Key differences between Snap Lock Slotted Flange Panel Roll Forming Machine and Snap Lock with Clip Panel Roll Forming Machine.

Key differences between Snap Lock Slotted Flange Panel Roll Forming Machine
and Snap Lock with Clip Panel Roll Forming Machine.

Different shapes of panels require different machines for their production, or at least different roll forming tools for a universal machine like SS4E-PRO.

Before we delve into machinery, let’s define what two roofing panels have in common and what the features of each panel are.Understanding these panel differences is essential because they directly define the roll-forming tools and machine configuration.

Snap Lock Slotted Flange VS Snap Lock with Clips

Similarities

Both panels are used for roofing and mostly for residential buildings. The raw material for both panels is the same. It is pre-painted galvanized coiled steel with a thickness of 24 to 29 gauge. Both panels are produced in various widths, mostly in the range from 12 to 24 inches. Even after installation, they look similar. Both panels have hidden fastening.

Differences

The difference between the two panels lies in the way of installation. To install Snap Lock Roofing Panel, we need to use special clips, but the installation of the Slotted Flange Snap Lock panel does not require any clips or other auxiliary parts or components. Therefore, the installation process of the Slotted Flange panel is easier than fixing the Snap Lock panel on the roof deck. It means that in DIY cases Slotted Flange panel would be preferable.

Snap Lock Slotted Flange Installation

It is required to have a screwdriver to place panels inthe proper spots. The pre-slotted edge of a panel fixes to the plywood base with screws. That’s it. Do not get me wrong, it is still a lot of work; without construction job experience,it is difficult to get a long-lasting roof completed.

This approach of fixing panelshas more advantages, but at the same time has limits in geographic areas of usage and the length of roofing slopes. Let’s reveal these statements. The Snap Lock Slotted Flange panels are not recommended for installation and in some cases are even prohibited in hot climate regions with broad fluctuation of day and night temperatures.When pinned rigidly to the roof deck, panels cannot freely expand or contractwithout breaking screws at attachment points. The same limits apply in the case of the determination of the length of the roof. The longer the panel, the more it will experience thermal contractions and extensions. The Slotted Flange Panel will be an ideal choice for non-long slope roofs in the moderate climate.

Snap Lock with Clips Installation

Snap Lock panel with a clip can be applied in cases that are beyondthe Slotted Flange panel capabilities. Clips give the reliable fixing of panels and allow them to be more flexible toward temperature fluctuations atthesame time.

Both types of panels have pros comparedto shingles roofs. Yes, they demand more investment at the upfront, but in the long run, they are certainly unbeatable in any comparable aspects.

Machinery

After revealing the core features of each panel, it is a good time to move toward the stated topic of the article.

The process of metal roll forming involves giving a flat workpiece the shape of the final product, in our case, the roofing panel. The roll forming tools are installed into the machine in a manner to form two standing edges and the flat part between them. The flat part might have different kinds of reinforcements (waves, ribs, etc.). The more roll forming rollers the machine is equipped with, the more precise the result we might expect. For instance, roll forming machine SS4E-PRO can install up to 15 sets of rollers for each side of the machine. It gives us the possibility to produce any shape of roofing or wall panels. The left side of the machine is the base, as the right side can be shifted instead. This process is easy and, at the same time, providesa flexible approach to choosing the width of the panel.

If we take a look at the two machines standing side by side, one for Snap Lock with Clip panel and the second one for Snap Lock Slotted Flange panel, we can see that the roller set installed at the left metal bar is very similar for both panels. However, the set of rollers installed at the right bar of each machine looks completely different. From the very beginning, we might see that the set of rolling tools on the Slotted Flange machine is more complex compared to the Snap Lock with Clip machine. This is becausethe “male” seam of the Slotted Flange panel has a relatively more complex form. It looks more like a droplet; onthe other hand, Snap Lock with Clip Panel has a male part that is just turning at 90 degree metal with a tooth on it. That’s why the “male” rollers Slotted Flange machine has more flexibility regardingthe tuning process. As we move further down the street of rolling tools, we face the set of rollers that punch the pre-formed panel and make square holes in it. Those slots are used to fix the panel on a roof. As with all cutting and shearing tools, it is necessary to sharpen punching tools from time to time. The perforation set of rollers that go with the roll forming machine SS4E-PRO needs to be sharp as well.

Then the formed and slotted panel goes to the shears. Each SS4E-PRO roll forming machine has an almost identical set of blades. What distinguishes one shears of another is the set of dies that support and lead the panel during the cut-off process.

If you already operate the roll forming machine that produces one of the panels mentioned above, it won’t be difficult for you to replace the rolling tools and extend the list of panels you might propose to the market in a region. If you are new to this field, our team is always ready to help you through the process of adjusting your roll former.

Conclusion

If you are interested in buying the roll former machine for the described panels or for any panel you have in mind, please call or email us. We also accept orders for the customized panels based on your blueprints or even sketches. The design department of our supplier will make all preparations that is necessity in case of production of the machine that will be unique in its kind.

Thanks for reading.

The crew of the Stan Roll Forming Machine (Stan Group).