Contactless detection and motorised position control of edge masks in hot-dip coating lines
In hot-dip coating lines, the coating, which is only a few micrometers thick, is applied to the metal strip using air knives. In this area, the continuous metal strip is widened beyond the blowing width of the nozzle by baffle blades. The aim of using baffle blades is to avoid air turbulence at the strip edge and any adverse effects on the coating. Reduced zinc dust and noise are beneficial additional effects.
The baffle blades must continuously follow the strip edges, whose position changes due to the bowing of the strip or changes in the strip width, at the smallest possible distance of typically 3 - 5 mm. The contact rollers, which are often still used in older edge masking devices and are operated by pneumatic cylinders, exert mechanical pressure on the strip edges, which can cause them to become damaged. In addition, deposits of the coatings are formed on the rollers, which can be particularly severe in the case of coatings containing aluminum such as Galvalume®.
The inductive and temperature-resistant edge sensors of the new and even more precise “ESI” generation from the EMG eBACS product range enable precise and, in particular, non-contact detection of the strip edge. They replace the disadvantageous contact rollers and can also be a robust and contamination- as well as temperature-resistant alternative for optical sensors.
With stepper motor-driven linear actuators and additional position sensors, an EMG iCON® control amplifier ensures that the edge masks react quickly and reliably.
Particularly during the critical process of changing the strip, even a brief partial opening can help to ensure that as few meters of strip as possible are affected.
Please also take a look at our video: eBACS Baffle Blade Control System.
EMG supplies well-known manufacturers of air blast nozzles with the EMG eBACS components and optimizes the integration together.
Complete retrofits of existing air blast nozzles at the operators' premises are possible, but require a feasibility check.
Have we caught your interest? Get in touch!
"Only in intensive discussion with technologists and line operators is it possible to gain an understanding of the special features of the production processes supported by EMG's quality assurance systems. This is what EMG stands for with its long-standing market presence. Thus, with the EMG eMASS® strip stabilisation, demonstrable improvements in quality and zinc consumption are possible in the hot-dip coating of steel sheets."
Steffen Dombrowski, Product Manager
More solutions
In the production of steel and aluminium strips, the increased demands on new materials and ever more complex components require an increasingly higher level of process reliability. With our innovative quality assurance systems for the cold rolling area, you can optimise your processes - and thus also your product quality. All EMG systems are based on the same hardware and software structure. Benefit from the use of our broad solution portfolio and reduce your TCO (Total Cost of Ownership).
