Quality control in metal making
November 2003
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Many microscope users do not know that microscopes can be applied not only in medicine and biology, but also in the materials sector in the steel, automotive and mechanical engineering sectors. Swiss Steel, based in Germany, produces more than 400 000 tons of steel every year; about 200 types for more than 250 international customers, mostly car manufacturers and their suppliers and the manufacturers of plants and machines.
Quality control at Swiss Steel is monitored by a staff of more than two dozen and the spectroscopy laboratory monitors the precise dosage of alloying materials in various molten steels. The biggest laboratory, however, deals with metallography. Here production samples (~20 mm diameter) are ground, finely polished using a diamond suspension and then examined under the microscope. Due to their great influence on steel properties, the determination of non-metallic inclusions (NMI) - oxides, sulphides and silicates which can make steel brittle and result in failure of the finished steel components in the case of high strain - is a major routine check in steel laboratories.
Ever since the laboratory has used Axioplan 2 microscopes from Carl Zeiss, metallurgists need do no more than look into the eyepieces for control purposes. As soon as the samples are placed under the objective, the relevant software does everything else: it controls the microscope, creates the image on the monitor and archives the image data.
The software specifically detects the data about NMIs, including the distribution, size and type. Although the KS 400 software from Carl Zeiss was designed for image analysis and not the requirements of a steel laboratory, an integrated macro editor enables the users to program their own routine procedures.
Digital image recording not only offers the benefit of automatic evaluation, but also facilitates archiving of the images needed for documentation purposes. In the past a member of staff was constantly taking photos - this was before 1999, when Carl Zeiss microscopes and digital processing techniques were used for the first time.
Carl Zeiss launched a new range of materials microscopes last year with a number of new techniques providing options for more efficient and more precise analysis in the steel industry. These include the existing software for NMI examinations as well as special grain boundary programme, which eliminates the need to create a special macro under KS 400. There are now special prefabricated application solutions for measurement of the graphite portion, determination of grain sizes and particle analysis support evaluation in compliance with international (ASTM) and DIN standards.
For more information contact Gail Giordani, Carl Zeiss, 011 886 9510, [email protected], www.zeiss.co.za
Further reading:
Elevating mining separation processes through precision instrumentation
Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
In mining operations, the quest for efficiency and productivity is key. There is an urgent need for innovative solutions to enhance the performance of extraction processes while balancing operational costs and environmental impact.
Read more...
Alfa Laval launches next generation
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Alfa Laval has launched Clariot, a next generation, AI-based condition monitoring solution, precision-built for hygienic process equipment to deliver more accurate analysis and support.
Read more...
The next generation in metal sorting
Mecosa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
In the metal recycling industry, companies are increasingly challenged to not only improve the efficiency of their processes but also to raise the quality and purity of the sorted materials to new levels. By integrating proven spectral analysis technology into its market-leading REDWAVE XRF sorting system, REDWAVE is unlocking new opportunities for metal recycling, particularly in aluminium recovery.
Read more...
Ensuring clean and safe water
Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Endress+Hauser’s comprehensive range of disinfection sensors are designed to monitor and control disinfectant levels in water treatment processes.
Read more...
Inline OCR measurement systems for real-time oil monitoring in refrigerants
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
[Sponsored] Anton Paar’s L-Sonic 6100 offers a reliable, real-time inline measurement solution for monitoring the oil circulation ratio in cooling and refrigeration systems.
Read more...
Anton Paar launches inline refractometers for precision Brix monitoring
Anton Paar
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
[Sponsored] Anton Paar has introduced innovative inline refractometers that are designed for continuous Brix concentration monitoring in metalworking machines, fruit and vegetable processing and other industrial processes.
Read more...
Supporting fast, safe helicopter service across Sweden
ATEQ South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
In an environment with high risks and fierce competition, Storm Heliworks’ fleet of eight helicopters operates on assignments throughout Scandinavia. Maintenance is critical, and the company recently invested in a battery charger analyser from ATEQ Aviation.
Read more...
WearCheck introduces advanced Legionella testing to safeguard water quality
Wearcheck
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
WearCheck Water has expanded its expertise in water analysis with the introduction of Legionella pneumophila detection and enumeration. This positions the company at the forefront of water and surface safety monitoring, ensuring businesses, industries, and public institutions can proactively manage legionella contamination risks.
Read more...
Silo weighing made easy - new mounting kit for load cells
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The PR 6003 mounting kit features fast commissioning in demanding applications in industrial silo weighing. It combines maximum accuracy with maximum safety in a compact system.
Read more...
Inline beverage analyser leverages advanced multi-parameter technology
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
[Sponsored] The Cobrix 7501/7601 inline beverage analyser leverages advanced multi-parameter technology to enhance quality control in carbonated soft drink production.
Read more...
printer friendly version