Strip production by peeling

Abstract

The development of a novel process for strip production is described, in which the bloom is converted into strip of finished dimensions in a single operation. The plant capital costs per tonne and capacity are both low and therefore provide greater flexibility in a varying market situation. The process involves machining a continuous-strip product from the surface of a rotating bar or disc and coiling it under tension. By selecting appropriate values of tool geometry, feed, and cutting speed, a continuous chip of uniform quality can be produced at the cutting edge of the tool which, when coiled under controlled conditions, will result in a strip product of consistent dimensions, good surface finish, and acceptable mechanical and metallurgical properties. The design and construction of a preproduction machine capable of delivering 300 k W, and producing strip up to 225 mm wide and 0·05–1 mm thick in 250 kg coils, is discussed. Specific trials showed that little difficulty exists in producing peeled strip from most metals and alloys, even those exhibiting limited ductility. Considerable success was achieved in peeling both ferrous and non-ferrous cast materials.