What the FAB?
When it comes to the nomenclature of the models in the various lines of metalworking equipment from Revolution Machine Tools, it can seem a bit confusing at first glance. After all, RMT has an ECO™ series of band saws and an ECO™ series of sheet metal rolls. A model with the word GIANT™ in it could refer just as easily to a plate roll as a press brake. And models with SMART™ or GENIUS™ could be referencing brakes, shears, or cold saws.
The logic of reusing such terms across most of their lines becomes clear when a machine buyer recognizes the differences in sophistication represented by the different terms. ECO™ designates basic, affordable models, ideal for first-time fabricators. FAB™ denotes precision metalworking machines that aren’t run by a CNC panel. SMART™ and GENIUS™ series are generally the CNC machines in the various lineups, differentiated by standard axes versus expanded axes of control. The GIANT™ series are the large format machines (whether CNC or not) that are designed for massive industrial jobs. A model labeled HYBRID™ combines different technologies, such as RMT’s electric/hydraulic press brakes.
Letters preceding the model designation describe the general machine type. So “B” stands for (press) brake, “R” for (plate) roll, and so forth. “S” stands for saw (either band or cold), therefore S-ECO™ will be in the model number of a manual bandsaw, while S-FAB™ will identify a semi-automatic saw. The word FAB™ is found in models of over a dozen different product types offered by RMT, including aircraft rolls, mechanical shears, flanging-cutting-dishing machines, ironworkers, and various lines of hydraulic presses.
The letter “A” is their classification for angle rolls, a common term for profile roll benders, so A-FAB™ is found in the model numbers for hydraulic angle rolls available from Revolution Machine Tools. While RMT also offers large capacity A-GIANT™ angle rolls, as well as A-ECO™ motorized rolls (plus one CNC model), our focus today is on the A-FAB™ angle rolls that are the profile bender of choice for most fabrication shops.
Advantages of A-FAB™ Angle Rolls
The hydraulic profile rolls in RMT’s A-FAB™ series were designed with the heavy demands of the average fab shop in mind. They are available in a wide range of sizes, featuring top shaft diameters between 1.57″ and 7.08″, with Schedule 40 pipe capacities up to 8″ in diameter.
All A-FAB™ angle rolls have been designed to provide unequaled precision and efficiency in every bend, even with highly demanding structural steel profiles like I-beams and H-beams. Their robust frames are constructed from mill-certified, high-yield steel, with all frame parts machined on a 5-axis CNC machining center using a single reference point to maintain perfect parallelism of all surfaces and axes. The frames are then precision welded and are strengthened to minimize twists and deformation and are further strengthened using steel bars to complete the chassis. When the frame is complete, all welds on the frame, chassis, and steel bar connections are stress-relieved to provide additional durability.
The inner components of RMT A-FAB™ angle rolls are heat treated and induction hardened to provide long life and consistent repeatability in part forming. The high-torque drive system allows parts to be bent in fewer steps, and all three rolls are driven by independent hydraulic motors and a precision gear box. Their strong braking systems reduce safety concerns by not allowing the part to slip back, especially during critical pre-bending operations.
These angle rolls also include universal dies that can roll solid squares and rectangles, flats along the edge (the “hard way”), and T-sections, whether leg-out, leg-in or leg-down. Although special tooling is also available—and recommended—for each profile, all models in the A-FAB™ series can also roll the following to some degree with the standard included tooling: angle iron (leg-out or leg-in), square or rectangle tubing, solid rounds, and C-section (leg-out or leg-in). Special tooling is available for all models to roll round tubing and Schedule 40 pipe, and some larger models have special tooling available for rolling C-section (the hard way), H-section (the easy way or the hard way), and I-section (the easy way or the hard way).
Models in the A-FAB™ Series
There are seven standard models and three heavy-duty models (indicated by “HD”) in RMT’s A-FAB™ series:
- A-FAB™ 157 | 1.57″ shaft diameter, 1.5 HP, 1-3/8″ x 1-3/8″ x 3/16″ angle leg-out capacity.
- A-FAB™ 236 | 2.36″ top shaft diameter, 4 HP, 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ x 1/4″ angle leg-out capacity.
- A-FAB™ 314 | 3.14″ top shaft diameter, 5.5 HP, 3″ x 3″ x 5/16″ angle leg-out capacity.
- A-FAB HD™ 334 | 3.34″ shaft diameter, 10 HP, 3″ x 3″ x 5/16″ angle leg-out capacity.
- A-FAB™ 393 | 3.93″ shaft diameter, 10 HP, 4″ x 4″ x 1/2″ angle leg-out capacity.
- A-FAB HD™ 433 | 4.33″ shaft diameter, 15 HP, 4″ x 4″ x 1/2″ angle leg-out capacity.
- A-FAB™ 472 | 4.72″ shaft diameter, 20 HP, 5″ x 5″ x 1/2″ angle leg-out capacity.
- A-FAB HD™ 551 | 5.51″ shaft diameter, 20 HP, 5″ x 5″ x 1/2″ angle leg-out capacity.
- A-FAB™ 629 | 6.29″ shaft diameter, 30 HP, 6″ x 6″ x 3/4″ angle leg-out capacity.
- A-FAB™ 708 | 7.08″ shaft diameter, 40 HP, 7″ x 7″ x 3/4″ angle leg-out capacity.
Your One-Stop Metal Fabrication Machine Source
Whether you are looking for an angle roll, a press brake, or a fiber laser, Revolution Machine Tools should be your first—and hopefully only—stop. Whatever you need to do with metal, they will help you find the best possible solution to fit within your budget, while keeping an eye to your future projects. Their professional sales advisors will introduce you to machines that feature the highest standards of engineering in the industry, and their factory-trained service technicians will be on call to keep you up and running long after your purchase. Give them a call today for a competitive quote on your next piece of metal fabrication equipment.
If you will be attending FABTECH 2024 this year in Orlando, Florida, please be sure to stop in at booth #S13023 and meet the Revolution Machine Tools team in person. They will have an A-FAB HD™ 433 angle roll on display, along with a press brake, two plate rolls, three bandsaws, and much more. Held October 15-17, 2024, at the Orange County Convention Center, FABTECH is North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing exposition.
