Project Summary
DBM recently completed the installation, functional testing, online roll-change testing, operator training and acceptance of two roll-changing booster arms at a European steel mill.
The equipment is designed to support roll-changing operations in a steel rolling mill by providing practical assistance for positioning, movement and operation during the roll-change process. The project team completed equipment lifting, assembly, installation, compressed-air connection, functional testing, trolley movement testing and charging tests. The equipment was also tested during an actual scheduled roll-change operation.
The project was completed in September 2026. To protect customer confidentiality, the customer is referred to as a European steel mill in this project summary, and specific company information and sensitive site details are not disclosed.
Equipment Overview and Function
DBM’s roll-changing booster arm is an auxiliary equipment solution for roll-changing operations in steel rolling mills. Depending on the application, the system may include the booster arm, mobile trolley, drive and control unit, compressed-air system, charging system and field operating components. The final configuration is determined by the mill structure, roll-changing method and site layout.
During a roll change, the booster arm can work with the mobile trolley and related mechanisms to provide practical assistance for movement, positioning and operation. It is suitable for steel plants seeking to improve roll-change handling conditions, support more convenient field operation or introduce greater mechanization into rolling-mill maintenance activities.
The following functions were checked during this project:
| Equipment Function | Site Test Result |
| Booster-arm movement | All relevant movements operated normally during compressed-air testing |
| Mobile trolley travel | Trolley movement test completed successfully |
| Charging function | Trolley charging test completed successfully |
| Roll-change application | Online roll-change test completed under scheduled shutdown conditions |
| Operator use | Four rounds of operator training completed |
| Project delivery | Site acceptance and commissioning closeout completed |
This video shows DBM engineers guiding customer operators through the operation and testing of the roll-changing booster arm
Project Implementation
After arriving at the site, the DBM engineering team completed safety training and site-entry preparations before lifting the equipment to the installation area. The two booster arms were assembled and installed, followed by coordination with the customer for compressed-air connection.
The team then carried out air-supply testing, movement and function checks, mobile-trolley travel testing and charging tests. Once the equipment was ready for operation, DBM supported an online roll-change test during a scheduled production shutdown to verify the equipment under actual site conditions.
Four rounds of operator training were subsequently completed. The training covered basic equipment operation, functional use and coordination with the customer’s roll-changing procedures. The project was closed with acceptance document submission, customer acceptance, site photographs, and commissioning closeout.
Project Result
The project completed the installation and field delivery of two roll-changing booster arms. The relevant compressed-air-driven movements, mobile-trolley travel, and charging functions operated normally during testing, and the equipment was verified during an online roll-change operation.
Through four rounds of operator training, the customer’s personnel became familiar with the equipment operating procedure and field application. The project progressed from equipment arrival, assembly, and functional testing to online application verification and final acceptance.
DBM sincerely thanks the customer for the trust placed in this project and for the close cooperation of the site team throughout site preparation, compressed-air connection, online testing, operator training, and acceptance. The customer’s timely confirmation of installation conditions and operating requirements provided important support for the successful completion of the work.
Applications
A roll-changing booster arm can be applied to roll-changing assistance in bar, wire rod, section, and other steel rolling lines. It is suitable for steel plants that carry out frequent roll changes, need to improve field operating conditions, face limited working space or are planning to introduce greater mechanization into rolling-mill operations.
Typical applications include:
- Assistance during the replacement of work rolls or related roll assemblies;
- Movement and positioning support during roll-changing operations;
- Mechanization upgrades for rolling-mill maintenance activities;
- Integration with rolling mills, roll-changing equipment and site control systems;
- Production environments seeking to reduce repetitive manual handling and improve operating convenience.
The final solution should be confirmed according to the mill type, roll dimensions and weight, roll-changing path, available space, compressed-air supply, charging conditions, safety interlocks and customer operating procedures.
DBM also supports project assessment and engineering delivery for automatic rebar counting and separation, cooling-bed sampling, online speed and length measurement, and other solutions for steel rolling automation.
Project Information
This project summary is based on site installation, commissioning, training and acceptance records provided by Michael Lin, Site Project Manager. To protect customer confidentiality, the customer’s name and identifiable site information have been withheld.