Rolling mill stand employing variable crown rolls and associated method

Abstract

A rolling mill stand has a pair of work rolls and a pair of associated backup rolls. The backup rolls are generally cylindrical with portions of varying diameter. The work rolls are generally cylindrical with portions of varying diameter and of different work surface configurations from each other. The work rolls may assume a first position generally aligned with the backup rolls and second and third positions in which the work rolls are axially displaced as a unit in the same direction from the aligned positions with the backup rolls. This permits forming of flat strip, centrally crowned strip, or strip with crowned edges. The work rolls preferably diverge in the same direction and the backup rolls preferably diverge in the opposite direction. A method of achieving a generally flat strip, centrally crowned strip or edge crown strip employing relative axial displacement of work rolls with respect to the backup rolls.