A failed hydraulic cylinder threatened to halt a rolling mill’s output and compromise worker safety—but MCE responded with an emergency rebuild that had the plant back online in less than two days.
The Problem
When a hydraulic system fails inside a rolling mill, production stops. Pressure builds, fluids leak, and safety risks rise. When a large hydraulic cylinder began spilling hydraulic fluid under a coil lift, every hour the system stayed offline threatened both output and worker safety.
The hydraulic cylinder, with a 12-inch bore and 7-inch rod, powered a scissor-lift mechanism that raised and lowered massive coils. It had been in service for two to three years when operators spotted fluid pooling beneath it. As pressure dropped, the lift slowed; environmental compliance also came into question.
The plant had no spare unit. With no backup ready, the customer faced an immediate problem: Replace the cylinder quickly or risk a shutdown and potential injury if the unit failed.
The Solution
MCE treated the call, which came in early on a Thursday, as an emergency. By Saturday morning, a replacement cylinder was onsite and ready for installation.
To meet that timeline, our hydraulic shop mobilized several machinists to work simultaneously on separate components. One lathe turned the rod, another machined the case, while others produced the piston and gland. That turned what would normally take weeks into hours.
The new cylinder was assembled, pressure-tested, and hand-delivered through the night by an MCE technician to the mill’s maintenance team. Within roughly 36 hours of the first call, the customer’s operation was back online.
The Results
Rolling mills depend on hydraulic power to move, lift, and shape material. When a unit fails, it affects more than one machine.
The quick turnaround eliminated what could have become a dangerous situation. If the cylinder had failed, the lift could have dropped a coil weighing up to 88,000 pounds, putting workers at risk. The mill also avoided production losses. They kept workers safe and operations compliant while protecting the bottom line.
That’s why MCE remains the partner mills call when critical equipment can’t wait. To learn more about how MCE supports heavy industry, contact us.