Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2023
Zambia’s construction and manufacturing sectors have seen substantial growth in recent years, driven by increasing demand for infrastructure, housing, mining, and agriculture development. Roll forming machines are at the heart of many of these industries, producing essential steel profiles for roofing, structural framing, enclosures, and more. This article explores the most popular roll forming machines in Zambia, their specifications, the profiles they produce, industries that use them, and practical details like maintenance, cost, manufacturers, and setup. We’ll also cover why Machine Matcher is your best partner when sourcing roll forming machines for the Zambian market.
Specifications:
Roller Materials: GCr15 hardened steel with chrome coating
Machine Speed: 10–15 meters/min (standard) or 25–30 meters/min (high-speed models)
Frame: Welded steel frame with 16–20mm thickness
Cutting: Hydraulic shearing with Cr12 blades
PLC Control: Touchscreen interface (Siemens, Delta, or Schneider systems)
Power: 380V, 50Hz, 3-phase (adaptable to 220V or 415V if needed)
Used Profiles:
Corrugated roofing sheets
IBR (Inverted Box Rib) panels
Box profiles
Step tile metal roofing sheets
Industries Using These Machines:
Construction companies
Residential and commercial roofing manufacturers
Housing developers
Steel distribution outlets
Specifications:
Roller Stations: 14–20 stations depending on profile range
Material Thickness: 1.2mm to 3.0mm galvanized steel
Adjustable sizes: 80–300mm web width with auto/manual change
Punching System: Hydraulic punching for bolt holes and slots
Motor Power: 15kW–30kW
Used Profiles:
C and Z-shaped structural steel profiles
Optional Sigma profiles in some models
Industries Using These Machines:
Industrial steel building manufacturers
Warehouse constructors
Mining and agricultural storage facilities
Specifications:
Material: Color-coated steel, galvanized steel, aluminum
Forming Speed: 10–15 m/min
Hydraulic cutting system with servo motor synchronization
Optional decoiler and receiver table
Used Profiles:
Half-round gutters
K-style gutters
Rectangular or round downpipes
Industries Using These Machines:
Construction and roofing contractors
Rainwater system manufacturers
Building material suppliers
Specifications:
Material Thickness: 1.0mm–2.0mm cold-rolled steel
Servo feeding and hydraulic notching
Integrated punching, embossing, and cutting functions
Profile size: Custom sizes available
Used Profiles:
Steel door frames
Fire-rated and interior door profiles
Industries Using These Machines:
Steel door manufacturers
Commercial building contractors
Prefabricated structure manufacturers
Roll forming machines are commonly used in Zambia’s industrial and urban centers, where infrastructure development is most active:
Lusaka: The capital city and major industrial hub. Numerous construction firms, manufacturing plants, and steel depots operate here.
Ndola: Part of the Copperbelt Province and home to many mining companies and related industries that require purlins, cladding, and roofing panels.
Kitwe: Another major city in the Copperbelt with growing residential and commercial construction.
Chingola, Solwezi, and Livingstone: Secondary urban centers where regional construction and agricultural projects demand metal profiles.
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure long-term performance and avoid costly downtime. Key tasks include:
Daily:
Check for oil leaks and air pressure consistency
Clean the rollers and check alignment
Wipe down moving parts to prevent dust and debris buildup
Weekly:
Lubricate all moving components
Inspect hydraulic hoses and fittings
Tighten bolts and check chain tensions
Monthly:
Check motor and gearbox oil levels
Test PLC function and safety sensors
Perform roller adjustment tests with sample materials
Annually:
Replace hydraulic oil
Perform full inspection of electrical systems
Replace worn-out cutting blades or punching dies
The cost of roll forming machines in Zambia varies widely based on machine type, features, speed, and automation.
Low-End Machines (Manual Changeovers, Lower Speed):
Roofing Sheet Roll Forming Machine: $18,000 – $25,000
C Purlin Manual Model: $30,000 – $40,000
Gutter Machine: $15,000 – $20,000
High-End Machines (Automatic Changeover, Servo Systems, High Speed):
High-Speed IBR or Corrugated Roofing Line: $45,000 – $65,000
Fully Automatic C/Z Purlin Line: $60,000 – $90,000
Door Frame Line with Embossing and Servo Punching: $50,000 – $80,000
While Zambia does not manufacture roll forming machines domestically at scale, most machines are imported from manufacturers in:
China (Guangzhou, Botou, Wuxi-based suppliers)
India (Pune, Rajkot machine builders)
Turkey (High-end profile solutions)
South Africa (Some local distributors and resellers)
Local Zambian suppliers mainly act as importers, distributors, or service partners for machines built abroad.
Setup Process:
Foundation & Electrical Setup: Ensure the machine is installed on a level surface with the appropriate 3-phase power connection.
Material Loading: Load coils into the decoiler (manual or hydraulic) and feed through the straightener and guide rollers.
PLC Programming: Set up the cutting length, batch size, and punching positions on the PLC system.
Test Run: Perform a trial run with scrap material to check for alignment and profile accuracy.
Production: Begin continuous forming with material feeding, profiling, and cutting.
Operation Tips:
Always monitor the roller alignment and thickness of incoming coil
Ensure clean, dry, and rust-free materials for best results
Stop and realign rollers if slight deviations or wrinkling appear
At Machine Matcher, we specialize in connecting buyers across Africa—including Zambia—with the right roll forming machine that fits their exact profile, material, and production needs. Here’s why Zambian buyers trust us:
Wide Selection: We offer roofing, purlin, gutter, door frame, and specialty machines from reliable global manufacturers.
Profile Matching: You send us your drawing, dimensions, and requirements—we match you with the most suitable machine.
Technical Support: We guide you through setup, training, and maintenance—whether in-person or remote.
Transparent Pricing: Clear quotes and full machine specs so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Flexible Options: New, used, and refurbished machines available for different budgets.
Q1: Do I need a high-speed machine for roofing panels?
A: If you're producing panels for large projects or supplying dealers, yes. For smaller workshops, standard-speed machines (10–15m/min) may be sufficient.
Q2: Can I produce different profiles on one machine?
A: Some machines allow for profile changes, especially in purlin lines (C/Z adjustable). For roofing, each profile usually needs its own roller set or machine.
Q3: How long does delivery and installation take?
A: Delivery can take 6–10 weeks depending on the supplier. Installation usually takes 3–5 days with proper foundation and electrical setup.
Q4: What support do I get after buying?
A: Machine Matcher ensures you receive operation manuals, remote technical support, spare parts supply, and assistance with training your operators.
Q5: Is financing or part payment available?
A: We can help you connect with financing partners or staggered payment plans depending on the supplier.
Speak to one of our roll forming machine experts today:
UK: +44 20 335 56554
USA: +1 407 559 7948
Europe: +32 460 24 13 95
WhatsApp: +44 20 335 56554
Email: [email protected]
Let Machine Matcher help you find the right roll forming machine for your business in Zambia. Whether you're producing roofing sheets in Lusaka, purlins in Ndola, or gutter systems in Kitwe, we’ve got you covered with machinery that fits your production goals and budget.
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