Formtek is pleased to announce that Brian Rodgers and Paul Williams will once again bring their combined decades of roll forming expertise to METALCON 2026. The two will co-present "Roll Forming for the Metal Construction Industry: Part 2," a half-day, in-depth workshop taking place on Thursday, October 8, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
METALCON is the industry's leading event for metal construction, drawing architects, engineers, fabricators, contractors, and suppliers from around the world. Formtek has been a regular contributor to the event's educational programming, and this year's session continues that tradition with four sessions built for people who work with roll forming equipment every day.
What's on the Agenda
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Material and How it Affects Metal Building Products in the Roll Forming Process presented by Brian Rodgers
- Creative Options for Punching/Shearing/Cutoff Challenges in the Metal Building Industry presented by Paul Williams
- Advanced Roll Forming of Steel Framing Components and Utilizing Existing Capital Equipment and Tooling presented by Brian Rodgers
- Requesting a Quote for Roll Forming 101: Let Us Help You presented by Brian Rodgers and Paul Williams
Material changes can throw off even a well-tuned line. Brian will walk attendees through the adjustments needed to preserve design intent when material specs shift, covering how to select the right die tonnage, optimize roll design, and evaluate whether your roll former has the strength to handle the change.
Automating a roll forming line depends heavily on getting punching and cutoff right. Paul will break down the systems used for parts like purlins, studs, joists, corner beads, and vertical commercial siding: stationary systems with precision servo-feeds, flying punches with electronic measuring, and high-speed rotary punching units. He'll also cover cutoff technology for roof and siding panels as well as structural members, including measurement and acceleration methods, press selection, and how pre-shear and post-cutoff configurations each fit into the process.
This session looks at where roll forming technology is headed for the steel framing industry, with a focus on automated equipment changeover for material thickness, cross-sectional variations, punched opening locations, and part length. Brian will also address handling finished product in high-speed operations, the operator training these systems require, and the advantages of programmable rotary punching and cutoff systems. A key part of the discussion: how to evaluate and get more out of the equipment you already own, even older machines, so it can keep pace with your operation's demands.
Getting an accurate quote starts with knowing what to ask for. This closing session breaks down the information roll forming manufacturers typically need to provide a solid quotation, the differences between simple and complex roll forming lines, and whether you need tooling only, machines and presses, or a complete line. Brian and Paul will also share real examples of quote requests that went wrong, and leave time at the end for attendee questions.
Why This Session Matters
Whether you're running roll forming lines today or exploring a move into metal construction, this workshop is designed to give you practical, real-world guidance you can put to use right away. From material selection to punching and cutoff strategy to getting the most out of your existing equipment, attendees will leave with a clearer picture of how to improve quality, boost throughput, and quote projects with more confidence.
Event Details
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Session: Roll Forming for the Metal Construction Industry: Part 2
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Presenters: Brian Rodgers and Paul Williams, Formtek
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Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
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Time: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
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Where: METALCON 2026 (visit metalcon.com for location and registration details)
Pre-registration and an additional fee may be required for this in-depth workshop, so be sure to check the official METALCON website for the latest details and to reserve your spot.
We hope to see you there. Stop by and talk shop with the Formtek team about your next roll forming challenge.
About Brian Rodgers
Brian began his career as a roll form operator, where he discovered a strong interest in roll form methodology and entered an apprenticeship program to learn troubleshooting and department leadership. His apprenticeship duties included new tooling tryout, troubleshooting roll form processes, setup, and leadership. Brian went on to become a supervisor, overseeing scheduling and troubleshooting for 22 roll mill lines along with 25 operators and setup personnel. He later moved into tool engineering, focusing on new tooling and continuous improvement projects, including new tooling and equipment buy-offs. Today, Brian is a Sr. Applications Engineer, where he draws on his experience to create solutions for Formtek customers across the roll forming industry, through both equipment and tooling. He is a member of, and past Chair of, FMA's Roll Forming Council.
About Paul Williams
Paul brings more than 40 years of experience in the tool and die and roll forming industries, having worked as a Toolmaker, Field Service Technician, Die Design Engineer, Sales Application Engineer, and Product Line Manager, and currently serving as VP, Business Development. He trained through the Tooling and Manufacturing Association in tool and die making and engineering, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Paul has been with Hill Engineering since 1988 and has served as a speaker and conference chairman for FMA, PMA, and SME conferences. He has authored several technical articles for leading industry publications, served on the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association Board of Directors as an Associate Director from 2013 to 2014, and is a current member and past chairman of FMA's Roll Forming and Technology Council.
About METALCON
METALCON is the only global event devoted exclusively to the application of metal in design and industrial, institutional, light commercial, and residential construction. Every year, designers, builders, developers, contractors, fabricators, and suppliers from more than 50 countries attend METALCON where they connect with 300 companies exhibiting the latest products, solutions, services, and game-changing technologies. METALCON'S dynamic exhibit hall, vibrant atmosphere, and extensive educational programs contribute to its enduring success.
About the FMA
The Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA) supports the workforce lifecycle in the metal fabricating industry by bringing awareness of manufacturing careers to the next generation, helping metal fabricators to hone their skills, and engaging them through conferences and tradeshows. Founded in 1970, FMA is a co-founder and co-sponsor of FABTECH, the industry’s leading tradeshow, and the publisher of The Fabricator, The Tube and Pipe Journal, The Welder, The Fabricator en Español, Canadian Metalworking, and Canadian Fabricating & Welding.
About Formtek
Formtek is a group of long-established metal forming equipment manufacturing companies, each with a well-known name and a history of providing innovative and reliable equipment to the metal forming and metal processing industries. Dedicated to the highest industry standards and technical accountability to their domestic and international customers, Formtek is comprised of a well-built team of management, sales engineers, and support staff who pride themselves on being true experts with an in-depth knowledge of all our brands of equipment. With several brands spread across many facilities spanning three continents, as well as a network of dealers covering six continents, Formtek’s expansive network is here to support your metal forming and fabricating equipment needs. The Formtek family of brands includes B&K, Dahlstrom, Hill Engineering, Lockformer Custom Machinery, Tishken, Winpro, and Yoder. For more information, visit formtekgroup.com/formtek-brands/