Mon-Fri 9:00AM – 6:00PM (MSK)
Slab marking recognition for Qarmet: a new project in Kazakhstan
Mallenom Systems’ solutions are successfully deployed across various industrial facilities. In this update, we highlight our recent project at Qarmet—the largest metallurgical enterprise in Kazakhstan. In collaboration with our partner, InterVes LLC, we developed and implemented a slab-weighing system that incorporates video recording and marking recognition.
Why is this necessary?
The objective is to obtain an objective analysis of the yield of usable metal (slabs) from the molten steel produced. The system ensures continuous slab weighing and precise tracking of shipments, while streamlining internal logistics and production planning. Machine vision is used at key control points to identify each individual slab.
How does the recognition work?
The machine vision subsystem automatically locates markings on the slab surface and recognizes the characters. Monitoring takes place simultaneously at two separate control points. If a marking is missing or applied incorrectly, the system flags it as a defect and saves an image of the slab. When a marking is successfully recognized, the slab’s identification number is transmitted to external systems.
Implementation results
Qarmet has replaced outdated weighing equipment, enabling precise tracking of the weight of continuously cast slabs and scrap (crop ends). The system is integrated into the automated process control system (APCS) of the basic oxygen furnace shop, allowing for the optimization of technological processes and costs based on the data collected.