Mini Laboratory Cold Rolling Mill for R & D 100-300mm width 2Hi 4Hi
Mini Laboratory cold rolling mill is kind of mini cold mill, compact, precision-engineered system designed to simulate industrial metal rolling processes in
controlled research environments. Laboratory cold rolling mills
bridge fundamental research and industrial scaling, offering unparalleled control, precision, and versatility for metallurgical studies. They enable cost-effective exploration
of rolling mechanics, accelerating material innovations and process
optimizations. It performs plastic deformation of metal
sheets/strips at hot, room or near-ambient temperatures via rotating rolls, achieving the aims of:
- Thickness reduction (from mm to µm-scale foils)
- Surface finish enhancement
- Microstructural modification (e.g., work hardening, texture control)
- Mechanical property adjustment
Widely used in Applications:
Process simulation, Material R&D, Fundamental research:,
Education, Prototype production, etc.
Features
1. Compact Design
Bench-top or standalone installation.
Rolling force: Typically 5–100 metric tons (vs. industrial-scale 1000+ tons).
Roll dimensions: Work roll diameter: Ø20–200 mm
Roll barrel length: 100–300 mm
Material capacity:
Width: 50–300 mm
Initial thickness: 0.1–5 mm → Final thickness: <1 µm–0.5 mm
(foils).
2. High Precision & Control
Micron-level gap control: Servo-driven or hydraulic screw-down systems (accuracy: ±1–10 µm).
Advanced instrumentation: Real-time monitoring of rolling force, gap, speed, tension, and
temperature.
Programmable automation: PLC/PC-controlled multi-pass schedules, variable reductions, and
tension profiles.
Optional tension control: Integrated uncoiler/coiler for strip rolling simulations.
3. Flexibility
Interchangeable rolls: Options for material (steel, tungsten carbide), surface finish
(polished, textured), and profile (flat, crowned).
Wide parameter ranges: Adjustable speed (0.1–30 m/min) and reduction per pass (1–50%).
Modular add-ons: Heating/cooling units, in-line thickness gauges, or surface
scanners.
4. Safety
Emergency stops, safety interlocks, and protective enclosures
compliant with lab standards.
Major Components
Frame: Rigid housing (closed-gap or short-stress path design) to
withstand rolling forces.
Work rolls: Precision-ground, high-hardness rolls for direct material contact.
Backup rolls (4-high/6-high mills): Minimize work roll deflection for uniform thickness.
Screw-down system:
Mechanical (servo + ball screw) or hydraulic actuation.
Drive system: Motor (AC/DC/servo) + gearbox + spindle coupling.
Material guidance: Entry/exit tables with lateral alignment.
Tension control (optional): Motorized uncoiler/coiler with load cells.
Sensors & DAQ: Force transducers, encoders, laser micrometers, etc.
HMI/Software: Parameter setting, data logging, and process visualization.
Specifications
| Parameter | Range |
| Max rolling force | 5–100 T |
| Work roll diameter | Ø50–160 mm |
| Roll face width | 100–250 mm |
| Max entry thickness | 0.5–5 mm |
| Min exit thickness | 10 µm–0.5 mm |
| Speed | 0.1–30 m/min |
| Thickness control | ±1–10 µm |
Compatible Materials
Steels (low-carbon, stainless)
Aluminum/copper/titanium/magnesium alloys
Nickel superalloys
Metal-matrix composites
Precious metal foils (Au, Ag)
Advantages
✔ Low operational cost (energy/space/maintenance vs. industrial mills)
✔ Rapid experimentation with high-repeatability conditions
✔ Comprehensive data acquisition for process-structure-property analysis
✔ Customizable workflows (single/multi-pass, tension/compression modes)
✔ Minimal safety risks for lab environments
