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Steel Bending Methods for Roll Over Protection

Engineers have designed structures to protect equipment operators from injury when a truck or tractor rolls over. These structures are often referred to as "roll over protection" or "ROPS" for short. Similar to the roll bars in sports cars and racing cars, the structures often involve a curved or bent rolled section that extends over the head and body of the driver. This protection is commonly seen on heavy agricultural and construction equipment. Heavily regulated by OSHA and other government entities, ROPS are tested both for strength and energy absorption.

Through a variety of bending methods, Chicago Metal Rolled Products has provided roll over protection to a variety of industries.

Roll Over Protection Image

Capacity to Fabricate Roll Over Protection

A variety of rolled sections are used for ROPS, but the most common seems to be round, square and rectangular tubing. Probably the most common method to bend this tubing is with a the rotary-draw, pipe bender with an internal mandrel. At Chicago Metal, we use this method to produce U-shaped tubes with two 180 degree bends that are smooth with no distortion even with tight radiuses.

At times, however, the engineers call for the inside wall of the tube to become concave because in certain applications that concavity makes the tube stronger. For larger radiuses, Chicago Metal can use its many section benders to achieve a perfect curve. Using rotary draw benders and section benders, the company can produce ROPS with multiple radiuses.

Roll Over Protection: Value-Added Services

If desired, Chicago Metal can punch, drill, weld and/or assemble ROPS. It can even arrange to have the product blasted and painted.

Roll Over Protection: Applications for Curved Steel

ROPS can be seen commonly on tractors, other farm equipment and construction equipment. Sometimes, we will see a request for a custom roll bar for a sports car, a racing car, or a go-cart. The chrome-plated versions look the best.

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