The ArcelorMittal rolling mill in Hamburg has two major development objectives: increase of productivity and expansion of the quality spectrum. With regard to productivity and costs, particular attention is paid to parts which are in contact with the wire rod such as rolls, sleeves, as well as twist guides and guide rolls. The material used for these components may vary according to the location in the rolling mill from cast iron, high-speed steel and hard metal or ceramic materials. Special rolls and pinch rolls made of ceramic promise a significant increase in productivity. At ArcelorMittal Hamburg several experiments with rolls and pinch rolls in the area of the finishing block were carried out. If certain boundary conditions are complied a virtual open-end life time can be expected.