A Study to Relate Slab Surface Defects with FeO-Type Slivers in Hot Rolled Product

Slivers are a common defect observed in rolled steel products such as plates and strips. This is one of the causes of rejection for applications requiring good surface finish. Typically, slivers are categorized into nonmetallic inclusion based and iron oxide (FeO) based, but their origin could be many. Unlike slivers originating from nonmetallic inclusions, analysis of FeO-type slivers is often not conclusive on the source or origin. Proper inspection and conditioning processes of slab surface before rolling can ensure good surface quality. Based on inspection results and metallographic analysis of downgraded rolled products, it was found in the present study that the majority of the slivers were FeO related. To minimize downgrading at coil stage or reduce salvaging activity, identification of the causes of FeO-type slivers became necessary. A systematic study was undertaken to establish a link between various slab surface defects leading to FeO-type slivers in hot rolled coils. Weld marking near the defects in slabs proved to be a novel technique to verify and confirm slab defect and its manifestation into hot rolled coils. Based on the appearance of slivers and severity, visual standards were developed illustrating characteristics and severities of slab defects, and the slab surface conditioning norms. The visual standard became useful in making decisions on the conditioning need of the slab and timely feedback to the upstream process. The paper describes in detail the methodology and approach adopted for this study.