Production of hot-rolled narrow strip steel

Hot-Rolled Narrow Strip Steel Production

Hot-rolled narrow strip steel can be used for a variety of applications across many climate conditions and general uses. It is produced in widths between 20 and 250 mm and thicknesses in the range of 2 to 8 mm. The material can be heat-treated to create a wide range of properties. Hot-rolled narrow strip steel production is a complex set of processes that involves multiple steps and specifically – controlled temperatures to ensure consistent quality, as well as meeting specific customer specifications.

The hot-rolling of narrow strip steel starts with heating the incoming raw steel to a temperature of around 1100oC before it is fed into a hot-rolling mill. This mill then rolls the steel at a temperature lower than its re-crystallization temperature, creating a thin sheet of steel. Depending on the desired properties for the steel, there may be additional steps such as grinding, or cutting and skiving, to alter or tailor the material to the required needs.

Following the milling, the strip steel is cooled; either by passing it through the cooling rolls of the mill or through a controlled atmosphere environment. If a specific temperature range is imperative, it must be frozen before the material is cut or shipped.

After cooling, the strips may be heat-treated in a heat-treatment furnace. Generally, the process is carried out in a continuous or semi-continuous manner so that several lengths of the strip are heated and cooled. The steel is then tested for its required properties; such as hardness, among others.

In the case where cold-working is necessary for the completion of certain tasks, the hot-rolled strips must be pickled in an acid solution, to remove any scales from the surface of the metal. This process is generally performed with either hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid.

Finally, the hot-rolled narrow strip steel takes shape into whatever goal it is intended for. This could include being used in the automobile and construction industries; heating, ventilating, and air conditioning – HVAC sectors; and many more.

As a result of the tedious process of producing the hot-rolled narrow strip steel, it has a wide range of uses in many industries, including those that need a tough and wear-resistant material. The steel is strong and tough, immensely durable, and can withstand temperatures of up to 650oC. It is used as a protective layer in the lining of furnaces and hot water tanks, manufacturing of kitchen utensils and scale plates, as an insulation layer for hot water pipes, and in many other applications.

Hot-rolled narrow strip steel production has traditionally been used in the manufacture of sheet metal, which has many advantages. Its malleability makes it perfect for creating intricate shapes that are difficult to achieve by other methods of production. It is also economical because it reduces the number of steps in the manufacturing process, leading to a faster production time and lower production costs.

Rolled-band steel production

Rolled-band steel production is a process used to produce flat steel products, ranging from medium to thin thicknesses. It is commonly used in pipe making and automotive industries, as well as certain applins, like ventilation and furniture production. A specialized process creates rolled-band steel from hot- and cold-rolled coils.

First, a large coil of steel is passed through a series of rollers to arrive at a desired dimension, such as a width and thickness. This process is referred to as rolling or hot rolling. This produces a solid long narrow strip, or blank for further processing. The blank is then taken to a hot rolling mill, where the blank is heated to above the perlite transformation temperature. This is the temperature at which ferrite, a type of iron alloy, changes its molecular structure, making it easier to work with. Heating to such a temperature reduces internal stresses, increases plasticity and allows greater control in shaping the rolled-band steel.

The heated blank then passes through rollers, again to arrive at the desired dimension. This process is referred to as temper rolling. In temper rolling, plastic deformation slowly reduces the blanks thickness until the desired dimension is achieved. After this process, the steel is cooled with water and then coiled for further processing.

This coiled long narrow strip can then be cut into shorter, equally-sized strips. The strips have sharp cutting edges, designed to reduce noise and vibration, essential for certain industrial applications. The size of the strips is determined based on the application, ranging from tiny strips, measuring just 3 to 4 millimeters wide, to several inches in width, depending on the needs.

Rolled-band steel is commonly used in industries where high-quality flat steel products are needed. It is resistant to corrosion and wear, making it durable and reliable for many applications. It is also environmentally friendly, as it can be reused and recycled.