IMS Measuring Systems in Cold Rolling Mills / Processing Lines

IMS Measuring Systems
Cold Rolling Mills / Processing Lines

Precision out of passion,
quality out of conviction and
innovation out of tradition
X-ray measuring systems, isotope measuring systems
and optical measuring systems from the world’s
leading manufacturer IMS have been a guarantee for
highest product quality in the production and processing
of steel, aluminium and non-ferrous metals since
1980.
Our non-contact measuring and detection systems are
used in the steel, metal and aluminium industries wherever
meticulous material testing is required to guarantee
the highest standards of quality – worldwide under
the toughest operating conditions.
Both in hot production, such as continuous casting
plants, hot rolling mills and tube mills, where shimmering
surfaces, heat, dirt and moisture are common, as
well as in cold rolling mills and service centres, measuring
systems from IMS measure and detect reliably and
with highest precision.
Exactly reproducible measurements and evaluations in
real time optimise your production lines and increase
product quality while simultaneously reducing production
costs and reject rates.
MEASUREMENT METHODS / TASKS AT A GLANCE
ELECTROACOUSTIC/
MAGNETIC MEASURING SYSTEMS
Internal Inclusions / Shell Defects
Width (Radar)
Thickness (Radar)
RADIOMETRIC
MEASURING SYSTEMS
Thickness
Thickness Profile
(Band Edges) Proflie / Wedge
Coating
Coating Profile
Tube Thickness
Tube Profile
Phase Content
OPTICAL
MEASURING SYSTEMS
Thickness
Width
Position
Edge Cracks
Holes
Pinholes
Shape and Diameter
Evenness / Flatness
Coating
2D / 3D Surface Inspection
QUALITY MANAGEMENT
MEVINET-Q
Data Archiving
Data Analysis
Logging
Production Tracking
Quality Evaluation
Claim Evaluation
FORCE MEASUREMENT
Strip- / Web Tension
Shape / Flatness
CONTROL SYSTEMS
Coating
Shape / Flatness AFC

Cold Rolling Mills / Processing Lines
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Measuring Technology in the Steel Industry .........................................................................................
Development of new Measuring Systems Continuity at IMS ................................................................
Page 6
Page 7
Applications
Pickling Line Tandem Cold Mill (PLTCM) ..............................................................................................
Reversing Cold Mill, Continuous Annealing Line ...................................................................................
Skin Pass Mill, Finishing Lines ...............................................................................................................
Page 8-9
Page 10
Page 11
System Description
Thickness Measuring Systems ..............................................................................................................
Three-Head Thickness Profile and
Strip Edge Profile Measuring System (Edge Drop) ............................................................................
Two Head Thickness Profile Measuring System .................................................................................
Twin-Set Thickness and Profile Measuring System ...........................................................................
Force Measurement Systems, Shapemeter Roll ..................................................................................
Width and Edge Crack Measuring Systems,
Hole and Pinhole Detector ....................................................................................................................
Ellipsometry Measuring System ............................................................................................................
Breaking Barriers
through Optimisation .............................................................................................................................
Page 12
Page 13
Page 14
Page 15
Page 16
Page 17
Page 18
Page 19

MEASURING TECHNOLOGY
FOR COLD ROLLING MILLS / PROCESSING LINES
Measuring Technology
in the Steel Industry
DEVELOPMENT
FOR COLD ROLLING MILLS / PROCESSING LINES
Development of new Measuring
Systems Continuity at IMS
Users expect not only excellent processing properties
and usage characteristics, but also high lifetime, longterm
value and high quality from modern materials. Only
technically superior products – steel of the highest precision
– can survive competition on the market.
Thanks to constant improvements in strength and deformability,
steel can be produced in ever thinner dimensions.
And that with ever tighter dimensional tolerances.
The finishing coatings on steel are also growing thinner
and more effective with ever more complex layer structures.
The material behaviour and mechanical dimensions
are virtually constant along the complete length and width
of a rolled steel strip.
To meet these high demands, the steel industry needs
innovative, high-precision online measuring technologies
with intelligent quality management and analysis systems.
The measuring processes and technologies described
in this brochure are, together with optimised process
models, precision control loops and appropriate
regulating elements, the prime prerequisites for achieving
the high level of product quality required from high-speed
continuous production processes. Maximum availability
and reproducible measuring results ensure the high
process stability required for continuous operation.
IMS works tirelessly developing measuring systems for
the improve ment of thickness, profile, width and flatness
in rolling mills.
In parallel with technical devel opments for equipment
improvement such as:
• hydraulic adjustment
• fast work roll bending systems
• slide rolls in conjunction with mathematical models
for roll force, profile and flatness
IMS measuring systems also undergo continuous optimisation
in terms of accuracy, resolution and dynamic
performance.
Output and profitability in the production of black plate,
tin plate and stainless steel depend on, among other
factors, compliance with the tolerances prescribed for
thickness, thickness profile, width and flatness.
Today IMS offers multifunctional measuring systems for
continuous measurement of the following quality criteria
in cold strip mills:
• thickness
• thickness profile
• thickness edge profile
• width
• holes
• pinholes
• edge cracks
• phase content
• internal inclusions / shell defects
• coat layers
• flatness
• evenness
The ideal is a product with constant thickness and width,
and a constant prescribed profile along the complete
length of the coil – a product without flatness errors and
with minimised residual stresses.
• 2D surface inspection
• strip tension / web tension
• speed
• length
6
7

APPLICATION
FOR COLD ROLLING MILLS / PROCESSING LINES
APPLICATION
FOR COLD ROLLING MILLS / PROCESSING LINES
Pickling Line
Tandem Cold Mill (PLTCM)
Example:
Pickling Line
Tandem Cold Mill (PLTCM)
Thickness /
Thickness Profile
Width, Holes, Edge Cracks
Strip / Web Tension
Speed / Length
2D Surface Inspection
Flatness
Thickness Edge Drop
Cold rolling tandem mills are usually built as continuous
lines with direct connection to pickling lines.
In the pickling plant the steel strip is freed of scale completely
by acids. After cleaning of the surface to remove
the acid, the strip runs through a dryer. A levelling unit
comes last and ensures the strip is absolutely flat.
When equipped appropriately, new production processes
in tandem mills allow the manufacture of strips with
constant thickness over the complete length and width
of the strip.
When extremely thin strips are cold-rolled, the strip thickness
drops markedly in the edge area together with flatness
errors.
With mill structures such as
• 6-high or 4-high stands
• specially ground and adjustable work and
intermediate rolls
• roll bending systems
• adapted cooling units
For optimum control of the process parameters and
quality assurance, the following measuring systems are
integrated in a combined pickling/tandem line:
• strip thickness gauge (strip centreline measurement
or with cross profile function) at the entry to the
pickling section
• scale coating gauge before and after the pickling
section
• one or multi-head strip thickness gauge with cross
profile function at the exit from the pickling section
• strip width gauge behind the trimming shear at the
exit from the pickling section with optional add-on
for hole and edge crack detection
• strip thickness gauges for strip centreline measurement
behind the individual stands in the tandem line
• edge drop measuring system behind the first and
last stand in the tandem line
• strip width gauges at the exit from the tandem line
including hole and edge crack detector
• shapemeter rolls behind the first and last stand in
the tandem line
• laser speed gauges for strip thickness and mass
flow control before and after the first and last stand,
integrated in the strip thickness gauges or as standalone
systems
• strip tension gauge before or after the stand
8
it is possible to counteract this problem in the edge area.
Three-head thickness gauge (traversing)
9

APPLICATION
FOR COLD ROLLING MILLS / PROCESSING LINES
Reversing Cold Mill,
Continuous Annealing Line
Skin Pass Mill,
Finishing Lines
APPLICATION
FOR COLD ROLLING MILLS / PROCESSING LINES
Reversing Cold Mill
Continuous Annealing Line
Skin Pass Mill
Finishing Lines
A one-stand reversing cold mill usually consists of three
coilers and a mill stand. Two coilers are needed to wind
and unwind the running strip, while the third coiler is used
to prepare the next strip. The material is rolled to its final
thickness in multiple passes.
Four-high, six-high and multiple-roll mill stands are used
for cold rolling. The more rolls that are used, the greater
the possibilities to influence the material, especially regarding
strip geometry.
Multiple-roll mill stands contain up to 20 rolls of various
diameters arranged symmetrically. Using small work rolls,
it is possible to process stainless steel that is usually
difficult to form.
In cold rolling, the reel tension supports the process of
thickness reduction.
The following measuring systems are used in a reversing
cold mill:
• one or multi-head strip thickness gauges (strip
centreline measurement or with cross profile function)
before and after the mill stand
• Laser speed gauges for strip thickness and mass
flow control before and after the mill stand, integrated
in the strip thickness gauges or as stand-alone
systems
The material hardens during cold rolling and therefore
needs to undergo annealing treatment before further
processing. Heating the steel in an annealing furnace
changes its solidification structure and its surface
structure.
The process of continuous annealing comprises the steps
of strip cleaning, recrystallisation annealing, skin pass
rolling and trimming.
The following measuring devices are used at continuous
annealing furnaces:
• strip thickness gauges (only for strip centreline
measurement or with cross profile function) at the
entry to and exit from the continuous annealing line
• strip width gauges at the entry to and exit from the
continuous annealing line with hole and edge crack
detectors as optional extensions
• strip tension measuring devices in all stages of the
production process
• residual dirt measuring devices (ellipsometry
measuring devices)
Rerolling of annealed cold strip improves strip flatness
and produces a defined surface topography (surface
roughness). At the same time, skin pass rolling achieves a
defined yield strength needed for subsequent deep drawing
processes, e.g. in the production of beverage cans.
Skin pass mills have one or two stands.
The following measuring systems are used in a skin pass
mill:
• strip thickness gauges (only for strip centreline
measurement or with cross profile function) before
and after the skin pass mill
• strip thickness gauge as stand-alone device or with
integrated laser speed gauge for strip thickness and
mass flow control before and after the skin pass mill
• shapemeter rolls before and after the last skin pass
mill
• strip width gauge at the exit from the skin pass mill
with hole and edge crack detectors as optional
extensions
• residual dirt measuring devices with ellipsometry
measuring heads at the exit from the skin pass mill
• strip tension gauge before and after the stand
In the finishing lines (recoiling, inspection system, cutto-length
and slitting lines) the strips are inspected and
cut to size.
The following measuring systems are used for quality
control:
• strip thickness gauge (strip centreline measurement
or with cross profile function) at the entry or exit
(depending on the type of equipment)
• strip width gauges at the entry or exit (depending
on the type of equipment) with hole and edge crack
detectors as optional extensions
• strip tension gauge
• Shapemeter rolls before the coiler and decoiler
• strip tension measuring system before and after the
stand.
10
11

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
FOR COLD ROLLING MILLS / PROCESSING LINES
Thickness Measuring Systems
Modern production and inspection lines run at high
speeds and within tight tolerances. Quality and profitability
depend decisively on compliance with the thickness
tolerance range.
IMS thickness measuring systems measure the thickness
of material precisely on the centreline – online and without
making contact with the material.
Apart from the fixed position on the centreline, the
thickness gauge can also be equipped for thickness
profile measurements. In this case the measuring frame
traverses continuously between the two opposite ends
of the material.
Performance features of our measuring systems:
• Non-contact, continuous and fast measurement of
parameters in real time with the highest possible
accuracy.
• The gauges are adapted individually to the particular
place of installation and are universal in use.
• Thickness measuring devices can be equipped additionally
with length and speed measuring devices.
The measured values are needed to control thickness in
order to obtain a specific and constant thickness over the
length of the material. The thickness measuring systems
are used in coating lines for final control of the product
before delivery.
Measuring Principle
IMS thickness measuring systems work by the principle
of material irradiation. Ionising radiation emitted by a radiation
source passes through the object and, weakened
by the thickness of the material, arrives at a detector
(ionisation chamber) specially developed by IMS. Measuring
transducers in the measuring
frame process the measured values
for further use.
Measuring systems in cold rolling
mills are equipped today with
advanced x-ray technology.
The advantage of this
radiation energy compared
to conventional isotope
radiation is a much bigger
signal-to-noise ratio.
The x-ray systems work with a constant energy level
optimised to the respective application over the complete
measuring range. This results in the following advantages:
• one linearisation curve over the complete measuring
range.
• continuous measurements without additional
switching functions and range standardisations.
• no delays from thermal transient responses of the
x-ray tubes because there is no change in the high
voltage
• under constant conditions of use, x-ray tubes offer
high lifetimes
• alloy compensations do not need to be adapted to
changing energy ranges.
Compensation of disturbances:
• Alloy changes by mathematical processes in dependence
on chemical analysis and quality.
• Contamination in the beam path by mathematical
processes during radiation standardisation.
System Description
One to four detectors are used. Every detector output
signal of a measuring head is treated individually as independent
thickness measuring channel. A plausibility
check is carried out continuously both during measurement
and during the radiation standardisation process.
Edge Drop measuring frame
Material thickness is measured in the centre and at the
edges of strip by a three-head measuring frame equipped
with three x-ray tubes, each with a separate detector unit.
The centreline detector unit has two to four detectors
and the two detector units on the outside have an array
of four to 22 detectors depending on the application.
Ionisation chambers are used exclusively as detectors.
The number of detectors is governed by the requirements
of our customers and also dependent on the strip widths.
Applications with more detectors are possible.
The two measuring heads at the edges are positioned
in dependence on the width of the strip. In the case
of horizontal strip roaming during measurement the
measuring heads automatically follow the strip.
The strip width and strip position are determined from the
measuring signals of the individual measuring channels
in the edge area.
The complete measuring frame is fixed in measuring position
with the help of a locking device so that a repeatable
measuring position is ensured at all times.
The three-head measuring system measures the following
parameters:
• strip thickness in the centre of the strip
• edge thickness
• wedge, crown
• thickness profile
• strip width
• positions of the strip edges
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
FOR COLD ROLLING MILLS / PROCESSING LINES
Three-Head Thickness Profile
and Strip Edge Profile Measuring
System (Edge Drop)
The edge drop measuring system also measures the edge
drop at the edges of the material.
The three measuring heads are arranged on a line in
cross profile direction. Due to mechanical limitations,
there is an area in the centre of the strip that cannot be
measured. Thickness cross profile measurement is not
possible in this area.
In emergency operation, i.e. when the centreline gauge
fails, the opera tor-side measuring head is driven to its end
position in drive-side direction. The measuring frame is
then driven towards the drive side until the operator-side
edge measuring head is positioned in the centre of the
strip.
Strip flatness errors lead to measuring errors, especially
in multi-channel systems with inclined chambers. Using
the LasCon system, consisting of two lasers and a CCD
area scan camera, strip flatness errors can be detected
and used as correction values for the edge drop system.
For this the lasers project two lines on to the strip, the
positions and shapes of which are then detected by the
camera.
12
Thickness measuring frame
13

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
FOR COLD ROLLING MILLS / PROCESSING LINES
Two Head Thickness Profile
Measuring System
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
FOR COLD ROLLING MILLS / PROCESSING LINES
Twin-Set Thickness and
Profile Measuring System
A two-head thickness cross profile measuring frame consists
of a C-frame with either two mobile measuring heads
that can be moved separately of each other or a fixed
centreline measuring head and a mobile measuring head.
The mobile measuring heads can record the complete
thickness cross profile over the strip width.
In normal mill operations one measuring head stays in the
centre of the strip, while the other traverses across the
complete strip width. The difference between the centre
signal and the signal of the traversing measuring head
is formed continuously during the profile traverse. Using
this information, the length profile influence is corrected
automatically during the rolling process.
When the strip is stationary, both measuring heads can
be moved from the strip centre to the strip edges, one
to the operator side and the other to the drive side to
reduce the scanning time.
The width and strip position are determined from the data
acquired by the scanning measuring head. The C-frame
is locked in measuring position (mill stand centre) so that
a repeatable position is ensured at all times
The two-head measuring system measures the following
parameters:
• strip thickness in the centre of the strip
• edge thickness
• edge drop
• wedge, crown
• thickness profile
• strip width
• positions of the strip edges
In emergency operation, i.e. when the centreline gauge
fails, the mobile measuring head is driven to strip centreline
position and takes over all functions of the strip
centreline gauge.
Various cross profile and movement programs can
be selected with the process monitor screens. Any
measuring frame position wanted can be parameterised.
If wanted by the customer, further movement programs
can be implemented.
Twinset thickness and profile measuring frame
Two-head thickness
profile measuring frame
The Twinset profile measurement consists of two separate
C-frames. At the entry side of the Mill, one C-frame
measures the centre line thickness of the strip. A second,
scanning C-frame located at the exit side of the Mill provides
cross strip profile data as it scans backwards and
forwards across the strip.
During measurement this C-frame moves continuously
from one edge of the material to the other. As a result
the profile of the material is measured across the width
of the material. The traversing thickness gauge can also
be used in stationary mode to measure the thickness on
the centreline.
The measuring system measures the following
parameters:
• centre thickness
• thickness profile,
wedge and crown
The profile is calculated from the difference between the
strip centre line thickness at the mill entry and the strip
profile at the mill exit. At the same time the distance
between the two spatially separate measuring points is
corrected.
The twinset system is a simple method of measurement
with which correct thickness profile measurement is possible
under the following conditions:
• The twinset profile measurement provides an inexpensive
method of measuring correct strip profile
provided that the strip remains flat on the roll table
(i.e. at the correct passline). Any degree of non-flatness
in the strip during scanning will lead to incorrect
profile meas urement.
• The number of measured thickness cross profiles
must be limited to a few measurements per coil
dependent on the length and width of the material
and on the strip speed.
Due to the relatively long control loop response time,
online profile control is not feasible. And, under certain
circumstances, it is possible that changes in the profile –
and therefore changes in the wedge and crown over the
coil length – will not be measured accurately.
Depending on the radiation beam geometry, one or two
detectors are arranged in the strip length direction in
order to achieve the required measuring resolution, i.e.
the smallest measured width in the cross strip direction.
14
15

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
FOR COLD ROLLING MILLS / PROCESSING LINES
Force Measurement Systems,
Shapemeter Roll
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
FOR COLD ROLLING MILLS / PROCESSING LINES
Width and Edge Crack
Measuring Systems,
Hole and Pinhole Detector
Force Measurement Systems
Modern production equipment is designed for high productivity
and quality. To achieve these aims, it is of critical
importance that all production parameters are complied
with exactly.
IMS force measurement systems are used for a multitude
of purposes, e.g. to measure strip and web tension.
They are characterised by high precision, reliability and
durability. Thanks to modern fabrication techniques, it
is possible to manufacture special solutions for application-specific
force transducers.
It is also possible to replace older systems step by step.
In this case the measuring electronics are replaced in the
first phase and later then also the force transducers. This
procedure reduces the current cost of investment and
delivers reliability in the event of a failure.
Precise – Dynamic –
High-Speed Response
Our force transducers boast high dynamics, precision
and fast reaction to force changes. They are also very
easy to put into service. Integrated calibration signals
make a reference measurement on site unnecessary. The
high overload capacity – standard up to eight times the
nominal load and optionally up to 20 times the nominal
load – enables use in many fields of application.
Shapemeter Roll
Shapemeter rolls to measure strip flatness are usually
employed in rolling mills behind the first and last stand
(in finishing lines behind the skin pass mill) for optimal
flatness regulation and to ensure process stability.
The distribution of the tensile forces – in other words
the differences in strip length tensions resulting from
differently directed strip fibres – is measured across the
strip width and sent to the strip flatness control system.
The force is measured by robust and high-strength quartz
force sensors integrated in the roller bodies. In order
for the flatness control system to respond quickly, the
measured values must be accurate and sent to the control
system immediately after the strip has passed the roll.
The shapemeter rolls fulfil these requirements.
Depending on the application in question, the shapemeter
roll can be constructed with suitable measurement zones,
measurement zone width and roll surface.
Due to the optical rotary transmitter, the roll electronics
are completely maintenance-free.
Optical measuring systems from IMS are used in various
production lines – for example in tandem lines, pickling,
coating, inspection and recoiling lines as well as in slitting
and cut-to-length lines.
In production lines IMS systems measure the width,
centreline deviation, strip contour, cross crown as well
as the position of strips, and in slitting lines, for example,
every single strip. They detect and classify edge cracks
and holes.
The optical measuring system basically consists of a
“camera beam” above the strip and a “backlight beam”
underneath the strip. The camera beam detects the infrared
radiation emitted from the backlight beam. Using
an innovative camera cluster technology, 50 cameras
are used per 1,000 mm inspection length to perform the
measuring tasks, thus ensuring extremely high resolution.
The backlight is based on LED technology and guarantees
very long life. Influences from extraneous light are
suppressed by use of special spectral ranges of the LEDs.
The measuring system works without electro-mechanical
moving parts and is thus maintenance-free.
The distance between camera housing and strip material
can be varied from very big to very small. The system
can be integrated in a production line, where it requires
a minimum of space, or in an existing IMS measuring
system. Thanks to its modular design, the system can
be extended to any strip width required.
Strip Width Measuring System
Compared to conventional traversing camera systems,
the system achieves higher accuracy. The strip edges
are detected stereoscopically. Vertical movements in the
strip therefore have no influence on measuring accuracy.
The system can optionally be extended by hole detector
and edge crack and contour measuring systems. All
measurement tasks are performed in the measuring beam
and communicated via interfaces.
Hole Detector
The hole detector detects holes with a diameter of a few
hundred micrometres and more at high strip speeds. The
system enables exact localisation of the defects over the
strip width and strip length and also provides information
on the size and position of the holes. In contrast to the
pinhole detector, images of the flaws are also produced.
The system can optionally be extended by edge crack,
strip width and contour measuring systems. All measured
values are determined in the measuring beam and can
be visualised on a PC if wanted.
Pinhole Detector
Pinholes with a diameter of a few micrometres are a
critical quality feature particularly in the production of
aluminium and tin plate packaging material. The maintenance-free
pinhole detector detects the size of the hole
together with its exact position in transverse and longitudinal
direction. The system can optionally be extended
by edge crack and strip width measuring systems.
Edge Crack Measuring System
Shapemeter roll
with calibration device
Edge crack information is needed for optimum trimming
and for quality control. The measuring beam detects the
depth, length and position of cracks in the strip. Photos
of the defects are also generated. The system can optionally
be extended by: hole detector and strip width
and contour measuring systems.
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17

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
FOR COLD ROLLING MILLS / PROCESSING LINES
Ellipsometry Measuring System
Breaking Barriers
through Optimisation
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
FOR COLD ROLLING MILLS / PROCESSING LINES
The ellipsometry measuring method is based on the
measurement and evaluation of polarisation properties.
For this, linear polarised laser light is directed at the
material at a defined angle. The light passes through
the layer that is to be measured and is reflected by the
substrate. While the laser light illuminates the layer, the
polarisation properties change. Using suitable detectors,
these changes are measured and converted by a calibration
to a layer thickness or a mass per area unit value.
The method allows non-contact and non-destructive
measurement of layers ranging from 0 to 100 nm. Using
a suitable optical system, the passive angle tolerance is
fixed at ± 0.5 ° and the passive distance tolerance at a
measuring distance of 48 mm at ± 0.6 mm. If the distance
changes by up to ± 4 mm, a servomechanism intervenes
and repositions the optical system.
The optical system and signal processing electronics
are housed in a robust aluminium housing and protected
against external influences. The measuring head needs
a 24V power supply, a supply of air to keep the optical
system clean and a network connection to the control
system. The measuring system boasts high sensitivity
and a high measuring rate and is suitable for industrial
processes with high material speeds up to 800 m/min.
Calibration is more or less completely automated and
requires little manual work.
IMS measuring systems are used in rolling mills in the
harshest of environmental conditions and are renowned
for their very high availability.
By using modern X-ray technology and fast, high-precision
detectors, IMS measuring systems achieve extremely
high measuring accuracies at very low measuring time
constants, establishing their rightful place in the range of
hightech systems used in industrial metrology.
Together with optimised process models and precision
control technology, the measuring meth ods and technologies
described are essential pre-requisites in the
attainment of the high level product quality required in
high-speed continuous production processes. An inter-plant
quality management system enables inter-process
optimisation.
New goals are achieved through permanent ongoing
development. What is technically feasible today may be
accepted as every day practice tomorrow, and possibly
replaced completely by new technologies the day after.
You profit from our experience!
Due to the high resolution of the measuring method, it is
possible to measure even the smallest of coat changes
of various types. The measuring system therefore consists
of a combination of a base measurement before the
coating process and a main measurement. In this way
it is possible to minimise the influence of disturbances
from upstream processes.
The system is able to measure both relative coating
changes as well as absolute values on various base materials
such as steel, stainless steel, aluminium, copper
and brass.
The applications for this method lie in the measurement of
organic and inorganic coatings (e.g. oils, alternative oiling
on tinplate), the determination of phosphate layers and in
measurement of oxide layers. The measuring system is
also suitable for measurement of residual contamination
(e.g. in temper mills).
18
19

MEVIweb
Human Machine Interface (HMI)
MEVIweb
User software developed inhouse by IMS with
excellent user experience
The impressive performance of all IMS measuring systems
is not only defined by their reliable functionality,
consistently accurate measuring results and impressive
service life. The extremely user-friendly control and regulation
software is also an important factor in the success
of our radiometric and optical measuring systems.
MEVIweb is the logical further development of the wellknown
and previously used automation system MEVInet.
Developed by IMS, this human machine interface
uses the latest technology standards and always focuses
on the user and his or her individual requirements.
As an automation system of the latest generation,
MEVIweb fulfils the following tasks using the latest software
and hardware technologies:
• measurement
• control
• regulation
• visualisation
• quality management
In addition to precise measurement technology, special
emphasis was placed during development on diagnostic
and maintenance support, including the possibility of remote
diagnosis. Programming is effected with modules
according to IEC 61131 of the logi.CAD system, using
standardised operating systems and interfaces.
The following software extension packages are
available to our customers for their individual
control and regulation software requirements:
• Q Lite
• Q Basic
• Q Professional
• Q Data Exporter *
• SPS Programming
* (can only be used with Q Lite, Basic or Professional)
CONVINCING USABILITY THROUGH:
• Use of newest technologies (JavaScript,
NodeJS, HTML5, CSS, JSON)
• Open communication with standardised,
non-proprietary interfaces
• Large test coverage with unit tests, integration
tests and simulation
• Scalability
• Platform independence (reduction of dependencies)
• Unified configuration tools & improved user
experience
• Web configuration
• Use of smartphones and tablets possible
• Modern appearance with various customisable
themes
• Clearly structured, user-friendly interface
• Enhanced functionality
20
21

IMS as Pioneer
Since its foundation in 1980, IMS has successfully faced the ever-growing
requirements of the rolling industry for high-performance measuring systems.
The result: a product portfolio of high-precision, non-contact detecting
systems that covers all measuring tasks arising in your production lines. We
would like to present outstanding system developments, some of which IMS
was the first manufacturer worldwide to bring to market, thereby establishing
itself as market leader.
1981 – 1983
Successful development of
microprocessor technologies
(1981) and commissioning
of the first optical
width measuring system
(1983) replace conventional
analogue technologies
1981
1988 FIRST
2nd Generation of Multichannel
Profile Measuring System
Market launch of the second
generation of monoscopic
isotope thickness measuring
systems (gamma radiation) for
flat products
1995 FIRST
3rd Generation of Multichannel
Profile Measuring System
Market launch of the third generation
of thickness measuring systems for
flat products, now based on x-ray
radiation
1997 FIRST
Market Launch
of Edge Drop
Strip Edge Profile
Measuring System
The first radiometric
strip edge profile
measuring system
for high-resolution
measurement of
strip thickness,
wedge and strip
cross profile enters
service
2001 FIRST
Market Launch of
TopPlan Strip Flatness
Measuring System
Presentation of the
three-dimensional and
non-contact optical
strip flatness measuring
system TopPlan
2008 FIRST 2014 FIRST
Development Work on
surcon 3D Surface Inspection
Systems Begins
As the first manufacturer
worldwide, IMS develops a 3D
surface inspection system able
to detect the surface quality of
slabs and billets at temperatures
of even above 1,000°C
using a laser sectioning
technique
2010
Market Launch of a Billet
Contour Measuring System
The first measuring system
for dimensional measurement
of hot billets and
profiles enters service
successfully
Market Launch of Camera
Cluster Systems (CCS)
First deployment of compact
camera cluster systems (CCS)
for width, hole and edge crack
detection, slit strip width
measurement, flatness and
evenness measurement, sheet
geometry measurement and
pinhole detection
2017 FIRST
First Deployment
of an XRD Phase
Content Measuring
System
Successful commissioning
of the
first online phase
content measuring
system based on
x-ray diffraction in
a hot-dip galvanising
line
2020
First Deployment of a Laser
Thickness Measuring System
The first laser thickness measuring
system for cold-rolled strip
is successfully installed and
commissioned in a slitting line
2022 FIRST
Development of a
Magnetic Strip Flatness
Measuring System
Magnetic strip flatness
measuring system for
tensile strip developed
as an alternative to
conventional shapemeter
rolls
TODAY
1984 FIRST
1990
2002 FIRST
2015 FIRST
2021 FIRST
1st Generation of
Multichannel Profile
Measuring System
Market launch of the first
generation of monoscopic
isotope thickness measuring
systems (gamma
radiation) for flat products
Market Launch of Tube
Thickness Measuring
System
The first high-performance
measuring system for
non-contact, continuous
measurement of tube
thickness, geometry,
contour and position enters
service successfully
Market Launch of IMSpect
Coating Weight Measuring
System
Commissioning of the first optical
coating weight measuring system
for determination of coating thicknesses
in pre- and post-treatments
with chromates, titanium, zirconium
compounds as well as
in chromium-free pre-treatments
2013
First Deployment of Radar
Width Measuring System
For the first time, a radarbased
measuring system
specially developed for use
under even the harshest
environmental conditions in
hot rolling mills enters service
First Deployment of a Radar
Thickness Measuring System
Specially developed for the harsh
environmental conditions in hot
rolling mills, the first radar thickness
measuring system enters
service in a Steckel mill
1996
1999
Development of Modern
X-Ray Components
In-house development of x-ray
generators and control units
specifically optimised for use in
IMS measuring systems
First Deployment of
MEVInet-Q Data Archiving System
The first version of the MEVInet-Q data
archiving system, equipped with scalable
software for automated acquisition
and visualisation of relevant measurement
data, is deployed
2009 FIRST
Production of XR Thickness
Measuring Systems Begins in the USA
The US subsidiary IMS Systems, Inc. starts
production of x-ray thickness measuring
systems in revised form as compact, modular
solution for strip thickness measurement in
cold rolling mills and process lines
Further Development of MEVInet-Q2 Data Archiving System
Optimisation of the MEVInet-Q quality data archiving system as well as its
automated evaluation of measurement data for quality assurance purposes
over the entire production process from hot strip, cold strip, material finishing
to dressing and straightening
Market Launch of a Compact X-Ray Generator with Control Unit
Integration of the compact x-ray generator and control unit combined into
one component in IMS measuring frames simplifies installation, and enables
faster control and trouble-free operation of the system
2019 FIRST
Development of the Inclusion
Detection System (IDS)
The Inclusion Detection System
(IDS), based on the principle
of magnetic flux leakage and
specially developed for the early
detection of internal defects and
shell defects in cold-rolled strip
steels, has already entered
service successfully
22
23

The Way Forward
We at IMS see ourselves as a self-learning organisation whose corporate
concept is geared towards maintaining a high level of know-how at
all times as the basis for our highly developed measuring systems:
non-contact detection systems which, thanks to their innovative and
customer-specific developments, are often not only ahead of the times,
but also of our competitors.
We can only achieve and guarantee this market lead over the long term if
we work together closely with our customers as partners as the concrete
and very individual problems of our customers are our challenges for
constant new developments of advanced technology that withstands
the harshest conditions thanks to precise yet robust mechanics. Strong
partners from research and engineering round off our competence team.
The result: precision systems of the highest order for optimally monitored
processes in hot rolling mills, cold rolling mills and service centres.
24/7 Service
Worldwide
As the world market leader for
measuring systems, we know that
high-precision technology requires a
maximum focus on quality. This also
applies to our high-performance and
comprehensive service, which turns
our measuring systems into true fullbusiness
solutions.
Worldwide service around the clock – which we offer
and guarantee our customers through our IMS Service
Centres distributed strategically around the globe.
Even before delivery of the new measuring system, your
employees can undergo intensive training in our inhouse
academy to ensure optimal integration and highperformance
operation of the system in your process
sequences from the very beginning. Our service team
will of course take care of maintenance, repair and any
spare parts that may be required for constant smooth
operation in your production chain.
Through remote maintenance at the highest technological
level, we are able to carry out error diagnoses
directly when required and guarantee immediate competent
support for your employees on site. Your benefit:
optimal service life of all components, while the systems
are and remain adapted to the constant development in
technical requirements.
With our three service packages – Basic, Silver
and Gold – we offer you exactly the service that is
tailored to your requirements and needs. Support via
our toll-free 24/7 telephone hotline is already part of our
Basic package, and direct remote support is available
from Silver onwards. Finally, our IMS Gold service as
an all-round carefree package ensures that our service
technicians are deployed on site in the event of a malfunction
and that spare parts are available and delivered
in less than 24 hours.
You want a quote for your system? With pleasure!
Simply contact us.
24
25

„Responsibility means to
blame yourself for the lack of
sustainability.“
(Ronny Boch, geologist, free author)
Conservation of resources
through precision out of
passion and quality out of
conviction
We at IMS, as the world market leader for measuring
systems, are aware of our social responsibility of sustainable
management!
To give our customers, suppliers and stakeholders a
transparent insight into concrete measures we have implemented
in the IMS Group, we launched the project
IMSocial in close adherence to the principles of Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR).
But for us at IMS, IMSocial is more than just a project!
IMSocial is a belief and stands for the values of our corporate
philosophy.
After all, the sooner even minor defects – which in steel
products can already render them useless – are detected,
the faster machining processes can be corrected.
And precisely this contributes significantly to active climate
protection as it is no longer necessary to produce
new products to substitute defective ones, thereby
saving energy and water, and also reducing reject rates
significantly.
Learn more about IMSocial and visit us at
www.imsocial.info!
We not only want to achieve sustainability in our products
and customer relations, but also place the same
demands on our social, ecological and economic responsibility.
The first thought that comes to mind in connection with
the non-contact measuring systems from IMS for the
steel, non-ferrous metal and aluminium industries is
certainly not one of active conservation of resources.
However, our isotope, x-ray and optical measuring systems
do exactly that: they save and preserve resources!
The IMS product portfolio comprises numerous measuring
systems and processes for various types of measurement.
Our systems deliver and document exceptionally
precise measurement results under the toughest
conditions in hot and cold rolling mills as well as service
centres. In this way it is possible to detect material defects,
surface irregularities, tolerance and dimensional
deviations and many other factors that, in the worst
case, would lead later to material rejects at an early stage
during the manufacturing process.
26
27

IMS worldwide
ARGENTINA
AMPEXA
FINLAND
Beijer Oy
POLAND
IMS Systems Poland z o.o.
THAILAND
EUROSIA Trading Co., Ltd
AUSTRALIA
FEC Pty Ltd.
GERMANY
IMS Messsysteme GmbH
RUSSIA
IMS Service LLC.
TURKEY
IMS Metalurji Servis Ltd., Sti.
BRASIL
IMS do Brasil
CHINA (P.R.C.)
IMS Messsysteme
(Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
Hongjian Autome
International Limited
DUBAI
IMS Maco
Measuring Systems (FCZ)
EGYPT
A.T.S. Company
INDIA
IMS Maco Services Pvt., Ltd.
INDONESIA
PT. Indojaya Mitra Sarana
ITALY
Mediter S.A.S.
JAPAN
Nireco Corporation
KOREA
IMS Systems Korea Co., Ltd.
MEXICO
IMSSYS Mexico S.A. de C.V.
SWEDEN
Olsson & Falck AB
SERBIEN
UNICOM
SPAIN
Industrial Equipment and
Consumables, S.L.
SÜDAFRIKA
REMAG (Pty) Ltd.
TAIWAN
Litefluid Engineering Co., Ltd.
Tarakcioglu A.S.
USA
IMS Systems Inc.
VENEZUELA
IMS Venezuela C.A.
UNITED KINGDOM
TRC Poole
VIETNAM
IMS Systems Vietnam Co., Ltd.
Cuong Phat Co., Ltd.
28
29

20 of the 20 largest steel and
aluminium manufacturers worldwide
rely on the precision of
IMS measuring systems as part
of their quality assurance
4500+
Measuring systems in use
750+
Customers in
60+
Countries
30
31

IMS Messsysteme GmbH
Dieselstraße 55
42579 Heiligenhaus | Germany
Phone: +49 (0) 2056 / 975 – 0
Fax: +49 (0) 2056 / 975 – 140
Email: info@ims-gmbh.de
www.ims-gmbh.de | www.ims-experts.com | www.imsocial.info