The C/Z Solar Purlin Roll Forming Machine from ZTRFM is designed to manufacture customized C-shaped and U-shaped structural profiles for photovoltaic mounting systems, solar carports, industrial buildings, and other steel construction applications. The production line processes 1–3 mm structural steel, including Q195, Q235, and Q345B, and combines feeding, leveling, roll forming, cutting, PLC control, and product collection into one efficient system.
For solar structure manufacturers, profile accuracy is especially important because purlins must connect reliably with brackets, rails, and other structural components. Therefore, ZTRFM configures the machine with a servo-driven forming system, automatic size adjustment, hydraulic cutting, and encoder-based length measurement to support stable production and a specified ±1 mm length and hole-position accuracy.
C Purlin vs Z Purlin for Solar Mounting Structures: Key Differences and Selection Guide
When designing a photovoltaic mounting structure, choosing the right purlin profile can affect structural stability, installation efficiency, material consumption, and long-term performance. Among cold-formed steel profiles, C purlins and Z purlins are widely used for solar mounting applications, but they serve different structural purposes.
A C-section provides a practical solution for module rails, short-span members, and edge components, while a Z-section can be overlapped at supports to create continuous structural members for longer spans. However, the final selection should always follow the structural design, including wind load, snow load, span, purlin spacing, steel grade, and connection requirements.
For manufacturers producing these profiles, the SolarMountingPurlinMachine from Zhongtuo provides a flexible way to manufacture customized C/U solar purlins. With servo-driven forming, PLC control, hydraulic cutting, and automatic size adjustment, the machine can process 1–3 mm Q195, Q235, and Q345B steel according to different solar structure requirements.
1. C/U Solar Purlins for Photovoltaic Mounting Systems
Solar mounting structures need steel profiles that can withstand the weight of photovoltaic modules as well as environmental loads. C and U solar purlins provide practical structural support while allowing manufacturers to customize the profile according to different installation designs.
The ZTRFM machine can produce profiles with a C width of 40–100 mm, waist height of 80–300 mm, and lip of 8–20 mm, while maintaining the specified relationship between the lip and waist height. This flexibility allows one production line to manufacture different structural profiles instead of relying on a single fixed size.
Moreover, the machine processes steel with a thickness range of 1–3 mm. Depending on the project, manufacturers can select Q195, Q235, or Q345B material grades. As a result, the same line can support different strength and load requirements for photovoltaic structures and general construction applications.
C/U Solar Purlin Machine Specifications
| Item | ZTRFM Machine Specification |
|---|---|
| Profile type | Customized C/U purlin |
| Material thickness | 1–3 mm |
| Material grade | Q195 / Q235 / Q345B |
| C width | 40–200 mm |
| Waist height | 40–70 mm |
| Lip | 8–20 mm |
| Lip requirement | Lip ≤ 0.37 × waist height |
| Length accuracy | ±1 mm |
| Hole-position accuracy | ±1 mm |
| Decoiler | 5T hydraulic decoiler |
| Uncoiling width | 500 mm |
| Coil inner diameter | 450–550 mm |
| Forming stations | 19 rows |
| Forming roller material | Cr12, heat treated to HRC 58–62 |
| Shaft diameter | Ø70–Ø85 mm |
| Shaft material | 40Cr |
| Transmission | Chain |
| Forming speed | Max. 25 m/min without punching |
| Comprehensive speed | 12–18 m/min, depending on punching |
| Main drive | 30 kW servo motor |
| Cutting | Hydraulic post-cutting |
| Cutting power | 11 kW + cooling device |
| Control system | PLC + touch screen |
| Encoder | Omron |
| Product table | Semi-automatic receiving table |
2. Heavy-Duty Roll Forming System for 1–3 mm Steel
To process heavier structural material, ZTRFM uses a robust machine frame and forming structure. The main machine base uses welded U-beam steel, while the forming stations adopt a cast-steel structure to provide stability during continuous operation.
The line incorporates 19 forming stations, and the rollers use Cr12 material with CNC processing and heat treatment to HRC 58–62. Meanwhile, the shafts are manufactured from 40Cr steel, CNC finished, and electroplated. This combination helps the forming section maintain dimensional consistency when processing 1–3 mm steel strip.
Furthermore, the machine uses chain transmission and a 30 kW servo motor for the main forming drive. The servo system supports controlled material feeding and stable operation, while the PLC and push-button controls allow operators to adjust profile dimensions efficiently.
The production speed reaches up to 25 m/min without punching. When the line performs punching operations, the comprehensive production speed is approximately 12–18 m/min, depending on the punching pattern and production requirements.
3. Automatic Feeding, Leveling and Profile Size Adjustment
Before the steel strip enters the forming section, the feeding and leveling system prepares the material for stable forming. The machine uses guide shafts and guide wheels to keep the coil aligned, while the feeding wheels can be electrically adjusted.
The leveling unit contains three upper rollers and four lower rollers, together with two pinching shafts. The leveling rollers use Cr15 material and have a 75 mm diameter. This configuration helps reduce material deformation from the coil and provides a more consistent strip condition before roll forming.
At the same time, ZTRFM adds an electric adjustment function for the feeding width. Operators can adjust the feeding width directly using the button, which makes profile changes more convenient.
The roll forming machine also supports automatic size adjustment through the PLC touch screen and buttons. Therefore, operators can enter production parameters and change profile dimensions without manually replacing the entire forming setup.
4. Hydraulic Cutting and Precision Production
After the steel strip passes through all forming stations, the hydraulic cutting system separates the finished C/U purlins according to the programmed length. ZTRFM uses post-cutting, meaning the profile is formed first and then cut to the required dimension.
An automatic encoder measures the production length, while the hydraulic cutting mechanism controls the cutting operation. The specified cutting tolerance reaches ±1.0 mm for a 3000 mm product length.
The cutting blades use Cr12MoV with quenching treatment, providing the hardness and wear resistance required for repeated cutting operations. In addition, the cutter can be manually adjusted for different product sizes, reducing the need for frequent blade replacement or complicated tooling changes.
Because the cutting system works after forming, the finished profile can maintain its designed cross-section during separation. Under appropriate machine setup and material conditions, the cut end is produced without significant burrs or deformation.
5. PLC Control, Hydraulic System and Production Handling
The control section combines a PLC control system, touch-screen interface, encoder measurement, and production data input software. Operators can quickly enter production parameters through the touch screen, while the PLC coordinates forming, cutting, and other automated operations.
The system supports Chinese and English, or another requested language depending on the project. Production data can also be entered through the available quick-input system, helping operators reduce repetitive parameter-setting work.
For hydraulic operations, the machine uses 46# hydraulic oil. The hydraulic station includes the oil tank, two hydraulic pumps, four hydraulic pipes, and three sets of solenoid valves. A forced-air cooling system helps manage hydraulic-system temperature during continuous production.
After cutting, the finished profiles move onto the product receiving table. The supplied configuration includes a semi-automatic product table, providing a practical solution for collecting and organizing finished C/U purlins.
ZTRFM also provides the machine with two operating modes for size adjustment and production control: operators can use physical buttons or the PLC touch screen. This dual-control design makes the line easier to operate in different production situations.
6. ZTRFM Customized C/Z Solar Purlin Production Solution
Different photovoltaic projects require different structural profiles, material strengths, hole configurations, and production lengths. Therefore, ZTRFM does not limit the machine to one standard C/U purlin dimension.
Based on the supplied project requirements, the machine is configured for 1–3 mm Q195/Q235/Q345B steel, with profile dimensions covering 40–200 mm C width, 40–70 mm waist height, and 8–20 mm lip. The line combines a 5T hydraulic decoiler, leveling and feeding unit, 19-station high-speed roll forming machine, 30 kW servo drive, PLC control cabinet, hydraulic cutting system, hydraulic station, and receiving table.
This configuration provides a practical production solution for manufacturers producing solar mounting structures in different sizes. In addition, the automatic feeding-width adjustment and PLC-based size control make it easier to switch between different specifications.
For photovoltaic structure manufacturers, the ZTRFM Heavy Duty C/U Solar Purlin Roll Forming Machine offers a combination of structural strength, profile flexibility, automatic control, and dimensional accuracy. By integrating forming, measurement, cutting, and product handling into one production line, manufacturers can produce customized solar purlins efficiently while adapting the machine to different project requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main difference between C purlins and Z purlins?
C purlins have a channel-shaped cross-section, while Z purlins have a Z-shaped profile with opposite-facing flanges. C sections are commonly used for short-span and module-supporting applications, while Z sections can be overlapped at supports for continuous structural arrangements.
2. Are C purlins suitable for solar mounting structures?
Yes. C purlins can be used for rooftop solar mounting, module rails, solar carports, agricultural structures, edge members, and other applications, provided that the selected section satisfies the project’s structural requirements.
3. Why are Z purlins used for long-span solar structures?
The opposite flange arrangement allows Z purlins to overlap at supports. With an appropriately designed lap and connection, this arrangement can provide continuous structural behaviour across multiple spans. The actual capacity and span must be verified through structural calculations.
4. What material thickness can Zhongtuo’s SolarMountingPurlinMachine process?
The specified machine configuration processes 1–3 mm steel and supports Q195, Q235, and Q345B material grades.
5. What profile sizes can the Zhongtuo machine produce?
The supplied configuration supports C widths of 40–200 mm, waist heights of 40–70 mm, and lips of 8–20 mm. The profile should be confirmed through the customer’s technical drawing before machine configuration.
6. What is the production speed of the Servo-Based C-Purlin Roll Forming Machine?
The maximum forming speed is 25 m/min without punching. When punching is required, the comprehensive production speed is approximately 12–18 m/min, depending on the punching pattern.
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