Abstract: An annealing operation is performed with controlling tension force to be exerted on a metal strip depending upon thermal crown of hearth rolls. The thermal crown magnitude is assumed based on various factors influencing for the magnitude of the effective crown.

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.