CONTROL OF THERMAL CAMBER BY SPRAY COOLING WHEN HOT-ROLLING ALUMINUM

Of major concern to the producers of aluminium sheet is the variation in the thickness of the sheet across its width. Profile is the result of the interactions of a number of factors. Of prime importance is the thermal camber of the work rolls. This paper demonstrates how thermal camber can be controlled using cooling sprays, set to suitable patter ns. To determine the patterns an optimisation program was developed, T his program incorporates a finite difference thermal camber model, the spray patterns being the independent variables. The case of a single stand reversing mill, used to break down slabs of aluminium, is studie d. (C) 1996 The Institute of Materials.