Abstract: A non-contact heating apparatus uses a series of rotating magnets to heat, levitate, and/or move metal articles therethrough. A first series of rotating magnets heats the metal article to a desired temperature. A second series of rotating magnets levitates the metal article within the heating apparatus and maintains desired tension in the metal article, including urging the metal article through the heating apparatus. The heating apparatus can extend sufficiently far to soak the metal article at the desired temperature for a desired duration. The rotating magnets can be positioned outside of an electrically non-conductive, heat resistant chamber filled with an inert or mildly reactive gas, through which the metal article passes in the heating apparatus.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for containing a viscous material, such as coolant, applied to cool a roll or a roll processed engineering material such as a metal strip. In particular, a viscous material containment system can include a housing, a viscous material delivery system, a plurality of movable seals and a plurality of gas delivery devices. A method for cooling a roll can include applying a vicious material, such as coolant, to the roll and containing the viscous material on the roll using the viscous material containment system. In some cases, the viscous material containment system can be used to facilitate removal of the viscous material from the roll.

Abstract: A hybrid rolling mill includes at least one work stand and a lubrication system. The at least one work stand includes an upper work roll and a lower work roll. The lubrication system includes a first lubricant applicator and a second lubricant applicator. The first lubricant applicator is configured to supply a first lubricant at an entry side of the work stand in a first rolling mode. The second lubricant applicator is configured to supply a second lubricant at the entry side of the work stand in a second rolling mode.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for containing a viscous material, such as coolant, applied to cool a roll or a roll processed engineering material such as a metal strip. In particular, a viscous material containment system can include a housing, a viscous material delivery system, a plurality of movable seals and a plurality of gas delivery devices. A method for cooling a roll can include applying a vicious material, such as coolant, to the roll and containing the viscous material on the roll using the viscous material containment system. In some cases, the viscous material containment system can be used to facilitate removal of the viscous material from the roll.

Abstract: A non-contact heating apparatus uses a series of rotating magnets to heat, levitate, and/or move metal articles therethrough. A first series of rotating magnets heats the metal article to a desired temperature. A second series of rotating magnets levitates the metal article within the heating apparatus and maintains desired tension in the metal article, including urging the metal article through the heating apparatus. The heating apparatus can extend sufficiently far to soak the metal article at the desired temperature for a desired duration. The rotating magnets can be positioned outside of an electrically non-conductive, heat resistant chamber filled with an inert or mildly reactive gas, through which the metal article passes in the heating apparatus.