Box Gauge for Aluminum Hot Rolling Mills

ABB has launched a new version of its Millmate Thickness Gauge (MTG) technology that brings precise aluminum thickness measurement to the final stages of the hot rolling process. MTG Box Gauge measures aluminum strip thickness below 8 mm at the tail end of hot rolling, where accurate data is crucial for ensuring product quality and production efficiency.

Protection against the demanding conditions encountered in hot rolling processes is enabled by a refined IP66 sealing that shields the interior sensor components from contact with emulsions used to manage friction and control temperatures during rolling.

The design also features an optimized internal air flow that channels cool air toward heat sensitive electronic boards while expelling warm air through the base of the unit. This can reduce the operating temperature of the transmitting coil by as much as 40 °C, contributing to greater durability and improved efficiency.

Using ABB's pulsed eddy current technology, MTG Box Gauge avoids the complexity and safety issues associated with X-ray systems, the company reported. The MTG Box Gauge also enables precise single-side measurement without the need to mount sensors on both sides of the strip. This not only simplifies installation and maintenance, but also reduces space requirements in the mill, making it particularly valuable where access to the underside of the strip is limited.

"Unlike traditional thickness gauges that require recalibration for different aluminum alloys, the MTG Box Gauge delivers consistent, accurate results regardless of alloy type," said a company spokesperson. "This alloy independence helps manufacturers simplify set-up, reduce downtime, and maintain continuous rolling across mixed production schedules."

For more information contact:

ABB

Process Automation-Measurement Analytics

7051 Industrial Blvd.

Bartlesville, OK 74006

go.abb/processautomation