Rolling mill and rolling mill method

Abstract

In addition to the usual type of screw-down mechanism, work roll gap is adjusted during work roll change for different diameter work rolls, without removing the back up rolls, by a variable height plate rotatably inserted between the back up roll chocks and the housing, which will minimize the volume of oil contained within the screw-down adjustment rams while maintaining good rigidity for the plate adjustment even during high impact and high vibration hot rolling. A similar effect is provided by containing unused plate height portions entirely within the footprint of the housing where they can be rigidly supported. Further rigidity is obtained with minimizing the volume of fluid within the rams, accomplished by placing the valve stand immediately adjacent to the hydraulic rams for the screw-down and preferably on top of the housing. The roll change height adjustment provided by the plates, as opposed to a bulky screw-type adjustment, provides for a reduced height housing and the additional room for the valve stand.