Posted on Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Roll forming machines have become essential tools in the expanding industrial and construction sectors of Eswatini. With the rise in demand for roofing materials, steel framing, and custom metal profiles, manufacturers, contractors, and fabricators across the country are investing in roll forming technology to improve efficiency, consistency, and product quality.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the most popular types of roll forming machines used in Eswatini, their specifications, the profiles they produce, the industries they serve, where these machines are mostly used, typical maintenance requirements, cost ranges, manufacturers, and setup and operation details. We’ll also explain why Machine Matcher is your best choice when purchasing roll forming equipment tailored to your needs.
Eswatini’s growing economy and infrastructure projects have made certain roll forming machines more popular than others. The most widely used types include:
Specifications:
Material Thickness: 0.3–0.8 mm galvanized steel or aluminum
Rollers: 14–18 stations, made from GCr15 steel, hard-chrome plated
Forming Speed: 12–18 m/min
Drive System: Chain or gearbox
Cutting System: Hydraulic post-cut or flying cut
Control: PLC system with touch screen
Profiles Produced:
IBR roofing, corrugated roofing, and trapezoidal sheets
Industries Used In:
Construction, residential housing, commercial buildings, roofing supply
Specifications:
Material Thickness: 1.5–3.0 mm
Profile Width Range: 80–300 mm (adjustable)
Rollers: 16–22 stations
Forming Speed: 10–15 m/min
Punching: Optional hydraulic punching system for holes
Control: PLC with auto-size adjustment
Profiles Produced:
C and Z purlins used for roof and wall structural support
Industries Used In:
Steel structure construction, warehouses, factories
Specifications:
Material Thickness: 0.4–0.7 mm
Material Type: Pre-painted steel, aluminum
Roller Stations: 12–16
Speed: 10–15 m/min
Cutting: Hydraulic shear
Optional Add-ons: Decoiler, automatic stacker
Profiles Produced:
Half-round gutters, K-style gutters, rectangular downspouts
Industries Used In:
Roof drainage system suppliers, roofing contractors
Specifications:
Material Thickness: 0.5–1.2 mm
Profiles: Drywall studs, tracks, door frames
Rollers: 12–18 stations
Speed: Up to 40 m/min
Punching: Optional inline punching for electric and plumbing access
Industries Used In:
Interior construction, office partitions, residential framing
Eswatini’s construction and fabrication market uses a range of profiles. These include:
IBR and Corrugated Roofing Sheets: Used for roofs of homes, schools, churches, and warehouses.
C and Z Purlins: Provide roof and wall support in steel structures.
Gutters and Downspouts: Essential for water management on commercial and residential buildings.
Drywall Studs and Tracks: Used for partitions and framing in interior construction.
The industries that benefit most from roll forming machines include:
Construction and Roofing Companies
Steel Structure Contractors
Building Product Distributors
Government Infrastructure Projects
Private Developers and Real Estate Firms
Agricultural Facilities and Storage Manufacturers
While Eswatini is relatively small, certain areas see more usage of roll forming machines due to higher development activity:
Mbabane (Capital City): Government projects, infrastructure, and commercial buildings
Manzini: The largest city and commercial hub, with a high concentration of construction companies
Matsapha: Industrial zone and home to many manufacturing and metalworking companies
Siteki and Nhlangano: Smaller towns where residential and rural development creates demand for basic roofing and building profiles
Proper maintenance ensures long machine life and consistent output. Key maintenance tasks include:
Daily:
Clean rollers and machine frame
Check hydraulic oil levels
Ensure no metal scraps are left in the system
Weekly:
Lubricate chain drives and bearings
Inspect electrical systems
Tighten loose bolts or fittings
Monthly:
Calibrate the PLC system
Check for roller alignment and wear
Inspect hydraulic pump and valves
Regular preventive maintenance helps reduce downtime and repair costs.
The cost of roll forming machines in Eswatini varies depending on the profile, automation level, and additional features:
Machine Type | Low Cost (USD) | High Cost (USD) |
---|---|---|
Roofing Sheet Roll Former | $18,000 | $65,000 |
C & Z Purlin Roll Former | $30,000 | $110,000 |
Gutter & Downspout Roll Former | $20,000 | $55,000 |
Stud & Track Roll Former | $15,000 | $50,000 |
Manual systems are cheaper but slower. Fully automated lines with decoilers, stackers, and punching systems cost more but deliver higher productivity and consistency.
Eswatini imports most of its roll forming machines. Local manufacturing is limited, but some companies operate as resellers or provide installation and support:
Local Equipment Distributors in Manzini and Matsapha: Act as intermediaries for Chinese, Turkish, and European machines
South African Suppliers: Frequently deliver to Eswatini and offer installation and service support
Machine Matcher: A global supplier helping companies in Eswatini source machines directly from vetted manufacturers
Foundation Preparation: Secure the machine on level ground or an industrial slab
Electrical & Hydraulic Connections: Must match Eswatini’s power supply (commonly 380V, 3-phase, 50Hz)
Roller Adjustment & Calibration: Based on profile drawing and material thickness
PLC Programming: Profile lengths, cutting cycles, and production counts
Load the steel coil using a decoiler
Feed into the entry guide
Machine forms the profile automatically as material passes through the roller stations
Hydraulic cutting unit shears the length based on the programmed settings
Finished parts are collected manually or stacked automatically
Operators must be trained in machine safety, handling hydraulic systems, and basic troubleshooting.
What profiles are best suited for Eswatini’s climate and building style?
IBR and corrugated profiles are the most suitable for roofing due to their durability and ability to withstand heavy rains.
Can I use a roll forming machine for different profiles?
Most machines are built for a single profile, but universal purlin lines or interchangeable tooling can offer flexibility at higher cost.
Do I need skilled technicians to operate these machines?
Basic technical training is required, especially for machines with PLC systems and hydraulic cutting.
How long does it take to install and run a new roll forming machine?
Typical setup and training take 2–5 days, depending on machine complexity.
Where can I find spare parts and support?
Machine Matcher and regional partners provide parts and technical support for machines imported into Eswatini.
When you’re looking for the right roll forming machine for your business in Eswatini, Machine Matcher connects you with global manufacturers, saving you time, money, and hassle.
We help you:
Choose the right machine for your profile, budget, and production needs
Ensure compatibility with Eswatini’s power supply and operating conditions
Provide access to vetted suppliers with strong after-sales support
Get real, personalized advice from roll forming experts
Arrange shipping, customs clearance, and setup
Whether you’re a small roofing contractor in Manzini or an industrial builder in Matsapha, Machine Matcher makes it easy to find the right solution.
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]
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