Process optimization of Pilger cold rolling

The optimization project of pilger cold rolling was proposed based on finite element simulation in order to solve the problem of rolling force fluctuations and large peaks in the high-speed pilger cold rolling pipe mill. Firstly, 316L stainless steel pipes were taken as the research object, and a three-dimensional finite element model of pilger cold rolling process was established. The variation of tube outside diameter and rolling force during rolling process of pilger cold pipe mill was discussed. Secondly, the influence of process parameters, such as feed rate, billet rotating angle and gap between roll seams on rolling force was systematically studied during the rolling process of pilger cold rolling. Finally, reasonable process parameters were suggested for reducing the peak and fluctuation of rolling force. The results show that the rolling force and rolling stress of 316L stainless steel tube billet increase sharply when the tube enters the reduction section. The peak value of rolling force and the fluctuation of rolling force in front and back stroke increase with the increase of feed amount. The peak value of positive stroke rolling force decreases gradually when the rotation angle increases, while the peak value of reverse stroke rolling force decreases first and then increases. The fluctuation of rolling force increases sharply after maintaining stability. Moreover, the peak value of rolling force shows a trend of increasing first and then decreasing when the gap between roll seams is too large. The fluctuation of rolling force in front and back stroke tends to be stable. When positive stroke feed is 6 mm, reverse stroke feed is 1.5 mm, rotation angle is 55° and gap between roll seams is 2 mm, the peak value of rolling force decreases by 23%, and fluctuation decreases to 100 kN. © 2023 Central South University of Technology. All rights reserved.