roll shop technologies
Inspection, grinding, controls and more.
Precision roll quality, efficient reconditioning, and advanced shop automationβdelivered by global experts in roll-shop engineering.
Precision that rolls forward
Integrated inspection, grinding, and automation systems built to extend roll life, reduce downtime, and modernize every stage of your mill operation.
Our roll shop technologies deliver a fully integrated approach to roll inspection, grinding, and automationβdesigned to maximize precision, minimize downtime, and extend the life of critical mill components. Utilizing advanced non-destructive testing methods such as Eddy-Current, Surface-Wave, and Ultrasonic inspection, these systems accurately detect surface and subsurface roll defects before they impact production. Modernized grinding controls and CNC-based systems enhance operator efficiency, improve surface quality, and support high-throughput environments.
Legacy roll grinders can be fully upgraded through mechanical rebuilds, electrical retrofits, and intelligent automation, bringing new levels of performance and reliability to aging equipment. Combined with a global support network and responsive service capabilities, this comprehensive roll shop solution ensures consistent quality and streamlined operations across all steel and aluminum rolling applications.
discharge technology (EDT machines)
A next-gen approach to roll texturingβpowerful, precise, and proven
In the field of electrical discharge machines (EDT), we have a long track record of proven experience. For over four decades, we have been developing controls and generator technology for EDT/EDM machines. Today, more than 60 EDT machines worldwide are equipped with electrical controls and generators. In the EDT process, which involves thousands of ignitions per second, the surface is roughened on rolls up to 10 tonsβused, for example, for sheet metal in automobile construction or for the production of white goods. The innovative concept of our EDT machine eradicates all the known weaknesses of traditional machines.
Precision control for every type of strip millβcold, hot, and everything in between
Strip mills are closely linked to automation for both cold and hot rolling mills. We have implemented controls solutions into numerous business premises by means of individual control technologyβfoil rolling mills, strip mills, tandem mills, 20-high-rolling mills, six-high-rolling mills, wire mills, cold pilger rolling mills, etc.
rolling mills
technology
Furnace automation powered by experience
Our consistent development and expansion of the metal sector has made us the technology expert for strip treatment furnaces and blast furnace equipment. We are a global supplier of blast furnace technology innovations. The majority of our worldwide installations of blast furnaces are equipped with automation systems for tap hole drilling and clay gun machines, as well as analyzing technology such as carbon monoxide (CO) monitoring and analysis.
Driving motion across the production chain
Handling machines, handling manipulators and lubrication manipulators are all indispensable aids for an advanced production chain. While our customers design machines, we bring them to life with advanced drive, automation, visualization, and control technology. Our portfolio even includes house-high forging manipulators for steel mills. Our innovations are an essential part of any production chain.
machines & manipulators
lines
Automation that keeps your strip lines moving
We also possess extensive experience in the field of strip line automation, having supplied control systems for strip processing lines used in tin plating and galvanizing, thermal and chemical processing, cross and longitudinal slitting, pipe welding lines, shears, and rotating saws. Our solutions enhance productivity and overall efficiency through innovative automation.
Tailored finishing machines for every surface
We produce robotic or fixed-station brushing and polishing machines that are tailored to each customerβs needs. Applications include brushing machines to deburr finger holes in beer kegs, weld seam brushing to smooth joints, and polishing machines that ensure final products meet strict visual and consumer quality standards.
and polishing balancing systems
grinding machines
The global standard in roll grinding modernization
Over the decades, we have fitted over 1,000 roll grinding machines globally. These include new machines as well as refitting existing machines. No two control systems are the same; thus, we tailor solutions with customized software and we work with all leading roll grinding machine manufacturers to ensure project alignment. Our grinder process control system has stood the test of time and enjoys the status as the industry benchmark. Through our efforts, we modernize grinding machines made by almost all manufacturers. Our track record illustrates our solutions boost efficiency, production volume, and productivity.
Precision control systems for every grinding application
Our LGC30, LGC60, and PGC9400 automatic grinder controls are specially designed to be retrofitted on existing grinding machines and can be mounted on new grinding machines. This is a modular system capable of controlling a simple infeed of the grinding wheel to complex grinding cycles.
The LGC30 is capable of controlling a grinding process infeed of the servo axes and the X, U, and Z axes. The LGC60 is capable of controlling the C, C1, X, U, and Z axes as well as the caliper and pairs with our roll inspection systems. The PGC9400 is a modular system capable of controlling any profile that the grinder can grind, and is only limited by the grinderβs mechanical limitations, and is capable of controlling the U-axis.
grinder control
hardness measurement
Smarter roll release decisions, backed by real-time data
We aim to bridge the gap that operators miss during hardness measurement before declaring the roll βfit for use.β In some cases, up to 99.99% of rolls go without hardness measurement in the absence of our solution. To solve this, we have co-developed a novel system for automated real-time hardness inspection of the rolls. The system will output the hardness map of the roll surface, which will help users make quantified decisions before releasing the roll for use. The system also outputs the hardness profile across the axial length of the roll, which helps compare the used roll hardness with the original hardness, enabling users to make wise decisions about stock grinding. For backup rolls, it is expected that it could lead to 10-15% stock removal savings.
Smarter roll release decisions, backed by real-time data
The ET Testerβbased on Eddy Current technologyβdetects surface defects, providing an advantage over visual inspection. It works with a probe positioning system (PPS) and our LRI platform. Our LRI software is an integrated part of the ET Tester and can display two main types of defects, spalls, (e.g. cracks) and hardness and/or structural changes (e.g. pinches & bruises).
Eddy Current technology
application
Flexible robotics for faster, smarter production
We have designed and implemented robot applications into various machines, including our polishing and brushing machines. With robot applications, customers can change their products quickly and ensure a fast and easy process. Similar robotic approaches can be conceived for many applications across our roll shop technology offerings.
Modern performance
Original foundation
We specialize in modernizing and retrofitting existing machine tools, strip mills, and rolling mills, which are frequently upgraded through targeted retrofit measures to enhance performance and extend operational life. In doing so, we often retain your original foundations and machine bases, then update the machine to improve efficiency, production volume, and product quality. In many cases, emissions will be reduced. In principle, you will enjoy a low-cost system that is elevated to the cutting edge of technology. We can carry out modernizations of almost all types of machinesβincluding complete control systems, switchgear, drives and measuring systems as well as mechanical revamps for machine tools. To date, we have over 400 fielded examples of our work in this areaβwe can help you, too.
and modernization
Why Ascential Technologies
Engineered for precision
Our integrated roll shop systems combine non-destructive inspection, CNC-based grinding, and automation to deliver high-precision performance. Every component is built to maximize quality and roll life while minimizing downtime.
Built for modernization
We retrofit legacy grinders, automate outdated systems, and upgrade control platformsβextending the value and performance of existing roll shop equipment without the cost of full replacement.
Supported everywhere
With over 1,000 machines installed worldwide and responsive service teams in key markets, we deliver proven performance, wherever your mill operates. Our global footprint keeps your systems running strong.
Your partner in roll shop automation and performance
From inspection to grinding and polishing to robotics, we deliver proven, integrated systems that modernize your roll shop, boost precision, and extend the life of critical assets.
Our global footprint, decades of experience, and flexible automation solutions power everything from contactless hardness inspection and EDT to retrofits, manipulators, and strip line control. Whether youβre upgrading legacy equipment or building a new line from scratch, we have the expertiseβand the technologyβto keep you rolling.