(Laserlinc: Fairborn, OH) -- Laserlinc Inc. has introduced a groundbreaking approach to shape measurement for continuous casting and rolling applications, enhancing precision in metal processing.

Continuous casting manufacturers rely on rolling trains: two-stage rolling systems designed to progressively reduce and shape metal into rods. The initial rough-sizing stage establishes the foundation, while the finishing stage refines the dimensions to a circular profile.

Traditional circularity assessments use laser micrometers, vision systems, and manual rolling tests on flat surfaces. However, these techniques have notable limitations, often misclassifying products as circular. The issue arises from the bilateral symmetry of standard measurement methods, which differs from the actual symmetry of the product.

A system capable of capturing a full 360° contour is required for true shape verification. In one application, conventional inspections failed to detect a subtle tri-lobed shape in the final product. Further analysis revealed that three-face rollers in the finishing stage inadvertently caused this distortion, which traditional technologies misinterpreted as circular.

With Laserlinc’s laser triangulation technology, operators can now visualize and detect tri-lobe effects in real time, enabling precise adjustments to roller and rod alignment. This advancement ensures superior shape fidelity and more reliable quality control in metal processing.