Mill Stabilizing Device for Hot Rolling

In modern hot rolling processes, strips must be rolled harder and faster to produce thinner, higher-quality materials, such as high-strength steel and dual-phase high-strength steel. As strips move more quickly and endure greater force, the impact during threading increases significantly, causing the mill to vibrate with considerable amplitude. This heightened impact and vibration reduce the lifespan of mechanical parts, decreasing both operational stability and manufacturing efficiency.

To address these challenges, Primetals Technologies developed the Mill Stabilizing Device (MSD), which incorporates hydraulic cylinders with orifices. These cylinders are installed between the work roll (WR) chocks, backup roll (BUR) chocks, and housing to eliminate any clearance. The hydraulic cylinders provide a damping effect, enhancing dynamic rigidity in the rolling direction.

There is a strong demand for rolling even harder and thinner strips, such as advanced high-strength steel and cold-rolled substitute materials. To meet these demands, Primetals Technologies developed the latest Mill Stabilizing Device (MSD) configuration, which includes a chamber designed to support these challenging rolling conditions.

The Mill Stabilizing Device (MSD) can be applied to most mill types, including conventional mills, work roll shift mills, Steckel mills, and pair cross mills.

Advantages of Mill Stabilizing Device (MSD)

• Reduce impact force at strip biting: Impact force is generated at strip biting because the work roll (WR) chock liner hits the mill housing liner due to the clearance between them. Since the Mill Stabilizing Device (MSD) can eliminate this clearance, it reduces the impact force at strip biting and extends the lifetime of mechanical parts.
• Reduce mill vibration during rolling: Mill vibration occurs, particularly during challenging rolling conditions, such as high reduction ratios and high rolling forces, as seen in the rolling of harder and thinner steel strip. This vibration negatively impacts stable rolling. implementing countermeasures against mill vibration is essential, and the MSD effectively reduces mill vibration to achieve stable rolling.
• Achieve stable strip threading: the Mill Stabilizing Device (MSD) consistently maintains the WR and backup roll (BUR) in the desired position. This ensures stable steel strip threading, particularly by minimizing pinches.