Multi-functional Rolling Stand for Large Ingots

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Solution Overview

Problem

Forging presses have limitations in working large-size ingots or blooms, requiring long processing times, careful control, and re-heating, which hampers productivity and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A multi-functional rolling stand with large rolls and high compression forces, capable of working ingots and plates up to 1500mm in width and 500mm in thickness, featuring adjustable positioning bolts, channels for sidewise or edgewise rolling, and a reversing design to eliminate internal porosities and achieve efficient processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If forging presses are used to work large-size ingots or blooms, then the products can be forged, but the processing time becomes long and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional forging press mechanical system with a rolling stand system that uses rolling mills to deform and shape large-size ingots and blooms. This substitution enables continuous rolling operations at high speeds, eliminating the intermittent forging process and significantly reducing processing time while maintaining the ability to work large cross-sections up to 1500mm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters by using multiple rolling stands arranged in sequence, each performing specific reduction tasks. The system achieves high-speed continuous processing by maintaining optimal rolling parameters across multiple stands, with the ability to process ingots at speeds unattainable by single-stage forging presses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If forging presses are used for large-size products, then forging can be performed, but careful control is required in every working step increasing operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the forging process into multiple sequential rolling stages, each performed by a dedicated rolling stand with specific function (roughing, intermediate, finishing). This segmentation allows each stand to operate within optimized parameter ranges, simplifying control requirements for each individual unit while achieving complex overall transformation through the sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rolling stand system is designed to perform multiple functions including roughing, intermediate rolling, and finishing operations within a unified continuous process. The universal rolling mechanism can handle various product shapes and sizes, reducing the need for specialized equipment and complex procedural controls required by traditional forging presses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If forging presses are used for large-size ingots, then forging can continue, but re-heating is sometimes required reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous processing capabilityVSAvoidprocess interruption time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a continuous rolling process where the ingot passes through multiple rolling stands in sequence without interruption. The continuous motion and deformation process maintains favorable temperature and stress conditions throughout, eliminating the need for stopping and re-heating operations that are sometimes required in batch forging processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The rolling process applies progressive deformation through pre-planned reduction schedules across multiple stands, preparing the material in advance for final shaping. This preliminary progressive action prevents material hardening and cracking that would require re-heating, allowing continuous processing without interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables rapid processing of large-size products with high compression forces, reducing internal porosities and eliminating the need for re-heating, thereby enhancing productivity and product quality.

Implementation Method 1

The high compression force, in particular in the case of ingots, also causes the elimination or great reduction of the internal porosities that are typically present in the ingots.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP2419225B1Multi-functional rolling stand and relative method of use
Publication Date: 2014.04.02 DANIELI & C OFFICINE MECCANICHE SPA
  • EP2419225B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2419225B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2419225B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

Multifunctional rolling stand (10) and relative method of use, suitable for rolling /forging large plates, large blooms, large round pieces and other large-size semi-worked products, for example ingots or similar products. The compression force can reach up to about 6000 tonnes in the case of ingots, depending on the type of product being worked and on the reduction ratio to be obtained. Thanks to these high forces in play, which allow to obtain compressions comprised between 100 and 150 mm, the rolling stand (10) according to the present invention is similar to a forge so that the internal porosities of the product are eliminated.