Purlin lines
Z Purlin Roll Forming Machine
Lines for the nested Z purlin section in 1.5–5.0 mm steel, with opposite hand tooling, in-line punching and web height adjustment for long span roofs.
- Sheet thickness 1.5–5.0 mm
- Web height 80–350 mm
- Forming stations 20–24
- Line speed 12–25 m/min
Made to order
Z Purlin Roll Forming Machine — quoted per project
Z purlin lines are built to order — single hand or switchable left/right hand tooling, sized to your web height range. Send the section drawing and the roof layout, and we will quote tooling, line configuration and delivery schedule.
Request a QuoteTechnical overview
Why Z purlins lap and C purlins cannot
A Z purlin points its flanges in opposite directions, so two purlins overlap at the rafter and behave as a continuous beam. That is what allows longer spans with lighter sections than a C purlin.
The geometry also means a Z line needs opposite hand tooling: a left hand Z and a right hand Z lap together, so the same roof uses both hands in alternating bays. Most Z lines carry one hand and the second hand is produced by turning the strip or by a second roll set, which is a decision to make at enquiry stage.
Forming loads are higher than on a light gauge line because the web is deeper (80–350 mm) and the material runs to 5.0 mm. The frame uses 20–24 stations on 80 mm shafts, and punching is positioned after the web is formed so hole positions stay true. If you sell both C and Z, the CZ line is the usual compromise.
Typical specifications
- Sheet thickness
- 1.5–5.0 mm
- Web height
- 80–350 mm
- Flange width
- 40–100 mm
- Forming stations
- 20–24
- Shaft diameter
- 80 mm
- Main motor
- 15 kW
- Hands
- Left / right, switchable
- Line speed
- 12–25 m/min
Figures are typical for this category. Final values follow the profile drawing and material grade.
Discuss your specificationApplications
Where these lines are used
The same machine serves different industries depending on the profile, coating and output. Start from the application closest to your project.
FAQ
Z Purlin Roll Forming Machine — questions buyers ask
Answers come from real quotation discussions. If your question is not here, ask it directly and an engineer will answer.
Do we need both hands of Z purlin from one line?
In most roof layouts, yes — left and right hand alternate at every rafter. Lines are built with a switchable entry guide that turns the strip, or with two tooling sets. Confirm the layout with your structural designer before specifying.
Why is a Z line more expensive than a C line?
The opposite hand mechanism is what adds cost: the entry has to turn the strip or carry a second roll set, and the tooling is machined as a matched left and right pair. The payback comes from the longer spans a Z section achieves with less steel.
Can the same line form C purlin?
Not without a tooling change. The CZ line is the version built for both; a dedicated Z line cannot form a C section because the flange directions differ.
What tolerance is held on web height?
The web is formed on adjustable side units with a mechanical lock, so it does not drift during a long run. The figure to quote is the one on your section drawing — send it with the enquiry and it is confirmed at tooling design.
Next step
Get a quote for a Z Purlin Roll Forming Machine
Send the profile drawing, material thickness and target output. You will get a line configuration, tooling scope and delivery schedule — usually within one working day.
Or compare non-standard builds on the custom roll forming page.