Abstract: A multistand tandem strip rolling mill and associated method wherein effective control of gauge and shape are provided. Shape monitoring sensors may be provided adjacent to a first mill stand and adjacent to a downstream mill stand in order to provide feedback-feedforward information regarding strip shape and gauge to controller units which when a predetermined shape has not been achieved issues a control signal to adjust the actuators. A computer preferably has stored information regarding the desired shape and gauge effects a comparison between the signals received from the shape and gauge sensors.Gauge sensors may be provided adjacent to the shape sensors. The mill stands preferably have roll bending cylinders positioned by roll bending system servo-valves which are actuated by signals from the controller.

Abstract: A mounting and handling arrangement for a hydraulic force applying system used to adjust and maintain a passline in a rolling mill stand comprises a hydraulic device having a manifold member extending through the top of a housing and connected to a piston cylinder assembly. Manifold member carries a position transducer along with its electrical components and hydraulic line connections communicating with internal passages for delivering hydraulic fluid to the piston cylinder assembly. Cradle assembly comprising a plate and brace members receive and support the hydraulic force assembly for its insertion and removal from the roll stand.

Abstract: A rolling mill has a pair of cooperating work rolls with first and second chock pairs associated with each work roll. At least one work roll is rocked in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the work roll during operation of the rolling mill to enhance shear rolling and create regions of irregular thickness in the workpiece. This reduces friction between the work rolls and the workpiece in subsequent rolling thereby permitting greater lateral spread of the workpiece. The rocking may be effected in a generally vertical direction by a pair of cylinders secured to a pair of chocks or may be effected in a generally horizontal direction which may be that of the path of flow of the workpiece through the rolling mill by pairs of cylinders associated with each work roll or may involve rocking in both directions.

Abstract: A metal workpiece such as a slab is rolled into a desired width without requiring broadsiding. The system generally involves reducing a first portion along the width of the workpiece to a first thickness while creating a second portion along the width of the workpiece having a thickness greater than the first portion thickness and having a predetermined mass. Subsequently the second portion is reduced to establish a predetermined increase in the width of the workpiece and a decrease in the thickness of the workpiece to obtain a substantially uniform thickness along substantially the entire width of the workpiece. A preferred approach includes providing a pair of cooperating work rolls at least one of which has a generally cylindrical portion and at least one adjacent tapered portion. Initial reduction is effected by employing a pair of cooperating cylindrical central portions and at least one tapered portion. This provides a workpiece with a reduced portion and an enlarged portion.

Abstract: A self-compensating roll for rolling various width strip-like material wherein the roll is subject to non-uniform rolling load distribution between its opposite ends during rolling. The roll comprises a cylindrical roll body and outer material contacting surface. Outwardly extending displaceable members are formed beneath the contacting surface in the roll body at the opposed ends of the roll which permit the outer contacting surface areas to be displaced in a direction away from the direction the axial portion of the roll body deflects under a given load.

Abstract: An internal frame carrying vertical rolls of a roll set permanently remains in the mill. The frame consists of spaced-apart cross members tied together on each end by a yoke member. Clamping plates hold the frame down in the mill. Pass line adjustment of the vertical rolls is done through vertical movement of the frame. The yoke on the operating side is removable and is raised and lowered for roll set changing, and is equipped at its top with tracks which in the removable yoke's lower position form part of a rail system in the roll set changing operation. Pins and cylinders hold the removable yoke to the cross members. Stooling pins are automatically engaged in the chocks of the vertical and horizontal rolls forming an interlocking roll set for its removal from the mill.

Abstract: A substantial amount of liquid lubricant used in a cold strip rolling mill is prevented from passing between the area of the work roll necks and work roll bodies not in contact with a strip by locating in a strip guiding means on the entry side adjacent both edges of the strip, several zoned air nozzles which delivery a positive pressure to force the liquid away from this area, in a direction toward the center of the strip and rolls, and which nozzles are controlled according to the width of strip being rolled. The relatively small amount of liquid finding its way onto the delivery side is removed from the strip by providing in the strip guiding means both positive and negative air pressure means located above and below the strip, and negatively pressurized longitudinal enclosures located adjacent both edges of the strip and the said area.