Analysis of premature failure of work rolls in a cold strip plant

In this paper, premature failures of several work rolls on a cold strip mill were investigated. In order to study the work roll surface feature and failure mechanism. the chemical compositions, microstructures and the hardness of roll materials were examined. The stresses in the spalled area of the work roll have been calculated, and the stress states identified. The causes for the roll wear and damage have been identified in the study. The surface images of the work rolls have been studied, and the characteristics of wear have also been characterised for the damaged rolls. It has been found that the operating factors and metallurgical defects affected the roll service life in cold strip rolling. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.