Effect of roll gap adjustment on exit cross sectional shape in groove rolling—Experimental and FE analysis

We machined work roll with groove worn down as well as groove with no wear. We then performed a pilot hot rod rolling test at temperature of 1000 °C using plain carbon steel (0.1% C) as the roll gap decreases from reference roll gap (6.5 mm) to 3.5 mm. To understand better the effect of roll gap (i.e., section height) adjustment on the exit cross sectional area (ECSA) variation of workpiece in a two-stand groove rolling process with wear is considered, we carried out a series of three dimensional finite element analysis. Results reveal that variation of ECSA is almost linearly proportional to roll gap change while the roll gap decreases from reference roll gap (6.5 mm) to 3.5 mm. In oval groove rolling, the exit cross sectional shape and area predicted by FEA is in a good agreement with those measured. In round groove rolling, however, some deviations between FEA and experiment are observed because of roll groove geometry coupled with cross sectional shape of incoming workpiece. In the two-stand groove rolling, the effect of roll gap adjustment at each stand on the exit cross section of workpiece is somewhat different, in comparison with single-stand groove rolling. The roll gap adjustment at the previous stand has a more influence on the ECSA of workpiece than that of the next stand.