The process of rolling involves three stages. First, the raw material is prepared for rolling. This typically involves heating the material in a furnace, then passing the material through a series of rollers. This process reduces the material to its desired size, thickness, and shape.
The second step of the rolling process is the actual rolling itself. This is done using a series of mechanically linked rollers. The rollers act on the workpiece in two or three directions, resulting in a metal foil or slab of a uniform thickness and desired shape. During rolling, metal is drawn away from the center of the rollers and thickens towards the edges, thus changing the shape and size of the workpiece.
The third and final step is known as the finishing stage. This involves further refining the shape and size of the workpiece using other processes, such as machining or grinding. This phase may also involve cooling, polishing or applying a protective coating to the finished product.
The rolling process can be illustrated through a kinematic diagram. This diagram shows the different stages of the rolling process and the corresponding movements of the rollers. On the left-hand side of the diagram, the raw material is shown being heated and then passed through the rollers. This is followed by the actual rolling process, which is illustrated by the shape of the rollers contracting and then expanding. Finally, the finishing stage of the process is represented by the curved arrows that indicate further grinding and polishing.
The kinematic diagram is a useful tool for understanding the rolling process and the effects that different parameters, such as roll diameter and roll speed, have on the accuracy and quality of the finished product. By analyzing the kinematic diagram, it is possible to optimize the rolling process and ensure that the desired shape and size are achieved every time.
