Principles of Self Control of Product Flatness in Strip Rolling Mills

Abstract

Design prerequisites were examined for a strip mill which would spontaneously provide a nearly-uniform percent reduction of thickness across a metal sheet or strip regardless of the latter’s cross-sectional form. The main requirement is that the flexural rigidity of the roll assembly be small (yet finite) and that the rolls be loaded uniformly over their working length rather than be end-supported. When operated with front and back tensions, a machine built along these lines should also correct initially malshaped material. The analysis is supported by a computer-solved comprehensive example wherein a conventional 4-high and a “flexible,” hydraulically loaded cluster mill are compared.