New methods for product qualification and allocation at the exit of galvanizing and continuous annealing lines

Abstract

Mechanical properties models and the development of new control tools and methods induce radical changes in the activity of metallurgy quality technicians with regards to product qualification and allocation on the production lines. The conclusion of these projects enables the metallurgists to summarize on a work-friendly and interactive interface all the data required for qualifying the product with the greatest reliability in terms of surface finish, mechanical properties, product and process critical parameters, special instructions, and thus to take the best quality decision possible.The development of these skills leads to an important reduction in the number of off-line tests, and a faster product release, which improves lead times and limits the stock levels. Finally and above all, the warnings on product and process increase our reactivity on the whole production process and contribute to the improvement of our internal and customer quality results.