IRM Model #2050 5" x 14" 2-High Rod Lab Rolling Mill

Description

IRM Model 2050 5" x 14" 2-High Rod Rolling Mill

The IRM Model 2050 5" x 14" 2-High Rod Rolling Mill is a robust, industrial-grade rolling mill engineered for laboratory, R&D, pilot-scale, and specialty rolling applications. This machine bridges the gap between bench-scale lab mills and production equipment, delivering the stiffness, torque, and separating-force capacity needed for controlled reduction of rod and bar, while retaining the precision and process control researchers depend on for repeatable metallurgical work.

With 5" diameter rolls, a 14" 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 higher-strength alloys, running demanding pass schedules, and supporting pilot and pre-production trials where lab results need to scale toward manufacturing.

The rolls are precision-ground with 13 modified square grooves ranging from approximately 0.800" down to 0.400", allowing progressive reduction through a single roll set without changing tooling between passes. The groove arrangement supports successive reductions of rod and bar stock across the working range. Roll gap is adjustable both simultaneously and independently, giving the operator fast gap adjustments as well as fine control over roll parallelism.

The mill is powered by a 10 HP drive with all new electrical controls and a new variable-speed AC inverter supplied as standard, providing smooth, high-torque operation across the operating 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 load, 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 nip points are guarded for operator protection. The machine runs on 220V 3-phase power, measures approximately 42" L x 32" W x 60" H, and weighs approximately 2,000 lbs.

Key Features

2-High rod rolling configuration for laboratory, R&D, and pilot-scale use

5" diameter x 14" face rolls with 13 modified square grooves ranging from approximately 0.800" down to 0.400"

Approximately 75,000 lbs separating force capacity

10 HP drive with new variable-speed AC inverter and new electrical controls

Roll gap adjustable simultaneously or independently for precise gap 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 operator protection

220V, 3-Phase

A Note on Groove Sizes and Finished Dimensions

All listed groove sizes are approximate. The listed groove sizes represent nominal roll-groove dimensions and should not be interpreted as guaranteed finished material dimensions. Actual rolled dimensions will depend on material spread, groove fill, reduction schedule, material properties, temperature, roll condition, and other process variables.

Available Optional Features & Upgrades

Heated Roll Package: Cartridge-heated rolls with closed-loop digital temperature control to a maximum roll temperature of 450°F for warm and hot rolling applications.

Spare Set of Hot-Work Rod Rolls — Recommended: An additional set of precision-ground rod rolls manufactured from a material specifically suited to repeated hot rolling. Compared with the standard rolls, a dedicated hot-work material is better suited to repeated thermal cycling and can help reduce heat checking and extend roll life. Having a spare set also helps minimize downtime when rolls require maintenance or reconditioning.

Load Cell Package: Integrated separating force measurement with digital readout for real-time process monitoring and overload protection.

Standard Data Acquisition System: Touchscreen HMI with continuous data logging to SD card in Excel-compatible format for process traceability.

A Note on the Rod Rolls and Hot Rolling

The rod rolls supplied with this mill are not made from a dedicated hot-work roll material. For repeated hot-rolling applications, we recommend including the spare set of hot-work rod rolls. The recommended setup combines these rolls with the heated roll package: preheating helps reduce thermal shock when hot stock contacts the rolls, while the hot-work roll material is better suited to repeated high-temperature exposure.

At minimum, hot rolling should be done with either the heated roll package or the hot-work rod rolls. The heated roll package allows the standard rolls to be preheated before processing hot material, helping reduce thermal shock and premature heat checking. The hot-work rod rolls provide a material better suited to repeated hot rolling, with preheating offering an additional benefit. Actual roll life will depend on stock temperature, material, reductions, and operating practices. Hot rolling on the standard rolls without preheating can significantly shorten roll life.

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 configuration allows the mill to operate as a straightforward rod and bar 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.