Thickness measurement in hot rolling mills

Thickness measurement is one of the most important measurement tasks in hot rolling mills. With the O-frame and C-frame thicknessCONTROL MTS 820x and MTS 920x series, Micro-Epsilon offers high precision measurement systems. Based on laser triangulation technology that uses a discrete laser line, these systems offer numerous advantages over alternative measurement technologies.
Special features:
- Material-independent measurements
- Alloy-dependent calibration is not necessary
- Robust for harsh environmental conditions due to protection against emulsion, steam and high temperatures
- Large sensor distance with high precision
- High lateral resolution enables precise edge detection
- Flexible software and hardware enable easy integration to the rolling mill
Applications

AMAG
System type:
O-frame thicknessCONTROL MTS 9201.LLT
Installation situation:
The system is an O-frame shaped design with a welded construction that is integrated into the line after the scissors operation. Sensors and electronics are water-cooled in order to resist high temperatures. The upper sensor is adjusted to the thickness using a vertical axis in order to measure the large thickness variation with correspondingly high precision.
Material:
- Width: 1000mm to 2450mm
- Thickness: 10mm to 160mm
- Material temperature: 80 to 350°C
Measurement:
Two parameters are measured. First, a longitudinal profile of the centre thickness is detected while the plate passes through the system in one direction. Subsequently, a cross profile is detected while the plate returns.
Special features:
- Patented temperature compensation
- Alloy-independent measurements
- Low space requirement
thicknessCONTROL MTS 9201.LLT is specifically designed for harshest environments such as aluminium hot rolling mill applications. These systems stand out due to their solid steel frame. The optical sensors are water-cooled in order to ensure a longer service life. The integrated, electronic components remain in the specified temperature range, as the frame is purged with cold air. Another special feature is the patented, fully automatic monitoring of the linearity in the ‘parked’ position using a certified calibration standard. In this way, not only are thermal effects on the mechanics of the measuring frame monitored but also the factors affecting the sensor electronics, which are corrected automatically using a patented linearisation process.
Special features:
- Optionally expandable with vertical linear axis for measuring range extension
- Measuring rate up to 2kHz

CONSTELLIUM
System type:
C-frame thicknessCONTROL MTS 8202.LLT
Installation situation:
The system is designed as a suspended C-frame behind the stand. The upper sensor is moved using a vertical axis. This enables a small and therefore high precision sensor measuring range to be used despite a large change in thickness.
Material:
- Width: 1000mm to 2740mm
- Thickness: 13mm to 150mm
- Material temperature: 100 to 360°C
Measurement:
With each slab, the C-frame moves close to the edge after a fully automatic calibration. After the leading end has passed the system drives the C-frame to the measuring position. Before the rear end of the slab, the system is removed again from the danger zone. The results enable the roller gap to be controlled and adjusted.
Special features:
- Alloy-independent measurement
- Air-blow system protects lenses
- Water-cooled sensor technology
Le MTS 8202.LLT fonctionne à base de scanners à triangulation laser et garantit ainsi une indépendance de la mesure par rapport à la nature de la surface du matériau à mesurer. Les calaminages ou effets de réflexion de la surface métallique sont ainsi absorbés. Le système offre en outre une précision supérieure à celle obtenue à l'aide de capteurs par points ainsi qu’une plus grande ouverture d’entrée. La mécanique à cadre en C du système est dotée d'un système de calibrage en ligne automatisé permettant d'éviter tout effet perturbateur d’origine thermique. Du fait de la disposition transversale de la ligne de mesure par rapport au flux de matériau, le système prend en compte le défaut d’alignement angulaire de la bande.
Particularités :
- Linéarité ±5 µm pour une plage de mesure de 40mm
- Ouverture d’entrée 300 mm
- Profondeur d’immersion de 50mm à 1400mm
- Tailles spéciales sur demande
- Cadence de mesure jusqu’à 2kHz