Abstract: The invention is directed to provide a rolling method which enables an enlarged range of reduction ratio in sizing-rolling in the common drive system. The invention provides that when tension applied to rolled material between the upstream and downstream-placed mills is made higher than a value that tension/average resistance to deformation of rolled material is 0.2, the upstream-placed mill is caused to perform force rolling, and when compressive force of the rolled material is made higher than a value that compressive force/average resistance to deformation of rolled material is 0.1, the downstream-placed mill together with the upstream-placed mill are caused to perform tensile rolling in the common drive system. The rolling methods provides a stable rolling in a larger sizing range without decrease of diameter or buckling of rolled material.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a plurality of reduction rolls in a rolling mill. The reduction rolls are individually supported by support structures within the mill housing. Load cells are disposed between one of the suppport structures and the mill housing, and support members are disposed between each of the other support structures and the mill housing. The overall rigidity of a first support system consisting of the support members and the corresponding support structure is equal to the overall rigidity of a second support system consisting of the load cells and the corresponding support structure. When rolling force is applied to the reduction rolls, elastic displacement of the reduction rolls is equalized, and no trouble is caused to rolling opertion despite the fact that load cells are provided at one site only.

Abstract: Two tundish transport trucks move in alternate relation between a pouring position and a tundish preheating position. A swivel table is disposed at the forward end of a transport rail which extends laterally from the pouring station for guiding the tundish transport truck for movement thereon. Provided on the swivel table are a pair of swivel rails such that one of the rails is connected to the travel rail and the other is positioned in corresponding relation to a tundish preheating device. When the swivel table turns with the tundish transport trucks mounted on corresponding swivel rails, a preheated tundish is delivered to the pouring position and a used tundish is subjected to repair and preheating so as to be ready for a next tundish changing operation.