Abstract:
A material handler formed from isotropic textured aluminum sheet rolled by rolls indented with spherical media, such as steel ball bearings, producing a sheet with a low coefficient of friction relative to particulate matter like flour. The slippery sheeting may be used to make tanks, silos, conduits and guides to facilitate storage and flow of the particulate matter.
Abstract:
A method for surface treating work rolls to produce isotropic textured aluminum sheet features indenting the surface of the working rolls that produce the sheet with spherical media such as steel ball bearings having the requisite properties to avoid fracture and resulting in a smooth surface lacking facets. The spherical media can be introduced into a nip between two rolls and indent by compression, but ultrasonic peening or knurling. The aluminum sheet produced by the roll has properties that facilitate mechanical forming, such as when the sheet is processed by forming tools.