Identification of the potential causes of scratch in the Roll Conditioning Line

At Outokumpu, the world's leading company in stainless steel and high-performance alloys, the only one of its kind in San Luis Potosi, we specialize in the production, treatment, and distribution of stainless steel. Variability in processing methods and roller design leads to the appearance of multiple defects. Among these, scratches are one of the most significant, particularly at our plant in San Luis Potosi. These scratches, cracks no longer than 10 mm, create thickness disparities, complicating the process and impacting the appearance, potentially triggering other defects. The project focuses on reducing the quantity of products relegated to the second quality category due to these scratches, aiming for a 30% improvement in the LAR area. This action is crucial since second quality products are marketed at a lower price. The central purpose is to minimize this defect by directing the highest tonnage of steel towards the prime, our highest-quality material, allowing its sale at higher prices. This will not only maximize our profit margins but also mitigate potential customer complaints regarding aesthetic issues, thereby avoiding material returns and associated financial losses, which could impact our monthly internal objectives.