Primetals Technologies has introduced an innovative digital assistant designed to identify strip cross cracks at thyssenkrupp Hohenlimburg's medium-wide hot-strip mill in Hagen, Germany. This groundbreaking digital assistant marks Primetals Technologies' inaugural foray into computer-vision-based solutions tailored to this specific purpose.
Minimized Downtime
The primary advantages for thyssenkrupp include a reduction in downtime and wear associated with the rolls of the hot strip mill. The visibility of cross-cracks on a slab is apparent in the roughing mill, and their size progressively increases after each pass. As transfer bars move to the finishing mill, the cracks may propagate, expand further, and result in holes in the rolled material. In the worst-case scenario, such defects can lead to cobbles in the finishing mill, posing a risk to damage the work rolls, backup rolls, and other production equipment.
To avert the entry of transfer bars with strip cross cracks into the finishing mill, it is crucial to detect these cracks as early as possible in the process. This proactive approach allows operators to intervene before a crack causes equipment damage.
Instant Alert System
A strategically positioned camera on the exit side of the roughing mill provides Primetals Technologies' digital assistant with a live video stream. Utilizing a machine learning model, representing state-of-the-art artificial intelligence, the assistant processes the stream to identify cracks. Upon detection, the assistant promptly alerts operators, and the information is seamlessly transmitted to the customer's intelligent business automation system for in-depth analysis.
At thyssenkrupp Hohenlimburg, the digital assistant system will continually refine its performance, leveraging its self-learning capabilities to identify new types of cracks.
Drive System Modernization
Based in Hagen, Westphalia, thyssenkrupp Hohenlimburg, with around 900 employees, produces strip for the cold rolling industry and direct processing, primarily serving the automotive supply industry. Primetals Technologies has forged a close partnership with the steel producer. An ongoing project includes research cooperation focusing on fine-tuning process parameters using artificial intelligence algorithms. Among recently completed projects is the modernization of the drive system for the plant's hot-strip mill.
