Patent ID: 7152661
Filing Date: 2006-12-26
Classification: B21B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. Method for semi-endless or endless rolling by casting a metal strand, especially a steel strand ( 1 a ), which is cut to length as required after solidification, wherein the cut lengths ( 20 ) of cast strand are fed into a roller hearth furnace ( 2 ) for heating and homogenizing at rolling temperature and are then fed at rolling temperature into a rolling mill ( 3 ) to be rolled out, wherein the continuous casting is continued without interruption during the rolling operation, and wherein a sufficient buffer time for a roll change is maintained in the rolling mill, wherein, to carry out a roll change, the casting rate (Vc) is reduced as a function of the feed rate (Vw) of the rolling mill ( 3 ) and/or the roll-changing time, including the roll pass designing, and/or the buffer length of the roller hearth furnace ( 2 ) and/or the final rolled thickness after the strand has been cut to length, wherein the casting rate (Vc) is reduced by an amount greater than or equal to the amount given by the following formula: where V=the reduction of the casting rate Vw=the feed rate of the rolling mill t=the roll-changing time L=the length of the roller hearth furnace.