Suitable raw materials for cold roll forming machines

Here is a summary of the properties of each metal:

Metal	Formability	Strength	Cost	Outdoor Use	Appearance	Other
Carbon steel	Good	Good	Good	Good	Fair	Heavy
Stainless steel	Good	Good	High	Good	Excellent	Hygienic
Aluminum	Excellent	Good	Moderate	Good	Fair	Lightweight
Copper alloys	Excellent	Excellent	High	Excellent	Excellent	Durable

Cold roll forming machines can work with a variety of raw materials, depending on the application, desired end product, and required strength. The materials used typically need to be ductile and capable of withstanding the continuous bending process.

Common raw materials suitable for cold roll forming include:

1. Steel

• Hot-Dipped Galvanized Steel: Coated with zinc for corrosion resistance; often used for roofing, wall panels, and structural components.
• Cold-Rolled Steel: Provides a smooth finish and better dimensional accuracy; ideal for precision parts like automotive components and door frames.
• Stainless Steel: Used in environments requiring high corrosion resistance, like marine or chemical industries.
• High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) Steel: Provides good strength and formability, often used for structural components.

2. Aluminum

• Aluminum Alloys: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easily formed, making them suitable for applications like siding, window frames, and automotive parts.

3. Copper and Copper Alloys

• Commonly used in electrical applications, roofing, and decorative trims due to excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance.

4. Brass

• Often used for decorative purposes and components requiring good corrosion resistance, such as door frames and ornamental products.

5. Zinc-Coated Steel

• Known for its corrosion resistance, typically used in building facades, roofing panels, and outdoor structures.

6. Pre-Painted or Coated Metals

• Materials with pre-applied finishes or coatings, like color-coated steel or aluminum, are used in applications where the aesthetic finish is important, such as in cladding and exterior panels.

7. Titanium and Titanium Alloys

• High-strength and corrosion-resistant materials used in specialized applications like aerospace and marine components.

8. Magnesium Alloys

• Lightweight and strong materials used in applications like automotive and aerospace where weight reduction is critical.

9. Specialty Alloys

• Custom alloys designed for specific applications, offering unique combinations of strength, formability, and resistance properties.

Factors Influencing Material Choice:

• Thickness: The material’s thickness is critical as cold roll forming typically works with thin gauge metals, usually ranging from 0.2 mm to 6 mm, though thicker materials can be used with specialized equipment.
• Ductility: Materials need to be ductile enough to undergo multiple bending operations without cracking.
• Strength: Depending on the final application, high-strength materials may be required.
• Corrosion Resistance: For outdoor or harsh environments, corrosion-resistant materials like galvanized steel or stainless steel are preferred.

Cold roll forming is ideal for high-volume production and can consistently produce long, continuous profiles from these materials while maintaining tight tolerances and high precision.