The article addresses the topic of drive readiness in a wire rod rolling mill. It presents the characteristics of a rolling stand, a rolling mill, a rolling plant, and main drives. The article also includes definitions of readiness. The subsequent part of the article describes modernization activities undertaken at the wire rod rolling mill concerning areas directly related to the drives. The description is enriched with photos illustrating individual changes. The conclusions describe the achieved results.The problem of readiness in production processes is extremely important. Currently, in almost all production plants, regardless of the industry, the basic indicator monitored continuously is the utilization of time available for production. The value of this indicator, which has a direct impact on the cost of manufacturing a product, is determined, among other things, by the level of readiness of machines and equipment included in the production process. Readiness is higher the lower the number of failures and unplanned stops.
Considering the readiness of drives in a wire rod rolling mill, we touch upon a very important problem. Failures of these devices are always extremely costly and time-consuming. The actions presented in the article were aimed at increasing the level of readiness of machines and equipment in the area directly related to the drives.
2. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ROLLING MILL
2.1 Rolling stand
A rolling stand is a device in which metal rolling takes place. The basic parts of the stand, acting as tools, are the rolls that exert direct pressure on the rolled metal. The rolls are supported in bearings via journals. Bearing housings are placed in the windows of the stands. Two stands connected to each other and placed on base plates form a rigid frame. The distance between the rolls is adjusted by means of adjustment mechanisms, which simultaneously take over the forces resulting from the pressure of the metal and transfer them to the stands. (…)
The article contains 18,507 characters.
Source: Logistyka Magazine