Aachen, 20th November 2025 — Smart Steel Technologies (SST) successfully concluded its participation in the Surface Inspection Summit (SIS 2025) in Aachen. We extend our sincere gratitude to all attendees who joined our presentations focused on next-generation surface inspection and defect traceability within the steel industry.‍

Presentation Highlights‍

Our specialists delivered two detailed presentations highlighting significant advancements in integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) for enhanced quality control across the production lifecycle.

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1. Full Defect Traceability via SST Surface OS

Chintan Zaveri presented the capabilities of SST Surface OS in establishing full defect traceability across the steel production chain, from initial slab casting to final cold-rolled coil products.

Cross-Process Defect Differentiation: The solution centralizes defect data captured from multiple, distinct process steps (including hot-rolled, pickled, cold-rolled, and galvanized coils). This data integration is crucial for creating a comprehensive cross-process perspective, enabling operators to distinguish reliably between upstream defects and those generated downstream.

Systematic Root Cause Identification: This enhanced visibility into defect propagation facilitates the rapid identification of systemic quality issues and root causes, leading to verifiable improvements in quality and yield.

Optimized Deep Learning: The system incorporates specialized deep learning architectures, including highly-optimized classifiers and detectors tailored to the unique inspection demands of each specific manufacturing stage.

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2. Joint Development: High-Temperature Slab Inspection System

Giovanni Campa detailed the new Slab Inspection System, a technology developed in successful collaboration with ArcelorMittal Eisenhüttenstadt.

Real-Time High-Temperature Assessment: The system provides reliable surface assessment of slabs immediately following deburring, operating effectively on material glowing above 900°C.

Technical Configuration: Specialized optics and illumination are utilized to capture clear images, with a dual-camera configuration generating continuous top and bottom views of the moving slab.

AI-Powered Detection: Advanced deep learning models are employed for both image stitching and the high-precision detection of surface defects.

Early Quality Intervention: Fully integrated into SST Surface OS, this system delivers steel producers real-time visibility of slab quality, enabling early intervention and proactive quality management at the initiation of the production chain.

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The opportunity to share our results and engage with leading experts in the surface inspection community was invaluable. Smart Steel Technologies remains committed to driving innovation that enhances steel quality and production efficiency globally.

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