Edge rolling and conditioning are two essential processes for any hockey player to understand. The blade’s edge is the only part that touches the ice, so you must know how to take care of it. Edge rolling removes excess steel from under your skate’s edge (the area where your blade meets the ice) by grinding away metal until you reach the desired thickness. Conditioning makes sure that there are no sharp edges left on your knife, which will make it easier to glide across the surface of the ice.
Why Edge Rolling and Conditioning Matter
It’s crucial to maintain the quality of your metal sheeting for both production and aesthetic purposes. Sheet metal edge rolling results in a cleaner edge, meaning you’ll receive a more consistent product that moves through machines more efficiently.
Edge rolling is necessary because many cutting tools like saw blades leave behind debris, resulting in reduced performance or even injury if it gets into another part of the machine. A clean edge means minor wear on the tool and higher-quality products coming out on the other side. It also helps with aesthetics by giving your finished pieces an appealing look without any unsightly marks leftover from production.
Edge Conditioning Services
One of the value-added services at Mead Metals is stainless steel edge rolling and deburring. Our 1/2″ to 10″ vast edge rolling capacity is ideal for metalworking projects. The following are AISI edges by default:
Round Edge
When rolling and conditioning metal, it is vital to use an edge radius approximately equal to 1/2 the metal product’s thickness. This will help to ensure a consistent roll and minimize the appearance of any deformations on the metal product.
Mill Edge
A naturally formed hot rolled or cold rolled edge is generally a result of the manufacturing process. The boundary may be rough and have a varying width.
Slit Edge
The approximate square edge appears like a perfect square when looking at the end of the workpiece. The surface is smooth, and there are no noticeable slits on edge. To produce this type of edge, the burr must be intact, and no damage should be inflicted on the workpiece.
Round-Cornered Edge
Rounded edge, slitting fracture may be visible on the surface of a round-cornered edge. This is caused by the blade pushing the material off the cutting edge rather than slicing it cleanly with a sharp edge. Because of this type of fracture, a dull blade can cause more damage to the material being cut and lead to increased wear on both the knife and workpiece.
Use a honing rod or diamond sharpener to create a sharp edge on your blades to avoid these problems. A well-sharpened knife will have less resistance when slicing through materials, which leads to cleaner cuts with minor damage and wear.
Deburred Edge
When a fabricating company is looking to purchase a slitting machine, they need to ensure they get the suitable device for their needs. There are many different types of slitting machines on the market, and each one has its advantages and disadvantages.
One crucial factor to consider when purchasing a slitting machine is the type of edge the engine produces. There are three main types of edges: deburred, safety, and trimmed. Every kind of edge has its advantages and disadvantages.
Square Edge
Conditioning the edge of your lumber is key to optimizing its performance. When you square a bite, you’re removing any potential stress risers or weak points in the wood that could lead to failure during use. Radial corners are also a common problem on machined lumber- they can easily fracture and create a weakened point in the board. By conditioning the edge of your lumber, you remove these potential problems and improve your boards’ overall strength and stability.
Benefits of Metal Coil Edge Rolling
- Increased production rates
- Improved weld quality
- Reduced scrap and rework
- Increased efficiency in the shop
- Better welds mean less wasted time and money
How to Roll Sheet Metal Edges
Rolling the edge of a sheet metal part is easy to remove sharp edges and create a uniform surface. The process also improves the appearance of the finished product and can increase its durability. Essentially, rolling shears off any bumps or creases in the metal and produces what is called a “rolled edge.”
The first step in this process is to attach your material to one side of a roller with clamps to hang vertically from the center. If you’re working with round tubing, drill two holes on opposite sides about 1/2 inch away from each end, as well as four evenly spaced along either lengthwise axis for better balance. Next, place another set of clamps onto these holes about midway around the circumference. This will keep the material from spinning when you start rolling.
Now, take your edge roller and place it so that the beveled side is against the metal and begins at one of the drilled holes. Apply light pressure as you slowly roll the tool towards the other hole. It would help if you continued moving down the length of the sheet in this fashion, applying even pressure to ensure a consistent edge.
Once you reach the end, turn around and do the same thing in reverse, making sure to overlap slightly where you started, so there are no gaps in coverage. If working with tubing, make sure to rotate it every few rolls so that all areas are evenly treated.
Why it Matters
There are many reasons why edge rolling and conditioning matter. One of the most important is that it helps to keep your skis in good condition. If you don’t support them well-rolled and conditioned, the edges will become dull, and you’ll lose your grip on the snow. This can cause you to fall or lose speed, both of which can be dangerous when skiing.
FAQs
What is the difference between “rolling” and “conditioning?”
Rolling is the process of flattening and evening out the surface of the metal. Conditioning adds a layer of protection to the metal, preventing it from corroding or rusting.
How often should I use a specific type of edge?
It depends on how often you use your knife. If you’re using it every day, condition the blade every week. If you only use it once a month, prepare it once a month. Roll it every time you drill it, regardless of how often you use the knife.
Do you need to pay for a professional edger?
No, you don’t need to pay for a professional edge. It’s pretty easy to do yourself! Just follow these steps below:
- Turn your whetstone at an angle of 15-20 degrees
- After lubricating the stone with water or oil, begin passing the blade across it in one direction – all edges should be touching the stone’s surface while only half are on top of the metal. Drawback towards you halfway up and repeat this process until sharpening is complete. Roll each side once during this process.
- Repeat after every use if used frequently or monthly otherwise.
When do I bring my clubs in for maintenance?
You should bring your clubs in for maintenance as soon as you notice a difference in how they perform. For example, if you begin missing more putts than usual or slicing your drives off course, then it’s time to visit us!
Will improper storage ruin an iron or wedge?
No, iron or wedge will not be ruined by improper storage. However, it may rust over time if not taken care of. Make sure you store your clubs in a dry place and keep them away from direct sunlight!
