The primary difference between rolling and bending is in the method and purpose of metal deformation. Rolling involves passing metal through a set of rotating rolls to reduce its thickness and increase its length, often resulting in a uniform cross-sectional area. This process is typically used to produce sheet metal or plates. In contrast, bending is a process that deforms metal by applying force to create a curvature along a specific axis, altering the shape without significantly changing the thickness.
Rolling: Rolling is a metal forming process where the metal stock is passed through a pair of rolls. Rolling mills are designed to reduce the thickness of the metal or make it more uniform. The process can be done either hot (above the metal's recrystallization temperature) or cold (below the recrystallization temperature). Hot rolling is typically used for larger workpieces and for materials that are difficult to roll cold, while cold rolling increases the strength and hardness of the metal through work hardening. The rolling process involves multiple passes through the rolls, with the gap between the rolls decreasing each time to gradually reduce the thickness of the metal.
Bending: Bending, on the other hand, is a process used to deform metal along a certain axis to create a desired shape or curvature. This is typically achieved by applying force to the metal using tools such as press brakes, rolls, or other bending machines. The metal is deformed locally, and the thickness remains relatively unchanged. Bending can be done with various methods, including air bending, bottoming, and coining, depending on the required precision and the material's properties. The goal of bending is to create specific shapes or forms, such as angles, channels, or complex curves, which are used in various applications like structural components, frames, and enclosures.
In summary, rolling is primarily used to reduce the thickness of metal and increase its length, often to produce sheet or plate metal, while bending is used to create specific shapes and curvatures without significantly altering the thickness of the metal. Both processes are crucial in metalworking, serving different purposes and applications in manufacturing and fabrication.
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