One of the most frustrating problems in any roll forming factory is when the machine won’t drive material. Whether the line refuses to feed, stalls under load, slips, or moves inconsistently, production stops immediately — often with no clear error message.

This issue can come from mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, or sensor-related faults, and in many cases, multiple systems are involved.

This guide provides a complete troubleshooting process used by Machine Matcher technicians worldwide to quickly diagnose and resolve material drive failures on roofing machines, C/Z purlin lines, decking lines, flashing formers, tube mills, and more.

1. What "Machine Won’t Drive Material" Really Means

Depending on the machine type, this issue can appear as:

• Material not feeding from entry guides

• Material slipping between the rollers

• The machine running but the sheet not moving

• Motor turning but drive rollers stationary

• Machine jerks or stops as soon as material enters

• Full stall under load

• Material feeding only when pushed by hand

• Grinding noise or belt squeal

• VFD shows speed but machine does not move

These all indicate loss of drive force, which can originate from several core systems.

2. Mechanical Causes (Most Common)

Mechanical problems account for over 60% of all feeding failures.

2.1 Worn or Damaged Drive Rollers

If the machine uses a dedicated drive section, worn rollers cannot grip material.

Symptoms:

• Slipping

• Jerky movement

• Machine runs but sheet stays still

Fix:

• Re-groove or replace drive rollers

• Check roller hardness and surface texture

• Adjust pinch roller pressure

2.2 Incorrect Roll Clearance or Poor Setup

If roll tooling is too tight or misaligned, material stalls immediately.

Symptoms:

• Material dents

• Extremely loud forming

• Machine bogs down under load

Fix:

• Reset roll gap

• Verify top/bottom roller alignment

• Re-check roll stand calibration

2.3 Material Jam or Misfeed

Even a small jam can stop feeding.

Symptoms:

• Entry guides scraping

• Material skewing

• Sheet buckling between stands

Fix:

• Clear jam

• Re-align entry guides

• Adjust side rollers

2.4 Loose Chains, Belts, or Couplings

Loss of mechanical transmission prevents power from reaching the rollers.

Check:

• Motor couplings

• Chain tension

• Gearbox output shafts

• Timing belts

• Sprocket alignment

2.5 Gearbox Problems

A failing gearbox may run with no output.

Symptoms:

• Motor spins, rollers don’t

• Grinding noise

• No torque

Fix:

• Replace gearbox

• Check oil level

• Inspect internal gears

3. Electrical Causes

Electrical faults are responsible for ~30% of drive failures.

3.1 Incorrect VFD Parameters

The most common electrical cause.

Problems:

• Zero torque boost

• Low current limit

• Wrong acceleration ramp

• Incorrect motor parameters

• Undersized torque settings

• Speed scaling errors

Fix:

Machine Matcher VFD audit:

• Verify motor data

• Adjust torque settings

• Correct accel/decel

• Verify load capacity

3.2 Motor Faults

Motor issues prevent proper feeding under load.

Symptoms:

• Overheating

• Low torque

• Tripping under material entry

• Loud humming

Fix:

• Check winding resistance

• Perform insulation test

• Check phase imbalance

• Inspect motor bearings

3.3 Loose Terminals or Bad Wiring

Loose wires reduce torque dramatically.

Symptoms:

• Flickering VFD speed

• Random stalling

• Motor cuts in/out

Fix:

• Tighten terminals

• Inspect motor junction box

• Check grounding & shielding

3.4 Encoder or Speed Feedback Issues

If the VFD or PLC isn’t receiving a stable speed signal, material won’t feed correctly.

Symptoms:

• Wrong length

• VFD shows 0 RPM

• Machine shakes or oscillates

Fix:

• Recalibrate encoder

• Replace damaged coax/encoder cable

• Test A/B/Z channels

4. Hydraulic Causes (For Machines With Hydraulic Pinch Rollers or Entry Guides)

Some machines drive material using hydraulic pinch rollers or hydraulic assist systems.

Common faults:

• Low hydraulic pressure

• Worn hydraulic motors

• Solenoid valve not switching

• Pressure relief valve stuck

• Contaminated oil

Fix:

• Check HPU pressure

• Test solenoid activation

• Replace hydraulic motor

• Change hydraulic filters/oil

5. Sensor Causes

Incorrect sensor readings can block drive commands.

Problem sensors:

• Material presence sensor

• Safety gate sensor

• Encoder misalignment

• Proximity sensor at shear/punch

Symptoms:

• PLC not allowing drive command

• Start/stop behavior inconsistent

Fix:

• Align sensors

• Replace faulty units

• Clean sensor faces

• Check PLC input stability

6. When the Machine Runs but Material Won’t Move

This typically indicates:

✔ Drive rollers not gripping

✔ Loose chains/belts

✔ Wrong VFD torque settings

✔ Hydraulic pinch roller not engaging

✔ Roll tooling too tight

Most common fix:
➡ Increase pinch roller pressure and adjust drive roller contact.

7. Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide (Machine Matcher Method)

Step 1 — Check if rollers actually turn

Look inside the guard windows.

Step 2 — Check if rollers turn under load

Push material in slowly.

Step 3 — Check pinch roller pressure

Hydraulic or pneumatic?

Step 4 — Check VFD output amps

If low = electrical issue.
If high = mechanical jam.

Step 5 — Inspect chains/couplings

Often overlooked.

Step 6 — Verify roll stand setup

Especially after tool change.

Step 7 — Check sensors & interlocks

PLC may be preventing feeding.

Step 8 — Check motor direction

Reversed direction = no feeding.

Step 9 — Check gearbox load

Noise or heat = gearbox failure.

Step 10 — Run no-material test

If machine runs empty but not under load → torque or roller pressure issue.

8. When to Call a Technician

You need professional help if:

• VFD faults persist

• Motor overheats under load

• Rollers spin but don’t grip

• Flying saw or purlin punch stops the line

• Material jams repeatedly

• Encoder signals are unstable

• Hydraulic pinch roller doesn’t engage

Machine Matcher provides:

• Drive system diagnostics

• Roll stand alignment

• VFD tuning

• Encoder recalibration

• Hydraulic troubleshooting

• Gearbox inspection

• 24/7 remote support

• Worldwide on-site technicians

Conclusion

When a roll forming machine won’t drive material, the root cause can be mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, or sensor-related. By following a structured troubleshooting process, downtime can be minimized and production restored quickly.

Machine Matcher delivers expert diagnostics, rapid repairs, VFD tuning, roll alignment, and full drive system service for factories worldwide.

No drive? No problem — Machine Matcher gets your line moving again.