Polyester Coated Steel Roll Forming Material Guide: PE Coating, Coil Sizes & Uses

Polyester Coated Steel Roll Forming Material (PE Coating)

1. Overview of Polyester Coated Steel in Roll Forming

Polyester coated steel (PE coated steel) is one of the most commonly used pre-painted steel materials in roll forming. It refers to steel (typically PPGI or PPGL) coated with a polyester paint system, offering a balance of cost, appearance, and durability.

PE coatings are widely used for roofing, wall cladding, and general construction applications due to their affordability and good performance in standard environments.

In roll forming, polyester coated steel is ideal for high-volume production where visual appearance is important but extreme durability is not required.

2. Material Composition & Structure

Polyester coated steel consists of:

• Steel base (cold rolled steel)
• Coating base (galvanized or Aluzinc)
• Primer layer
• Polyester topcoat
• Backing coat

Layer Structure:

1. Steel core
2. Zinc or Aluzinc coating
3. Chemical pre-treatment
4. Primer layer
5. Polyester (PE) topcoat
6. Back coat

3. Available Coil Specifications

Thickness Range

• 0.25mm – 1.2mm

Coil Width

• 600mm – 1250mm

Coil Weight

• 3 tons – 10 tons

Coil ID / OD

• ID: 508mm / 610mm
• OD: up to 1400mm

Tolerance

• Tight thickness tolerance
• High surface consistency required

4. Mechanical Properties

Typical values:

• Yield Strength: 180 – 350 MPa
• Tensile Strength: 300 – 550 MPa
• Elongation: 10% – 25%
• Hardness: 100 – 180 HB

Grades:

• DX51D (forming grade)
• S320GD / S350GD

5. Coating Types (PE SYSTEM)

Polyester (PE) Coating

• Thickness: 15–25 microns (top side)
• Back coat: 5–10 microns

Lifespan

• 10–15 years (standard environments)

Performance

• Good color retention
• Moderate corrosion resistance
• Suitable for general outdoor use

Cost Level

• Low (most cost-effective painted option)

6. Surface Finishes

• Gloss
• Matte
• Smooth finish
• Light textured finishes
• Wide color range (RAL colors)

7. Common Roll Forming Applications

Polyester coated steel is used in:

• Roofing panels (PBR, corrugated, trapezoidal)
• Wall cladding systems
• Flashing and trims
• Gutters and downpipes
• Prefabricated buildings
• Agricultural structures

8. Advantages of Polyester Coated Steel

• Low cost
• Good appearance
• Wide color availability
• Good formability
• Suitable for high-speed production
• Easy to source globally

9. Disadvantages / Limitations

• Lower UV resistance compared to PVDF
• Shorter lifespan
• Can fade over time
• Less durable in harsh environments
• Paint cracking risk in tight bends

10. Roll Forming Machine Considerations

Roll Tooling

• Chrome plated rollers required
• Smooth finish essential

Speed

• 15–50 m/min

Lubrication

• Often recommended

Cutting

• Flying shear preferred
• Clean cuts required

Common Issues

• Paint scratching
• Paint cracking
• Roller marks
• Oil canning

11. Common Problems in Production

• Surface scratches during forming
• Paint peeling or cracking
• Color variation between coils
• Oil canning in roofing panels
• Handling damage

12. Pricing Guide

Typical global pricing:

• Low: $850–$1050 per ton
• Medium: $1050–$1300 per ton
• High: $1300–$1600+ per ton

Factors affecting price:

• Base material (GI vs Aluzinc)
• Paint thickness
• Color and finish
• Supplier

13. Comparison with Other Materials

PE vs SMP

• PE = cheaper
• SMP = better durability

PE vs PVDF

• PE = lower cost
• PVDF = long lifespan

PE vs Plastisol

• PE = thinner coating
• Plastisol = heavy-duty coating

14. Best Industries Using Polyester Coated Steel

• Construction
• Residential housing
• Agriculture
• Industrial buildings
• Prefabricated structures

15. How to Choose Polyester Coated Steel

Choose PE When:

• Budget is important
• Standard outdoor environments
• Roofing and cladding
• High-volume production

Avoid When:

• Coastal environments
• High UV exposure areas
• Long lifespan required

16. FAQ Section

What is polyester coated steel?

Steel coated with a polyester paint system.

Is PE coating good for roofing?

Yes, for standard environments.

How long does PE coating last?

Typically 10–15 years.

Is PE cheaper than PVDF?

Yes, significantly cheaper.

Does PE crack during roll forming?

It can if bends are too tight.

17. Machine Matcher Section

We supply roll forming machines for all material types including polyester coated steel.

• Custom-built machines to your profile
• New machines built to specification
• Global delivery available
• UK and USA technical support

Contact:
Machine Matcher
Sales & Technical Team

Quick Specs 

Thickness
0.25–1.2mm

Yield Strength
180–350 MPa

Coil Width
600–1250mm

Coil ID
508 / 610mm