Fully universal rolling process for H or I-beam type metal sections

A process for forming a rough beam type metal section having a web forming portion and flange forming portions comprising the use of a universal stand and a two-high stand, said universal stand having two horizontal rolls and two vertical rolls, by passing an initial section of rectangular or trapezoidal cross section through a roll gap formed by said rolls of said universal stand, said process comprising the steps of:

• (a) recessing the web forming portion in a first series of universal passes through said roll gap by means of the horizontal rolls exerting direct pressure on the central portion of the initial section while the vertical rolls exert only sufficient pressure on the initial section to resist spread of the metal in the horizontal direction caused by recessing of the web and to maintain the initial section in the direction of the centerline of rolling upon discharge from the universal stand for achieving, during this step, greater reduction of the web forming portion than the flange forming portion;
• and
• (b) thereafter simultaneously reducing the web and flange forming portions in succeeding passes through said roll gap by means of the horizontal rolls and vertical rolls of the universal stand exerting direct pressure on the web forming portion and flange forming portions, respectively.