Perforated Cable Tray Roll Forming Machine

 

A perforated cable tray roll forming machine is an essential equipment for manufacturers of cable trays used to support and protect electric cables, wires and piping in various industrial setups. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of perforated cable tray roll forming machine technology, working principles, design considerations, capabilities, suppliers, installation and maintenance.

 

Overview Of Perforated Cable Tray Roll Forming Machine

 

A perforated cable tray roll forming machine uses a series of sequential roller dies and bending procedures to continuously form metal coil strips into perforated cable tray frames with customized shapes. Key highlights:

 

• Equipments for high volume production of cable trays up to 12 meters in length
• Forming speed up to 25 m/min with servo electric or hydraulic drive units
• Automated control of parameters through PLC and HMI touchscreens
• Roller dies customized for required cable tray dimensions and perforation patterns
• Additional punching, cutting and bending units for fabrication of accessories
• Powder coating lines and automated packaging integrated for complete production

 

 

Perforated Cable Tray Roll Forming Machine Types

 

There are two primary classifications of perforated cable tray manufacturing lines:

 

Table 1: Perforated Cable Tray Roll Forming Machine Types

 

Type	Description
Ladder Type	Used for making standard ladder style cable trays with two side rails and transverse round rungs welded at regular spacing
C & Z Purlin Type	Used for making cable trays with C or Z shaped purlin rails which connect the top and bottom rails for rigidity

Roll formed cable trays provide an economical and customizable solution for varied cable management requirements in diverse industries.

 

Working Principle Of Perforated Cable Tray Roll Forming Machine

 

The perforated cable tray profiles are created by feeding raw metal strips through a series of roller dies than bend and form the strips into the final tray shape with punched holes.

 

Figure 1: Working principle diagram of perforated cable tray roll forming machine

The key processes involved are:

 

• Decoiling – Feed metal coil loaded on a decoiler is straightened using rollers
• Feeding – Feed rollers equipped with servo motor consistently feeds the strip
• Punching – Initial punching station punches the strip for transverse slots
• Forming -successive Forming stations bend the strip to the final tray shape
• Cutting – Cutting station with rotating blades cuts formed trays to length
• Counting – Precision counting device to count cut lengths

 

The forming stations apply pressure using pyramid type rollers to bend the strip gradually without cracks through 8-12 progressive stations.

 

Advanced perforated cable tray roll forming machines include automatic oiling, edge milling, corner notching, accessories punching and inserting, robotic welding, and automated packing systems.

 

Roll Forming Process Parameters

 

The quality of finished cable trays and production efficiency depends on optimizing various interdependent parameters in the roll forming process:

 

Table 2: Roll Forming Process Parameters

 

Parameter	Role	Guidelines
Forming Speed	Production rate	8-25 m/min based on thickness
Material Thickness	Strength and load capacity	1-3 mm thickness sheets
Number of Stations	Forming quality	8-12 stations needed for gradual bending without cracks
Pre-punching	Avoid thinning during forming	30-50% punching done before forming
Roller Dimension	Profile dimensional accuracy	Precisely machined pyramid rollers
Lubrication	Reduce friction; avoid wear and tear	Automated oiling at forming and cutting sections

The machine is equipped with an HMI panel to control these parameters in real time for optimized performance.

 

Perforated Cable Tray Roll Forming Machine Design

 

Cable tray specifications regarding dimensions, perforation patterns, accessories, strength and load ratings are used to design customized roller dies and punches to manufacture the profiles.

 

Figure 2: Key design parameters for manufacturing perforated cable trays

 

Considering international standards regarding materials, working load limits, fire rating and offshore applications ensures the roll formed trays meet regulatory needs.

 

Materials For Cable Trays

 

Mild steel and stainless steel coils are commonly used materials for roll forming perforated cable trays:

 

Table 3: Cable Tray Materials

 

Material	Features	Applications
Mild Steel	Low cost; High strength	Indoor dry areas
Stainless Steel	Corrosion resistance	Outdoor areas; Coastal regions
Aluminum	Lightweight	Weight reduction needed

Galvanized or powder coated strips provide additional anti-corrosion protection.

 

 

Perforation Patterns

 

Various perforation shapes, sizes and open areas ranging from 30-60% are used in cable trays for ventilation and easy mounting of accessories.

 

Oval, round and square holes with diagonal slots and ladder designs provide optimal cable bearing surface.

 

Accessories And Customizations

 

• Foldable junction boxes
• Radius drops
• Cable entry boxes
• Mounting brackets
• Support bolts and nuts
• Side coupler plates
• Earthing links

 

Are roll formed or fabricated using separate punching and bending machines integrated in the production line.

 

Standards

 

The design, load capacity and fire ratings of cable trays must comply with national and international standards:

 

• IEC 61537 Cable tray systems and cable ladder systems
• NEMA VE-2 Cable Tray Installation Guidelines
• AS/NZS 3013 Electrical installations – Classification of the fire and mechanical performance of wiring system elements

 

Perforated Cable Tray Roll Forming Machine Capabilities

 

Modern perforated cable tray manufacturing lines offer extensive customization and automation capabilities:

 

Table 4: Perforated Cable Tray Machine Capabilities

 

Feature	Role	Parameters
Forming Speed	Production volume	Up to 25 meters per minute
Length Capacity	Minimum order quantities	Up to 12 meter profiles
Thickness Capacity	Strength and load capacity	1-3 mm thickness
Hole Punching	Ventilation; Accessory mounting	30-60% perforation
Profile Options	Dimensions	50-600 mm widths available
Auto Tool Change	Quick changeovers	10-20 minute roller and punch change
Online Radius Bending	Route trays on racks	Bend radius 600-1000 mm
Robotic Welding	Strong ladder construction	Automated transverse rung welding
Supporting Lines	Secondary processes	Corner notching, accessories fabrication, powder coating, packaging

With a high degree of automation and short changeover times, perforated cable tray manufacturing lines can be quickly customized for new dimensions and hole patterns.

 

Perforated Cable Tray Roll Forming Machine Suppliers

 

There are over 50 global manufacturers supplying perforated cable tray roll forming machines.

 

Table 5: Major Perforated Cable Tray Machine Manufacturers

 

Company	Location	Contact
Cosmap	Italy	sales@cosmap.com
FD Machinery	China	sales@fdmachine.com
EAE	Turkey	info@eae.com.tr
ITV	Spain	sales@itvrollforming.es
Formtek	Taiwan	formtek@gmail.com

When selecting a supplier, ensure:

 

• Machines are CE marked and meet all safety standards
• Company has supplied similar lines in your country before
• Forming stations can make the required cable tray dimensions
• Roller changeover time allows fast production shift
• Local after-sales service and spare parts supply capability

 

Price Range

 

• Basic perforated cable tray roll forming machine – $150,000 to $250,000
• Fully automated line with accessories fabrication and packing – $500,000+

 

Country of origin, production speed, and width capacity determine prices. Get detailed quotes from shortlisted suppliers against the production requirements before ordering the line.

 

Perforated Cable Tray Roll Forming Machine Installation

 

• Check flatness of foundation using precision instruments
• Use anti-vibration pads between foundation bolts
• Keep forming stations perfectly level in a straight line configuration using lasers
• Ensure compressors, hydraulic power packs and electrical panels are easily accessible for maintenance.
• Keep sufficient working space for decoiling raw materials and collecting finished products behind the line.

 

Operation Of Perforated Cable Tray Roll Forming Machines

 

• The main drive motor (15-30 kW) powers the rotating parts through shaft, gears, chains and variable speed drives
• Insert coil strips, threading through decoiler, forming stations, cutting unit following tooling guides
• Set process parameters like feeding, speed, stroke length, lubrication flow rates on the touch screen
• Start operation in jog mode, then switch to automatic mode once forms are coming out uniform
• Continuously collect formed trays and stack properly using handling equipment

 

Figure 4: Operator working on perforated cable tray roll forming machine

 

Safety Measures

 

• Ensure safety guards are in place during operation
• Ear protection and metal gloves should be worn while working
• Frequently inspect machine for oil leaks, loose electrical connections, wear of chains, bearings and gears.

 

Maintenance Of Perforated Cable Tray Roll Forming Machine

 

Table 6: Maintenance Schedule

 

Activity	Frequency	Method
Cleaning	Daily	Remove metal dust and oil leaks
Lubrication	Weekly	Grease bearings and oil chains
Inspection	Monthly	Check alignment, wear of forming rollers & punches
Spare Parts	Yearly	Replace gearboxes, chains, bearings based on running hours

Train technicians on the following maintenance procedures:

 

• Methods for tightening foundation bolts, aligning shafts
• Removing rollers and other tooling items when worn out
• Electrical connections and control panel servicing
• Hydraulic systems and pneumatic system maintenance
• Replacing consumables like lubrication oils periodically

 

Choosing Between Perforated Cable Tray Roll Forming Machine Manufacturers

 

While shortlisting suppliers, compare the following aspects:

 

Table 7: Perforated Cable Tray Machine Supplier Comparison

 

Parameter	Machine 1	Machine 2	Machine 3
Forming Speed	15 m/min	20 m/min	25 m/min
Profile Width	100-400 mm	100-600 mm	50-600 mm
Hole Patterns	Round; Oval	Round; Slotted	All patterns
Roller Design	8 stations	10 stations	12 stations
Automation	Semi-auto	Fully-auto	Fully-auto
Price	$170,000	$210,000	$260,000

Machine 3 with highest speed, profiling range, automatic features, and number of bending stations provides best value for investment considering long term production volumes.

 

Pros And Cons Of Perforated Cable Tray Roll Forming Machine

 

Advantages

 

• High production rates up to 25 m/min
• Width adjustable from 50 mm to 600 mm through quick roller change
• Hole shapes and percentages can be easily customized
• Low tooling cost compared to conventional press brakes
• High strength seamless construction by gradual cold rolling bending
• Integration of robotic welding, notching, accessories fabrication

 

Limitations

 

• Initial forming roller design needs extensive calculations and simulation
• Require large factory space for equipment installation
• Trained technicians needed for specialized maintenance
• Locking fixtures needed for polishing and powder coating finished products

 

Perforated Cable Tray Roll Forming Machine – Verdict

 

The perforated cable tray roll forming machine enables efficient mass production of tray frameworks with customized dimensions and hole patterns to route cables safely in diverse industrial setups.

 

Investing in automated lines with high output rates results in quicker return on investment due to rising global demand for cabling infrastructure across sectors. By adopting advanced solutions that integrate raw material decoiling to finished product packing functionalities across 25-50 meters factory length, manufacturers can gain significant competitive edge.

 

Technical contacts between the buyer and equipment builder during design finalization is vital to optimize the production line delivering maximum working widths, speed rates and hole perforations matching the buyer application requirements.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: What are the forming roll materials used in the machine?

 

A: Forming rollers and related tooling are machined from wear-resistant alloys like petroleum coke alloy cast iron and hot worked tool steel for durability.

 

Q: Can a single machine make different perforated cable tray sizes?

 

A: Yes, advanced roll forming machines allow automatic setup changes within 15-20 minutes to form multiple widths and hole patterns.

 

Q: What defects can occur in perforated cable trays?

 

A: Waviness in sides, corner cracks, irregular hole sizes, dimensional deviations outside tolerance range arising from poor maintenance and worn-out bearing-rollers.

 

Q: Can special-shaped cable trays be produced?

 

A: Yes, custom profiles like horizontal S shapes for increased strength and aesthetic cable trays are possible through customized tooling.

 

Q: How to calculate power and raw material requirements for the machine?

 

A: Based on parameters like target output, material type, quality, thickness and product dimensions, technicians can derive power ratings and material coil quantity needed.

 

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