The real impact of chamfering during rolling: Why does BUR need chamfering, but WR cannot be chamfered?

CYKC GROUP · Professional Supplier of Rollers and CNC Machine Tools.

On every production line, the design details of the rolls directly affect the quality of the finished product and the stability of production. Chamfer is one of the key details. Many engineers often ask:

“Why can the backup roll (BUR) have a chamfer, but the work roll (WR) is almost not allowed to have one?”

Based on the actual rolling process, this article will explain the real function of chamfering for you and help you choose more reliable rolls.

Why are chamfers applicable to backup rolls (BUR)?

The function of the backup roller is not to directly contact the steel strip, but:

• Supporting work roll
• Dispersed rolling pressure
• Reduce the bending of the roller system
• Maintain the stability of the plate shape.

Therefore, the chamfer of the BUR is always located outside the contact area and does not come into contact with the material.

It will not affect the rolling quality.

• The chamfer will not change:
• Plate thickness
• Plate shape
• Surface quality

On the contrary, it has enhanced the reliability of the rollers.

BUR chamfering can significantly reduce:

Edge stress concentration
Edge chipping injury
Risk of flaking or cracking
Local damage at the edge

In other words:

BUR chamfer = safer + more resistant to damage + longer lifespan

This advantage is particularly evident in continuous rolling and heavy-load rolling conditions.

Why can’t the work roll (WR) be chamfered?

Unlike BUR, the work rolls are in direct contact with the steel strip, and any change in roll shape will be immediately reflected in the finished product.

If WR is chamfered, it will result in:

• Edge drop
• Surface indentations or marks on the strip
• Wave, side bend and other plate shape problems at the edge of the plate
• Uneven deformation caused by changes in the contact area

Edge defects increase.

These issues will directly affect product quality, especially in:

• Precise thickness control
• Products with high surface quality requirements
• Broadband high-speed rolling

Therefore, WR can only perform very slight edge deburring and must never be used for chamfering similar to BUR.

Is Chamfering Necessary? It Depends on the Role of the Roll

Roll Type Is Chamfering Suitable? Reason

Backup Roll (BUR) ✔ Recommended Enhances strength, prevents cracks, and does not affect the strip
Work Roll (WR) ✘ Not Recommended Will directly affect plate shape, thickness, and surface quality
The correct chamfer design is responsible for the safety of the equipment and the quality of the product.

Advantages of CYKC GROUP: Professional Rollers + Intelligent CNC Machines

As a professional manufacturer of rolls and supplier of CNC equipment, we offer:

• High-performance rolls
• HSS high-speed steel roller
• Tungsten carbide roller rings
• Cast steel rolls, ductile iron rolls, ICIC rolls
• Hot-rolled, cold-rolled and bar and wire rod dedicated rolls

Each roll is provided with a reasonable chamfer and roll profile based on the working conditions to ensure the best service life and rolling quality.

High-precision CNC machine tools (one machine meets all processing needs)

• CNC roll turning lathe.
• CNC roll grinding machine.
• CNC grooving machine / engraving line machine.

Advantages include:

• Precise processing of chamfers, roll shapes and end faces.
• Machinable high-hardness tungsten carbide and high-speed steel.
• Suitable for continuous and stable use in the roller room of steel mills.

Combining high-quality rolls with precision processing equipment, we help you achieve:

• A longer replacement cycle.
• More stable rolling quality.
• Lower operating costs.

Conclusion: Correct Chamfering = Correct Roller Application

BUR chamfer → higher safety, protection and durability
WR chamfer → Affects strip quality, not recommended.

CYKC GROUP offers you the most suitable solutions through professional roll design and high-precision machine tool manufacturing.

E-mail：cykc@cykcgroup.com.cn