A rolling mill is a facility or section used to transform semi-finished products (billet, bar, plate, plate, etc.) obtained after metal production into final products with previously determined dimensions, shapes and thicknesses. There are rolling mills of metals such as steel, aluminum and copper. Working principle of rolling mills:
Feeding: The semi-finished products (usually hot rolled products) coming to the rolling mill are fed to the rolling mill machines. These semi-finished products can be in different shapes according to the needs of the rolling mill, for example, in the form of billets, blocks or plates.
Heat treatment: Semi-finished products are usually heated. This allows the materials to become softer and formable. The process is usually carried out in heating furnaces or heating bands.
Rolling: The heated semi-products are subjected to the rolling process. Rolling is a forming process applied to change the dimensions, shapes and thicknesses of the material. The rolling process is carried out on rolling stands, which are rolling mill machines.
– Hot Rolling: Since the semi-finished product is heated before being fed to the rolling stands, it is called hot rolling. In this process, materials are formed at high temperature, usually between 900-1300 °C. Hot rolling can improve the strength and machinability of the material by rearranging the crystalline structure, as well as changing the dimensions and shapes of the material.
– Cold Rolling: Cold rolling can be done after hot rolling or by shaping the material by cooling directly after casting. Cold rolling makes materials with smaller thicknesses, sharper edges and more precise dimensions. Cold rolling is usually done using rolling stands or rolling rolls.
4. Cooling: After the rolling process, the products are cooled using cooling systems or water baths. This stabilizes shaped products and improves certain properties.
5. Processing and Finishing: After rolling, the products can go through various processes. These processes include cutting, drilling, bending, grinding, surface treatment, coating, etc. can take place. These steps ensure that the final products reach the desired specifications and quality standards.
A rolling mill can often be a complex plant or division and may include different machines, equipment and processes. The rolling mill is an important stage in the metal industry for material forming and the production of end products.
