Custom cylinders are made through a process that begins by putting a flat sheet of material into the laser and programming it to cut rectangles out of various materials to specific sizes. If the cylinder has any customizations or features including custom holes, windows or other shapes, these are cut out in the laser, as well. The laser is able to cut through a variety of materials including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and other metals.Â
After the blanks are precisely cut, they are put through the rollers, where they are rolled into their required diameter. Prior to welding the seam, welds are tabbed, preventing ‘blow through’ on the cylinder’s ends, while ensuring a very strong and durable weld, fit for a lifetime of use. They are then sealed with a seam weld from the TIG automated welding system. After the weld is completed, it is planished, a process that ensures the weld is nearly flush with the cylinder, increasing its strength and durability yet again. Finally, the tabs are cut off, leaving smooth ends to the cylinder.
Once the forming process is complete, adding customizable features is an option, whether that be ribbed or custom formed ends, fittings, side holes, or flanges. Common configurations include no flanges, a single or double flange, custom cutout windows or doors, and custom steps and ribs.
During the rolling process, rollers push the blank through at a specific angle based on the material type, thickness, blank size, and the required final cylinder diameter. As the material moves through the rollers, it undergoes permanent deformation without fracturing. The metal yields under pressure, allowing it to bend smoothly. Several factors influence the curvature, including roller diameter, feed speed, applied pressure, and material properties.
The rollers push the blank through at a specific angle, depending on the material type, thickness, size of the blank, and required final diameter of the cylinder. During the sheet rolling process, the material undergoes permanent changes without fracturing. As the sheet or blank moves through the rollers, the metal yields, which allows the bend. Factors including the diameter of the rollers, the speed that the sheet moves through, pressure applies, and the type and thickness of the material determine the curvature of the bend.Â
Steps in the Rolling Process
Four-Roller Machine Advantages
Four-roll systems feature a dedicated pinch roller that maintains constant material engagement, preventing slippage and improving precision. This design enhances rolling efficiency, especially for thinner or high-strength materials.
Advantages of Rolling
Spools
Spools are used for connecting valves, tubes, or pipes to each other, using flanges equipped with bolt holes. Spools are extremely durable because of the extra support created by the flange. Spools can provide secure and leak-proof joints which allows for modification or eat access, that otherwise would not be possible. Â
Spray Dryers
Spray dryers are used to turn liquids into powders or granules in a single step. This is a common process in the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries because of its high efficiency, consistency, and adaptability.
HVAC
Typical HVAC equipment consists of cylinders with or without flanges. Fan blade and motor housings are a very popular use for these products. They allow for easy disassembly and reassembly, making it convenient for maintenance, repairs, or modifications.
Gravimetric Feeders
Also known as loss-in-weight feeders, gravimetric feeders are self-calibrating feeder systems that doses based on weight and speed. They offer precise flow control by automatically adjusting the material being dispensed, allowing the system to maintain a consistent feed rate. Volumetric feeders are similar, but dispense based on volume, rather than weight.
What is the Trimming Process and How is it Performed? Trimming is a process used to remove excess material to achieve a desired shape, size, and finish, while removing burrs and smooths out sharp edges. To trim a part, it is put on a lathe and processed by a highly skilled metal spinner, or a
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The Benefits of One-piece Constructions At Toledo Metal Spnning Company, we have been forming metals since 1929. With nearly a century of experience, we have mastered a wide range of processes including laser cutting, metal spinning, deep drawing, machining, rolling and seam welding, to build strong and durable high-performance parts. But what truly sets us
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Laser cutting produces efficient, precise cuts with smooth, uniform edges in both small and large runs on materials up to 1 in. thick. It’s no surprise that the process has become extremely popular, and manufacturers and fabricators now rely on laser cutting more than ever. Laser Cutting Basics A laser is a source of intense
Cylinders – The Forming Process Custom cylinders are made through a process that begins by putting a flat sheet of material into the laser and programming it to cut rectangles out of various materials to specific sizes. If the cylinder has any customizations or features including custom holes, windows or other shapes, these are cut
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