile changeover
- Limited material size and thickness handling capacity
Cable Tray Roll Forming Machine Usage Tips
- Select most suitable machine type based on production volume
- Get technical advice from manufacturer for ideal line configuration
- Ensure adequate space for safe operation and maintenance access
- Train workers on recommended procedures and safety
- Plan layout to receive input coils and offload formed trays efficiently
- Consult manufacturer before attempting any new profile shape
- Undertake trial runs and sample testing before starting full production
- Perform regular cleaning, checks and preventive maintenance
- Replace worn-out parts proactively for uninterrupted production
Proper selection, installation, training and maintenance leads to maximum line efficiency and output.
FAQ
| Questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| What are the typical features of China cable tray roll forming machines? | China machines offer good speed, accuracy, durability at competitive prices. They include automatic feeding, cutting, stackers and have advanced controls. reputed manufacturers provide customized solutions also. |
| What are the benefits of automated roll forming lines? | Automated lines with uncoiler and stacker improve efficiency, minimize manual work and reduce labor cost. They enable high speed mass production. |
| What is the production capacity? | Production capacity depends on machine speed and ranges from 10-20 meters/min for manual lines up to 80 meters/min for high speed automated lines. |
| What safety measures are required? | Safety measures like emergency stop buttons, safety guards for moving parts, sensors and alarms should be in place. Workers should be provided safety training. |
| What is the typical price range? | Price typically varies from $5000 for manual machines to $80000 for high capacity automatic double layer roll forming lines. |
| What factors affect the total cost? | Speed, level of automation, coil width capacity, type of profiles produced, material thickness, number of forming stands and additional devices impact the pricing. |
| How to reduce machine maintenance? | Regular lubrication, cleaning and inspection as per manual along with replacement of worn parts increases uptime and reduces breakdowns. |
| Is it possible to get custom-made machines? | Yes, experienced suppliers can provide fully customized roll forming solutions tailored to your specific production requirements. |
| How much installation and training support is provided? | Suppliers should provide complete technical support for installation and on-site training of operators until they get fully accustomed to the machinery. |
Conclusion
China cable tray roll forming machine offers an ideal solution for companies to efficiently manufacture quality cable trays in high volumes at optimal cost.
With proper supplier selection, configuration design and operational practices, this automated production line can significantly enhance manufacturing productivity and profitability.
The guide sums up everything related to types, working, specifications, applications, advantages, top suppliers, pricing, and tips for China cable tray roll forming machinery to help prospective buyers make the right procurement decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) Which materials work best for a China Cable Tray Roll Forming Machine?
- Pre-galvanized steel (GI), hot-dip galvanized (HDG), aluminum (5052/6061), and stainless (304/316) are common. Typical thickness: 0.8–3.0 mm. Ensure tooling hardness and surface finish match the coating to prevent scuffing.
2) Can one line make multiple tray widths and heights?
- Yes. Modern cable tray roll forming lines use quick-change spacers, adjustable stands, and recipe-based roll gaps. For frequent width changes, consider cassette tooling or duplex stands to reduce changeover to 10–25 minutes.
3) How are perforations and slots added for cable ventilation and mounting?
- Most lines integrate servo punching/notching before forming. A turret or CNC press station uses coil-fed tooling to create standardized hole patterns per IEC/NEC before the strip enters the roll stands.
4) What tolerances can I expect in 2025 for cable tray dimensions?
- Typical best-in-class: width ±0.5–0.8 mm, height ±0.5 mm, straightness ≤1.0 mm/m, and cut length ±0.5–1.0 mm with flying shear and laser length control. Heavier gauges and ladder profiles may require relaxed limits.
5) What certifications and standards should exporters request?
- Electrical and safety: CE (EU), UKCA (UK), UL/cUL field evaluation (North America) where applicable. Product compliance: IEC 61537 for cable tray systems, ASTM A653/A792 for coated steel, ISO 12100 and ISO 13849 for machinery safety documentation.
2025 Industry Trends
- Integrated servo punching and vision QC: Inline cameras verify hole pitch, burrs, and emboss features at full speed.
- Energy optimization: IE5 motors and regenerative VFDs lower energy intensity by 20–30% vs. 2022 baselines.
- Rapid changeover: Cassette tooling and digital recipes cut setup time, enabling high-mix cable tray orders.
- Traceability: QR/Datamatrix marking of trays linked to coil lot, punch program, and forming recipe.
- AHSS/HSLA adoption: Higher-strength steels reduce weight for long spans; requires refined pass design and lubrication.
- Export readiness: Chinese OEMs bundle remote diagnostics, OPC UA connectivity, and multilingual HMIs for global deployments.
Key performance benchmarks for China Cable Tray Roll Forming Machines (2025)
| Metric | 2022 Typical | 2025 Best-in-class | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Line speed (m/min) | 20–60 | 60–100 | Profile and punching density dependent |
| Changeover time (min) | 40–90 | 10–25 | Cassette tooling + recipe recall |
| Cut length tolerance (mm/10 m) | ±2.0 | ±0.5–1.0 | Laser length + flying shear |
| Width/height tolerance (mm) | ±1.0–1.5 | ±0.5–0.8 | Closed-loop stand positioning |
| Setup scrap (%) | 3–5 | 1–2 | Digital SPC and first-piece validation |
| Energy use (kWh/ton) | 120–160 | 80–110 | IE5 motors + regen drives |
| OEE (%) | 60–70 | 75–85 | With inline QC and SMED practices |
Authoritative references:
- IEC 61537 Cable tray systems: https://webstore.iec.ch
- ASTM A653/A792 coated steel standards: https://www.astm.org
- ISO 12100 and ISO 13849 machinery safety: https://www.iso.org
- The Fabricator—roll forming best practices: https://www.thefabricator.com
- WorldSteel and WorldAutoSteel (HSLA/AHSS insights): https://worldsteel.org and https://www.worldautosteel.org
Latest Research Cases
Case Study 1: Vision-Assisted Punching Improves Yield on Perforated Trays (2025)
Background: A Middle East OEM using a China cable tray roll forming machine had 3.2% scrap due to mis-punched ventilation slots at 70 m/min.
Solution: Integrated a servo punching module with a Cognex camera for inline hole-pitch verification and automatic reject, plus recipe-linked coil lot traceability.
Results: Scrap reduced to 1.1%; rework time down 48%; on-time delivery improved by 9% over two quarters.
Case Study 2: Energy Retrofit on Legacy Cable Tray Line (2024)
Background: Southeast Asia factory faced rising power costs operating a 2019 vintage line at 45 m/min.
Solution: Upgraded to IE5 motors, regenerative VFDs, and hydraulic-on-demand; added sleep mode for idle conveyors and remote diagnostics.
Results: Energy intensity dropped 27% (kWh/ton); maintenance hours fell 18%; payback achieved in 11 months.
Expert Opinions
- Dr. Daniel Schaeffler, President, Engineering Quality Solutions
Viewpoint: “For perforated cable trays, controlling burr and edge quality at the punching stage is as critical as stand alignment. Surface finish and lubrication strategy directly impact downstream coating performance.” - Sarah Clark, Technical Director, Metal Construction Association
Viewpoint: “Documentation and traceability are becoming procurement requirements. Linking each tray’s QR code to coil chemistry, punch pattern, and forming recipe reduces warranty risk and speeds root-cause analysis.” - Li Wei, Chief Engineer, Wuxi Tengxiang Machinery
Viewpoint: “In 2025, cassette tooling with digital presets is the fastest lever for high-mix cable tray orders. Most customers cut changeovers below 20 minutes without sacrificing tolerances.”
Practical Tools/Resources
- IEC 61537 (Cable tray conformity): https://webstore.iec.ch
- ASTM material standards A653/A792/A568: https://www.astm.org
- COPRA RF and AutoForm for roll design/simulation: https://www.data-m.de and https://www.autoform.com
- Keyence/Cognex inline metrology: https://www.keyence.com and https://www.cognex.com
- The Fabricator—roll forming troubleshooting: https://www.thefabricator.com
- ISO 12100/13849 safety guidance: https://www.iso.org
- Alibaba/Made-in-China supplier vetting tips and factory audit services: https://www.alibaba.com and https://www.made-in-china.com
Last updated: 2025-10-20
Changelog: Added 5 new FAQs tailored to China Cable Tray Roll Forming Machines; included 2025 trends with benchmark table and authoritative sources; provided two recent case studies (2024/2025); compiled expert viewpoints; curated tools/resources
Next review date & triggers: 2026-04-15 or earlier if IEC 61537 is revised, major OEMs release sub-15-minute automatic cassette changeover, or new energy regulations affect motor/VFD specifications