Characteristics and importance of high-speed steel rolls.

Oct 28, 2024

High-speed steel roll, referred to as high-speed steel roller, is a hot rolling roll material that has been around for a short time but has developed extremely rapidly. The following is a detailed introduction to high-speed steel rolls:

1. Material properties

High-speed steel, also known as wind steel or front steel, is famous for its unique quenching hardening ability and high hardness. High-speed steel rolls are rolls made of high-speed steel and are mainly used in the rolling process in the steel smelting process. It is an alloy steel with a complex composition, mainly containing carbide-forming elements such as tungsten, molybdenum, chromium, and vanadium. The total alloying elements can reach 10% to 25%. These alloy elements give high-speed steel rolls a series of excellent properties:

High carbide hardness: The carbide types in the structure of high-speed steel rolls are mainly MC type and M2C type. These carbides have high hardness and good wear resistance, allowing the rolls to maintain surface smoothness and precision for a long time during the rolling process.

Good thermal stability: At rolling temperatures, the surface of high-speed steel rolls has high hardness and good wear resistance and can resist high-temperature deformation and wear.

Excellent hardenability: the hardness of the high-speed steel roll almost does not drop from the surface of the roll body to the inside of the working layer, ensuring that the roll has equally good wear resistance from the outside to the inside.

Strong resistance to hot cracking: During the rolling process, a thin and dense oxide film is easily formed on the surface of the high-speed steel roll. This oxide film significantly enhances the roll's wear and hot cracking resistance.

High toughness and strength: The core of the high-speed steel roll is usually made of materials such as alloy ductile iron, graphite steel or forged steel, which makes the overall roll have high toughness and strength and can withstand large impact forces and loads.

2. Production process

The production process of high-speed steel rolls is complex and sophisticated, mainly including casting, forging, processing, heat treatment and other steps. Among them, heat treatment is an important part, which can effectively improve the hardness and toughness of high-speed steel rolls. Heat treatment mainly includes quenching, tempering and other processes. The common heat treatment method involves quenching followed by tempering to balance hardness and toughness.

3. Product features

Diversification: High-speed steel rolls are expertly developed to meet the specific demands of various industries.

Environmental protection:

• Strengthen the application and promotion of environmental protection and energy-saving emission reduction technologies.

• Enhance sustainability by reducing energy consumption and emissions in the production process of high-speed steel rolls.

• Achieve sustainable development.

Intelligentization: By integrating intelligent manufacturing technology, automation, digitalization, and intelligent control of the high-speed steel roll production process can be achieved to enhance production efficiency and product quality.

4. Application fields

High-speed steel rolls are essential in modern steel rolling production, improving both efficiency and product quality. This development marks a significant advancement in the steel industry, following innovations such as microalloying and controlled rolling and cooling technologies. In Japan, high-speed steel rolls are commonly used in various areas of steel rolling production, including plates, sections, bars, and wire rods. They are utilized not only as work rolls but also as support rolls.

5. Use and maintenance

Precautions for use:

Ensure the applicable range of the roller and avoid damage to the roller caused by excessive use.

Ensure the linear speed and pressure of the roller to avoid exceeding the load-bearing capacity of the roller.

Ensure the cooling water temperature and flow rate of the roll to avoid damage caused by overheating of the roll.

Maintenance methods:

Check the roll surface regularly and replace or repair problems promptly if any problems are found.

Clean and oil the rolls regularly to ensure the smoothness and lubricity of the roll surface.

According to the usage of the roller, the angle and position of the roller should be reasonably adjusted to extend the service life of the roller.

In conclusion, high-speed steel rolls are crucial to the modern steel rolling industry thanks to their remarkable performance and versatile applications. With ongoing technological advancements and an expanding market, the high-speed steel roll sector is set to experience even more promising growth opportunities.