All-new system for quality-relevant data now in place at Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH (DEWuQ)

Following intensive cooperation with the company QuinLogic GmbH, Salzgitter Flachstahl now has a new data and quality assurance system up and running. This system significantly supports the evaluation and optimization of product quality, as well as the targeted development of new materials. We are proud that this new quality data system has been fully introduced into the environment of an integrated steel mill at Salzgitter Flachstahl for the first time worldwide.

The decentrally stored process data from eighteen production plants are combined into one system and processed for various question complexes. Starting with hot metal desulfurization and covering all production stages, a cross-divisional quality and process data system has been created which provides the data promptly after each production step, and with high resolution.

Figure 1 shows an example of the genealogy of pieces during the manufacturing run:

Taking the different product geometries, forming degrees and winding directions into account, the quality-relevant values are linked with each other and displayed for the respective downstream equipment in the correct position and to an accuracy right down to the meter.

This enables quality managers to create comprehensive reports, graphical evaluations and statistical analyses, which can subsequently be used for daily quality assessment.

Figure 2 sketches an example of the representation of different thickness records of the same strip in different process steps:

In addition, a rule system can be used to store queries that automatically determine the status and target achievement of quality requirements, shortly after a production step, with regard to order data and strip dimensions, for example.

Thanks to an integrated monitoring cycle, deviations are detected very promptly. Quality assurance measures are continuously maintained via evaluation rules to ensure that product quality will continue to meet market requirements in the future.

Consequently, this tool is providing Salzgitter Flachstahl with extensive information and evaluation options and is already shortening response times in daily quality work.