Digital thermal process control optimizes stainless steel manufacturing lines

Steel producers face strict requirements when processing both hot-rolled and cold-rolled stainless steel. The primary operational objective is to handle a wide range of steel grades and strip sizes efficiently while maintaining consistent material quality. Variations in material properties require precise temperature transitions during thermal processing. Additionally, lowering energy usage through reduced fuel consumption remains a continuous goal to improve overall plant efficiency and establish a foundation for structured, data-driven performance tracking.

Implementation of digital thermal process control
To address these production demands, Marcegaglia selected digital software solutions developed by the Steel Digital Factory at Fives. The core of the integration is the deployment of a specialized software system designed to optimize thermal process control automatically. This system dynamically manages heating parameters to improve temperature transitions across different product batches. The software also functions as a central hub for operational data collection, establishing the necessary infrastructure for continuous performance analysis and automated adjustments.

Expanding steel manufacturing automation
The digital transformation extends across multiple processing stages at the carbon steel plant in Ravenna. The company previously installed an automatic control system equipped with metallurgical models on four separate galvanizing lines to standardize strip processing. To further connect the production stages, a comprehensive quality and process management platform is being deployed from the pickling line and cold rolling mills through to the galvanizing lines. The complete integration of these interconnected systems is scheduled for the end of 2026.

Operational and energy efficiency benefits
The deployment of these digital platforms provides measurable improvements in resource management and production stability. By automating the thermal processes, the facility reduces its direct fuel consumption and minimizes energy waste during transition phases between different strip sizes and material grades. The continuous data collection capability allows operators to track metallurgical quality accurately across the entire production sequence, resulting in enhanced processing reliability, unified plant digitization, and sustained operational performance.

Edited by Maria Brueva, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.

www.fivesgroup.com