Compressed air is critical for the reliable operation of many roll forming machines — especially those equipped with punching units, pneumatic cutters, flying shears, coil clamps, safety devices, lubricators, and automatic stackers.
A poorly designed air system leads to downtime, weak punching, slow shearing, air leaks, and inconsistent production.

This guide explains why air is needed, how it works, what components you need, and how to size both the piping and the air compressor for your roll forming operation.

1. Why You Need Compressed Air for a Roll Forming Machine

Most roll forming machines use pneumatic systems to operate:

• Punching cylinders

• Notching cylinders

• Pre-cut or post-cut shears

• Flying shear clamps

• Coil clamp systems (on decoilers)

• Lubrication or misting systems

• Air blow-off nozzles

• Safety mechanisms & interlocks

• Automatic stacker stops

• Material alignment cylinders

Without clean, dry, stable air, these systems will:

• Fail to clamp or punch properly

• Create weak cuts

• Cause misalignment

• Slow down cycle speed

• Damage tooling

• Reduce overall machine output

Air is effectively the muscle that moves many of the machine’s critical components.

2. How the Air System Works

A roll forming machine’s pneumatic system typically includes:

1. Air compressor – Creates air pressure.

2. Receiver tank – Stores compressed air to maintain stable supply.

3. Dryer system – Removes moisture (critical for machine longevity).

4. Filters & regulators (FRLs) – Clean the air and control pressure.

5. Piping network – Delivers air to the machine safely.

6. Pneumatic valves – Direct airflow to cylinders.

7. Cylinders & actuators – Perform the mechanical action.

The PLC tells the pneumatic valves when to open/close, controlling each motion with precision.

Clean air = consistent punching and cutting.
Dirty/wet air = stuck valves, rusted cylinders, blown seals.

3. What Compressed Air Actually Does on the Machine

Compressed air powers:

• Punch dies (fast, repetitive action)

• Notching tooling

• Shear clamping

• Flying cut-off stabilization

• Material hold-down clamps

• Coil expansion cylinders

• Stacker lifting arms or stops

• Air guns for clearing scrap

• Lubrication misting

• Guard safety activation (in some cases)

Roll forming machines DO NOT use air for the roll forming process itself — only for the automation around the forming line.

4. Who Can Set Up the Air System?

You can use:

✔ A certified industrial electrician (with pneumatic familiarity)

or

✔ A mechanical engineer or millwright trained in pneumatics

or

✔ A compressed air specialist / installer

They must understand:

• Airflow

• Pressure drop

• Moisture control

• Sizing rules

• Compressor duty cycles

• Pneumatic safety locks

Most factories make the mistake of using a general plumber — this usually results in improper sizing and long-term issues.

For best results:
Machine Matcher can recommend certified compressed-air installers in your region.

5. Piping Requirements for Roll Forming Machines

Recommended Piping Materials

• Aluminum air pipe (best option)

• Stainless steel

• Copper

• High-pressure rated plastic (PEX-AL-PEX)

Avoid

❌ PVC — it can explode under pressure
❌ Low-grade rubber hoses — they degrade
❌ Welding air line (dirty inside)

Correct Piping Setup Includes:

• Drop lines with water traps

• Slight pipe incline for drainage

• Isolation valves for maintenance

• Color-coded air lines (optional but recommended)

• Shock-proof mounting

• Flexible final connection to machine

Air Quality Requirements

• 0.01–0.1 microns filtered

• Less than 10% moisture content

• Minimal oil contamination

6. Installing Compressed Air Lines for a Roll Former

Basic Installation Steps:

1. Install the compressor in a ventilated area.

2. Connect to a receiver tank sized correctly.

3. Run main piping along the wall or ceiling.

4. Use drops with drain legs and valves.

5. Install FRL (Filter–Regulator–Lubricator) unit near machine.

6. Connect flexible hose from FRL to machine air inlet.

7. Set correct machine pressure (typically 0.5–0.7 MPa / 70–100 PSI).

8. Test every cylinder for leaks.

Important:

Punching machines MUST have clean, dry air to prevent cylinder seal damage.

7. Compressed Air Size Required for a Roll Forming Machine

Typical airflow consumption:

Pressure requirement:
0.5–0.7 MPa (70–100 PSI) for most machines.

High punching force = more air usage.

8. Best Air Compressor Size for a Roll Forming Machine

General Rule of Thumb

Take the machine’s estimated CFM usage and multiply by 1.5 for reserve capacity.

Recommended Compressor Sizes

• Small roofing line: 3–5 HP, 10–15 CFM

• Standard punching/notching line: 7.5–10 HP, 20–30 CFM

• Decking/purlin heavy punching: 15 HP, 40–60 CFM

• Large line with many pneumatic stations: 20–30 HP, 70–100+ CFM

Compressor Types

• Screw compressors (BEST — continuous duty)

• Piston compressors (OK for small lines)

ALWAYS use:

• An air dryer

• A cooling system

• Automatic drains

• Over-pressure protection

• A properly sized receiver tank (at least 250–500L / 60–120 gal)

9. Installation & Maintenance Requirements

Installation Checklist

✔ Level mounting surface
✔ Steel braided hose to reduce vibration
✔ Air dryer installed
✔ Receiver tank drained
✔ Pressure regulator installed
✔ Air leak test performed
✔ FRL tuned to machine’s needs
✔ Moisture traps installed

Maintenance Schedule

Skipping air maintenance = blown seals, stuck valves, bad punches, and machine downtime.

Machine Matcher CTA — Complete Air System Setup for Roll Forming Lines

Machine Matcher provides:

• Air system design & sizing

• Compressor recommendations

• Full air line installation

• Pneumatic troubleshooting

• Leak detection

• Cylinder repair

• FRL system installation

• Air dryer setup

• Annual maintenance plans

Get your roll forming air system installed properly — avoid downtime, increase punching accuracy, and protect your machine investment.

Machine Matcher now offers full electrical technician services for roll forming machines — including diagnostics, rewiring, testing, encoder calibration, PLC programming, electrical audits, and preventive maintenance.
We support all machine types and all global regions.
Contact us today for immediate technical assistance or to schedule a full electrical inspection at your factory.

Looking for the right roll forming machine or expert guidance on your next project? Machine Matcher is here to help. Our global team provides 24/7 technical support, expert advice, and guidance on machine selection, setup, and maintenance—ensuring your operations run smoothly from day one.

With team members based worldwide—including the UK, USA, Middle East, and beyond—we are equipped to assist buyers across the globe. Whether you’re sourcing a single machine or upgrading an entire production line, our experts are ready to provide tailored solutions and support every step of the way.

Get in touch now and let Machine Matcher help you find the perfect roll forming machine for your business.

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