Spline vs. Welded Roll Connections in Plate Rolling Machine: Which is Better?
                     Spline vs. Welded Roll Connections in Plate 
Rolling Machine: Which is Better?
Choosing the right roll connection impacts your machine's performance, precision, and long-term value. This 
guide helps you understand the critical differences to make the best choice for your metal fabrication needs.
The Critical Role of Roll 
Connections
What Are Roll Why They Matter
Connections?
Directly responsible for 
Mechanical links that metal-bending efficiency 
transmit torque from the and machine durability 
machine's drive system to under high loads during 
the rolls, powering the 24/7 operation.
metal bending process.
Key Requirements
Must provide accurate torque transfer for even curves, 
consistent bending results, and prevention of abnormal 
wear.
Understanding Spline Roll Connections
A spline roll connection features a shaft with grooves on its 
surface that align with matching grooves in the roll hub. This 
design:
• Transfers torque uniformly across multiple contact points
• Can be disassembled for maintenance
• Offers better serviceability and alignment accuracy
• Is typically made from high-strength alloy steels like EN24 or 
42CrMo4
Preferred in high-precision industries such as aerospace 
engineering, pressure vessel manufacturing, and shipbuilding.
Understanding Welded Roll Connections
A welded roll connection is a permanent joint where the roll 
shaft is directly welded to the roll body using techniques such 
as:
• MIG (Metal Inert Gas)
• TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas)
• SAW (Submerged Arc Welding)
Rather than mechanical interlocking, welded connections rely 
on weld strength to transfer torque. They're commonly found in 
lighter-duty plate rolling machines and cost-sensitive 
production environments.
Note: Once welded, it becomes difficult to disassemble or 
replace components without cutting.
Key Differences: Permanence & Torque 
Transmission
Permanence Torque Transmission
Spline: Detachable and serviceable, allowing for Spline: Torque evenly distributed across multiple 
easy maintenance and part replacement. teeth, reducing stress on components.
Welded: Permanent joint requiring cutting, Welded: Torque concentrated along weld seam, 
grinding, or complete replacement when failure creating localized stress that can lead to 
occurs. microcracks under continuous load.
Key Differences: Precision & Cost
Precision and Alignment Total Cost of Ownership
Spline: Excellent repeatability and concentric Spline: Higher upfront cost but lower long-term 
alignment maintained even after disassembly. maintenance expenses.
Welded: Depends heavily on welding accuracy; Welded: Lower initial cost but potentially higher 
misalignment can throw off the roll's axis. long-term expenses due to difficult servicing.
Application Suitability
Spline Roll Welded Roll 
Connections Connections
Best suited for: Commonly used in:
• High-precision applications • Low to medium-duty 
• Heavy-duty rolling (wind rolling
towers, ship hulls, thick • Cost-sensitive systems
structural steel) • Machines with limited 
• Machines with long maintenance access
service life expectations • Shorter product runs or 
• CNC-integrated or variable workloads
automated lines
Comparison at a Glance
Factors Spline Roll Connection Welded Roll Connection
Permanence Detachable and serviceable Permanent joint
Torque Transmission Evenly distributed across Concentrated along the weld 
multiple teeth seam
Precision and Alignment Excellent repeatability and Depends heavily on welding 
concentric alignment accuracy
Total Cost of Ownership Higher upfront cost Lower initial cost
Application Suitability High-precision, high-load, Simpler applications or budget-
repeat-use machines limited setups
Thank You
Have any questions?
[email protected]
+91 7486003438
www.himalayamachine.com