TPT September 2011

T echnology U pdate

New generation of reducing/sizing block

GEORGSMARIENHÜTTE GmbH (GMH) is a European producer of special bar quality (SBQ) for the automotive industry. The company will optimise the production process of its bar mill in Georgsmarienhütte, Germany, to permanently improve the quality of its products according to market requirements. GMH placed an order with the family- owned company Friedrich Kocks GmbH & Co KG (Kocks), located in Hilden, Germany, to extensively modernise and extend a three- roll reducing and sizing block (RSB) that was commissioned in 2002. The order comprises the delivery and commissioning of a real-time closed-loop control system (SCS – size control system) specifically developed for the RSB, which reaches the optimum operating state of the block as quickly as possible, and keeps the production quality of the rolled product on a constantly high, reproducible level. A step ahead technology AFTER 14 years of intense technical development, marketing and sales strategy Axxair is recognised as a key player in the orbital market, covering more than 35 countries through its network of distributors

As another part of the project, the existing five-stand three-roll reducing and sizing block will be extended from five to six stand positions, and all stand positions will be modified to incorporate the newly developed three-roll stands, adjustable under load (AUL). The SCS controls the roll gap of these stands continuously to optimise the already very tight finished size tolerances. The upgrade to the new generation of the three-roll reducing and sizing block results from the many successful rolling tests under real rolling conditions, which have been carried out by Kocks in close co-operation and intensive support by GMH at the location in Georgsmarienhütte. Prior to these rolling trials Kocks had carried out extensive research and development in the mechanical field as well as in the automation sector. Whendevelopingbothcomponents,Kocks focused particularly on the fact that reducing and subsidiaries. Axxair offers the ‘global process’, which is themost complete solution on the market for the orbital preparation and welding of tubes in workshops and on site. Its global offer is largely covering the semiconductor, the pharmaceutical, the food and beverage industries as well as acting in chemical and petrochemical, solar and desalinisation of water. The innovating character residing in the principle of interchangeability of the various tools: one machine for three applications,

and sizing blocks already in operation could be equipped with the SCS as well as with the new stand type AUL. The new stand AUL is based on the successful ‘heavy duty’ stand with a nominal roll diameter of 370mm and has identical external dimensions as well as drive couplings. The combination of SCS and stand AUL will be the basis for the latest generation of the RSB. This design will both simplify the operation of the RSB and also ensure tight tolerances over the whole length of each individual bar for the complete production range. Georgsmarienhütte is the first mill to implement this change, and commissioning is planned for summer 2012. Friedrich Kocks GmbH & Co KG – Germany Fax: +49 2103 54028 Email: v.d.heiden@kocks.de Website: www.kocks.de global process Axxair; biggest range of diameter in cutting machines (from 5mm to 1,100mm); new and patented process for beveling with carbide tips; orbital welding in prefabrication, unique in the market, completed by closed and open heads as well as tube-to-tube sheet heads; new design for cutting, bevelling and welding machines. Axxair – France Fax: +33 4755 75080 Website: www.axxair.com

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S eptember 2011

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