High Strength Material Tube: Mill Configuration Comparison

Below are videos comparing the results of the two simulations. Both simulations are testing the same forming progression through the breakdown and fin passes of a high-strength material tube with a high thickness to diameter ratio, but utilizing two different mill configurations.

Mill #1 is a smaller mill and consists of smaller horizontal distances between the stands, and the rolls are smaller in diameter. Mill #2 is the larger of the two mills, has larger horizontal distances between the stands, and larger diameter rolls.

High-Strength Tube – Light Wall – Mill 1 – Center Portion

High-Strength Tube – Light Wall – Mill 2 – Center Portion

High-Strength Tube – Light Wall – Mill 1 – Full Length

High-Strength Tube – Light Wall – Mill 2 – Full Length

The results show the larger diameter rolls weren’t able to overcome the effect of the larger horizontal distances between the stands. These larger horizontal distances allow for more springback between stations, resulting in increased longitudinal strain along the strip edge, which leads to a greater tendency for buckling along the strip edge.