Tenova commissions equipment for JW Aluminum

Tenova SpA has successfully commissioned the roll grinding machine and roll shop equipment for JW Aluminum’s new hot rolling mill in Goose Creek, USA.

Tenova’s subsidiary Pomini was selected by JW Aluminum in 2018 for a comprehensive equipment package, including the supply of a new fully automatic grinding machine for work rolls and back-up rolls, of a combined chocking / de-chocking machine for work rolls and back-up rolls, and for a chock tilter. All equipment has been designed for use also with the rolls of the cold rolling lines already in operation at the US manufacturer.

The equipment combines highest accuracies and quality required by the aluminium industry with the flexibility required by the extended range of dimensions, surface requirements and materials of rolls to be taken care of. For this reason, the roll grinding machine features an advanced wheel load control system for increased stability of roughness finishing along the roll barrel and a Continuous Profile Compensation (CPC) system for true and undisturbed in-process measurement and correction of roll profile during grinding. The hydrostatic steady rests used for back-up rolls are equipped with a single hydrostatic pad set, which can be changed quickly and does not require roll alignment after a roll type change. The chock changer features two back-up roll stands with a rotation system for ease of chock insertion and extraction.

“The effective collaboration between Tenova and JW Aluminum has made it possible to overcome the significant hurdles posed by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. By means of goodwill and cooperation, the installation and commissioning of the equipment have been carried out without compromising equipment performance and – most importantly – the safety of all personnel involved on site,” said Livio Taccani, commercial director at Pomini Tenova. “This success is a further confirmation of the high quality and performance of Pomini’s roll grinders in the aluminium field, as well as of the high design flexibility of our equipment.”