Abstract: A flatness control system includes a work stand of a finishing line, a plurality of actuators, a flatness measuring device, and a controller. The work stand includes a pair of vertically aligned work rolls. A first work roll of the pair of work rolls includes a plurality of flatness control zones configured to apply a localized pressure to a corresponding region on a substrate. Each actuator corresponds with a one of the plurality of flatness control zones. The flatness measuring device is configured to measure an actual flatness profile of the substrate. The controller is configured to adjust the plurality of actuators such that the localized pressures modify the actual flatness profile to achieve the desired flatness profile at the exit of the stand. The thickness and a length of the substrate remain substantially constant when the substrate exits the work stand.

Abstract: The apparatus for manufacturing a tubular, sheet metal heat-insulating element (1) from a sheet metal blank (9) successively comprises, in a direction of travel perpendicular to the axis of the heat-insulating element to be produced, a drive unit (5) for conveying the blank (9) flat in the direction of travel (F), a set of shaping rolls (61, 62) comprising shaping rollers (65, 66) for forming a relief on the edge of the blank, and a roll-bending unit (7), situated immediately downstream of the set of shaping rolls, for roll-bending the blank comprising said relief. Firstly, reliefs are shaped on the edges of the blank by means of shaping rolls, then roll-bending is performed, preferably immediately thereafter and in the same operation, the edge-forming and roll-bending being carried out in a single pass.