What is a straighten machine?
A straighten machine is a piece of equipment that is utilized in rolling mills to handle special steel products that are supplied in the as-rolled condition. The purpose of the straighten machine is to straighten rolled steel sections based on the specifications of the intended application. In order to straighten the whole steel product or a portion of its cross section, it must be stretched beyond its yield point. In roller straightening, stress is applied by deflecting the section as it passes through a triangle of staggered work rolls resulting into permanent curvature that is being generated into the product. Straightening is achieved by alternately reversing and reducing the curvature as the product passes through the subsequent triangles of work rolls.
Kinds of straighten machines
- Tube straightening
- Special section straightening
- Angle straightening
- Round bar straightening
- Channel straightening
Automatic straighten machine equipped with computer numerical control technology
Automated straighten machine used in manufacturing processes consists basically of hydraulic presses with numerical control sensors to carryout dimensional inspection of parts and automatic devices for loading and unloading. The straighten machine is actually used for detecting error in linearity of a part through a measurement system that can distinguish between errors in shape and true errors in linearity so that the plane in which they appear will be properly identified. The CNC program will establish the strategy of the straighten machine and determines how and where to operate on the part to minimize the number of intervention. In some cases during straightening, the straighten machine self-learns the pressing cycle so that it can apply it to each individual part in the lot.
Adaptive control methods in straighten machines
Adaptive control techniques have been applied for many years by many sectors of mechanical production. The technique has been successfully applied to machines for chip removal and is now being applied in metal forming operations. Adaptive control methods are now being successfully applied in straightening of mechanical components as in the case of pipes for the oil industry. Some of the systems are highly sophisticated but complemented by expert systems for the selection of machining process phases and the technological parameters that will be used for the development of systems for straightening turbine blades.
The straighten machine comes in various specifications and it is important to consider the requirements for speed, sturdy construction, accuracy and performance. If the right straighten machine is used for the right task it is definitely going to be a win-win situation for both manufacturers and customers.