Among Leonardo’s inventions we find a rolling mill capable of rolling out tin into uniformly thin plates.
The instrument consists of a pair of cylindrical rollers, positioned one above the other, which progressively press upon the product to be processed. The turning of a crank moves the gears to set the upper cylinder in motion. The lower one, supported by two brackets, can be lowered or raised, depending on the thickness desired for the metal sheet to be thinned.
Leonardo suggests making the cylinders out of “material for bells,” namely, bronze, so that they will not deform during use.
Technical informations
Type of exhibit
Model
Collection
Material
Carved wood, metal, enameled iron
Measures
Width: 46 cm; Length: 70 cm; Depth: 35 cm.
Storage location
Relationship with the original work
Source: Leonardo da Vinci, Manuscript I (France), f. 48 v
Inventory number
Record n. OA: 00000018
Location
Museo Leonardiano, Counts Guidi's castle, ground floor
Last update: 11 November 2025, 11:50