Application of BACK-UP ROLLERS in rolling mills

Jul 22, 2024

Rolling mills are indispensable and important equipment in the metal processing industry and are widely used in the rolling processing of materials such as steel and non-ferrous metals. During the operation of the rolling mill, Back-up rollers, as one of the key components, carry the rotation and support of the rollers, which has a vital impact on the performance and efficiency of the rolling mill.

1. Structural characteristics of Back-up rollers

Back-up rollers are bearings specially used to support rolling elements. Their structural characteristics mainly include the following aspects:

The outer ring and inner ring: The outer ring and inner ring of the Back-up roller have specific spherical or cylindrical surfaces, respectively, which are used to cooperate with the rollers and the bearing seats. The material of the outer ring and the inner ring is usually high-strength alloy steel to ensure its ability to withstand high loads and impacts.

Rolling element: The rolling element is the core component of the Back-up roller. Its shape and number directly affect the bearing capacity and service life of the bearing. Common rolling elements include spherical and cylindrical types, which roll between the outer ring and the inner ring to support and rotate the rollers.

Cage: The cage is used to fix the rolling elements and prevent them from colliding with each other and being damaged. The design of the cage should take into account the distribution and movement trajectory of the rolling elements to ensure the stability and reliability of the bearing.

2. Working principle of Back-up rollers on rolling mills

In rolling mills, the working principle of Back-up rollers is based on the principle of rolling friction. When the rollers are subjected to external loads during rolling, the rolling elements roll between the outer ring and the inner ring to support and rotate the rollers. Due to the small rolling friction coefficient, Backup rollers can withstand large axial and radial loads, reduce energy consumption, and reduce wear.

During the operation of the rolling mill, Back-up rollers are also subjected to frequent shocks and vibrations. These shocks and vibrations may cause damage and failure of the bearings. Therefore, the design and manufacture of Back-up rollers must take into account the influence of these factors to ensure their stability and reliability.

3. Maintenance methods of Back-up rollers on rolling mills

In order to ensure the normal operation of Back-up rollers on rolling mills and extend their service life, proper maintenance must be carried out. The following are some common maintenance methods:

Regularly check the operating situation of the bearings: observe the noise, temperature, and vibration of the bearings. If there are any abnormalities, the causes should be found in time, and corresponding measures should be taken. For example, excessive bearing temperature may be caused by poor lubrication or overload. At this time, the lubrication system should be checked, and the rolling parameters should be adjusted.

Keep the bearing clean: Clean the bearing and its surrounding environment regularly to prevent dust, dirt, and other impurities from entering the bearing. It can be achieved by wiping with a detergent and a soft cloth.

Check the bearing lubrication condition: Check regularly whether the lubricating oil is sufficient and whether the oil quality meets the requirements. If the lubricating oil is insufficient or the oil quality deteriorates, it should be replenished or replaced in time. When replenishing or replacing the lubricating oil, ensure that the lubricating oil that meets the requirements is used and lubricated according to the prescribed lubrication cycle.

Tighten the bearing seat: Check the tightening of the bearing seat regularly to ensure that it is firm and reliable. If there is any looseness, it should be tightened in time. When tightening the bearing seat, appropriate tools and torque should be used to avoid excessive tightening that may cause bearing damage.

Replace damaged bearings: If the bearing is found to be worn, cracked, or otherwise damaged, it should be replaced in time. When replacing the bearing, ensure that the specifications and models of the new bearing are consistent with the original bearing, and install it according to the prescribed installation steps. At the same time, the new bearings should also be inspected and tested as necessary to ensure their quality and performance can meet the requirements.

4. Advantages of Back-up rollers in rolling mills

The application of Back-up rollers in rolling mills has important advantages, mainly including the following aspects:

High load-bearing capacity: Back-up rollers can withstand large axial and radial loads, meeting the high load requirements of rolling mills during rolling.

Long life: Back-up rollers are made of high-strength alloy steel and are processed by precision machining and heat treatment, with high service life and reliability.

Low friction coefficient: Back-up rollers work based on the principle of rolling friction, with small friction, which can reduce energy costs and reduce wear.

Good stability: The design and manufacture of Back-up rollers take into account factors such as impact and vibration of the rolling mill during rolling and have high stability and reliability.

Convenient maintenance: The maintenance of Back-up rollers is relatively simple and convenient and only requires regular inspection, cleaning, lubrication, and tightening.

The application of Back-up rollers in rolling mills has significant advantages and importance. Its unique structure and performance characteristics enable it to meet the high load, high speed, and high precision requirements of the rolling mill during the rolling process. At the same time, through proper maintenance and management measures, the service life of the Backup rollers can be further extended, and the operating efficiency of the rolling mill can be improved. Therefore, in the design and manufacturing process of the rolling mill, the selection and application of the Back-up rollers should be fully considered to ensure that the performance and efficiency of the rolling mill are fully utilized.