Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing continuously cast thin or intermediate thickness gauge slabs into finished continuous hot-rolled strip in superlarge coil form. Optimum entry speed of continuous cast slabs into the hot rolling mill is enabled and substantially uninterrupted operation of the continuous caster is provided for; problems associated with welded coil ends during subsequent processing are reduced with use of the finished superlarge coils.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for reducing the total number of required rolling passes of a metal strip in a cold rolling mill to achieve a desired strip thickness. This is accomplished by increasing the exit strip tension of the metal up to 85% of the yield strength Y of the metal strip. This increase in exit strip tension allows a manufacturer to process strip in an apparatus at a maximum thickness reduction of about 50 to 55% in a single rolling pass. At the same time, the increased exit strip tension will result in a reduced lever arm of the work roll of the cold rolling mill and will substantially reduce all of the roll separating force, motor torque and roll mill power of the apparatus.

Abstract: In a mill for cross rolling metal strip and having upper and lower work rolls and backup rolls, at least one crossed intermediate roll is disposed between at least one pair of work roll and backup roll.

Abstract: A system and method for achieving an optimum interstand strip tension providing substantially equal loading of adjacent stands of a tandem rolling mill where such optimum tension is determined by the expression ##EQU1## where A1 and B1 are, respectively, the load ratio intercept and the slope of the load ratio versus interstand tension function for a first mill rolling stand, and A2 and B2 are, respectively, the load ratio intercept and the slope of the load ratio versus interstand tension function for an adjacent second mill rolling stand, and whereby the rolling capacity of the mill is substantially fully utilized.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for roll crossing and shifting in which work roll chocks are mounted between Mae West blocks, the chocks and Mae West blocks being provided with opposed contact surfaces defining an angle .beta. to the roll axis, whereby, when the rolls are axially shifted, the rolls also cross, through an angle .alpha., due to forces acting on the chocks as they move along the contact surfaces of the Mae West blocks.