Development of Cold‐Rolling Edge‐Drop Control Technology for Electrical Steel: A Review

Abstract

As an emerging technology in the production of electrical steel, edge‐drop control (EDC) caters to the increasing requirements for the overall shape quality of strips. Herein this review, the development of EDC theory, method, and control system used in the cold‐rolling process is summarized. Also, in this review, research on EDC theory is found to be based on the 3D plastic deformation model of the strip, considering the lateral metal flow. Further, an analytical model and a numerical calculation method are employed to establish an edge‐drop calculation model with high accuracy and speed. Next, taper‐work‐roll shifting (T‐WRS), a conventional EDC technology, is found to have been greatly improved in actual production. However, T‐WRS technology involves coupling problems in terms of edge drop and crown and flatness control. Finally, the closed‐loop EDC is found to depend on the online WRS of multiple stands. Particularly, the genetic law of strip thickness in the continuous rolling process and the edge‐drop regulation characteristics of each stand in the continuous rolling mill are significant aspects; thus, a reasonable roll‐shifting control strategy must be formulated. Based on the reviewed research, the development prospect of EDC is characterized.