In order to achieve schedule matching between the continuous casting and hot rolling operations, thus ensuring the maximum benefits of "Hot charge rolling, "we have established the schedule-free hot rolling technology that frees the continuous casting operation from various restrictions of the downstream hot rolling operation. Starting from the Kimitsu-developed crown control process ("NBCM rolling method"), we have developed the rolling-mill arrangement, which combines the NBCM (New Back up roll Crowning Mill), the high-strength work roll bender, and the work roll shifting device and has functions nearly equal to those of the 6-high rolling mill. In addition, we have also developed and successfully put into practice the high precision preset control model, the hot-rolling dynamic control model and the automatic scheduling function, aimed at the maximum utilization of the above rolling-mill arrangement, resulting in substantial achievements in energy conservation and yield improvement.
