With the RollKraft product family, IMS Messsysteme GmbH is expanding its portfolio with force transducers designed for use in hot and cold rolling mills. The measurement systems provide precise measurement data for the control, analysis and optimisation of rolling processes and are engineered for reliable operation under demanding industrial conditions.
Heiligenhaus, October 2026
Precise Measurement Data for Stable Rolling Processes
Reliable measurement of rolling force is essential for maintaining strip thickness, strip flatness, material quality and overall process stability. RollKraft measures the force acting on the rolled material within the rolling stand and provides the measured value for the mill control system.
The measurement principle is based on strain gauge technology. Under rolling load, defined deformations occur within specially engineered measuring zones that are calculated and designed for each application using finite element analysis (FEA). The resulting signal change is converted into a force value by the IMS KraftController (MMV). This value is then made available for continuous process control and monitoring.
Capturing Complex Load Conditions
Force transducers in rolling stands are subjected to more than vertical forces alone. Depending on the installation configuration, process conditions, and thermal effects, additional transverse forces and lateral movements may occur and must be considered in the design of the load cells.
These conditions are captured using specialised strain gauges. The strain gauge grids are arranged along two axes positioned at 90° to one another and convert the strain generated within the measuring zones into a change in electrical resistance. This enables complex loading conditions to be assessed in detail, reduces potential adverse influences on the measurement and increases both sensitivity and signal output.
“With RollKraft, we are bringing our extensive experience in force measurement to demanding rolling mill applications,” explains Uwe Fliegenschmidt, Product & Sales Manager RollKraft. “RollKraft provides robust, accurate and reliable force measurement in rolling mills and, thanks to its customised design, can be easily integrated into existing mills.” The FEA-optimised measuring zones deliver high sensitivity, a strong output signal and excellent measurement accuracy. The design is engineered for reliable operation under demanding mechanical and thermal conditions. Depending on size and configuration, measurement ranges of up to 7,000 tonnes can be achieved, equivalent to approximately the weight of the Eiffel Tower’s steel structure.
Designed for New Installations and Modernisation Projects
RollKraft is suitable for both new rolling mills and the modernisation of existing facilities. Its customised design allows existing installation spaces and interfaces to be taken into account and reused, helping to avoid extensive modifications to the rolling stand.
IMS offers both standardised and application-specific solutions. From engineering and development to manufacturing, calibration, integration and service, all activities are provided from a single source.
“Our customised design approach allows existing force transducers to be replaced without extensive modifications to the rolling stand,” says Fliegenschmidt. “This reduces the effort required for modernisation and helps minimise rolling mill downtime.”
Further technical information on available sizes, measurement ranges, interfaces and integration options can be found in the RollKraft product documentation.
About the company
Since 1980, X-ray, isotope, force and optical measuring systems of the globally leading producer IMS Messsysteme GmbH ensure highest product quality in the production and processing of steel, aluminium and non-ferrous metal.
The impressive portfolio of high-precision, perfectly coordinated and customisable measuring systems is worldwide unique in this scope; our solutions substantially contribute to optimised process sequences, increased output, reduced scrap rates and thus an economical, profitable and more environmentally compatible production.
Today, more than 4,500 non-contact IMS measuring systems are an integral part of the production equipment of hot mills, cold mills, process lines, plate mills, long-product rolling mills and tube rolling mills as well as metal service centres.
