X-Pact Automatic Shape Control

In order to achieve an almost rectangular plan view shape of the plate, yield optimization by Automatic Shape Control (ASC rolling) and edge rolling are proven technologies.

This is achieved through the turning pattern strategy, the tapered thickness rolling and the width reduction in the edger.

Our X-Pact Automatic Shape Control works by adjusting the rolls at the beginning and end of each pass, so that the plate edges are thicker than the middle. After turning, the extra material at the edges means the plate is rolled in the subsequent passes into an almost rectangular shape. The Process model calculates the length and height of the positive wedges according to the material and dimensions.

Finish rolling with almost rectangular plate shape
Tapered thickness rolling during broad sizing to compensate variation of material flow during following rolling passes
Yield optimization

Minimization of scrap
Maximization of yield
Reduce side scrap material
Automatic adjustments of roll gap for best plate rectangularity

Tapered thickness rolling

The ASC rolling concept is applied during sizing and broad-sizing sequence. For influencing the plan view shape, the double tapered thickness profile is used at the turned plate. The X-Pact^® Automatic Shape Control calculates the height and the length of the taper as a function of plate dimensions and the reductions in the different rolling directions. Consequently, with ASC rolling in sizing sequence width deviation along the plate length can be significantly reduced. Head and tail end crop will be reduced by ASC rolling during broadsizing.

Tapered thickness rolling with X-Pact^® Automatic Shape Control
Edger usage

The width contour of the edger reduction in conjunction with the short stroke correction additionally improves the shape and reduces side drop.
Turning pattern strategy

The ratio between the sizing and the broad-sizing influences also the shape and the side scrap. An optimized pass schedule regarding the turning pattern reduces this scrap and increase the yield.

X-Pact^® Automatic Shape Control