Strip Flattener

The Flattener machine is a crucial auxiliary component in an ERW (Electric Resistance Welded) pipe production line. It is designed to straighten the incoming steel strip by eliminating surface waves, edge warping, and coil-set deformations. This ensures that the strip enters the forming section in a flat and stable condition, greatly enhancing welding consistency and pipe quality. It is an essential part of any modern high-precision pipe production system.

2. Why Is a Flattener Machine Necessary?

During the manufacturing, storage, and transportation of steel coils, the strip often develops imperfections such as edge waves, camber, center buckling, and twisting. If these defects are not corrected before forming, they can lead to the following issues:

Unstable Forming: Misalignment and deviation during roll forming, leading to asymmetric shapes.
Poor Welding Quality: Uneven welding gaps may cause cold welding, lack of fusion, or leaks.
Dimensional Inaccuracy: Irregular outer diameter, inconsistent wall thickness, and poor roundness.
Accelerated Equipment Wear: Unbalanced material feeding causes impact and damage to the forming rolls and guides, reducing equipment lifespan.

A Flattener machine corrects these defects at the source, ensuring the steel strip enters downstream processes in optimal condition. This significantly improves welding precision, reduces waste, and increases production efficiency.

Flattener Leveling Machine

3. Main Functions

Straightens the steel strip longitudinally to improve flatness
Eliminates residual stress and deformation for stable forming
Enhances weld seam alignment and quality
Reduces manual adjustment and product defect rates in subsequent sections

4. Structure Overview

Leveling Roll Set: Upper and lower rollers (typically 7, 9, or 11), interlaced for consistent straightening force
Adjustment Mechanism: Manual, electric, or hydraulic adjustment for roller pressure and spacing, accommodating different strip thicknesses
Frame and Drive System: Rigid welded steel frame with precision gear drive or servo motor for smooth operation
Optional Accessories: Guide plates, entry rollers, and hold-down rollers for precise strip feeding

5. Key Advantages

Effectively corrects coil defects and ensures high dimensional accuracy
Compact design, easy maintenance, suitable for various materials (carbon steel, stainless steel, etc.)
Compatible with uncoilers, shear units, and forming machines for integrated control
Minimizes setup time and boosts overall line productivity