PressLondon, November 22, 2023

Primetals Technologies pioneers computer-vision-based
artificial intelligence to reduce downtime at thyssenkrupp
First-ever artificial intelligence solution for detecting strip cross cracks
Improved detection of defects of the rolled intermediate products
Reduces both operational downtime and risk of damage to mill equipment
Provides mill operators with enhanced support functions

Primetals Technologies has implemented a digital assistant for detecting strip cross cracks at
thyssenkrupp Hohenlimburg’s medium-wide hot-strip mill in Hagen, Germany. This digital assistant is
Primetals Technologies first-ever computer-vision-based solution designed for this specific purpose.
Reduced downtime
The main benefits for thyssenkrupp are a reduction in downtime and wear related to the rolls of the hot
strip mill. When a slab carries a cross-crack, it becomes visible in the roughing mill, and the size of thecrack increases after each pass. When the transfer bars then enter the finishing mill, the crack may
spread, further increase in size, and create holes in the rolled material. In the worst case, a defect likethis can lead to cobbles in the finishing mill, with the risk of damaging the work rolls, backup rolls, andother production equipment.
To prevent transfer bars carrying strip cross cracks from entering the finishing mill, the cracks must be
detected as early as possible in the process. In that way, operators can take action before a crack leads
to equipment damage.
Instant alert
A camera located on the exit side of the roughing mill provides Primetals Technologies’ digital assistantwith a live video stream. With the help of a machine learning model, which represents technology
powered by artificial intelligence, the assistant processes the stream and checks for cracks. When theassistant detects a crack, it instantly alerts the operators. In addition, the information is transferred to thecustomer's intelligent business automation system for further analysis.
At thyssenkrupp Hohenlimburg, the digital assistant system will continuously optimize its performance,
as it is self-learning and capable of identifying new types of cracks.
Primetals Technologies, Limited
A Group Company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
CommunicationsPress reference number: PR2023012760en

Chiswick Park, Building 11, 566
Chiswick High RoadW4 5YS London
United Kingdom
Page 1/3

Modernization of drives
Headquartered in Hagen, Westphalia, thyssenkrupp Hohenlimburg employs a staff of around 900. The
plant produces strip for the cold rolling industry as well as for direct processing, mainly for the automotive
supply industry. Primetals Technologies has established a close partnership with the steel producer. An
example of another current project is a research cooperation focused on fine-tuning process parameters
using artificial intelligence algorithms. Among the recently completed projects is the modernization of thedrive system of the plant’s hot-strip mill.

When cracks are detected early in the process, both unnecessary downtime and damage to equipment
can be avoided.

Primetals Technologies, Limited
A Group Company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Communications

Press reference number: PR2023012760en

Chiswick Park, Building 11, 566
Chiswick High RoadW4 5YS London
United Kingdom
Page 2/3

The digital assistant uses AI to detect strip cross cracks and instantly alerts operators to such defects.
This press release and a royalty-free picture are available at www.primetals.com/press/
Contact for journalists:
Björn Westin, Press Officer
bjoern.westin@primetals.com
Mob. +43 664 6150250
Follow us on social media:
linkedin.com/company/primetals
facebook.com/primetals
https://twitter.com/primetals
Primetals Technologies, Limited, headquartered in London, United Kingdom, is a pioneer and world leader in the fields of engineering, plantbuilding, and the provision of lifecycle services for the metals industry. The company offers a complete technology, product, and services
portfolio that includes integrated electrics and automation, digitalization, and environmental solutions. This covers every step of the iron andsteel production chain—from the raw materials to the finished product—and includes the latest rolling solutions for the nonferrous metals sector.
Primetals Technologies is a Group Company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with around 7,000 employees worldwide. To learn more about
Primetals Technologies, visit the company website www.primetals.com.

Primetals Technologies, Limited
A Group Company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Communications

Press reference number: PR2023012760en

Chiswick Park, Building 11, 566
Chiswick High RoadW4 5YS London
United Kingdom
Page 3/3