High performing flatness measurement and control is a critical success factor for flat rolling mills. Building on 50 years of experience in flatness control, ABB now applies the latest technology in electronics, computing, modeling, and cloud technology to create a holistic approach to strip flatness control in rolling mills. This approach includes measurement and control of process variables in the actual rolling mill and in the up-stream and down-steam processes. A new patented Stressometer technology for Controlled post rolling flatness (CPRF) is now combined with ABB AbilityTM cloud-based solutions.
ABB AbilityTM connects customers to the power of the Industrial Internet of Things and, through services and expertise, turns data insights into the direct action.
ABB Stressometer Flatness Control Systems are currently used in more than 1,200 rolling mills worldwide for on-line measurement and control of strip flatness. The first version of the system was introduced in 1967 and since then Stressometer has been the leader in both measurement and control of flatness. A Stressometer will guarantee that the strip flatness out of the mill is according to target.
However, post rolling processes also have an influence on strip flatness and tend to impair the flatness from the mill. The CPRF function adds flatness measurement at the end of the production process. Information from this additional measurement, in combination with other process data, is used to calculate a flatness target correction for the rolling mill that will cancel out post rolling effects on strip flatness. Considerable savings are achieved through safer rolling, higher speed, less scrap, less strip breaks, optimized process flow and less rejects from customers.
Flatness quality of rolled strip at Gränges is very important for both the rolling processes and the post rolling processes. The use of the Stressometer CPRF function simplifies follow-up and visualization of the actual strip flatness in the different processes. It also makes it easy to design flexible quality reports on-demand with analysis of production issues. Optimized flatness target maps are prepared and updated when needed for all used products and alloys. World class strip flatness is now achieved in the post rolling processes.
About Gränges
Gränges is a leading global supplier of rolled aluminium products for heat exchanger applications and other niche markets. In materials for brazed heat exchangers Gränges is the global leader with a market share of approximately 20%. The company develops, produces and markets advanced materials that enhance efficiency in the customer manufacturing process and the performance of the final products; brazed heat exchangers. The company’s geographical markets are Europe, Asia and the Americas. Its production facilities are located in Sweden, China and the United States, and have a combined annual capacity of 420,000 metric tonnes.
About ABB
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader with a comprehensive offering for digital industries. With a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB is today a leader in digital industries with four customer-focused, globally leading businesses: Electrification, Industrial Automation, Motion, and Robotics & Discrete Automation, supported by its common ABB Ability™ digital platform. ABB’s market‑leading Power Grids business will be divested to Hitachi in 2020. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 147,000 employees.