Abstract: A puller apparatus has a path through which an extrusion travels downstream from an outlet of an extruder and upper and lower extrusion puller members that define a portion of the path. At least one of the extrusion puller members is a drive member to provide forward motion to an extrusion. A mounting arm is moveably mounted to the puller apparatus at a mounting location. The mounting arm has a first portion on one side of the mounting location and a second portion on an opposed side of the mounting location. The upper extrusion puller member is mounted to the first portion of the mounting arm. The mounting arm is movable from a lowered position in which the upper extrusion puller member is positioned to engage an extrusion in the path and a raised position in which the upper extrusion puller member is spaced upwardly from the lowered position.

Abstract: An adjustable joining machine is provided. In another aspect, a workpiece-joining apparatus includes a punch and/or die with an automatically adjustable joining position. A further aspect employs a workpiece-clinching or piercing apparatus including an automatically adjustable punch and/or die. A method of clinching or piercing workpiece sheets includes changing a position of a punch and/or die based on a sensed workpiece characteristic.

Abstract: Aspects relate to mechanisms for wireless communication devices to update transmission configuration indicator states (TCI-states), spatial relation (SR) indicators (SRIs), or pathloss reference signals (PL-RSs) for a group of two or more component carriers (CCs) for multi-component carrier communication. A radio access network (RAN) node may generate a message indicating one or more TCI-states, one or more SRs, or one or more PL-RSs to utilize for multi-CC communication. The message may include an index identifying a group of two or more CCs of a plurality of access CCs or a plurality of sidelink CCs associated with the one or more TCI-states, the one or more SRs, or the one or more PL-RSs. A user equipment (UE) may receive the message and update the one or more TCI-states, the one or more SRs, or the one or more PL-RSs for the group of two or more CC for the multi-CC communication based on the message.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method of joining metal sheets, comprising the following operating steps: a) providing a first metal sheet and a second metal sheet intended to be joined together in the vicinity of a first and a second straight edge, respectively; b) bending said first metal sheet parallel to said first edge so as to obtain a first edge flap; c) bending into a U- or V-shape a portion of said second metal sheet parallel to said second edge to obtain a longitudinal pocket in such a way that between said second edge and said pocket a second edge flap is defined; d) coupling said first metal sheet with said second metal sheet inserting said first flap inside said pocket; e) bending said pocket and the first flap inserted therein against said second flap so as to create an irreversible mechanical joint between the two metal sheets.

Abstract: Roll-forming machine for forming, from a flat sheet metal strip (5), a hat beam which has a profile that varies along its length. The machine comprises several consecutively arranged forming stations, each of which comprising a first pair of clamping rollers (22a, 22b) for clamping a side flange (3a) of the hat beam and a second pair of clamping rollers (23a, 23b) for clamping a central flange (2) thereof. The clamping rollers of said second pair are individually displaceable in vertical direction and horizontally in the feeding direction of the sheet metal strip. The displacement of the clamping rollers (23a, 23b) of said second pair is controlled by an electronic control device during a forming operation such that a plane that goes through the centre axes (CA3, CA4) of both these clamping rollers is maintained perpendicular to the part of the central flange (2) received in the nip (31) between these clamping rollers.

Abstract: A profiling station, a profiling unit formed therefrom and also a profiling installation continuously form a material strip into a profile. The profiling station includes a rack frame, a profiling arrangement with a forming roller and also a first and a second counter roller as well as a drive assembly. A first roller axis and a second roller axis of the counter rollers form between them a buckling angle, wherein the counter rollers define a bending edge for the material strip to be formed. The first counter roller and also the second counter roller are driven by the drive assembly in such a way that the first counter roller has a circumferential speed at its outer circumference and the second counter roller has a circumferential speed at its outer circumference that are equal to one another.

Abstract: A joint module for forming a joint section from a tube that is formed at an operational speed by a roll forming machine may include a carriage positioned proximate the back end of the roll forming machine and configured to move in a longitudinal direction relative to the back end. A pleat die assembly may be mounted on the carriage and configured to repeatedly engage the tube to form a series of pleats thereby bending the tube to form the joint section, and a crimp die assembly may be mounted on the carriage and configured to engage the tube to crimp an end of the joint section and to sever the end of the joint section from the tube. The carriage may move relative to the frame while the tube is engaged with at least one of the crimp die assembly and the pleat die assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for the automated manufacture of a duct flange profile to make small duct fittings, including a TDF duct flange profile. The duct flange profile is directed to small part duct fittings with section widths up to about 16 inches in 20 to 26 gauge metal. The apparatus includes a bending head assembly having a drive roller, a pressure roller, an anvil and a bending leaf and a roll form assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for the flexible roll forming of a semifinished product (12), in particular a rolled sheet, to form a profile (12?, 12?) with a cross section varying along the longitudinal axis thereof and/or with a varying longitudinal axis. The device (10) has a frame (14) and a number of supporting devices (16), which are carried by the frame (14). The supporting devices (16) are each movable in a translational manner in relation to the frame (14) and rotatably mounted. The device (10) also has a number of profiling units (18), which each have a pair (20) of rotatably mounted rollers (20?, 20?), between which a rolling gap (102) remains. According to the invention, precisely two profiling units (18) are arranged in a rotatably mounted manner on each supporting device (16).

Abstract: An springback compensation method for on-line real-time metal sheet roll bending includes the steps of using multiple rollers to bend a continuous metal sheet of multiple sections having different materials or different thickness respectively; using a first position sensor to individually measure springback angles of the multiple sections of the bent metal sheet, and feeding back to a programmable logic controller; using the programmable controller to control a bending roller to compensate the multiple sections of the bent metal sheet respectively; using a second position sensor to individually measure compensated angles of the multiple sections of the bent metal sheet; and comparing a difference between the compensated angles and standard angles of the multiple sections of the bent metal sheet after compensating bending.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling a hem profile in roll-forming processes are described. An example roll-forming apparatus includes a first plurality of work rolls to form a first hem on a material and a second plurality of work rolls. One of the second plurality of work rolls is adjustable relative to an opposing work roll and to the first plurality of work rolls to adjustably control a profile of the first hem.

Abstract: A system for forming a building panel of a desired shape includes a shaping machine comprising multiple rollers, wherein the shaping machine is configured to provide a desired shape to a building panel, and wherein the building panel is made from sheet material. A drive system moves the building panel longitudinally along the shaping machine, and a power source provides power to the drive system. As the building panel is moved along the shaping machine, a load sensor detects a load placed on the power source, and an optional speed sensor detects a speed of the building panel. A control system controls the drive system in response to a signal from the load sensor so as to control the load on the power source as the building panel moves along the shaping machine.

Abstract: Embodiments include structural metal stud framing members with an improved web design. The structural metal stud framing member with the improved web design are referred to as an amplified metal stud member. Embodiments include a bracing structure and a stiffening structure to collectively increase the axial and lateral load capacity of the stud. In other words, embodiments increase the internal strength to weight ratio for both the overall axial and lateral load.

Abstract: A flexible roll forming device is provided. The roll forming device includes bases respectively disposed on opposite sides with respect to a process direction center line in a left/right direction of which rails are configured thereon along a lateral direction of the process direction center line, and upper and lower forming rolls configured to vary both positions in the lateral direction of processing, and angles from the process direction.

Abstract: A vertical Pittsburgh seam closing apparatus having a base supporting surface for positioning a duct section thereon in a vertical orientation, a track mechanism for moving a carriage assembly which holds seam forming members used to close a Pittsburgh seam, a pair of upper and lower guide members for guiding the duct section into a proper position, and upper and lower clamping members movable between an unclamped position and a clamped position wherein each clamping member is positioned inside the duct section and adjacent the inside portion of the Pittsburgh seam to be closed, the upper guide members and clamping member being selectively movable and adjustable for accommodating different duct section lengths. In one embodiment, the seam forming assembly includes a pair of roller members mounted in vertical arrangement to each other, one roller member being V-shaped in configuration and the other roller member being substantially cylindrical in shape.

Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a flexible roll forming method for roll forming a beam of a predetermined shape by bending a material fed to a plurality of roll forming units each having upper and lower forming rolls in succession, and for roll forming the beam by feeding the material to a flexible roll forming unit having upper and lower forming rolls disposed on left/right sides of a process direction and both side upper and lower forming rolls disposed to vary positions in a lateral direction of the process and angles from a process direction, respectively, to cause flexible bending of the material in succession over multiple stages, is provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling a hem profile in roll-forming processes are described. An example roll-forming apparatus includes a first plurality of work rolls to form a first hem on a material and a second plurality of work rolls. One of the second plurality of work rolls is adjustable relative to an opposing work roll and to the first plurality of work rolls to adjustably control a profile of the first hem.

Abstract: A forming machine for forming a longitudinal margin of a strip of material into a desired profile and methods encompassing the steps inherent in the described mechanical structures and operation thereof. The forming machine includes a frame, a drive mechanism, a plurality of forming elements, and an edge guide mechanism. The edge guide mechanism applies pressure along the edge margin in a lateral direction, thereby following the edge margin as the strip is advanced through the machine. The edge guide includes a carriage assembly attached to the frame that comprises a carriage support frame and a carriage movably disposed thereon. The edge guide mechanism includes an actuator connected to the carriage that is operative to urge the carriage toward edge margin. At least one guide roller is mounted to the carriage and adapted to receive the edge margin of the strip.

Abstract: A guiding and shaping system for producing welded pipes made from metallic strip material. The guiding and shaping system comprises several pairs of rolls that are disposed one behind another in the direction of travel of the workpiece and are used for increasingly cold-working and bending the edges of the workpiece as the workpiece advances. First pairs of rolls grip the top side and bottom side of the workpiece while pairs of rolls that grip the external faces of the bent edges and form the shape of a pipe are provided in the region where the bent edges form undercuts. The guiding and shaping system further comprises a welding device. The workpiece is supported by floatingly mounted lateral rolls until cooling off following the welding process.

Abstract: A solar panel cap and light cap secured to a wall or parapet through the use of a fixed coping having two vertical supports on either side of a locking channel. The vertical supports are biased or resilient to secure the coping to the top of the parapet or wall. The locking channel is configured to slidably receive a locking insert from a solar panel cap or light cap, each configured to connect to an adjacent cap such that they are electrically coupled. The solar panel caps include a horizontal base and an angled solar panel pivotally attached on one edge to the horizontal base. Support plates are pivotally attached to opposite edges of both the horizontal base and the angled solar panel such that when they overlap and are secured to one another the angled solar panel is adjustably positionable relative to the horizontal base.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling a hem profile in roll-forming processes are described. An example roll-forming apparatus includes a first plurality of work rolls to form a first hem on a material and a second plurality of work rolls. One of the second plurality of work rolls is adjustable relative to an opposing work roll and to the first plurality of work rolls to adjustably control a profile of the first hem.

Abstract: A method of producing a flat tube T by bending a band-like material M to be worked, wherein the material M to be worked is pre-bent to form a pre-formed groove Md in the material M along the longitudinal center axis thereof. Thereafter, the material M to be worked is gradually moved so that both edge portions of the material M to be worked in the lengthwise direction thereof gradually approach each other with the pre-formed groove Md as a center to form a tubular shape.

Abstract: Profiles (50) are formed in a production line with a cross-section that varies along their length from a plane metal strip (10) that is unwound from a tape reel (9). Edge cutters (14) and roll-forming units (17-24) are displaceable individually sideways relative to the strip, and are individually controlled. The formed profile is curved in a curving station integrated into the production line and having roller pairs (82, 84; 83, 85) that can be controlled to roll sides of the profile (50) such that they become thinner so that the profile is curved or twisted as it is formed. The roller pairs and the sideways displacement and the angular motion of the roll-forming units are controlled so that the roller pairs follow the sides and such that a line (II) between the axles of one roller pair is held perpendicular to the surface being rolled.

Abstract: Profiles (50) are formed in a production line with a cross-section that varies along their length from a plane metal strip (10) that is unwound from a coil (9), whereby edge cutters (14) and a number of roll-forming units (17-24) are used where not only the edge cutters but also the roll-forming units can be displaced individually sideways relative to the strip. The edge cutters (14) and the roll-forming units (17-24) are individually controlled such that they follow the lines of extent of the side edges (51, 52) that are cut and the lines of the corners (53-56) that are subsequently formed, and the forming of one corner with a number of roll-forming units is started only after the forming of a corner that lies more closely to the edge of the strip has been completed.

Abstract: A mechanism for use in adjusting the position of components in a machine including an elongate shaft assembly, at least one projection shaft extending in a direction transverse to said elongate shaft assembly, and a support frame. The elongate shaft assembly includes at least one primary shaft segment, and at least one secondary shaft segment removably coupled to the primary shaft segment, the secondary shaft segment includes a first gear. The projection shaft extends in a direction transverse to the elongate shaft assembly and includes a second gear element disposed on its proximal end portion. The second gear element is coupled to the first gear element whereby rotation of the elongate shaft assembly translates into rotation of the projection shaft. The projection shaft is capable of being coupled to the components such that rotation of the projection shaft operates to adjust the position of the components.

Abstract: When roll-forming a blank into a profile having varying width and upright sides, the vertical position of at least any one of the forming roll pairs (21, 22; 23, 24) is varied 5 on either side during the roll-forming operation while the lateral and rotational positions thereof are simultaneously varied. The profile can thus be given a flat bottom during the roll-forming operation itself.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling flare in roll-forming processes are disclosed. An example method involves predefining a plurality of position values to adjust a tilt angle of a flange roller and adjusting the tilt angle of the flange roller based on one of the pre-defined position values to change an amount of flare in a zone of a component. The one of the pre-defined position values is associated with the zone of the component.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism kit to convert an existing machine having incumbent, or existing, mechanisms to incorporate replacement or upgraded mechanisms. Depending on the application, it may be necessary to adjust the elevation of the replacement mechanisms in order to accommodate tooling attached (or to be attached) thereto. For example, in the case where the replacement tooling and support bar assembly is taller than the existing, or incumbent, tooling and support bar assembly, the replacement support bar assembly may be mounted at a lower elevation relative to the existing equipment in order to provide clearance to a framework, for instance. As such, the kits include not only the replacement mechanisms but the necessary mounts and adaptors for adjusting the elevation of the mechanisms. Various portions of the kit may be combined and packaged as separate kits.

Abstract: A roll former has a plurality of paired die assemblies spaced apart across a midline of the roll former, and a web of material is fed through the roll former along the midline for operations by the die assemblies. The spacing between each pair of die assemblies is uniformly adjustable by way of mounting the die assemblies on collector plates movable toward and away from each other by linear actuators such as jack screws. Smoothness of movement is enhanced by supporting the collector plates only on the linear actuators. Precision of positioning is enhanced by using jack screws as the linear actuators.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for reducing variations in the profile of a sheet metal stock are shown and described. The process includes the use of two passes, each comprising two smoothing surfaces. The smoothing surfaces of each pass are mateable to define a profile between the smoothing surfaces. The profile defined between the smoothing surfaces of the first pass is substantially the inverse of the profile defined between the smoothing surfaces of the second pass. As a sheet metal is processed between the first and second passes, it is formed with the first profile and the second profile thereby reducing variations in the profile of the sheet metal.

Abstract: A roll-forming machine in which the left and right racks of each shape-forming roll set each have two guide blocks affixed thereto at two opposite sides in an opening thereof, each guide block having an oblique sliding slot, and left and right upper bearing blocks of each shape-forming roll set each have two sliding blocks respectively affixed to two opposite lateral sides thereof and respectively coupled to the oblique sliding slots of the guide blocks and movable upwards/downwards along the respective oblique sliding slots for adjustment of the feed gap between the upper shape-forming wheel set and lower shape-forming wheel set of the respective shape-forming roll set in X-axis and Y-axis directions at a time.

Abstract: A roll-forming machine formed of a machine base, a guide block unit, pairs of forming roll sets, a first adjustable shape-forming wheel set, a second adjustable shape-forming wheel set, a first lower auxiliary shape-forming wheel set, a second lower auxiliary shape-forming wheel set, an upper auxiliary shape-forming wheel set, a small straightener and a big straightener for the formation of a C-shaped component or a Z-shaped component from a sheet material is disclosed in such a manner that a wide space is provided around each of the adjustable shape-forming wheel assembly, the non-adjustable shape-forming wheel assembly and the adjustable shape-forming wheel set to facilitate maintenance work and, the coupling walls and sidewalls of the non-adjustable shape-forming wheel assembly and the adjustable shape-forming wheel set are mounted with respective pivot shafts and fastening members for quick positioning of the respective shape-forming wheels, assuring high stability and accurate processing.

Abstract: A corrugated metal sheet member fabrication system formed of a material feeder, a roller-ramming unit, a cutting unit, a conveyer, and a finished product receiving rack is disclosed. When the reciprocating cutting-off device is moved forwards or backwards, the belt frame of the conveyer is synchronously moved to carry the movable frames forwards or backwards, and therefore the front driven roller and the rear driven roller with the conveying belt are moved with the movable frames forwards to the extended position or backwards to the retrieved position. After the movable frames has been moved forwards, the front side of the conveying belt is kept spaced above the base for receiving finished products from the reciprocating cutting-off device of the cutting unit and delivering collected finished products to the finished product receiving rack.

Abstract: In a roll-forming machine having pairs of forming roll sets and two first and two second auxiliary shape-forming wheel sets for processing C-shaped component or Z-shaped component, each first auxiliary shape-forming wheel set having, in addition to an upper auxiliary shape-forming wheel, a bottom auxiliary wheel for working with a respective lateral shape-forming wheel to ram each of two sides of a C-shaped or Z-shaped component into a 90° contained angle, and each second auxiliary shape-forming wheel set having, in addition to an upper auxiliary shape-forming wheel, a bottom auxiliary wheel for working with a respective lateral shape-forming wheel to ram each of two sides of a C-shaped or Z-shaped component into a 90° contained angle, so that the operator needs not to shut down the machine or to change or calibrate the machine parts when wishing to change the processing from a C-shaped component processing mode to a Z-shaped component processing mode or from a Z-shaped component processing mode to a C-shaped

Abstract: A flange-forming apparatus allows a user to automatically adjust the device's roll forming stations, concurrently together, for changing the height of a flange formed into a metal web by the roll forming stations, e.g., for ductwork. The height is adjustable within an infinite range between set maximum and minimum limits. Each roll forming station includes upper and lower roll forming pairs, which cooperate for forming the flange or portion thereof. Each roll forming pair includes a first roll forming portion, and a second, coaxial roll forming portion that is axially moveable towards and away from the first roll forming portion. (The portions are in effect a laterally split roll forming die.) The second roll forming portions are rotatably supported on a plate-like adjustment linkage assembly, which can be shifted, using an array of motor driven screw members, towards or away from the first roll forming portions.

Abstract: A beam with a hat-shaped profile with a cross-section that varies along its length is successively formed from a plane sheet metal strip using a roll-forming machine with a number of forming stations. The forming stations (11, 12) have a pair of clamping rollers (21, 22 and 23, 24) for each side flange (16, 17) and support rollers (25, 26) for the central flange. The pairs of clamping rollers in the forming stations can be displaced both horizontally and vertically during a forming operation, and the support rollers (25, 26) can be displaced vertically and they can be displaced individually in a sideways direction. All four corners (27-30) of the hat-shaped beam are formed at the same time, whereby the corners are folded on the peripheral edges of the clamping rollers and support rollers. Not only the axes of the pairs of clamping rollers but also of the support rollers can be turned in order to adapt to the corners that are being formed.

Abstract: A membrane cartridge is manufactured by repeatedly folding and joining two strips of membrane to form a cross-pleated cartridge with a stack of openings or fluid passageways configured in an alternating cross-flow arrangement. The cartridge can be modified for other flow configurations including co-flow and counter-flow arrangements. Methods for manufacturing such cross-pleated membrane cartridges, as well as apparatus used in the manufacturing process are described. Cross-pleated membrane cartridges comprising water-permeable membranes can be used in a variety of applications, including in heat and water vapor exchangers. In particular they can be incorporated into energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) for exchanging heat and water vapor between air streams being directed into and out of buildings.

Abstract: A profiling machine for forming U, C and Z profiles includes a final profiling unit having a first fixed shoulder disposed inclined to the vertical plane and supporting a plurality of profiling stations each consisting of a pair of profiling rollers, and a second shoulder supporting a plurality of profiling stations each consisting of two pairs of profiling rollers, said second shoulder being hinged on a longitudinal axis to be able to pass from a position for forming Z profiles to a position for forming C and U profiles.

Abstract: A building panel formed from sheet material extends in a longitudinal direction along its length and includes a curved center portion in cross section, a pair of side portions extending from the curved center portion, and a pair of connecting portions extending from the side portions. The curved center portion includes a plurality segments extending in the longitudinal direction. The panel is curved in the longitudinal direction without having transverse corrugations. A particular segment may have a depth greater than that of another segment to accommodate the longitudinal curve. A system for longitudinally curving the panel includes first and second curving assemblies, each of which includes multiple rollers arranged to contact the panel as it passes along, a positioning mechanism for changing a relative rotational orientation between the first and second curving assemblies, a drive system for moving the panel longitudinally, and a control system for controlling the positioning mechanism.

Abstract: A cold roll forming mill for the manufacture of hollow flange seam welded beams from a single strip of metal comprises a forming station (1), a seam guide and welding station (2) and a shaping station (3). Either or both of the forming and shaping stations (1,3) comprise independently supported side engaging roll combinations (7,12) adapted, in use, to roll either or both of opposite sides of the strip. Adjacent transverse pairs of side engaging roll (7,12) combinations are selectively movable relative to each other in a transverse direction perpendicular to a direction of travel of said strip through said mill. At least some of the side engaging roll combinations (7,12) are driven. Drive rolls (6) spaced within the forming and shaping stations (1,3) engage the strip between opposite edges thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of forming stiffening structures in a material are disclosed. In an example method, a first bend line is formed in the material and a portion of the material is drawn toward the first bend line to form an intermediate stiffening structure. A second bend line is then formed adjacent and parallel to the first bend line so that the intermediate stiffening structure is located between the first and second bend lines. A plurality of stiffening structures is then formed in the intermediate stiffening structure without substantially stretching the material.

Abstract: A clamp block kit for use on a machine having an adjustment mechanism employing a shaft and associated nut. The clamp block kit comprises a clamp block assembly securable about the nut and a mounting rail fastenable to the clamp block assembly with at least one second fastener. The clamp block assembly includes a first clamp including at least one threaded first hole, a second clamp including at least one second hole alignable with a respective first hole when in an assembled state, and at least one first fastener for extending into the aligned first and second holes.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for reducing variations in the profile of a sheet metal stock are shown and described. The process includes the use of two passes, each comprising two smoothing surfaces. The smoothing surfaces of each pass are mateable to define a profile between the smoothing surfaces. The profile defined between the smoothing surfaces of the first pass is substantially the inverse of the profile defined between the smoothing surfaces of the second pass. As a sheet metal is processed between the first and second passes, it is formed with the first profile and the second profile thereby reducing variations in the profile of the sheet metal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for cold roll forming profiles having variable cross-sections, with several roll stands arranged in a row, each containing a pair of rollers, between which a sheet-metal strip (2) is guided along its length (X), wherein the roll stands are moved translationally transversely to the length of the sheet-metal strip and rotationally about an axis of the roll stand during cold roll forming. According to the invention, a re-forming device (8, 10, 12) is arranged behind at least one of the roll stands and has at least one drive for generating a movement of the re-forming device in a plane transversely to the length (X) of the sheet-metal strip.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for reducing variations in the profile of a sheet metal stock are shown and described. The process includes the use of two passes, each comprising two smoothing surfaces. The smoothing surfaces of each pass are mateable to define a profile between the smoothing surfaces. The profile defined between the smoothing surfaces of the first pass is substantially the inverse of the profile defined between the smoothing surfaces of the second pass. As a sheet metal is processed between the first and second passes, it is formed with the first profile and the second profile thereby reducing variations in the profile of the sheet metal.

Abstract: A method for producing expanded metal profiles, consisting of subjecting a metal strip of width less than the development of the profile to be produced to the following operations: —forming longitudinal slits in at least that longitudinal band which is to form the central web of the profile, —bending the edges of the slits, —profiling said strip, —transversely stretching that band containing the slits, —pressing areas of said central web in correspondence with said stretched band to displace them external to the plane of said web, characterised by subjecting the bent edges to drawing to obtain radiused edging having the tangent to the free edge forming an angle not less than 90° to the surface of the strip.

Abstract: A roll former has a plurality of paired die assemblies spaced apart across a midline of the roll former, and a web of material is fed through the roll former along the midline for operations by the die assemblies. The spacing between each pair of die assemblies is uniformly adjustable by way of mounting the die assemblies on collector plates movable toward and away from each other by linear actuators such as jack screws. Smoothness of movement is enhanced by supporting the collector plates only on the linear actuators. Precision of positioning is enhanced by using jack screws as the linear actuators.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a roll former for forming a continuous beam from sheet material, and a downstream former positioned in-line and downstream of the roll former. The downstream former includes a die-supporting sled temporarily movable with the beam, and includes a bottom die, side dies reciprocatingly movable inwardly to temporarily support sides of the beam, and a top die reciprocatingly movable to reform flanges on the beam against the side dies to reform portions of a section of the continuous beam. A related method is also shown.

Abstract: The present invention provides means for automatically adjusting rollforming equipment to accommodate a range of different gauges of material such as sheet metal being formed. One rollforming roller (34) on each rollforming head (4A) is mounted on an eccentric so that a force supplied in the direction of material feed through the tooling rollers (33,34) will increase the tooling gap therebetween. An automatic gauge adjustor includes applying a source of substantially constant pressure sufficient to achieve the rollforming action against rotation about the eccentric while allowing movement of the rollforming roller also about the eccentric so that the roll will move against the pressure being provided in the direction of the material feed to accommodate the gauge of material within the working range set.