Bearing types and functions of steel rolling mill support rolls

Dec 29, 2023

1. Overview

In the steel industry, the rolling mill is a key piece of equipment used for the plastic processing of metal materials. Among them, the backup roller is an important component of the rolling mill, and its performance and stability have a crucial impact on the entire rolling process. As the support roller's core component, the bearing type and function selection are directly related to the rolling mill's operating efficiency and product quality.

2. Bearing type

Rolling bearing

Rolling bearings consist of inner rings, outer rings, rolling elements and cages. Commonly used rolling bearing types in support rollers include cylindrical, spherical, and needle roller bearings. Roll mill bearings have the advantages of low friction, low power consumption, and long service life. They can withstand large radial and axial loads. They are a common bearing type for support rollers in rolling mills.

The picture above is the spherical roller bearing 24152MBW33 C2 designed and manufactured by FV.

Sliding bearing

Sliding bearings usually consist of bearing bushes and bearing seats. Fluid lubrication is formed through a lubricating oil film to reduce friction and wear. Among rolling mill support rollers, sliding bearings are often used in large or special-structure rolling mills, such as thick plate mills and section steel mills. Sliding bearings have the advantages of large load-bearing capacity, strong adaptability, and high stability, but they have high maintenance requirements and require regular inspection and replacement of bearing bushes.

The picture above shows the bearing bush produced by FV

3. Bearing function

Bear radial load

During the rolling process, the rolling force generated by the metal material is transmitted to the bearing through the roller, and the bearing needs to bear a large radial load. Therefore, the bearing design needs to consider its radial stiffness and load-bearing capacity fully to ensure the stable operation of the support roller.

Bear axial load

In addition to radial loads, bearings must also bear axial loads caused by roll installation errors, rolling force imbalance and other factors. Consider bearings' axial stiffness and stability when designing a rolling mill to resist axial forces.

Withstand overturning moment

During the rolling process, due to the high speed of the roller and the large transmission torque, the bearing needs to bear a large overturning moment. Design the bearing with anti-overturning ability and stability to ensure the stable operation of the rolling mill.

Reduce friction and wear

During operation, bearings must bear large radial and axial loads; friction and wear are inevitable. Choose high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing processes to reduce bearing friction and wear and ensure proper lubrication and maintenance for longer bearing life and improved rolling mill efficiency.

Transmit torque

During the rolling process, the bearings need to transmit large torque. Optimal torque transmission is guaranteed when designing bearings, prioritising contact fatigue strength and wear resistance. Excited to help you achieve it! At the same time, to prevent slippage during torque transmission, the preload torque of the bearing also needs to be adjusted appropriately.

Adapt to high-speed operation.

During the rolling process, the roller speed is high, so the bearings need to adapt to the requirements of high-speed operation. The bearing design must fully consider its heat dissipation and lubrication properties to reduce thermal effects, friction, and wear during high-speed operation. At the same time, to prevent resonance phenomena during high-speed operation, the natural frequency of the bearing also needs to be reasonably designed.

Easy to install and maintain

During the design process of bearings, the convenience of installation and maintenance also needs to be considered. Reasonable bearing structure and size can facilitate installation and disassembly and are conducive to bearing maintenance and upkeep. In addition, reasonable lubrication and maintenance programs are also essential to extend the bearings' service life and improve the rolling mill's operating efficiency.

4. Summary

The bearing type and function of the steel rolling mill support rolls are key factors to ensure the stable working of the rolling mill stands. Choose the suitable bearing type and performance indicators based on the rolling mill's specific conditions and requirements. At the same time, it is also crucial to strengthen the lubrication and maintenance of bearings. By selecting high-quality bearing materials and advanced manufacturing processes, as well as reasonable lubrication and maintenance plans, the service life of the bearings can be extended, and the operating efficiency of the rolling mill can be improved, providing a strong guarantee for the sustainable development of steel companies.