GB889662A - Method of and apparatus for reducing the thickness of metal - Google Patents

Abstract

889,662. Rolling. IMPERIAL CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES Ltd. Sept. 2, 1959 [Sept. 17, 1958], No. 29747/58. Addition to 871,997. Class 83 (4). In a method of reducing the thickness of metal plate strip or slab e.g. of titanium or titanium alloys the metal is fed between freelyrotatable work-rolls which move in synchronism in a pendulum-like manner at high speed effect reduction of the work on both strokes of the motion. The work rolls 33, 43, Fig. 2, are carried on members comprising arms such as 26-29 which are pivoted on shafts 23, 42 attached to a frame 18 the pivoted members being oscillated by adjustable cranks 39, 45 through links 37, 44. Pairs of backing rolls 34, 35, 36 are mounted between the arms 26-29. The work is fed preferably continuously by rolls 2, 3, Fig. 1 (not shown), through a heating chamber to the working rolls is maintained in tension by pinch rolls acting on the output side and is finally wound on a coiling drum. In order that buckling of the work may be avoided when the work is not in tension e.g. when the end of the work has left the feed rolls the swing of the working rolls is wholly restricted to the input side of a line joining the pivots. Springs may be introduced between screw-down and the pivots of the swingable arms to prevent mill strain. A succession of slabs may be rolled and the work may be subsequently cold rolled to final dimensions. The pass may be inclined or vertically arranged, the work being fed upwards or alternatively moving to the rolls from a continuous casting machine situated above the rolls. Lateral spread of strip may be prevented by side flanges on the rolls. Using suitably contoured rolls finned or flanged strip, angle, channel or I sections may be rolled. Tapered or stepped thicknesses of strip may be produced, by altering the pass during rolling, the pivots being moved apart by the screwdown.