Quality control from the steel shop to the finishing lines: a business vision

Abstract

Through process control, from BOF down to finishing lines, has been developed and implemented. It features real time on line control of defects, risk assessment and the prediction of the mechanical properties. This innovative process control makes it possible to reduce drastically the standard work load of the Metallurgy and Quality Department. The experienced staff can then be appointed new ambitious objectives towards the industrial excellence: “The right product at the right time for the right cost”, “Meeting customer needs” and “Respect the firm's economic objectives”. To achieve this, business organization must be adapted. Key factors are intelligent listening to the final customer needs and process route optimization from the BOF to our customer facilities, paying particular attention to synergies between the hot and the cold mills.