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Process Intelligence

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Process Intelligence & Control

Servo Articulating
Roller Forming

Programmable form path control and up to 9,000 lbs of force enable precise, repeatable results on heavier materials — no post-process measurement required. Simultaneous jaw advancement and multi-point tooling contact in a single cycle reduces cycle time and expands your forming capabilities.

9,000 lbs
Max Articulating Force
3-Axis
Full Servo Control
Multi-Touch
Single-Cycle Forming

Capability

What the Servo Option Makes Possible

Built on Orbitform's proven articulating roller forming platform — with servo control across every axis for applications that demand more force, more precision, or more form complexity.

Defined Formed-Up Position

Form to a precise, programmable endpoint. No post-process measurement required — the servo system holds position so you know the result before the part leaves the station.

Programmable Form Path

Move in multiple axes simultaneously. Form in, adjust angle, return — all in a single programmable cycle. Create profiles, chamfers, and complex geometries that fixed tooling can't achieve.

Multi-Touch in One Cycle

Hit the part at multiple points or stages without stopping the cycle. Two-stage forming eliminates the crumpling effect and achieves tighter corner radii than single-pass approaches allow.

Higher Force, Heavier Materials

Up to 9,000 lbs of articulating force opens up steel and thick-wall applications that were previously out of reach for roller forming — without switching to a press or crimp operation.

Faster Cycle Time

Simultaneous jaw advancement as the head comes down — rather than sequential movement — reduces overall cycle time. Advance, form, and return in one fluid motion.

Through-Spindle Pressure Pad

The pressure pad advantage Orbitform is known for — combined with full servo articulation. Essential on the majority of roller forming applications and unavailable on competing platforms.


Architecture

Three-Axis Servo Control

Full servo control across every axis — spindle, thrust, and articulation — delivers process authority that pneumatic and induction motor systems can't match.

Each axis is independently programmable, allowing precise coordination of speed, position, and force throughout the forming cycle. The result is a system where every variable is controlled — not estimated.

01
Spindle Motor

Controls rotational speed with precision across the full range — up to 400 RPM. Servo-driven for ultimate RPM control throughout the forming cycle.

02
Thrust Motor

Drives downward force and advancement with programmable speed and position. Enables simultaneous movement with articulation for faster, more efficient cycle sequences.

03
Articulation Motor

Drives roller jaw movement with up to 3,000 lbs per jaw across a 0.625" radial stroke at up to 1.25 in/sec — with fully programmable path control throughout.


Specifications

Design Specifications

Articulating Head Max Force9,000 lbs total / 3,000 lbs per jaw
Articulating Head Stroke0.625" radial
Articulating Head Max Speed1.25 in/sec radial
Peak Articulating Torque120 Nm (1,070 in-lb)
Spindle Max Speed400 RPM
Power Head Total Stroke4"
Max Advance / Return Speed4.5 in/sec
Pressure Pad Stroke~100 mm (3.94")
Pressure Pad Hold-Down Force730 lbs @ 60 psi / 1,216 lbs @ 100 psi
Note: Custom strokes and forces available. Specifications vary by application geometry, material, and frame size. Consult Orbitform engineering for application-specific recommendations.

Full Spec Sheet

Download the complete servo articulating roller forming specification sheet for detailed dimensional data, frame size options, and application guidance for your engineering review.

⬡ Download Spec Sheet (PDF)

Applications

Is the Servo Option Right for Your Application?

The servo option shares the same core application profile as pneumatic articulating roller forming — round, cylindrical parts — with expanded capability for applications that push the limits of force, precision, or form complexity.

YES… If:

  • Material is steel or thick-wall and higher force is required
  • Post-process measurement is currently required to verify results
  • Forming geometry requires multiple stages or complex path control
  • Material crumples on form-over-lip applications
  • Precision and repeatability are critical across high volumes
  • Existing articulating force is insufficient for the application

Pneumatic Articulating May Be Sufficient If:

  • Softer materials with modest force requirements
  • Simple in-and-out form path with no geometry complexity
  • Post-measurement is acceptable in the current workflow
  • Application requirements fall within pneumatic capacity
Not sure which option fits your application? Orbitform's Solutions Lab can run your parts and validate the process before you commit to equipment. Talk to an expert →

Comparison

Servo vs. Pneumatic Articulating

Same platform. Different level of process control. The servo option is the right choice when application requirements push beyond what pneumatic articulating can reliably deliver.

Pneumatic Articulating Servo Articulating
Formed-up positionSet manually, verified after formingProgrammable endpoint — no post-measurement
Form pathFixed in/outMulti-axis programmable path
Jaw and head movementSequentialSimultaneous — faster cycle time
Forming stages per cycleSingle passMulti-touch, multi-stage in one cycle
Max articulating forceLimited on heavy steelUp to 9,000 lbs — heavier materials, thicker walls
Through-spindle pressure padAvailableIncluded
Frame sizesMultiple availableMultiple available — right-sized for your application

Have an Application in Mind?

Orbitform engineers work directly with your team to evaluate fit, run lab tests, and spec the right solution for your assembly process.

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