What is a Runout Table in a Roll Forming Line?

A runout table is a critical component in a roll forming production line, positioned at the end of the line to support and handle finished products as they exit the machine. It serves as the final step in the process, where formed metal sheets, panels, or other parts are guided and received after being shaped by the roll forming machine.

How a Runout Table Works

Once the metal strip passes through the roll forming machine and is cut to the desired length, it moves onto the runout table. Here's how it functions:

1. Support and Guidance: The table is designed to support the formed metal products as they exit the machine. It prevents any sagging or deformation by offering a flat, smooth surface for the material to slide onto.
2. Conveyance: Depending on the system, the runout table may have conveyor belts or rollers that help transport the finished parts further down the line for packaging, stacking, or further processing.
3. Material Handling: In some systems, the runout table is connected to a stacking system or an automatic handling mechanism, allowing the parts to be stacked neatly, minimizing manual intervention.
4. Length Measurement and Quality Control: Advanced runout tables often include integrated measuring systems to ensure the parts are cut and formed to precise lengths, and sensors may detect product quality issues, reducing waste.

Why the Runout Table is Critical

1. Prevents Damage: By providing a stable surface for the formed metal to land on, a runout table reduces the risk of bending, scratching, or damaging the product after it leaves the forming machine.
2. Efficiency: The smooth handling of materials at the end of the line ensures that production continues efficiently, with minimal downtime for manual handling. The table aids in keeping the workflow uninterrupted by seamlessly moving the finished product away from the machine.
3. Automation: In fully automated roll forming lines, the runout table integrates with the rest of the system to streamline the production process, improving speed, reducing labor, and ensuring consistent handling of the output.
4. Stacking and Packaging: Some runout tables have built-in features for stacking or even packaging the products, allowing the line to operate more efficiently and reducing the need for manual labor.

In summary, the runout table is vital in ensuring that the formed products are handled carefully, maintaining their quality while improving production efficiency. Without a runout table, the final products could become damaged or improperly handled, leading to inefficiencies and increased labor costs.