Methods and apparatus to control roll-forming processes are disclosed. A disclosed example roll-forming apparatus includes an inlet portion to receive material, an outlet portion from which the material exits the roll-forming apparatus, a plurality of rollers extending between the inlet and outlet portions, a sensor to measure at least one dimension of the material as the material moves through the roll-forming apparatus, the material measured by the sensor between the inlet and outlet portions, and material adjuster circuitry to adjust roll-forming of the material by moving at least one of the plurality of rollers based on the at least one dimension.

Apparatus and associated methodology contemplating a portable sheet metal folding apparatus that folds a sheet metal panel profile into a different predetermined shape, the profile having straight elements joined together by arcs. The apparatus has consecutive roller die sets configured to perform a series of folds on a first element of the profile toward a second element of the profile. Each roller die set has opposing roller dies operably contacting only the first and second elements, not contacting any arc. The opposing roller dies are arranged to define a minimal gap between them equal to or more than the radius of the arc joining the first and second elements together. The gap provides a material relief space that is sized to clearingly permit the arc to positionally shift during folding to relieve stress and strain.

Apparatus and associated methodology contemplating a portable sheet metal folding apparatus that folds a sheet metal panel profile into a different predetermined shape, the profile having straight elements joined together by arcs. The apparatus has consecutive roller die sets configured to perform a series of folds on a first element of the profile toward a second element of the profile. Each roller die set has opposing roller dies operably contacting only the first and second elements, not contacting any arc. The opposing roller dies are arranged to define a minimal gap between them equal to or more than the radius of the arc joining the first and second elements together. The gap provides a material relief space that is sized to clearingly permit the arc to positionally shift during folding to relieve stress and strain.

The present disclosure relates to a system for manufacturing a hybrid component including a first thermal supplier configured to heat a steel plate, a rolling roll for undercut configured to pressurize the steel plate heated by the first thermal supplier, and to form an undercut on one surface of the steel plate, a first molding roll configured to pressurize the steel plate formed with the undercut to mold the steel plate in a shape of a component to be manufactured, a composite material feeder configured to supply a composite material tape to be seated on one surface of the steel plate formed with the undercut through the first molding roll, and a composite material pressurization roll configured to pressurize the steel plate on which the composite material tape is seated.

Systems and methods are described for roll-forming metal substrates. The metal substrates are subjected to induction heating during the roll-forming process by exposure to time-varying magnetic fields, such as by exposure to a rotating permanent magnet, or exposure to laser radiation from a laser source. Heating of the metal substrates allows improved formability or plasticity of the substrate in order to reduce or eliminate damage to the substrate during roll-forming to low bending radius to thickness ratios. Heating of the high-strength metal substrates can also function to temper the substrates and/or improve surface corrosion resistance and form high-strength end products with desirable properties.

Systems and methods are described for roll-forming metal substrates. The metal substrates are subjected to induction heating during the roll-forming process by exposure to time-varying magnetic fields, such as by exposure to a rotating permanent magnet, or exposure to laser radiation from a laser source. Heating of the metal substrates allows improved formability or plasticity of the substrate in order to reduce or eliminate damage to the substrate during roll-forming to low bending radius to thickness ratios. Heating of the high-strength metal substrates can also function to temper the substrates and/or improve surface corrosion resistance and form high-strength end products with desirable properties.

A bending machine is described, which comprises an upper roller and a lower roller, as well as at least one side roller. The side roller is held in a rocker arm, wherein the first end of which is fixed to a movable supporting member, and the second end of which can be supported in a first position relative to the upper and lower rollers. The rocker arm can be moved to a second position by means of the movable supporting member and fixed there with the second end.

A bending machine is described, which comprises an upper roller and a lower roller, as well as at least one side roller. The side roller is held in a rocker arm, wherein the first end of which is fixed to a movable supporting member, and the second end of which can be supported in a first position relative to the upper and lower rollers. The rocker arm can be moved to a second position by means of the movable supporting member and fixed there with the second end.

A flanged interlocking molding is provided for use in toilet partitions or other partitions, and which eliminates the sight lines along each edge of the partition door. The flanged interlocking molding, formed of a single piece of material can be arranged on a component of the partition, such as a door and/or a pilaster. The flanged interlocking molding comprises a body portion; a first arm extending from a first edge of the body portion; a flange comprising include parallel layers of the metallic material including a first layer extending in a first direction away from the body portion, and a second layer extending from the first layer in a direction opposite the first direction; and a second arm extending from the second layer of the, the second arm including an edge arranged parallel to an edge of the first arm with a gap formed therebetween.

A turret roll forming machine includes at least one turret assembly carrying multiple rows of tooling (e.g., forming rollers), rotatable about an axis to selectively align rows of tooling with an input or output. A transmission is accessible from an exterior of the turret assembly without disassembling of the turret assembly to perform a changeover of roll tooling and/or maintenance on gears, bearings, or shafts of the transmission. Thus, a chain drive may be employed, advantageously accommodating differing rotational speeds for top and bottom forming rollers of each pair of forming rollers, e.g. to reduce roll scuffing. Pairs of forming rollers may be provided as cassettes, which are removably coupleable to the turret assembly allowing quick and easy reconfiguration and/or servicing, minimizing negative effects of changeover. The turret assembly may be a unitary structure (e.g., a weldment) improving rigidity and increasing accuracy of roll forming operations.