This paper presents how to approximate an optimal shape of roll bending process in the fabrication of a curved shell plate. The roll bending process usually makes the cylindrical or conic shape from an initial flat plate. It means that the final shape is developable or its surface representation has zero Gaussian curvature. The fabrication shape is important in order to find process parameters of roil bending. An optimal concept is used to determine the developable fabrication shape which is in the closest proximity to the design surface or the given shell plate and is subject to developability. The results and the efficiency of this algorithm are evaluated by applying to some shell plates. Furthermore, the fabrication shape will be fundamental information for other process parameters of roll bending such as the vertical displacement of the center roller and the rolling directions.