The rolling mill is one of the most important pieces of equipment in a steel plant. With the application of modern advanced technologies, it is now possible to manufacture high-quality rolling mills. Rolling mills are commonly classified based on their structural configuration, as outlined below:
2-High Mill
The 2-high rolling mill features a simple structure and allows for reciprocating rolling of billets into various rectangular blanks. Reversible two-high mills can also be used for rolling rails, beams, and steel plates.
A group of DC or AC motors typically drives multiple stands of 2-high rolling mill units, which are capable of producing billets and structural sections. These mills are characterized by high productivity and can also be used for sheet rolling, cold-rolled strip production, and cold flattening processes.
3-High Mill
This configuration allows the rolled part to pass in both directions without the need to reverse the mill, enabling reciprocal multi-pass rolling. The 3-high mill is commonly used for rough rolling and the production of section steel.
4-High Mill
The 4-high rolling mill consists of two larger backup rollers (support rollers) and two smaller work rollers. The smaller work rollers reduce the contact area and rolling force, while the backup rollers provide support to minimize bending and enhance mill rigidity. To maintain stability, the work rollers are typically offset slightly in the rolling direction to prevent centerline misalignment due to bearing clearance. This type of mill is primarily used in strip production lines.
Multi-High Mill
To meet the high precision requirements of cold-rolled strip dimensions, multi-high mills such as 6-high, 12-high, and 20-high configurations are used in cold-rolled plate production lines.
Planetary Mill
The planetary mill enables large reductions in thickness and is used for the production of hot-rolled strip coils.
Vertical Mill
The vertical rolling mill is designed to process the side edges of thick plates. In plate and strip rolling operations, it is mainly used to control strip width.
Cross-Roll Mill
The cross-roll mill is used in seamless steel pipe production. Its two rollers are set at a cross angle and rotate in the same direction, allowing for precise deformation control.
45° Rolling Mill
The 45° rolling mill is used in high-speed wire rod continuous rolling mills, sizing machines, and reduction units. The roll axes are arranged at 45° angles to the horizontal, with adjacent stands oriented perpendicularly. The main drive systems are positioned on both sides of the mill.
