The IRM Model 2050 5" x 8" 2-High Laboratory Rolling Mill is a robust, industrial-grade rolling mill engineered for laboratory, R&D, pilot-scale, and specialty rolling applications. Designed and built by International Rolling Mills (IRM), this machine bridges the gap between bench-scale lab mills and production equipment, delivering the stiffness, torque, and separating-force capacity needed for heavier reductions, wider strip, and higher-strength alloys, while retaining the precision and process control researchers depend on for repeatable metallurgical work.
With 5" diameter work rolls, an 8" roll face, and approximately 75,000 lbs of separating force, the 2050 offers substantial roll-bite capacity and load capability, making it well suited for processing thicker incoming stock, running aggressive pass schedules, and supporting pilot and pre-production trials where lab results need to scale toward manufacturing.
The mill is equipped with high carbon chromium alloy steel work rolls finished to a satin surface. The high carbon and chromium content provides excellent wear resistance and dimensional stability, helping maintain roll geometry, surface finish, and consistent reductions over repeated rolling passes. This contributes to improved repeatability, longer roll life, and reliable performance when processing more demanding materials. Roll gap is adjusted through dual handwheels, allowing both simultaneous and independent adjustment, giving the operator fast centerline height changes as well as fine control over parallelism and wedge.
The mill is powered by a 7.5 HP drive with all new electrical controls and a new variable-speed AC inverter, providing smooth, high-torque operation across the full speed range. This drive configuration enables precise speed control and stable low-RPM rolling, which is critical when processing thicker stock, higher-strength alloys, or running experimental pass schedules. A rigid industrial frame, precision roll alignment, and robust bearing arrangement allow the mill to maintain roll geometry under the high loads generated by the larger rolls, supporting consistent reductions, improved surface quality, and dependable results across multiple trials. Entry and exit tables are installed to support material handling through the roll bite, and all nip points are guarded for safe operation. The machine runs on 220V 3-phase power.
Key Features
2-High rolling mill configuration for laboratory, R&D, and pilot-scale use
5" diameter x 8" face high carbon chromium alloy steel work rolls, satin finish
Approximately 75,000 lbs separating force capacity
7.5 HP drive with new variable-speed AC inverter and new electrical controls
Dual handwheel roll gap adjustment, simultaneous or independent, for precise thickness and parallelism control
High-torque, low-speed capability for controlled rolling of demanding materials
Rigid industrial frame designed for stability under high separating loads
Entry and exit tables installed for material handling
Guarded nip points for safe operation
220V, 3-phase
Available Optional Features & Upgrades
Heated Roll Package: Electrically heated rolls with closed-loop temperature control for warm and hot rolling applications
Load Cells: Integrated separating force measurement for real-time process monitoring and validation
Digital Height Indicators: High-resolution digital roll gap readout for improved setup repeatability
Mobile Package: Heavy-duty base with casters for easy repositioning within the lab or shop
Data Acquisition System: Optional logging of force, position, and process parameters for analysis and reporting
Built for Research-Grade Rolling
The IRM 2050 is designed for engineers, metallurgists, and researchers who require controlled rolling conditions, meaningful torque and force capacity, and optional instrumentation. Its modular configuration allows the mill to operate as a straightforward rolling platform or expand into a fully instrumented research system as application needs evolve, supporting repeatable, data-driven process development at a scale that translates toward production.
Images shown are representative of the machine. The actual mill may differ in appearance based on configuration, options, and final build.