GB871997A - Method of and apparatus for reducing the thickness of metals - Google Patents

Abstract

871,997. Rolling. IMPERIAL CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES Ltd. Jan. 2, 1959 [Jan. 3, 1958], No. 307/58. Class 83 (4). In a method of reducing its thickness metal, e.g. slab strip or plate, is progressively moved between a pair of freely-rotatable work-rolls which oscillate bodily in synchronism so that the metal is reduced during the swing of the rolls along a first arcuate, path in the direction opposite to the movement of the metal, while the return swing causes no reduction, the work rolls being rotated only by engagement with the metal. Titanium or titanium alloy strip 1, Fig. 1, is fed by rolls 2, 3 through a furnace 4 to work rolls 5, 6 attached to swingable arms 12, 13, the strip being wound on to a drum 11 after reduction. The arms 12, 13 are oscillated by linkages driven by cranks so that during the swing of the arms in the direction opposite to that of the strip movement the rolls reduce the strip, while during the return swing the rolls 5, 6 are raised clear of the work. The strip feed may be continuous or intermittent and short lengths of sheet plate &c. may be joined together prior to rolling. In another embodiment work rolls 43, 56, Fig. 2, are mounted in housings pivoted about shafts 31, 55 on eccentric bearings. Crank-shafts 50, 59 oscillate the housings through links 47, 57 and also rotate the shafts 31, 55 through links 52, 61, the eccentric bearings such as 34, 35, Fig. 3 (not shown), imparting relative movement of the rolls towards and away from each other. Backing rolls such as 44, 45, 46 are mounted in the swingable housings. According to the adjustment of the eccentrics the rolls may either be raised clear of the work on the return stroke or may remain in contact with but not deform the work.