Abstract: Apparatus and a process for the high-speed coiling of an aluminum strip. The high speed coiling can be accomplished throughout a continuous casting process without slowing the coiling as the present invention enables the transfer of the moving strip from one coil to an empty mandrel without slowing the line speed. Since line speeds can be approximately 3600 feet per minute, this represents an advance in process technology. Generally, the transfer of the moving strip is accomplished using a very high speed knife, and a belt wrapper. The moving strip is accumulated on one mandrel to form a coil, the coil is moved away from the knife and a second mandrel is brought into position. The knife is positioned at the moving aluminum strip and accelerated to cut the strip and deflect it to a tucking roll with a moving belt. The moving strip is forced around the second mandrel and starts to wind to form a coil. The completed coil is removed and the process is repeated.

Abstract: A holder for a circular cutting knife for slitting sheet metal, comprising a precision ground mounting shaft for attaching the cutting knife, the mounting shaft rotatably retained within a housing by engaging sets of high precision ball bearings. The ball bearings are located within the housing by a set of precision ground bearing spacers and precision ground bearing retainers. The bearings are preloaded in the housing to minimize longitudinal movement of the mounting shaft during operation. Additionally, the housing containing the bearings is tapered on one surface so that the cant of the knife blade can be adjusted by reversing the orientation of the housing.