How does a steel cut to length line operate

The operation of a steel cut to length line is a continuous, synchronized process that efficiently converts a master steel coil into a stack of flat, precisely sized sheets. The coordination between mechanical components and electronic control is key to its functionality. Shijiazhuang Faith Machinery Co., Ltd. designs these lines with a focus on operational logic to ensure reliability and output quality.

Step 1: Coil Loading and Feeding
The process begins with the loading of a steel coil onto the decoiler. This can be done manually with a crane or automatically with a coil car. The leading end of the coil is then prepared and threaded through the entry guides of the line. The decoiler begins to rotate, feeding the coiled steel strip into the system. A tensioning device, often part of the decoiler, applies a slight backward force to keep the coil tight and prevent looping.

Step 2: Flattening and Leveling
The coiled steel, which has a natural curvature, next enters the precision leveler. This machine contains multiple small-diameter work rolls, arranged in rows. As the steel strip passes between these rolls, each successive roll bends the material in the opposite direction, progressively working it beyond its yield point. This mechanical action permanently removes the coil set and any other inherent distortions, producing a perfectly flat strip of steel. The settings of the leveling rolls can be adjusted to suit different steel grades and thicknesses.

Step 3: Precise Measurement and Feeding
The now-flat steel strip is gripped by a set of servo-driven feed rolls. These rolls are controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC) that receives precise positional feedback from a rotary encoder. The operator inputs the desired cut length into the control panel. The servo system then advances the exact length of material required. This feeding process is characterized by high acceleration and deceleration to maximize cycle time while maintaining stopping accuracy.

Step 4: Shearing and Cutting
Once the predetermined length of steel has been fed, the servo motors stop instantly, halting the material. A hydraulic shear, positioned immediately after the feed rolls, is then activated. The upper blade of the shear descends to cleanly cut the stationary steel strip across its entire width. The shear is designed for a sharp, burr-minimized cut. The timing between the feed stop and the shear stroke is meticulously calibrated to ensure every sheet is cut to the correct length.

Step 5: Sheet Conveying and Stacking
After the cut, the newly separated sheet is transferred away by a run-out conveyor. At the end of the conveyor, an automatic stacking system takes over. This can be a simple piling table or a more complex magnetic or vacuum stacker that gently lifts and places the sheet onto a pallet in a neat, aligned stack. The stacker often includes a counting function and can be programmed to create stacks of a specific number of sheets. The entire operational sequence, supervised by the control system from Shijiazhuang Faith Machinery Co., Ltd., creates a highly efficient and repeatable method for preparing steel blanks for further industrial use.