VDEh-Betriebsforschungsinstitut GmbH (Düsseldorf, Germany):

U. Müller, e-mail: ulrich.mueller@ims-gmbh.de
H. Krambeer
A. Wolff

ArcelorMittal España SA (Gozon, Spain):

A. E. Viella

Tata UK Limited (Moorgate, United Kingdom):

A. D. Richardson, Swindon Technology Center

Swerea Mefos (Luleå, Sweden):

J.-O. Perä

RautaruukkI Oyj, Raahe, Finland:

P. Luoto

ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG (Duisburg, Germany):

W. Weber

The aim of this project was the development and implementation of the “Global Throughprocess Flatness Predictor and Coordinated Optimizer”. This system should integrate all sub-models including models of transfer conditions from process stage to process stage and perform a line-through process flatness prediction. However, analyses of the gained plate flatness in the various process routes showed that the reduction/evolution of fl atness defects is nearly independent from the considered process route. Furthermore it has to be confirmed that fl atness defects are not passed through the processing chain. Fur-thermore it has to be confirmed that flatness defects are not passed through the processing chain. A fundamental prerequisite for global flatness control is that various inputs (e. g. changes of rolling process) would have a strongly correlated impact on final flatness. However, this correlations could not been identified on the basis of the comprehensive process data analysis.The development and imple-mentation of the “Global Through-process Flatness Predictor and Coordinated Optimizer” is obsolete by physical reasons. Strategies to locally optimize the rolling schedule, the hot and cold levelling processes, the cooling and stacking process inclusive quenching have been investigated. The results are directly exploited by the involved industrial partners (ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe, Ruukki).

1. Ashton, D. A. et al: Closed loop automatic shape and residual stress control during levelling, EUR 22824 EN, 2007.
2. Bogdanoff , A.; Müller, U.; Wolff , A.; Nilsson, A.; Richardson, A.: Reduction of shape defects and yield losses by advanced online-adaptation of control systems and new operating strategies in heavy plate rolling mills, EUR 25089, 2012.
3. Shohet, K. N.; Townsend, N. A.: Flatness control in plate rolling, J. Iron Steel Inst., Oct. 1971.
4. Beaverstock, R.; Carey, H.; Martin, I.; Parker, S.; Richardson, A.: Modelling of processing and final properties of reversing mill plate, Steel Rolling Conference, 19-21 June 2006, Paris, France.
5. Smith, B. E.; Abbott, C. W.; Pooni, B. S.: Studies of straightening and levelling operations for plate and section products, EUR 10711 EN, 1987.
6. Müller, U.; Krambeer, H.; Wolff, A.; Espina Viella, A.; Richardson, A. D.; Perä, J.-O.; Luoto, P.; Weber, W.: Optimization of final plate flatness by set-up coordination for subsequent manufacturing process, EUR 25852, 2013.