Mill Caps – Handling the Heat and Pressure of the Modern Forge

As molten billets of steel race through the plant, they are formed into their final shape through a series of ever tightening rolls and presses.

Rolling plates - a hot slab partially finished, Steel Works, Homestead, Pa. - Library of Congress — Rolling plates – a hot slab partially finished, Steel Works, Homestead, Pa. – Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division (rep. # LC-USZ62-69674 )

"Rolling Mill with Coil Box" by mouser-nerdbot is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 — “Rolling Mill with Coil Box” by mouser-nerdbot is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The stands that hold these forming rolls are under extreme stresses as they progressively squeeze the metals into shape; be it flat sheets, bars, round stock or rails.

Mill Cap - Finished - Front Shot — Mill Cap – Finished – Front Shot

Mill Cap - Finished - Rear Shot — Mill Cap – Finished – Rear Shot

At the top of these stands are the mill caps – holding the components together, absorbing constant shock and vibrations as they maintain pressure on the searing metal as it is is worked beneath it.

Milling Begins

Squaring the Circle

The original cap was a cast part. This machined version will be stronger and less susceptible to cracks and weak spots due to the possibility of bad casting. It is also made of a finer grade of metal than the old, worn piece.

Reviewing the Paperwork

Bird's-eye View — Bird’s-eye View

On Mill - Ready to Start — On Mill – Ready to Start

Using the drawings, we will CNC a new component from a 22 inch burn-out weighing over 19,000 lbs. (Not many suppliers can provide a single piece of metal that large.) Hooks were welded on the sides so the block could be moved throughout the shop.

Burn Out - Top Shot — Burn Out – Top Shot

Burn Out - Side Shot — Burn Out – Side Shot

Burn Out - Detail — Burn Out – Detail

These higher quality mill caps will provide a better support system and a more dependable and stable stand. In the long run, they will help provide our client produce a better product and maintain a longer running mill.

Squared Bolt Hole

Square Bolt in Slot

Riggs Machine & Fabricating – Serving industry in KY, OH and WV for over 45 years!