TermDefekt

Surface quality of steel products has become more and more important during the last 10 years, because the quality of the surface is not only affecting the aesthetic look and cost of the finished product, but also the surface sustainability against many corrosion processes. Therefore many surface quality monitoring systems have been brought to the market and almost all of these systems rely on a visual 2D picture.

Since these systems are relying on a visual picture of the surface they cannot function in any harsh environment, and are therefore often placed down the production line as quality insurance measure. In recent years, the fast development of thermal vision systems has given a new dimension to defect detection on the surface and perhaps near the surface of the product and at early stages of the production lines In the proposed study the capabilities of different thermal vison systems will be evaluated.

The detection of different types of surface defects found at different stages of steel processing will be evaluated. The study will contain experiments and image analysis for detection of different types of defects. The outcome of the study will shed light on the advantages and shortcomings of these systems. A proposal for continuation of use of these systems will be put forward.

The consortium brings together an interdisciplinary team of experts in the field of IR imaging, thermography, on-line monitoring and modern manufacturing of steel products, including two research organisations, one IR detector manufacturer, one provider of IR imaging solutions, two manufacturers of steel products, and the Swedish steel producers' association, with clear complementary areas of expertise and roles along the value chain.