= = =

After reduction in the slabbing mill, the bars were further flattened and reduced in thickness by a roughing mill. This width enlargement process is called the "Hi-Spred" rolling method. Figure 14.23 illustrates the evolution of the slab cross-section for the pass schedule 2 from Table 14.3 that produces the most efficient (almost 30%) width enlargement. A detailed inspection of the hot and cold rolled products that were produced by using the "Hi-Spred" rolling method revealed no signs of any differences in surface quality, profile, or metallurgical characteristics when compared with the controlled bars that were rolled without spreading.