Posted on: 11th December 2015 by Kyle Smith

In a previous blog post we explored factors responsible for a decline in aluminium rolling mill performance over time. In this post we discuss the approaches and methods used to stop this decline and to improve aluminium rolling mill performance.

Most aluminium rolling companies will be trying to improve their performance by increasing their asset utilisation, improving their product quality and reducing their operating costs. Finding a balance between these aspirations requires a careful approach combined with a deep understanding of the products being rolled and the rolling process itself. It is a relatively easy exercise to calculate theoretical rolling mill capacities based on the product mix and maximum mill powers & speeds. However, achieving this theoretical productivity can be a much more difficult task, especially when market conditions require changes to the product mix and volumes.

Rolling mill performance
Plant data showing improvement in hot mill output following OEE study (performance normalised to 100% pre-study)

Innoval Technology has expertise in conducting technical audits to assess the rolling and finishing processes and the products being produced. Careful study and assessment of the operations and material flow, combined with benchmarking against world-class performance, highlights where practices on equipment can be improved or in more extreme cases, where the purchase of new capital equipment makes economic sense.

Optimum mill performance can occur only when the mill capabilities, process understanding and coil sequencing are dynamically linked. Examples of how improvements in productivity and product quality can be achieved without the need for new capital outlay, will be discussed further.

If you’d like to know more about how we can support your aluminium rolling operation, click here

Did you know that we run a training course specifically about aluminium rolling technology? It’s the only one of its kind and it takes place twice a year here in Banbury, and also online. You can read about the course here and also download a registration form.

This blog post was originally written by Dan Miller who has now left the company. Please contact Kyle Smith if you have any questions.