This work analysed the role of friction and other process parameters on strip edge drop and width variations during cold rolling of flat steel strips. Comparisons of 3D numerical simulations with experimental datas from rolling trials have shown that roll bite friction is anisotropic: friction in the transverse direction is twice to four times higher than that in the rolling direction. Work roll circumferential grinding striations and the associated roll roughness anisotropy are considered to be responsible for this anisotropy. Moreover by modifying friction anisotropy (decrease of transverse friction for the same longitudinal friction), it is possible to compensate for width narrowing usually observed on commercial cold mills (narrowing is due to strip thermal contractions in the mill interstands). Therefore, friction appears as a suitable process actuator for control of cold rolled product dimensions.

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