ANDRITZ and BFI develop new generation of shapemeter roll

The aim is to achieve greater process reliability and production stability to meet higher quality requirements.

The new generation will therefore enable measurement and monitoring of five other essential process parameters in addition to traditional shape measurement, which are to be successively integrated into the robust system of the shapemeter roll:

• Strip tension measurement
• Strip edge detection
• Strip width
• Strip position
• Monitoring the temperature profile of the strip

AMG and BFI can look back over a 40-year success story in the development of shapemeter and shape control systems. The AMG-BFI shapemeter roll is the central system used for the production of metal strip in the steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and nonferrous metal industries to ensure consistent but always high quality. Thus, the shapemeter roll enables the production of metal strip with the highest product standards in the industry – while significantly reducing production costs.

To date, three successful generations of AMG-BFI shapemeter rolls have been developed and marketed internationally, known as the shape:tronic system (AMG) and the BFI shapemeter roll (BFI). The first generation of the shapemeter roll, introduced in 1976, has been continuously adapted to meet changing customer requirements in shape measurement. In order to efficiently contribute practical experience and customer know-how to the next stage of further development, both companies have decided to collaborate even more closely.

Ralf Gutsche, department manager for shapemeter rolls at AMG, says: “We are looking forward to working even more closely with BFI to combine our experience and develop the shapemeter roll product further. With these improvements, the shapemeter roll should play a central role in the rolling process in the future by further illustrating the entire process for the user in order to facilitate extensive process optimization.

Colin Goffin, commercial project manager at BFI, adds: “The new proprietary generation of the shapemeter roll will combine the best of previous BFI shapemeter rolls – the high shape accuracy of the BFI pocket roll (2nd generation) and a closed roll surface, as is the case with the BFI axial measuring roll (3rd generation). In addition, the shapemeter roll will integrate further process parameters. This provides a very big advantage to our customers.”

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ANDRITZ METALS GERMANY
ANDRITZ Metals Germany (formerly ANDRITZ Sundwig), whose origins date back to 1689, is a leading global manufacturer of industrial plants for the production and processing of hot- and cold-rolled stainless steel strip, coated strip, and non-ferrous metals. From strip processing, finishing, and cold rolling lines, to shape control systems – the unique shape:tronic system – to complete turnkey plants and after-sales service, ANDRITZ Metals Germany guarantees its customers worldwide forward-looking technologies of the highest quality and economic efficiency.

VDEH-BETRIEBSFORSCHUNGSINSTITUT (BFI)
For more than 50 years, the VDEh-Betriebsforschungsinstitut (BFI) has stood for innovation and applied cutting-edge research in the steel and process industry and thus firmly at the side of the companies operating in this sector. As a legally independent and non-profit institute, the BFI implements innovative ideas into customized, operational solutions that are crucial for the future of the process industry. The focus is on Industry 4.0 and artificial intelligence, CO₂ reduction and energy efficiency, process optimization, and circular economy. In the area of shape measurement, BFI is the licensor of the world's leading BFI shapemeter roll.