Pomini Tenova S.p.A. (Castellanza, Italy):

McWhirter R., Director, Roll Shop Development
Bavestrelli G., Software Engineering Director
Trevisan C., Automation and Electrical Director, claudio.trevisan@it.tenovagroup.com

Recently pickling lines and tandem cold mills (PLTCM) have become more and more popular, leading to improvements in productivity, efficiency, yield and quality. To achieve these benefits a PLTCM configuration requires considerable support from a modern, automated roll shop. This article describes the key elements in such a roll shop supporting a PLTCM, from grinder characteristics to roll defect detection, from an integrated layout to an automatic loading system, as well as some aspects related to other machinery and ancillary equipment.The Pomini roll shop automation system allows increased responsibilities for running an integrated roll shop to be delegated to the system. Automatic loaders and scheduling software take a central role in this responsibility and make it possible for mill systems to communicate directly to the roll shop systems. Significant improvement in the graphical interface allows the minimal interaction and supervision from the roll shop operators to be extremely simple and user-friendly. The level of automation and data recording allows the PLTCM and roll shop management personnel to be provided with detailed, timely and accurate data to assist with decision-making and troubleshoo ting. The work rolls and back-up rolls are the critical interface between the latest PLTCM technology and the finished product and requires a state-of-the-art roll shop for the best results.

1. Bavestrelli, G.: Automatic roll loaders for intelligent roll shops, AISTech 2012 Conference, 7–10 May 2012, Atlanta, USA.
2. Quaglia, D.; Auteri, F.; Boselli, G.; Gaboardi, P.: Roll shop auxiliaries and complete roll shops, AISTech 2012 Conference, 7–10 May 2012, Atlanta, USA.
3. Gurrieri, A.; Trevisan, C.: Roll Shop Simulator: an innovative way to design roll shops, AISTech 2011 Conference, 2–5 May 2011, Indianapolis, USA.
4. Bavestrelli, G.: Roll shop management system, AISTech 2007 Conference, 7–10 May 2007, Indianapolis, USA.