Abstract: Dual-stage multi-roll leveler embodiments of the general inventive concept include independent sets of first stage work rolls and second stage work rolls, with each set of work rolls including one or more upper work rolls disposed above one or more lower work rolls. An adjustable but equal entry side-to-exit side gap is present between the upper and lower work rolls of each work roll set. An exemplary dual-stage leveler removes shape defects and coil set and/or curl from a moving strip material through a combination of work roll gap adjustment and first and/or second stage work roll bending. Because there is no feathering out of work roll penetration in either stage, differential roll speed and the problems associated therewith are eliminated.

Abstract: Dual-stage multi-roll leveler embodiments of the general inventive concept include independent sets of first stage work rolls and second stage work rolls, with each set of work rolls including one or more upper work rolls disposed above one or more lower work rolls. An adjustable but equal entry side-to-exit side gap is present between the upper and lower work rolls of each work roll set. An exemplary dual-stage leveler removes shape defects and coil set and/or curl from a moving strip material through a combination of work roll gap adjustment and first and/or second stage work roll bending. Because there is no feathering out of work roll penetration in either stage, differential roll speed and the problems associated therewith are eliminated.

Abstract: A dual-stage multi-roll leveler and an associated dual-stage work roll assembly. The dual-stage work roll assembly includes independent sets of first stage work rolls and second stage work rolls, with each set of work rolls including one or more upper work rolls disposed above one or more lower work rolls. An adjustable gap is present between the upper and lower work rolls of each work roll set, with the gap being equal from the entry side to the exit side thereof. A dual-stage leveler employs such a work roll assembly to remove shape defects from a moving strip material in the first stage and to remove coil set and/or curl from the strip material in the second stage, through a combination of work roll gap adjustment and first stage work roll bending. Because there is no feathering out of work roll penetration in either stage, differential roll speed and the problems associated therewith are eliminated.

Abstract: Drive systems for multi-roll shape-correction levelers used to flatten metal strip material, wherein the drive systems are adapted to account for the effects of differential roll speed such that the work rolls of entry side roll clusters and the work rolls of exit side roll clusters of the leveler can be made to equally share the load associated with a leveling operation.

Abstract: A dual-stage multi-roll leveler and an associated dual-stage work roll assembly. The dual-stage work roll assembly includes independent sets of first stage work rolls and second stage work rolls, with each set of work rolls including one or more upper work rolls disposed above one or more lower work rolls. An adjustable gap is present between the upper and lower work rolls of each work roll set, with the gap being equal from the entry side to the exit side thereof. A dual-stage leveler employs such a work roll assembly to remove shape defects from a moving strip material in the first stage and to remove coil set and/or curl from the strip material in the second stage, through a combination of work roll gap adjustment and first stage work roll bending. Because there is no feathering out of work roll penetration in either stage, differential roll speed and the problems associated therewith are eliminated.

Abstract: Drive systems for multi-roll shape-correction levelers used to flatten metal strip material, wherein the drive systems are adapted to account for the effects of differential roll speed such that the work rolls of entry side roll clusters and the work rolls of exit side roll clusters of the leveler can be made to equally share the load associated with a leveling operation.