Work rolls surface textured by media blasting and controlled surface modification

Abstract

Apparatus and methods of texturing the surfaces of work rolls and the rolls produced thereby which are used in the manufacture of sheet metals and other sheet materials. The working surface of each roll is textured in a series of process steps which include the steps of media blasting and controlled surface modification. Media blasting can precede or follow controlled surface modification and intervening process steps can be used. Either or both process steps of media blasting or controlled surface modification can be carried out once or more than once as long as each process step is used at least once. The work rolls produced by the method exhibit improved performance and extended life.

1 . A method of texturing a work roll having a cylindrical outer surface comprising media blasting the surface and controlled surface modification of the surface.  
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein media blasting the surface is carried out prior to controlled surface modification of the surface.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein controlled surface modification of the surface is carried out prior to media blasting the surface.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein media blasting the surface is carried out in two or more than two distinct processing steps.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein controlled surface modification of the surface is carried out in two or more than two distinct processing steps.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein media blasting the surface is carried out in two or more distinct processing steps.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein media blasting the surface is the last step of texturing the work roll.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein controlled surface modification of the surface is the last step of texturing the work roll.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein media blasting the surface is the first step of texturing or cleaning the work roll after it is returned from the mill for reconditioning.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein controlled surface modification of the surface is the first step of texturing the work roll after it is returned from the mill for reconditioning.  
   
   
       11 . An apparatus for texturing a work roll having a cylindrical outer surface comprising 
 a media blasting machine capable of uniformly media blasting the outer surface;    a means for contacting the outer surface with a controlled surface modification apparatus.    
   
   
       12 . A work roll having a cylindrical outer surface which surface has been textured by a method comprising media blasting the surface and controlled surface modification of the surface.