Abstract: Assuming that the processes of joining, rolling, coiling, etc. of a material is evaluated by a preset speed pattern after the extraction from a heating furnace, the required time is predicted and calculated for both of a preceding material and a following material. At the time when the following material can catch up with the preceding material at an aiming position on the line, the following material is extracted from the heating furnace according to the result of the above prediction calculation. Control is carried out so that both of the preceding material and the following material finish the process at a preset speed. Also, the traveling speed of the following material is controlled according to the position and the speed of the tail edge of the preceding material in a section close to the catch-up position so that a distance between the tail edge of the preceding material and the leading edge of the following material be closed.

Abstract: According to the invention, the rear end of a preceding metal piece and a front end of a succeeding metal piece are heated, pressed and joined prior to the finishing hot rolling. An alternating magnetic field running through the metal pieces in the thickness direction thereof is generated in an end region on opposed faces of the respective metal pieces to perform heating. Another alternating magnetic field whose direction is reverse with respect to that of the former alternating magnetic field is partially generated in the end region on the opposed faces of the metal pieces and in either a region where the metal pieces exist or a region outside width ends of the metal pieces. This assures a uniform heating of the end region on the opposed faces of the metal pieces over their full width to reliably join the both metal pieces to each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for joining metal pieces wherein the rear end of a preceding metal piece and a front end of a metal piece are heated and then pressed together prior to hot finished rolling. The temperature the ends of the metal pieces are heated to is a temperature range between the solidus and liquidus line temperatures of the metal(s) to be joined.

Abstract: According to the invention, the rear end of a preceding metal piece and a front end of a succeeding metal piece are heated, pressed and joined prior to the finishing hot rolling. An alternating magnetic field running through the metal pieces in the thickness direction thereof is generated in an end region on opposed faces of the respective metal pieces to perform heating. Another alternating magnetic field whose direction is reverse with respect to that of the former alternating magnetic field is partially generated in the end region on the opposed faces of the metal pieces and in either a region where the metal pieces exist or a region outside width ends of the metal pieces. This assures a uniform heating of the end region on the opposed faces of the metal pieces over their full width to reliably join the both metal pieces to each other.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for joining metal pieces using induction heating. Metal pieces to be joined are placed end-to-end with a gap between them and induction heated in the thickness portion. To maximize speed and even heating edge-to-edge of the ends, members of a magnetic substance are provided in a gap between the inductor and the piece to be heated, thereby enhancing local heating effect by increasing magnetic flux density. Once heated, the ends are pressed together end-to-end for joining.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining metal pieces using induction heating. Preceding and succeeding metal pieces are followed by a carriage which carries an inductor. The inductor has the ability to move in the longitudinal direction of the metal pieces relative to the carriage to allow the inductor to move more or less upon the preceding or succeeding metal pieces to increase or decrease the induction heating effect, thereby taking into account any thickness variation of the metal pieces and yet still heating them evenly with regard to each other, prior to their being pressed against each other for joining before hot finishing rolling.

Abstract: According to the invention, the rear end of a preceding metal piece and a front end of a succeeding metal piece are heated, pressed and joined prior to the finishing hot rolling. An alternating magnetic field running through the metal pieces in the thickness direction thereof is generated in an end region on opposed faces of the respective metal pieces to perform heating. Another alternating magnetic field whose direction is reverse with respect to that of the former alternating magnetic field is partially generated in the end region on the opposed faces of the metal pieces and in either a region where the metal pieces exist or a region outside width ends of the metal pieces. This assures a uniform heating of the end region on the opposed faces of the metal pieces over their full width to reliably join the both metal pieces to each other.