When producing a roll forming line, the OEM will determine the correct amount of horsepower required to form the intended section. The horsepower takes into account four critical items. They are:
- Material Thickness
- Total number of forming stands
- Desired line speed
- Yield strength of material
With these items in mind the proper DC or AC Variable Frequency Drive can be selected. Most drives today are digitally controlled, with some type of dynamic braking. This eliminates the old clutch and brake style drives. It also gives the operator the ability to increase and decrease the line speed of the machine. The larger, more complex lines typically operate with a PLC to manage the functions of each piece of equipment. These lines can have multiple motor drives and color touch screen controls for the individual functions.