Torsion guide, guide device and corresponding method

Abstract

The twist guide (10) comprises a support (11) to which are associated at least two twist rollers (12, 13) rotatable about respective parallel rotation axes (T1, T2) and spaced apart with respect to one another at least in an adjustment direction (B) perpendicular to the rotation axes (T1, T2) and arranged on respective support elements (17, 18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments described herein relate to a twist guide that can be used to guide and position a metal product as it exits a rolling stand when rolling a long metal product.

[0002] Specifically, the present invention relates to a twist guide suitable for correcting the angular positioning of long metal products having a circular, elliptical, square, or polygonal cross-section.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a guide device in which the twist guide is used, and a corresponding guide method.

Background Art

[0004] The rolling of long metal products having a circular cross-section, such as bars, circular pieces, rods, wires, or other similar products, is known, and this provides a progressive reduction in the thickness of these metal products by means of cylinders or rollers of rolling stands located successively along the rolling axis.

[0005] Also, it is known that when the stands are arranged in order on a horizontal axis, the long metal product exiting the rolling stand can have an elliptical cross-section defined by a major axis and a minor axis that are offset by 90°. At the exit from the rolling stand, the metal product is positioned by the minor axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rollers or cylinders of the rolling stand.

[0006] Therefore, in order to accurately roll the metal product and obtain the desired reduction in thickness and the expected elongation, it is necessary to twist the metal product at the exit from the rolling stand before the entrance to the next rolling stand. Generally, the total twist required is about 90°, and the twist axis coincides with the rolling axis. In this way, the metal product enters the next rolling stand with its major axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cylinders or rollers.

[0007] ​

[0008] Known torsion guides generally comprise a pair of conical or frustoconical torsion rollers associated with a support and having axes of rotation that are parallel to each other and belong to a common plane perpendicular to the rolling axis.

[0009] The torsion roller is normally idle and is kept in constant contact with the rolled metal product, which is subjected to rotational motion by friction.

[0010] The two torsion rollers are positioned to converge in opposite directions. Furthermore, they typically overlap perpendicular to the rolling axis and their axis of rotation, and are separated from each other parallel to their axis of rotation. For example, in a rolling row with a horizontal axis, the two torsion rollers overlap vertically and are separated from each other horizontally.

[0011] Therefore, a passage gap is defined between the two torsion rollers for the metal product to enter, and the metal product contacts the torsion rollers at the conical portion of the torsion rollers, giving the metal product a first torsion. This first torsion is discernible in the difference in the inclination of the cross-section of the metal product between the upstream and downstream of the torsion guide and is a function of the relative positioning of the torsion rollers, particularly the distance between them in the direction of overlap.

[0012] On the other hand, the total torsion of a metal product can be identified by the difference in the inclination of its cross-section between the upstream of the torsion guide and the inlet to the next rolling stand. The total torsion depends on the degree of the first torsion transmitted by the torsion roller, the pitch between two consecutive rolling stands, and the position of the torsion guide between the two stands.

[0013] Furthermore, Chinese Patent No. 209663975(U) and Publication No. S55177908(U20) are known, and these relate to a rolling mill comprising two rollers pivotally attached to their respective movable support elements.

[0014] One drawback of torsion guides known in the prior art is that the relative positioning of the torsion rollers is set manually by one or more operators who directly intervene in the guide. In practice, it is known that operators can suitably separate the torsion rollers, taking into account the gaps provided in the rolling table and the distance between the rolling stands.

[0015] This drawback is particularly disadvantageous because it requires the operator or a team of operators to intervene quickly at each torsional guide along the rolling row. This can be disadvantageous both from an economic standpoint and in terms of operator safety.

[0016] Furthermore, prolonged contact between the metal product and the torsional roller is known to cause gradual wear, resulting in a loss of precise relative positioning. This drawback is particularly unfavorable and can lead to inaccurate positioning of the metal product, and therefore to low quality of the final product or blockage during rolling.

[0017] To overcome this, known torsion guides require more frequent and cumbersome manual repositioning of the torsion roller during operation, which presents further disadvantages from an economic standpoint and in terms of operator safety.

[0018] Therefore, there is a need to perfect a torsional guide that can overcome at least one of the shortcomings of conventional technology.

[0019] In particular, one object of the present invention is to provide a torsion guide that reduces or eliminates manual intervention by the operator for setting and adjusting the torsion guide.

[0020] Another objective is to perfect rolling methods and plants that ensure the high quality of rolled metal products and reduce the risk of maintenance interventions and blockages.

[0021] The applicant has devised, tested, and embodied the present invention in order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to obtain these and other objectives and advantages. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0022] The present invention is described and characterized by the independent claims. Dependent claims describe other features of the present invention or variations to the main inventive concept.

[0023] In accordance with the above objectives, a torsion guide is described that overcomes the limitations of the technical state and eliminates the defects present therein.

[0024] The torsion guide of the present invention comprises a support having an inlet and outlet for metal products aligned along the rolling axis. At least two torsion rollers, rotatable around their respective axes of rotation parallel to each other and perpendicular to the rolling axis, are associated with the support.

[0025] The torsion rollers overlap and are separated from each other in the adjustment direction perpendicular to their rotation axis and rolling axis.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present invention, the torsion roller is movable at least parallel to the adjustment axis and is pivotally mounted to each support element which is mechanically connected to at least one motor means. Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the torsion guide comprises a control and management unit and one or more means for detecting the relative positions of the torsion rollers at least in a direction parallel to the adjustment axis. The detection means is configured to transmit data correlated with the position of the torsion rollers to the control and management unit so as to enable adjustment of the relative positions of the torsion rollers at least in a direction parallel to the adjustment axis.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the motor means is mechanically connected to both support elements to move both support elements in a coordinate manner, and further corresponds to the mutual movement of the torsional rollers toward / away from each other as the support elements move.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the twist guide comprises a support providing an inlet and an outlet for the metal product aligned along the rolling axis, and the support elements are arranged symmetrically with respect to the rolling axis.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the control and management unit is configured to command the function of at least one motor means as a function of data correlating with the position of at least the twist rollers, in order to adjust their mutual position at least in a direction parallel to the adjustment axis.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, each of the support elements is rotatable about its respective axis of rotation and comprises a disk on which each twist roller is pivotally mounted eccentrically by a rotary support.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the disk is integral with respective gears engaging a common无头screw element that can be driven by at least one motor means, and the detection means comprises a transducer of the angular position of the disk.

[0032] The invention also relates to a guide device for rolling stands arranged in sequence along a rolling axis. The device comprises at least one twist guide according to the invention and a rolling guide arranged downstream of the twist guide along the rolling axis. The rolling guide comprises guide rollers and means for detecting the force exerted by the metal product being transported over the guide rollers, and is configured to transmit data relating to the force applied to the guide rollers to the control and management unit, whereby the adjustment of the mutual position of the twist rollers follows the detection of the force by the force detection means.

[0033] [[ID=*19]] The invention also relates to a rolling plant comprising at least two rolling stands arranged in series along a rolling axis. The rolling plant also comprises at least one twist guide according to the invention installed between two rolling stands of the plant.

[0034] It should be noted that there is a term "无头screw element" in the original text which seems to be an incorrect or incomplete expression. It might need to be further clarified or corrected in the original context. Also, the numbering and formatting are maintained as per the original requirements.In addition, the rolling guide can be located in the plant, downstream of the torsion guide and upstream of one of the rolling stands. The rolling guide comprises at least two guide rollers, each associated with one or more means for detecting the force that a metal product exerts upon it during use. These detection means are configured to transmit data regarding the force applied to the guide rollers to a control and management unit. The control and management unit can then command the motor means of the torsion guide as a function of the data received from the detection means of the rolling guide.

[0035] The present invention also relates to a rolling method, - The first rolling stand reduces the thickness of the metal product, -A torsion guide comprising at least two torsion rollers pivotally attached to each support element, each being movable at least parallel to the adjustment axis and mechanically connected to at least one motor means; a control and management unit; and one or more means for detecting the position of the torsion rollers in at least a direction parallel to the adjustment axis, configured to transmit data correlated with the position of the torsion rollers to the control and management unit, thereby transmitting a first torsion to a metal product at the exit from the first rolling stand, - Directly or indirectly detecting wear on torsion rollers, -The present invention provides a method for automatically adjusting the relative positions of torsion rollers, at least in a direction parallel to the adjustment axis, based on the detection of wear of the torsion rollers.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the detection of wear on the torsion roller is performed by a control and management unit that analyzes data transmitted to detect the force applied by the metal product to one or more guide rollers of a rolling guide located downstream of the torsion guide.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the automatic adjustment of the relative positions of the torsion rollers occurs by moving them with motor means commanded by a control unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0038] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, which are given as non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a torsion guide according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic side view of a torsion guide according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic side view of a rolling plant according to the present invention.

[0039] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings to identify identical common elements where possible. It is understood that elements and features of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further explanation. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] Hereinafter, possible embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail, one or more of which are shown in the accompanying drawings as non-limiting examples. The expressions and terms used herein are also for the purpose of providing non-limiting embodiments.

[0041] Referring to the attached drawings, number 10 shows a torsion guide according to one embodiment of the present invention. This torsion guide 10 can be used in a rolling plant 50 comprising two or more rolling stands 51, 52 that are located in succession along the rolling axis X.

[0042] During use, the twist guide 10 receives the metal product P coming out of the first rolling stand 51 at the entrance of the next rolling stand 52 to give it a first twist, which allows it to naturally reach the desired total twist at the entrance of the next rolling stand 52.

[0043] Twisting the metal product P at the exit of the rolling stand 51 before entering the next rolling stand 52 is particularly important because, after rolling, the metal product P has an elliptical cross-section characterized by its major and minor axes being offset by approximately 90° relative to each other. Therefore, the twist guide 10 preferably allows the metal product P to be positioned with its major axis perpendicular to the rotation axis of the roller or cylinder of the next rolling stand 52.

[0044] As a simple example, in the case of two consecutive rolling stands 51, 52 separated by 3 meters, the torsion guide 10 can be installed between them at 1 / 6 of such distance, giving the metal product P a first torsion of about 15°. For the remaining 5 / 6 of the distance, the metal product P will naturally position itself until it reaches a total torsion of about 90° at the entrance of the second rolling stand 52.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the torsion guide 10 comprises a support 11 with an inlet 11a and an outlet 11b for metal products P aligned along the rolling axis X.

[0046] The two torsion rollers 12, 13 are preferably associated with a support 11 having an inclined profile S that gives the rollers 12, 13 a shape that is at least partially conical. These torsion rollers 12, 13 are arranged to converge in substantially opposite directions or to be conical. In other words, the direction in which one torsion roller 12 contracts is substantially opposite to the direction in which the other torsion roller 13 contracts.

[0047] Alternatively, the twist rollers 12 and 13 are cylindrical and can be preferably inclined by their respective support heads, for example, to impart a desired first twist to the metal product P that comes into contact with them during use.

[0048] The twist rollers 12 and 13 are rotatable around their respective axes of rotation T1 and T2 and are associated with their respective movable support elements 17 and 18.

[0049] In some embodiments, the torsion rollers 12, 13 are pivotally attached to their respective rotating supports 14, 15 that define their rotation axes T1, T2, and each rotating support 14, 15 can be positioned on their respective support elements 17, 18.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the rotation axes T1 and T2 of the torsion rollers 12 and 13 are substantially parallel and belong to a common plane A perpendicular to the rolling axis X.

[0051] The two torsion rollers 12 and 13 can overlap and be separated from each other in the adjustment direction B perpendicular to the rotation axes T1 and T2 and the rolling axis X.

[0052] Furthermore, the torsion rollers 12 and 13 can be separated from each other in directions parallel to the rotation axes T1 and T2. This configuration allows for the definition of a passage gap 16 for the metal product P between the torsion rollers 12 and 13.

[0053] In some embodiments, at least one torsion roller 12, 13 is movable in adjustment direction B relative to the other in order to correct the size of the passage gap 16.

[0054] According to one aspect of the present invention, the torsion guide 10 comprises at least one motor means 19 mechanically connected to at least one of the support elements 17, 18 for selective movement thereof.

[0055] In some embodiments, the movement of the support elements 17 and 18 corresponds to the translation of the respective torsion rollers 12 and 13 in at least a direction parallel to the adjustment direction B.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the motor means 19 is mechanically connected to allow both support elements 17 and 18 to move selectively and cooperatively. In this case, the movement of the support elements 17 and 18 corresponds to the translation of the torsion rollers 12 and 13 in a direction at least parallel to the adjustment direction B. Furthermore, the degree of this translation may be the same for each torsion roller 12 and 13, but in the opposite sense, it determines the relative movement of the torsion rollers 12 and 13 toward / away from each other.

[0057] The twist guide 10 may also include one or more means 22 for detecting the relative positions of the twist rollers 12, 13. These detection means 22 directly or indirectly detect the relative or absolute positions of the twist rollers 12, 13 with respect to a known point on the twist guide 10, for example. In particular, the detection means 22 are configured to detect the relative positions of the twist rollers 12, 13 in a direction at least parallel to the adjustment direction B.

[0058] In some embodiments, the detection means 22 is directly associated with the torsion rollers 12 and 13. In other embodiments, the detection means 22 is associated with the rotating supports 14 and 15. In further embodiments, the detection means 22 is associated with the support elements 17 and 18.

[0059] The detection means 22 can be configured to transmit data regarding the positions of the torsion rollers 12 and 13 to the control and management unit 58.

[0060] The control and management unit 58 can be configured to analyze data received from the detection means 22 and to manage the operation of at least one motor means 19 based on such data. In particular, the control and management unit 58 can drive the motor means 19 to move the support elements 17, 18 in order to position the torsion rollers 12, 13 relative to each other at a desired distance along the adjustment axis B.

[0061] In this particular case, each support element 17, 18 comprises discs 20, 21 rotatable around rotation axes D1, D2 parallel to the rotation axes T1, T2 of the torsion rollers. On each disc 20, 21, eccentrically positioned are the respective rotating supports 14, 15, to which the torsion rollers 12, 13 are pivotally mounted. Each disc 20, 21 is associated with gears 24, 25 that engage with a common headless screw 23 inserted between the discs 20, 21 and movable by a motor means 19. This configuration allows the discs 20, 21 to rotate in opposite directions, thereby rotating the headless screw 23.

[0062] Thanks to the eccentric arrangement of the rotating supports 14 and 15 on the discs 20 and 21, the rotation of the discs 20 and 21 corresponds to the translation of the torsional rollers 12 and 13 in a direction at least parallel to the adjustment axis B.

[0063] The eccentricity E can be identified as the distance between the rotation axes T1, T2 of the torsion rollers 12, 13 and the rotation axes D1, D2 of the disks 20, 21 on which they are mounted.

[0064] In some embodiments, the eccentricity E is substantially the same for both support elements 17, 18. Furthermore, the support elements 17, 18 and the rotating supports 14, 15 can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the rolling axis X (Figure 2). This allows the motor means 19 to move the torsion rollers 12, 13 toward / away from each other in the adjustment direction B, while always keeping them equidistant from the rolling axis X.

[0065] In some embodiments, the detection means 22 may include angular position transducers for disks 20 and 21. For example, the angular position transducer can be associated with each disk 20 and 21, and is configured to transmit data relating to the angular position of the disk 20 and 21 to which it is associated to a control and management unit 58. Advantageously, in this way, the control and management unit 58 can command the motor means 19 based on the data transmitted by the angular position transducers for disks 20 and 21.

[0066] The control and management unit 58 can also be configured to receive input from an operator and to command the motor means 19 as a function of such input. In particular, the control and management unit 58 can have a user interface with any known communication device, such as a key, keyboard, touchscreen device, and / or device for communication with a computer network.

[0067] As a simple example, an operator can communicate to a control and management unit 58 the desired distance between the torsion rollers 12 and 13 along the adjustment axis B. Then, as a function of the received input and data regarding the positions of the torsion rollers 12 and 13, the control and management unit 58 can drive a motor means 19 to position the torsion rollers 12 and 13 as desired by the operator.

[0068] Advantageously, this configuration limits operator intervention with respect to the torsion guide 10, making its setup faster and more effective. This is particularly advantageous in the case of a rolling grid having, for example, 20 or more different rolling paths, where the torsion guide 10 is installed for each path.

[0069] Referring to Figure 3, the present invention also relates to a rolling plant 50 comprising at least two rolling stands 51, 52 arranged in series along a rolling axis X, and a torsion guide 10 according to the present invention inserted between the two rolling stands 51, 52.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the rolling plant 50 may also include a rolling guide 53 inserted downstream of the torsion guide 10 between two rolling stands 51, 52. The rolling guide 53 is preferably positioned corresponding to the entrance of the rolling stand 52 downstream of the torsion guide 10. The rolling guide 53 holds the metal product in the correct working position by aligning with the gap defined between the rollers or cylinders of the rolling stand 52 downstream of it.

[0071] The rolling guide 53 is attached to a support 56 and comprises at least one pair of guide rollers 54 having a rotation axis perpendicular to the rolling axis X.

[0072] The guide rollers 54 are normally idle and kept in constant contact with the metal product which is subjected to rotational motion by friction. The rolling guide 53 also includes one or more means 57 for detecting the force that the metal product P applies to the guide rollers 54 during use. For example, each guide roller 54 of the rolling guide 53 can be associated with its respective force detection means 57. These detection means 57 can be of any known type and can be associated with each guide roller 54, or alternatively, directly with an element connected to the guide roller 54, such as a support arm (Figure 3).

[0073] The force detection means 57 is also configured to transmit the detected force value to a control and management unit 58 that commands at least one motor means 19 of the rolling guide 10.

[0074] In some embodiments, the control and management unit 58 is configured to analyze data received from the detection means 57 of the rolling guide 53 and to instruct the motor means 19 of the rolling guide 10 as a function of that analysis.

[0075] In practice, the force applied to the guide rollers 54 of the rolling guide 53 by the metal product P can vary as a function of the wear of the rolling rollers 12 and 13 of the rolling guide 10. In other words, worn rolling rollers 12 and 13 do not provide the correct first rolling to the metal product P, and enter the next rolling guide 53 with inaccurate positioning, for example, by pushing one guide roller 54 more than the other.

[0076] In one embodiment only, if the control and management unit 58 detects a significant difference in the force applied to one guide roller 54 by the metal product P compared to the other, it may move the torsion rollers 12 and 13 toward / away from each other until the value of the force applied to the guide roller 54 falls within a preset tolerance range.

[0077] Therefore, the rolling plant 50 of the present invention enables automatic adjustment of the relative positioning of the torsional rollers 12 and 13 of the torsional guide 10, even during use. Advantageously, the rolling plant 50 of the present invention prevents jamming, failure, and defects in the final product and limits the frequent, burdensome, and invasive maintenance associated with the wear of the torsional rollers 12 and 13.

[0078] The present invention also relates to a rolling method, - The first rolling stand 51 reduces the thickness of the metal product P, - The two torsion rollers 12 and 13 of the torsion guide 10 transmit the first torsion to the metal product P at the exit from the first rolling stand 51, - To directly or indirectly detect wear of the twisted rollers 12 and 13, - A method for automatically adjusting the relative positioning of the torsional rollers 12 and 13 of the torsional guide 10 based on detected wear.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment of this method, the detection of wear on the torsion rollers 12 and 13 can be performed by a control and management unit 58 that analyzes data transmitted by means 57 for detecting the force applied by the metal product P to one or more guide rollers (54) of the rolling guide 53 located downstream of the torsion guide 10.

[0080] Furthermore, in other embodiments, the reciprocating positioning of the torsional rollers 12 and 13 of the torsional guide 10 can be adjusted by a control and management unit 58 that selectively drives motor means 19 associated with the torsional rollers 12 and 13. In particular, the driving of the motor means 19 can occur as a function of data transmitted by a detection means 57.

[0081] It is apparent that partial or stepwise modifications and / or additions can be made to the torsion guide 10, the rolling plant 50, and the rolling method described herein without departing from the field and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

[0082] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in parentheses is for readability, and they should not be considered as limiting factors with respect to the field of protection claimed in any particular claim.

Claims

1. 1. A twist guide (10) comprising a support (11) to which are associated at least two twist rollers (12, 13) rotatable about respective rotation axes (T1, T2) parallel to one another, the twist rollers (12, 13) being pivotally mounted on respective support elements (17, 18) movable at least parallel to an adjustment axis (B) and mechanically connected with at least one motor means (19); and a control and management unit (58) and one or more means (22) for detecting the relative positions of the twist rollers (12, 13) at least in a direction parallel to the adjustment axis (B), the detection means (22) being configured to transmit data correlating to the positions of the twist rollers (12, 13) to the control and management unit (58) in order to enable the relative positions of the twist rollers (12, 13) to be adjusted at least in a direction parallel to the adjustment axis (B).

2. 2. The twist guide (10) of claim 1, wherein the at least one motor means (19) is mechanically connected to the support elements (17, 18) to selectively and coordinately move them, the movement of the support elements (17, 18) corresponding to a mutual movement of the twist rollers (12, 13) towards / away from each other.

3. 3. The twist guide (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a support (11) with an inlet (11a) and an outlet (11b) for a metal product (P) aligned along a rolling axis (X), the support elements (17, 18) being arranged symmetrically with respect to the rolling axis (X).

4. 4. The twist guide (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control and management unit (58) is configured to command the function of the at least one motor means (19) as a function of the data correlating to the position of at least the twist rollers (12, 13) in order to adjust the mutual position at least in a direction parallel to the adjustment axis (B).

5. 5. The twist guide according to claim 1, wherein the support elements (17, 18) are each rotatable about a respective axis of rotation (D1, D2), and each torsion roller (12, 13) comprises a disk (20, 21) that is eccentrically pivoted by a rotary support (14, 15).

6. 6. A torsion guide according to claim 5, characterized in that the discs (20, 21) are integral with respective gears (24, 25) which engage a common headless screw element (23) which can be driven by the at least one motor means (19), and the detection means (22) comprise transducers of the angular position of the discs (20, 21).

7. 1. A guide device for rolling stands arranged one after the other along a rolling axis (X), said device comprising at least one twist guide (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and a rolling guide (53) arranged downstream of said twist guide (10) along said axis (X), said rolling guide (53) comprising guide rollers (54) and means (57) for detecting a force exerted by a metal product (P) being transported on said guide rollers (54), said means (57) for detecting a force exerted by a metal product (P) being transported on said guide rollers (54) being arranged to transmit data relating to the force exerted on said guide rollers (54) to said control and management unit (58), whereby adjustment of the mutual position of said twist rollers (12, 13) is subject to said detection of said force by said detection means (57).

8. 10. A rolling plant (50) comprising at least two horizontal axis rolling stands (51, 52) arranged in succession along a rolling axis (X), characterized in that it also comprises at least one twist guide (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, installed between said at least two rolling stands (51, 52).

9. 9. A rolling plant (50) according to claim 8, further comprising at least one rolling guide (53) installed downstream of said twist guide (10) and upstream of one of said rolling stands (51, 52), said rolling guide (53) comprising at least two guide rollers (54) associated with one or more means (57) for detecting the force with which a metal product (P) is exerted on said guide rollers (54) during use, said detection means (57) being arranged to transmit data relating to the force exerted on said guide rollers (54) to said control and management unit (58).

10. 10. A rolling plant according to claim 9, characterized in that the control and management unit (58) is also configured to command the motor means (19) of the twist guide (10) based on data received from the detection means (57) of the rolling guide (53) to adjust the mutual position of the twist rollers (12, 13) at least in a direction parallel to the adjustment axis (B).

11. A rolling method comprising the steps of: - reducing the thickness of the metal product (P) by means of a first rolling stand (51); - transmitting a first twist to the metal product (P) at the outlet from the first rolling stand (51) by means of a twist guide (10) comprising at least two twist rollers (12, 13) pivotally mounted on respective support elements (17, 18) movable at least parallel to the adjustment axis (B) and mechanically connected with at least one motor means (19), a control and management unit (58), and one or more means (22) for detecting the position of the twist rollers (12, 13) at least in a direction parallel to the adjustment axis (B), the means (22) being configured to transmit data correlating to the position of the twist rollers (12, 13) to the control and management unit (58); - detecting, directly or indirectly, the wear of said torsion rollers (12, 13); - automatically adjusting the mutual position of said torsion rollers (12, 13) at least in a direction parallel to said adjustment axis (B) based on said detection of said wear of said torsion rollers (12, 13).

12. 12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the detection of the wear of the twist rollers (12, 13) occurs by the control and management unit (58) analyzing data transmitted by means (57) for detecting the force exerted by the metal product (P) on one or more guide rollers (54) of a rolling guide (53) located downstream of the twist guide (10).

13. 13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the automatic adjustment of the mutual position of the twist rollers (12, 13) occurs by moving them by at least one motor means (19) commanded by the control unit (58).

Images