Compact rolling block

A compact rolling block (10) comprising two end rolling mill stands having the same axis and being separated by a central rolling mill stand having an axis substantially at 90.degree. to the axes of the other two end rolling mill stands, wherein at least one rolling mill stand has a horizontal axis and at least one rolling mill stand has a vertical axis, each said rolling mill stand comprising a shaft respectively provided for each said rolling mill stand axis, each said shaft provided with a rolling means,

• a first gear casing (16) and a second gear casing (25),
• the end rolling mill stands (11, 13) cooperate by extensions (18a, 18c) with the first gear casing (16), the first gear casing 16 forming a support for the second gear casing (25), the second gear casing associated by an extension (18b) with the central rolling mill stand (12), a motor (17b) of the central rolling mill stand (12) being supported by the first gear casing (16), the extensions (18a, 18b, 18c) associated with the respective rolling mill stands (11 , 12, 13) including respective connecting bushes (28a, 28b, 28c) associated with support means (27, 127) which are positionable by means of actuation units (26, 126) so as to connect/release the respective connecting bush (28a, 28b, 28c) to/from the respective shaft (14).