Section Bending Aluminium Shroud Rings for Industrial Cooling Systems

SweBend engineer holding the finished aluminium shroud ring produced using a customized section bending solution.

Customer, machine, and application

This case features a SweBend SB4 65S delivered to Trane, a long-established producer of industrial cooling and ventilation systems.

The machine is used to bend extruded aluminium profiles into small-diameter shroud rings. These rings act as structural and support components inside larger cooling assemblies, where dimensional accuracy directly affects fit and function.

Close-up of a closed shroud ring bent from an extruded aluminium profile, showing a consistent radius and stable cross section produced by the SweBend SB4 65S.

The bending challenge

The task is a typical aluminium section bending challenge. The profile must be formed into a closed ring with a consistent radius and a stable cross-section. Even small deviations lead to assembly issues or rework. Aluminium amplifies this risk due to its sensitivity to uneven pressure and insufficient support during bending.

This makes a dedicated section bending machine essential rather than optional.

Machine capacity and configuration

The SB4 65S provides sufficient capacity for the aluminium profiles used in this application and is designed for 24/7 operation. Dimensions and radii are defined by the supplied drawings and supported by consistent roll alignment and drive torque control.

Machine Info

Machine: SweBend SB4-65S
Customer: Trane

Machine type: Four-roll section bending machine

Application: Bending aluminium profiles into small-diameter closed rings (shroud rings)

Material: Aluminum
Profile, size & radius: Extruded aluminium profile. Small diameters, defined by customer drawings

Capacity: Configured for aluminium section bending and continuous 24/7 production

Customization: Custom profile rolls, feed rails for handling support, lift roll with wide working range for multiple diameters

End product: Shroud and support rings for industrial cooling and ventilation systems

Customization for Trane’s production flow

While the base machine is standard, the configuration is not. Custom rolls were produced to match the aluminium profile geometry, ensuring even pressure distribution and minimizing surface marking. Feed rails support consistent material handling and reduce operator dependency. A lift roll with a wide working range allows multiple ring diameters to be produced without mechanical changes.

Overview of the SweBend SB4 65S section bending machine bending aluminium profiles into a consistent circular shape.

This setup reflects SweBend’s approach to custom metal forming, where tooling and accessories are adapted to the real production environment.

Key advantages in operation

The result is a stable and repeatable bending process for 24/7 production. Output quality remains consistent over long runs, and scrap is minimized. These advantages are visible in the demonstration video below through smooth bending progression and clean ring closure.

Why Trane chose SweBend

Trane is a long-term customer. The decision was based on experience. Over decades, SweBend machines have demonstrated reliable performance, long service life, and consistent quality in Trane’s production. That track record reduced investment risk and reinforced SweBend’s role as a trusted section bending machine manufacturer.

Extruded aluminium profiles being bent into shroud rings using custom rolls on the SweBend SB4 65S section bending machine.

Why customization matters

This case illustrates a key lesson in section bending. Precision comes from control, support, and correct tooling, not from generic capacity. Machines configured around the application outperform one-size-fits-all solutions. When deciding on a new bending machine, make sure to ask more questions and consider the long-term investment in bending technology.

SweBend.
Built around YOUR bend.

Post author

Peter NilssonCEO & Founder
With decades of experience in bending technology and industrial metal forming solutions.

Machine FAQ

Why is a 4-roll section bending machine advisable for aluminium profiles?2026-01-30T08:55:06+01:00

Four-roll section bending machines apply continuous, controlled pressure to a profile through multiple rollers, which reduces deformation and delivers smooth, uniform curves ideal for closed ring production. The extra roll improves grip and bending accuracy compared with simpler configurations, helping maintain cross-section integrity and roundness in aluminium parts.

What benefit does a four-roll design provide over three-roll bending?2026-01-30T08:54:32+01:00

Most important is that in a four-roll machine it is possible to produce a complete ring (or any other shape) in one single pass. Also, a four-roll design can clamp the profile more securely and manage bending moments more precisely than three-roll machines. This gives better control over curvature, produces more accurate geometry, and supports stable pre-bending — all of which contribute to consistent results especially in aluminium profiles that are sensitive to uneven pressure.

Why is tailoring rolls and tooling important for aluminium section bending?2026-01-30T08:54:52+01:00

Aluminium alloys are malleable but can deform or mark easily if unsupported. Tailored rolls and tooling match the profile shape and bending radius, maintaining cross-section stability, reducing surface defects, and improving repeatability across production runs. Custom tooling can also reduce setup time (operator adjustments).

Can one section bending machine handle multiple ring diameters?2026-01-30T10:03:14+01:00

Yes. With features like a lift roll that has a wide working range and adjustable tooling, a single section bending machine can produce rings in different diameters without mechanical reconfiguration, increasing flexibility and minimizing downtime.

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Why choose a bending machine from swebend?

Precision Bending is achieved by leaving Nothing to Chance. We perfect our calculations and tailor all solutions to match our clients exact needs. All material is tailored to meet our customer’s exact requirements which gives the best precision, durability and quality. We only use tested, industry standard and future proof components. Ultimately we ensure the best quality by keeping our production and assembly in-house and applying world-renowned Swedish manufacturing standards.

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