Universal Flying Shear
A universal flying shear in a rolling mill is a type of shearing machine used to cut moving rolled products into specific lengths without stopping the material flow. It's a crucial component in hot rolling mills, particularly for TMT (thermo-mechanically treated) bar production, ensuring accurate and efficient cutting at high speeds. The flying shear mechanism synchronizes its speed with the moving material and cuts it cleanly, allowing for continuous production. It's typically positioned after the finishing mill and before the cooling bed in a rolling mill setup.
A flying shear utilizes a rotating blade (or blades) that moves at the same speed as the material being rolled, enabling cuts without interrupting the process. Flying shears are used for cutting various materials, including medium and small steel billets, thin slab billets, small section steel, and hot and cold rolled strip steel. A flying shear includes a flying arm, a drive system (often involving a motor and reduction gears), and a cutting mechanism. The cutting process is often managed by a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and may involve inputs from encoders (to measure roll speed) and Hot Metal Detectors (HMD). Flying shears are designed to ensure precise cutting lengths, often with tolerances within a few centimetres. By enabling continuous cutting, flying shears increase productivity, reduce material waste, and improve overall efficiency in rolling mills. While the term "universal" suggests adaptability, flying shears can be designed for specific applications and material types, with options for fully automated or semi-automated operation.
