Hot rolling of strips is a basic process for producing metallic materials, and has been used for a long time in the metallurgical industry. It involves passing a metal strip through successive pairs of rolls under certain conditions. Hot rolling of strips is an effective way to produce thick sections with reduced material flaws in addition to improved surface quality and mechanical properties. In this review, the basic concepts and processes involved in hot rolling of strips are discussed.
The hot rolling process involves passing a metal strip through a series of rolls which are heated above the metals recrystallization temperature. The strips may be hot-rolled with the principal aim of improving the mechanical properties of the material or for lower cost manufacturing. The quality of the finished product depends on a number of factors, such as the speed of the rolling, the quality of the steel, and the type of finishing processes employed.
Advantages of hot rolling of strips include improved microstructure and grain structure, improved physical and mechanical properties, improved formability, improved weldability, higher dimensional accuracy and higher surface finish. In addition, the cost of manufacturing is also reduced due to fewer defects in the strip material.
The temperature of the metal strip during the hot rolling process depends on a number of factors, including the grade and chemical composition of the material, the type of mill used, and the strength of the steel. The strip is typically heated until it reaches a temperature of between 950 and 1150°C. It is then passed through a series of rolls, each roll having a wider diameter than the one before it. Depending on the type of mill used, the strip may be passed through up to five or six rolls.
At the beginning of the rolling process, the strip may pass through an inducer roll which applies an initial pressure to the strip before it enters the first set of rolls. This pressure helps to reduce friction between the strip and the rolls and thus improves the efficiency of the rolling process. The strip may then be delivered to a leveller where it is subjected to further pressure from small rolls in order to achieve a more even surface finish.
At the end of the rolling process, the strip is cooled to room temperature. This is done in order to avoid the formation of internal stresses which could lead to failure. The cooling rate of the strip will depend on the material that has been rolled and the type of cooling equipment used.
The hot rolling process is an important method of producing thick and strong metallic materials. It is used in the production of railroad tracks, automotive components, agricultural equipment, and more. In addition, hot rolling offers a number of advantages such as improved surface finish and superior mechanical properties. With these benefits,hot rolling of strips is likely to remain a widely used technology for some time.
