Strip sequencing and speed optimization in continuous cold rolling tandem mills

Continuous operation and linked processes in cold rolling and strip processing are key elements in efficient, high-quality cold-strip production. Over the past decade a number of important technical accomplishments have been made in this field. Throughout the world numerous plants have been brought on stream benefiting from the advantages of continuous operation and coupled processes. In strip processing continuous processes have become established for a long time. However, in the field of combining pickling and cold rolling or surface treatment and coating in one line the development and optimization work is still going on. Strong competition in the flat product markets and the increasing demand for high-quality products under tight cost conditions make the coupling of processes very attractive for the steel industry because of the advantages associated with this technology, such as a large cost-saving potential and the ability to consistently produce at a high quality standard. This is certainly one of the driving forces making flat steel producers increasingly going for coupled processes also in other production areas. This paper outlines the key elements of this performance package for optimized production scheduling in linked processes and the level 2 automation tool "LinkMaster", which controls the entire production process of a linked line under premises like maximum throughput and a minimum of process speed variations. Examples from simulation and practical applications show the huge performance potential, hence cost saving and product quality potential offered by these tools.