Rolling of metal balls

The rolling of balls (diameter 93 and 125 mm) of precise mass in helical grooves is simulated by means of QForm-3D and DEFORM-3D software. A model of a virtual rolling mill is created. Analysis of the stress state at characteristic points along the rolling axis focuses on the effective stress, the components of the stress tensor, and the mean normal stress. The mass of balls rolled on new and worn rollers is measured. The quality of internal metal layers is verified, and the hardness of rolled balls over the vertical and horizontal symmetry axes is measured. Modeling of ball rolling shows that the hot blank (a rod of hot-rolled steel) is satisfactorily captured by the rollers. Rolling is stable, without slipping. The blank completely fills the grooves; no gaps are observed between the metal and the walls. The crosslinks between the balls are completely eliminated within the rollers. The crosslinks are cut by the rim of the rollers and pressed into the body of the ball. The individual balls continue to roll along the finishing section of the groove; the stubs of the crosslinks are smoothed; and a completely shaped ball with a smooth surface emerges from the rollers. In modeling the stress–strain state, all the components of the stress tensor are negative. In other words, all the components of the stress tensor are compressive in rolling of the balls. Statistical analysis of the data from weighing of the rolled balls (diameter 93 and 125 mm) shows that the mass deviates from the required value by no more than 1%. Measurement of the hardness over the diametric cross section of the balls shows that there is no decline in hardness in the internal layers. That indicates high quality of the ball core.