Application of support roller bearings in rolling mills

Jun 16, 2024

Rolling mills are important equipment in the field of metal processing and are widely used in the rolling production of materials such as steel and non-ferrous metals. In rolling mills, support roller bearings, as one of the key components, bear the weight and rolling force of the rolls and play an important role in the stable operation of the rolling mill and the quality of products.

1. Structure and function of support roller bearings

Support roller bearings are usually composed of outer rings, inner rings, rolling elements (such as steel balls and rollers), and cages. The outer ring is fixed on the frame or arch of the rolling mill, and the inner ring is connected to the roll neck of the roll. The rolling element is located between the inner and outer rings, reduces friction and energy consumption by rolling, and bears the rolling force. The cage is used to keep the position of the rolling element to prevent it from falling off or dislocation.

The main functions of support roller bearings include:

Supporting rolls: Support roller bearings can bear the weight of the rolls and fix them in the correct position to ensure that the rolls can rotate stably during the rolling process.

Transmit rolling force: During the rolling process, the rolls will be subjected to the rolling force from the rolled piece. The support roller bearing can transmit these forces to the frame or arch of the rolling mill to prevent the roll from being deformed or damaged due to uneven force.

Reduce friction: The support roller bearing reduces friction by rolling the rolling element, reduces energy consumption, and improves the operating efficiency of the rolling mill.

Buffer vibration: During the rolling process, vibrations will be generated between the roll and the rolled product. The support roller bearing can buffer these vibrations to a certain extent and protect the rolling mill and the roll from damage.

2. Selection of support roller bearings

The following factors need to be considered when selecting suitable support roller bearings on the rolling mill:

Rolling force: Rolling force is one of the key factors in selecting support roller bearings. The bearing capacity and model need to be determined based on the rolling force of the rolling mill and the diameter of the roll.

Speed: The speed of the roll is also a factor that needs to be considered when selecting bearings. High-speed rotating rolls need to use bearings that can withstand high-speed operation.

Working environment: The working environment of the rolling mill may include harsh conditions such as high temperature, high humidity, and corrosive gases. It is necessary to select bearing materials and structures that can adapt to these environments.

Maintenance and replacement: The maintenance and replacement of support roller bearings are also factors that need to be considered. It is necessary to select bearing types that are easy to maintain and replace to reduce maintenance costs and downtime.

3. Installation and maintenance of support roller bearings

Installation: The installation of support roller bearings needs to follow certain steps and specifications. First, it is necessary to ensure that the cleanliness and dimensional accuracy of the bearing seat and the roll neck meet the requirements. Then, apply an appropriate amount of lubricant to the bearing, install it on the bearing seat, and use a special tool to press the roll into the inner ring of the bearing. During the installation process, it is necessary to pay attention to the alignment and preload of the bearing to ensure that the bearing can operate normally.

Maintenance: The maintenance of support roller bearings mainly includes lubrication, cleaning, and inspection. It is necessary to check and replace the lubricant regularly to ensure that the bearing runs in a good lubricated state. At the same time, it is necessary to regularly clean the debris and dirt on the surface of the bearing seat and rolling element to maintain the cleanliness of the bearing. In addition, it is necessary to regularly check the wear and damage of the bearing, replace the damaged parts in time, and avoid the mill shutdown caused by bearing failure.

Fault diagnosis and troubleshooting: During the operation of the mill, various faults may occur in the support roller bearings, such as vibration, noise, temperature increase, etc. These faults need to be diagnosed and eliminated in a timely manner. The cause of the fault can be diagnosed by checking the lubrication, cleanliness, alignment, and preload of the bearing. Once the cause of the fault is determined, corresponding measures need to be taken to eliminate it, such as changing the lubricant, cleaning the bearing surface, adjusting the alignment and preload, etc.

The support roller bearing plays a vital role in the rolling mill, and its performance directly affects the stable operation of the rolling mill and the product quality. When selecting the support roller bearing, factors such as rolling force, speed, working environment and maintenance and replacement need to be considered. During the installation and maintenance process, certain steps and specifications need to be followed to ensure that the bearing can operate normally and extend its service life. Through reasonable selection, installation and maintenance, the role of the support roller bearing in the rolling mill can be fully utilized to improve the production efficiency and product quality of the rolling mill.

FV has also produced many support roller bearings for him, such as model BT4B 332773, 380KV5605, etc. At the same time, FV can also customize support roller bearings for customers according to their working conditions. If you need to, please get in touch with us.