The role of the roll forming machine is to form the metal sheet into a specific shape. The process powers the flat metal through a series of continuous hardened steel rolls, shaping the metal into the finished shape station by station. This method can rapidly form sheet metal into a variety of shapes, from simple corrugations to fully enclosed elongated shapes. Because forming is done by drawing, and in many cases rolling the sheet metal into coils by machine, mass production is possible.

Continuous rolling of roll-formed parts through roller molds allows closed or open profiles. These profiles have huge applications in manufacturing, commercial construction, aerospace and other applications. Parts can be manufactured from aluminum to size 6 steel (1/2 inch thick). They are rigid and have very high strength.

Additional operations can "pre-punch" the holes in precise locations to mount the holes or reduce the weight of the final shape. "Slotting" is another operation that can punch through or punch out part of the metal from the surface.

Flying cut-off speed processing. The shape can be cut to a precise length after completion using the "roll forming" part of the system, with a "flight cut-off". This type of "cut-off" allows cutting while the system is still moving the sheet metal through the roller mold, increasing throughput.