Introduction
Online sulphur printers are devices for applying an inorganic coloured sulphur compound to the surface of steel billets in order to identify their chemical composition. Such markings are commonly used in the continuous casting process to monitor product consistency and process conditions. This paper will examine the use of online sulphur printers as a Quality Control tool, providing both process and post-casting information.
Background
The continuous casting process, used to produce long steel products, requires precise control of many process parameters to ensure high quality product. This includes careful monitoring of alloy composition, melt temperature, casting speed, and surface condition. The sulfur printer allows direct marking of the product surface with a visible colored layer in order to effectively identify and monitor both product specification and process control.
Process Control
The use of sulfur printers allows for the consistent tracking of each billet as it passes through the production line. With information regarding the alloy composition of each billet, the sulfur printer can apply a predetermined colored marking that will identify its composition. This can be done in real-time, thus allowing for tight control of the production process and providing continuous feedback on the quality of the product. The use of the sulfur printer thus enables tight control of the production process with respect to product consistency.
Post-Casting Validation
The sulfur printer also allows for verification of the production process by way of post-casting validation. This can be achieved through the comparison of the sulfur marking with the billet results related to chemical composition, hardness, surface finish, etc. This allows for the rapid identification of possible process or product abnormalities, thus enabling corrective action. This identification can be done at an early stage in the manufacturing process, thus helping to lower production costs and improve the quality of the product.
Conclusion
The use of an online sulphur printer as a Quality Control tool provides a useful aid in the monitoring of the continuous casting process. With a visible colored layer marking each billet, the sulfur printer can monitor the melting and casting of steel products. In addition, it allows for post-casting validation, thus providing both process and product control. This helps to lower production costs and improve the quality of the final product.
