The development of the first strip thickness gauge worldwide, that could measure the thickness of the strip during the rolling process in cold mills with an accuracy of µm, was the start of our company in 1963.
Vollmer America
Strip Shape Measurement
Shape as a quality feature
In the past, the strip thickness tolerance was the essential dimensional quality criterium for strip material. Today, it is a necessity that the strip thickness tolerance satisfies the highest demands. Mills which do not satisfy this criteria, are upgraded immediately.
In addition, the strip shape has become an equally important characteristic in judging the overall strip quality.
The measurement of strip shape in operation has become easy! Even though the measurement systems are very complex, their application is almost invisible for the customer. The strip shape is measured with shapemeter rolls that are installed into the mill in place of the existing deflector rolls. The diameter and body length of the shapemeter rolls correspond exactly to those of the original deflector rolls and the bearing of the shapemeter rolls also corresponds to the bearing of the deflector rolls.
The advantages are obvious:
- No additional space required for the shapemeters
- No effects on the strip passline
While the strip is pulled over the shapemeter rolls, a variety of discreet measurement zones measures the strip tension distribution. At the same time, the monitor indicates the desired shape for the current strip. If the mill has the suitable control components, the shape is controlled in accordance with the requirements of the end customer (refer to Strip shape control).
An important factor for the design of the shapemeter rolls is the selection of the number of measurement zones for the rolls. The more measurement zones, the more precise the detection of the 
shape profile, but also the more expensive the measurement rolls. Our experts will be glad to give their advice at any time, based on decades of shape measurements on running strip material in mills of all types and on strips of all materials.
Vollmer offers two different types of shapemeter rolls:
- The roll with piezo force sensors
- The roll for tension levellers
What's New
VIP 08 Flatness Measurement System
While the strip thickness tolerances were a significant criterion for the quality assessment of strip material in the eighties and nineties, significant improvements in controls and automation have made good thickness control a given among suppliers.
First Isotope Thickness Gauge Application in Mexico
During this past fall, we installed our first two – Model A3000 Isotope Thickness Gauges in Mexico. The application was for stainless steel on a heavy-duty reversing mill with 24/7 operation.
Quality and Yield Optimization on Cold Rolling Mills
In order to accommodate for the high demand in accuracy, quality and yield, it is essential to optimize the existing operating equipment. In the past Vollmer has supplied and been known for their high performance thickness gauges in conjunction with the automation of the screwdown system.
News & Events
BFI Article shows new design for shape roll measurement
The well-proven BFI version shape measurement roll has undergone a design change that improves its ability to measure the tensions profile on flat product without marking the strip. The detectors have been redesigned to fit into the roll while leaving the surface of the roll completely clear of machined marks. This eliminates the former problems associated with the axially installed sensors.