Finishing block with dual speed sizing capability

摘要

A block type rolling mill has work roll pairs (12) arranged along a rolling line (X) to roll a single strand product in a twist-free manner. The work roll pairs are driven by a common mill drive (34) via a drive train which includes two parallel line shafts (28a, 28b) with at least two successive work roll pairs being alternatively coupled to one or the other of the line shafts. This is achieved by providing a common intermediate drive means, including a shaft (44), which links two successive roll pairs and the line shafts. The line shafts are coupled to the intermediate drive means via clutches (56a, 56b) in such a way that one of the line shafts can be selected to drive the roll pairs. Different gear ratios can be selected in the connection between the respective line shaft and the intermediate drive means so that the rolling speed of the roll pairs can be changed for rolling different diameter products.