Steel Coils Inspected by Delta-Eye System
Adopted by Toyota Motor
NKK has begun delivering its automatically inspected
and flaw-marked steel coils to Toyota Motor Corporation. This move follows
extensive sample shipments of both surface-treated and cold-rolled steel
coils that were accurately examined by NKK's "Delta-Eye" surface
inspection and marking system, which led to official approval by the
automobile maker.
NKK developed and commercialized the Delta-Eye system
based on a new quality assurance concept, realizing a new business model
that offers mutual benefits to steelmakers and automakers by improving
productivity and maximizing resources on both sides.
The Delta-Eye system uses 3-channel polarized light to
accurately detect and automatically mark fine flaws on the surface of
steel strip before coils are shipped to automakers. This enables delivery
of larger coils without cutting off the rejected portions, allowing
automakers to improve coil-handling efficiency during the shearing process.
The system also benefits steelmakers by eliminating cutting loss, reducing
transport costs and optimizing manufacturing processes.
Since installing the first Delta-Eye system at the Fukuyama
Works' No. 2 continuous galvanizing line (CGL) in 1999, NKK has continued
sample supply of marked galvanized steel coils to Toyota for testing
and evaluation. Based on the effectiveness of marked coils, Toyota formally
decided on standardized use mainly for exposed automotive panels.
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