BFI Shape Meter Roll

Our BFI Shape Meter Roll, developed together with VDEh-BFI, provides reliable, real-time measurement of strip flatness and elongation throughout the entire process. Piezoelectric sensors embedded in a rugged roll body deliver micrometre-level precision even at speeds up to 6 m/s, strip temperatures of 180 °C and foil thicknesses down to 0.005 mm.

Why a shape-measurement roll is critical

  • Detect and correct flatness defects before they lead to scrap.
  • Optimise roll force, cooling zones and levelling systems in real time.
  • Ensure repeatable quality in high-speed lines for steel, aluminium and advanced alloys.
  • Document parameters for ISO and customer certification without manual sampling.

How BFI shape meter roll technology works

  1. Piezoelectric quartz sensors (60–84 kN load capacity) positioned in axial bores at 90 ° intervals.
  2. The sensors capture minute force variations: resolution < 0,1 I‑Unit and total accuracy ± 1 I‑Unit.
  3. The signal is transmitted optically (PCM) to the control cabinet – no purge air or active cooling required.
  4. A digital TCP/IP interface delivers data to the PLC or MES for advanced process control.
BFI shape meter roll

Key technical data

ParameterValue
Strip thickness≥ 0.005 mm
Measuring-zone width26/52 mm standard (min 17 mm)
Resolution< 0,1 I‑Unit
Accuracy± 1 I‑Unit
Strip speed≤ 6 m/s
Max. strip temperature180 °C (270 °C on request)
Signal interfaceTCP/IP, PROFINET, PROFIBUS, analogue I/O
Voltage / Power110–230 V AC, 50–60 Hz / 2 kW

(For the full data sheet, download the PDF “Shape Meter Roll VPMR”)

Nyckelfunktioner & fördelar

Feature What it means for you
Solid roll body (steel, 58 HRC+) Long service life; can be ground or coated without recalibration.
Universal mounting Adapt diameter (200–600 mm), entry angle and bearing centres to existing stands.
High temperature resistance (180 °C) Handles scale, hot-rolling and annealing zones.
Maintenance-free calibration Factory-set – no recalibration even after grinding.
Retrofit-optimised Replace an existing shape-meter roll without costly line rebuilds.
Modular sensor concept Change the measuring range on site; future-proof investment.

Options & integrations

  • Temperature sensors across strip width and length.
  • Automatic flatness control – adjusts bending, zone cooling and axial shift.
  • Partition system for wedge-shaped strip measurements.
  • Drive system for oscillating rolls or low strip tension.

Typical applications

  1. Cold- and hot-rolling mills – continuous flatness monitoring.
  2. Skin-pass and dress lines – quality assurance before dispatch.
  3. Processing lines (APL, CPL, EGL) – control of tension and levellers.
  4. Foil and anode material – extremely thin strip where shape defects are costly.
bfi shape

Request for quotation

Fill in the form below or call +46 (0)70‑123 45 67 and our application engineers will help you specify the right shape-measurement roll for your line.

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