Conductor Rolls
A considerable reduction in the cost of producing a set of continuous electro-tinning strip conductor rolls has been made possible by the use of the Arc Spray Process. Existing methods of conductor roll manufacture have presented major problems, including lengthy delivery dates and high cost copper forgings.
Wean Ltd. of Croydon, UK decided to try an alternative means of manufacture by depositing a thick copper coating onto carbon steel tube, using arc metal spraying as the deposition process, a total of 916kg of copper was deposited on the 3.35M (11ft) long roll. The finished thickness of the copper coating ranged from 15.87mm (5/8”) on the 457mm (18”) diameter roll face to 38mm (1½”) on the journal ends. The roll face ends were also sprayed to provide a 19mm (¾”) copper coat.
The Arc Spray Process enables a heavier deposit to be achieved with higher conductivity than is normally obtained with ordinary metal spraying. Chrome plating to the copper coat is also made easier.
