Introduction to the types and installation locations of high-line rolling mill bearings

Dec 14, 2023

        The High wire rolling mill is an essential piece of equipment in the steel industry, responsible for processing raw materials into the required shape and size through continuous plastic deformation. In this process, bearings are indispensable components in rolling mills. They operate under extreme conditions for long periods and require high precision, rigidity and high durability. This article will detail the types, structures, materials, performance, and installation locations of high speed wire rod rolling mill bearings.

Types of high-line rolling mill bearings

        The main bearings of high-line rolling mills include support bearings, work roll bearings and guide bearings. Each bearing has its specific functions and operating conditions.

Support roll bearing: The support bearing is the main load-bearing component of the high-line rolling mill and is used to support and fix the rolls. They must withstand substantial rolling forces and bending moments while dealing with frequent thermal shock and vibration. Commonly used support bearings include cylindrical, spherical, and double-row spherical roller bearings. 

Work roll bearings: Work roll bearings provide the necessary friction to drive the rolls to rotate. They must withstand radial loads and axial impacts while maintaining good rotational accuracy and stability. Commonly used work roll bearings include deep groove ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, and spherical roller bearings.

The picture above shows the angular contact ball bearing 162250MB produced by FV and installed in the roller box.

Guide bearing: The function of the guide bearing is to guide the roller to move along the set path to ensure the stability and accuracy of the rolling process. They must withstand lateral forces and overturning moments while possessing high rigidity and stability. Commonly used guide bearings include sliding guide bearings, inlaid guide bearings and roller guide bearings.

Installation parts of high-line rolling mill bearings

High-line rolling mill bearings are usually installed in the following locations:

Roll neck: Support and work roll bearings are usually mounted on the neck and rotate with the roll. These bearings must withstand various loads during the rolling process and maintain stable operation of the rolls.

Guide device: The guide device is a component that guides the rolling stock into the roll. It usually consists of a guide frame and a guide sliding block. The guide sliding block installed on the guide frame is in direct contact with the rolled workpiece and bears a considerable impact load and friction. The material of the guide sliding block is usually wear-resistant copper alloy or plastic, and the surface is plated with hard chromium or polytetrafluoroethylene to improve wear resistance.

Support seat: The support seat is used to install and support bearings, usually located in the lower part of the rolling mill. The support seat takes the load transmitted by the support bearing and transfers it to the basic structure. The design of the support seat requires full consideration of strength, stiffness and stability to ensure the regular operation of the support bearing.

Transmission device: The transmission device transmits the motor's rotational motion to the roll. It usually consists of a gearbox and a coupling. The gearbox reduces the speed of the motor to a speed suitable for the rotation of the roll and transmits it to the coupling. The coupling transmits power to the roll neck and rotates the roll. The transmission device needs to have high precision and rigidity to ensure the stability and accuracy of the transmission.

Adjustment device: The adjustment device adjusts support, work roll, and guide bearings positions. It usually consists of bolts, nuts and washers. The position of each bearing can be adjusted through the adjustment device to ensure the stability and accuracy of the rolling process. Adjustment devices must have high precision and reliability to ensure the accuracy and safety of the adjustment process.

The picture above is an oil film-bearing bush produced by FV.

        The high-speed rolling mill is an essential equipment in the steel industry, and bearings are vital to ensure regular operation. Understanding the types, structures, materials, performance, and installation locations of high-speed rolling mill bearings will help maintain and use this equipment. In actual operation, the appropriate bearing type and installation methods should be selected according to the specific conditions of each equipment, and effective maintenance measures should be taken to ensure the long-term stable operation of the equipment.