SMS Meer GmbH (Monchengladbach, Germany):

Neumann H., Expert in Tube Rolling Equipment

Steffen E., Mag. Eng., Distribution of Seamless Tube Production Equipment

Thieven P., Dr. Eng., Seamless Tubes Production Technology, e-mail: peter.thieven@sms-meer.com

Stretch-reducing rolling is a standard method for the shaping by rolling of seamless steel tubes. Owing to the design-related and technological characteristics of the process, a large number of mill stands are required, representing a significant cost factor as regards new investments and operation. Structure of reducing trains in the stretch-reducing mill are shown. Production breakdown in a pushbench plant and PQF plant and rolling time without diameter change are compared. New technical solutions make it possible to reduce the necessary quantity of mill stands to be kept available and simplify the required conversion work. Usage of hard alloys as roll material lowers technological load on a roll shop. Adjustable rolling stands allow to decrease number of finishing roll passes and to increase degree of rollusage. The systems with short rolls make it possible to diminish load in production of tubes of rarely used dimensions. It will be important in the future to pay more serious attention to usage of software for planning of stand preparation in the roll shop, whereas the main effect results in economy of resources. It is concluded that, taking into account expenses for tools, high degree of equipment usage can be achieved only in the case of application of combination of different types of rolling stands with CNC machine tool for preparing roll passes.

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