036 On Line Flatness Measurement in the Steelmaking Industry

Shape is a key characteristic to determine the quality of outgoing flat-rolled products in the steel industry, significantly influenced by flatness, a feature that describes the surface's proximity to a plane. This review paper aims to survey the techniques and main sensors used in the steelmaking industry for flatness measurement, highlighting its importance for downstream processes and customer acceptance. We examine two primary measurement approaches: mechanical sensors that compute tensile stress across the product's width to estimate fiber lengths, and optical sensors that utilize projected light patterns to measure fiber lengths. The study includes a comprehensive review of the most significant flatness sensors designed and developed for the steelmaking industry in Spain while also suggesting that many techniques can be applied to other industries utilizing rolling mills, such as aluminum and copper. The findings emphasize the role of accurate flatness measurement in improving product quality and provide insights into sensor technologies, enhancing operational efficiency in manufacturing processes.