• Cost Savings: One of the primary reasons to consider buying used metal processing equipment is the significant cost savings. Used equipment is typically available at a fraction of the price of new equipment, making it an attractive option for businesses on a limited budget. By purchasing used equipment, you can allocate your financial resources more efficiently and potentially invest in other areas of your business. This cost advantage allows you to acquire the necessary machinery without compromising on quality or performance.
• Reduced Depreciation: When you buy new equipment, it begins to depreciate as soon as it is put into service. Used metal processing equipment, on the other hand, has already undergone the majority of its depreciation. By purchasing used machinery, you avoid the initial steep depreciation that occurs with new equipment. This means that if you decide to sell the equipment in the future, you may experience less of a financial loss compared to selling new machinery. Reduced depreciation can be particularly beneficial if you anticipate upgrading or replacing the equipment in the coming years.
• Immediate Availability: Another advantage of buying used metal processing equipment is the immediate availability. When purchasing new equipment, there may be lead times, production delays, or waiting periods for manufacturing and delivery. In contrast, used equipment is already on the market and can often be acquired and put into operation promptly. This immediate availability allows you to meet your production needs and timelines without experiencing significant downtime or delays.
• Proven Performance and Reliability: Used metal processing equipment that has been in operation for a while has a proven track record of performance and reliability. It has already undergone real-world application, and any potential issues or defects have likely been identified and addressed. By purchasing used equipment with a good reputation, you can have confidence in its capabilities and durability. Many times the equipment is available with detailed maintenance records, providing you with transparency and peace of mind regarding the equipment’s condition and performance history.
• Upgraded Features and Technology: Used metal processing equipment can often be found with upgraded features and technology compared to older models. As technology advances, businesses frequently upgrade their machinery to stay competitive. This means that you can find used equipment with modern features and improvements that enhance productivity, efficiency, and safety. By purchasing used equipment with upgraded technology, you can benefit from these advancements at a lower cost than investing in brand-new machinery.

Buying used metal processing equipment presents several compelling reasons to consider this option for your business. The cost savings, reduced depreciation, immediate availability, proven performance, upgraded features, and available support make purchasing used machinery an attractive choice. By carefully evaluating your production needs, thoroughly researching the market, and working with reputable sellers, you can acquire high-quality used equipment that meets your requirements and budget. Remember to inspect the equipment, review maintenance records, and consider any necessary refurbishments or upgrades. By choosing metal processing equipment wisely, such as a used rolling mill or other equipment, you can achieve cost-effective solutions while maintaining productivity and competitiveness in your industry.

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• Blanking Lines: Blanking lines are used to cut flat metal sheets into specific shapes or blanks. These lines typically consist of a decoiler for unwinding the metal coil, a straightener to flatten the material, a feeder to position the metal accurately, and a blanking press to cut the desired shapes. Blanking lines are commonly used in industries such as automotive, appliance manufacturing, and metal stamping.
• Rolling Mills: Rolling mills are essential equipment in metal processing for shaping and reducing the thickness of metal sheets or strips. These mills consist of a series of rollers that exert pressure on the metal, causing it to pass through and undergo plastic deformation. Rolling mills are used in the production of various metal products, including sheets, plates, bars, and rails.
• Tube Mills: Tube mills, also known as pipe mills, are used to produce seamless or welded metal tubes or pipes. These mills use a series of rollers to gradually shape the metal strip into a tubular form. The edges are then welded together to create a continuous tube. Tube mills are widely employed in industries such as construction, automotive, and oil and gas for the production of pipes and tubes of various sizes and shapes.
• Levelers: Levelers are machines used to flatten and level metal sheets or coils. They consist of a set of rollers or leveling heads that apply pressure to the metal to remove any curvature or irregularities. Levelers are commonly used in metal fabrication processes where flat and even surfaces are required, such as in the manufacturing of automotive body panels, appliances, and metal furniture.
• Pickle Lines: Pickle lines are used for surface treatment and cleaning of metal coils before further processing. The metal coils are passed through a series of tanks containing acidic solutions, such as sulfuric acid, to remove scales, rust, and other impurities. Pickle lines play a crucial role in preparing the metal surface for subsequent processes like rolling, coating, and painting.
• Slitting Lines: Slitting lines are used to slit wide metal coils into narrower strips of specific widths. These lines consist of a decoiler, a slitter head with circular knives or blades, and a recoiler to wind the slit strips into individual coils. Slitting lines are commonly used in industries like steel service centers, metal stamping, and packaging for the production of narrow strips used in various applications.
• Cut-to-Length Lines: Cut-to-length lines are used to cut metal coils into precise lengths or sheets. These lines typically consist of a decoiler, a straightener or leveler to flatten the metal, a measuring system to determine the desired length, and a flying shear to cut the material. Cut-to-length lines are widely used in industries like construction, roofing, and fabrication for producing metal sheets of specific dimensions.
• Presses: Presses are versatile machines used in metal processing for a wide range of operations, including punching, stamping, forming, and bending. These machines use mechanical or hydraulic force to shape the metal into desired configurations. Presses come in various types, such as mechanical presses, hydraulic presses, and servo-driven presses, and are widely used in industries like automotive, appliance manufacturing, and metal fabrication.
• Edging Lines: Edging lines are used to trim the edges of metal coils or strips to achieve precise widths and remove any irregularities. These lines typically consist of a decoiler, a leveler or straightener, and an edging unit with circular knives. Edging lines are commonly used in industries like steel service centers, where tight tolerances and accurate strip widths are required.
• Pipe Straighteners: Pipe straighteners are used to straighten metal pipes or tubes that have become bent or deformed during the manufacturing or handling process. These machines apply controlled pressure and bending forces to restore the pipes to their original straight shape. Pipe straighteners are commonly used in industries like oil and gas, construction, and automotive for ensuring the quality and integrity of metal pipes.

These are just a few examples of the diverse range of metal processing equipment available in the industry. Each type of equipment serves specific purposes and plays a vital role in shaping, cutting, forming, and finishing metal materials. By employing the appropriate equipment for specific metal processing requirements, manufacturers can achieve high-quality products with precise dimensions and desired characteristics.

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The design ranges of an edging line can be from a very simple set of hardened tool steel roller assemblies for de-burring, to a high-production, fully automated type line that is capable of producing full round, or shaped edges.  To accomplish the various shapes, a set or sets of opposing hardened steel rollers with specific patterns cut into the outside circumference of your metal. For instance, if you need a round edge, more than one roller set is necessary.  In this instance, each set of rollers will have a slightly different pattern, thereby allowing each roller to do a small amount of edging until the last set produces the final shape.

Many edging lines are incorporated into cut-to-length lines equipped with flying shears for continuous running to ensure burr-free specialty flat bars that are created from coil.

An edging line can also be used to apply profile patterns to the edge of a bar. This profiling can be used to create unique flat bar shapes for finished products that need specialized heat transfer, electrical, or nesting applications.

Edging lines can be used in a variety of industries, including integrated mills, mini-mills, aerospace/military, manufacturing, service centers and construction.

The versatility of ASP’s edging lines along with up-to-date technology gives our clients the ability to decrease downtime while increasing their ROI. This is accomplished with extremely quick response times from ordering to delivery to installation of the machinery.

Included in most new and used edging lines are digital controls along with safety and monitoring equipment which allows for the best of industry standards to be placed right in your hands.

We have an array of machinery both new and used including multiple speeds and strips resulting in functionality for numerous industrial and commercial uses.

We work directly with you to determine the specifics regarding their needs. Rest assured, we have the right product to meet the solutions you require. New or used, big or small, a quick consultation will allow us to find the right fit!

The post What is an Edging Line? appeared first on American Steel.

• Experienced in the field of heavy-duty machinery design and building – more than 50 years
• Design experience of plate levelers for stainless, carbon steel, and high strength alloys
• Design experience of unique rolling mills for specialty materials in aerospace and military applications (al, ta, ni, ne, co & proprietary alloys)
• Equipment built by asp is used in different industries: steel, stainless, aluminum, aluminum/aluminum alloy sandwich for bearings, copper, brass, computer/electronics, special powder metals
• Heavy-duty design with high safety-factor
• High-quality components: rolls, gears, motors, bearings, electrical controls, and hydraulics
• Housings: forged steel with highest quality and ultrasound/ndt tested
• Rolls: forged, heat treated & ground from proprietary chemistry
• Competent and expert engineering staff
• Fabrication, assembly, and testing facilities with overhead cranes
• State-of-the-art design capability, autocad, 3-d modeling, latest technology for automation and controls with modern plc, hmi and computer controlled system
• Reliable technical assistance during installation and start-up (drawings, manuals, e-mail/telephone support)
• On-site start-up engineering support anywhere in the world
• Technical support throughout life of machinery

Exact specifications for all of our hot rolling mills and cold rolling mills are available by clicking through to their respective sub pages.

For more information about ASP rolling mills, please call 419.843.6051 or email sales@americansteel.com

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Modifying the Surface of Any Metal

Some aluminum or stainless products, such as concentrated solar collectors, require a mirror finish, reflective surface.  If the rolling mill roll is polished, high chrome surface, the roll will develop the same polished surface.  The rolls need to be kept absolutely clean, and as with many rolling mills, the rolls are constantly cleaned while they are rotating.  Cleaning rolls is sometimes done with a 3M Scotch-Brite abrasive product.  Many of these brushes are mounted in a rotating type shaft covering the full width of the work roll and the back up roll.

Concrete Rebar and Embossed and Slit Flat Bar

Rod and wire require an unusual surface so concrete fuses well to it.  This increases the tensile strength of the concrete to prevent cracks.  Special embossed rod and wire, including stainless and carbon steel can be used for concrete.  Any embossed flat bar or slit wire can be used instead of rebar.  Much wire and rebar is held in tension while the concrete sets.  This is known as precast concrete.  Slit flat bar is embossed cold and used in concrete in developing countries.

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Any unusual embossed design can be performed on a rolling mill with enough separating force to create the embossed area.  In fact, there are hand crank machines that take a penny and emboss a message on it.  Embossing can produce a surface that will not stain and is easy to clean.  Embossing improves the appearance of the material in some instances.  Again, embossing improves the surface area of the material, which can allow for more transfer of heat per square area.

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Aluminum has other great characteristics.  Cost should be considered because if steel costs .40 cents/pounds and aluminum being one third the weight of steel, you could pay three times more per pound for aluminum and receive the same volume.  However, most aluminum is not as strong as steel.  Depending upon its alloy, it has less yield and tensile strength than carbon alloys.  However, by adding chrome and other alloys to aluminum, aluminum can approach the strength of steel.  This is very common on aircraft landing gears.

As with carbon steels, aluminum has many alloys.  Pure aluminum is very soft with a low yield strength, which has many advantages, such as deep drawing when making beverage cans, bearing material, foils, etc.  Aluminum forgings can be very strong, approaching the strength of many steels, as used in the structural parts of a vehicle.

Aluminum has other possibilities.  It can be used for electrical components, including bus bars because it has a high degree of electrical conductivity.  Certain aluminum is corrosion resistant and used in the chemical industry.  It is common in cooking utensils because it has a high conductivity of heat transfer.  A lot of food packaging is done with aluminum foil.

Aluminum can be extruded so it is used for all type of shapes, such an angle, flat bar, etc.  It is certainly used in the furniture industry because of its light weight.  Aluminum can be polished, anodized or coated, so it holds a reflective surface for a long period of time.  This is common with concentrated solar collectors.

Since aluminum carries a high price per pound, it is collected and recycled.  Most aluminum cans are re-melted and made again into aluminum strip.  The aluminum strip can be painted so you have a painted sign or light weight building material.  In Africa, there are many buildings made from painted aluminum strip that was melted from recycled aluminum beverage cans, which are ideal near a salt water coast.

Aluminum foil from a rolling mill is used to make all types of capacitors.  Aluminum foil is used in the tobacco and the food industries.  Foil is made from hot rolled strip up to .250” thick and is rolled to .008” to .0002” thick by up to 72” wide, but generally 48” to 60” wide.  Aluminum can corrode, however, but with the low cost of anodizing, corrosion can be minimized.   This type of rolling mill sometimes operates at over 3,000 FPM.

Scrap aluminum is easily melted and made into aluminum foil, strip, or plate.  All kinds of aluminum alloys are made to increase strength or to make soft for substantial cold working without heat treating.  Aluminum alloys can be soft and cladded to steel as used in connecting rods and main automobile bearings instead of using Babbitt, a lead alloy which is a pollution concern.  Many aircraft bearings are made from aluminum alloys, including high strength aluminum alloys such as aluminum bronze.  There are many paints that can used to paint aluminum any color, which is useful in light weight appliances, as well as automobiles and buildings.

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There are many specific types of stainless steels.  Stainless generally has chrome and nickel and other alloys.  Stainless is not magnetic, which in some applications, such as electronics, has advantages.  The most common stainless alloys are 302, 303, 304, and 305 series.

In the last 20 years, there has been a growth in 400 series, which can also be used to prevent corrosion, but the big advantage is that it has a lower cost.  400 series is also generally easier to weld.  400 series is used for exhaust manifolds, exhaust pipes, mufflers, etc.

All types of stainless steels increase in yield strength and become harder after reducing or forming operations.

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