If a strip centre or strip edge guidance system is provided on the uncoiler, the uncoiler moves the coil, from which the strip is being uncoiled, transversally to the line axis and thus acts against lateral migration of the strip.

In the case of fully automatic lines, the sensing equipment must often be installed downstream of the stationary deflector roll because of the presence of various auxiliary devices installed in the uncoiler area.

Strip guidance on the coiler ensures coils with straight lateral surfaces, which prevents damage to strip edges during further transport and handling.

In strip processing lines, lateral migration of the strip may occur for various reasons, which may lead to damage to the product or to the equipment.
Therefore, guide rollers are installed in suitable positions in the processing line which return the strip to the centre of the line or which guide the strip precisely to the next processing stage.

The function of the SRH guide roller is to feed the strip in a well centered manner into the strip looper.

In the case of high strip tensions and/or thick strip it is recommended that a strip guidance system with a
three-roll steering stand type SRHT is used for correcting strip travel without deflection of the strip.

The SRHQ type pinch-roll steering stand is arranged downstream of a long free distance.
Strip deflection is not necessary when there is adequate adherence between strip and rollers.

In a continuous furnace, strip guidance systems are required because of the long free distances and the various effects of the thermal process. On the drive and on the operating side, suitable positioning frames are arranged below the plummer blocks of the deflector roll(s).

In all typical process plants these days, knowledge about precise weld seam position is very important in order to optimally control the production processes and to enable logging of the steel strip with meter precision.

Strip centering systems from EMG are space-saving and easy to retrofit into existing production.
A special centering frame ensures the perfect positioning of the strip without damage to the strip edges.

The CCD Pro line scan camera provides exact detection of strip edges and strip centre location. With integrated control unit and interchangeable lenses, it is extremely flexible in its application.
Simple operation and maintenance are thus guaranteed.

The EVM receiver adjusting device is used in non-contact strip centre guidance for steel strips.
Changes in the strip edge position are detected optically with the highest reliability and robust protection against external interference.

For non-contact strip edge and strip centre guidance
(two EVKs required) the EVK receiver adjusting device monitors the edge position in continuous strip production lines.

The LIC light emitter is found in analysis systems such as the EVK or EVM receiver adjusting devices for non-contact edge position detection of
non-transparent materials. Precise control of light intensity and fault monitoring are realized using the integrated electronics.

The BMI inductive strip centre sensor is used for maintenance-free and non-contact sensing of the position of metal strip within the framework of strip guiding systems.
Since it is unsusceptible to disruptive exterior influences from the outside, even
non-magnetic materials such as aluminum, copper, brass and austenitic chrome nickel steels (e.g. 1.4301) are also reliably sensed with the inductive measurement process.

For the high-precision measurement of the strip position on metal strips with an accuracy of ± 1 mm - e.g. on strip centre guiding systems in front of the side trimmers, mills, etc. – the inductive BMIH centre guide sensing frame proves to be worthwhile.
The precise measuring equipment will be supplied as a compact ready-to-assemble measuring frame made of anodized aluminum sections with a separate evaluation electronics.

The EMI inductive strip edge position detection system is used for high-precision strip edge and strip centre guiding on uncoilers, steering rolls and on coilers without a mechanical link, as well as for strip edge tracking and/or shielding. In the case of strip centre guiding, sensing of the strip width is possible as an optional extra. It is totally unsusceptible to dirt and fumes, and the system’s measuring accuracy is ±1 mm.

In aggressive and humid environments, such as in strip pickling or cleaning lines with pickling agent temperatures of up to 80 °C the IMR inductive strip centre measuring system detects the strip centre position for metal strips and foils with an accuracy of ±5 mm.
The equipment is totally maintenance free and suitable for use in the presence of acidic fumes and liquids.

In continuous strip annealing lines with either horizontal or vertical strip passage and furnace temperatures of up to 1000 °C, the inductive IM system measures the strip centre position with an accuracy of ±5 mm.
In this way it ensures a reduction of strip breakage in the furnace.

The inductive strip edge position measurement system senses the strip edge, strip centre or strip width on metal strips or foil in rolling mills with a measurement accuracy
of ±1.0 mm.
The measurement system is maintenance free and impervious to splashes and dirt. Sensing of the strip width is also possible as an optional extra with strip centre detection.

The LS43-44 alternating light sensor works as a photoelectric edge sensor. Its immunity to ambient light and robust aluminium housing make it best suited for tough duty on the strip.

The LID43 LED light emitter has a rugged metal housing and an integrated lighting control to compensate for influences from temperature and deterioration, and is thus ideal for industrial applications.

Using the inductive edge sensor, the edge position of metal strips is detected in a contact-free manner. In combination with a control amplifier and an actuator, a strip edge guiding system is implemented. Using two edge sensors, a strip centre guiding system is provided.

The EKI inductive strip edge position detection system is used for high-precision strip edge guiding on uncoilers, steering rolls and on coilers without a mechanical link, as well as for strip edge tracking and/or shielding. In the case of strip centre guiding, sensing of the strip width is possible as an optional extra. It is totally unsusceptible to dirt and fumes, and the system’s measuring accuracy is ± 1 mm.

Current field bus technology combined with convenient operation and a well thought-out design for all types of strip guiding systems are found in the SPCcompact digital strip position controller.

The SPC16 digital strip controller has a variety of mounting options and is thus flexibly adaptable to all requirements of a control system.

For programming all automation functions EMG relies on logiCAD – a graphical programming environment in accordance with IEC 61131-1. The already numerous existing function blocks allow
user-friendly and timesaving operation.

Based on a simple operating principle, the ESZ Electro-Servo-Cylinder provides maximum positioning accuracy even under the harshest environmental conditions.
It represents an alternative to hydraulically operated control drives.

The SR steering frames keep the running production line in position, prevent damage to the strip and thereby provide ideally running production processes.

The HR hydraulic power unit generates reliable hydraulic energy for any power range.
For strip guidance systems, hydraulic power units with a rating of between 0.18 and 15 kW is usually used.
For extra-heavy coilers requiring extreme capacities, power units are tailor-made to suit the application.

Whether from the standard product range or as a customized assembly – all HST hydraulic controls fit everywhere with their compact design, and offer a variety of possibilities for optional expansion.
The EMG delivery range hydraulic valve stand includes a great number of compact hydraulic controls with nominal sizes between NG 6 and NG 16 for use in the immediate vicinity of the hydraulic cylinders.

SV servo valves from EMG offer a constant dynamic for pressure and control along with maximum longevity and repetition accuracy.

The online measurement of tensile strength and yield point with IMPOCpro increases the efficiency of existing production facilities.
With IMPOCpro the results are available immediately, thus achieving a significant time savings and promptly optimizing processes so that possible reworking is reduced and material yield is increased.

The SORM 3plus online roughness measurement measures values such as roughness and peak value. With it, conclusions about the materials’ characteristics are now drawn in real time and materials that deviate from specifications are recognized early on.
Thus, the production of scrap is significantly reduced, costs are lowered and the efficiency of the overall production is considerably increased.

The use of the BREIMO strip width measurement system leads to more efficient processes and savings of expensive resources.
In combination with the SWOp strip width optimization system the resulting trimming scrap is minimized.

eMASS electromagnetic strip stabilization gives targeted control of strip oscillations and allows high galvanizing quality without minimizing the production throughput. Furthermore, the use of eMASS electromagnetic strip stabilization gives significant zinc savings in all hot-dip galvanizing plants.
eMASS thus offers a high potential for significant cost reduction in the production of hot-dip galvanized sheet metal.

eWIPE greatly simplifies and automates the process of cleaning the air knife gap. Maintenance costs are noticeably reduced and the risk of accidents to operators is minimized. By means of continuous cleaning during operation there are fewer surface defects. In this way eWIPE promotes a consistently high zinc coating quality. This results in less waste and fewer downgraded coils, which reduces overall costs. The system can be retrofitted to many types of air knives.

The eBACS electronic BAffle blade Control System optimizes galvanizing at the strip edges. Contamination or damage to the zinc coating through contact with the strip by touch rolls is prevented. Sensors and actuators of proven EMG quality provide for maintenance-free, reliable operation. It results in a homogenous zinc layer even at the strip edges.
Last but not least, the fully automated systems provide for greater operational safety and active prevention of accidents.