A finishing mill, also known as a continuous mill or a rolling mill, is a type of industrial equipment used in the metalworking industry to shape and refine metal products. It is typically the final stage in the production process, where the metal undergoes further processing to achieve the desired shape, size, surface finish, and mechanical properties.
The primary function of a finishing mill is to reduce the thickness of the metal and improve its surface finish through a series of rolling operations. It is commonly used for the production of flat products, such as sheets, strips, plates, and bars.
A typical finishing mill consists of a series of rolling stands, which are arranged in a line. Each rolling stand contains a pair of rolls, which rotate in opposite directions and apply pressure to the metal. The metal is passed through the rolls multiple times, gradually reducing its thickness and shaping it into the desired form.
The rolls in a finishing mill can be either hot or cold, depending on the temperature of the metal being processed. Hot rolling is typically used for materials such as steel, aluminum, and copper, where the metal is heated above its recrystallization temperature to make it more malleable. Cold rolling, on the other hand, is used for materials like stainless steel and certain alloys, where the metal is processed at room temperature or slightly below.
In addition to reducing the thickness, a finishing mill can also perform other operations to improve the quality of the metal product. These operations may include:
1. Surface treatment: The rolls in the finishing mill can be textured or engraved to create a specific surface finish on the metal, such as a smooth, polished, or patterned surface.
2. Edge trimming: The mill may have mechanisms to trim or remove any uneven or excess material from the edges of the metal strip or sheet.
3. Shape and profile control: The mill may incorporate roll bending or shaping mechanisms to control the shape and profile of the metal product, ensuring dimensional accuracy.
4. Heat treatment: Some finishing mills may have the capability to heat-treat the metal product to enhance its mechanical properties, such as hardness or strength.
Overall, a finishing mill is a crucial piece of equipment in the metalworking industry, providing the final processing steps to transform metal into finished products. It plays a significant role in achieving the desired thickness, shape, surface finish, and mechanical properties of the metal, ensuring its suitability for various applications.
