hot-rolling

Hot-rolling is an industrial process used to shape metals, particularly steel, into various forms such as bars, sheets, and rails. This method involves passing heated metal between pairs of rollers that are set at a distance slightly less than the metal's thickness. The heat increases the metal's plasticity, allowing for significant changes in shape.12

The process begins with a heated slab, which is first passed through a scale breaker to remove surface impurities. It then moves through roughing stands to reduce its thickness, followed by finishing stands that roll it to its final dimensions. Computer systems monitor and control parameters like thickness, temperature, and speed throughout the process. Hot-rolling is a primary method for producing flat products like plates and hot-rolled strip, which can be further processed into sheets or coils.34