Minimised yield losses by innovative integrated edge-drop, width and shape control based on soft-sensor technology and new actuators in cold rolling mills (Edgecontrol) : final report

The project Edge control aims at systematically studying width variation and edge-drop in cold rolling mills. Mechanisms producing these phenomena were investigated and classified for different materials and mill types. Advanced strategies for controlling edge-drop and width were proposed. The development and implementation of portable edge-drop and width measurement systems to be used at different locations and mills, where no such facilities are available, builds the basis for advanced knowledge in the strip edge area during the rolling process. The combination of three-dimensional models, numerical simulations and data gathered in rolling trials are used to describe the width and profile variations. On the other hand, comprehensive measurement campaigns with the developed measurement systems have been carried out at different industrial mills to calibrate and validate models and improve the understanding of edge-drop and width variations. Soft sensors and simplified formulae have also been developed to estimate the edge-drop and width variation in tandem cold mills. Different actuators for controlling strip width variation and edge-drop were investigated and classified by order of importance and contribute to the strategy to be used in each target rolling mill, and to propose potential new width and edge-drop actuators. Development of intelligent soft sensors for the prediction and estimation of the edge-drop evolution in tandem cold rolling mills is a key instrument to develop future strip edge profiles. The implementation and first trials with advanced edge-drop and width control systems at the industrial facilities at Arcelor España, Arcelor Eisenhüttenstadt (Germany) and Sandvik (Sweden) demonstrate that control strategies and systems for different materials and cold rolling mills can help minimise side trimming.