Metal fabrication can present challenges, depending on the kind of product or component you’re creating. Channel rolling is often one of the most difficult types of metalworking in Phoenix, AZ. When you bend metal against its strong axis to form a channel, you may encounter buckling or collapse.

Here’s an overview of channel rolling and why it can be difficult.

What is channel rolling?

Metal channels are roll-formed metal strips, which have been shaped into a tube. They’re usually made in U, J or C shapes and are used in industrial applications. Steel, brass, aluminum and zinc are often used for channel rolling. Brass and aluminum are commonly used for this purpose, since they offer strength and rust and corrosion resistance.

Metal channels can be used for a number of different purposes. For example, in the construction industry, they’re used to absorb sounds. When placed between plasterboard walls, the channels muffle vibrations cause by sound, making it more difficult for sound waves to pass through walls. They’re also placed vertically to help bear some of the load in buildings, as part of door frames and even in roofing. You might also see them in vehicle frames—they’re a versatile tool, but they can be difficult to create properly.

Challenges with channel rolling

Channel rolling is achieved by bending sheet or plate metal. This can be difficult, because structural channels have flanges that get thicker, the closer they are to the web. They are also reinforced where the flanges meet the web—usually with a square corner on the outside and a fillet on the inside. When the formed channels have particularly large or small radii at the corners, that can make them even more challenging to roll. It’s crucial that your setup is precise, which ensures corners don’t move or otherwise deform during rolling. Finally, since formed channels only have one thickness, they’re not as strong and reinforced like structural channels are.

If you plan to use channel rolling in your next project, it’s important that you work with a skilled and reputable metal fabrication shop. Working with experts, like the team at Metal Pro, Inc., will ensure your project comes out the way you’ve envisioned—and if it’s not possible to get the results you want by channel rolling, our team will help you come up with another way to get the job done.

Learn more about channel rolling in Phoenix, AZ

If you’re looking for channel rolling services (including 12 x 30 channel rolling) in Phoenix, AZ, Metal Pro, Inc. has you covered. In addition to channel rolling, we offer a full breadth of metal working services. Call us to learn more about angle rolling, plate and bar rolling, tee rolling, beam rolling, plasma and flame cutting, press brake jobs, shearing, sawing, hole punching and welding. We can handle a variety of project sizes and scopes.

For experienced help with your metal fabrication project, call the team at Metal Pro, Inc. today. We look forward to helping make your project a reality.