Abstract: A method for leveling a metal strip performs a leveling operation by opening leveling rolls at a predetermined position relative to a welded joint and closing at a predetermined position relative to the welded joint. The tension exerted on the metal strip while the leveling rolls are held open is set at a given value in relation to the metal strip length where the leveling rolls are held open. The tension to be exerted on the metal strip while leveling is selected so that the tension may cause a given rate of elongation on the metal strip and thereby levels the metal strip. The leveling device is applicable for implementing the leveling process including a quick open and a quick close upon encountering welded joints of the strips. The leveling device includes features in that the leveling rolls as held open and thus released from the metal strip and self-propelled to rotate.

Abstract: A process for preventing transverse displacement of metal strip comprises correcting a shape of metal strip into flat form prior to the travel of the metal strip into a continuous annealing furnace when continuously annealing the metal strip in the furnace under a condition of LSD.gtoreq.100 (representing a product of line speed and strip gauge).