The power of plate rolling – and how it’s powering green energy

In the world of metal fabrication, achieving precise curves and bends in sheet metal is essential for countless applications.

This is where plate rolling comes in, a process that can transform flat sheets into cylinders, cones, and other curved shapes. 

And at Steel Benders UK, with bases in Middlesbrough and Hartlepool, we are also ensuring plate rolling is playing a crucial role in the UK’s green energy transition.

What is plate rolling?

Plate rolling, also known as roll bending, is a metal forming process that uses a machine with three rollers to bend sheet metal or plate into a desired shape. The rollers apply pressure to the material, gradually curving it until the desired radius is achieved.

The benefits of plate rolling?

Plate rolling offers several advantages over other bending methods.

It can handle a wide range of materials, thicknesses and sizes, making it suitable for diverse projects.

Modern plate rolling machines offer high precision, ensuring consistent and accurate results – and SBUK have recently invested in even more state of the art equipment to help shape a greener future.

Plate rolling is a relatively fast process, especially for large production runs.

Compared to other methods like press braking, plate rolling can be more cost-effective for creating large, smooth curves.

Applications of plate rolling

Plate rolling is used in a vast array of industries such as construction because it can create curved structural components, cladding and architectural features.

On the energy front, rolling helps to manufacture pressure vessels, tanks and pipes for the oil and gas industry.

In aerospace it can form components for aircraft fuselages, wings and other structures, while across the world of manufacturing it can produce curved parts for machinery, equipment and consumer goods.

Plate rolling for a greener future

SBUK (is proud to be contributing to the UK’s green energy goals.

Our recent investment in a state-of-the-art Davi 4-roll plate rolling machine allows us to create essential components for the renewable energy sector.

This cutting-edge equipment can handle steel plates up to 90mm thick and three metres wide, enabling the production of some of the UK’s largest steel cylinders.

These massive structures are vital for hydrogen storage tanks, carbon capture infrastructure, monopiles for offshore wind farms, underground pipelines and subsea installations.

By producing these components domestically, SBUK is helping to reduce reliance on overseas suppliers and support the growth of the UK’s renewable energy infrastructure.

Here at SBUK …

We pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive plate rolling service with the largest capacity in the North-East of England.

Our vast range of machinery allows us to handle almost any project, big or small.  Our largest plate rolls can accommodate sheets up to 4,000mm wide, and we work with a variety of materials and thicknesses.

Whether you need precise cylinders, cones, lobster back bends, or even staircase stringers, our skilled team can deliver exceptional results. We can also source the material for you or work with your own free-issue plates.

* Contact Steel Benders UK today for a quote or to discuss your plate rolling needs click here.