TPT January 2007

Technology Update

High-precision laser measurement of profiles

on visualisation PCs. This reduces the time required for adjusting the rolling parameters, enabling operators to immediately react to any imminent violation of tolerances. The RDMS is integrated into the user’s process control system, and the measured data is stored on a local server. A special algorithm calculates not only the envelope contour of the ribbed bars, but also their core diameter. This measurement technique, which is already successfully in use at several producers of ribbed bar, is based on a stationary arrangement of the measurement sensors. The system seamlessly integrates with other models in the RDMS range, and even under the harsh operating conditions found in steel mills, ensures almost maintenance- free operation and high availability.

LAP GmbH Laser Applikationen, Germany, supplies laser-based systems for high- precision measurement of geometric dimensions such as position, width, thickness, length, diameter and flatness. As part of the modernisation of the bar rolling mill at Jamshedpur, India’s Tata Group awarded LAP the order to supply an RDMS system for inline profile measurements. The system will measure the profiles of 5-13mm diameter ribbed reinforcing and merchant bar. The system was scheduled to go on-stream in December 2006. Integrating the system into the existing line – directly after the last stand – presented a challenge, because the rolling line runs at a distance of approximately 500mm from the mill floor. LAP devised a customised solution, using the compact design of the RDMS, that made costly rebuilding of the rolling mill unnecessary. In the rolling direction, the RDMS requires a clearance of only 150mm.

The system captures inline measurements of the diameter, ovality and envelope of the profile, and displays the profile graphically

fi RDMS systems from LAP are compact enough to be installed in most confined spaces

LAP GmbH Laser Applikationen – Germany Fax : +49 4131 951 196 Email : info@lap-laser.com Website : www.lap-laser.com

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J ANUARY /F EBRUARY 2007