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ABB to Supply 5th Surface Inspection System for Outokumpu’s Tornio Works
Feb. 25, 2009 Outokumpu has awarded a contract to ABB to supply its Surface Imaging System for Outokumpu’s AP2 Line at the Tornio Works in Finland.
Outokumpu conducted extensive trials prior to selecting ABB’s HDI800 Surface Imaging System, an advanced quality management tool for metal strip production lines. The system uses a combination of camera technology, lighting options and software application to provide 100% surface inspection of products at full production line speed.
“Our customers come to us because they want the highest quality stainless steel and it is our goal to supply our customers with this,” commented Petri Mure, Section Manager, Finishing Lines, at Outokumpu’s Tornio Mill. “ABB’s Surface Imaging System has unique features that allow us to detect even the most minute defects that would otherwise be virtually impossible to visualize. In addition, the ABB SIS system allows us to identify where the problem lies so we can take immediate corrective measures — saving us a lot of time and valuable production capacity. It is easy to use and maintain.
Outokumpu decided to add the surface imaging system on its AP2 line to help fulfill increasing customer demands while further increasing both quality and quality inspection at the Tornio Works. The new system will compliment existing ABB surface imaging systems installed in the Tornio Works’ Hot Rolling, AP4 and RAP5 lines, and brings to five the total number of ABB SIS units in operation at the plant.
“The system paid for itself in a very short space of time and we are pleased with it,” added Mure.
Located in Northern Finland, Outokumpu’s Tornio Works is the world’s most integrated single-site operation. The main products produced at Tornio are hot rolled and cold rolled austenitic and ferritic steel coils and sheets. Quality is foremost at Outokumpu and the company produces high quality steel products.
ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 120,000 people. ABB has been delivering inspection systems since 1970.