EdgerRolls

The primary goal of the EdgerRolls project is to secure a reliable supply of high-quality tapered edger rolls for European Hot Strip Mills (HSM). This will be achieved by adapting existing and emerging manufacturing techniques to enhance both the production and refurbishment processes of edger rolls.

Another key objective is to boost the performance of these essential components. This will be done by implementing improved cooling strategies, enhanced lubrication systems, and optimized caliper geometries. The project will also focus on refining process parameters to maximize the durability and efficiency of the edger rolls.

To validate the performance improvements, the EdgerRolls project will develop advanced monitoring tools. One of these will involve the adaptation of an inspection device specifically designed to track the degradation of edger rolls over time. Additionally, an online profile measurement system will be implemented for real-time monitoring of the rolls’ performance.

Project Overview

In hot strip processing, the final strip width is determined at the roughing mill stage by edger rolls. These rolls, located at the entry side of a roughing stand, play an important part in defining the width of the final product. While edger roll configurations can vary across Europe, two main types are commonly used:

Caliber Rolls

Caliber rolls, also known as Caliper rolls, are commonly used in conventional HSM, usually in the first roughing stand to achieve significant width reductions. Weighing between 10 and 18 tons, these rolls feature cylindrical vertical barrels and large flanges at both the top and bottom of the barrels.

Tapered Rolls

Tapered edger rolls are characterized by a conical barrel shape, with a larger diameter at the top and a smaller diameter at the bottom. They are primarily employed to correct minor width deviations and guide the strip during processing. Smaller in size (typically 1 to 6 tons), tapered rolls are most often used in the 2nd to 5th roughing stands of conventional HSM.

Challenges

Currently, there is a significant challenge for European HSM in sourcing tapered edger rolls and smaller edger rolls (weighing less than 8 tons). Presently, only one reliable supplier in Europe produces graphitic cast steel edger rolls, while a few others offer nodular cast iron edger rolls. However, the performance of nodular cast iron edger rolls is typically only about half that of graphitic cast steel alternatives.

Conclusion

The EdgerRolls project represents a significant step forward in the advancement of hot rolling mill technology, addressing key challenges faced by European steel producers. By focusing on improving the manufacturing, performance, and monitoring of tapered edger rolls, the project ensures the continued efficiency and longevity of hot strip mills. EdgerRolls not only guarantees a stable supply of high-quality components but also paves the way for more sustainable and efficient steel production. The outcomes of this project will support the competitiveness of European hot strip mills, enhancing their capacity to meet the growing demand for high-performance steel products.