Metal is annealed to soften it for further rolling reductions and to obtain superior mechanical characteristics through control of grain size.  Grain size directly affects formability of both annealed and rolled-to-temper strip.

Annealing in the presence of oxygen causes oxides to form on the surface of the strip. S ome of these oxides are extremely abrasive and can result in serious tool wear in a customer’s stamping press.  At The Miller Company, the strip is protected by annealing in atmospheres of nitrogen/hydrogen or pure hydrogen, thus preventing oxide formation.  Depending on the final product specifications, low-temperature stress-relief annealing may be utilized (Miller 200+).  This attention to quality means your production can proceed with maximum efficiency (low tool wear) and minimum downtime (minimal sharpening of tools).  That means you achieve greater cost savings and increased ability to compete.

Stretch-Bend Leveling:  Improving Shape Characteristics

The Miller Company was the first copper-based mill in the United States to employ stretch-bend leveling for wide width strips.  The leveler uses tension and offset work-rolls to stretch strip, thereby improving shape characteristics.  Improving shape translates to better straightness in narrower widths.

In certain instances, stretch-bend-leveling is utilized to provide special mechanically stress-relieved products.