The basic types of rolling
Rolling is a process used in the manufacture of metal products which involves the reduction of the cross-section of a long workpiece by compressing it between two rotating rolls. This type of deformation is used to create a wide variety of components, such as sheets of metal, bars and rods, as well as pipes and tubes. Rolling is one of the most important manufacturing processes as it is a cost-effective way of producing large quantities of metal parts from relatively inexpensive stock.
There are four main types of rolling processes which are used in metal production. These include hot rolling, cold rolling, temper rolling and reversing rolling. Each type of rolling has its own unique characteristics and is used for different applications.
Hot rolling is a type of rolling which takes place at high temperatures, usually above the re-crystallization temperature of the metal being rolled. As the metal is worked and deformed at such high temperatures, it has a tendency to work harden, resulting in improved surface finish and greater strength. Hot rolling is typically used to produce flat, long products such as plates, strips and sheets, as well as bars and rods.
Cold rolling is a type of rolling which takes place at room temperature, usually below the re-crystallization temperature of the metal being rolled. This type of rolling is used to produce products with a high level of dimensional accuracy and with a superior surface finish. Cold rolling is generally used to produce sheets and strips, as well as small-diameter rods and bars.
Temper rolling is a type of rolling which involves the application of local cold deformation to pre-hardened steel in order to achieve improved mechanical properties. The process is used to control the distortion of components and to improve the properties of steel for specific applications such as automotive parts and structural components.
Reversing rolling is a type of rolling which involves the rolling of a heated workpiece between a pair of rolls in alternating directions. The process is used to reduce the thickness of the material being rolled as well as to accurately control the shape and size of the product. Reversing rolling is generally used to produce thin-section tubes and pipes, as well as precision tubes and other thin-section components.
In conclusion, rolling is an important manufacturing process which is used to produce a wide variety of metal products ranging from sheets and strips to bars and rods. The four main types of rolling processes, which each have unique characteristics, are used to create a variety of metal products which are used in a host of different applications.
