Botswana is steadily growing as a regional hub for infrastructure, construction, and industrial development in Southern Africa. With this growth comes increasing demand for durable, versatile, and locally produced metal profiles. Roll forming machines have become essential in Botswana’s metalworking and construction sectors, supporting everything from roofing projects to fencing and framing systems.

In this blog, we’ll explore the most popular roll forming machines in Botswana, their specifications, the profiles they produce, industries that use them, common areas of operation, setup and maintenance needs, pricing, manufacturers, and how Machine Matcher can help you find the perfect machine to suit your needs.

Popular Roll Forming Machines in Botswana

1. Roofing Sheet Roll Forming Machines

Specifications:

Material: Galvanized steel, color-coated coil
Thickness: 0.3–0.8 mm
Rollers: GCr15 with hard chrome coating
Speed: 8–20 meters/min (standard), up to 40 m/min (high-speed)
PLC: Siemens, Delta, or Mitsubishi

Profiles Produced:

IBR profile
Corrugated sheets
Ribbed roofing panels

Industries:

Residential and commercial roofing
Government infrastructure projects
Warehouse and industrial buildings

Main Areas in Botswana:

Gaborone, Francistown, Maun, Serowe, and Selebi-Phikwe

2. C Purlin and Z Purlin Roll Forming Machines

Specifications:

Material: Galvanized steel, mild steel
Thickness: 1.5–3.0 mm
Size Range: 80–300 mm web size
Speed: 10–15 meters/min
Punching: Hydraulic pre-punching system
Cutting: Hydraulic flying cut-off

Profiles Produced:

Adjustable C and Z profiles for structural framing

Industries:

Steel building construction
Solar power mounting structures
Commercial and industrial warehouses

Main Areas in Botswana:

Gaborone, Palapye, and Lobatse

3. Highway Guardrail Roll Forming Machines

Specifications:

Material: Hot rolled steel
Thickness: 2.5–4.0 mm
Profile Type: W-beam and thrie-beam
Speed: 10–15 meters/min
Cutting: Hydraulic cutting

Profiles Produced:

W-beam and thrie-beam guardrails

Industries:

Road safety infrastructure
Civil engineering and public works

Main Areas in Botswana:

Along national highways near Gaborone, Francistown, and Kasane

4. Door Frame Roll Forming Machines

Specifications:

Material: Galvanized or cold-rolled steel
Thickness: 0.8–2.0 mm
Roll Stations: 12–18 depending on profile
Speed: 10–15 meters/min
PLC: Siemens/Delta

Profiles Produced:

Steel door frames
Jamb profiles
Fire-rated frame sections

Industries:

Construction and real estate
Interior finishing
Government housing programs

Main Areas in Botswana:

Gaborone and Francistown, with expansion into rural housing projects

Industries Using Roll Forming Machines in Botswana

Construction: The biggest consumer of roll formed profiles in Botswana.
Infrastructure: National road and railway projects rely on guardrail and solar structure profiles.
Steel Fabrication: Workshops and metal fabrication units for doors, windows, and framing systems.
Renewable Energy: Solar mounting systems for government and private projects.
Housing and Real Estate: Prefabricated structures and low-cost housing projects.

Setup and Operation of Roll Forming Machines

Setting up a roll forming machine includes the following steps:

Uncoiler Installation: Load the coil into the uncoiler, manual or hydraulic.
Feeding System Setup: Align the sheet into the feeding system.
Roll Forming Adjustments: Adjust rollers according to profile drawing and thickness.
PLC Programming: Set the panel lengths, batch quantity, and cutting instructions in the control unit.
Hydraulic Unit Connection: Link hydraulic systems for cutting and punching units.
Trial Run: Run a test coil to ensure alignment, accuracy, and cut quality.

Operating these machines requires:

Trained staff familiar with PLC systems and safety protocols
Regular calibration checks
Accurate coil loading and material handling

Maintenance of Roll Forming Machines

Routine maintenance is critical to ensure performance and longevity.

Daily Maintenance:

Clean the rollers and guideways
Check oil levels in the hydraulic unit
Inspect control panels for faults

Weekly Maintenance:

Lubricate the moving parts
Check for loose bolts or worn-out parts
Clear out any coil residue or metal dust

Monthly Maintenance:

Calibrate roller settings and recheck tolerances
Examine wear on rollers and replace if necessary
Conduct a full inspection of the hydraulic and electrical systems

Cost of Roll Forming Machines in Botswana

Low-End Machines:

Manual or entry-level roll formers
Price range: USD 12,000–25,000
Basic control systems, lower speed, used or refurbished

Mid-Range Machines:

Semi-automated systems with hydraulic cutting
Price range: USD 30,000–55,000
Ideal for small-to-medium businesses

High-End Machines:

Fully automated, high-speed, with servo systems
Price range: USD 60,000–120,000+
New machines, advanced PLCs, tooling customization

Who Manufactures Roll Forming Machines for the Botswana Market?

While Botswana does not manufacture roll forming machines locally, the following suppliers are most active in the region:

Chinese Manufacturers: Many machines are imported from China due to competitive pricing and flexibility in design.
Indian Suppliers: Known for heavy-duty framing machines and solar bracket systems.
South African Distributors: Some South African companies stock and re-sell machines to Botswana.
European Brands: Limited presence, mostly in high-end, custom-designed machines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a single machine to make multiple profiles?
A: Yes, with adjustable roll forming machines or quick-change tooling, multiple profiles can be produced.

Q: Do I need special power requirements for these machines?
A: Most machines run on 3-phase 380V power. Confirm compatibility before installation.

Q: How long does it take to install a roll forming machine?
A: Installation typically takes 3–7 days, depending on machine complexity and operator training.

Q: Are used roll forming machines a good investment in Botswana?
A: Yes, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. However, ensure you check tooling condition and control systems before purchase.

Q: What after-sales support is available?
A: Some suppliers provide remote technical support, spare parts, and training. Working with a trusted global matchmaker like Machine Matcher ensures better post-purchase service.

Why Machine Matcher Is the Best Choice for Botswana Buyers

At Machine Matcher, we help you find the right roll forming machine for your specific profile and production needs. Whether you are buying a new or used roll forming machine, we guide you through:

Profile selection and tooling requirements
Machine speed and automation level
Power supply compatibility for Botswana
Sourcing reliable and affordable suppliers
Managing shipping, installation, and setup
After-sales support and parts supply

We’ve built a global network of trusted suppliers and can help you avoid costly mistakes. Whether you’re producing roofing sheets in Gaborone or building solar frames in Francistown, we’ll match you with the right machine at the right price.