Apparatus and method for receiving and unloading rolled bar

Apparatus for receiving and unloading rolled bars, which are fed by a rolling plant, wherein the bars have an initial speed and a nominal length, said apparatus being provided with at least one speed modification unit which is suitable to mechanically actuate a modification of the speed of said bars, and a rotating unit suitable both to actuate a slowing down by friction on said bars and also to unload said bars onto a cooling plate of said apparatus, said rotating unit comprising at least one rotating member comprising at least one braking seating for said bars, wherein said braking seating is divided longitudinally between a main portion having a first length corresponding at least to said nominal length and an additional front portion, interposed between said speed modification unit and said main portion, and having a second length corresponding at least to a range comprised between about 2% and about 15% of said first length, and in that said additional portion projects forward, toward said speed modification unit, with respect to an unloading seating of the cooling plate, the latter having a length substantially equal to said main portion and being disposed in substantial projection thereof.