What is a Rolling Cycle?
Steel mills are massive, high-efficiency factories. To maintain efficiency, they cannot switch the diameter of pipe they are producing every hour. Instead, they produce pipe in Cycles.
A "Rolling Cycle" is the pre-determined calendar that dictates when a specific pipe size will be manufactured.
Typical Frequency Guide
| Pipe Category | Examples | Rolling Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| High Volume Sizes | 4", 6", 8" (STD Wall) | Monthly |
| Mid-Range Sizes | 10", 12", 16" | Bi-Monthly (Every 2 mos) |
| Odd / Jumbo Sizes | 18", 20", 24"+ | Quarterly or On-Demand |
Key Terminology
1. Accumulation
Mills will not turn the machines on for just one truckload. They wait until they have "accumulated" enough orders (e.g., 500 tons) for a specific size before they run that cycle. If they don't hit the tonnage, the rolling might be pushed back.
2. The "Window"
The rolling window is the deadline to submit your order. If the mill is rolling 12" pipe next week, the "Window" to submit your order likely closed 3 weeks ago.
Pro Tip:
If you missed the rolling window, check with a Master Distributor. They likely placed a huge stock order during that window and have the material sitting on the ground ready to ship.
Library Resources
Hit Minimum Tonnage?
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Pipe Weight CalculatorMISSED THE WINDOW?
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